Anime fandom is thriving, with characters new and old capturing the hearts of millions online. But which anime protagonists and villains are generating the most hype this year?
As an otaku who analyzes anime data, I used MyAnimeList to research the characters with the biggest surges in popularity and online interest in 2023. After lots of research and debates with fellow weebs, I compiled the definitive watchmojo-style list of the biggest anime characters right now.
Get ready to take out your books and jot down their names—these are the 10 characters you’ll be seeing nonstop on your feeds.
10. Emma from The Promised Neverland
The bold heroine of the dystopian thriller The Promised Neverland has captivated viewers. Emma’s daring escape plan to save orphanage children from demonic monsters made her an inspiring underdog. Cosplayers are copying her intelligent courage.
9. Sakuta Azusagawa from Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai
The sarcastic but loyal Sakuta won laughs in this supernatural romance with his deadpan attitude toward bizarre happenings. His commitment to helping troubled girls showed his dependable side. Sakuta’s snarky banter with Mai took over /r/anime.
8. Legoshi from Beastars
The gentle wolf Legoshi captured hearts in this thought-provoking anime about carnivore/herbivore relations. Fans gush over his sweet, protective nature toward rabbit Haru. His struggle with predatory instincts makes him complex.
7. Giorno Giovanna from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind
As the son of JoJo antagonist Dio, Giorno has enraptured JoJo fans with his noble dream to become a heroic gang leader. His Gold Experience powers and flamboyant personality brought fabulous memes and fanart. Arrivederci!
6. Shigeo Kageyama from Mob Psycho 100
Nicknamed “Mob,” this soft-spoken boy’s incredible psychic powers made for heartfelt and hilarious moments. People related to Mob’s desire to improve himself and bond with others. His outbursts when emotions surge brought epic viral scenes.
5. Kaguya Shinomiya from Kaguya-sama: Love Is War
Kaguya’s schemes to make the vice-president confess his love captured the hearts of rom-com fans. Her “how cute” reaction face got immortalized in memes. Watching this rich girl clumsily navigate courtship is adorable.
4. Eren Jaeger from Attack on Titan
After that intense season 4 reveal, Attack on Titan’s lead took over forums with theories about his new motives. Eren’s determination to defeat gigantic “Titans” made him an inspirational icon. But his dark side also raises disturbing questions.
3. Tanjiro Kamado from Demon Slayer
Kind-hearted Tanjiro’s quest to save his sister Nezuko, who became a demon, pulled on heartstrings. His sword skills mesmerize in battle against colorful demon foes. Tanjiro’s genuineness makes him the ultimate cinnamon roll.
2. L from Death Note
The eccentric detective L left a legacy as one of anime’s greatest anti-heroes. Fans imitated his crouching pose and sweet tooth. L’s cerebral cat-and-mouse game with Light revolutionized the shonen battle of wits.
1. Edward Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
The determined “Fullmetal Alchemist” Edward Elric remains an unforgettable golden boy who melted viewers’ hearts. His prosthetic limbs and alchemy make him a cool underdog. Ed’s devotion to his brother Al is inspirational.
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