In recent years, the number of truly exceptional characters in anime has grown. Some of the most popular and well-liked fictional characters in history have appeared in popular anime series. The proliferation of new-generation anime has resulted in a corresponding increase in the prevalence of extraordinary anime characters, from curse users like Satoru Gojo to masterminds like Light Yagami.
Some of the most well-known characters from the first wave of anime have managed to maintain their status to this day, while others have fallen by the wayside. When taken as a whole, these legendary figures are unmistakable symbols of anime’s influence and success.
Updated July 14, 2025, by Oluwatokiloba Folami:In recent times, anime has become a major form of entertainment that has taken the world by storm and some characters have helped make that happen. These characters have served as icons that set the standard for their predecessors and stand out in their unique way. Whether it be a signature style, power-up, or unique catchphrase, the most famous anime characters have a unique flair to them that makes them widely famous—whetheras hardworking heroes, villains, lazy bums, or anything in between. The most famous anime characters consist of the strong, the weak, the good, and the downright terrible, showing that they don’t follow any form of standard, but set their own.
When considering geniuses who could match the intellect of characters like Yagami Light and Lelouch Lamperouge, the great detective L certainly comes to mind. While he doesn’t look the part and some question his ability, as a character, L is smarter than Light because “the plot requires it,” as stated by Ohba, the writer ofDeath Note.
In the series, L proves himself as a genius mastermind who uses various forms of deception and misinformation to corner his enemies. Despite serving as a great detective, L loves to use slightly evil techniques to get what he wants. Great detective or not, L is a brilliant character who has become an icon in the world of anime. Even his less desirable characteristics set him up as a relatable character who is incredibly gifted but with a ton of quirky attributes.
2Sasuke
Sasuke’s Dark Path Made Him A Household Name
To be famous, oftentimes one doesn’t have to be “good” or a hero, as villainy does better at spreading one’s name. In this sense, Sasuke being Naruto’s polar opposite and rival for the longest time, has made the character well known. For the longest time, Naruto and Sasuke were rivals, and their many showdowns were often in epic proportions.
While Naruto was seen as the goofy and gritty Shinobi,Sasuke was seenas the cool and revenge-driven one. And so while Sasuke might not be as universally liked as Naruto, he’s definitely as universally known. Moreover, throughout the series, Sasuke was always involved. Either on Naruto’s side to defeat villains capable of ending the world, or being Naruto’s obsession as a friend to save.
3Killua
A Complex Assassin Turn Icon
This child assassin serves as one of those side characters who sometimes threaten to overshadow the protagonist. As a character, Killua serves as Gon’s best friend with a complex background and a dangerous family. Trained from a young age to become a ruthless assassin, Killua has mastered skills the average hunter would struggle to master in years.
His signature lightning move, Godspeed, makes him even more memorable, but Killua Zoldyck is more than his fighting abilities. His character development and emotional turmoil seen in the series’ progression make him a relatable character that fans have come to love. Moreover, Killua’s sharp intellect perfectly complements Gon’s innocence, while Gon’s kindness tempers Killua’s ruthless instincts. Together, they form a duo whose bond is unforgettable, bothas best friendsand as distinct, impressive individuals.
Son Goku is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable heroes in the world of anime. As the protagonist ofDragon Ball, one of the founding Shonen anime and manga series, Goku is widely known by various anime fans around the world. Goku’s character design has contributed to his popularity, as his design has been used as inspiration for various anime characters worldwide.
As a hero who embodies determination and hard work, Son Goku is one of those characters that even non-fans will likely recognize. Moreover, after the unlocking of his iconic ultra instinct, Goku became even more famous among the anime community.
5Ichigo Kurosaki
The Protagonist Of Bleach Leaves His Mark
As the protagonist of one of the Big Three anime series—Bleach—Ichigo Kurosaki had the groundwork laid for him in terms of popularity. Moreover, with his unique disposition and distinct style and appearance, Ichigo’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, particularly with the airing ofBleach’s Thousand Year Blood War arc.
As a character, Ichigo serves as a human who is suddenly thrown into the world of supernatural beings such as shinigami and hollows. His adventures begin when he comes across Rukia Kuchiki, who accidentally transfers her powers to him. From then on, whether it be in power, grit, or popularity, Ichigo has continued to grow.
TheTokyo Ghoulanime series began airing in the summer of 2014. With its portrayal of a gore-filled world filled with violence and supernatural thrillers, the series quickly became widely acclaimed worldwide. Meanwhile, its protagonist, the quiet and gentle Ken Kaneki, quickly takes on a dark turn when he is turned into a flesh-eating ghoul by involving himself with Rize Kamishiro.
Kaneki’s turn from a naive human to a unique one-eyed ghoul made him immensely popular. The transition in his personality served as a unique selling point for fans. Moreover, with his story came suffering and sacrifice that fans found immensely endearing, contributing to his popularity.
Copy NinjaHatake Kakashi is widely knownfor the prominent role he played in theNarutoanime series. Not only did Kakashi serve as a guide and mentor to the series’ protagonist, but he also had one of the most tragic backstories among allNarutocharacters. Interestingly, Kakashi’s past came back to haunt him in the form of Obito, whom he believed was dead.
With the many plot twists involving Kakashi in theNarutoseries, the Copy Ninja quickly became immensely famous. He was famous among the shinobi inNarutoand with anime fans worldwide. With his epithet, Kakashi of the Sharingan, this anime character has made a mark in the hearts of many.
TheOne Punch Mananime series is known for its protagonist, who ends every battle with a single punch. As an ordinary human being living in a world where supernatural abilities and heroes are commonplace, Saitama decides to become a hero and sets out to train beyond his limits.
After continually following a workout routine of 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats, and 10 kilometers of running every day for three years, One Punch Man would be born. While Saitama isn’t the smartest of anime characters, his immense strength and signature one-punch make him one of the most famous and deadly.
With the immense popularity of theAttack on Titananime series, Levi Ackerman’s popularity has also skyrocketed. As humanity’s strongest soldier, Levi has made a name for himself in the hearts of fans and characters alike. As the captain of the Special Operations Squad of the Survey Corps, Levi has proven himself in many battles.
Levi’s aloof personality, combined with his strong moral compass and strength, has allowed him to be just as popular as Eren Yeager. While Levi is no Eren, his unique disposition and strength have allowed him to compete with some of the greats in terms of popularity.
Perhaps because of his happy-go-lucky but determined personality, many have found Gon Freecss to be a likable character. Starting with his dream of finding his father, Gon decides to become a hunter - an elite human capable of killing rare beasts and finding secret treasure even in the most dangerous of terrains.
As Gon sets out on a journey to find his father, he comes across various individuals, some who help him on his quest, and some who almost end his quest halfway. Despite his small frame, Gon packs a lot of power, and his unique disposition, along with his friendship with Killua Zoldyck, has made its way to the ears and sights of many.
