Goku is the protagonist of the Dragon Ball anime series and always one of the best anime characters of all time. He is a Saiyan warrior taken to Earth as a baby and nurtured by Grandpa Gohan, a kind-hearted guy. Goku is known for his good nature, love of combat, and willingness to protect the innocent. Goku is, without a doubt, the most well-known anime character of all time. With his humor, charisma, innocence, and power, he has acted as the main protagonist and kept the show moving.

Over the years, Goku has evolved from a bit brattish young child into Earth's most excellent protector, saving the planet from magical and extraterrestrial threats on several occasions. One of Goku's most valuable qualities is his ability to convert foes into friends, most notably his friendship with fellow Saiyan Vegeta, who transformed from an unrepentant killer to a family man because of Goku's influence. He has a bleach pure heart, selflessness, loyalty, and dedication are his best qualities, which are why he is the most beloved anime character of all time.

His heroism, bravery, and dedication make him the ideal core for a children's show with basic themes. He may not be the most complicated character in anime history, but he is perfect for the task.

Usagi Tsukino is the human identity of the Sailor Guardian of Love and Justice, Sailor Moon, who acts as the anime's titular protagonist. Sailor Moon was one of the first anime characters American children encountered, and her influence has never faded. It could be due to her characteristic hairstyle of two long ponytails and a pair of buns on top of her head, the combination of her iconic tagline "In the name of the Moon, I'll punish you!" and her delightfully recognized attire.

At the start of the series, she is portrayed as an immature crybaby who despises having to fight, but as the series progresses, you get to know her sweet and selfless side. She's forceful, witty, and immensely relatable. The reluctant teen heroine can be spotted munching and resting as frequently as she's kicking cosmic butt, which is why she's gained such a devoted following.

Sailor Moon is well-known for its themes of love, friendship, and girl power, and it is credited for influencing a generation of young girls to be strong and self-sufficient.

The main character of the Pokémon anime series is Ash Ketchum. Ash Ketchum, undoubtedly one of the most recognizable and popular anime characters in history, was the protagonist of Pokémon for a staggering 25 years, meaning generations of children grew up alongside Ash throughout that time.

He is a Pallet Town Pokémon Trainer who aims to become a Pokémon Master. After arriving late at Professor Oak's laboratory, he receives a Pikachu as his beginning Pokémon. Throughout the series, Ash has traveled to several areas, captured numerous Pokémon, and engaged in multiple battles. Misty, Brock, May, Dawn, Iris, Cilan, Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, Lillie, Mallow, Lana, Kiawe, and Sophocles are among his numerous pals.

Ash is recognized in the anime series for his dedication and willingness to serve people. Ash's tenacity is unlike any other anime protagonist, as his ambition to become the best Pokémon Master frequently pits him against world-ending threats and even the literal deity of Pokémon. Aside from his determination, Ash is also courageous and never hesitant to stand up for what is right, even if it means sacrificing his desires to ensure good wins.

Johan, dubbed "the greatest villain in anime history," was a serial killer who would fit in with any blockbuster drama. Monster presented the story of a man who had become monstrous - a charismatic, clever sociopath whose only objective was to kill everyone else. He didn't only slaughter people; he turned them into monsters like himself. This ability to deceive was initially demonstrated in his adolescence when he used stories to persuade the other boys in his orphanage to murder all the staff - and each other.

Johan is frequently likened to Death Note's Light Yagami, but the two are very different. Light's fatal (and genius) defect is his ego, which causes him to prioritize his life over everything else, including his objective of improving the world. However, Johan is not terrified of death. He is delighted. He's pleased to put his life in danger, and one of his distinguishing characteristics is how he challenges people to shoot him. Johan is also a skilled manipulator. Whereas Light had to employ magical powers to achieve his goals, Johan used his brains and knowledge of human nature. He's most terrifying because he exposes his victims' fundamental human nature. Monster's remarkable story was almost entirely due to Johan.

Light Yagami, the protagonist of Death Note, is one of the greatest anti-heroes of all time, as well as one of the most popular anime characters. Light's brilliant mind makes him intriguing to watch, and despite the fact that the series has been discontinued for many years, it remains relevant, even being spoofed on The Simpsons.

Light Yagami was the energy that pushed Death Note and made it a phenomenon. He was diabolical, calculated, and determined to reshape the world in his own image. Light's dexterity and the layers upon layers of his ideas were key to the plot. Light started out as a good kid, doing well in school and destined for a career in law enforcement like his father. However, once he obtains the Death Note, he undergoes a miraculous change into a frightening mastermind who serves as judge, jury, and executioner for the entire globe.

However, Light's character remains complex throughout the novel. His ultimate goal is to make the world a happier and safer place; a good but somewhat erroneous ambition. When he doesn't have the Death Note, his idealism and nobility shine through. Light loses all memory of the Death Note when he temporarily relinquishes ownership of it to throw L off his trail, and he reverts to his usual demeanor. His moral compass returns, and he becomes more compassionate toward others around him. These characteristics contribute to the development of a complicated character who ultimately becomes a despised villain. But Light's ego is as enormous as his brilliance, and his arrogance eventually leads to his untimely demise.

Naruto, ranked by Ranker as the best Shonen Jump anime of all time, is always included when the most popular anime characters are discussed. Naruto Uzumaki, the series' main character, is adored by fans for his persistent determination and charisma.

He is a shinobi of Konohagakure's Uzumaki clan and was born as the jinchriki of the Nine-Tails. Naruto is well-known for his tenacity, love of ramen, and slogan "Believe it!". Despite growing up without a family and being shunned by his people, Naruto grew into a respected and ethical adult, defending the very people who tormented him.

Though he began his adventure as a beginner who struggled to find his feet, his persistence helped him become a great ninja. It doesn't hurt that he has access to the chakra of Kurama, a mythical nine-tailed beast whose talents enhance Naruto's. Despite his link to the strong beast, Naruto worked hard to become one of the greatest ninjas of all time - and in the process become one of the best anime characters of all time.

One Piece became the best-selling manga of all time in 2022. So it's no wonder the protagonist of such a seminal game and its tremendously popular anime adaptation belongs to our list.

Luffy was born in Foosha Village, the son of Revolutionary Army captain Monkey D. Dragon and the grandson of Marine hero Monkey D. Garp. Luffy was seven years old when he ate the Gomu Gomu no Mi, which converted his body into rubber. With his identifiable straw hat, blue pants, and red jacket, the Straw Hat Pirates' young leader is a formidable combatant. Luffy is well-known for his tenacity, love of meat, and slogan, "I'm gonna be king of the pirates!"

He wants to locate the famous treasure the late Gol D. Roger left behind and become the Pirate King, enabling him to realize an unknown fantasy he has only informed Shanks, his brothers, and his crew about. He feels that becoming the Pirate King entails having the most outstanding amount of freedom in the world. His honesty and bravery make him a joy to be around, and Luffy is a hero who can always be relied on.

One of the main character of the Attack on Titan anime series is Eren Yeager. He is a former Scout Regiment member and the current owner of the Attack Titan, Founding Titan, and War Hammer Titan. Because of his unusual attitude and ideals, Eren Yeager swiftly became one of the most beloved anime characters. He did not begin as a strong character in Attack on Titan, but he quickly turned into a powerful anti-hero after learning his Titan-shifting abilities.

Eren is known for his tenacity, love of liberty, and tagline "I will exterminate all Titans!" He possesses a number of distinctive moves, including the power to harden, which allows him to build a crystal-like substance around his body to defend himself from harm.

Many of the best Attack on Titan phrases are ascribed to him, as he is famed for his bravery in battle. Eren never backs down from a conflict and is always the first to act and lead his gang. Above all, he is devoted to his best friends Mikasa and Armin, and their bond is one of the best in anime. Eren's character undergoes a dramatic transformation near the end of the series, yet this does not appear to have affected his popularity all that much.

The main character of the anime series One-Punch Man is Saitama. He is an unrelated hero from Z-City who does heroic things as a hobby.

Saitama, with his detached and carefree personality, is the "one-punch man" who can destroy any villain with a single hit. The only problem is that this leaves Saitama with no life challenges, resulting in a typical sense of ennui with everything around him. Saitama is experiencing a self-imposed existential crisis, since he is suddenly too powerful to enjoy battle.

When he realizes that no one acknowledges him as a hero, Saitama registers to be a professional hero for the Hero Association and defends his home in Z-City from monsters, villains, and other threats. He has the hero moniker Caped Baldy and is currently A-Class Rank 39 in the Hero Association. Saitama is the type of guy who is a hero for the sake of being a hero, which immediately distinguishes him. He's the moral compass of his series, converting characters to his point of view by living true to his beliefs.

Ichigo Kurosaki is a Human who also works as a Shinigami Substitute. He is the older brother of Karin and Yuzu and the son of Isshin and Masaki Kurosaki. He is also married to Orihime Inoue, with whom he has a son, Kazui Kurosaki. Ichigo Kurosaki is one of the most popular anime characters and one of the loveliest shonen heroes.

Ichigo's most recognizable feature is his spiky orange hair, which he has been mocked for years. He's a tall, slim young man with peach skin and brown eyes. He prefers to dress in slim-fitting garments. He possesses the talents of a Quincy, a Hollow, and a Soul Reaper, giving him a diverse set of abilities that make Ichigo's bouts among the most exciting in the game.

Ichigo is known for his tenacity, passion for combat, and willingness to protect the innocent. Throughout the series, he has faced numerous formidable opponents, including Aizen, Ulquiorra, and Grimmjow. While most shonen protagonists rely on big character alterations near the end of the series, Ichigo's demeanor remains stable throughout Bleach, even as he grows.