Top 10 Best Male Anime Characters

What makes a male anime character worthy of the top spot on your list?

Maybe you go for the brainy type who can turn a potato chip into a mind game. Maybe you prefer the rival who trains like rage is his full-time job, or the hero who keeps getting back up after taking enough damage to void every insurance policy in existence. Anime has no shortage of guys who can steal a scene with a battle cry, a smirk, a sacrifice, or one perfectly timed stare.

Your pick might come down to strength, intelligence, loyalty, style, character growth, or pure screen presence. Sometimes it is the quiet one with a tragic past. Sometimes it is the loud one who announces every attack like subtlety personally offended him. Either way, the best male anime characters are the ones you remember long after the episode ends, because they made the story sharper, funnier, darker, cooler, or just a lot more fun to watch.

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.

Dude, L is far smarter than almost every character here. He should be at least three positions higher. Naruto and Ichigo are rather silly. They can't even compare with L, who is acknowledged as a genius. As for Light, he only won because he was damn lucky.
In terms of intelligence, L is better. Light is intelligent too, but L's way of solving problems and the fact that he got that far without having a Death Note or a person willing to sacrifice themselves for him makes him better. Edward is just not as mature (intellectually) as L.

One could not dislike L. He was an inspiration to us all. He is perhaps the wisest anime character of all time. He was so humble and loved by all.
He amazed us in the way he sat, and we eventually did the same. He was killed by his only friend. His death was so tragic it caused me great depression. I have mourned him every day since. But when I look back, his spirit lives on.
We shall honor him forever. Live on, L Lawliet!
Vegeta (Dragon Ball)

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

He's got the best character development for someone the creator didn't even like in the first place. It's hard not to like Vegeta, though. He's the most badass anime character.

Vegeta is just an awesome character, and when you hear piano music start playing, you know something crazy is about to happen!

The greatest DBZ character with the best character development.
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.

Oh, come on! Naruto, Ichigo, and Natsu are smarter than Itachi? Are you kidding me? Naruto is not even fully grown up. He is just a kid compared to Itachi. Itachi is a much more complex character. Natsu is stupid. Yeah, he cares for his friends, he's kind, and all that stuff, but Itachi did what he did because he had to.
Not to mention that he loves his brother even more than he loves himself. That's kindness. But this is about intelligence, and Itachi is a pure genius. He's basically one of the most intelligent characters in anime history. The only character that comes to mind who's smarter than Itachi is L Lawliet, and that's because L was designed to be intelligent - his main point is intelligence.
As for Itachi's place on this list, it is COMPLETELY wrong!
Goku (Dragon Ball)

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 my pick. He is basically the perfect human.
1. He's kind and stops any problems people are having, making him a nice guy and not a douchebag.
2. Super powerful and amazing.
3. He has handsome looks and an amazing smile and personality.
Those three reasons are why I love Goku. He is one hell of a character.

He has all the power in the universe and is still as pure as when he was a child. His determination makes him unstoppable.

Simply the greatest ever and most influential.
Lelouch vi Britannia (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

How can any self-respecting girl dislike Lelouch? Lelouch goes beyond being extraordinarily attractive. His intelligence is charming, and his choices can only lure girls in even more. His willpower is remarkable, and you know, some girls aren't interested in athletic ability.

Easily the best anime character because of how multi-dimensional and interesting he is. What he does and goes through throughout the series is so gripping and basically makes the show.

I love Lelouch. He is so smart. His actions are unpredictable, and he's a genius. He's the best! It's amazing how, in the end, he sacrifices himself. He becomes the bad guy and ends his life for the sake of the world. Lelouch is amazing.
Ichigo Kurosaki (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

Ichigo is amazing! Handsome, funny, and even smart, he protects those that he loves. I love the fact that he's so stubborn. Also, his seiyuu makes him sound so cool! Long live Ichigo!

Ichigo Kurosaki is a good fighter, and in the first episode, he even almost killed himself saving his sister when Rukia said that transferring her powers to him could kill him! So I think he should at least be in the top 2 or 3. Thank you for reading.

Ichigo should be higher than this!
Trunks (Dragon Ball)

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

If we're talking about Mirai Trunks, hell yeah! He's the real deal.

Present Trunks is hella cool, too! The coolest kid on the show.
Sesshomaru (Inuyasha)

He is the older half-brother of the hanyō Inuyasha and the firstborn son of Tōga.
Unlike many other yōkai, Sesshōmaru had no interest in possessing even a single shard of the Shikon Jewel to enhance his powers and considered yōkai who sought its abilities only to strengthen themselves as pathetic... read more

He can kill the living and he can revive the dead. In the Inuyasha universe, that's pretty darn close to being G-
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

Light is an AWESOME character and certainly the most interesting. He should be much higher on the list. He is brilliant and had, at first, a good motive for using the Death Note, but certainly, power went to his head. However, that's why he is the best.
He made you think and deeply analyze human behavior when it comes to handling great responsibilities. He is the protagonist of the series, yet he is the "bad guy," and that usually doesn't happen. At first, you do want him to get away with it. I truly supported him till the end because he made me like him.
But it is just a kick-ass anime. People shouldn't hate him so much. Whether you fancied him or not, he was a brilliant and unique character... certainly the best.
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 a character extraordinaire. He has a free-wheeling personality, arrogant and sly, with a speech mannerism, saying 'Hmm.' Deidara is a dazzling artist who creates clay bombs and flying mounts and engages in exciting fights.
He's really attractive with his cute face and long, elegant blond hair. I love this guy.

Deidara is hot. Long elegant hair, cute face, splashy personality. The colorful and explosive artist of the Akatsuki.

The Newcomers

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Ichika Orimura (Infinite Stratos)

He's not stupid, he's innocent. He's the best character. It's not his fault. Evil tsundere girls are the worst ever.
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Toya Kinomoto (Cardcaptor Sakura)

He's rough around the edges, but he's a good older brother to Sakura.

The Contenders

Naruto Uzumaki (Naruto)

Naruto Uzumaki is a fictional character and the main protagonist of the anime and manga series Naruto, created by Masashi Kishimoto. He first appeared in 1999 in Weekly Shōnen Jump and has since become one of the most iconic characters in anime and manga. Naruto's journey from a mischievous outcast to... read more

I think that Naruto deserves to be the best, and in all truth, I think he is. Naruto had the Nine-Tails sealed in him when he was a child. He grew up without any parents or family and was constantly hated and abused by everybody, and he didn't even understand why!
Most people would do millions of things to deal with what he went through: turn to a life of crime, depression, and maybe even 'attempts'! But no, Naruto strived to be acknowledged while still keeping his happy, persistent self. And even after everything he went through, he never gave up! Naruto proved many things.
He is an amazing inspiration. Some just pick guys they like for their looks! Well, Naruto has got looks and personality! He's the best by far!
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

Edward has a tragic past and is faced with so much, but he perseveres through everything with incredible determination and strength. He will do anything to protect not only the people he cares about but also anyone innocent, and he always sticks to his morals.
He sometimes acts aloof, sometimes immature, but really he is a loyal and caring soul who has experienced great hardship. Oh yeah, and he is the youngest ever state alchemist in history and is a complete badass.

I loved his role in the anime, and he was the best character in the whole series. Besides that one guy, I forgot his name.
Sasori (Naruto)

Sasori is a fictional character from the manga and anime franchise Naruto, created by Masashi Kishimoto. He is a member of the criminal organization Akatsuki and is known for his mastery of puppetry techniques. Sasori is a powerful rogue ninja who turned his own body into a puppet to enhance his combat... read more
Duke Devlin (Yu-Gi-Oh!)

Where's the rest of the 'Yu-Gi-Oh!' (male) gang at!? *finds Yami Yugi and searches for Joey, Tristan, Seto, etc.*
Spike Spiegel (Cowboy Bebop)

Spike Spiegel is the central protagonist of the 1998 anime series Cowboy Bebop. He is a bounty hunter and former member of the Red Dragon Crime Syndicate. The series, known for its blend of science fiction, western, and noir genres, remains critically acclaimed and influential.
Marik Ishtar (Yu-Gi-Oh!)
Inuyasha (Inuyasha)

He is really something, and of course, he is getting Kagome. So he is super special. Yes, he is rude, moody, childish, and jealous but still the best at being who he is.
It was really sad to know about his past and how he was rejected by everyone. He wants to be strong so that he'll be able to protect the people who matter to him. What else do you people want? Come on, vote for him, please.

I like him when he becomes human with long black hair at the first moon, but I like his dog ears too. He's so funny.
Kakashi Hatake (Naruto)

Kakashi Hatake is a fictional character in the manga and anime series Naruto, created by Masashi Kishimoto. He serves as the leader and mentor of Team 7, which includes Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno. Kakashi is known for his mastery of the Sharingan eye and his calm, analytical approach... read more

Kakashi is literally the best. Some people may find him "useless" without his Sharingan, but, excuse me!? He lost everybody he loved and would do anything for a friend in need! He would probably help you set your damn mind straight.

He is the best anime character ever. He is powerful, popular, and smart. He brings humor to the series, his style is iconic, and he has a truly depressing backstory. And he is the best among all the characters that possess such traits.

Strongest Jonin in the Leaf Village, 6th in line to be Hokage, and he reads romance books while fighting his enemies because they are so little threat to him.
Himura Kenshin (Rurouni Kenshin)

Gentle. I gotta vote for him. I learned from him that the past is a part of our life for which we must still proceed to pay for our mistakes.

Oro? This guy deserves to be much higher on this list.
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.
Piccolo (Dragon Ball)

Piccolo is a fictional character in the Dragon Ball manga series created by Akira Toriyama. He first appeared in chapter 161 of the manga, published in Weekly Shonen Jump on February 22, 1988.
He is a member of the Namekian race and has powers that include ki manipulation, regeneration, telepathy... read more
Sasuke Uchiha (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.

*Spoilers*
I've been waiting for Sasuke to start being awesome again for, like, thirty seasons now. And HE DID NOT DISAPPOINT.
Yes, he's hot. But that's not the only reason, okay? He finally, FINALLY came back to the Leaf Village, even if he left right afterward, and stopped being a butthead. He showed us a legit, happy smile for once, and I just. I'm gonna explode, guys. Sasuke's amazing.
Finally.

He's so cute and handsome. Sometimes he's bad, but his real smile makes me happy.
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.

Why is Luffy not #1? Is everyone blind or something?

Luffy is the best! I thought he should have gotten first place!
Rin Okumura (Blue Exorcist)

Rin Okumura is a fictional character in the manga and anime series Blue Exorcist, created by Kazue Kato. He is the son of Satan and is determined to defeat him. Rin is the main protagonist of the series and is known for wielding a sword that unleashes blue flames when he fights.

Just look at perfection, please. Rin Okumura has to be one of the hottest anime guys I have ever seen in my whole life!
He's cute, badass, half-demon, half-human, with skills with swords, etc. His features are just adorable! Especially his beautiful, bright blue eyes! And I just love his raven black hair.

He wears a blue hoodie (when he's not in uniform).
He has messy black hair, blue eyes, and a tail. He clips his hair back so he can read. He cooks like a boss. He's full of angst but still gets happy over silly things. He's clumsy and reckless. He gives people dumb nicknames.
I JUST LOVE RIN SO MUCH. HE'S ADORABLE.
Hiei (Yu Yu Hakusho)

He makes the color black look cool with an undefiant attitude that says, Don't mess with me. He's a top-notch comrade of Yusuke. He looks like he doesn't care, but he thinks of everyone close to him as precious. He's cute, especially when he looks embarrassed.