15 Best Anime Villains Of All Time (2023 Ranked)

Top Anime Villains

Since there are tons of anime, finding the best villain is challenging. So, what makes a villain the best of the best? In this post, we have compiled some of the best anime villains of all times. Keep reading to discover who they are…….

When it comes to a great anime, a thrilling villain always raises the standards. The symbolic hero vs. villain scenario is more thrilling with a great villain. Even though you might fall in love with the heroes, great villains make an anime more interesting. There are tons of anime with iconic villains. As an anime enthusiast, you cannot have a favorite hero without a great villain. A thrilling anime serial is often based on a hero, a villain, and a memorable philosophy.

Do you love anime series with unrelenting villains? In this post, we have rounded up some of the best anime villains that took their series to new heights.


1. Griffith

Griffith

  • From: Berserk

Griffith was originally the leader of the “Band of Hawks.” He was humble and well-mannered with a dream to build a peaceful kingdom. However, he was imprisoned and tortured by the King of Midland, which made him sacrifice everyone after being rescued by the Guts. He became the first with “Haou no Tamago,” Five generations of the demon king.

After a certain Last Supper enactment, the good guy personality faded away. He became ruthless, cruel, unforgiving, and merciless. Griffith is a typical example of a good person turned villain. He’s one anime character you’ll love following.


2. Johan Liebert

Johan Liebert

  • From: Monster

Johan Liebert is a terrifying anime villain. He looks well-mannered and compassionate on the outside but, in reality, wants chaos. John grew up seeing many people die, making him the monster. His seemingly flawless nature and favorable traits make it easier for him to make friends and later manipulate them into his bidding. John is a perfect example of nihilism because he has no regard for life.

The worst trait of Johan is that he makes his victims suffer rather than kill them. After passing through immense pain and suffering, the victims eventually kill themselves. If you are an ardent fan of anime serials, the very thought of the name – Johan- should send chills down your spine. He is, by far, one of the best anime villains of all time.


3. Yagami Light

Yagami Light

  • From: Death Note

Growing up in Japan with his family, Light is a hardworking, skilled planner and talented individual. He was highly intelligent and regularly received praises from his adults. That later got the better of him, affecting his personality. After obtaining the notebook, Light became cold, cruel, and ruthless.

He would use all means to reach his goals, even if it meant putting his family in danger. His level of cruelty varies depending on the situation. Light acts without hesitation. This manifests in the manner in which he killed the FBI agent trailing him. Light is a sensational character that will blow your mind.


4. Dio Brando

Dio Brando

  • From: Jojo’s Bizarre

Dio is Jojo’s memorable character because he features in almost all the major tragedies of the series. He is a vampire with a lust for power, which drives him to do everything he can to become the most powerful being. Growing up in miserable conditions and enduring his abusive father, Dio became obsessed with becoming the most powerful and richest being on Earth.

He became manipulative and violent while also disregarding morality in his quest to realize his dreams. He used others to fulfill his insatiable hunger for power and dominion. Whenever you see Dio Brando on your screen, know that something terrible is about to go down.


5. Frieza

Frieza

  • From: Dragon Ball

As the emperor of Universe 7, Frieza was ruthless and misused his power. Even though he handles most situations systematically, Frieza is more brutal than you can imagine. He mocks his foes, makes twisted jokes, and uses dark humor before killing them. What makes him the most feared villain is that he does not deny his brutality.

He is not willing to make amends for his mistakes, as seen when he gets angry at the idea of undoing his cruel deeds. The fear for Frieza stems from his powerful, controlling, and brutal nature. No victim ever escapes his wrath.


6. Meruem

Meruem

  • From: Hunter x Hunter

Meruem was the King of the Chimera Ants who was responsible for countless deaths. Meruem was arrogant, cruel, and violent from birth. At birth, Mereuem forcibly ripped himself out of his sack, causing excruciating pain and severe internal injuries to Queen Ant. Despite that, he did not care about her but rather himself. He believed that all humans would succumb to fear or desire, which made him a threat to the existence of humankind.

However, his cruel nature changed after he met Komugi. Meruem changed into a less violent individual, and his perspective changed drastically. Despite his change, Meruem was still one of the best anime villains.


7. Donquixote Doflamingo

Donquixote Doflamingo

  • From: One Piece

Doflamingo was extremely arrogant and was always a threat whenever he went, making him the most vicious antagonist in One Piece. After taking over Dressrosa from King Riku, he became ruthless hence ruling for a long. Furthermore, he did not hesitate to betray and kill his father and younger brother.

Doflamingo has always been the best villain with an interesting character, power, and narrative influence. He is an incredibly powerful warlord with a disturbing background, making him a favorite villain among many anime lovers. If you have never watched him in his element, then you are missing big.


8. Vicious

Vicious

  • From: Cowboy Bebop

Vicious was among the strongest members of the Red Dragon, which made his superiors fear him. In Cowboy Bebop, Vicious, as his name goes, was a vicious, cold, bloodthirsty character with no regard for life. He is an ambitious antagonist, willing to achieve all his desires by all means.

His brutal nature was evident when he sacrificed his subordinates. Vicious used his experience in war to viciously kill others. He created endless chaos, which he seemingly thrived in until he met his bloody end at the hands of Spike.


9. Kyubey

Kyubey

  • From: Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Kyubey is a small cat-like creature with no personal understanding of human emotions. As an Incubator, Kyubey is inhumane in that it turns young girls into Magical creatures with the ability to produce energy and prevent the Heat Death of the universe. This approach makes the girls emotionless and cruel creatures.

If messed with, Kyubey stores the girls’ souls in a small gem that kills the girls and their magic. To humans, Kyubey is horrendously evil. However, since it is emotionless, it can’t distinguish right from wrong acts. Everything about Kyubey is thrilling. From the concept of Magical Girls to their behaviors and ruthlessness.


10. All for One

All for One

  • From: My Hero Academia

All for One is a famous face when villains are mentioned. He believes in hatred being a source of power and despises his rivals. He has immense hatred for anyone who messes with his plans. For instance, he ruined and crippled All-Mighty. He has greed for power, which makes him have the ambition of getting rid of All for One to become more powerful to conquer the whole world.

He uses his immense power and confidence to take over Tomura Shigaraki and reshape it to his liking. Despite his cruel nature, All for One maintains his calm even when imprisoned and tortured. He is one villain who is full of exciting surprises.


11. King Bradley

King Bradley

  • From: Fullmetal Alchemist

King Bradley, the leader of Amstris, was a fearsome character who thrived in inhumane acts. The film portrays Bradley as a misleading character whose true nature is only revealed when angry. That is seen when he congratulated Colonel Roy Mustang for killing Isaac when he was responsible for his death.

His anger issues are seen at Maes Hughes’ funeral, where his hands trembled vigorously because he was having trouble containing his wrath. King Bradley is also a relentless and ruthless fighter, never hesitating to finish his opponents. His wrath and inner fury made him one of the best anime villains. If you are a fan of anime villains, Bradley is one character you will fall in love with.


12. Hisoka Morrow

Hisoka Morrow

  • From: Hunter x Hunter

In Hunter x Hunter, Hisoka Morrow is a selfish character who finds a thrill in mercilessly killing powerful fighters. He is a murderous sociopath who does what suits his fancy and kills indiscriminately. He does not hesitate to kill even those who are valuable to him. As long as an individual does not meet his standards or get in his way, he kills them. This also includes those he finds not useful in his future endeavors.

The unpredictable nature of Hisoka makes him a great villain. He is an exciting villain since you cannot predict his moves.


13. Lelouch Lamperouge

Lelouch Lamperouge

  • From: Code Geass

Lelouch is one of the anime villains in the Code Geass series. He is a brilliant character who portrays himself as friendly and likable to hide his true nature. Lelouch is a selfish, ruthless, and cold character who cares only about his wellbeing. In battle, he is willing to sacrifice civilians and soldiers to accomplish his desires. That was seen when Lelouch collapsed a large portion of Tokyo, killing civilians and military personnel to achieve his objective.

He is so self-centered that he strives to remake the world to his liking. Using his Geass, he manipulates others by commanding them to do his bidding. His methods are extreme, making him a mind-blowing villain. If you are looking for a bloodthirsty villain with no regard for human life, Lelouch Lamperouge is one character you should be following closely.


14. Sosuke Aizen

Sosuke Aizen

  • From: Bleach

Sosuke Aizen is a popular face among anime enthusiasts for causing endless chaos. At first, Aizen is a kind, soft-spoken and well-respected character. He was a force worth reckoning without signs of alarm or distress. However, all the pretense was to hide his dangerously manipulative nature. He was that silent killer who eats you from within with his hidden vicious intentions.

He was an intelligent and master planner, which made him defeat others effortlessly. His uncaring nature infuriated those around him. After plotting to overthrow the King of Soul Society, his people see him as a traitor. Sosuke will be your favorite villain as he is a super-genius who orchestrated the whole plot of the Bleach anime.


15. Muzan Kibutsuji

Muzan Kibutsuji

  • From: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Muzan Kibutsuji is an emotionless, cold-hearted, and intimidating Demon King. He is so ruthless that he has no regard for human life. He callously kills two drunk men for being rude and their helpless female partner for no reason. Muzan does not value his subordinates either; he mercilessly murders them whenever he wishes.

What makes him a great villain is that his inflated ego does not allow him to accept correction from anyone whatsoever. He only believes that others are his servants rather than guide him. With a demonic character portrayed this well, Muzan Kibutsuji is a thrilling villain.


Wrap UP

That brings us to the end of this detailed guide on the best anime villains. We have also included the names of the anime series these villains have starred in, so you can easily check them out and see the villains in their element. Which of these villains is your favorite? Let us know in the comments section below.

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