Top 20 Anime Characters of the Century (So Far)

From world saving heroes to schemers who changed the game, these anime characters shaped how the medium looks and feels in the 2000s and 2010s and beyond. They drove massive global fandoms, sparked countless trends, and anchored series that new viewers still use as entry points today. Here are the standouts who defined the era across shonen epics, smart thrillers, and heartfelt dramas. Each entry notes the series they power and the studio that brought their stories to life on screen.

Monkey D. Luffy

The rubber limbed captain of the Straw Hat Pirates centers ‘One Piece’ with a quest for the treasure and a declared goal to become Pirate King. The anime adaptation from Toei Animation tracks his journey across major seas, wars, and alliances. His Devil Fruit power stretches combat into creative set pieces and forms that escalate through the saga. Key arcs chart his crew building, a dramatic rescue, and confrontations with emperors.

Naruto Uzumaki

The orphaned ninja at the heart of ‘Naruto’ and ‘Naruto: Shippuden’ pursues recognition and the title of Hokage. Studio Pierrot carries his story from academy days to large scale conflicts that involve tailed beasts and ancient clans. The narrative follows grueling training, mentor relationships, and rivalries that define his growth. Major battles showcase evolving techniques and teamwork within the village.

Eren Yeager

The central figure of ‘Attack on Titan’ begins as a defender against human eating Titans and moves through shifting roles as the truth of his world unfolds. Wit Studio launched the adaptation and MAPPA later continued the final arcs. The story tracks his transformations, inheritance of powers, and the complex politics of walled society and the outside world. Key episodes reveal hidden histories and set up far reaching military campaigns.

Tanjiro Kamado

The demon slayer from ‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba’ starts with a family tragedy and a mission to find a cure for his sister. Ufotable adapts his training and missions with a focus on sword forms and breathing techniques. The journey takes him through exams, elite task forces, and memorable battles against upper rank demons. The series builds through distinct arcs that expand the corps and its hierarchy.

Saitama

The bald hero of ‘One Punch Man’ defeats threats with a single strike while searching for a challenge that matches his strength. The first season by Madhouse established the world of pro heroes and a monster association, followed by a second season from J.C.STAFF. Episodes profile ranking systems, hero licensing, and tournament structures. The narrative explores city wide crises and the bureaucracy around superhero work.

Light Yagami

The top student in ‘Death Note’ acquires a notebook that kills anyone whose name is written in it and then tests the limits of anonymity and control. Madhouse adapts the mind games between Light and the task force that hunts him. The series details investigative tactics, surveillance, and rules governing the notebook. Shifts in ownership and identity create new stakes across major case phases.

Lelouch Lamperouge

The exiled prince in ‘Code Geass’ gains a power to command and uses it to reshape a nation under occupation. Sunrise animates the blend of high school cover life, mecha warfare, and political rebellion. The plot follows a masked persona, armed uprisings, and complex alliances. Strategic battles rely on specialized Knightmare Frames and fast shifting fronts.

Edward Elric

The State Alchemist of ‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’ pursues a way to restore his and his brother’s bodies after a failed ritual. Bones adapts the complete manga storyline with a focus on research, military structures, and alchemical laws. The journey maps out a countrywide conspiracy, homunculi, and a history of conflict that ties to the national identity. Notable arcs involve exams, classified labs, and cross border intrigue.

Ichigo Kurosaki

The substitute Soul Reaper in ‘Bleach’ gains abilities that pull him into battles across spirit realms. Studio Pierrot adapts missions in the human world, rescues in fortified cities, and clashes with organized enemy factions. Power progressions introduce new forms, swords, and training grounds. Storylines cover stealth squads, captains, and the politics of multiple planes of existence.

Izuku Midoriya

The aspiring hero in ‘My Hero Academia’ inherits a power and learns to manage it within a competitive school system. Bones animates classroom drills, internships, and pro hero agencies that operate under public scrutiny. The plot follows league threats, provisional licensing, and public safety law. Each term introduces festivals, work studies, and joint training that build toward larger crises.

Gojo Satoru

The teacher in ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ anchors his school’s front line against curses with rare techniques and domain mastery. MAPPA brings to screen modern exorcist organizations and a hierarchy that governs sorcerers. Episodes detail special grade threats, mission assignments, and interschool events. Flashbacks add context for faculty rivalries and long running disputes.

Loid Forger

The spy in ‘Spy x Family’ builds a fake family to complete an undercover mission that requires school access and diplomatic stability. Wit Studio and CloverWorks co produce the adaptation, blending agency protocols with domestic cover life. The story tracks admissions exams, encrypted communications, and staged public appearances. Operations intertwine with academic events and security checkpoints.

Anya Forger

The telepathic child in ‘Spy x Family’ becomes the key to unlocking her father’s operation while trying to keep her ability secret. Wit Studio and CloverWorks depict school rankings, house points, and social hurdles. Episodes focus on entrance trials, classroom challenges, and elite gatherings. Her role links diplomatic aims with everyday activities that drive the mission forward.

Ken Kaneki

The student in ‘Tokyo Ghoul’ survives an incident that alters his physiology and places him between human law and ghoul society. Studio Pierrot adapts the café network, investigators, and territorial groups that shape the city. The series covers training to control hunger, mask crafting, and raids led by a specialized bureau. Shifts in allegiance and identity fuel conflicts across districts.

Rimuru Tempest

The reincarnated leader in ‘That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime’ builds a nation from scratch by negotiating with diverse races and powers. Eight Bit animates city planning, alliances, and defense treaties. The narrative follows resource management, monster classification, and evolving government structures. Major arcs feature diplomatic summits and wars that reshape borders.

Boji

The young prince in ‘Ranking of Kings’ trains to overcome physical limitations while navigating court politics. Wit Studio brings a fairy tale world with sign language, shadow companions, and rival factions to life. The story examines succession, bodyguard oaths, and secret passages that hide vital artifacts. Trials test leadership under competing mentors and royal expectations.

Violet Evergarden

The former soldier in ‘Violet Evergarden’ learns civilian life through work as an Auto Memory Doll who writes letters for clients. Kyoto Animation presents a postwar setting with travel assignments and strict postal protocols. Episodes explore commissions, dictation techniques, and the business of ghostwriting. Her routes uncover lost correspondence and records that reconnect families.

Senku Ishigami

The scientist in ‘Dr. Stone’ sets out to rebuild civilization using step by step engineering in a world turned to stone. TMS Entertainment adapts detailed projects that include glassmaking, power generation, and communication. The series catalogs materials, supply chains, and field labs that enable each breakthrough. Alliances form to protect research sites and scale production.

Gon Freecss

The trainee in ‘Hunter x Hunter’ pursues the Hunter License and searches for his father through examinations and battles that require strategy. Madhouse animates multi stage trials, contracts, and the Nen system with its categories and conditions. The narrative covers guild rules, specialist roles, and long form arcs that switch genres. Team ups and rivalries grow through tournaments, raids, and expeditions.

Nezuko Kamado

The demon sister in ‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba’ travels in a protective box by day and fights alongside her brother at night. Ufotable illustrates her blood demon art and restrictions that shape mission tactics. The story details rules set by the corps, medical research, and rankings among enemies. Key confrontations tie to investigations that trace the origins of transformations.

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