10 Incredibly Popular Anime Characters Who Became Bigger Than Their Series

by

Anime, like all forms of storytelling, really shines when it features compelling characters. While impressive action and animation can be exciting, they aren’t enough to keep viewers engaged if they don’t also care about the people – or characters – at the heart of the story. Ultimately, strong characters are what make a show truly memorable.

I’ve noticed that the truly great anime always seem to hinge on compelling characters. Some of them become so beloved, they actually break out of the anime world and become recognizable figures in popular culture. There are a few characters in particular who really stand out – they feel like the most popular anime characters ever, and it’s hard to imagine anyone else taking their place.

10) Haruhi Suzumiya (The Melancholy Of Haruhi Suzumiya)

Haruhi Suzumiya is a central character in the anime The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. She’s a quirky girl who starts a club to search for supernatural phenomena, not realizing that many of her friends are the supernatural beings she’s looking for. They’ve gathered to keep an eye on Haruhi and her incredible, almost god-like abilities.

I remember when The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya was everywhere – it felt like the most popular anime on the planet. A lot of that, I think, came down to Haruhi herself. She was just so much fun to watch, and she had a really cute design. People loved her so much, in fact, that a playful ‘religion’ called ‘Haruhiism’ actually popped up! That really shows how big of a cultural icon she was back then.

9) Himmel (Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End)

Himmel is a key character in the anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, celebrated as the hero who defeated the Demon King. Though he lived a long life and died of old age, his passing sparked Frieren’s journey to better understand humanity, ultimately setting the story in motion.

Despite dying early in Frieren, Himmel is a surprisingly well-developed and beloved character, becoming just as popular as the main heroes. In Japan, a popular meme involves people saying they’re doing something good ‘because that’s what Himmel would do,’ which really shows how much of an impact he’s had.

8) Usagi Tsukino (Sailor Moon)

Usagi Tsukino is the main character in the anime Sailor Moon. When monsters begin attacking her city, she gains the ability to transform into Sailor Moon. Soon, she discovers other magical warriors like herself, and together they fight continuously against evil forces.

Sailor Moon was a huge anime hit in the 1990s, largely thanks to its main character, Usagi, who was both fun and easy to connect with. Viewers loved watching her grow, both in her friendships and as a person. Even thirty years later, Sailor Moon remains a popular reference point in anime and beyond, and that’s a testament to Usagi’s enduring appeal.

7) Tanjiro Kamado (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba)

Tanjiro Kamado is the protagonist of the anime Demon Slayer. When demons tragically kill his family and transform his sister, Nezuko, into one of them, Tanjiro dedicates himself to the Demon Slayer Corps. He strives to find a cure for Nezuko and eliminate all demons, bringing peace to the world.

Demon Slayer has become the most popular anime of the last ten years, largely because its main character, Tanjiro, is so well-loved. He’s strong and never gives up, but what really makes him special is his incredible kindness and ability to understand others. In fact, many Japanese students say they admire Tanjiro more than anyone else, which shows just how much of an impact he’s had.

6) Anpanman (Soreike! Anpanman)

Anpanman is the main character of the popular animated series Soreike! Anpanman. He’s a superhero whose head is actually a sweet bean-filled bun, and he dedicates himself to fighting evil and protecting people. His biggest enemy is Baikinman, a germ-like alien who constantly tries to cause trouble.

Anpanman is a beloved character in Japan, known for his charming appearance and the entertaining stories he’s featured in. He’s incredibly popular, with tons of merchandise available, and even served as inspiration for the character Saitama in One-Punch Man. While not as well-known internationally, Anpanman has undeniably left a significant mark on Japanese culture.

5) Astro Boy (Astro Boy)

Astro Boy is the main character in Osamu Tezuka’s comic, Astro Boy. He was originally built by Dr. Tenma as a robotic replacement for his deceased son, but after being abandoned, Astro found a new family and friends. Now, he spends his time protecting them and the world from danger.

Astro Boy was a huge hit as an exciting superhero, and its success helped launch anime into the mainstream, where it gradually became a major part of global culture. Osamu Tezuka is considered the father of manga, and Astro Boy was key to establishing his reputation.

4) Char Aznable (Mobile Suit Gundam)

Char Aznable is a central villain in the Mobile Suit Gundam series and its many related stories. He’s Zeon’s most skilled pilot and a key fighter during the One Year War. However, Char operates with his own goals, which often lead to conflicts with both Zeon and Amuro Ray, the pilot of the Earth Federation’s Gundam.

Char is a hugely popular and influential character, not just in the Gundam series, but across all of mecha anime. He’s known for his exciting battles, compelling personality, and surprisingly complex character. For over 45 years, nearly every Gundam show has featured a character inspired by him, and that trend is likely to continue for a long time.

3) Doraemon (Doraemon)

Doraemon is the main character in the animated series of the same name. Nobita Nobi is a young boy who is predicted to have a difficult life, which would negatively impact his future family. To prevent this, Nobita’s great-great-grandson sends Doraemon, a robotic cat, back in time to help improve Nobita’s life, though things don’t always go as planned.

With its simple, heartwarming story and charming character design, Doraemon has long been a beloved part of Japanese culture, even becoming a symbol of the country. It’s rare to find an anime or manga that doesn’t nod to Doraemon at some point, which is a testament to its enduring popularity.

2) Monkey D. Luffy (One Piece)

Monkey D. Luffy is the central character in the anime series One Piece. He’s a pirate who sails the seas in search of the famous treasure known as the One Piece, hoping to become the Pirate King. Though he starts as a somewhat clumsy beginner with a rubbery body, Luffy steadily develops the skills and strength to make him a serious contender.

With One Piece becoming a massive anime success, its main character, Luffy, has also become incredibly popular. People around the world love his energetic personality and exciting fighting style. Both Luffy and One Piece are now synonymous with shonen anime, and they’re likely to remain that way for a long time.

1) Son Goku (Dragon Ball)

Son Goku is the main character in the popular anime series Dragon Ball and its sequels. Initially presented as a peculiar boy with a monkey tail who loves to fight, Goku later discovers he’s actually an alien warrior from a race called the Saiyans. From that point on, his battles become progressively more epic in scope.

Watching anime, it’s clear that Dragon Ball is a true giant – one of the most impactful series ever made. Goku, as a result, has become a real cultural icon. You see his influence everywhere, in so many later heroes who are strong, a little naive, but always good at heart. Honestly, modern anime wouldn’t be what it is today without Dragon Ball and Goku, which is why I think it’s safe to say he’s the most popular anime character of all time.

https://comicbook.com/anime/news/best-anime-of-all-time-myanimelist/embed/#

Read More

2025-10-22 20:11