15 Anime Characters That Went From Loved To Hated

Some anime characters start out as fan favorites and then make choices that change how audiences see them. These turns often happen because of a single reveal, a shocking betrayal, or a shift in goals that puts them at odds with the heroes. The result is a noticeable swing in fandom discussions, merchandise trends, and even how later adaptations frame their roles. Here are characters whose arcs took them from widely liked to widely disliked, with each series and its studio noted along the way.

Light Yagami

In the Madhouse adaptation of ‘Death Note’, Light begins as a top student using the notebook to target criminals. His methods escalate with strategic killings and calculated manipulation of allies and family. Key moments include his deception of the task force and his use of Misa and others as tools to evade capture. Public perception shifted as the investigation closed in and his actions exposed the cost of his plan.

Griffith

The early ‘Berserk’ anime by OLM presents Griffith as a charismatic leader whose victories lift the Band of the Hawk. The later film projects by Studio 4°C depict choices that overturn alliances and friendships. His pursuit of ambition culminates in decisions that permanently alter the fates of his closest companions. Viewers who once admired his drive reassessed him after those events became clear.

Sasuke Uchiha

Studio Pierrot’s ‘Naruto’ shows Sasuke as a gifted teammate with a clear goal to avenge his clan. His departure from the village and alliances with dangerous mentors mark a turning point. Subsequent confrontations with former friends and attacks on Kage level figures deepen the rift. Audiences who supported his growth saw his path harden with each decision that prioritized revenge over bonds.

Eren Yeager

Wit Studio and later MAPPA adapt ‘Attack on Titan’ as Eren shifts from determined recruit to a figure acting on global stakes. His choices expand the conflict beyond the walls and involve tactics that harm civilians. Relationships with friends strain as plans are kept secret and objectives become uncompromising. The final phases of his strategy pushed many viewers to reevaluate earlier sympathy.

Gabi Braun

In ‘Attack on Titan’ by Wit Studio and MAPPA, Gabi is introduced as a skilled warrior candidate shaped by strict training. Her actions inside the walls create consequences that ripple through the cast. Encounters with people outside her homeland confront her beliefs and fuel heated debates in the audience. The contrast between her youth and the impact of her decisions drove the backlash.

Sōsuke Aizen

Studio Pierrot’s ‘Bleach’ initially frames Aizen as a calm and respected captain. The reveal of his long running scheme reshapes earlier events and exposes manipulations across multiple divisions. His use of the Hogyoku and control over perceptions show planning far beyond what allies expected. Fans who trusted his role within Soul Society saw a complete reversal of that image.

Isabella

CloverWorks brings ‘The Promised Neverland’ to life with Isabella managing daily life at Grace Field House. Early scenes show her as caring and attentive to the children’s needs. The discovery of the home’s true purpose and her part in its system turns that care into a chilling strategy. Her measured actions and quiet surveillance recast her as an antagonist within the same familiar setting.

Suzaku Kururugi

Sunrise presents ‘Code Geass’ with Suzaku as an idealistic soldier intent on change from within. His decisions place him against former friends while he upholds the system he believes he can reform. Critical choices during major operations result in civilian harm and complex political outcomes. The gap between his ideals and the fallout of his actions fueled a sharp shift in audience sentiment.

Kyubey

Shaft’s ‘Puella Magi Madoka Magica’ introduces Kyubey as a helpful guide offering contracts to hopeful girls. The rules behind those contracts are revealed gradually and redefine every earlier promise. Kyubey’s detached approach treats life altering consequences as standard procedure. Viewers who found the mascot charming early on reacted to the cold logic driving the system.

Neferpitou

Madhouse adapts ‘Hunter x Hunter’ with Neferpitou appearing playful and curious during first encounters. Later confrontations display overwhelming strength and unwavering loyalty to the King. The outcome of the clash with Kite and the hospital scene with Komugi solidify a harsher image. Audiences shifted when the character’s kindness toward one figure contrasted with ruthlessness toward others.

Minoru Mineta

Bones animates ‘My Hero Academia’ with Class 1 A balancing training, internships, and combat exams. Mineta enters as comic relief whose behavior often disrupts lessons and missions. Incidents during training arcs and public events draw criticism inside and outside the story. Over time the jokes are overshadowed by actions that many characters and viewers find inappropriate.

Canute

Wit Studio and later MAPPA chart Canute’s rise in ‘Vinland Saga’ from sheltered prince to calculating ruler. Experiences on the battlefield transform his approach to power and faith. Policies adopted after key losses prioritize stability through uncompromising control. The contrast between his gentle introduction and iron willed leadership prompted a marked change in audience response.

Suguru Geto

MAPPA’s ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ depicts Geto as a former friend whose ideology diverges after events shown in the past arc. His objectives place non sorcerers at risk and set up large scale conflicts. Public incidents tied to his group challenge the safety of students and civilians alike. The reveal of his path from classmate to enemy reframes early camaraderie.

Seryu Ubiquitous

White Fox animates ‘Akame ga Kill’ with Seryu presented as a dedicated law enforcer. Her belief in absolute justice leads to extreme measures during encounters with the Night Raid. The use of lethal tactics and a living weapon blurs the line between order and cruelty. Viewers who first saw her diligence later focused on the severity of her methods.

Rachel

Telecom Animation Film adapts ‘Tower of God’ with Rachel starting as a quiet figure close to Bam. Her choices during key tests undermine trust and redirect the course of the climb. Later revelations connect her to plans that endanger allies who once supported her. Those turns shifted audience attitudes as earlier sympathy gave way to criticism of her motives.

Share which character turn shocked you the most in the comments.