10 Anime Villains You Secretly Agree With
Anime villains often steal the show with their bold plans and twisted logic, making us question where we stand. Some of these antagonists have goals or beliefs that hit close to home, even if their methods are extreme, earning our quiet respect.
This list dives into 10 anime villains whose motivations make you pause and think, ‘I get it.’ From seeking justice to challenging broken systems, their reasons resonate, even if their actions don’t. Here’s why these villains might just have a point.
10. Stain – ‘My Hero Academia’ (2015-)
Stain, the Hero Killer, despises fake superheroes who chase fame over saving lives. Played by Go Inoue, he targets pros he sees as corrupt, aiming to cleanse society.
His brutal methods are hard to stomach, but his call for genuine heroism strikes a chord. In a world obsessed with rankings, Stain’s fight for integrity feels oddly justified.
9. Meruem – ‘Hunter x Hunter’ (2011-2014)
Meruem, voiced by Koki Uchiyama, starts as a ruthless Chimera Ant king bent on domination. His arc shifts as he discovers compassion, questioning his own purpose.
His initial goal of a world where strength rules exposes human flaws, and his growth makes you root for him. Meruem’s journey shows even villains can rethink their path.
8. Pain – ‘Naruto: Shippuden’ (2007-2017)
Pain, led by Nagato (Junpei Morita), wants to end war by forcing the world to feel true suffering. His plan involves catastrophic destruction to achieve peace.
His logic—pain as a unifier—comes from a life scarred by conflict, making it hard to fully dismiss. Pain’s extreme vision for peace mirrors real-world debates on sacrifice.
7. Shogo Makishima – ‘Psycho-Pass’ (2012-2019)
Makishima, voiced by Takahiro Sakurai, fights a system that controls people’s lives through predictive crime scans. He believes in free will, even if it means chaos.
His rebellion against a dystopian government feels righteous, despite his violent tactics. Makishima’s push for autonomy makes you question how much control is too much.
6. Askeladd – ‘Vinland Saga’ (2019-2023)
Askeladd, played by Naoya Uchida, is a cunning Viking leader with a hidden goal to protect his homeland. His brutal exterior masks a deeper purpose.
His willingness to play the villain for a greater cause is compelling. Askeladd’s complex motives make you admire his resolve, even as he wades through blood.
5. Reiner Braun – ‘Attack on Titan’ (2013-2023)
Reiner, voiced by Yoshimasa Hosoya, is a warrior torn between duty and guilt as he infiltrates his enemies. His actions stem from a desire to save his people.
His internal struggle and loyalty to a flawed cause hit hard, especially when you see his pain. Reiner’s choices make you wonder about the cost of survival.
4. Itachi Uchiha – ‘Naruto’ (2002-2007)
Itachi, played by Hideo Ishikawa, seems like a cold-blooded traitor who slaughters his clan. Later, you learn he did it to prevent a larger war, protecting his village.
His sacrifice—becoming a villain for peace—makes him heartbreakingly relatable. Itachi’s story forces you to question how far you’d go for the greater good.
3. Lelouch Lamperouge – ‘Code Geass’ (2006-2008)
Lelouch, voiced by Jun Fukuyama, seeks to overthrow an oppressive empire to free his people. His methods involve manipulation and mass destruction.
His fight against tyranny and dream of a better world feel noble, despite the body count. Lelouch’s charisma and pain make you cheer for his impossible goal.
2. Scar – ‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’ (2009-2010)
Scar, voiced by Kenta Miyake, is an Ishvalan survivor seeking revenge against a military that wiped out his people. His rage fuels a deadly crusade.
His quest for justice, born from genocide, is hard to argue against, even if his violence spirals. Scar’s pain and redemption arc make him deeply sympathetic.
1. Light Yagami – ‘Death Note’ (2006-2007)
Light, played by Mamoru Miyano, uses a supernatural notebook to kill criminals, aiming to create a ‘perfect’ world. His god complex leads to chaos.
His desire to rid the world of evil starts out reasonable, even admirable, until power corrupts him. Light’s fall makes you wonder if his initial intent was so wrong.
Which anime villain’s cause do you secretly vibe with, or did I miss one you’d defend? Drop your thoughts in the comments