Withanime’s meteoric rise in popularity over the past few years,some of its characters have begun to transcend the shows from which they originate. While certain iconic figures have long existed outside the realm of anime and deep in the collective mainstream consciousness, anime’s recent boom has led to the spread of online discourse, exposing countless fans to characters from shows they’ve never before seen.
Whether they’ve seemingly always been around, have taken over the anime community through memes or trends in recent years, or are simply so beloved by their own fan bases, some characters have become universally loved,winning over even those who’ve never seen them in action. Some characters may be more well known inside or outside the community, but only a select few seem to have no haters.
8Chika Fujiwara
Kaguya-sama: Love Is War; Animated by A-1 Pictures, Based on the Manga by Aka Akasaka
It’s rare that a main character becomes so loved outside their show’s immediate fan base, and it’s even rarer that a side character ventures their way across the anime community, but that’s whatKaguya-sama: Love Is War’s Chika Fujiwara did. If her name doesn’t ring any bells, her appearance surely should. If not, then her dance moves certainly will. During the closing credits of the anime’s third episode,Chika performs her now famous ‘Chika Dance’, which sent her popularity skyrocketing.
The Chika Dance is only included in the credits of a singular episode, yet it took the internet by storm shortly after premiering in 2019. From there, her image spread, and both fans and non-fans ofKaguya-samacouldn’t help but be won over by the whimsical nature of one of the series' most important side characters.
7Satoru Gojo
Jujutsu Kaisen; Animated by MAPPA, Based on the Manga by Gege Akutami
Since its premiere in 2020,Jujutsu Kaisenhas remained the unofficial face of currentShōnen Jumpanime adaptations. Rivaling the likes ofDemon Slayerin terms of popularity following the show’s masterful second season,Jujutsu Kaisenclaimed its throne with authority, andSatoru Gojo was a big reason for that.
It might be difficult to find a member of the anime community that wouldn’t recognize Gojo. Beyond his looks, which are an undeniable reason for his widespread popularity, he’s likely the most entertainingJujutsu Kaisencast member any time he’s on-screen, not to mention being the series' strongest on top of that. The viral clip of Gojo’s Hollow Purple only further spread his image, and it’s rare not to come across the character acting as someone’s profile picture on any given social media platform.
6Tanjiro Kamado
Demon Slayer; Animated by Ufotable, Based on the Manga by Koyoharu Gotouge
Shōnen Jumpprotagonists have been crafted from the same incredibly successful formula for years. The naturally good, slightly goofy, and kind-hearted hero has always seen success, and Tanjiro is the most recent to rise to stardom while making use of that very same build. WhileDemon Slayermay not be everyone’s cup of tea,Tanjiro doesn’t give anime fans much of a reason not to like him.
Since its debut in 2019,Demon Slayerhas remained one of the most consistently successful anime franchises thanks toincredible work from Ufotable and a cast of likable characters. Tanjiro isn’t the only current naturally good protagonist, but his dedication to improving himself and hard-working nature ensures that he appeals to a wider audience than other characters built from the same mold.
5Frieren
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End; Animated by Madhouse, Based on the Manga by Kanehito Yamada
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s Endtook the anime world by surprise during the fall 2023 season,establishing itself as one of the newest titans on the scene. Madhouse’s adaptation is a feast for the eyes, while the accompanying score by Evan Call, who also crafted the iconic sounds ofViolet Evergarden, helps to elevate the series' jaw-dropping visuals. At the center of it all is the titular elf, Frieren.
Her easy-going personality and incredibly powerful magic instantly drew anime fans to her side,and it didn’t take long before Frieren became the talk of the community. The serieslost the recent Crunchyroll Anime of the Year AwardtoSolo Leveling, which has only caused fans of other works and those who aren’t fond ofSolo Levelingto stand behind Frieren and voice their support.
4Power
Chainsaw Man; Animated by MAPPA, Based on the Manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto
Chainsaw Man, despite arguably being the most anticipated anime series of the last decade prior to release, ended up becoming a bit of adivisive topic in the anime community. Nevertheless, regardless of how viewers might have felt about MAPPA’s adaptation,just about everyone who came into contact with the series walked away a fan of Power.
The series' lovable Blood Fiend terror Power marched into the spotlight, told humans to grovel,and they responded by doing just that. Her chaotic nature and masterfully crafted design by Tatsuki Fujimoto made her a train wreck the anime community could neither look away from nor help fall in love with.
3Usagi Tsukino
Sailor Moon; Animated by Toei Animation, Based on the Manga by Naoko Takeuchi
While some characters may have seen their popularity skyrocket alongside the recent rise of anime, other characters have been iconic figures for decades.Sailor Moon’s titular magical girl falls comfortably into the latter category. Usagi has long transcended the art form from which she originated, and has become one of the undisputed unofficial mascots of ’90s anime.
Generations of anime fans around the world were first introduced to the medium bySailor Moon,and recent remakes and film releases have allowed the series to remain as relevant today as it’s ever been. However, anime fans who have never seen a second of Usagi on screen likely know her well and adore her.
2Guts
Berserk; Animated by OLM, Based on the Manga by Kentaro Miura
Berserkmight not be a series for everyone. Its dark and often disturbing content has driven viewers and readers away for decades,yet it might be a tough task finding an anime fan that dislikes its protagonist. The tragic central figure of the series, Guts, has all the bravado of an ’80s action hero, while also being a deeply layered, human, compelling character.
Under his muscle and aggression is a hero who has been put through the worst that life has to offer,and continues to get back up and march forward after every obstacle. Those who haven’t experiencedBerserkmay not be wise to just howexpertly written Guts is as a protagonist, but his calm and cool appearance gives him enough appeal to make him a universally loved character.
1Goku
Dragon Ball; Animated by Toei Animation, Based on the Manga by Akira Toriyama
Dragon Ballis one of the most iconic anime and manga franchises in history, and though its length and age might scare some anime fans away, it isn’t unreasonable to assume that every one of those fans knows who Goku is.The series' leading Saiyan isn’t a perfect character, often coming off as selfish and even rude, but his kind-hearted nature, unfathomable strength, and habit of doing the right thing even if it wasn’t totally his intention has made himone of the most lovable characters in anime.
His reputation as a hero precedes him, and his goofy nature makes just about every second of his screen time entertaining. Some characters might have fallen into the good graces of anime fans in recent years,but none have been universally loved for quite as long as Goku has.
Dragon Ball Z
Cast
Dragon Ball Z follows Goku, who lives a peaceful life with his family until the arrival of Raditz, a mysterious warrior claiming to be Goku’s brother. This revelation unveils their true heritage as Saiyans, a formidable warrior race known for conquering planets.
