Anime enthusiasts are no strangers to opinion, and few things split the fandom in two like “that one character” who gets everyone’s goat. Perhaps they’re whiny, perhaps they’re cocky, perhaps they just keep finding ways to interfere—but for some reason or another, they linger in your brain. The irony? Some of the most annoying anime characters go on to win over the fans, either by actually changing or because we finally understand the bigger picture. Here is a summary of 10 characters that transitioned from unbearable to unforgettable.
10. Zenitsu (Demon Slayer)
On initial impression, Zenitsu is hard to take—he’s obnoxious, cringing, and always bothering women. But under pressure, he shows he’s more than bluster. His Thunder Breathing technique, combined with his dedication to keeping others safe, wins him a lot of admiration. Long-term fans begrudgingly acknowledge he’s more than a joke—he’s a fighter with substance.
9. Yahiko (Rurouni Kenshin)
Yahiko comes into the series as a brat: arrogant, obnoxious, and quick to open his mouth. It makes him difficult to root for early on, particularly when he talks back to Kenshin and Kaoru. But his journey is one of development—he learns humility, tries to get better, and ultimately turns out to be a great swordsman. People who used to find him annoying found themselves cheering him on.
8. Kikyo (Inuyasha)
Few characters angered fans more than Kikyo, who was always making the Inuyasha–Kagome love triangle difficult. But over time, her own story has tragic depth—betrayal, loss, and the torment of a soul trapped between worlds. Rather than the “obstacle” she once seemed, Kikyo became one of the series’ saddest and most sympathetic characters.
7. Akito (Fruits Basket)
As the abusive head of the Sohma clan, Akito appears irredeemable—manipulative, abusive, and destructive. But after her background and trauma are revealed, it’s simpler to comprehend (if not forgive) her actions. By the final episode, Akito works to reform, surprising viewers who never thought they’d feel anything other than contempt for her.
6. J.J. Leroy (Yuri on Ice)
Flashy, egotistical, and self-centered—J.J. is the nemesis you love to hiss at. His boisterous “J.J. style” gets on the nerves of nearly everyone initially. But beneath the bluster, you notice a man who’s incredibly devoted to skating and attached to the fans who help him out. He may still be a bit over the top, but he wins you over with his commitment and vulnerability.
5. Kuwabara (Yu Yu Hakusho)
Kuwabara begins as comic relief: boisterous, flashy, and significantly weaker than his peers. But throughout the series, he earns his keep through determination and loyalty. He is never the strongest, but he’s reliable, and his determination to push through beyond his means makes him one of the most endearing underdogs of shonen.
4. Usagi Tsukino (Sailor Moon)
Usagi can be iconic, but come on—she’s a hot mess at the start. She’s lazy, whiny, and always messing things up at home. But precisely because she’s so flawed at the start, her change is so compelling. By the end, she’s brave, selfless, and a true leader. The fact that she never loses her humanity (or her quirks) is what makes her one of anime’s most lasting heroines.
3. Skuld (Ah! My Goddess)
Debuting as the pesky younger sister, Skuld spends most of her early screen time whiny and clingy. But as she grows up, her attributes—smarts, charm, and a sweet side—start to emerge. Her growth renders her less of a pest and more of a fan-favorite, demonstrating that even “pestering little sisters” can become well-developed characters.
2. Lucy Heartfilia (Fairy Tail)
Lucy is frequently dismissed as weak or needy in the beginning, particularly when compared to her guild friends. However, what truly makes her stand out is her determination. She’s not the most powerful wizard, but she’s intelligent, diligent, and willing to do things on her terms. Her development into a strong mage transformed a lot of critics into devoted fans.
1. Sakura Haruno (Naruto)
If there is one anime character that received more hate than anyone else, it is Sakura. For years, she was labeled as “useless,” and the fandom was cruel. However, as the series progresses, and particularly later on in Boruto, Sakura shows her worth. She becomes a top-class medical ninja and one of the strongest shinobi in Konoha. The fanbase has gradually realized she was worthy of so much more praise than she ever received.
Of course, there aren’t the only redemption arcs in anime. Consider Nami and Luffy in One Piece, or even Deku from My Hero Academia—characters underestimated, criticized, or dismissed, only to become some of our favorite icons. That’s one of the powers of anime: characters don’t remain fixed. They grow, and sometimes the ones that get on our nerves most at first end up being the ones we root for last.