5 Anime Villains Who Were Lowkey Right All Along

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Anime villains are rarely just purely evil. While some are truly malicious, many are complex characters driven by painful experiences or a sense of disappointment. Even when their actions are extreme, they often believe they’re trying to improve the world or safeguard the people they love.

While understanding a villain’s motives doesn’t justify their actions, it’s important to remember that even the most evil characters often have understandable reasons for doing what they do. Many are driven by things like a desire for power, personal pain, or a twisted idea of what’s right. While their beliefs may not hold up to close examination, recognizing these vulnerabilities reminds us that the difference between a hero and a villain isn’t always clear-cut.

5. Stain (My Hero Academia)

Stain, also called the Hero Killer, is a compelling villain in My Hero Academia. Though his actions are violent and his views are extreme, he raises important questions about the state of hero society. Stain criticizes the modern hero system, arguing that it’s become focused on profit and self-promotion, and that many heroes have forgotten their original purpose. His rejection of “fake heroes” connects with viewers because we see examples of heroes prioritizing fame and money over genuine heroism. While his methods are brutal, Stain exposes weaknesses in the hero system, prompting characters and the audience alike to consider what true heroism really means.

4. Madara Uchiha (Naruto)

Madara Uchiha, from Naruto, wanted to create a perfect world because of the terrible things he experienced. He saw constant war, deceit, and pain, which led him to believe people couldn’t achieve peace on their own. His answer was the Infinite Tsukuyomi – a powerful illusion that would put everyone in a dream world where they could live happily. Although his plan was controlling and took away people’s freedom, the idea of a world without suffering was understandably attractive. Madara truly believed this was the only way to end the long history of hatred.

3. Lelouch vi Britannia (Code Geass)

Lelouch is a unique character – he can be seen as both the hero and the villain, depending on how you look at it. As the masked rebel known as Zero, he fights against the powerful Britannian Empire, which has taken over many countries, including his native Japan. While Lelouch is determined to achieve his goals, he isn’t afraid to use harsh tactics like deception and making difficult sacrifices. Ultimately, he wants to build a peaceful world for his sister, Nunnally, and others like her. Lelouch believes that lasting change requires difficult choices and even violence, and he intentionally casts himself as the enemy to rally the world against a single target: himself. He reveals the flaws and contradictions within existing systems, forcing everyone to face them. Though his actions are often questionable, his dream of a fair and peaceful world is powerful and makes him a compelling and understandable villain in the world of anime.

2. Meruem (Hunter x Hunter)

Meruem, the King of the Chimera Ants in Hunter x Hunter, is a remarkably complex villain. He starts as a cruel and proud hunter who sees humans as insignificant. But his relationship with Komugi, a blind Gungi champion, changes him deeply. Through her, Meruem learns about love, compassion, and the importance of life. His journey from a cold ruler to a thoughtful and caring being is one of the most powerful character developments in anime. Ultimately, Meruem questions his purpose and right to rule, choosing to spend his last moments with Komugi instead of trying to conquer.

1. Nagato (Naruto)

Pain, also known as Nagato, is often seen as the most understandable villain in the Naruto series. His beliefs stem from the terrible experiences he had as a child growing up in the war-ridden Land of Rain. Seeing constant violence and death led him to believe that the only way to create lasting peace was for everyone to experience suffering. He hoped that by causing immense pain, he could make people understand the horrors of war and stop future conflicts. His famous quote, “Feel pain. Contemplate pain. Accept pain. Those who do not know pain can never know true peace,” perfectly summarizes his thinking – a belief born from hardship and a sincere wish to break the cycle of hatred.

Pain’s attack on the Hidden Leaf Village is incredibly destructive, but it’s also a turning point for Naruto and viewers alike. His battle with Naruto is a particularly impactful scene, pushing Naruto to confront the difficult realities of achieving true peace and justice.

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2025-12-26 20:13