Top 55 Best Anime Male Characters

This list compiles a few fan favorite anime male characters that anime lovers can’t get enough of. In the anime world, there is no limit to the outstanding qualities of anime characters.

Japanese anime makes up not only the intricate storylines but also the powerful characters that we learn to love well after the anime is finished. Some anime characters make quite an impression on people to the point that cosplaying becomes an anime lovers’ dream.

From an alchemist to a vampire, here is the scoop on some of the best anime male characters!

1. Edward Elric

Edward Elric is a blond-haired alchemist and older brother in the fan-favorite series Fullmetal Alchemist. He seems quite immature to others and is one to resort to violence in sticky situations. However, a few characters see him as compassionate and loyal.

Ed blames himself for the consequences of trying to bring back his mother through alchemy. Despite the heavy burden he carries, Ed slowly starts to open up and allow help from others. His unique personality and background have made quite a buzz in the anime realm for a long time.

2. Levi Ackerman

Levi Ackerman is a sophisticated character in Attack on Titan. With jet black hair, he can be intimidating, especially if one gets on his bad side. Although, Levi is admired as a hero in fighting off the enemies that threaten the people inside the walls.

He is unapproachable and a clean freak, which gives us an idea of how complex his character is. Be on the lookout for Levi in Attack on Titan!

3. Naruto Uzumaki

Naruto Uzumaki is considered one of the hottest anime guys in the anime community and it’s easy to see why with his attractive character qualities. He is the main character of the hit anime series Naruto and is hard to miss with his spiky blond hair.

Naruto’s character traits can be seen as an inspiration for anime fans with his unwavering motivation towards goals. However, it is not surprising that he displays childish behaviors that could result in consequences.

4. Light Yagami

Light Yagami is a genius who happens to find the Death Note. His medium length brown hair might not set him apart, but his above-average height is sure to capture your attention.

His life before finding Death Note is one of the most realistic on this list of anime male characters. Moreover, don’t miss the young teenager who is the main protagonist of the anime Death Note.

5. Killua Zoldyck

Killua Zoldyck from Hunter X Hunter might not be as friendly as one expects. His coldness towards older people and strangers goes perfectly with his pale skin and blue eyes. But his background might be the winning factor behind Killua Zoldyck’s character.

He was born as the middle child of the Zoldyck’s, a family of assassins, with the fate of becoming an assassin himself. His skills led Killua on the path to becoming the best assassin in the family, but his obedience doesn’t last for long.

Killua Zoldyck just might be the spiky silver hair rebel that we all needed.

6. Takumi Usui

Takumi Usui has mastered the art of teasing female characters in Kaichou wa Maid Sama, especially Misaki when finding out she works at a maid cafe. His green eyes and blonde hair make for an alluring character that all females fall for eventually.

Usui can be seen as the type of guy to avoid serious romantic relationships so when Misaki enters into his life, he might go the extra mile to win her heart. What’s a high school without a guy like Usui?

7. Victor Nikiforov

Victor Nikiforov has a sophisticated and serious attitude when it comes to figure skating and winning the championship; however, he exhibits a lovely and friendly attitude towards his fans. Victor is a Russian character in Yuri on Ice! Furthermore, his stunning gray hair and handsome features make him shine above other anime male characters in this anime series.

8. Zero Kiryu

A character voiced by Mamoru Miyano, Zero Kiryu is one of the protagonists of Vampire Knight. His bold, lavender eyes and silver hair make him a captivating man.

But he is faced with a dilemma as a vampire resorting to his instincts. Zero sees vampires as monsters and wants to become a vampire hunter, which is why he is often hard to approach.

9. Allen Walker

Allen Walker is an ambitious former exorcist in D. Gray-man. His white hair and a noticeable red mark on his face create an interesting backstory. Despite the mark, he still has his good looks.

Allen is seen using a weapon called the innocence to fight demons. As the series progresses, many secrets are revealed about his connection to the Noah. His likable character will keep you rooting for him till the end.

10. Jin Mori

Jin Mori is the main protagonist of The God of High School. His brown eyes and long-haired character is arrogant and obsessed with fighting.

Even though he seems like a normal guy, his true identity is that of The Monkey King. Jin cannot lose against a human. His real enemies are demons and Gods. Let’s just say Jin has quite the god complex.

11. Lelouch Lamperouge

Lelouch Lamperouge is a former prince of Britannica in Code Geass. His striking violet eyes and black hair make for a memorable character. Moreover, his royal blood doesn’t prevent him from destroying the very empire his father created. Lelouch’s alter ego is the only way to stop the imperial monarchy. For a more in-depth summary of Code Geass, read here.

12. Itachi Uchiha

Itachi Uchiha is a character from Naruto. His dark eyes and powerful abilities make him stand out as an anime male character not to be messed with. Despite Sasuke being his brother, he makes an effort to kill every member of his clan. Itachi spares Sasuke, but they end up as enemies.

13. L Lawliet

At first glance, L Lawliet looks almost like a zombie with dark eyes and dark circles under his eyes. Even though he looks scary, he still wears jeans and a long-sleeve white shirt.

L is considered the antagonist of Death Note with very poor social skills. Moreover, he has a few tricks up his sleeves to defeat his enemies. A villain with a perfectionist attitude will keep everyone on the edge of their seat.

14. Howl Jenkins Pendragon

A character from one of the most talked-about Studio Ghilbi movies, Howl’s Moving Castle, Howl Jenkins Pendragon is a captivating heartthrob. He comes from an ordinary family but possesses magical powers. However, he prefers to be out of the spotlight when it comes to his powers.

Howl lives in a moving castle while creating rumors about him to keep people at bay. But a woman named Sophie helps him crawl out of isolation.

15. Sesshomaru

Sesshomaru was born into a family of demons with special powers. But his powers have other demons wishing they had the same abilities. His beautiful human-like appearance is enough to trick people. One of the main features that sets him apart is the crescent moon imprinted on his forehead. He may be emotionless, but Sesshomaru is a confident demon in the series, Inuyasha.

16. Spike Spiegel

Spike Spiegel is the main character in Cowboy Bebop. When anime fans are first introduced to Spike, he turns out to be an assistant to the captain who runs the spaceship Bebop. However, he can be quite lazy when it comes down to it.

Spike’s tall and lean appearance is fitting for his job as a bounty hunter who captures the criminals on other planets and moons.

17. Kakashi Hatake

An anime male character also featured in the anime series, Naruto, Kakashi Hatake is a gifted prodigy. He is quite the sensitive character that is heavily impacted by the deaths of people close to him.

His serious attitude allows him to place all his focus on ninja arts. He might not be the most expressive character in Naruto, but he is one to look up to in terms of hard work.

18. Sebastian Michaelis

Sebastian Michaelis is arguably one to make the hot anime guys list for long hair and excellent care of his appearance. He is the butler of the Phantomhive household, but his red eyes are a dead giveaway that he is less human and more demon-like in the series Black Butler.

Despite being a demon, he at times acts like a human. But I wouldn’t get on Sebastian’s bad side if I were you.

19. Gray Fullbuster

Part of the Fairy Tail Guild, Gray Fullbuster is an ice alchemist. He is also part of the main character squad of the hit anime series Fairy Tail. Even though he is a member of the guild, Gray is more laid back. His rivalry with Natsu is one of the key aspects of the series. However, their rivalry is less deadly and serious than others.

20. Tatsuya Shiba

Shiba Tatsuya is an older brother figure in The Irregular in Magic High School. Although he is quite handsome, Tatsuya’s character traits are rather ordinary within the anime world. He is a young boy, but his analytical skills set him apart from the other characters.

21. Rin Okumura

Rin Okumura is far from the normal boy in Blue Exorcist. With his canine teeth and pointed ears, he is a character not to miss. Rin is considered to be the son of Satan and has become the inheritor of Satan’s powers.

One might think he is coldhearted, but he’s the complete opposite. Rin Okumura might be one of the most legendary anime male characters to date.

22. Haru Yoshida

Haru Yoshida from Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun starts as intimidating with his reputation as the school monster. Even though he is a character often misunderstood in the beginning, he gradually improves his social skills. His medium-length dark hair makes him one of the cute anime guys that everyone loves.

23. Kirito

Kirito (Kazuto Kirigaya) is the protagonist of the world-acclaimed anime series, Sword Art Online. Although he was an orphan as a younger boy, it didn’t hinder his goals to become a hacker and gamer. His participation in the game doesn’t go noticed. But he’s not accustomed to working with others.

Kirito is quite the iconic character in the series. Moreover, Kirito’s sleek uniform and swords make for the perfect cosplay outfit.

24. Roy Mustang

Roy Mustang’s role in Fullmetal Alchemist is superior to Edward Elric. His clean appearance defines his place as a State Alchemist Officer. However, his important role in the military doesn’t seem to translate over when it comes to his personality. Roy often targets female anime characters to win them over. His colleagues know him to be a narcissistic man.

25. Tamaki Suoh

Tamaki Suoh is part of the Ouran High School Host Club. He carries the important role of the president in ensuring that the club stays afloat. But he’s not as serious about his duties and in turn, tries to win over every girl. Tamaki’s blond hair and violet-colored eyes make him quite the handsome young man even if he’s dramatic most of the time.

26. Ichigo Kurosaki

You can’t miss Ichigo Kurosaki’s bright orange hair in the popular series, Bleach. After meeting a soul reaper, Kurosaki becomes a soul reaper himself. He is then granted the ability to see and send spirits away. His Shinigami form is nothing to be messed with!

27. Toshiro Hitsugaya

Toshiro Hitsugaya is a unique character in Bleach. His turquoise eyes, white hair, and height set him on every anime lovers’ radar. Toshiro is not the type to play around, and he hates people who don’t take him seriously. His swordsmanship proves that he’s more than the average captain in Shinigami.

28. Kyo Sohma

Kyo Sohma is no ordinary guy in the classic show, Fruits Basket. A curse has disrupted his life, causing him to transform into an orange cat. Moreover, the spirit of the cat is from the Chinese zodiac.

Many anime fans can agree that Kyo’s character traits are super complex. He is protective over the ones he cares for but also can be short-tempered. He might seem like a bad boy at first, but everyone grows to love him as the series progresses.

29. Ken Kaneki

Ken Kaneki is the main protagonist of Tokyo Ghoul who finds himself turning from a human to a monster. His scary appearance doesn’t quite match his caring personality but that all changes when he becomes a torture victim. Ken goes on a ruthless rampage and even kills another ghoul. His ghoul-like appearance is famous amongst the cosplay community.

30. Tetsuya Kuroko

Tetsuya Kuroko is a rather fragile basketball player in Kuroko No Basuke. His small build allows him the ability to pass other players without them knowing. Anime fans would think that his blue hair stands out, but he comes off as unnoticeable. However, he is hardworking and blunt when it comes down to it.

31. Taiga Kagami

Kuroko’s good friend, Kagami, is the ace of the basketball team at Seirin High in Kuroko no Basuke. His determination to beat the Generation of Miracles is unmatched and has dreams of one day becoming the best player in Japan. Kagami and Kuroko’s teamwork might be one of the best duos in the sports anime world.

32. Tanjiro Kamado

Tanjiro Kamado is the main protagonist of the anime, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. Kamado’s quest to turn his demonic sister back into human might seem impossible for a teenage boy but don’t underestimate him. His powers and abilities help him become a demon slayer such as his strong sense of smell. He just might become everyone’s favorite anime male character.

33. Gintoki Sakata

A rebellious samurai, Gintoki Sakata, is the main protagonist of Gintama. His curly silver hair makes him quite the unique samurai based on the depictions within the Japanese culture. Sakata seems to be almost indifferent and lacks empathy. But he is a genius when it comes to framing others for his wrongdoing.

34. Shoto Todoroki

Shoto Todoroki is part of the main protagonists in My Hero Academia. His characteristics help him stand out amongst other characters. Who comes across a character with white and red hair nowadays?

Shoto has a cold personality, and we also can’t deny his harsh strategies when fighting. There is a good reason why he exhibits cruelty based on how he was raised.

35. Shinya Kogami

Shinya Kogami is part of the psychological anime, Psycho-Pass. He is a police officer whose mission is to kill the criminal mastermind behind his friends’ death. His ability to solve cases quickly makes him a skilled detective. Kogami is a handsome man that we’re all rooting for.

36. Ichinose Tokiya

Ichinose Tokiya is what we call a celebrity crush in Uta no Prince Sama with gorgeous features and talent. Even though he comes off as unapproachable and coldhearted at the beginning. Through the singing group at the music academy, Ichinose starts to open up and form bonds with the other group members.

His habit of being a perfectionist has some consequences, but Haruka, his composer, helps him develop a new perspective as an artist.

37. Natsu Dragneel

Natsu Dragneel is part of the Fairy Tail Guild. Aside from being the main character in Fairy Tail, he is a skilled dragon slayer. His canines and muscular body make him dangerous to outsiders. However, he is protective and has a soft spot towards his guild members. Natsu is one of the good guys when it comes down to it.

38. Sasuke Uchiha

Sasuke Uchiha is a formable rival of Naruto. His black hair and black eyes consider him one of the handsome characters by the girls. After Sasuke’s family was killed by Itachi, he became cold and kept to himself. Furthermore, he is an iconic anime male character in the Naruto series.

39. Mikoto Mikoshiba

Mikoto Mikoshiba is one of the cute anime boys in Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun. His gorgeous red hair and striking features attract all the girls. Mikoto flirts with girls but finds himself embarrassed by his actions afterward. However, he is willing to give his friends advice on their love lives.

40. Karma Akabane

Karma Akabane has an innocent appearance but is quite sadistic and troublesome. His violent behavior ties in with the name of the anime, Assassination Classroom. His ability in the show is to utilize other students in different situations. Karma has to be one of the most mischievous anime characters ever.

41. Soma Yukihira

Soma Yukihira is a chef at his father’s restaurant. Becoming a chef at a young age, Soma hopes to cook any dish that people ask for. The series, Food Wars, is all about competing to become the best chef. Moreover, he is determined and won’t give up on his goals.

42. Shinichi Izumi

The main character in Parasyte: The Maxim, Shinichi Izumi, has short brown hair and is oblivious to the dangers of parasites. When he wakes up one morning, he can’t help but feel terrified of his right hand. But he learns to work together with the parasite on his right hand to fight other parasites. His persona changes from a scared, innocent high schooler to a fearless man.

43. Kenshin Himura

Kenshin Himura is a legendary assassin in Rurouni Kenshin. Although, he is not as violent as one would think. Himura’s appearance sticks out to many anime fans as iconic. His soft-spoken and humble attitude makes him one of the cutest anime boys.

44. Ayato Sakamaki

Ayato Sakamaki is a man born with a pretty face. However, he is one of the sons of the Vampire King in Diabolik Lovers. He finds himself obsessed with pranking, so you definitely shouldn’t mess with him. But he is an attractive character for all the ladies.

45. Kazuma Yagami

Kazuma Yagami is a Fujitsu master in Kaze no Stigma. He comes off as rude and selfish due to the treatment he received from the Kannagis. His goal is to become stronger, and no one can stop him.

46. Yu Nishinoya

Yu Nishinoya is the shortest member of the volleyball team; however, his energetic attitude takes him a long way. Yu has a memorable appearance in Haikyuu with his unique hairstyle. This anime proves that height doesn’t matter when it comes to sports! He might be our favorite character!

47. Kaworu Nagisa

Kaworu Nagisa has a normal schoolboy appearance in Neon Genesis Evangelion. Although, he is the first LGBTQ character to make this list. Even though his sexuality isn’t specifically mentioned, Nagisa shows loving actions towards another boy named Shinji. His role in the series is a pilot for the mecha Evangelion Unit 2.

48. Namikaze Minato

From Naruto, Namikaze Minato is called the yellow flash due to his lighting speed. His yellow hair and overall appearance remind anime fans of the main character Naruto. Everyone says to make a run for it if you ever encounter Namikaze in battle. But his personality is calming compared to Naruto.

49. Sakamoto

In Sakamoto Desu ga, Sakamoto is considered the coolest student in his school. His black hair and beauty mark make him quite the handsome guy. He even exhibits a calm and caring attitude. Sakamoto looks like a model, but he’s not obsessed with his looks. What more can you ask for in a man? I would say he has a heart of gold.

50. Rokudo Mukuro

Rokudo Mukuro is a wanted criminal in the show Reborn. His dark blue hair and different color eyes make him an attractive villain. He can control minds and create illusions. Rokudo starts as a gang leader but then becomes possessed and turns into an alley.

51. Kunimitsu Tezuka

The hottest guy in anime, Kunimitsu Tezuka is the captain of the tennis team. Despite his good looks, he is quite strict and serious when it comes to tennis. If one of the players in The Prince of Tennis breaks the rules, the whole team takes the fault. His strictness is for a good reason in helping the team succeed.

52. Roronoa Zoro

Roronoa Zoro is Luffy’s right-hand man in the classic anime, One Piece. His sword fighting skills are not to be played with as he is known to even beat the other students. His green hair and muscular build make him an intimidating character. Zoro is loyal and filled with determination.

53. Sanji

Sanji of One Piece has an interesting backstory. He is one of the heirs to a royal family but was placed under genetic experiments to develop superhuman abilities. Sanji has blonde hair and fierce facial expressions. However, he can be a major pervert when he comes across women.

54. Kura Pika

Kura Pika is one of the protagonists in Hunter x Hunter. He has gone through tough times with the rest of his clan killed by thieves. His scarlet eyes and powerful abilities make him a suitable target for antagonists. However, Kura is a genius and won’t be taken advantage of so easily.

55. Death the Kid

Death the Kid strikes anime fans as an interesting character; especially his black hair with white stripes. He is the second son of the grim reaper in the anime Soul Eater. The Kid’s purpose is to train and become a successful grim reaper like his father. Furthermore, his character is rather mature compared to other Soul Eater characters.

This list of the best anime male characters was quite the challenge to create as there are so many to choose from with awesome personalities and appearances. Based on this list, many of the characters don’t engage in good things and instead are seen as villains, but we can’t deny how cool these anime male characters are.

These characters might not be real but that doesn’t mean anime fans can’t make their fairy tale dreams come true with cosplay. Which one do you think is the best boy in the anime world?

Hope you enjoyed this list of the best anime male characters!

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• The Top 10 Anime Shows to Watch on Netflix Right Now – Sarah Scoop
• 50 of the Best Anime Characters with Purple Hair – Sarah Scoop