Top 10 Best Anime Heroes

Goku isn't the best hero because he's the most powerful. He's not the best hero because he's fought some of the best villains. He's not the best hero because he lives in an awesome world. He's not the best hero because he can save the world from anything. No, Goku is the best anime hero because of the person he is. The ideals he shows, the personality he exemplifies. He's not perfect. He's always gone, is kind of a bad father, and is a pretty big idiot. But I'm glad for it; if he were perfect, then he wouldn't be realistic. He wouldn't be fun to watch. As it is, he's been beaten before, and completely overwhelmed by opponents, but that's not the point he makes. The point is that he doesn't give up. He works hard to make it to his goals, to break his limits, allowing him to become more than was required. He never took the easy way out with accomplishing this, though; he always worked, always trained, always did the most he possibly could to reach the heights he needed to reach. He is possibly the most powerful, but none of that power was just granted to him (with the exception of Super Saiyan God, which he never even wanted). He worked for it harder than any other anime hero worked for anything. Basically, he's the epitome of the old proverb "Fall down seven times, stand up eight." That's why he's the best anime hero; not because of his strength, but because of the way he uses it and the methods he took to get it.

It's both amazing and inspiring how he never gives up, no matter how many times he's knocked down. But that's not all there is to him. He understands the pain of loneliness and helplessness. Even if he hates his enemy for killing someone dear and trying to destroy his home, Naruto overcomes that hatred, he tries to understand his enemy's pain. He fights to protect his friends while at the same time, he tries to save his enemies that are in pain. This anime is much different than Dragon Ball. It shows the pain people go through, including the enemy's pain. It actually inspires to overcome the feelings of hatred and sadness. It makes people want to change themselves, to stop running from our problems and from ourselves. It makes people want to become stronger and stop running from everything around us. It makes us want to stop crying and move forward. I myself am trying to become a stronger person and there's no one I rather be like, than Naruto.

He is a badass

L is just the hero nobody asked for. He is intelligent and works so hard at getting to Kira, and will stop at nothing for justice. He even goes as far as to fake his death just to get information. This to me just shows how bent he is on justice and getting Kira into custody.
Random criminals around the world are having heart attacks and this guy gets put on the job and figures out that it is a student with relations to the police department in Japan who is trying to become a god. This guy has to be one of the most totally unique and seperate anime heroes in this list as he doesn't work out immensely, has almost no friends and doesn't need to scream when facing his enemy. Hats off to a one of a kind hero
L is the smartest character out there. He's an interesting character, and he never fails to predict Kira's behavior.

Ed is a genius when it comes to alchemy and is one of the best, strongest hand-to-hand fighters there is. But there's more to our young hero than that. Ed has a dark past and has made some mistakes in his lifetime, but he is willing to do anything to move forward and fix what he can, protect the people he cares about, and save the whole country. Though hardened in his youth because of the hardships he faced (and faces throughout the series), he retains his morality and a certain idealism that allows him to persevere.
Being a hero isn't just about how freakishly strong you are *ahemGokuahem*. It's about self-sacrifice, wisdom, sincere motives, caring about others, and mental strength/perseverance despite impossible odds. A really good, deep character development of a hero will also include being a real and relatable person who knows their flaws yet ignores temptations, and instead does what's best for others. Ed Elric has all of these things and MORE. But yes, he is an epic little badass shrimp who can take out an army (realistically).
Its not just his strength, he has, multiple times, sacrifice his own reputation so that others may not be looked down on even though the vast majority of Saitama's problems can go away if he gained good reputation among the population.
No matter what happens, he will come late and beat the litteral crap out of the enemies. Saitama is the best hero and is indefinitely human, unlike some characters(cough* Goku cough*). He is the persona of justice and hard work, and is what many have tried to be, a hero. Saitama shows bravery, selflessness, and passion for being a hero, or not. You get the point though.
the strongest guy by far. he killed the strongest anime villain, Boros, with ease, and even said he was holding back in the fight. No villain who crosses his path lasts more than a few seconds.
Also love his indifference and boredom towards every villain he kills. He almost does it lazily. He has a good personality and is fun to watch

Haha top ten yeah! I agree though with a lot of people saying top 3, the whole point behind him is fighting for those he cares for. That's like heroic trait number 1!
All other of my favorite are at top only this was bottom that's why I vote natsu so awesome... I am all fired up seeing this list
Natsu is always number one! He has the most heart and trust and I need him in my life...

Ichigo is easily the best because despite his powers, he's normal. Unlike all the others on this list of top ten, he came from a normal background. He was dragged into a whole other world and is torn between them as he continues to fight for his friends and family. At the end of the day, his powers don't set him as the best; it's his personality. His will to continue fighting even for a war that wasn't his despite his heritage, but that didn't come till later. So at the end of the day; even without knowledge of what he really is; he still thought thinking he was human. Everyone else on this list was born into things were such powers was a natural occurrence. Ichigo was always strong but did show an emotional side; one that is arguably deeper since he started as just an ordinary teenager getting dragged into a war that most people would crumble under.
He is the most unique hero I have ever seen. Simply he is the best. He has shinigami powers which will amaze you, he has holloe powers which will freak you. If you compare him with those up list heroes then: he is not like Goku saved a hundred times;not like Naruto childish and stupid crazy enough to do anything for sasuke;and not that much comical like Luffy.

In terms of Heroes, it is impossible to decide, because ALL of them share so much care and courage, etc etc. But by the end of the day, my cents go to Luffy. One Piece isn't popular here in the US, so they haven't witnessed all of his capabilities. I'm not talking about strength or power capabilities, but about his knack to defy logic and survive in order to reach his goals.
Luffy is the best because he is the character I would most like to emulate, above all the other hero characters.
Luffy hasn't done anything... He's been saved more then he's saved people...

Shouldn't he be first? Guys just watch the anime and find what true heroism is!
Pity he died and Sasuke lived. Would have liked to see more of him.
Itachi is a hero. That's it.
Inuyasha is brave, and he will save your life even if he does not know you, he is my favorite anime character, because he had a huge protecting sword, and it only works when he is going to protect someone! He is super affectionate when he isn't being a jerk! WATCH THE SERIES!
I prefer the players also lose fights, and do not destroy the world with a finger. That is, I hate Goku and Naruto.

Ash Ketchum is the best anime hero of all time he cares for his friends and Pokemon. Plus he and his Pokemon have a bond beyond made evolution. Also he has saved the world more times than anyone including Goku and Naruto.
Ash Ketchum is the best shine hero of all time he cares for his friends and Pokemon. Plus he and his Pokemon have a bond beyond made evolution. Also he has saved the world more times than anyone including Goku and Naruto
Dude. He's just awesome. What I wouldn't give to be able to train with him and his Pokemon. Honestly, I think Misty is waay better though. But hey, Ash has been 10 years old for what...10 or 12 years now? He's like a perpetually strong and youthful kid. One that will totally live through while everyone else dies around him. >:D

Zoro is so overrated. He's just there to fight enemies. Unlike what his fans like to claim, he rarely saves or helps people, he's more interested in fighting strong opponents. Both Luffy and Sanji are more helpful and compassionate. He's not particularly kind but rather harsh, always to first willing to leave a nakama behind: Nami, Robin, Usopp and recently Sanji. And people acts as though Zoro is more important than he really is. NO people are not always secretly wishing for him to be there. (roll eyes)
Those zoro haters just koff, I am not big fan of him. But, he just has faith in his friends(do you even know what it is) and you are saying he just there to fight enemies, oh yeah what other heroes do and what you want see (some porn or romance or sentimental fools in anime), what is wrong in becoming stronger? Is your favorite heroes not did so? if you really hate characters like these go watch some local romance and sentimental serials of your region maybe you'll find those interesting.
Part of me hates her for being so strong and not even having to try, but you can't blame her for that. She constantly tries to protect Eren, her last family alive. And almost always keeps her cool. So yeah... She's awesome.

Mustang can be almost as beloved as Edward is. Mustang is a intelligent alchemist and a powerful one at that too. Like Edward he has a dark past and has committed some atrocities from that past, however he's still willing to atone for his sins. While he might act as a careerist and a womanizing jerk initially, in reality he's a huge softie and a rather loveable dork.
Roy for the win

Lelouch is an incredible anime character who has probably sacrificed the most out of all the anime characters out there. Everything went according to his plan in the end. He succeeded in uniting the whole world and sacrificed people's opinion of him, his family name and even his life to make the world a better place and nobody will ever know!
Lelouch is the greatest anime character ever. His plans and strategies were the greatest I have ever seen in an anime. He planned to become a villain and then get killed so that the world becomes united and nobody ever knew of this. He took his final breath near his sister and left the world with a smile.
Would I call him a hero? Not necessarily, but Lelouch is easily one of the most interesting and well-developed characters in fictional history. You can't beat that.

How is he 25, oh wait, because he turns into the enemy!
He is killing everyone
The best anime

Guts is the very definition of epicness! He shows us that a simple human can overcome anyone and do anything through sheer willpower and determination! Not to mention his huge sword!
King of antiheroes ever
He one badass.
Kenshin is possibly the greatest hero because of his ideals. Kenshin is so underestimated due to his appearance and everyday behavior, and yet he is one of the most powerful and intelligent characters in the series. Kenshin constantly works to attain for the sins of his past, the people that he's killed, and the blood that he's shed. His goal in life is to better the lives of those he comes in contact with, using his skills - which are almost super-human - and training himself to be stronger and better. I think the reason why Kenshin is such a well-written character is because he is constantly learning new tactics, speed, and techniques.
I have watched many anime series, but few heroes really encourage and inspire me like Kenshin. While Edward, Ichigo, and Inuyasha are all fantastic heroes and men who inspire greatness in their own ways, Kenshin will always be my favorite hero because of his legacy and his pledge to never kill again, which he keeps for the entire series. He has a tragic past, but despite the atrocities he has seen and done, he continues to press on and live a life full of resolve, honor, respect and a side of lightheartedness to boot. Kenshin embodies the soul of redemption, proving that your past doesn't define who you are or what you become, and I believe that is what makes him a true hero.
-Anyone can die, but it takes true courage to live.-


Unlike other heroes this guy isn't just brawn. In fact he is most probably the smartest anime character ever. The way he manipulates everyone is just amazing. Has to be the 1st on the list.
Light is my favorite. But he is not supposed to be on this list. He can be considered dark hero or more likely a villain in later stages.
What the heck
He deserves the top 5 for giving us incredible amount of thrill , suspense and many more things, due to him I started watching anime. Best character ever

Ok, bruh, no. How is kirito 22?!?!? He should at least be number 5. Either that or 4,3,2, or even 1! Too be honest, I understand the things other heroes had to go through. Like in dbz, heroes could die. But unlike Sao, in dbz, they could be brought back to life. I feel as if kirito had the most pressure, especially protecting asuna. He had it the toughest. So kirito all the way!
Kirito should be in the top ten at least, he saved a whole universe and people who were trapped in a video game, then saved his loved one in another video game!
I'm not sure if I like sword art online or death note more! They is both so good! Kirito needs to be a lot higher on this list. no questions asked.
Spike is definitely top 5, he's so cool and laid back but such a badass
Glad there's finally a list with Gon above Killua!
His story made have tears in my eyes.I loved his passion to find his Father-Ging the most.