Top 10 Best Anime/Manga Characters

Anime and manga have given us some of the most unforgettable characters in storytelling. They've inspired us with their courage, made us laugh with their quirks, and sometimes even moved us to tears with their struggles. These characters bring their worlds to life, and fans everywhere have their favorites.

But what makes a character truly stand out? Is it their strength, their growth, their wit, or just how much they've stuck with you over the years?

The Top Ten

L - Death Note

L Lawliet, known exclusively by the mononym L, is a fictional character in the manga series Death Note. He was created by writer Tsugumi Ohba and illustrator Takeshi Obata. L is a highly intelligent and eccentric detective who takes on the challenge of capturing the mysterious killer known as Kira.

I know that L died in both the manga and the anime because of Light, but he didn't "lose." He already had his next step planned and, in the end, it was Light's loss. Even the creators admit that they believe L was the smartest character (look it up on Wikipedia), and you have to admit, he has charisma. A lot of it. And he's funny, in a weird, totally awkward way that is still cool.
I guess this is the long way of saying L had his own style, and was in no way inferior to Light Yagami. I personally liked L because there are no other characters with his personality. Light... I've seen, watched, and heard too many characters with his style.

I adore L! He was so interesting to watch. I swear, every time he figured something out and explained his thought process, I was blown away. Someone mentioned it already, but I totally agree with how he didn't "lose," because even he says that even though he lost the battle, he will not lose the war, and man, was he right!
I am so happy when other people tell me he's awesome, because he is. Such a unique character. Death Note was basically the first anime I watched, and man, was my crush on him on an insane level. I cried to no end when he died, and I continue to every time I rewatch the anime or reread the manga. Definitely makes Death Note worth watching and reading over and over again.
Vegeta - Dragon Ball Z

Vegeta is a fictional character from the anime series Dragon Ball Z, created by Akira Toriyama. He is the prince of the fallen Saiyan race and initially appears as an antagonist before becoming one of the series' main protagonists. Vegeta is known for his rivalry with Goku and his relentless drive to... read more

This character is truly one of the best, and although I love Goku, I have to say that Vegeta has a real-life edge to him that Goku probably doesn't. Now, I know many people will probably disagree with me on this, but just take a moment to consider Vegeta.
Vegeta shows growth. He is flawed, works on those flaws, redeems himself, expresses his feelings and thoughts, and eventually comes to respect (initially hating and wanting to kill) the main character, his rival Goku. Despite enduring fights and humiliations of almost every kind, that still didn't stop Vegeta from becoming one of the most popular characters in anime. Talk about character development! Vegeta embodies it 100 percent and then some. Prince of All Saiyans rocks!
Uzumaki Naruto - Naruto

We're talking about best characters. It has nothing to do with his sad past. Sasuke is a great character.
True, he's been through a lot. Naruto knows the pains of the world, but he carries every day with a smile. He brightens up the room. You wouldn't even notice his sad past, because he doesn't display himself to be pitied.
He's one of the hardest-working characters ever. He doesn't just get stronger after two tries or two days of training. When watching him, you can see the effort he puts in to make up for the past. He easily forgave the whole town for looking down on him.
He's just an awesome guy with a good heart.

I really hate when people think that Sasuke is a better character than Naruto. It really ticks me off. I mean, first of all, Naruto is a much stronger person than him! Even after being rejected all his life, he has always persisted to be recognized and has never let his dark emotions get the best of him, always being cheerful and caring about his comrades constantly.
But Sasuke has just given up and let his vengeance take control of everything! I know that his history is different from Naruto's since he actually had people to lose, but doesn't he know deep inside that he doesn't want vengeance? That all he wants is his precious people back? Sasuke blinds himself to keep away grief, while Naruto clearly recognizes his darkness, embraces it, and tries to do something he knows is the most important thing: protecting the people he loves.
Goku - Dragon Ball Z

Son Goku (Saiyan name Kakarrot) is the main protagonist of the Dragon Ball franchise created by Akira Toriyama in 1984. He possesses many powerful abilities, including super strength, ki control, flight, teleportation, super speed, enhanced reflexes, and Super Saiyan transformations that increase his... read more

Goku is the hero of just about every single child who was ever exposed to manga or anime. Akira Toriyama was an inspiration for Masashi Kishimoto to create Naruto. Goku is practically all things positive as a person. His inspirational value, from his work ethic to his many words of wisdom, is unparalleled by any other manga character in existence. No other manga character can compare to the wide reach Goku has had in the world.

Come on... I mean, who could ever hate Goku? He's funny, but also serious when he needs to be. He is one of the most charismatic characters ever existing in the manga world. Nobody who loves manga hates Goku. It's just impossible!
In terms of strength... well, he can blow up entire galaxies in a short matter of time, and I'm not counting GT, of course! He is probably the strongest non-fused character, but if we count Battle of Gods, Vegeta surpassed him. Anyway, strength is not the main reason to love him! Goku took a place in our heart since we were kids, and nobody is going to steal that place!
Monkey D. Luffy - One Piece

Monkey D. "Straw Hat" Luffy is a fictional character and the main protagonist of the One Piece manga and anime franchise. He was created by Eiichiro Oda. Luffy is the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates and seeks to find the legendary treasure known as One Piece to become the Pirate King.

Luffy is an amazing person who cares about his friends and will do anything to protect them and make them smile. He is very funny and stupid, but that's another reason why I love him. He is always growing stronger and shows people that he is not afraid unless he can hear his friends' voices.
The best thing I love about him is that he is always chasing after his dreams and never gives up or loses hope. He is always believing. He is a person full of courage, and a person that we all can look up to and call him a true hero. Even though he is an anime character, to me, he is something more than that.

Luffy is a MONSTER! Yeah, he might not be as strong as Naruto or Goku, but they are people who were born lucky, really, really lucky. They got all these superpowers like Kurama, SSJ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Yes, they are giving 1000% in battle, but Luffy is giving 1010%.
He might not have energy balls and blasts, but he is using his powers to the maximum! He is stupid, funny, and all, but when he needs to, he becomes serious. He just doesn't know when to give up, even if he is on the verge of death. He will come up with something, and that's why he is so amazing!
Light Yagami - Death Note

Light Yagami is a fictional character and the protagonist of the manga series Death Note, created by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata.e is a high school student who gains the power to kill anyone by writing their name in a supernatural notebook. The story follows his transformation from... read more

My favorite character ever! Most people prefer L, but Light is much more complex. He starts as a hero, but due to his hunger for power and god complex, he then becomes the villain. Essentially, you are watching a series about a villain trying to get his own way!
Simply amazing, with a really smart personality, and I guess many people can relate to him in a certain way. I've always supported him since he is the protagonist, and I also saw L as an obstacle that had to be eliminated. Light is just perfect, and no other anime character will ever be as unique as him.

What's so wrong about killing people or being a psychopath? He is my favorite character of all time. I didn't cry when L died, but I did cry when Light died.
Although L is a great character too, Light is so much more complex. He has great wits. I really like how he tricked people until the very end.
Again, killing people is not a sin, because who said we're living in heaven, and if we die we have to leave this heaven? The truth is, we're living in hell, and I'll be the happiest on the day I die. Maybe I'll get resurrected as an alien. That would be so awesome.
There's no proof that if you kill a person, they'll go to a place they like or dislike, or even go somewhere at all. At least they won't remember their Earth life, because most probably they won't even exist.
Light Yagami is the best character ever.
Future Trunks - Dragon Ball Z

Future Trunks is a recurring character in the Dragon Ball universe. He makes his debut appearance during the Android Saga to assist Goku in defeating Cell. He's also the son of Vegeta and Bulma. He's a powerful warrior with unique abilities and is proficient in using his sword to defend himself.... read more

He sacrificed so many things. Even when he learned that his world won't be fixed, he still goes back.
Away from the people he now cares about and the dad he never got the chance to grow up with. He left to free his world, even if there wasn't anything left for him there.

I love Future Trunks! After Vegeta, he's the most badass DBZ character. While stupid Goku plays around with villains causing more damage, Trunks sliced them right up like the cool, no-BS badass he is. His introduction was truly amazing!
Lelouch Lamperouge - Code Geass

Lelouch Lamperouge is the alias used by Lelouch vi Britannia, the protagonist of the anime series Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion created by Sunrise. He is a former prince of the Holy Britannian Empire who seeks to overthrow the oppressive regime using his alter ego, Zero. The series explores themes... read more

These days, anime characters are portrayed as flawless, heroic, and golden figures. They are not perfect. They may have rare moments in which they fail or stumble, but almost unnaturally, they rise up in ways that are not human.
However, Lelouch is, in my eyes, flawed and beautiful for that. Human for that. He is heroic, yes, but how many times has he fallen? (Literally.) How many times has he failed himself and his friends? His family? Not everybody is a hero, and when they become one, not everybody stays that way.
Lelouch had his life twisted for him the moment he was born. His mother and father were hopelessly in love. So in love that they fooled themselves into believing they were helping their children when they, in fact, were helping only themselves.
Yet he tried to be a hero - tried to save the world.
And it didn't go the way he hoped, yes, but that's life.
Itachi Uchiha - Naruto

Itachi Uchiha is a fictional character from the manga and anime series Naruto, which was created by Masashi Kishimoto. He is a member of the Uchiha clan and plays a key role in the series' storyline. Itachi is widely recognized for his complex character and significant influence on the plot.

Itachi is one of my all-time favorite characters! He is firstly built up very well as being a very dangerous shadow in the background of the story. But then, he becomes this real character, and he just grows and changes with the story.
He turns out to have such a touching past to contrast his strength and seeming brutality. He's just great. I've never doubted for a second that he was a total badass. The most badass character in Naruto for sure!

This man is a hero. He is an honorable Konoha shinobi who is willing to and has sacrificed himself to save Konoha many times - even murdering his traitorous clan to save the village. He practically represents honor, self-sacrifice, grace, elegance, and strength.
He is also a loving brother, constantly looking out for his brother's best interests, even if his plans do not work out exactly the way he planned. Itachi fans, where the hell are you?! Why isn't this piece of perfection AT LEAST in the top ten?! VOTE IF YOU ARE AN ITACHI FAN.
Edward Elric - Fullmetal Alchemist

Edward Elric, commonly nicknamed Ed, is a fictional character and the protagonist of the Fullmetal Alchemist manga series and its adaptations created by Hiromu Arakawa. He is a State Alchemist who searches for the Philosopher's Stone to restore his brother's body after a failed alchemical experiment... read more

What he went through from the beginning to the last episode, all his selfless acts and putting everything on his shoulders, getting better and stronger before our eyes, yet he was always the same hard-nosed but compassionate person.
He showed he cared but would pity no one, because everyone has a strong pair of legs. Get up and use them. He's smart and just a badass. He's just as much of a genius as anyone else on this list, but this wasn't the type of anime that shows he's a mastermind.
Those storylines make the main characters look so cool. It's more the story than the character himself, but the Fullmetal Alchemist was cool through his actions, not just the story.

The Newcomers

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Hikaru Shindo - Hikaru No Go

Someday he will find the Divine Move.
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0010 - Cyborg 009

The Contenders

Uchiha Sasuke - Naruto

Sasuke Uchiha is a fictional character from the manga and anime series Naruto, created by Masashi Kishimoto. He is a member of the Uchiha clan and one of the main characters in the series. Sasuke is portrayed as Naruto Uzumaki's rival and follows a complex path throughout the storyline.

Sasuke is one of the reasons I started watching Naruto. Characters like him, Kakashi, Itachi, and Gaara made it interesting. His characterization was brilliant at times. Some radical changes in his character quickly earned him some detractors, but he remains a standout character nevertheless.
He's the reflection of what we'd truly be if we had gone through what he has. Kakashi was Kishimoto's masterpiece, no doubt. However, Sasuke's whole path makes for a different understanding. It is through ridiculing what he has become that we appreciate where the protagonists are headed.
Then, he takes decisions that others would not. At least, he had a plan for what he wanted to do in his revolution. He's flawed, and he doesn't always take the best decisions, but that's why I like him. He is not what you expect. He's a deuteragonist and anti-hero at a whole different level. Especially in the anime, I felt like all of Sasuke's fights were nicely animated and had good sequences.
Roronoa Zoro - One Piece

Roronoa Zoro, nicknamed "Pirate Hunter" Zoro, is a fictional character in the One Piece franchise created by Eiichiro Oda. He is a master swordsman who uses a unique three-sword fighting style. Zoro is one of the main crew members of the Straw Hat Pirates and serves as their combatant.

He steps out from the cliché touches of the second-to-main protagonist. He does not have the scenario of switching from good to bad or vice versa. He does not have insecure quarrels with the main protagonist (that goes to Usopp). He's not stupidly in love with the main female (that goes to Sanji).
If Sasuke is distinguished by hatred and Vegeta by arrogance, then Zoro is distinguished by discipline and determination. He is his own character, just like Luffy, Goku, Naruto, Vegeta, and Piccolo.

The most badass character ever. He's better than Vegeta in the sense that he isn't driven by his arrogance. His backstory is epic. His sword style is epic. Everything about him is epic.
He never gives up and never stops fighting, even when he's about to die. Definitely the most badass edgy character in anime.
Natsu Dragneel - Fairy Tail

Natsu Dragneel is a Mage of the Fairy Tail Guild. He is known for his carefree and reckless nature, and while he frequently gets into brawls with other guild members, he is deeply loyal and protective of his friends.
Natsu is always ready to fight for those he cares about, no matter how hopeless... read more

Natsu is absolutely amazing. On the outside, he's a dorky food lover who gets motion sickness. But on the inside, he's loyal to all his friends, inspirational, and never willing to give up. He's a lot like Luffy and Goku, but there is something special that he has and they don't: passion (in some cases) and the hope he gives to others. When his friends look at him, they see the encouraging smile that gives them faith. Plus, Natsu is probably one of the only people who makes a guy with pink hair totally work.
Another thing I like about Natsu is that he has true feelings for Lucy and feels really close to her. Anime foodies usually have no form of love for anyone that cares (even a little) about them. Natsu doesn't admit his love but shows it by risking his life for her and won't let anyone hurt her. That's true love! What's Fairy Tail without Natsu?!
Bulma - Dragon Ball Z

Bulma is a fictional character in Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball manga series. She is the most prominent and enduring female character in the franchise, appearing from its earliest chapters through its various sequels. Bulma is known for her intelligence, inventions, and her role in assisting the series... read more

She's one of the most important characters in the DB series. If it's not the present Bulma doing something to save the world, it's her future self (Mirai Bulma) doing something to save the world.

How is Bulma even lower than Misa Amane? She is awesome and a genius who built the dragon radar and laser gun at the age of five. And she is the one who melted the heart of the tough guy, Vegeta.
Kurosaki Ichigo - Bleach

Ichigo Kurosaki is the fictional protagonist of the Bleach manga and anime series created by Tite Kubo. He is a teenager who accidentally obtains Soul Reaper powers and defends the world from ghosts and supernatural threats. The Bleach franchise includes manga, multiple anime adaptations, films, and... read more

Kurosaki Ichigo is a complex character that has taken years to develop. I find aspects of my own personality reflected in Ichigo's. It's not merely because he is strong or handsome (which he definitely is). Every character has their own strengths and weaknesses.
What sets Ichigo apart as a respectable character is his determination. Like Naruto, he possesses honor, pride, and people he needs to defend. He also has a strong sense of justice, regardless of who his opponent is. I admire him as a man because he has direction. He has a goal in life and is determined to make that goal a reality.
In reality, we often waver in our decisions and determination, failing to grasp opportunities and losing ourselves to doubt. Ichigo becomes a realistic character because he has his own downfalls. He is not always the hero. Sometimes a hero needs to be rescued, and it is his humanity that makes Ichigo a victor. His humanity is what defines him as a champion.
Deidara - Naruto

Deidara is a fictional character from the Naruto universe created by Masashi Kishimoto. He is a member of the Akatsuki organization and uses explosive clay-based techniques in combat. The Naruto franchise includes manga, anime, movies, soundtracks, OVAs, video games, and a wide range of merchandise and... read more

Deidara is such a great character. He has a most pleasing appearance with his long blond hair and cute face, a habit of saying 'hmm', and a fun and free personality.
Deidara is an artist who creates clay creatures, used for flight and explosives, and he's a member of the fascinating Akatsuki. I really love Deidara. He's an all-time favorite.

My favorite Akatsuki member is Sasori, but Deidara is cool too. Actually, they're all cool in their own way. It just stinks that he's evil. Why do the best characters always have to be bad?
Trunks - Dragon Ball Z

Trunks is a fictional character in the Dragon Ball Z anime and manga series, created by Akira Toriyama. He is the son of Vegeta and Bulma and is known for traveling back in time to warn the Z Fighters of future dangers. Trunks is one of the series' most prominent characters and appears in several major... read more

He is underrated. He was an 8-year-old Super Saiyan! Plus, he is the CEO of Capsule Corp., the largest company in that world. He's traveled through time.
He wouldn't stop until his dad accepted him. So, he can kick almost anyone's butt, is a genius, really sweet, and is super hot! Why is he not higher?

Trunks is so amazing and the best-looking anime guy in history. He's smoking hot!

Trunks is so underrated. He was so cool chopping Frieza in half like butter!
Sanji - One Piece

Vinsmoke Sanji, commonly known by the nickname "Black Leg" Sanji, is a fictional character in the One Piece franchise created by Eiichiro Oda. He is the cook of the Straw Hat Pirates and previously served as the sous chef at the floating restaurant Baratie.... read more

A complex character with a cool design, cool fighting style, a strong and interesting personality, kind and selfless... what else do you need? If a character can make you cry, laugh, rage, and scream with excitement depending on the moment, then you know you have a top-notch character right there, and Sanji is definitely one of those great characters.

He's the best character in One Piece. He's funny and kind and badass, but I love how he always fights for others, not for himself.

I can't properly express how much I love this character. He's the reason I watch the show.
Alucard - Hellsing

Alucard is a fictional character who serves as both the protagonist and antihero of the Hellsing manga and anime series created by Kouta Hirano. He is a powerful vampire employed by the Hellsing Organization to combat supernatural threats. Alucard is known for his immortality, his shape-shifting abilities... read more

Alucard is the baddest, most powerful vampire I've ever seen. He's so awesome. He can't even die!
He also wins all of his fights, excluding the last one. At the end of the series, he also gains omnipresence. He's just that powerful. His series is also really bloody.
I love how he's never fazed by anything at the end of the day.

This top ten is only about mainstream anime, so I don't think many know the real great character. I saw many characters here that deserve at least top 20, but they are from the big three or FT, and so get skipped.
I just suggest watching Hellsing Ultimate. It's just the only way to enjoy and understand Alucard.
Revy - Black Lagoon

Rebecca Lee, commonly known as Revy and sometimes called Two Hands, is the main female protagonist of the anime and manga series Black Lagoon. She is known for her combat skills and use of dual pistols. Revy is one of the most prominent and violent characters in the series.
Guts - Berserk

Guts is the main character in the manga series Berserk, created by Kentaro Miura. He is a skilled swordsman known for wielding a massive weapon called the Dragon Slayer. The series follows his journey through a dark fantasy world as he battles demons and struggles with his traumatic past.

The whole idea behind having a character, especially a protagonist, is that the character should not be the same at the end of the story as they are in the beginning. What I think is so brilliant about Guts' character is the fact that he's someone who can be related to. This being the side of Guts who is antisocial and struggles to open up to others.
Along with this side of his character, we are greeted with someone who you can aspire to be, skilled in the art of swordsmanship and an utter badass. He's literally been to hell and back, and it has forever changed him as a character, and he continues to change. I just don't understand how someone with two polar opposite aspects of their character can be so low on the list.
Ryo Bakura - Yu-Gi-Oh

Bakura is a fascinating character. He's complex, with good and wicked personalities, and a presence in modern and ancient times.
In all forms, he has a most pleasing appearance with a cute face and long pale hair, and a classy manner. I really love Bakura. He's an all-time favorite.
Portgas D. Ace - One Piece

Portgas D. Ace, born as Gol D. Ace and nicknamed "Fire Fist" Ace, is a fictional character in the One Piece franchise. He was created by Japanese manga artist Eiichiro Oda. Ace is the adopted older brother of the series' protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy, and possesses the ability to control fire using the... read more

Ace is one of my favorite anime characters ever.
He is selfless, passionate, and loyal. One of the biggest proofs is the way he died. He died fighting for Whitebeard's honor, he died protecting his little brother, he died thanking people for "loving someone as useless as him," and he died smiling.
And that is why Portgas D. Ace is one of the best anime characters ever!

He is the son of the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger! He is the adopted son of Whitebeard and the captain of his second fleet. He has an extraordinary power. It's cool and very strong, and his death was very dramatic and sad.
Saitama - One-Punch Man

Saitama is the main protagonist of the webcomic and anime series One Punch Man. Known for his ability to defeat any opponent with a single punch, he struggles with boredom due to his overwhelming strength. He is registered with the Hero Association as a C-Class hero and is responsible for protecting... read more

A bald guy in a yellow suit, red gloves, red boots, and a white cape who can still look badass, killing creatures with one punch that is not even a serious one. Add some funny faces and actions, and we have an awesome character.

He's bald and he kills with just one punch! What's not to like?

He literally kills any enemy with just one punch.
Kuchiki Rukia - Bleach

Kuchiki Rukia is by far my favorite character in all of anime. Although she is not as physically strong as I wish her to be, her emotional strength is powerful. I love how she can be serious on some occasions, yet cute on others. She's been through hard times in her life, but she's pulled through them without much assistance.
I also love that even when she needs to be saved, she won't be dependent on anyone. She doesn't cry out for anyone to help her. I hope we see more of her in the manga and see her get stronger.

I'm genuinely not surprised that Rukia is the highest-ranked female character on this list. She's an incredibly multifaceted and realistic heroine who is sharp-tongued, independent, and badass, but who is also deeply serious, emotional, and empathetic. It's not one trait or another, but the combination of everything that makes her stand out from the rest in her genre.