Top 10 Best Emo Anime Characters

You've seen them. Brooding in shadows, whispering about pain, staring meaningfully into the rain like it personally betrayed them.

Emo anime characters don't just wear their hearts on their sleeves. They stuff them into black trench coats, pair them with thousand-yard stares, and toss in just enough existential dread to make you question your own life choices. They're not always the heroes. Still, they steal scenes with quiet intensity and way too many metaphors about darkness.

It's not just about the eyeliner and angsty playlists. These characters often have the most complicated backstories, the biggest emotional swings, and the strongest reactions to things like betrayal, abandonment, or being turned into a half-demon against their will.

Their pain is real, usually extreme, and it fuels some of the best narrative arcs anime has to offer. Watching them try and often fail to deal with it can be both exhausting and completely addictive.

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.

L is a cute, awkward sugar addict. He really loves his sweets, cakes, tea, and sugar cubes! I too love how smart L is. He suspected Light ever since, and L is always right. He is the world's number one detective (not to mention he is so full of style!). But it is really sad how lonely he is, even though he chooses to work alone. He allowed Light to participate in the Kira investigation, but Light acted as a friend only to gain his trust. L knew he was going to die and had a backup plan (Mello), so he was always one step ahead of Light. Eventually, Light was defeated. L is definitely no ordinary emo.

He is amazing. Brilliant, and doesn't really need anyone's help, but appears to be lonely, which makes you just want to hug him. I personally love how intelligent he is, but he doesn't have much confidence in himself, even though he knows he is right.
Like how he knew Light Yagami was Kira throughout the whole series. Because he is lonely and Light acted as a friend, and he isn't confident when others disagree, he didn't want to admit that he was correct about this.
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.

I agree. He is definitely not a lovable emo. He is the worst emo out there. He is involved with himself. "Nobody understands my pain," "I'm different," "You don't understand." He seriously has issues. Forget about his past, and I bet he would still have that egotistical personality of his. He is an emotional wreck. He seems to have this deranged mentality that because he had a horrible past, he can treat everyone like crap. He is so self-driven (I'll give him determination) that he is over-emotional and takes things to the extreme. Along with his dark get-up too, I'm not surprised this character is far on this list.

He was just an innocent kid who loved life and being around his clan and family. You love your family and have this innocence where you don't know anything yet. You're unaware that there's going to be a coup d'état, a conflict between the clan and the village. The biggest worry is disappointing your father. But relatively, he's happy, and he comes from that innocence, that happiness, to seeing his whole clan murdered and his parents dead.
Then he was put in a genjutsu and tortured in his mind. You're a kid, just starting to mature, and going through all of this traumatic experience. I can't understand why you'd be expected to be normal after that. What person would be normal after all of that? You live in this area with your family around you, and the next thing you know, they're dead. Would you be normal after that? Would anyone?
That would traumatize anyone to a certain extent and change their perspective and life. How do you expect him to be normal after experiencing all of that? There's nothing "emo" about being that way after suffering something so traumatic. You have to understand, in his mind, his only brother, who he adored and idolized, killed his parents. Then he left him alive. That's even worse. Not to let him die and be with them, but to let him live and suffer with all of that for years. You're going to want revenge.
Ulquiorra Cifer (Bleach)

Ulquiorra Cifer is a fictional character in the Bleach manga series and its adaptations, created by Tite Kubo. He is the 4th Espada in the army of Sōsuke Aizen. Ulquiorra is known for his emotionless demeanor and powerful abilities.

I think Ulquiorra is one of the best emo anime characters ever! Hiding from his own fellow hollows when he was still a hollow. Hiding his emotions from everyone, even Aizen. When he died, he said deep words which truly proved that he hid his emotions and only revealed them when he died. A true emo!

He kidnapped Orihime and just told her straight, "Do not ask any questions. Do not say anything. You have no rights. What you hold in your hand is the rope to the guillotine above your friends' necks. Nothing more. Understand, girl. This is not a negotiation. It's an order," with the straightest face ever. So badass.
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 Uchiha is the most emo character I've seen right after Sasuke, Madara, and Obito. He murdered his entire family (being forced to, blah blah spoilers), and wouldn't you be emo if you had to kill your entire clan and bear the burden you put on your little brother? He loved his clan, but he loved his village's protection even more. He is in my top ten best characters, the hottest, the most emo, and the most amazing. He is really great, and I hope you vote for him because if there is anything Itachi-related, I will automatically squeal with excitement and die of fangirlism.

Itachi literally looks like he doesn't care, but he actually does. Perfect emo material. Sasuke is also an emo in my opinion, but I believe that Itachi fits the emo type more. Sasuke also easily gets attention, unlike Itachi, who can easily blend in.
Gaara (Naruto)

Gaara is a fictional character in the Naruto manga and anime series created by Masashi Kishimoto. He is the jinchūriki of the One-Tailed Shukaku and possesses the ability to manipulate sand, which he stores in a large gourd carried on his back. Gaara later becomes the Fifth Kazekage of Sunagakure.

Gaara is a real emo. He wears eyeliner, and just look at his hair. He has love on his forehead and his hair is red. One of the flashbacks even shows him cutting himself. There is no anime character more hot or emo than Gaara.

I agree that Gaara is pretty emo, but he doesn't wear eyeliner. Whoever thinks that is a damn idiot. In the anime, it even says that it's from not getting enough sleep.

Gaara is no doubt sexy, but he doesn't wear eyeliner. It's because of lack of sleep. Back then, he couldn't sleep, or else Shukaku would have gotten out.
Zero Kiryu (Vampire Knight)

Zero should at least be in the top ten by now! He's dark and mysterious and afraid of what he could and would do to Yuki. He hides his inner self away from anybody else who might try to hurt him, just like the day he turned into a vampire. What's more emo than that?

Zero is hot! He's so mysterious and so lonely. Zero is a really sad person. I just want to give him a big hug. I was glad he ended up with Yuki in the end, but I want more romantic scenes of them together.

He hates vampires. He is a vampire. Dude, out of all anime characters, he hates himself the most. That makes him a really strong emo.
Nagato (Naruto)

Nagato, also known by his alias "Pain," is a fictional character from the manga and anime franchise Naruto. He was created by Masashi Kishimoto and serves as a major antagonist in the series. Through his leadership of the Akatsuki organization, he plays a significant role in several of the series' major... read more

He is such an emo. He is one of the most emo characters I've ever seen. I feel just like him.

He's just plain Rebel Emo.

Nagato is more powerful than Itachi and absolutely an emo-natured guy.
Madara Uchiha (Naruto)

Madara Uchiha is a fictional character in the Naruto manga and anime series created by Masashi Kishimoto. He first appears in "Part II" of the manga and the Naruto: Shippuden anime adaptation as one of the main antagonists.... read more

I think out of all of them, Madara is the most emo. After all, he wants revenge and is really emotional even though he is strong. I really don't know why Ulquiorra is second. He does look emo, but that is just the way he looks because how can someone who doesn't even have emotions be emo? He is just plain badass! But anyway, I love all the characters here, even if they are emo, because they all have reasons to be the way they are!
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

He is just so negative about the world. And he hates his parents. Isn't that reason enough?

Lelouch embodies what emo is. Enough said.
The Six Paths of Pain (Naruto)

The Newcomers

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Ryūko Matoi (Kill la Kill)

Ryuko Matoi is the main protagonist of the Japanese anime series Kill la Kill, produced by Studio Trigger. She is a high school student who enrolls at Honnouji Academy to uncover the identity of her father's killer. Ryuko uses a half-scissor blade and wears a sentient uniform named Senketsu, both of... read more
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Judar (Magi)

The Contenders

Crona (Soul Eater)

Crona Gorgon (Japanese: クロナ, Kurona), also known as the Demon Sword (魔剣, Maken), is a major antagonist in the manga and anime series Soul Eater. Crona is the biological child of the witch Medusa Gorgon and is a Demon Sword Master partnered with the living weapon Ragnarok.... read more

Crona is very emo, if you ask me. Sometimes I actually want to read his/her poetry for some reason... "I don't know how to deal with it!"

It isn't Crona's upbringing that made Crona emo. It's the fact that not even Crona can tell if he's a boy or a girl.

Out of all the emo characters I know, I think Crona is the most emo. She deserves to be first.
Mei Misaki (Another)

Mei Misaki is the female protagonist of the novel, anime, and manga series Another. She is a first-year student in Class 3-3 in 1998 at Yomiyama North Middle School. Mei is shunned by her classmates, who refer to her as "the girl who does not exist" due to a mysterious curse affecting the class.

Mei is how I picture an emo. She has no friends and is emotional over the idea of getting any friends. She doesn't have any fake friends and doesn't want to take help, but I like how she won't let anyone take advantage of that either, at least in the beginning of the anime.

She wears an eyepatch over one of her eyes, wears dark clothing most of the time, has raven black hair, and pale skin. How much more emo could you get?

I just think it's a great emo name. I drew an emo boy and named him after her because it's a boy version of her.
Kaneki Ken (Tokyo Ghoul)

Ken Kaneki is the main character in the manga and anime series Tokyo Ghoul, created by Sui Ishida. He begins as a shy college student who becomes a half-ghoul after a chance encounter with a ghoul named Rize Kamishiro. His transformation and internal struggles form the core narrative of the series.

Kaneki should have been second, right after L but just in front of Sasuke. Kaneki was always depressed and he is an orphan. Plus, he's just plain emo (and screams a lot, like a lot).

Kaneki is my life. I love him. He really should have been either 2nd or 1st.

My favorite emo anime character. Hanae Natsuki really gave everything he had for crying and screaming.
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
Zeref (Fairy Tail)

Zeref Dragneel is a character from the anime and manga series Fairy Tail, created by Hiro Mashima. He first appears in chapter 200 of the manga and episode 96 of the anime. Zeref is known as the most powerful Dark Wizard in the series and is afflicted with the Curse of Contradiction.... read more

Emo embodied. A guy who's looking for another guy just so that the other guy can kill him. Not exactly happy.

He hates humanity. He hates himself. He is always sad or angry. He wants to die, and he's immortal. How sad.

He had a tragic life and wants to die. My favorite in Fairy Tail.
Uta (Tokyo Ghoul)

Uta (ウタ) is a character from Tokyo Ghoul, a ghoul and friend of Renji Yomo and Itori.
He owns the HySy ArtMask Studio, where he designs and sells custom masks. Uta is also a member of the Clowns and is known to the CCG investigators by the alias No Face (ノーフェイス, Nō Feisu).

Love his undercut hairstyle and his whole design. I like his eccentric personality too.
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

This dude is just awesome. And emo. Well, not really, but the way he looks gives off that "emo" styling. Like, when you first see him, you automatically think, "Man, this guy must be emo."
Ryuk (Death Note)

Ryuk is a fictional character in the manga series Death Note, created by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata. He is a Shinigami, or death god, who drops a supernatural notebook into the human world that allows its user to kill anyone by writing their name. Ryuk plays a central role in the series as both an... read more

Everyone from Death Note is crazy and looks emo, punk, or goth. But they are shinigamis, so you know they have to look dark and such.

Somehow I found Rem more emo than Ryuk. That apple obsession though.
Shinji Ikari (Neon Genesis Evangelion)

Shinji Ikari is the main protagonist of the anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion. He is a teenage boy recruited to pilot the giant mecha Evangelion Unit-01 in order to protect Earth from mysterious beings known as Angels. His character arc explores deep psychological and emotional themes, making him... read more

Shinji is the most emo character in all of fiction! He suffers from escapist depression among other social disorders and constantly struggles to hold himself together. His sole objective in life is to love and be loved back. He believes that the love he does receive is undeserved due to his status as an EVA pilot. He wants to connect with people but ends up isolating himself and blocking out the world with earphones playing the same song on repeat. He even gives up on humanity as a whole!

Shinji may not be likable at all, but he is DEFINITELY the most emo anime character of all time. #1 all the way in my book.
Tomoko Kuroki (Watamote)

Tomoko Kuroki (Japanese: 黒木智子, Kuroki Tomoko) is the lead protagonist of the anime series and light novel No Matter How I Look At It, It's You Guys' Fault I'm Not Popular! ("WataMote"). The series chronicles the various attempts of the socially inept and often desperate protagonist to become more popular... read more

She is an emo because of her hair. But she is addicted to anime video games.

She has bags under her eyes, bangs, and is into yandere boys. Definitely emo.

I mean, the anime name is literally "No Matter How You Look at It, It's Your Guys' Fault I'm Not Popular."
Ciel Phantomhive (Black Butler)

Earl Ciel Phantomhive (Japanese: シエル・ファントムハイヴ, Shieru Fantomuhaivu) is the main protagonist of the manga and anime series Black Butler. He is the current head of the Phantomhive house, the notorious Queen's Watchdog, the owner of the Funtom Corporation, and an Aristocrat of Evil.... read more
Akemi Homura (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)

Homura Akemi is a fictional character from the 2011 anime series Puella Magi Madoka Magica and its related media. She is a mysterious transfer student with time-manipulating abilities and plays a central role in the story's progression. Homura is featured prominently in the series' film adaptations,... read more

I wouldn't say she is a full-on hardcore emo, but living through a lot of crap, focusing all of your love and life on one person, wearing a lot of black, and being the Sasuke Uchiha of your new school puts her somewhere on this list.

Homura is a very emo character, and I don't blame her after all she's been through.

Madoka Kaname, last episode. Enough said.
Levi Ackerman (Attack on Titan)

Levi Ackerman is a fictional character in the manga and anime series Attack on Titan, which is also known by its Japanese title Shingeki no Kyojin. He joins the main characters during the second half of the first season. Levi is especially known among fans for his exceptional combat skills and is often... read more
Jellal Fernandes (Fairy Tail)

Jellal Fernandes is a childhood friend of Erza Scarlet. After losing his memory, he became a Dark Mage determined to resurrect Zeref using the R-System. He was the primary antagonist of the Tower of Heaven arc and later became a co-founder and member of the independent guild Crime Sorcière.

I'm surprised Jellal is so low. This guy wants to die. But he's the best and is extremely kind. When he was little, he was strong-willed and had a strong sense of justice. Then, when he grew up, he was possessed and wanted to die to atone for sins he hadn't committed. Now he's fighting to redeem himself and atone for everything he's done when he was being manipulated.

Yes. Just yes. Emo to the core. He may not wear black all the time, but he has by far the most emo personality ever. But he's got a heart of gold. He tries not to let the past overtake him, but sometimes he falters. And he fights for the woman he loves. What more can you ask for?
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