Anime is a thoroughly influential medium, with several iconic characters making their appearances over the years. These individuals changed the landscape of the space thanks to their immense popularity, setting a high bar for their successors to clear. Though it may seem a daunting task, it is by no means impossible.
Multiple characters have emerged in recent years with the potential to rival that popularity. They have garnered massive and devoted fan bases who look to them as a source of inspiration, comfort, or both. Each character on this list possesses admirable traits that make them honorable in their own right, promising to leave an indelible impact on the industry.
10
Rudo Suberec
Rudo Suberec is the protagonist of Gachiakuta, a story set in a fractured society characterized by extreme segregation between the affluent Sphere and impoverished Pit. Rudo originally lived as a Spherite but was cast into the Pit after being falsely accused of murder. While there, he was recruited by Enjin and joined the Cleaners.
This organization is devoted to exterminating trash beasts in the Pit, with members possessing special abilities that aid them in their battles. Rudo specifically can draw out the latent power of multiple discarded items, greatly amplifying their capabilities. He is driven by vengeance, but greatly respects abandoned items and strives to tear down the corrupt structure of his world.
9
Fern
Fern is a young mage and an apprentice to Frieren, as well as a core member of her party. She was orphaned at a young age, taken in by Heiter, and passed on to Frieren after his death. She grew to be the responsible figure in the party, as she can be seen constantly reprimanding Frieren for her irresponsible behavior.
She has an innate talent for magic, capable of precise mana control and casting simple spells with immense speed and accuracy. She was one of the few to receive a positive judgment from the great Serie, passing the First-Class Mage Exam with flying colors. Fans have grown to love her dearly, hoping to see her reach her full potential.
8
Gabimaru
Gabimaru is a deadly shinobi, acting as the protagonist of the hit series Hell’s Paradise. He is renowned for dispatching his targets in a composed yet ruthless fashion, raised as a cold-blooded killer within Iwagakure. Gabimaru planned to step back from his bloody lifestyle after marrying the chief’s daughter, Yui, but was betrayed by his village and sentenced to death.
After surviving every single execution method thrown at him, he was recruited to join an expedition to the island, Shinsenkyo, aimed at finding the Elixir of Life. While on the island, he continues to grow both physically and mentally, becoming an even more formidable figure while also gaining a deeper understanding of his emotions.
7
Yuta Okkotsu
Though not the main character of his series, Yuta Okkotsu highly notable, possessing both a lovable personality and incredible strength. He started out as a timorous boy haunted by the spirit of his deceased friend Rika Orimoto. The sheer power of her curse made him a high-level threat, necessitating his enrollment at Jujutsu High.
He showed promise early on, defeating the malicious Suguru Geto in a deadly one-on-one confrontation. Since then, he has matured into one of the most formidable sorcerers in the series, achieving the rank of Special Grade Sorcerer. Despite his lofty status, he is still completely devoted to helping others, endearing him to fans a great deal.
6
Sung Jinwoo
Sung Jinwoo started out as a terribly weak, E-Rank Hunter, struggling to even participate in low-rank dungeon raids. During one such expedition, he encounters a unique dungeon where he is almost killed, but instead gains access to the mysterious System. This program allows him to evolve rapidly, far surpassing the strength of every other Hunter in the series.
He soon gains the title of Shadow Monarch, and his most iconic ability allows him to extract shadows from the corpses of his foes. These shadows are completely loyal to Jinwoo, serving as a capable army with vast numbers. While the source material already made him quite popular, the Solo Leveling anime adaptation ensured Jinwoo rose to even greater heights.
5
Denji
Denji is a unique protagonist in that he is far from a model individual, yet he is still loved and adored by many fans. He lived most of his life in abject poverty, abandoned by his father and burdened with an enormous debt that placed him in the hands of the Yakuza.
After merging with the Chainsaw Devil and becoming the titular Chainsaw Man, he was immediately recruited by Makima as a Public Safety Devil Hunter. While his hybrid form is one of his standout features, he is also famous for his flawed personality, making him a special, relatable figure that fans can easily get behind.
4
Shinra Kusakabe
Shinra Kusakabe is the energetic, high-flying protagonist of Fire Force, and his influence already runs deep. He has special pyrokinetic abilities, able to emit and manipulate flames mainly through his feet. He is part of the Special Fire Force Company Eight, tasked with combatting spontaneous human combustion and putting Infernals to rest.
Shinra’s powers evolve greatly, and by the end, he attains god-like powers and assumes the Shinrabanshoman form. In this guise, he gains reality-warping abilities which are used to reshape the world and end the cycle of despair. This notably establishes a link to the author’s other work, Soul Eater, confirming Shinra as a transcendent being across two major series.
3
Asta
Asta is the thoroughly determined, magicless protagonist of Black Clover, raised as an orphan in Hage village alongside his prodigious rival, Yuno. His overarching goal is to become the Wizard King, a title held by the leader of the Clover Kingdom’s Magic Knights, however, his complete lack of mana puts him in a difficult position.
He nonetheless gets accepted into the Black Bulls squad, possessing a unique grimoire and swords that give him special anti-magic powers. He uncovers numerous secrets relating to his abilities, granting him greater strength and getting him closer to his dream. He is a profound source of inspiration to fans, and upcoming developments promise to grow his legacy even further.
2
Kamado Tanjiro
Kamado Tanjiro is the compassionate yet fearsome protagonist of the massive Demon Slayer series. His quiet life was shattered when his family was slaughtered and his younger sister, Nezuko, was turned into a demon. The surviving siblings were later found by Tomioka Giyu and trained by the former Water Hashira, Sakonji Urokodaki.
Tanjiro succeeds in becoming a Demon Slayer under Urokodaki’s tutelage, resolving to defeat the man responsible for his family’s death and turn his sister back to normal. Despite everything he has been through, he has a truly generous disposition, as his kindness even extends as far as the demons he has to kill.
1
Izuku Midoriya
Izuku Midoriya is the main character of My Hero Academia, born quirkless but with an endless fascination for heroes. After his bravery was recognized by the Number One Hero, All Might, he was chosen as his successor, subsequently receiving the quirk One For All. Midoriya’s body, however, takes time to adapt, and initial uses leave him with multiple broken bones.
Still, he manages to pass the U.A. entrance exam, learning to control his powers while there. By the end of the series, he helps exterminate the greatest evil, All For One, though at the cost of his quirk. He is one of the best representations of heroism, constantly prioritizing others and driven by a deep desire to save people.
- Release Date
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2016 – 2026-00-00
- Network
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TBS, MBS, Nippon TV
- Directors
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Shouji Ikeno, Tsuyoshi Tobita, Ikuro Sato, Takudai Kakuchi, Masashi Abe, Tetsuya Miyanishi, Kazuma Komatsu, Yoshifumi Sasahara, Masayuki Otsuki, Daisuke Tsukushi, Takayuki Yamamoto, Yohei Fukui, Takuro Tsukada, Masatoyo Takada, Naomi Nakayama, Sayaka Morikawa, Takanori Yano
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Daiki Yamashita
Izuku Midoriya (voice)
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Kaito Ishikawa
Manga Fukidashi (voice)
