15 Most Popular Anime Characters of All Time (Ranked)

From shōnen powerhouses to family-friendly mascots, a handful of anime characters have crossed language and generational lines to become global touchstones. Below is a straightforward countdown of the names audiences encounter everywhere—from textbooks on animation history to toy aisles and esports arenas—along with concise, useful facts about their origins, traits, and roles in their stories.

Shinji Ikari

Shinji Ikari is the teenage Eva pilot at the center of ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’, created by Hideaki Anno with character designs by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto. He operates Evangelion Unit-01 for NERV, confronting biomechanical Angels while navigating complex parental dynamics. His characterization emphasizes psychological stressors such as isolation, duty, and identity. In Japanese, he is voiced by Megumi Ogata, with Spike Spencer voicing him in English adaptations.

Totoro

Totoro is the titular forest spirit from ‘My Neighbor Totoro’, written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. The character functions as a benign guardian figure encountered by two sisters in rural Japan. Totoro’s silhouette and leaf umbrella serve as Studio Ghibli’s corporate emblem and appear widely on licensed merchandise. In the film, Totoro communicates non-verbally, relying on sound design rather than conventional dialogue.

Astro Boy

Astro Boy, known as Tetsuwan Atomu in Japan, originates from ‘Astro Boy’ by manga pioneer Osamu Tezuka. The character is a childlike android with advanced artificial intelligence, flight capabilities, and powerful armaments. He lives with and learns from his creator’s household while mediating conflicts between humans and robots. The property helped establish core visual language and industry practices that shaped modern TV anime distribution.

Edward Elric

Edward Elric is the protagonist of ‘Fullmetal Alchemist’, created by Hiromu Arakawa. After a failed human transmutation, he equips an automail arm and leg and becomes the youngest State Alchemist on record. Edward specializes in alchemical transmutation without a circle, enabled by knowledge gained during the attempt to resurrect his mother. In Japanese he is voiced by Romi Park, with Vic Mignogna and later other actors handling English dubs across releases.

Ichigo Kurosaki

Ichigo Kurosaki headlines ‘Bleach’, created by Tite Kubo. He acquires Soul Reaper abilities and assumes responsibility for guiding souls and battling Hollows. Ichigo’s power set expands through forms tied to Quincy and Hollow influences, reflecting his mixed heritage. The franchise includes extensive story arcs such as the Soul Society and Arrancar conflicts, with multiple game and novel tie-ins.

Saitama

Saitama is the caped protagonist of ‘One-Punch Man’, created by ONE and adapted by Yusuke Murata for manga serialization. He is registered as a low-rank hero with the Hero Association despite defeating threats with a single punch. The series catalogues “Disaster Level” threats and the bureaucratic structure that ranks heroes by performance. Saitama’s routine of training, hero work, and mundane errands contrasts with escalating enemy classifications.

Levi Ackerman

Levi Ackerman serves as captain of the Special Operations Squad in ‘Attack on Titan’, created by Hajime Isayama. He is a member of the Ackerman bloodline, which grants exceptional combat instincts and physical aptitude. Levi is known for precise use of omni-directional mobility gear during urban and forest engagements. In Japanese, he is voiced by Hiroshi Kamiya, with Matthew Mercer among the English voices.

L

L is the world-class detective in ‘Death Note’, created by writer Tsugumi Ohba and illustrator Takeshi Obata. He investigates unexplained deaths linked to a supernatural notebook wielded by Kira. L’s methods include controlled media experiments, alias networks, and intensive surveillance operations. He is voiced in Japanese by Kappei Yamaguchi, with Alessandro Juliani providing a prominent English performance.

Light Yagami

Light Yagami is the student who discovers the Death Note in ‘Death Note’, gaining the ability to kill by writing names. He adopts the alias Kira and conducts a campaign targeting criminals while evading detection. Light coordinates with and later infiltrates investigative teams, leveraging meticulous planning and decoys. His Shinigami counterpart, Ryuk, observes events as an external agent who introduced the notebook to the human world.

Doraemon

Doraemon is a robotic cat from the future in ‘Doraemon’, created by Fujiko F. Fujio. He supports Nobita Nobi using gadgets from a four-dimensional pocket, including time-travel and problem-solving devices. The series spans long-running TV episodes, feature films, educational specials, and extensive merchandise. In Japanese, Doraemon’s long-standing voice is provided by Wasabi Mizuta in modern installments, following earlier performances by other actors.

Sailor Moon

Usagi Tsukino, known as Sailor Moon, is the lead guardian in ‘Sailor Moon’, created by Naoko Takeuchi. She awakens as a magical warrior tasked with protecting Earth and the Moon Kingdom alongside the Sailor Guardians. The franchise integrates transformation sequences, planetary motifs, and serialized battles against organized villain factions. Voice roles include Kotono Mitsuishi in Japanese and multiple English performers across different releases.

Monkey D. Luffy

Monkey D. Luffy is the Straw Hat Pirates’ captain in ‘One Piece’, created by Eiichiro Oda. After eating the Gum-Gum Fruit, he fights with rubber-based abilities and later unlocks advanced Haki techniques. Luffy’s voyage follows a route through Grand Line territories, accumulating crewmates with defined roles such as navigator, swordsman, and doctor. Mayumi Tanaka voices Luffy in Japanese, with Colleen Clinkenbeard among English voices.

Naruto Uzumaki

Naruto Uzumaki is the jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails in ‘Naruto’, created by Masashi Kishimoto. He trains as a shinobi of Konohagakure, progressing through academy, genin assignments, and advanced techniques such as Rasengan and Sage Mode. The story tracks village politics, clan histories, and international conflicts within the Five Great Nations. Junko Takeuchi voices Naruto in Japanese, with Maile Flanagan leading major English dubs.

Son Goku

Son Goku is the Saiyan hero of ‘Dragon Ball’, created by Akira Toriyama. He trains under martial arts masters, competes in world tournaments, and attains successive transformations alongside ki-based combat. The narrative expands into interstellar arcs featuring Saiyan heritage, deities, and multiversal events. Masako Nozawa voices Goku in Japanese across TV, film, and games, with Sean Schemmel voicing him in major English adaptations.

Pikachu

Pikachu is the franchise mascot of ‘Pokémon’, managed by The Pokémon Company across animation, games, and merchandise. In the anime, Pikachu accompanies the trainer Ash Ketchum and battles using Electric-type techniques like Thunderbolt and Quick Attack. Character design credit includes Atsuko Nishida, with Ken Sugimori overseeing early visual direction for the games. Ikue Ōtani provides Pikachu’s widely recognized voice in the Japanese version and international dubs.

Share your picks—and who you think we missed—in the comments!