Top 10 Smartest Death Note Characters

1. L Lawliet

   

   L Lawliet, known primarily 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.

   While he was beaten by Light, he almost succeeded without knowledge about the Death Note for quite some time. He nearly solved the case without any help from the supernatural at all.

   He would have solved the Kira case if it wasn't for Rem's sacrifice. So technically, L won... in a way.

   Light was smart, but he made dumb mistakes. L is more clever.

2. Light Yagami

   

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

   Light was able to outsmart L, even when he was in a hopeless situation. Even when they were working together, Light came up with solutions quicker than L more than once. They're both smart, but I believe Light is smarter. The only reason people deny it is because they personally prefer L as a character.

   Light is better than L and Near, both!

   Light beat L, so he's smarter.

3. Near

   

   Nate River, known almost exclusively by the mononym Near, is a fictional character in the manga series Death Note, created by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata. He is introduced as one of L's successors and plays a key role in the investigation following L's death. Near is known for his intelligence, calm... read more

4. Naomi Misora

   

   Naomi Misora is a fictional character in the manga series Death Note, created by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata. She is a former FBI agent who becomes involved in the Kira investigation. Her character plays a pivotal role in the early stages of the series.

5. Mello

   

   Mihael Keehl, universally referred to by the mononym Mello, is a fictional character in the manga series Death Note. He was created by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata. Mello is one of L's successors and is known for his aggressive tactics and rivalry with fellow successor Near.

   He was the one who basically beat Light in the end. Near's plan would have failed pathetically if it wasn't for Mello and his sacrifice.

6. Watari

   

7. Teru Mikami

   

8. Matt

   

   It was reported that his calm demeanor and laid-back attitude were the reasons why he is third in line to be L. His lack of motivation and drive are the only things holding him back from being first. His intelligence even surpasses that of Mello and Near.

   Goddamnit, Matt... you cinnamon roll...

9. Kiyomi Takada

   

   Kiyomi Takada is a fictional character in the manga series Death Note, created by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata. She is a former college classmate of Light Yagami and later becomes Kira's public spokesperson. Her role becomes increasingly significant as the series progresses.

10. Halle Lidner

    
The Newcomers
11. ?

    Misa Amane

    

    Misa Amane is a fictional character in the manga and anime series Death Note, created by writer Tsugumi Ohba and illustrator Takeshi Obata. She is a popular model and supporter of Kira, the series' central vigilante figure. Misa becomes the second Kira and plays a significant role in the progression... read more

12. ?

    Teru Mikami

    

    Teru Mikami is a fictional character in the manga series Death Note, created by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata. He is a prosecutor who becomes a devoted follower of Kira and is chosen by Light Yagami to act as his proxy using the Death Note. Mikami is known for his rigid sense of justice and his famous... read more

The Contenders

13. Roger Ruvie

    

14. Stephen Gevanni

    

15. Touta Matsuda

    

    Touta Matsuda is a fictional character in the manga series Death Note, created by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata. He is a young and enthusiastic member of the Japanese Task Force working to capture Kira. Matsuda is known for his dedication, despite occasionally being underestimated by his peers.

16. Anthony Rester

    

17. Ryuk

    

    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 in it. Ryuk plays a central role in the series as... read more

18. Soichiro Yagami

    

19. Hideki Ide

    

20. Shuichi Aizawa

    

21. Kanzo Mogi