10 Anime Villains Who Are Surprisingly Relatable

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Anime villains are incredibly diverse. Some are purely malicious, delighting in destruction, while others are surprisingly sympathetic and make you question their motives. Then there are those villains who feel disturbingly familiar – characters with heartbreaking pasts or ambitious plans to improve the world, even if they go about it in drastic ways.

It’s strange – you disapprove of their actions, yet you get why they’re doing what they do. You might even find yourself secretly hoping they succeed, despite knowing they’re the villain. That complexity is what makes them so compelling.

10. Meruem (Hunter x Hunter)

Initially, Meruem is a cold and merciless leader who sees humans as insignificant. But as he spends time with Komugi, a kind and unassuming blind girl, a different side of him emerges. Their connection makes him more human, leading the audience to wonder if he’s truly a villain or simply a being shaped by his origins. He’s a complicated character because he’s torn between his natural instincts and the new feelings he’s developing. He questions his own purpose and whether his actions are right, which reflects the universal struggle to understand who we are and where we belong.

9. Zeke Yeager (Attack on Titan)

Zeke Yeager’s behavior as the Beast Titan is deeply disturbing, but it comes from a very sad past. He grew up in a world filled with hardship and was controlled by his parents, eventually turning against them. This led him to believe that the only way to help his people was to end their suffering completely. His warped thinking and emotional pain show how difficult it can be to do what’s right when the world around you is so broken.

8. Pain/Nagato (Naruto: Shippuden)

Nagato, known as Pain, is a character deeply marked by the horrors of war. After losing his loved ones to conflict, he comes to believe that true peace can only be found if everyone experiences pain. While his methods are brutal, many understand his desire to break the cycle of violence, even if they don’t agree with how he goes about it.

7. King Bradley (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)

King Bradley, also known as Wrath, is a fascinating villain. He secretly isn’t fully human, but a homunculus disguised as a king, and he works to further the homunculi’s plans. Though he usually appears cold and ruthless, Bradley sometimes reveals surprising moments of self-reflection. He wonders if he ever truly had free will, since he was created for a specific purpose, and if his choices reflect what he actually wants. These glimpses of his humanity make it difficult to view him as simply evil.

6. Stain (My Hero Academia)

Stain is a villain who follows a strict moral code, only attacking those he believes don’t deserve the title of ‘hero.’ He hates how heroism has become about money and fame, believing true heroes should be selfless. His criticism of a flawed system appeals to people who see dishonesty in those with power. While his methods are extreme, many viewers connect with his strong desire for honesty and fairness.

5. Griffith (Berserk)

Griffith is a captivating yet frightening character, driven by a powerful ambition and a magnetic personality. He’s willing to do anything – even betray his friends – to achieve his dream of building a kingdom. Though his actions are reprehensible, his early hardships and dedication make him strangely understandable. His rise from a common background to almost god-like power shows just how far people will go to realize their goals.

4. Shogo Makishima (Psycho-Pass)

Shogo Makishima challenges the Sybil System, a controlling force that maintains order by stopping crimes before they happen. Though his actions are often brutal, he raises important questions about a society willing to give up freedom for the sake of feeling safe. Makishima is a compelling character because he refuses to simply follow the crowd and deeply values real human connection. He embodies the fight against controlling powers and the desire to be an individual in a world that cares more about getting things done than about people.

3. Reiner Braun (Attack on Titan)

Reiner Braun is a soldier struggling with a difficult conflict: his loyalty to Marley versus his connections to the people of Paradis Island. Years of guilt and self-doubt have deeply affected him, making him a surprisingly relatable character. He wants to protect those he cares about, but he’s haunted by the things he’s done, a struggle many people experience when torn between different sides. Despite being an enemy, his vulnerability and remorse make him someone viewers can truly understand and sympathize with.

2. Dio Brando (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure)

Dio Brando is a villain defined by both his harshness and a painful backstory. Growing up in poverty and facing abuse, he craves power and a way to live forever, hoping to leave his difficult past behind. While incredibly determined and clever, making him a dangerous enemy, Dio is also driven by deep-seated insecurities and a need to feel important. Many viewers find him surprisingly relatable because of his constant drive to better himself, even if his methods are destructive. His ambition and refusal to be a victim are inspiring, showcasing a remarkable resilience.

1. Madara Uchiha (Naruto: Shippuden)

Madara Uchiha is a famous and powerful character in anime, often considered one of the greatest villains. He believes a perfect world can be achieved, and this drives his actions. His plan, the Infinite Tsukuyomi, comes from his sadness and frustration with constant war and hardship. Though his methods are harsh, he ultimately wants to end suffering and create peace, even if it means using illusions.

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2026-02-01 20:16