Top 10 Best Anti-Heroes in Fiction

The concept of an anti-hero is a relatively new one in literature, compared to traditional heroes and villains. The anti-hero is a flawed protagonist, someone who may not necessarily have all the traits we associate with a hero. They may lack morality, or have a dark past, but they still manage to capture our attention and our hearts. Many of the best stories of the last century have centered around anti-heroes, from classic literature to comic books, movies, and television.

The term "anti-hero" was first coined in the mid-19th century by the Romantic poet William Hazlitt, but the concept didn't really gain popularity until the 20th century. This was a time of great upheaval and change, and the anti-hero was a reflection of this. In a world that was becoming more complex, with shifting moral values, the anti-hero represented a new kind of protagonist, one who was more nuanced and ambiguous than the traditional hero.

The anti-hero can take many forms, from the brooding loner to the charismatic rogue. They may be driven by revenge, a thirst for power, or simply a desire to survive in a harsh world. Whatever their motivation, they often become fan favorites, drawing us in with their complex personalities and unpredictable actions.

What are the best anti-heroes in fiction? From Walter White in "Breaking Bad" to Don Draper in "Mad Men," from Holden Caulfield in "The Catcher in the Rye" to Dexter Morgan in "Dexter," there are countless examples of anti-heroes who have left their mark on popular culture. So, let's take a look at some of the most memorable and beloved anti-heroes in fiction, and vote for the ones we think deserve to be at the top of this list.
The Top Ten
1 Wolverine (X-Men) A fierce and brooding mutant with animal-like senses, heightened agility, and a regenerative healing factor, Wolverine often clashes with his own moral compass as he battles both his enemies and personal demons.

I chose Wolverine because he is one of the most spectacular anti-heroes, even though he can be scary in his suit. Wolverine has exceptional strength and agility. However, he sometimes can't control himself because he is a mutant with animalistic traits and personal demons to fight.

His suit is exceptionally classy. I think it is the most beautiful suit in Marvel Comics. I think we can put him on the sliding scale of Anti-Heroes as a type IV because he is very dangerous with all these demons in him, but he can also be kind, as we can see when he has a personal story with a girl. He is loving with her.

2 Deadpool (Deadpool) A wisecracking, fourth-wall-breaking mercenary with regenerative healing abilities, Deadpool is a morally ambiguous character whose unpredictable nature and twisted sense of humor make him both endearing and dangerous.

I think Deadpool is the best antihero. I really like Deadpool because he has regenerative healing abilities, which is an unusual ability to me. I also like Deadpool because he has a sense of humor, which is special to find in an antihero despite what he does. I also enjoy the unpredictable side of Deadpool, thanks to that, there are so many funny scenes in the movie.

I voted for this anti-hero because even though he enjoys killing people, his dark sense of humor makes him endearing. He also has a unique personality and a surprising way of thinking that I like. Finally, he can be selfish and cold-blooded but at the same time charismatic and skillful. It's an interesting duality.

3 Batman (DC Comics) A masked vigilante who seeks justice in the crime-ridden city of Gotham, Batman struggles with the darkness inside himself, as he aims to protect the innocent without becoming the very thing he fights against.

Batman is the best example of an anti-hero for many reasons. First, he's committed to saving the city, and although he wants to murder the villains, he contains himself. He uses strength against his enemies, which may not be the best solution, but it works. Despite all of this, I would categorize him as a type III anti-hero thanks to his strong sense of justice.

Batman is one of my favorite anti-heroes because I like the complexity of his character. Yes, he fights for justice and wants a safer Gotham, but his constant fight against his murderous desires makes him really interesting. He remains righteous even though he has been broken ever since his parents were killed in front of him.

To me, it's not just his actions that make him an anti-hero, but also and mostly his mind. I consider him a type 2 on the scale of anti-heroes because although he is dangerous, he still maintains a strong sense of justice and refuses to kill his enemies.

4 The Punisher (Marvel Comics) A relentless and brutal vigilante, The Punisher is driven by the murder of his family, and his desire for vengeance leads him to become judge, jury, and executioner, often at odds with the very concept of justice.

In my opinion, the Punisher is the best antihero. He is strong, intelligent, and driven by vengeance. He may kill, but only those who deserve it.

He's the best one. He's a former marine whose family was killed upon his return home. Throughout the show, we see his revenge against the men responsible and his efforts to destroy their group.

Wait! Number 50 doesn't make sense. Daffy Duck is ranked higher than the Punisher? The Punisher is the definition of an anti-hero. It should be: 1. The Punisher, 2. Batman, 3. Mad Max, 4. Daryl. Period.

5 Vegeta (Dragon Ball) A proud and ruthless Saiyan prince, Vegeta is initially driven by his lust for power and rivalry with Goku, but gradually evolves into a complex character who must reconcile his brutal past with his newfound role as a protector.

I voted for Vegeta because I like him so much. He was a significant villain in many arcs. However, he still got a redemption in Dragon Ball Super. He was really selfish and powerful at the same time due to his origins. He is still like that but less than before, and that's what makes him a good antihero.

I voted for Vegeta as I find his character very interesting. Once a space alien causing genocide across the galaxy, he has now reformed on Earth. He is quite stubborn and a bit arrogant sometimes (Cell Saga...), yet he still cares for the people around him, whether that be his friends, family, or his lifelong rival, Goku. He always comes through and sacrifices himself for the planet if needed.

He went from once a genocidal maniac in the Namek Saga to saving those same Namekians in the Moro arc. In short, to me, Vegeta is a fantastic character with amazing development. Even when we thought he could have never been redeemed, he ended up becoming one of the most loved and cherished characters in the Dragon Ball series.

6 Spawn (Spawn) A former elite assassin who is resurrected as a Hellspawn, Spawn struggles to reconcile his dark past with his newfound supernatural abilities, as he battles both the forces of evil and his own inner demons.
7 Rorschach (Watchmen) A morally rigid and uncompromising vigilante, Rorschach seeks to expose corruption and crime in a dystopian society, even as he struggles with his own demons and the impact of his violent actions.

Rorschach is a hurt man but he stays true to his moral code. Even though he is violent and kills people, I believe it is justified, making him my favorite antihero.

This guy is the best. He mostly stays true to his moral code and is willing to act, unlike Nite Owl.

He's literally the only true badass of Watchmen, despite his violent and crazy behavior.

8 Walter White (Breaking Bad) A high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer, Walter White's transformation from a mild-mannered family man to a ruthless criminal mastermind reveals the depths of human ambition and moral decay.

I choose Walter White because he is the best anti-hero. The story is very interesting, and the character is impressive because he sells drugs, but it's in the interest of his family. Little by little, the anti-hero becomes a bad character, and his family doesn't want him. This situation becomes really problematic for him. Additionally, the story becomes more interesting as we advance through the seasons.

Walter White is a very interesting character. You have to be able to understand his point of view. He commits evil acts for the good of his family, and the evil in question is the manufacture and sale of drugs. It only serves a need for people who have become addicted and who will probably continue to consume it, so they might as well take advantage of it.

9 Light Yagami (Death Note) A high school student who discovers a supernatural notebook that grants him the power to kill, Light Yagami becomes a vigilante known as Kira, whose godlike ambitions and twisted sense of justice lead him down a path of darkness.

For me, Light Yagami is the best antihero on this list because his case is the perfect example of an "Antihero." An average student, wishing for a better world, finds an interesting book with the powers of a god. He wanted criminals to suffer as they made innocents suffer, and all he had to do was write their names in the Death Note, causing them to die of a heart attack.

He was known as Kira, and Kira was making his own justice. He stayed in his character only to protect the world until his power made him crazy. He was a killer, but he only wanted peace and freedom.

10 Zero (Code Geass) The masked alter ego of Lelouch Lamperouge, Zero is a cunning strategist and revolutionary leader who uses his power of mind control to fight against the oppressive Britannian Empire, while concealing his true identity and moral dilemmas.

Zero is my favorite antihero of all time. Seriously, he manipulates, kills, lies, steals, and achieves world domination. But he does all of this to bring down a brutal dictatorship, find his mother's murderer, and, most importantly, make the world a better place for his crippled sister. In some ways, he could be seen as an 'ends justify the means' manipulator, but unlike most of these characters, who are spineless cowards, Zero is willing to put his own life on the line for his plans.

Zero should be ranked higher. He's the perfect example of an anti-hero. He has killed many people but only wants to destroy the Britannians, despite being one himself.

The Contenders
11 Red Hood (Jason Todd) (DC Comics) A former Robin who was brutally murdered and later resurrected, Red Hood becomes a ruthless vigilante who seeks to clean up Gotham City through any means necessary, even if it puts him at odds with his former mentor, Batman.

He defeated Batman. If that isn't enough, he can control Bizarro. I think that makes a strong case.

12 Han Solo (Star Wars) A charismatic and self-serving smuggler, Han Solo is initially driven by his own interests, but eventually finds himself drawn into the larger cause of the Rebel Alliance, helping to bring down the oppressive Galactic Empire.

We love Han Solo because he is an icon of the Star Wars movies. He is badass, smart, and very courageous. Moreover, he is an outlaw.

Alexis and Camille

He is the best character in the Star Wars saga!

13 Sweeney Todd (Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street) A vengeful barber who turns to murder after a tragic betrayal, Sweeney Todd's descent into madness is fueled by his quest for retribution, leading him to blur the lines between justice and bloodlust.

He is driven by one thing and one thing only: his own goals, and he doesn't care about anyone else. He is a perfect example.

14 Lelouch Lamperouge (Code Geass) A brilliant strategist and exiled prince, Lelouch uses his newfound power of mind control to rebel against the oppressive regime of Britannia, all while hiding his true identity and grappling with the consequences of his actions.
15 Judge Dredd (Judge Dredd) A hard-nosed and incorruptible law enforcement officer in a dystopian future, Judge Dredd's unwavering dedication to justice is both his greatest strength and his greatest flaw, as he navigates a world where the line between good and evil is increasingly blurred.
16 Travis Touchdown (No More Heroes) A crude and narcissistic assassin, Travis Touchdown's quest for infamy and wealth drives him to kill his way up the ranks of the United Assassins Association, making him an unconventional and morally ambiguous anti-hero.
17 Deathstroke (DC Comics) A master assassin and mercenary, Deathstroke's exceptional skills and tactical mind make him a formidable adversary, while his complex motives and personal code of ethics keep him walking a tightrope between hero and villain.
18 Union Jack (Marvel Comics)
19 Ghost Rider (Marvel Comics) A supernatural vigilante imbued with demonic power, Ghost Rider is driven by vengeance and the need to punish evildoers, even as he struggles to maintain control over the dark forces that possess him.
20 Scorpion (Mortal Kombat) A vengeful specter and skilled ninja, Scorpion seeks to avenge his own death and the murder of his family and clan, often putting him at odds with both the forces of good and evil in the brutal and supernatural world of Mortal Kombat.
21 Garfield (Garfield) A lazy, sarcastic, and gluttonous orange cat, Garfield often displays selfish behavior and a lack of empathy, making him an unlikely anti-hero whose relatable flaws and dry wit have endeared him to millions of fans.

I choose Garfield because he is a compelling character. He's funny yet annoying. Garfield does nothing. He is lazy but surprisingly sympathetic. He enjoys lasagna and makes practical jokes. He fits into the category of antiheroes because he's not just a hero.

My favorite anti-hero is Garfield because he is a funny character who likes to eat lasagna. Garfield is a very lazy and egocentric housecat. Although he is a cat, he is kind to mice. I place him as a type 2 on the scale because he loves to kick Jon's other pet, a dog named Odie.

22 Faith (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) A rebellious and troubled Slayer, Faith's struggle with her inner darkness and complicated relationship with Buffy make her a complex anti-hero who ultimately seeks redemption for her past actions.

Faith is a brutal Slayer with issues. She is after the one who killed her Watcher, but this desire sends her spiraling downward into an alliance with evil. She is a really interesting character to watch.

23 Catwoman (DC Comics) A skilled thief and occasional love interest of Batman, Catwoman navigates the fine line between hero and villain, often using her cunning and seductive charm to achieve her goals while still displaying a sense of morality.

I love her and her superpowers. She's really strong. However, I think she's way too sexualized just because she's a woman.

24 The Comedian (Watchmen) A brutal and cynical vigilante from the Watchmen universe, The Comedian's violent methods and nihilistic worldview put him at odds with his fellow superheroes, revealing the darker side of the costumed crimefighter archetype.
25 Heathcliff (Wuthering Heights) A dark and brooding figure, Heathcliff's passionate love for Catherine Earnshaw leads him to seek revenge on those who have wronged him, resulting in a destructive and tragic tale of obsession and vengeance.
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