While anime has made strides in moving past annoying stereotypes, even the newest series still feature characters who frustrate viewers.
These characters often embody outdated tropes, come off as overly arrogant, or simply act in ways that clash with audience expectations.
1. Ubel: Bloodthirsty and Emotionless (Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End)
Ubel is a frustrating character in Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. She kills without remorse and resorts to violence as her go-to solution. In a calm and peaceful series like Frieren, Ubel feels out of place and unnecessary. Her cruelty clashes with the tone of the First-Class Mage exam, and her disdainful attitude makes her hard to like.
2. Unio: Rude and Arrogant (ZENSHU)
Unio was meant to be a humorous side character in ZENSHU, but his arrogance goes too far. His bragging made many fans wish he had died early in the series. Unio’s rudeness contradicts the heroic and noble spirit he’s supposed to represent. Though he’s Luke Braveheart’s close friend, his behavior makes viewers think Luke deserves a better companion.
3. Yuri Briar: Obsessive Love for His Sister (Spy x Family)
Yuri Briar, Yor Forger’s younger brother, is controversial for his excessive affection toward his sister. While this trope isn’t rare in anime, Yuri’s feelings come off as borderline creepy, making many viewers uncomfortable.
Although the creators try to play this for laughs, Yuri’s open attempts to separate Yor from her new family are anything but funny. He has potential as an interesting character, but his extreme love makes it hard to take him seriously.
4. Mahito: Sadistic Torturer (Jujutsu Kaisen)
Mahito is one of Jujutsu Kaisen’s main villains. He embodies hatred and delights in torturing humans by manipulating their bodies. One of his most horrifying acts is turning Junpei into a monster right before Yuji’s eyes.
Mahito becomes even more hated when he kills Kento Nanami and Nobara Kugisaki. His gleeful laughter makes him more detestable than frightening.
5. Little Johnny: Fake to the Point of Annoyance (To Be Hero X)
Little Johnny is a hero in To Be Hero X who always acts cheerful and positive. However, his attitude is pushed so far it feels fake and irritating. Despite losing his parents young and having a son prone to losing control, he forces a happy facade. While the show tries to show he’s hiding his true feelings, the execution ends up annoying viewers.
6. Lance Crown: Creepy Obsession with His Sister (Mashle)
Lance Crown may be one of Mash’s friends, but his feelings for his little sister cross the line. His daydreams and the way he talks about her are both creepy and uncomfortable. Though Mashle is a comedy, Lance’s moments often make viewers cringe.
7. Hayase Nagatoro: Rude and Mean-Spirited (Don’t Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro)
Hayase Nagatoro lives to torment her senpai, Naoto Hachiouji. Her teasing should be funny and cute, but it often comes off as rude and cruel. Instead of playful jokes, she pushes Hachiouji into anxiety and fear. Nagatoro’s harsh treatment of someone she likes sends a negative message about love.
8. Jonas Under: Jealous and Selfish (Sugar Apple Fairy Tale)
Jonas Under is a minor antagonist in Sugar Apple Fairy Tale for two simple reasons: jealousy and selfishness. After Anne Halford rejects his feelings, he not only tries to win her back but also sabotages her efforts to achieve her dreams. Even knowing how important her goals are, Jonas lets bitterness take over, making him an unpleasant character.
9. Kuina Sazanami: Excessive Sexual Desire (Tougen Anki)
Kuina Sazanami is uncomfortable to watch due to her extreme feelings for her teacher. Though still a young girl, she openly expresses sexual desire toward Naito Mudano. It gets even more awkward when she and others talk about her body and desires. While having feelings is normal, her intense pursuit of Mudano is too much for many fans.
10. Kinta Sakata: Inappropriate Remarks (Dandadan)
Kinta Sakata is a new character in Dandadan but quickly became one of the most annoying. Despite useful knowledge, he believes he has the right to speak inappropriately to girls. Instead of normal conversation, he makes crude and irritating remarks. His words make him a disliked character, reminding viewers of real-life people with similar behavior.