12 Best Anime Series of the 21st Century, Ranked - Collider
From Gurren Lagann and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, these are the best anime shows of the 21st century.
most iconic anime villains
Death Note is one of the most addictive anime series of all time, and there's no question. Most successful anime keep consistent attention on the use of action, but Death Note does so with insanely tactical writing, managing to make a scene of Light simply eating a chip one of the most engaging scenes in the show. Another aspect of the show that has captivated viewers is its dual-natured protagonist Light, who isn't necessarily a good guy (and could very well be one of the <anchor>most iconic anime villains</anchor>). Death Note poses an examination of justice not seen anywhere else, keeping audiences thinking and invested until the very last second of the final episode.
15 Best Anime Villains, Ranked
15 Best Anime Villains, Ranked

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# The 15 Best Anime Villains, Ranked

 [Anime](/tag/anime/)

![4](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress%2Fwp-content%2Fauthors%2F652e94d1ede8b-16625302_177.jpg?fit=crop&w=90&h=90)

By [Barbara James](/author/barbara-james/)

Updated Aug 12, 2024

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![Eren Yeager during a fight in Attack on Titan episode, 'Hero.'](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Attack-on-Titan-Season-3-Episode-17-Hero.jpg)

For decades, anime villains have been debated back and forth as to who is the most despicable. But a question comes to mind when such a debate occurs: What exactly makes a good anime villain? There is no right or wrong answer, as most anime villains are well-thought-out and developed characters with more nuance to them than expected.

There are many qualities of a good villain. Some of the best villains in anime aren't necessarily the strongest or the most evil. Rather, their characters are more than just violent purveyors of genocide, murder, and crime. They are instead intelligent lifeforms with charismatic personalities, charming appearances, and manipulative behavior. Yes, of course, they do commit some of the worst crimes known to humanity, but it's not always for baseless reasons. However, some of their reasoning – either due to inner emotional turmoil, wanting an ideal world, or even just for vengeance – also lead to the wrong actions. **Here's to the best villains, who aren't necessarily the strongest, but instead, are the most memorable villains to exist in anime thus far**.

## 15  Kisaki Tetta

### 'Tokyo Revengers' (2021-)

![Kisaki Tetta sitting on stairs as a member of the Tokyo Manji Gang ](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/kisaki-tetta-sitting-on-stairs-as-a-member-of-the-tokyo-manji-gang-cropped.jpg)Image via Liden Films

Kisaki Tetta is the main antagonist in the popular [gang drama **_Tokyo Revengers_**](https://collider.com/tokyo-revengers-episodes/). _Tokyo Revengers_ follows Takemichi Hanagaki as he travels between the past and present to save his ex-girlfriend, Hinata, from being killed by the Tokyo Manji Gang in his present timeline. To do so, however, he has to prevent Kisaki from winning over Mikey and creating Tokyo’s deadliest gang in history.

**Kisaki is an intelligent antagonist**. Although he is not physically strong, he relies on his intelligence to get others to do his bidding. Some such examples include his orchestrating the Bloody Halloween, the repeated murder of Hinata, and the untimely death of Emma - Mikey’s sister - right before a huge gang war. In Takemichi’s present timeline, Kisaki solely runs Toman, and he is presumably the main reason that Mikey embraced his own darkness. This makes Kisaki a challenging foe, as no matter how hard Takemichi works to change the present timeline, Kisaki seems to be one step ahead.

##### Tokyo Revengers

TV-14

Anime

Action

Adventure

**Release Date** April 10, 2021

**Creator** Ken Wakui

**Cast** Griffin Puatu , Adam McArthur , Nicolas Roye

**Seasons** 3

[Watch on Crunchyroll](https://www.crunchyroll.com/watch/GWDU8DXE9/reborn?irclickid=TttwCTTBmxyPUNAy-KQwKXUfUkHU3S2iSXnp1g0&irgwc=1)

## 14  Naraku

### 'InuYasha' (2000-2004)

![Close up image of Naraku in Inuyasha](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/naraku2.jpg)Image via NNS

Naraku is the main villain of **_InuYasha_**. Formerly known as Onigumo, he allowed a mass of demons to feed off his body, ultimately transforming him into Naraku, a half-demon. As Onigumo, he fell in love with his caretaker, Kikyo, who attempted to nurse him after suffering severe burns throughout the entirety of his body. After his transformation, Naraku sought the Shikon Jewel, which was a magical jewel that could grant any wish. In an attempt to get it, he turned InuYasha and Kikyo against one another; however, after Kikyo was fatally injured by him, in order to protect the jewel from evil, she had it burned with her body after death so that no one could have possession of it again. That is until modern-day Japan, where Kagome is in possession of the Shikon jewel and is transported back to feudal Japan.

**Ultimately, Naraku is a powerful half-demon who orchestrated many of the tragic events in _InuYasha_.** For example, in Season 1, Episode 24, "Enter Sango the Demon Slayer," Naraku deceives a clan of demon slayers. This includes the supporting character Sango, who loses her brother, father, and clan in a matter of minutes due to the demons doing Naraku’s bidding. Furthermore, he is the reason behind Kikyo’s death and InuYasha’s long, confused anguish, which further strains Kagome’s and InuYasha’s relationship. Not to mention, Naraku never truly fights battles himself; he uses other demons and creatures to do his bidding for him. Throughout the entirety of the series, Naraku collects the Shikon Jewel shards, even through unfair means, such as stealing them from InuYasha’s team and harming others in the process. He is a deadly opponent who works InuYasha and his friends to the bone up until the very end.

##### [InuYasha](/tag/tv-show/inuyasha/ "InuYasha")

TV-14

Animation

Action

Adventure

**Release Date** August 31, 2002

**Creator(s)** Rumiko Takahashi

**Cast** Kappei Yamaguchi , Richard Ian Cox , Sarah Hauser , Darren Pleavin , Satsuki Yukino , Moneca Stori , Kumiko Watanabe , Jillian Michaels

**Seasons** 7

[Watch on Netflix](https://www.netflix.com/title/70204995)

## 13  Lady Eboshi

### 'Princess Mononoke' (1997)

![Lady Eboshi with one of her rifles turning around and smiling confidently in Princess Mononoke.](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/princess-mononoke-lady-eboshi.jpg)Image via Toho

Studio Ghibli has seen a wide variety of iconic villains throughout its filmography, ranging from simple and effective monsters to nuanced beings that reflect the films' themes. However, few villains from the studio can hold a candle to the enigmatic and powerful Lady Eboshi, the leader of Iron Town, a human civilization created by cutting down the nearby forests. Eboshi acts as the clear parallel and symbol of humanity in [_Princess Mononoke_'s continuous themes of man vs nature](https://collider.com/princess-mononokes-explores-man-vs-nature-themes/) and environmentalism as a whole.

While it would be incredibly simple for _**Princess Mononoke**_ to paint Eboshi in a completely irredeemable light with her actions against the spirits of the forest, **her view and perspective are given much more depth and nuance**. She is simply doing what is deemed necessary to provide for the people of Iron Town, a painful yet required sacrifice that needs to be made to further humanity's survivability. This is all on top of Eboshi's other effective facets of villainy, such as being able to take down the gods of the forest in the name of the town and human survival. – _Rob Lee_

##### Princess Mononoke (1997)

PG-13

Anime

Adventure

Fantasy

Where to Watch

- stream
- rent
- buy

[![Max_Logo](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/max_logo.jpg)](https://www.max.com/movies/princess-mononoke/e31c2dc2-cb8b-416e-9eda-769be3bb3a6b "Stream on HBO Max")

[![Logo-Apple TV (3)](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/logo-apple-tv-3.jpg)](https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/princess-mononoke/umc.cmc.5sqttudjos4b07rysh0mlc0fl "Rent on Apple TV+")[![Logo-Prime Video.jpg.png (1)](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/logo-prime-video-jpg-png-1.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/0TN62O9V9FNKDKNNBEN169YSTE?tag=collider0b-20&ascsubtag=UUclUeUpU0 "Rent on Prime Video")

[![Logo-Apple TV (3)](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/logo-apple-tv-3.jpg)](https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/princess-mononoke/umc.cmc.5sqttudjos4b07rysh0mlc0fl "Buy on Apple TV+")[![Logo-Prime Video.jpg.png (1)](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/logo-prime-video-jpg-png-1.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/0TN62O9V9FNKDKNNBEN169YSTE?tag=collider0b-20&ascsubtag=UUclUeUpU0 "Buy on Prime Video")

_\*Availability in US_

**Release Date** July 12, 1997

**Director**[Hayao Miyazaki](/tag/hayao-miyazaki/)

**Cast** Yôji Matsuda , Yuriko Ishida , Yûko Tanaka , Kaoru Kobayashi , Masahiko Nishimura , Tsunehiko Kamijô

**Runtime** 134 minutes

## 12  Askeladd

### 'Vinland Saga' (2019-2023)

![Askeladd from Vinland Saga Cropped](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/askeladd-from-vinland-saga-cropped.jpg)Image via MAPPA

Askeladd is the first major antagonist of **_Vinland Saga_**. He is the [pirate bandit captain who killed Thorfinn’s father](https://collider.com/vinland-saga-season-2-trailer-anime/), Thors, in exchange for a higher bounty. Throughout the beginning of the series, Thorfinn vows to kill Askeladd and avenge his deceased father, but due to his inexperience with battle and young age, he finds this to be a challenging task, as Askeladd has many years on young Thorfinn.

As captain of the pirate bandits, Askeladd is not foreign to cheap tactics and cruelty. This much is clear when Askeladd has Thors murdered. Thors was a well-known Viking warrior; many sought his advice and kindness, even when he couldn’t afford to offer it. Still, despite his generous and gentle nature, **Askeladd takes advantage of his selfless nature and forces his hand in a combat between the two**. As a result, Thorfinn is left fatherless and in dire need of vengeance.

##### Vinland Saga

TV-MA

Anime

Action

Adventure

Where to Watch

- stream
- rent
- buy

[![Logo-Prime Video.jpg.png (1)](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/logo-prime-video-jpg-png-1.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/0M2WTBBBJCU0FAGYAU0TQ5SUR0?tag=collider0b-20&ascsubtag=UUclUeUpU0 "Stream on Prime Video")

Not available

[![Logo-Apple TV (3)](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/logo-apple-tv-3.jpg)](https://tv.apple.com/us/show/vinland-saga/umc.cmc.75kwlmcy3q71rh62hzsmggnoy "Buy on Apple TV+")[![Logo-Prime Video.jpg.png (1)](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/logo-prime-video-jpg-png-1.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/Crown-English-Dub/dp/B0BYR3DJ3D?tag=collider0b-20&ascsubtag=UUclUeUpU0 "Buy on Prime Video")

_\*Availability in US_

**Release Date** July 6, 2019

**Cast** Yûto Uemura , Mike Haimoto , Shinya Takahashi , Alejandro Saab , Hiroki Gotô , Aleks Le , Kaiji Tang , Michael C. Pizzuto

**Seasons** 2

## 11  Sosuke Aizen

### 'Bleach' (2004-2023)

![Sosuke Aizen with a look of confusion yet determination in 'Bleach' ](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/bleach_sosuke_aizen.jpg)

_**Bleach**_ has evolved and changed greatly over nearly 20 years as one of the biggest anime series of all time, with easily the most iconic and significant villain of the series being the dastardly Sosuke Aizen. Initially introduced as a heroic captain of the Fifth Division of Soul Reapers, he eventually betrays Ichigo and the Soul Society for his true purpose of attaining immense power and overthrowing the Soul King.

A great plot twist villain is always going to leave an impact on the audience, with Bleach's ability to build up Aizen as a major powerhouse and commendable figure before his shocking betrayal makes the twist all the more impactful and memorable. Even after his shift to the dark side, **Aizen doesn't let up commanding a sinister presence throughout the series**, as the quintessential force of the series and a villainous parallel to Ichigo. While he wouldn't stay the main villain for the entirety of the series, his impact and legacy on Bleach as a whole cannot be understated. – _Rob Lee_

##### Bleach

TV-14

Animation

Action

Adventure

Fantasy

Where to Watch

- stream
- rent
- buy

Not available

Not available

[![Logo-Apple TV (3)](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/logo-apple-tv-3.jpg)](https://tv.apple.com/us/show/bleach/umc.cmc.4r3on444y1qa08tr1wo38xekh "Buy on Apple TV+")[![Logo-Prime Video.jpg.png (1)](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/logo-prime-video-jpg-png-1.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/0GZ6419I6PJEHSVLX7440X6EF3?tag=collider0b-20&ascsubtag=UUclUeUpU0 "Buy on Prime Video")

_\*Availability in US_

**Release Date** September 9, 2006

**Cast** Masakazu Morita , Fumiko Orikasa , Hiroki Yasumoto , Yuki Matsuoka , Noriaki Sugiyama , Kentarô Itô , Shinichirô Miki , Hisayoshi Suganuma

**Seasons** 16

## 10  Pain

### 'Naruto' (2002-2007)

![Nagato Uzumaki wearing a uniform in Naruto.](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/nagato-uzumaki-in-naruto.jpg)Image via Shueisha

Although not the main villain of **_Naruto_**, Pain is one of many formidable foes and the most memorable. As a former student of the infamous Jiraiya, previously known as Nagato, Pain became the leader of the Akatsuki in an effort to find and acquire the tailed beasts. In _Naruto_, the Akatsuki are known as a criminal organization, though originally, Pain formed the Akatsuki with two of his close friends, Konan and Yahiko. However, after Yahiko’s demise, caused by the villages, Nagato adopted the alias Pain and created the powerful Six Paths of Pain, where he controls various corpses to do his bidding due to his weakened body.

The Six Paths of Pain led to a dramatic and all-out war against Konoha and Naruto. **[Each of Pain’s Paths](http://collider.com/naruto-akatsuki-members-ranked-strength/) have their own abilities and strengths.** More importantly, Pain was able to control all of them in hand-to-hand combat and meet the pace of any skilled shinobi. Although Pain’s villainy subsided after having a heart-to-heart with Naruto, his time as the Akatsuki leader proved him to be a valuable and challenging foe due to his ninjitsu and Six Paths techniques.

##### Naruto: Shippuden

TV-PG

Animation

Action

Adventure

**Release Date** October 28, 2009

**Cast** Alexandre Crepet , Junko Takeuchi , Maile Flanagan , Kate Higgins , Chie Nakamura , Dave Wittenberg

**Seasons** 21

[Watch on Netflix](https://www.netflix.com/title/70205012)

## 9  Tetsuo Shima

### 'Akira' (1988)

![Tetsuo Shima from Akira standing with a white shirt and red cape in front of jars that read "Akira"](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/tetsuo-shima-from-akira.jpg)Image via Toho

As far as villains from cinematic anime films as opposed to longer-lasting anime series go, Tetsuo Shima from [_**Akira**_](https://collider.com/tag/akira/) is the clear highlight that the vast majority of anime film villains are inspired and built upon. Initially starting off as a young and plucky biker gang member in the futuristic city of Neo Tokyo, Tetsuo soon gets a taste of pure power when he is mysteriously given destructive telekinetic powers. After getting a grasp of his abilities, he quickly goes mad with power and begins ravaging the city as a whole before eventually transforming into a horrific deformed monster.

What makes Tetsuo's overwhelming villainy and abuse of power so effective is how the film slowly builds and shows **his rise from an outcasted yet good-hearted child into a power-hungry monster fueled by rage**. The masterful transformation into a horrific monster in the climax of the film is as visually jarring and iconic as it is tragic and painful for Tetsuo, as in his search and battle for full control, he gives into his rage and becomes a horrific being that he cannot contain. – _Rob Lee_

##### [Akira (1988)](/tag/akira/ "Akira (1988)")

R

Anime

Action

Drama

**Release Date** July 16, 1988

**Director** Katsuhiro Otomo

**Cast** Mitsuo Iwata , Nozomu Sasaki , Mami Koyama , Taro Ishida , Tesshô Genda , Mizuho Suzuki , Tatsuhiko Nakamura , Fukue Itō , Kazuhiro Shindō

**Runtime** 124 Minutes

[Watch on Hulu](https://redirect.viglink.com/?key=d325da4c00e59f5c25e7b4b7cc6a9b26&cuid=UUclUeUpU2075207&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hulu.com%2Fmovie%2F64a5a8d0-1406-4178-97a5-2649504faa85)

## 8  Johan Liebert

### 'Monster' (2004)

![Johan Liebert from Monster ](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/johan-liebert-from-monster-cropped.jpg)Image via Madhouse

From the popular and well-known manga and anime known as **_Monster_**, Johan Liebert is the primary antagonist. He first met the protagonist Kenzo Temna as a child when his parents were murdered, and Temna was the one who saved his life during a life-threatening surgery. However, it is only later that Temna learns that Johan is a psychopath.

**Johan is an [antagonist with a high IQ](https://collider.com/most-intelligent-film-antagonists-ever-ranked-letterboxd/)**. Not to mention, with his charismatic personality, Johan faces zero difficulties in swaying a person’s perception of himself. As such, Johan is able to dissuade any suspicion, and his charismatic nature also leads to others doing his bidding for him. As a result, Johan does not necessarily have to commit any crimes with his own hands, as he has the ability to manipulate and control others through word of mouth.

##### Monster (2004)

TV-14

**Release Date** April 7, 2004

**Creator(s)** Naoki Urasawa

**Cast** Liam O'Brien , Keith Silverstein , Karen Strassman , Richard Epcar , [Laura Bailey](/tag/laura-bailey/) , Tara Platt

**Seasons** 1

**Main Genre**[Animation](/tag/animation/)

[Watch on Netflix](https://www.netflix.com/title/81409869)

## 7  Meruem

### 'Hunter X Hunter' (2011 - 2014)

![Meruem fighting in HunterxHunter.](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Hunter-x-Hunter-Episode-126-Zero-x-and-x-Rose.jpg)Image via Madhouse

Also known by his simple yet commanding title of King, Meruem is one of the strongest and most formidable forces in the world of _**Hunter X Hunter**_, a series filled to the brim with iconic and memorable villains. Acting as a vicious and ruthless leader of the Chimera Ants, Meruem was born with the sole purpose of laying waste to anyone and everyone between his kind and total domination of the world. While he would slowly gain a change of heart and even adapt aspects of human emotion, his time as a seemingly unstoppable villain has placed him in high ranks as **one of the most powerful villains in anime**.

Meruem's story of a non-human being fighting for domination over the earth before eventually learning and evolving thanks to the ingenuity of human nature is far from original, but its execution makes it easily one of the best examples of the trope. Especially with the number of memorable characters murdered, and flashy fight sequences made during his time as a villain, Meruem easily lives up to his status as a genuine world-ending threat. – _Rob Lee_

##### Hunter x Hunter

TV-PG

Animation

Action

Adventure

**Release Date** October 16, 1999

**Creator**

**Cast** Junko Takeuchi , Yuki Kaida , Kanako Mitsuhashi , Annika Odegard , Hozumi Gôda , Yoshikazu Nagano , Norihisa Mori , Eiji Takemoto

**Seasons** 3

[Watch on Netflix](https://www.netflix.com/title/70300472)

## 6  Light

### 'Death Note' (2006-2007)

![A man leaning back in a chair with a demon behind him ](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/death-note.jpg)Image via Netflix

Light Yagami is another anime villain with a high IQ. However, [in the case of **_Death Note_**](https://collider.com/best-anime-episodes-of-all-time-according-to-reddit/), Light is also the protagonist of the show. The audience gets to watch how a once-clear-minded and intelligent protagonist transforms into a villain of manipulation and conceit.

For several years, Light is able to evade suspicion by working closely with his father, the chief of police, and top detective L. This is an impressive feat, considering L seems to have suspicion that Light is in fact Kira, the murderer behind the deaths of inmates and other innocent individuals who get in the way. However, **Light works by means of manipulation, controlling others**, like Misa Amane and Teru Mikami, so that he isn’t in the limelight. Light is so successful that he manages to kill L without so much as touching him; rather, he manipulates a shinigami into sacrificing herself to protect a human. Had it not been for the mistake of others, perhaps Light Yagami would have succeeded in his ideal world.

##### Death Note (2006)

TV-14

Animation

Crime

Drama

Where to Watch

- stream
- rent
- buy

[![hulu_logo](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/hulu_logo.jpg)](https://redirect.viglink.com/?key=d325da4c00e59f5c25e7b4b7cc6a9b26&cuid=UUclUeUpU0&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hulu.com%2Fseries%2F9065c6f1-4d2d-4150-a1ef-58bced498809 "Stream on Hulu")

Not available

Not available

_\*Availability in US_

**Release Date** October 21, 2007

**Cast** Mamoru Miyano , Brad Swaile , Vincent Tong , Ryō Naitō , Trevor Devall

**Seasons** 1

## 5  Eren Jaegar

### 'Attack on Titan' (2013-2023)

![Eren Yaeger in Attack on Titan](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/attack-on-titan-eren-yaeger.jpg)Image by Crunchyroll

Eren Jaegar is another protagonist who falls into the path of a villain. However, unlike Light Yagami from _Death Note_, [throughout the entirety of **_Attack on Titan_**](http://collider.com/when-to-watch-attack-on-titan-finale/), Eren is an ally to the island of Paradis and works to protect his friends and humanity from the era of titans. Eren, himself a Titan, uses his mysterious powers to aid humanity and do the impossible.

However, come Season 4, **Eren turns his back on Paradis and aims to destroy humanity after learning that Paradis was abandoned and forced to suffer under the torment of Titans** while everyone else in the world was able to live a prosperous and oftentimes peaceful life. Though viewers can understand Eren’s changing ideals, there is still no mistaking Eren’s newfound, violent - and meticulous - nature that has led to a skyrocketing body count that no other _Attack on Titan_ antagonist or villain can achieve.

##### Attack On Titan

TV-MA

Adventure

Action

Anime

Fantasy

**Release Date** September 28, 2013

**Cast** Marina Inoue , Hiro Shimono , Takehito Koyasu , Yûki Kaji , Josh Grelle , Bryce Papenbrook

**Seasons** 4

[Watch on Crunchyroll](https://www.crunchyroll.com/watch/GR49GM4W6/to-you-2000-years-in-the-future--the-fall-of-zhiganshina-1?irclickid=TttwCTTBmxyPUNAy-KQwKXUfUkHU3kT6SXnp1g0&irgwc=1)

## 4  Crocodile

### 'One Piece' (1999-)

![Close up image of Crocodile in One Piece](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/one-piece-crocodile.jpg)Image via Adult Swim

As the first major and high-stakes enemy and villain of [**_One Piece_**](https://collider.com/tag/one-piece/), Crocodile is one of the most memorable antagonists of _One Piece_ and in the media. The protagonist of _One Piece_, Luffy, is often seen as an indestructible force, being able to fight his way through hordes of enemies. However, in the [Alabasta arc of _One Piece_](https://collider.com/one-piece-arcs-in-order/), approximately a hundred episodes, Crocodile faces Luffy in what appears to be a hopeless and unwinnable battle.

Although Crocodile isn’t the toughest villain in _One Piece_, he leaves a mark on the audience’s memory through his introduction. A corrupted individual, **Crocodile was a former warlord, some of the most powerful beings in the One Piece universe**. However, he was also the leader of a crime syndicate, which Luffy aided Princess Vivi in defeating. But Crocodile’s most memorable feat was defeating Luffy, forcing Luffy to adapt and overcome him. He proved to be an adversary foe, one that remains even now throughout One Piece despite his own defeat.

##### [One Piece](/tag/one-piece/ "One Piece")

TV-14

Animation

Action

Adventure

Where to Watch

- stream
- rent
- buy

[![hulu_logo](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/hulu_logo.jpg)](https://redirect.viglink.com/?key=d325da4c00e59f5c25e7b4b7cc6a9b26&cuid=UUclUeUpU0&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hulu.com%2Fseries%2Ff5d4278b-6acb-4a63-a7a2-eab91de2611e "Stream on Hulu")[![crunchyroll_logo](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/crunchyroll_logo.jpg)](https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GRMG8ZQZR/one-piece "Stream on Crunchyroll")

Not available

[![Logo-Prime Video.jpg.png (1)](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/logo-prime-video-jpg-png-1.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/0T9134MEEXEI98NQ2ISZ4VA30W?tag=collider0b-20&ascsubtag=UUclUeUpU0 "Buy on Prime Video")

_\*Availability in US_

**Release Date** October 20, 1999

**Creator(s)** Eiichiro Oda

**Cast** Mayumi Tanaka , Akemi Okamura , Laurent Vernin , Tony Beck , Kazuya Nakai

**Seasons** 1

## 3  Dio Brando

### 'JoJo's Bizarre Adventure' (2012-)

![Dio Brando pointing his boney, finger towards the camera while surrounded in glowing flames in 'JoJo's Bizarre Adventure'](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/jojo-s_bizarre_adventure_dio_brando.jpg)

One of the biggest factors that can play into the impact and iconic status of an anime villain is their stage presence and extravagant nature, with no anime villain coming close to having the show-stealing presence of Dio Brando. Initially starting off as the sadistic and chaotic half-brother of Johnathan Joestar, Dio has seen a wide number of different appearances and renditions throughout [_**JoJo's Bizarre Adventure**_](https://collider.com/tag/jojos-bizarre-adventure/). His most iconic is easily in Part 3, "Stardust Crusaders", where he continues his overwhelming villainous premise with both vampire abilities and his dangerous stand, The World.

Even when he doesn't make a direct appearance in the series, it's impossible to deny the impact that Dio has over the entirety of [_JoJo's Bizarre Adventure_ as easily its most important character](http://collider.com/jojos-bizarre-adventure-dio-brando-best-character/). Whether he's murdering dogs just for fun or crushing his enemies under the weight of a road roller, Dio has an inherent level of over-the-top chaos that makes him a villain who is as fun to watch as he is hatable. He's easily grown a presence and icon status well outside of the confines of _Jojo's_ itself, becoming **one of the most recognizable anime villains of all time** and an immediate contender for one of the best anime villains. – _Rob Lee_

##### [JoJo's Bizarre Adventure](/tag/jojos-bizarre-adventure/ "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure")

TV-14

Animation

Action

Adcenture

Where to Watch

- stream
- rent
- buy

[![hulu_logo](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/hulu_logo.jpg)](https://redirect.viglink.com/?key=d325da4c00e59f5c25e7b4b7cc6a9b26&cuid=UUclUeUpU0&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hulu.com%2Fseries%2F3f2ffb64-2424-44a5-b229-4371dccb1d6f "Stream on Hulu")[![Logo-Prime Video.jpg.png (1)](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/logo-prime-video-jpg-png-1.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/0FMEFPCMQJR8KIM4S2EY1TBQTZ?tag=collider0b-20&ascsubtag=UUclUeUpU0 "Stream on Prime Video")[![Peacock_Logo (2)](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/peacock_logo-2.jpg)](https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/tv/jojos-bizarre-adventure/8788684443983262112/seasons/1 "Stream on Peacock")[![crunchyroll_logo](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/crunchyroll_logo.jpg)](https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GYP8DP1MY/jojos-bizarre-adventure "Stream on Crunchyroll")

Not available

[![Logo-Apple TV (3)](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/logo-apple-tv-3.jpg)](https://tv.apple.com/us/show/jojos-bizarre-adventure/umc.cmc.5xvk1qpjymno5lraml9waegmh "Buy on Apple TV+")[![Logo-Prime Video.jpg.png (1)](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/logo-prime-video-jpg-png-1.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/0NG2506P9OJYL9KSLBHNH6GDFV?tag=collider0b-20&ascsubtag=UUclUeUpU0 "Buy on Prime Video")

_\*Availability in US_

**Release Date** October 4, 2012

**Cast** David Vincent , Matthew Mercer , Daisuke Ono , Unshô Ishizuka , Tôru Ohkawa

**Seasons** 5

## 2  Griffith

### 'Berserk' (1997-1998)

![Guts vs. Griffith](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/2unnUppMuQ18E58qT69fISVIeA0-Cropped.jpg)Image via Nippon TV

Griffith from **_Berserk_** is one of the most despicable villains to come to anime. _Berserk_ is a dark and often violent manga depicting brutal moments that often characterize Griffith as the essence of evil. While Griffith’s actions in the anime - and manga, for that matter - are unforgivable, there is a reason for his actions, as despicable as they may be.

Griffith's loses his aspirations and dreams after meeting (and losing) Guts. This results in Griffith acting without truly thinking, ultimately leaving him a shell of his former self. When all is lost, then everything is to be gained - even at the expense of others. **This combination makes Griffith one of the greatest anime villains**, as he has committed the unforgivable, but there is a history to his character that emphasizes his cruelty, thus making it all the more impactful.

##### Berserk (1997)

TV-MA

Animation

Action

Fantasy

**Release Date** October 7, 1997

**Directors** Naohito Takahashi

**Cast** Marc Diraison , Kevin T. Collins , Carrie Keranen , Michelle Newman , Christopher Kromer , [Jeff Ward](/tag/jeff-ward/) , Mark Sebastian , J , David Brimmer , Sean Schemmel

**Seasons** 1

[Watch on Crunchyroll](https://www.crunchyroll.com/watch/G6JQ2WJ4R?irclickid=TttwCTTBmxyPUNAy-KQwKXUfUkHU3hwrSXnp1g0&irgwc=1)

## 1  Frieza

### 'Dragon Ball Z' (1989-1996) and 'Dragon Ball Super' (2015-2023)

![Frieza smiling while pointing at someone in Dragon Ball Z.](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/frieza-dbz-feature-image.jpg)Image via Toei Animation

Freiza is most definitely the most iconic villain in all of anime. Unlike other villains on this list, Frieza successfully hunted down groups of species and completed full-on genocide against several species, including that of Goku’s race, the Saiyans. Similar to other villains on this list, Frieza was one of Goku’s first and foremost foe in the [**_Dragon Ball Z_**](https://collider.com/tag/dragon-ball-z/) series, pushing Goku to great lengths that he was able to trigger his Saiyan powers.

Although Frieza was defeated early on in Dragon Ball Z, in the Super series, **Frieza returned in both manga and anime**, proving to be the same genocidal character with the same killer instincts as before, even appearing in the latest Broly film, **_Dragon Ball Super: Broly_**, as he manipulates Broly to fight against Vegeta and Goku.

##### Dragon Ball Z (1989)

TV-PG

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Anime

Where to Watch

- stream
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Not available

Not available

[![Logo-Prime Video.jpg.png (1)](https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/logo-prime-video-jpg-png-1.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B012S1VTRG?tag=collider0b-20&ascsubtag=UUclUeUpU0 "Buy on Prime Video")

_\*Availability in US_

**Release Date** September 13, 1996

**Cast** Christopher Sabat , Scott McNeil , Sean Schemmel , Brian Drummond

**Seasons** 9

NEXT: [The Best Studio Ghibli Characters, Ranked](https://collider.com/studio-ghibli-characters-ranked/)

- [TV](/tv/ "TV")
- [Anime](/tag/anime/ "Anime")
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Naruto](/tag/naruto/ "Naruto")

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- Bidisha
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Don't u watch jjks sukuna is 1000 times better🙄



2024-08-15 14:25:47





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- Antonio
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Putting Madara not there is crazy he's literally better then pain



2024-08-13 11:18:17





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- shavez
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Eren was NOT a villain!



2024-09-07 22:12:06





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