10 Smartest Anime Characters: Light, Armin Arlert, and More

Some intelligent characters are masters of strategy, whereas more street-smart characters are better at thinking on their feet. Nicole Antonio / DALL-E

Who are the smartest anime characters of all time? From manipulating entire worlds to solving mysteries no one else could crack, these characters push the limits of what brains can do in anime history.

Each one shows incredible intelligence in their own right, often staying ten steps ahead of other characters. Here’s a countdown of 10 anime geniuses who leave fans speechless with every move.

Contents

Light Yagami ('Death Note')
L Lawliet ('Death Note')
Lelouch vi Britannia ('Code Geass')
Senku Ishigami ('Dr. Stone')
Conan Edogawa ('Detective Conan')
Shikamaru Nara ('Naruto')
Sora ('No Game No Life')
Koro-sensei ('Assassination Classroom')
Ray ('The Promised Neverland')
Armin Arlert ('Attack on Titan')

1. Light Yagami ('Death Note')

Yagami Light, the high schooler who discovers a deadly notebook, is arguably anime’s most infamous genius. Over a short period, he transforms from student to global threat, manipulating friends, enemies, and the media.

His moral descent raises the question: Is he a master strategist or just playing God?

2. L Lawliet ('Death Note')

Known only as L, this barefoot detective is Light’s only equal. His unconventional methods and razor-sharp deductions make him one of the most clever and enigmatic characters in anime.

The cat-and-mouse game between L and Light is the core of the "Death Note" series.

3. Lelouch vi Britannia ('Code Geass')

Lelouch uses the ability of Geass to control others, but his real weapon is his mind. He plays military leaders like chess pieces and challenges entire nations with sheer wit.

His plan to save the world comes at a massive cost, but his strategy is nearly flawless.

4. Senku Ishigami ('Dr. Stone')

After the world is petrified for thousands of years, Senku awakens with one mission: to rebuild civilization.

A science genius with encyclopedic knowledge, he outsmarts nature itself using chemistry, physics, and logic.

5. Conan Edogawa ('Detective Conan')

A child only in appearance, Conan is the alias of a shrunken teenage detective. He’s solved hundreds of cases, often while keeping his true identity hidden. His skills in deduction, disguise, and observation are unmatched.

6. Shikamaru Nara ('Naruto')

He might seem lazy, but Shikamaru is a tactical genius. Whether it’s battlefield strategy or problem-solving, he’s always the one with the plan. Even the enemy admits he’s the smartest person in the room.

7. Sora ('No Game No Life')

Half of a sibling duo, Sora dominates games through logic and reading his opponents. Whether he's bluffing, planning, or predicting, his mental agility lets him win in a world where games often carry life-or-death stakes.

8. Koro-sensei ('Assassination Classroom')

In a classroom where students are asked to kill their teacher, Koro-sensei becomes the best mentor they could ask for. Despite the setup, he uses emotional intelligence, psychology, and foresight to help each student grow.

9. Ray ('The Promised Neverland')

With a mysterious past and keen mind, Ray uncovers dark truths faster than his peers. His calm demeanor masks a torrent of calculations aimed at escape and survival.

10. Armin Arlert ('Attack on Titan')

He’s not the strongest fighter, but Armin’s intelligence changes battles. His strategic insight often turns hopeless situations into victories. Though overlooked at the beginning, he earns his place among anime’s smartest through grit and planning.

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