10 Essential Anime Characters Every Fan Should Know

If none of these faces look familiar, can you even call yourself an anime fan? Nicole Antonio / DALL-E

Some anime characters are so iconic, they transcend the screen and become part of pop culture history. From gravity-defying battles to tearjerking personal journeys, anime has delivered heroes and villains who live in fans' heads for decades.

And let's be honest: To their fans, anime characters aren't just animations on a screen. They're full-blown personalities with dreams, flaws and motivations that can sometimes feel as real as your own.

From the moment a young boy sets off on a quest or a group of friends takes on world-ending demons, these characters embody the highs and lows of life in anime's most vivid stories. If you're an anime fan, chances are you've laughed, cried and screamed at your screen because of at least one of the names on this list.

Contents

Monkey D. Luffy ('One Piece')
Goku ('Dragon Ball' Franchise)
Usagi Tsukino ('Sailor Moon' Franchise)
Light Yagami ('Death Note')
Edward Elric ('Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood')
Naruto Uzumaki ('Naruto' Franchise)
Tanjiro Kamado ('Demon Slayer')
Spike Spiegel ('Cowboy Bebop')
Jotaro Kujo ('JoJo's Bizarre Adventure')
Gon Freecss ('Hunter x Hunter')

1. Monkey D. Luffy ('One Piece')

This rubber-powered pirate is more than just the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates. Luffy is the embodiment of freedom, friendship and fun. Over its decades-long run, "One Piece" has made Luffy the heart of its epic tale.

With Toei Animation steering the ship, the series mixes wacky comedy with raw emotion and jaw-dropping battles. Luffy's loyalty and refusal to back down make him one of the most lovable protagonists in anime history.

2. Goku ('Dragon Ball' Franchise)

You can't talk about massively popular anime heroes without Goku; he's the blueprint. This Saiyan warrior redefined what it means to fight for your friends and the planet. With every transformation and battle, Goku pushed the boundaries of strength and perseverance.

"Dragon Ball," a pillar of anime and manga, helped define the genre's global appeal. Goku's balance of goofy charm and fierce loyalty have made him a fan favorite worldwide.

3. Usagi Tsukino ('Sailor Moon' Franchise)

Usagi Tsukino, aka Sailor Moon, isn’t just a schoolgirl with a magical compact; she’s a symbol of love, justice and girl power.

As a cornerstone of anime's global boom in the '90s, her story fused school life, romance and monster-fighting into one sparkly package. Her emotional growth and dedication to her friends resonated deeply, turning her into a favorite anime character for generations.

4. Light Yagami ('Death Note')

Not every great character is a hero. Light Yagami flipped the script with his descent into villainy. This high school genius discovered a notebook that kills anyone whose name is written in it — and tried to become a god.

"Death Note," produced by Madhouse, is a master class in psychological warfare and moral ambiguity. Light's sharp intellect and charisma make him a compelling (if chilling) character to watch.

5. Edward Elric ('Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood')

Edward Elric’s journey is rooted in tragedy, science and redemption. As the youngest State Alchemist in history, he attempts to bring his mother back to life and pays a terrible price. What follows is a richly layered story about loss, family and the humanity found in striving for something better.

His iconic red coat and automail arm have become lasting symbols of anime's ability to blend emotional depth with thrilling action.

6. Naruto Uzumaki ('Naruto' Franchise)

Loud, determined and always underestimated, Naruto's evolution from lonely outcast to respected Hokage is the definition of character growth. Like many of the best anime characters, his story is grounded in perseverance and connection, and it struck a chord with fans around the world.

"Naruto" blended humor, heart and fighting prowess to create a character who remains an inspiration to anyone who's ever been told they can't.

7. Tanjiro Kamado ('Demon Slayer')

Tanjiro’s mission is simple: to save his sister and defeat the demons who destroyed their family. What sets him apart is his unwavering kindness — even toward his enemies.

"Demon Slayer," produced by Ufotable, set a new standard for visual storytelling. Tanjiro’s emotional depth, swords and sense of purpose made him an instant hit among modern anime fans.

8. Spike Spiegel ('Cowboy Bebop')

Cool, detached and haunted by his past, Spike embodies noir in space. "Cowboy Bebop," a classic from Sunrise, merged science fiction, jazz, comedy and gritty action in a way that no anime had before.

Spike’s laid-back demeanor, philosophical detachment and deadly skills made him the perfect image of cross-cultural influence that has come to define some of the best anime characters.

9. Jotaro Kujo ('JoJo's Bizarre Adventure')

Jotaro Kujo isn’t just any anime protagonist. He’s a walking meme machine with a Stand that stops time. "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure," produced by David Production, is based on the mega-hit of fantasy manga known for its larger-than-life characters, flashy fashion and wild storytelling.

While he didn't appear until the series' third story arc, Jotaro’s stoic attitude and immense power have earned him a permanent spot in the anime fan canon.

10. Gon Freecss ('Hunter x Hunter')

At first glance, Gon is your classic energetic boy on a quest. But peel back the layers of his persona and you’ll find a deeply complex character shaped by abandonment, friendship and the battle between light and darkness.

"Hunter x Hunter" explores what it means to grow up in a world where morality isn't black and white. Gon’s emotional arc and raw determination made him a defining figure in anime history.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.