Anime series are filled with complex characters, the ones who fans despise so much that they won’t even hear an opinion that may justify what made them like they are. But very few manage to win over nearly every fan, very few whose journey you’ll follow till the very end. Whether it’s their personality, actions, or how they carry themselves, these characters have earned a rare status because of which almost no one dislikes them.

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These characters might not be perfect, and they aren’t necessarily the strongest or the kindest, but something about them makes them easy to love. From fan-favorite mentors like Kakashi to super-powered quintessential heroes like Goku, these characters, by their loyalty, humor, or any other trait, will continue to be some of the most beloved figures in anime.

10 Gintoki Sakata – Gintama

The Funniest Samurai Ever

Gintoki Sakata may be lazy, irresponsible, and constantly in debt, but somehow, he’s impossible to hate. The protagonist of the comedic gem series Gintama, Gintoki, is a former samurai turned freelancer who spends most of his time goofing around until the moment calls for action.

His personality lies in his unpredictability. One moment, he’s delivering the dumbest jokes imaginable; the next, he’s cutting down enemies with the spirit of a ruthless fighter. Despite his carefree attitude, he’s very protective of his friends and carries a tragic past that makes him one of the few anime characters to balance comedy with such character depth.

9 Gojo Satoru – Jujutsu Kaisen

The Strongest Jujustu Sorcerer Of Today

Gojo Satoru isn’t just Jujutsu society’s strongest sorcerer, he’s also the guy everyone wishes they had as a teacher. With his cocky attitude and unmatched power, Gojo dominates every scene he’s in, making him an instant fan favorite.

Although you may find him arrogant, Gojo genuinely cares for his students and is willing to stand against the Jujutsu higher-ups to protect them. His humor and godlike abilities make it impossible to root against him. Even when he’s showing off, fans can’t help but enjoy it because, let’s be honest, Gojo knows he’s cool and he’s right.

8 Spike Spiegel – Cowboy Bebop

The Cowboy Everyone Wants To Be Like

There’s something effortlessly cool about Spike Spiegel. Whether he’s dodging bullets, taking down bounties, or just lounging around the Bebop with a cigarette in hand, he gives the aura of a classic noir antihero.

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Unlike most anime protagonists, Spike never tries too hard to win people over. He’s naturally likable. His calmness comes from his dark past life, which at times makes you feel bad for him. Even in his final moments, Spike remains true to his morals, securing his legacy as one of the most universally respected anime cowboys of all time.

7 Kyojuro Rengoku – Demon Slayer

Rengoku Sacrificed His Life For A Better Cause

Rengoku didn’t need multiple seasons to become a fan favorite, as his presence in Demon Slayer: Mugen Train was enough to cement his place in our hearts. With his kindness and endless enthusiasm, he was one such character who radiated pure positivity.

Although he’s quite powerful as well, what truly makes Rengoku beloved is his selflessness. He faces death with a smile, not out of arrogance, because he truly believes in his duty to protect others. The way he sacrifices his life for a better cause leaves an impact that few anime deaths have matched, making him unforgettable even in his short time on screen.

6 L – Death Note

You Have To Choose L In This Fight

In a battle of wits between two geniuses, L was the one we all knew was right all along. As a brilliant detective, his unconventional methods, odd mannerisms, and complete disregard for social norms made him such a treat to watch.

While Light Yagami had his fair share of admirers, L’s brilliantly written character won over the majority. He was different but never arrogant, serious, yet somehow funny. His intelligence wasn’t just for show, as he made every deduction thrilling to watch. When he finally lost the battle against Light, it felt like the entire series had lost something.

5 Saitama – One Punch Man

A Hero Who Retells What Heroism Is About

Saitama was never meant to be a traditional hero, yet that’s exactly why fans love him so much. In a show filled with overpowered heroes and villains, One Punch Man flips the script by making its protagonist unbeatable from the first episode.

Even when he has the strength to beat anyone with his single punch, Saitama remains painfully relatable. He struggles with boredom, lives in a tiny apartment, and cares more about grocery discounts than world-ending threats. His lack of arrogance and complete indifference to fame make him a very refreshing, down-to-earth hero.

4 Monkey D. Luffy – One Piece

Luffy Defies What A Pirate Would Be

One Piece is a show about pirates, a tag that, in a sense, would sound nothing less than an insult until you watch Monkey D. Luffy on-screen. From the first episode of One Piece, his endless energy and optimism force you to follow his arc till the end.

Unlike many shōnen protagonists, Luffy isn’t interested in revenge or power, as he just wants adventure and freedom. His simplistic outlook on life and ability to inspire everyone around him make him a special character. Even after decades of storytelling, Luffy remains as enjoyable as ever.

3 Levi Ackerman – Attack on Titan

The Greatest Ackerman Ever Born And Humanity's Strongest Soldier

Attack on Titan has a lot of black and gray characters, yet Levi Ackerman is one of the few who never loses your support. As humanity’s strongest soldier, his combat skills are legendary, but his appeal goes beyond his capabilities.

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Levi’s dry humor, brutal honesty, and hidden kindness make him a very well-rounded character, someone that the show needed. He’s ruthless on the battlefield, yet he’s loyal to those he trusts. His backstory only adds depth to his character, making him more than just a soldier, as he’s a survivor with an unshakable sense of duty.

2 Kakashi Hatake – Naruto

The Famous Mentor Of Team 7

Kakashi Hatake is one of the rare Naruto characters who never sparked division among fans online. From the moment he appeared as the infamous Team 7’s sensei, his coolness was something that was really felt by everyone.

As the series progresses, this admiration strengthens even more, especially when we see his backstory and belief in protecting the people he considers friends. So, whether he’s reading Make-Out Paradise or just shedding wisdom to his students, Kakashi remains a standout in a series where every character is well-written.

1 Goku – Dragon Ball

The Most Recognizable Anime Character Of All Time

There are few anime characters so universally recognized and loved as Goku. He’s the face of Dragon Ball, the inspiration for many writers who later created legendary characters for their manga.

Goku’s charm comes from his simplicity, as despite being the most powerful person to ever exist, he wants to fight just for the love of battle. His childlike nature and interactions with his friends and enemies make him a very entertaining character. Decades later, if Dragon Ball is still relevant among Gen Zs, a lot of this can be attributed to the character of Goku.

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