Best anime villains are those that make us sweat when they appear. This might sound like an exaggeration, but the truth is that a good villain should create pressure and have a frightening aura. Best-written anime villains are hard to find and scale since there are a ton of them. However, we tried to narrow the list and came up with the 10 best anime villains! Here, we have listed some of the best-written anime villains of all time! Have fun!
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10. Makima
Makima is the Director of the Public Safety Devil Hunters, who is a powerful and mysterious figure, and also known as the “Control Devil.” With a charming exterior, she holds immense power over others, but her true motives remain a puzzle for anime-only people.
Among villains, manipulators are the most dangerous and cool ones. Thanks to her charisma, she has got an important position both in the anime and minds of her fans. Thanks to her frightening aura, the atmosphere changes every time she appears on screen.
9. Garou
Continuing with Garou, the so-called “Hero Hunter”, we have a villain who admires villains. As a former discipline of hero Bang, Garou had an unpleasant childhood. He defended villains, therefore, he got bullied by his classmates.
This trauma led to critical consequences years later causing him to go against the Hero Association and kill dozens of heroes. His character is well-executed in manga and anime. Although he is a villain in a parody anime, his cold and scary aura makes people bothersome. Overall, Garou is surely one of the best villains in anime.
8. Pain
Moving forward, we have Pain aka Nagato from the Naruto series. Pain who is arguably the formidable villain of the best arc in the Naruto series, possesses a tragic past and a complex ideology. Growing up in the middle of a war, he learns the harsh reality of the world.
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His actions were more than just an act of revenge, he wanted people to learn and go through what he went through. Also, his devastating abilities make him an iconic antagonist, challenging the moral compass of the series’ heroes and captivating viewers with his philosophical depth. Pain is not only the best-written villain in Naruto but also one of the best-written villains in anime industry.
7. Reiner Braun
Next on the list is Reiner Braun from Attack on Titan. He is one of the few characters with inner conflict. He was initially on the side of our Protagonist, Eren Yeager. However, as the story progressed, we got to know the true identity of Reiner.
However, his true identity was unknown to Reiner himself. Was he a warrior whose goal was to exterminate the devils in Paradise, or was he a member of the Scout Regiment? His struggle with loyalty, guilt, and the burden of his actions makes him a compelling and one of the best villains in anime.
6. Dio Brando
Moving forward, we have Dio Brando, the iconic villain of the JoJo series. He is a cunning and manipulative antagonist with a thirst for power and immortality. Through his mastery of the vampiric powers granted by the Stone Mask, Dio becomes a formidable foe.
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Dio’s influence spans multiple arcs of the series, leaving a lasting impact on the Joestar bloodline. His larger-than-life personality, memorable catchphrases, and trademark charisma make him an iconic villain, and his ongoing rivalry with the Joestars adds an extra layer of excitement and suspense to the anime’s epic battles. Dio is surely one of the best-written anime villains of all time.
5. Meruem
Diving into the top 5, we have Meruem, a character defined by evolution and introspection, from Hunter x Hunter. He was initially a merciless, monstrous king, however, as the story progressed, he developed feelings and changed as a character.
Meruem’s journey towards self-awareness, empathy, and the quest for meaning makes him one of the most compelling and complex villains in anime. In the end, Meruem was a 40-day-old monster who became more humane towards the end of the arc, where humans turned into a monster. Without a doubt, Meruem will stay as one of the best anime villains of all time.
4. Donquixote Doflamingo
Next on the list, we have ‘Heavenly Demon’, a charismatic and sadistic villain from One Piece. Doflamingo’s grand schemes, thirst for control, and dark charisma make him a compelling and memorable villain
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He was not a lovely kid who turned into a villain thanks to trauma, but he was a ruthless kid who became more villainous throughout his life. With an endless thirst for dominance and power, Doflamingo stands as not only the best villain of One Piece but one of the best-written anime villains of all time without any doubt.
3. Sosuke Aizen
Coming to the top 3, we have Sosuke Aizen, a mastermind antagonist from Bleach. As a former captain of the Gotei 13, he orchestrates events behind the scenes to achieve godlike power and dominance over the Soul Society.
Aizen’s calm demeanor, manipulative intelligence, and overwhelming strength make him a chilling and unforgettable villain. His grand schemes and surprising revelations elevate him to iconic status among anime antagonists, making him one of the best-written anime villains of all time.
2. Askeladd
In the #2 place, we have a ruthless Viking mercenary leader. Askeladd’s actions are often driven by a mix of self-interest, survival instinct, and a hidden code of honor. This adds depth and unpredictability to his character.
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Moreover, his character development is exceptionally well-handled throughout the series. The series delves into his past and inner struggles, allowing viewers to empathize with his journey. His relationship with other characters, especially, with Thorfinn, adds depth to his character. Askeladd is definitely the top 3 best villains in anime.
1. Johan Liebert
On top of our list is Johan Liebert from Monster, a masterclass in psychological villainy. His chilling charisma, manipulative tactics, and mysterious origins create an aura of enigma that captivates the audience.
The brilliance of Johan’s character lies in the exploration of the human psyche and the concept of evil itself. Johan’s ability to manipulate others, often leading them to commit unspeakable acts, showcases his understanding of human nature.
