Anime Characters That Everyone Hates

From tragic betrayals to unbearable personalities, certain anime characters have managed to unite the global fanbase in a shared sense of disdain. While some are written to be loathed as effective villains, others fall into infamy due to perceived flaws in their characterization or actions that cross moral boundaries. This list explores the figures who have become synonymous with frustration and hatred across various genres and eras. These characters often serve as pivotal plot points, yet their presence continues to spark intense debate among viewers.

Shou Tucker

He is a central antagonist in the ‘Fullmetal Alchemist’ series who is notorious for his experiments on his own family. In order to maintain his status as a State Alchemist, he fuses his young daughter and their dog into a single biological chimera. This act is widely regarded as one of the most disturbing and irredeemable moments in anime history. Fans often cite his lack of remorse and cold personality as reasons for their intense hatred. His presence serves as a permanent warning about the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition.

Malty S. Melromarc

Better known by her adventurer name Myne, she is the primary antagonist of the early arcs in ‘The Rising of the Shield Hero’. She manipulates the protagonist, Naofumi Iwatani, and falsely accuses him of a serious crime to ruin his reputation. Her continuous efforts to sabotage the Shield Hero throughout the series have made her a focal point of fan disdain. Even after her royal status is stripped, her malicious nature continues to cause conflict for the main cast. She is frequently ranked among the most hated female characters in modern anime.

Griffith

As the leader of the Band of the Hawk in ‘Berserk’, he eventually sacrifices his entire army to achieve his dream of godhood. This betrayal leads to the brutalization of his closest friends and the permanent scarring of the protagonist, Guts. His transformation into the demonic Femto solidified his status as a villain with no regard for human life. Despite his charismatic leadership in the early story, his later actions are viewed as unforgivable by the fanbase. He remains a symbol of ultimate betrayal in the dark fantasy genre.

Rachel

She is a key character in ‘Tower of God’ whose actions at the end of the first season shocked the audience. Despite the protagonist Bam’s unwavering devotion to her, she chooses to betray him to further her own ascent up the Tower. Her motivations are rooted in jealousy and a desperate desire to see the stars at any cost. This choice sparked a massive wave of hatred from the community, making her one of the most controversial characters in webtoon adaptations. She continues to act as a recurring source of frustration for both the characters and the viewers.

Danzo Shimura

He is a high-ranking official of Konohagakure in ‘Naruto’ who operates the secretive Root organization. His Machiavellian approach to politics led to numerous tragedies, including the near-extinction of the Uchiha clan. He often justified his unethical actions as being for the greater good of the village, though many viewers saw it as a quest for personal power. His stealing of Shisui Uchiha’s eye and his role in the manipulation of Itachi made him a target of long-term fan resentment. He is generally viewed as one of the most morally bankrupt figures in the series.

Gabi Braun

Introduced in the final season of ‘Attack on Titan’, she is a candidate to inherit the Armored Titan from Marley. Early in the season, she kills the fan-favorite character Sasha Blouse, which immediately turned a large portion of the audience against her. Her character represents the tragic result of childhood indoctrination and the cycle of violence between nations. While she eventually undergoes significant character growth, her initial brashness and lethal actions made her highly unpopular. She remains a polarizing figure among fans of the franchise.

Shinji Matou

He serves as a minor antagonist in the ‘Fate/stay night’ visual novel and its various anime adaptations. He is characterized by his extreme arrogance and his abusive treatment of his sister, Sakura Matou. Lacking any magical ability of his own, he often acts out of spite and cowardice when faced with actual danger. His actions in the ‘Fate/stay night: Heaven’s Feel’ film trilogy specifically highlight the depths of his depravity. Fans often express satisfaction during the moments where he is finally held accountable for his behavior.

Sugou Nobuyuki

In the second arc of ‘Sword Art Online’, he acts as the primary antagonist who holds Asuna captive in a virtual birdcage. He is depicted as a predatory individual who intends to marry Asuna while she is comatose in the real world. His attempts to rewrite the memories of thousands of people showcase his complete lack of ethics. The character’s weak combat skills and reliance on administrative privileges make him an especially irritating villain to many viewers. His eventual defeat by Kirito is often cited as a highlight of the Fairy Dance arc.

Spandam

He is the former head of CP9 in ‘One Piece’ and the primary antagonist of the Enies Lobby arc. He is known for his physical weakness, extreme cowardice, and the cruel treatment of his prisoners, particularly Nico Robin. His accidental activation of the Buster Call demonstrates a dangerous level of incompetence that threatens thousands of lives. Fans widely dislike him for his arrogance and his tendency to hide behind his father’s influence. He is often remembered for the satisfying physical retaliation he receives from the Straw Hat crew.

Seryu Ubiquitous

She is a member of the Jaegers in ‘Akame ga Kill!’ who possesses a biological Imperial Arm named Coro. Her character is defined by a fanatic obsession with justice, which she uses to justify the brutal murder of anyone she deems a criminal. This distorted worldview leads her to kill Sheele, a beloved member of the protagonist group, Night Raid. Her unsettling facial expressions and lack of empathy make her a genuinely frightening and loathed antagonist. She remains one of the most divisive characters due to her unwavering belief in her own righteousness.

Minoru Mineta

He is a student at U.A. High School in ‘My Hero Academia’ who possesses the Pop Off Quirk. He is frequently criticized by the fanbase for his consistent and unwanted sexual advances toward his female classmates. While many anime include perverted tropes, many viewers find Mineta’s behavior to be excessive and lacking in comedic value. His presence is often seen as a distraction from the main heroic themes of the series. Despite showing occasional growth during combat, he remains a consistently disliked character.

Sakura Haruno

A central character in ‘Naruto’, she has faced years of criticism for her early lack of contribution to battles. Fans often point to her obsession with Sasuke Uchiha and her dismissal of Naruto Uzumaki’s feelings as major character flaws. While she develops into a powerful medical ninja during ‘Naruto: Shippuden’, the perception of her as useless has persisted in internet culture. Her character arc is frequently compared unfavorably to those of her teammates, Naruto and Sasuke. She continues to be a primary topic of debate regarding how female leads are written in shonen manga.

Makoto Itou

He is the protagonist of the ‘School Days’ anime, which is famous for its subversion of the harem genre. Throughout the series, he demonstrates a complete lack of fidelity and manipulates multiple girls for his own gratification. His indecisiveness and callous treatment of his partners’ emotions lead to a spiraling series of tragedies. The character’s actions eventually culminate in a violent finale that has become legendary in the anime community. He is often cited as the epitome of an unlikable and toxic protagonist.

Akito Sohma

As the head of the Sohma family in ‘Fruits Basket’, she exerts a tyrannical level of control over the members of the Zodiac. She uses emotional manipulation and physical violence to maintain the family bonds that she fears will break. Her actions result in deep psychological trauma for characters like Kyo, Yuki, and Rin Sohma. While the 2019 anime reboot provides more insight into her past and eventual redemption, her cruelty remains a defining trait for many fans. She represents the primary obstacle to the happiness of the show’s main cast.

Nina Einstein

She is a student at Ashford Academy in ‘Code Geass’ who develops a dangerous obsession with Princess Euphemia. Her intense xenophobia toward the Japanese population of Area 11 makes her a highly controversial figure from her first appearance. After a tragic event involving the Princess, Nina descends into a state of unstable grief and begins developing weapons of mass destruction. Her actions eventually lead to thousands of deaths during the conflict between Britannia and the Black Knights. Many fans find her character’s extreme emotional volatility and lack of perspective to be particularly grating.

Near

Introduced as a successor to L in ‘Death Note’, he leads the Special Provision for Kira to track down Light Yagami. Many viewers felt that his character was too similar to L without possessing the same level of charm or development. Some fans also believe that the evidence he used to catch Light was based more on luck or plot convenience than pure intellect. This perceived lack of originality led to a general coldness toward the character during the show’s final arc. He remains a symbol of the divisive shift in the series following the death of its original antagonist.

Kyubey

This mascot-like creature from ‘Puella Magi Madoka Magica’ is actually an emotionless extraterrestrial being. It tricks young girls into making contracts to become magical girls, withholding the horrific truth about their eventual fate. Kyubey views human emotions as a resource to be harvested to prevent the heat death of the universe. Its cold logic and manipulative tactics make it one of the most sinister villains in the magical girl subgenre. Fans often describe the character as a terrifying example of a predator disguised as a friend.

Mahito

He is a primary antagonist in ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ who represents the hatred humans feel for one another. His ability, Idle Transfiguration, allows him to reshape the souls of his victims, often turning them into grotesque monsters. He is widely loathed for his sadistic nature and the joy he takes in mentally breaking the protagonist, Yuji Itadori. His involvement in the deaths of several fan-favorite characters solidified his reputation as a villain viewers love to hate. His playful demeanor while committing atrocities adds to the visceral reaction he receives from the audience.

Boruto Uzumaki

The lead character of ‘Boruto: Naruto Next Generations’ initially received a negative reception for his attitude toward his father, Naruto. Fans who grew up watching Naruto’s struggles felt that Boruto’s complaints about his father’s busy schedule were disrespectful. This initial bratty persona made it difficult for many viewers to connect with him during the early stages of the series. While his character has matured significantly through trials and combat, the early backlash still defines his reputation for many. He continues to be a polarizing figure as he attempts to carve out his own legacy.

Yuki Amano

He is the main protagonist of ‘Future Diary’ who is thrust into a survival game to become the next God of Time and Space. Many fans find him frustrating due to his constant crying and his heavy reliance on the female lead, Yuno Gasai, to protect him. His lack of agency and occasional betrayals of those who try to help him make him an unappealing lead for some. While his cowardice is a realistic response to a life-or-death situation, it often clashes with the expectations of the genre. He is frequently listed among the weakest and most annoying protagonists in anime.

Louise de La Vallière

She is the main female protagonist of ‘The Familiar of Zero’ and is well-known for her tsundere personality. However, many viewers feel her behavior toward the male lead, Saito, is excessively abusive rather than endearing. She frequently hits, whips, and insults him throughout the series, often for minor misunderstandings. This level of physical violence has led to her being categorized as one of the most toxic love interests in the isekai genre. Despite her moments of vulnerability, her aggressive nature remains her most discussed characteristic.

Misa Amane

In ‘Death Note’, she serves as the Second Kira and is completely devoted to Light Yagami. Many fans find her high-pitched voice and obsessive, submissive behavior toward Light to be irritating. Despite having her own Death Note and significant power, she rarely acts independently and often complicates Light’s plans. Her character is frequently seen as a tool for the plot rather than a fully realized person. This perceived lack of depth and her annoying traits have made her a frequent target of fan criticism.

Charles zi Britannia

The Emperor of Britannia in ‘Code Geass’ is a cold and calculating ruler who believes in the survival of the fittest. He treats his own children as pawns and is responsible for the systematic oppression of various nations. His goal to merge all human consciousness into one would essentially end individual free will and identity. His complete lack of empathy for his son Lelouch and his daughter Nunnally drives much of the show’s conflict. Fans generally view him as a patriarchal tyrant who represents the worst aspects of imperial power.

Envy

A member of the Homunculi in ‘Fullmetal Alchemist’, they are known for their shapeshifting abilities and cruel streak. They took great pride in starting a civil war that led to the deaths of thousands of innocent people. Their most infamous act was the murder of Maes Hughes, a character who was deeply loved by the series’ fanbase. Envy’s mockery of human emotions and their sadistic joy in causing pain make them a truly detestable villain. Even their pathetic final moments do not erase the atrocities they committed throughout the story.

Babidi

He is an evil wizard in ‘Dragon Ball Z’ who seeks to revive the monster Majin Buu to conquer the universe. He uses his magic to manipulate the darkness in people’s hearts, as seen with his control over characters like Dabura and Vegeta. Many fans found his voice and his tendency to hide behind his minions to be incredibly annoying. His cowardly nature is highlighted by his constant screaming and his lack of physical strength. He is often regarded as one of the less interesting and more frustrating villains in the ‘Dragon Ball’ franchise.

Saint Charlos

He is a World Noble, or Celestial Dragon, in the ‘One Piece’ series who epitomizes the corruption of the ruling class. He treats all other humans as slaves and shows no regard for human life, even attempting to kidnap women in broad daylight. His grotesque appearance and entitled attitude are designed to make him as unlikable as possible. When he is finally punched by the protagonist Luffy, it is considered one of the most satisfying moments in the history of the show. He remains a universal symbol of the systemic evil present in the world of ‘One Piece’.

Blackbeard

Commonly known as Blackbeard, he is one of the primary antagonists in ‘One Piece’ and a rival to Luffy. He is responsible for the betrayal of the Whitebeard Pirates and the capture of Portgas D. Ace, which led to the Paramount War. His opportunistic nature and willingness to kill his own crewmates for power have earned him the hatred of the fanbase. He represents a dark mirror to the protagonist’s dreams, pursuing the same goal through deceit and violence. As he continues to grow in power, he remains a looming threat that fans are eager to see defeated.

Zetsu

He is a mysterious entity in ‘Naruto’ who is eventually revealed to be the mastermind behind many historical events in the Shinobi world. Many fans were dissatisfied with the late-series reveal that he had manipulated major villains like Madara Uchiha to resurrect Kaguya Otsutsuki. This plot twist was seen by some as a way to introduce a new final boss while undermining the established character development of others. His lack of a compelling personality or a personal connection to the protagonists made him a less effective villain. He is often cited as a contributing factor to the controversial ending of the series.

Yamcha

Originally a desert bandit in ‘Dragon Ball’, he eventually became a supporting member of the Z-Fighters. Over time, he became a source of ridicule among fans due to his consistent losses and his fading relevance in the story. The image of him lying defeated in a crater after a Saibaman’s self-destruction has become one of the most famous memes in anime. While he is not a villain, the hatred toward him is often a mix of pity and frustration with his character’s trajectory. He serves as a symbol of the massive power gap that developed between the human characters and the Saiyans.

Gendo Ikari

He is the commander of NERV and the father of the protagonist Shinji Ikari in ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’. He is widely criticized for his extreme emotional neglect and for using his son as a mere tool to pilot a giant robot. His cold, stoic demeanor and his willingness to sacrifice humanity for his own goal of reuniting with his dead wife make him a deeply flawed individual. He consistently avoids any form of parental responsibility, causing Shinji immense psychological trauma. He is often cited as one of the worst fathers in anime history.

Which of these characters do you think is the most unforgivable, and are there any we missed that you would add to the list in the comments?