Let’s be real—anime is full of unforgettable characters, but a mere select few change the game. These are the legends who changed genres, touched off international watercooler debates, and influenced generations of viewers. Whether they’re legendary heroes, nuanced villains, or game-changers in terms of representation, these characters made an impact that still resonates today. Without further ado, here are the 15 greatest anime characters of all time—counted down, naturally.
15. Fish Eye (Sailor Moon)
Not the top name on most lists, but Fish Eye is due its flowers. As a member of the Amazon Trio in Sailor Moon SuperS, Fish Eye was one of the first overtly queer characters in mainstream anime. Subverting gender norms with aplomb and nuance, Fish Eye’s journey—particularly their self-discovery and redemption—became a benchmark in queer anime storytelling. Sailor Moon itself was a beacon for LGBTQ+ teens, and Fish Eye lit the way.
14. Char Aznable (Mobile Suit Gundam)
The original masked antihero. Char Aznable didn’t merely fly mechs—he defined an entire archetype. Smart, vengeful, charming, and morally complex, Char defined what it meant to be an enemy in anime. His shadow casts over the Gundam series and beyond, influencing innumerable mysterious foes throughout the anime multiverse.
13. Saber (Fate/stay night)
One of the few female protagonists in shonen anime to stand on her own against the boys—and outshine them. Saber added gravitas, brawn, and complexity to the Fate franchise, making her a beloved character across media. She contributed to pushing the boundaries of what a female action anime heroine could be: royal, battle-weathered, and unmistakably iconic.
12. Light Yagami (Death Note)
Sly. Strategic. Chilly. Light Yagami brought a new wave of brain-over-brawn heroes. His cat-and-mouse with L and moral descent into god-complex land raised the bar for anime thrillers and proved that mind games are as intense as fight scenes. He didn’t create the antihero—but he perfected it.
11. Mikasa Ackerman (Attack on Titan)
Mikasa destroyed old tropes with her subtle ferocity and unparalleled fighting ability. She’s no sidekick—she’s a powerhouse. In her unstinting devotion and emotional complexity, Mikasa became the go-to role model for empowered females who don’t require rescuing—they rescue.
10. Frieza (Dragon Ball Z)
The villain everyone remembers. Frieza’s ruthless destruction of the Saiyan race, sadistic glee, and massive power level made him the standard for anime big bads. He’s evil incarnate, and his presence elevated Dragon Ball Z into legendary territory. Every new anime villain owes Frieza a debt.
9. Motoko Kusanagi (Ghost in the Shell)
Cyberpunk queen and intellectual giant. Superb Major Motoko Kusanagi is more than a tough chick with a firearm—she’s an identity crisis walking question mark of gender, humanity, and what it means to exist. Her multifaceted life and confusing personality broke doors open for more complex, boundary-breaking female protagonists in anime and beyond.
8. Sailor Moon (Usagi Tsukino)
The magical girl template. Usagi showed us that you could be accident-prone, emotional, and save the world anyway. With her heart-leading heroism and cast of high-powered allies, Sailor Moon made femininity strong and spawned a genre that’s still popular to this day. She’s not a character—she’s an icon.
7. Madara Uchiha (Naruto)
Madara wasn’t content with power—himself, he sought peace, but on his own terms. As one of Naruto’s strongest enemies, Madara’s complexity and daunting reputation made him a philosophical titan. He challenged us to find the point where hero and villain meet, and inspired an entire generation of introspective villains.
6. Himura Kenshin (Rurouni Kenshin)
The traveling swordsman with an oath never to kill again. Kenshin’s path of redemption introduced a sense of morality and introspection to shonen anime that few anime at the time could match. With every fight and every choice, Kenshin set the stage for heroes grappling with past error and future potential.
5. Vegeta (Dragon Ball Z)
Prince of the character development. Vegeta’s transformation from haughty antagonist to overprotective dad rendered him one of the greatest and most iconic anime characters ever. His battles with Goku, inner turmoil, and stubborn determination transformed the shonen sidekick into something much more complex: a deeply flawed, constantly evolving character.
4. Eren Yeager (Attack on Titan)
He was oncethe idolizedd hero, wide-eyed and full of hope; he had morphed into a morally gray revolutionary. His downfall erased the distinction between savior and destroyer, and, in doing so, forced fans to reevaluate what makes for “the good guy.” Eren redefined character arcs—and got everyone talking while doing it.
3. Naruto Uzumaki (Naruto)
From isolated outcast to popular Hokage, Naruto is the quintessential underdog tale. His unlimited energy, optimism about others, and unwavering determination became the template for contemporary shonen heroes. Almost every spiky-haired anime hero owes Naruto a headband and a thanks.
2. Monkey D. Luffy (One Piece)
Luffy is freedom, joy, and plain willpower, cased in a straw hat. His boundless optimism and unfailing loyalty, Luffy is not only the heart of One Piece—he’s the very soul of contemporary adventure anime. His legacy cuts across generations, and his influence continues to expand with every additional island.
1. Son Goku (Dragon Ball)
The first shonen hero, and even to this day, the king. Goku’s innocence, power, and desire for a good fight are the model for almost every action anime hero who came after him. He’s what made shonen what it is. From Dragon Ball to Dragon Ball Super, Goku’s impact is universal.
These characters didn’t merely exist within their narratives—these characters defined the narratives we love. They rejected clichés, reimagined genres, and resonated with audiences on all levels. Through strength, intelligence, or plain personality, these 15 anime icons left an indelible mark on the culture—and in our hearts.