TV Shows & Movies
Childhood Cartoons You Didn't Know Were Canadian
25. Sasuke Uchiha
As one of the most complex characters in Naruto, Sasuke Uchiha is hated by one mass and loved by the other. His journey through betrayal, painful truths, and relentless self-reliance cements him as the embodiment of suffering turned badass lone wolf. | © Madman Entertainment
24. Dio Brando
Raised in an abusive environment, Dio Brando is a delectably detestable villain. He's incredibly powerful, incredibly cruel, and incredibly ambitious. | © Tokyo MX
23. Vash the Stampede
Vash the Stampede is a superhuman gunman with a heart of gold who'd rather save lives than take them, even if it means facing down his foes. A tortured soul hides behind his jovial exterior, engaged in a constant struggle with Knives. | © Crunchyroll
22. Kakashi
Kakashi's complex backstory makes him one of the most beloved figures in Naruto anime, often even outselling the titular heroes. With an iconic design, a habit of reading naughty novels, and a past steeped in loss and retribution, he's the teacher everyone wishes they had. | © Madman Entertainment
21. Tanjiro
Tanjiro is the kind of friend anyone would cherish, unless you're Muzan, of course. Always ready to lend a hand, his heart truly aches when he can't help those he cares about, solidifying his place as one of the most iconic anime heroes. | © Viz Media
20. Ichigo Kurosaki
Ichigo Kurosaki, the high schooler turned Soul Reaper, quickly carved out his niche of fans with his tsundere punk vibe and desire to protect his friends. With his stylish Soul Reaper powers and a depth forged by the loss of his mother, Ichigo stands apart from the more over-the-top heroes. | © TV Tokyo
19. Saitama
Saitama, the bald superhero who can defeat any enemy with one incredible punch, has captivated millions with the combination of raw power and unexpected depth. With new friends like Genos and King, Saitama might just find that even a hero who's overpowered can still discover purpose in life. | © Crunchyroll
18. Ken Kaneki
Even those who never watched the Tokyo Ghoul series will recognize Ken Kaneki, a ghoul who learned to accept his dark side. His relentless struggle between ghoul instincts and human compassion has made his character both profoundly flawed and deeply unforgettable. | © VIZ Media
17. Gintoki Sakata
Sakata Gintoki is one of the most lovable anime characters ever who effortlessly plays two roles: ultimate class clown and impressive samurai. As the charismatic protagonist of Gintama, he juggles surreal humour, a knack for odd jobs, and a surprisingly heroic streak that makes him both relatable and endlessly entertaining. | © Shonen
16. Kenshiro
Kenshiro is the lovechild of Bruce Lee and Mad Max, the brutal justice traversing the barren wasteland of his dystopian future. His dead-serious intensity and unmatched power have cemented him as one of the deadliest and most influential characters in anime history. | © Showtime
15. Guts
Guts is the ultimate tragic hero of Berserk renowned for strength and raw emotional depth, a true poster boy for dark fantasy anime. The Black Swordsman’s journey of pain and growth has made him one of the most complex and unforgettable protagonists in anime history. | © Dark Horse Comics
14. Light Yagami
Light Yagami quickly became one of the most popular antiheroes, wowing fans with his sharp intellect and masterful acting. His dark desire to reshape the world using a murderous notebook, eliminating criminals one by one, made Light the embodiment of justice. | © Madman Entertainment
13. Itachi Uchiha
Itachi Uchiha is celebrated not just for his formidable powers from his Sharingan, but also for the deep compassion that lies beneath them. His love for brother Sasuke and his selfless devotion to Konohagakure, risking everything to protect those he cared about, have made him one of the most enduring icons in anime. | © Madman Entertainment
12. Killua Zoldyck
Killua Zoldyck has the unique combination of lovable and dark personality that makes him a beloved figure in anime history. Fans have been consistently supporting Zoldyck on the journey from a ruthless killer in the Hunter Exam arc to someone who truly values human life. | © Funimation Channel
11. Pikachu
As an adorable face of a $100 billion franchise, Pikachu is a cute yellow rodent with electric abilities who entered the hearts of viewers worldwide. Both Pokemon and anime fans will never get tired of hearing Pikachu's sound referencing its name. | © Nintendo
10. Levi Ackerman
Levi Ackerman, the strongest soldier from Attack on Titan, has won fans over with his dry humour, obsessive cleanliness, and unyielding badassery. As the Captain of the Scouting Legion, his near-invincible fighting skills and gritty past have made him a force of nature. | © Kodansha
9. Satoru Gojo
As the strongest jujutsu sorcerer on the planet, Satoru Gojo has cursed techniques that keep even the most formidable foes at bay. It's no wonder fans are drawn to his effortless confidence and unshakeable authority. | © VIZ Media
8. L
Although Light Yagami is the central figure in Death Note, the fandom's heart was captured by L with his brilliant deductive skills, quirky habits, and unconventional social quirks. Even though his journey ends before the final page, L's impact on the story and viewers remains undeniable. | © Madman Entertainment
7. Usagi Tsukino
Sailor Moon stands as the most successful anime series about a magical girl, largely thanks to Usagi Tsukino, the everygirl who juggles boyfriends, fashion, and a bit of schoolwork neglect. Thrust into her destiny as the reincarnation of Queen Serenity, Usagi embraces the role of Sailor Moon, charged with protecting Earth from dark forces. | © Tokyopop
6. Spike Spiegel
Even though Cowboy Bebop might be more popular in America than in Japan, there is no denying that Spike Spiegel is one of the coolest characters in anime history. A bounty hunter with a dark past and trust issues, Bebop cleverly uses our expectations to add surprising depth to his character. | © Tokyopop
5. Lelouch Lamperouge
Lelouch Lamperouge is one of those unforgettable characters whose good intentions take a dark turn. In his rise and eventual downfall, the dramatic journey of this character, full of pride and unexpected twists, resonates with fans in a way that few characters ever do. | © Crunchyroll
4. Naruto Uzumaki
Naruto Uzumaki was synonymous with anime for generations of young people. His evolution from a struggling beginner to Hokage, and one of the most beloved anime characters ever, is the symbol that self-belief is what truly matters. | © Madman Entertainment
3. Edward Elric
Edward Elric is a fan favorite thanks to his raw determination and the emotional depth born from his tragic past. Once a naive boy with impossible dreams, his costly mistake and subsequent quest to reclaim what he lost have resonated with millions of people. | © VIZ Media
2. Monkey D. Luffy
Monkey D. Luffy is the heart and soul of One Piece, one of the most famous anime series that has sailed through over two decades of anime history. His honesty and courage, combined with his desire to protect his friends, made him one of the most beloved heroes in anime. | © Madman Entertainment
1. Goku
Goku is arguably the archetype of modern shonen anime heroes, debuting as a pint-sized kid who flipped the script on the traditional muscle-bound lead. While not the most complex character, his groundbreaking influence continues to inspire generations of anime creators. | © Cartoon Network
