10 Overrated Anime Characters That Fans Secretly Dislike

From humble origins to widespread acclaim, anime characters have managed to strike a chord with their audience or become cherished icons within the genre. Ranging from the eternally cheerful protagonist that fans can’t get enough of, to the ruthless antagonist they find detestable yet endearing, there are unquestionably likable anime characters. However, some anime characters are considered overrated, garnering excessive and seemingly unwarranted popularity. These fan-favorites may seem adored without a clear reason, leaving some in disbelief.

Fans of anime often find themselves engaged in discussions about whether a particular character is excessively popular. It’s simple to point out the obvious flaws in such characters, but there are still some overrated ones that many people hesitate to admit they don’t genuinely appreciate. Regardless of how fervently certain anime characters are praised, there are beloved characters who fail to win over everyone’s affection.

The Satirical Bluntness of One-Punch Man Is Losing Its Appeal

In the world of “One Punch Man,” Saitama contributes significantly to its overall popularity, but it’s hard to grasp why or how he continues to captivate fans despite his strength and lack of emotional depth. While these traits can carry a character a certain distance, they fall short when it comes to creating a truly compelling protagonist. The emotional detachment that Saitama exhibits makes it challenging for some “One Punch Man” enthusiasts to fully appreciate him as a complex character. It’s puzzling how his reputation remains so favorable. So, what exactly is it about Saitama that keeps us rooting for him? Some might say that his understated and modest nature adds an endearing quality to his character, even though he often takes a backseat in his own story.

Instead of having a unique and overused gimmick as One-Punch Man, Saitama lacks depth because there’s limited potential for him to showcase his abilities or increase the difficulties he faces. Essentially, he serves as a satirical portrayal of power fantasies, which prevents him from growing beyond this role.

Arrogance Doesn’t Give a Character Appeal

Light’s self-proclaimed divine authority clouds his judgment, leading him to be overly arrogant throughout the story. His conviction that he is the sole arbiter of right and wrong, resulting in the taking of lives, gives him a hollow sense of superiority. The hypocrisy of his actions does not deserve such leniency from fans, and Death Note enthusiasts should instead demand greater accountability for Light’s moral decline. His corrupt nature, sociopathic tendencies, and absence of regret are signs of a deeply troubled character that should be addressed more seriously.

Despite the fact that some people might find Light a dislikable character, there are those who greatly admire him. It’s even questionable whether his supposed genius is as authentic as the Death Note series suggests it to be. His achievements often seem too carefully planned and lack genuine conviction. The anime presents Light as intelligent, but this intelligence falls short of what one would expect from a truly brilliant mind.

She Exploits Others For Her Own Personal Gain

Makima’s manipulative tendencies are often on display as she boldly takes advantage of the Devil Hunter, showing no regret whatsoever. In fact, Makima is culpable for providing Denji with protection but only at the cost of using him as a tool. Her ability to exploit his weaknesses gives her power over him, and despite questionable grooming-like behaviors, Makima manages to avoid significant consequences in Chainsaw Man. However, her icy demeanor doesn’t diminish the attractiveness she possesses.

It’s possible to say that supporters of Makima persistently portray her in a positive light despite her wicked actions. This is disturbing and morally questionable because Makima doesn’t deserve affection or admiration for her villainy. She represents an outdated character trope that has overstayed its relevance in anime, and the way she manipulates others through charm offers nothing original or intriguing. Furthermore, the predictability of her actions makes her dull and uninteresting to some anime enthusiasts, and any revelation of her “true self” might be perceived as unexciting or one-dimensional by them.

Deku Is Too Underwritten For The Sake Of My Hero Academia

Despite being the beloved “all-round good guy” character in the series, Izuku Midoirya, or Deku, needs more depth to truly meet the high expectations set for him. Although edginess isn’t the sole defining factor and requires a deft touch to execute effectively, incorporating some edgy aspects into his personality could help elevate him from being just another generic character. His frequent emotional outbursts can sometimes create polarizing opinions about his overall character, and despite his self-motivation, his lack of complexity makes him rather dull, leading to a less engaging experience for viewers.

In simpler terms, Deku quickly obtains an extraordinary strength due to inheriting the world’s strongest Quirk. This rapid acquisition of power might make some viewers hesitant to fully embrace him, as he doesn’t completely break away from his underdog image right away. However, his predetermined fate serves as a strong base for the story, although its appeal diminishes slightly as the series “My Hero Academia” progresses.

Naruto’s Namesake Can Only Do So Much For A One-Note Hero

Although Naruto Uzumaki is greatly admired and widely recognized, it seems his reputation might not be entirely deserved. While he is undeniably a renowned shōnen protagonist and a cultural icon, the enduring love for Naruto can sometimes appear excessively inflated. His limited understanding of the world beyond him and unwavering conviction that friendship has the power to transform anyone make him overly naive at times. Additionally, the rapid escalation of his supernatural powers, which border on deification, may not be fully merited.

In essence, Naruto tends to lean more on his fate and ancestry rather than personal skills, contrary to his self-motivated image as a determined underdog striving independently. Throughout the series, Naruto’s primary motivation becomes repetitive, focusing excessively on seeking recognition, which hinders character development. Although this desire for acknowledgment is relatable to many, Naruto’s character lacks the depth and complexity usually found in main characters.

It’s Hard To Root For This Lusty Anti-Hero

Denji from “Chainsaw Man” can be hard to grasp due to his self-centered, materialistic, and superficial nature. His primary goal seems limited to pursuing a romantic relationship with Makima, or any other woman except Power, which is rather unappealing. This indifference, coupled with the sudden shifts in Denji’s character development, makes it difficult to develop a strong affection for him overall because his identity turmoil doesn’t provoke a warm, nurturing emotional response.

Although Denji displays the casualness typical of a young man, his contentiousness and lack of maturity are far from endearing. It can be challenging to empathize with a character who seems indifferent to being nurtured, particularly when it comes to his treatment of women. However, his flaws cause some fans to question the charm they attribute to him in the popular series Chainsaw Man.

His Naturally Annoying Presence Takes Away From Demon Slayer Altogether

As an observer, I find myself pondering the popularity of Zenitsu Agatsuma in “Demon Slayer.” Despite his role as a comedic secondary protagonist, his frequent crying, screaming, and panicking can sometimes feel grating, particularly during moments of conflict when others are trying to focus. His dramatic antics often detract from the show’s more intense scenes, diluting the emotional impact intended for anime enthusiasts.

In a more conversational style: Instead of finding Zenitsu’s flighty behavior and propensity to run in perilous situations endearing, some viewers might question his appeal. Unlike other Demon Slayers, Zenitsu is significantly limited in combat skills and is considered effective only when he’s unconscious. Additionally, his peculiar relationship with Nezuko Kamado, and even women in general, can make some viewers feel uneasy. His persistent pursuit of marriage proposals doesn’t come across as adorable or quirky but rather as a turnoff for many fans of Demon Slayer, despite their claims to like him.

One Piece Doesn’t Give Nico Much To Do After The Time Skip

Despite being widely regarded as an invaluable member of the Straw Hat Crew in One Piece, some fans remain unconvinced that Nico Robin deserves the level of admiration she receives. While she is indeed stylish and cool, it appears that her fashion sense has a greater impact on the fanbase than her overall significance within the storyline. Post-time skip, Nico’s contributions to the series seem limited compared to the more profound character development experienced by her fellow pirates.

In a more relaxed and understandable style: Nico’s tranquil and reserved demeanor creates an emotional barrier, preventing her from forming deep connections with fans or the world of One Piece. Moreover, she seems to lack personal aspirations beyond learning about the true history, which leaves her character somewhat one-dimensional.

That “Intentionally Unlikable” Trope Isn’t Fooling Everyone

In the manga “Chainsaw Man,” simply labeling Power as “chaotic” and “entertaining” isn’t enough to make her a favorite character. Instead, she is portrayed as obnoxious, immature, and excessively self-absorbed with an outsized ego. Her persistent selfishness, along with her constant boasting about her self-proclaimed superiority, can become quite tiring once she’s firmly entrenched in her negative qualities. The audience may find Power’s excessive exaggeration and consistent dishonesty to be grating habits that can grow weary over time.

She lacks emotional depth, and the immature, almost juvenile behavior can be off-putting to some. Moreover, Power seems to take pride in her disarray, making it difficult for many to genuinely care for her character given her fondness for being dirty. Furthermore, Power appears to be a one-dimensional character in Chainsaw Man, as she relies heavily on repetitive jokes and excessive noise to grab attention, but lacks the complexity found in other characters.

Solo Leveling Doesn’t Offer Much More For Jinwoo, Unfortunately

In the world of Solo Leveling, Sung Jinwoo certainly cuts an impressive figure with his effortless style and immense power, but the excitement surrounding just how strong he truly is may eventually reach its peak. The opponents Jinwoo faces don’t seem genuine, and their struggles against him lack a sense of authenticity. Because of Jinwoo’s overwhelming strength, each fight that ensues feels incomplete, as it omits key aspects of the struggle that would make his character development more impactful. Fans of Solo Leveling are already aware that Jinwoo is virtually guaranteed to emerge victorious from every battle he engages in, which leaves little room for suspense or surprise.

Due to his predictable nature, Jinwoo lacks depth and becomes monotonous. His stoicism isn’t appealing, rather it’s evident that he doesn’t exhibit much personality. Moreover, his powers seem to be bestowed upon him effortlessly, playing a significant role in his rise. In essence, Jinwoo is a character who leans more on visual appeal than on meaningful development.

2025-05-29 04:33