5 Anime Where the Side Characters Are More Interesting Than the Leads

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Great stories usually have both strong main characters and memorable supporting ones, but sometimes the supporting characters end up being more captivating. This doesn’t always mean the main character is weak; even a well-developed lead can be overshadowed when the people around them – friends, teachers, or rivals – have more intricate backgrounds and goals.

We’re often shown only snippets of characters’ stories, which can actually make the side characters more intriguing than sticking solely with the main one. Great protagonists, like Luffy and Naruto, hold our attention no matter what’s happening around them. Complex characters like Eren from Attack on Titan or Thorfinn from Vinland Saga also stand out. But sometimes, the supporting characters are simply so well-developed that they end up being more memorable than the leads, even in otherwise good series.

5) Demon Slayer

Tanjiro, the main character of Demon Slayer, is easy to like and support. He faces hardship with determination, always striving to help others, especially his sister. While this makes him a hopeful presence, it can also make his actions somewhat predictable. Even when he’s at his most upset, Tanjiro always acts with strong morals and integrity – he’s consistently genuine. This isn’t a weakness, but the supporting characters in Demon Slayer often have more surprising depth. Characters like Zenitsu and Inosuke reveal hidden layers, and the Hashira each have complex motivations and beliefs. Because of this, these side characters can be even more engaging to watch, even though audiences still enjoy following Tanjiro’s journey.

4) Jujutsu Kaisen

Itadori is a strong protagonist, but the supporting characters in Jujutsu Kaisen often steal the show – which really highlights how compelling they are. The anime isn’t that Itadori is uninteresting, but rather that the characters around him make a bigger impact. Gojo, for example, is incredibly powerful, charismatic, and has hidden depths. Nobara and Megumi are just as engaging as Itadori, but in their own unique ways, with Megumi’s mysteriousness drawing viewers in. Even the villains are well-developed with diverse personalities and goals. Jujutsu Kaisen is an anime you’ll enjoy for its entire cast, not just the main character.

3) Dragon Ball

Goku is a hugely popular anime hero, and what makes him appealing is his simple, consistently positive personality. However, the Dragon Ball series doesn’t explore his character with much depth. While characters like Vegeta and Piccolo undergo significant development – transforming from villains into allies – and even Gohan shows more noticeable growth, Goku remains relatively unchanged. He’s enjoyable to watch and essential to Dragon Ball, but he doesn’t require a lot of analysis. This is precisely why he’s so lovable, and also why fans often connect more strongly with the supporting characters in the series.

2) The Promised Neverland

Emma from The Promised Neverland is incredibly optimistic, much like Tanjiro, and consistently kind. While this makes her easy to like, it also makes her actions fairly predictable. The supporting characters, Norman and Ray, are more complex and therefore more interesting. They have hidden depths and are willing to make difficult choices to reach their goals, which makes them feel more realistic and relatable than Emma.

1) My Hero Academia

The main character of My Hero Academia, Deku, is a standout hero in modern anime. He embodies classic heroic traits like bravery and determination, but the show also realistically portrays his struggles with emotional control, loss, and setbacks. Deku is a well-developed character, which is one reason My Hero Academia excels. However, the show’s strength truly lies in its entire cast. Characters like All Might, Bakugo, and Todoroki are just as compelling, and often even more so. Bakugo and Todoroki, in particular, are relatable because they have significant flaws and challenges to overcome, making viewers eager to support their journeys alongside Deku’s.

What anime series had supporting characters you found more engaging than the main character? Share your thoughts and discuss it in the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-04-27 03:40