The definition of a popular character in anime can be because he is the most attractive, the toughest or the most intelligent, but only within the fans of the series. But, those characters that transcend, those that are known even outside the anime industry, are the ones that we could really call the most famous in the world.
In our list we mention the 15 most famous anime characters, who have managed to transcend the Japanese animation industry and be known by everyone around the planet.
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1. Goku
Goku is possibly the most famous anime character of all time. He first appeared as a young boy in Dragon Ball and grew up to become the strongest fighter in Dragon Ball Z. This character is known to many people, even those who are not anime fans.
2. Naruto Uzumaki
Another of the most beloved characters inside and outside of anime is Naruto. With a happy-go-lucky personality that reminds us of Goku, his backstory is very interesting. The evolution that Naruto has in the series, from being a lonely boy to being everyone’s hero, is worth seeing.
3. Ash Ketchum
Ash is not only famous for himself, but with his pokemon partner Pikachu they make the most beloved duo in the world of anime and beyond. A little 10-year-old trainer who dreams of catching and training all the pokemons together with his cute Pikachu takes us on endless adventures.
It should be noted that Pikachu appears for the first time in a Nintendo game to later be one of the most adorable characters in anime and the world. Who doesn’t know Pikachu?
4. Mono D. Luffy
Naruto, Shingeki no Kyojin and One Piece are listed as the “big three” by Shounen Jump, the most popular manga and anime magazine in Japan. That is why the protagonist of One Piece could not be left out of this list. Luffy the elastic boy who wants to become the king of pirates has won the hearts of many fans who hope to see him realize his dream.
5. L Lawliet
If you have never seen Death Note, at least you will have heard about this anime since it has inspired several series Live Actioneven for Netflix. L is the protagonist’s rival, this is a mysterious international detective who tries to unmask Kira (Light Yagami), who has claimed the title of “God” by murdering criminals with his Death Note.
6. Saitama
Saitama is an unusual superhero, the story of why he is so strong is really funny, but perhaps his popularity is due to the fact that he can defeat any opponent with a single blow. This causes him to seek out different opponents as he is bored with the lack of any worthy ones.
7. Edward Elric
Without a doubt, this character makes the list not only because of his charisma and development within the story, but also because the anime itself is known as one of the best of its genre. Balanced and well crafted, this series will take you down very hard paths about life, death, philosophy, science and ethics.
8. Spike Spiegel
Cowboy Beebop is a cult anime classic, a different series but one of the best you’ll see in your life. The music, the sequence, the story and of course Spike, the space pilot bounty hunter, are the essence of this anime.
9. Kira (Light Yagami)
If we had L higher up, surely Kira had to be here as well. Light possessor of the Death Note and with a high intelligence, he wants to achieve a happy world, but he is the one who will judge who should live and die in this idyllic place that he plans to achieve. Despite behaving like a villain, this character is very charismatic, sometimes managing to side with him.
10. Vegeta
Vegeta is not only Goku’s rival, but one of the best developed anime characters throughout his history. Going from villain to anti-hero to hero, Vegeta’s popularity never wanes at any stage of his.
11. Motoko Kusanagi
Known as Major, she is a cyborg who works in the cybercrime department. This girl is one of the most famous female characters in the world due to her intelligence, military skills and her beauty. The Ghost in the Shell series inspired many other series cyberpunk style and even a movie starring Scarlett Johansson.
12. Levi Ackerman
Of the most recent anime, Shingeki no Kyojin is one of the most popular, with a deep story that leaves us a lot to think about, hides multiple characters worthy of this list. However, we all agree that Captain Levi Ackerman, master of military and combat tactics, is the best because of his intelligence, calmness, and genius.
13. Guts
Another cult classic anime is Bersek, which follows the story of Gust, a mercenary who travels from one place to another until he meets Griffith and his gang and then has a purpose. This anime is well known for its bloody action and violence.
14. Vash
Vash is the protagonist of Trigun. In this story Vash has a 60 billion double dollar bounty on his head, however, beyond his apparent personality he is a good hearted boy who refuses to kill.
15. Asuka Langley Soryu
The Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise is full of enigmatic and popular characters, however, Asuka is the most well known out of this world. She is one of the few most famous female characters in the world and is the pilot of Eva Unit 02. This series with philosophical, religious and science fiction overtones will undoubtedly leave you thinking about many things after watching it.
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