The Most Iconic Anime Character, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the anime character you think is the most iconic!

Updated on Apr 20, 2024 08:26

Anime has been a cornerstone of global entertainment, capturing the hearts of millions with its unique characters and storytellings. These characters often leave lasting impressions, defining entire generations. Deciding who stands out the most can lead to exciting discussions among fans, bringing various perspectives to light. By participating in the voting process on our site, fans have the opportunity to voice their opinions and see how their favorite characters stack up against others. This dynamic ranking adjusts as more votes come in, giving a real-time view of which characters are resonating the most with audiences today. This engagement not only makes the experience interactive but also continues to shape the community’s favorites.

Who Is the Most Iconic Anime Character?

1

25
votes

Goku (Dragon Ball)

Goku is arguably the most iconic anime character of all time. He has been the face of the Dragon Ball franchise since the 1980s and is beloved by fans all over the world. He is known for his incredible strength, kind heart, and infectious enthusiasm.
2

23
votes

Pikachu (Pokemon)

Pikachu is the mascot of the Pokemon franchise and has become one of the most recognizable anime characters in the world. His cute and cuddly appearance has made him a hit with children and adults alike.
3

17
votes

Michael Mol · CC BY 2.0

Naruto Uzumaki (Naruto)

Naruto is the protagonist of the Naruto series and has become one of the most popular anime characters of all time. He is known for his determination, loyalty, and unyielding spirit.
4

16
votes

Monkey D. Luffy (One Piece)

Luffy is the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates and the main character of the One Piece series. He is known for his carefree attitude, love for adventure, and incredible strength.
5

18
votes

Sailor Moon (Sailor Moon)

Sailor Moon is the main character of the Sailor Moon series and has become one of the most iconic anime characters of all time. She is known for her bravery, kindness, and love for her friends.
6

6
votes
ceasol · CC BY-SA 2.0

Light Yagami (Death Note)

Light Yagami is the main character of the Death Note series and has become one of the most popular anime characters of all time. He is known for his intelligence, cunning, and desire for justice.
Light Yagami (Death Note) in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most iconic villain in anime
7

10
votes

Piotrus · CC BY-SA 3.0

Edward Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist)

Edward Elric is the main character of the Fullmetal Alchemist series and has become one of the most beloved anime characters of all time. He is known for his determination, intelligence, and love for his brother.
8

7
votes

Spike Spiegel (Cowboy Bebop)

Spike Spiegel is the main character of the Cowboy Bebop series and has become one of the most iconic anime characters of all time. He is known for his cool demeanor, incredible fighting skills, and love for jazz music.
9

4
votes

玄史生 · CC0

Ichigo Kurosaki (Bleach)

Ichigo Kurosaki is the main character of the Bleach series and has become one of the most popular anime characters of all time. He is known for his bravery, determination, and incredible strength.
10

3
votes

Vegeta (Dragon Ball)

Vegeta is a fan-favorite character from the Dragon Ball series and has become one of the most iconic anime characters of all time. He is known for his pride, strength, and complex personality.

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Ranking factors for iconic anime character

Popularity and Cultural Impact

Consider the character's overall popularity and the impact they have had on the anime industry and popular culture. Are they widely recognized and beloved by both anime fans and non-fans alike? Have they become an integral part of the anime fandom?
Longevity and Endurance

How long has the character been around? Have they stood the test of time and remained relevant? Characters that have maintained their popularity and significance over the years can be seen as more iconic.
Character Design and Visual Recognition

Is the character visually distinctive and instantly recognizable? Their appearance and design can play a significant role in their iconic status, as it allows fans to easily identify and associate them with their respective series.
Personality and Character Development

Evaluate the uniqueness and depth of the character's personality, as well as their growth and development throughout their respective anime. Memorable character traits, catchphrases, or quirks can also contribute to their iconic status.
Memorable Moments and Impactful Scenes

Consider the character's involvement in memorable moments or scenes that have left a lasting impression on viewers. These scenes can define the character and elevate their iconic status.
Legacy and Influence

Assess the character's impact beyond their own series. Have they inspired other characters or influenced the creation of similar characters in other anime? Characters that have left a lasting legacy and influenced the medium can be considered more iconic.
Overall Contribution to the Anime Genre

Evaluate the character's significance and contribution to the anime genre as a whole. Have they helped shape and define the industry, or do they represent a specific era or trend in anime?

About this ranking

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

Statistics

1448 views
127 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

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

More information on most iconic anime character

Anime has become a worldwide phenomenon, captivating audiences of all ages with its unique storytelling, stunning visuals, and unforgettable characters. One of the most interesting aspects of anime is the way it creates iconic characters that remain popular long after the show has ended. Whether it's the spiky-haired protagonist of a shonen series or the mysterious anti-hero of a dark fantasy, anime has produced countless iconic characters that have captured the hearts and imaginations of fans around the world. In this article, we will explore the question of who is the most iconic anime character, examining the traits that make certain characters stand out and the reasons why they have become so beloved by fans. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to dive into the world of anime and its most beloved characters!