The Most Famous Anime Villains, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the anime villains you think is the most famous!

Updated on May 11, 2024 07:00

Anime series often captivate audiences with their complex villains, characters who offer more than mere opposition to the heroes. These antagonists often have rich backstories and profound motivations, making them as remarkable as the protagonists. Identifying which of these villains resonates most with viewers can provide valuable insights into what makes a character compelling in this genre. By participating in the ranking process, you contribute to a broader conversation about these iconic characters. Your votes not only reflect your personal preferences but also help shape a community consensus. Seeing how different villains rank based on community feedback can lead to interesting discoveries and discussions among fans.

Who Are the Most Famous Anime Villains?

1

70
votes

Frieza from Dragon Ball Z

Known for his sadistic nature, Frieza is one of the most iconic anime villains of all time. Wiki
2

17
votes
Light Yagami from Death Note

A brilliant and calculating protagonist turned antagonist, Light Yagami's descent into madness and obsession is a compelling and fascinating story. Wiki
Light Yagami is the main protagonist of the anime series Death Note. He is a high school student who discovers a powerful notebook called the Death Note, which allows him to kill anyone whose name he writes in it. Light becomes intoxicated with his newfound power and sets out on a mission to rid the world of criminals, seeing himself as a kind of god of justice. However, his self-righteous actions soon draw the attention of a brilliant detective known as L, leading to a thrilling game of wits between the two.

Anime series: Death Note (2006-2007)

Manga series: Death Note (2003-2006)

Voiced by: Mamoru Miyano (Japanese), Brad Swaile (English)

Occupation: High school student

Age: 17 (at the start of the series)
Light Yagami from Death Note in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most overrated anime character
- Position 6 of 10 in Most attractive anime boy
3

25
votes

Aizen Sousuke from Bleach

Aizen is a master manipulator and strategist, and his powers make him a formidable foe for the protagonist of Bleach. Wiki
4

23
votes

Orochimaru from Naruto

A former member of the Akatsuki, Orochimaru's ambition and thirst for power make him a formidable and dangerous villain. Wiki
5

14
votes

Johan Liebert from Monster

A disturbing and compelling villain, Johan Liebert is a master manipulator and sociopath who seeks to create chaos and destruction wherever he goes. Wiki
6

11
votes

Griffith from Berserk

The charismatic and enigmatic leader of the Band of the Hawk, Griffith's betrayal and subsequent transformation into a demonic entity make him one of the most memorable anime villains of all time. Wiki
7

10
votes

Madara Uchiha from Naruto

A legendary ninja and former leader of the Uchiha clan, Madara Uchiha is a master strategist and powerful warrior who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. Wiki
8

9
votes

Shishio Makoto from Rurouni Kenshin

A skilled swordsman and former member of the Ishin Shishi, Shishio Makoto seeks to overthrow the Meiji government and create a new era of chaos and violence. Wiki
9

8
votes

Meruem from Hunter x Hunter

The king of the Chimera Ants, Meruem is a powerful and intelligent villain who seeks to conquer and dominate all those around him. Wiki
10

6
votes

Dio Brando from Jojo's Bizarre Adventure

A charismatic and sadistic vampire, Dio Brando seeks to achieve ultimate power and control over the world. Wiki

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Ranking factors for famous anime villains

Impact

How did the villain affect the plot and the characters? Did their actions leave a lasting impression?
Popularity

How well-known is the villain within the anime community? Are they frequently referenced or cosplayed?
Motivation

What drives the villain to commit their evil deeds? Is it revenge, power, or something else?
Personality

How memorable is the villain's personality? Are they charming, creepy, or intimidating?
Abilities

How powerful is the villain? Are their abilities unique or particularly impressive?
Legacy

Has the character become an iconic villain that has influenced future works? Have they been featured in other anime or media?

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous anime villains. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Anime villain is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2099 views
181 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Anime villain once every 24 hours. The rank of each Anime villain is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous anime villains

Anime has given us some of the most iconic villains in popular culture. From the power-hungry and ruthless to the cunning and manipulative, anime villains have captured the hearts and minds of fans all over the world. These villains come in all shapes and sizes, from the supernatural to the all-too-human. They are often complex characters with intricate backstories and motivations that make them all the more fascinating. In this article, we take a look at some of the most famous anime villains of all time and explore what makes them so memorable.