The anime world is filled with iconic villains, brilliantly portrayed across countless series over the decades. It’s easy to find an anime villain you support or even love. But it’s much rarer to see a villain actually win in the end, since most stories conclude with the hero overcoming evil and all obstacles.
Here are 7 rare villains who achieved their goals despite the hero’s resistance.
7) Dio Brando (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure)
Dio Brando is an iconic villain and the main antagonist in “Phantom Blood” and “Stardust Crusaders.” His initial goal in the first arc was to defeat Jonathan Joestar and take over his body. By the end of “Phantom Blood,” Dio succeeded, killing Jonathan and sleeping in his new body. Although Jotaro ultimately defeats him in Part 3, Dio’s first appearance marks a clear victory.
6) Ainz Ooal Gown (Overlord)
Many modern anime feature protagonists who act as villains, exploring morally gray areas and darker themes. Ainz Ooal Gown from Overlord is a prime example.
This isekai series follows gamer Satoru Suzuki trapped in his favorite game’s world. Taking the form of his skeletal avatar, he renames himself Ainz Ooal Gown and sets out to conquer the New World. Using intelligence, ruthlessness, and cunning, Ainz becomes the Supreme Overlord. Ultimately, he achieves his ultimate goal of immortalizing himself through domination.
5) Kirei Kotomine (Fate/Zero)
The Fate/stay series centers on mages fighting for the Holy Grail across history. Fate/Zero is a prequel detailing the Fourth Holy Grail War. Kirei Kotomine, Assassin’s Master, is an empty man who finds joy only in others’ pain.
Initially supporting his mentor, Kirei gradually pursues his own dark desires through the Grail. This darkness peaks when he betrays his mentor to ally with Gilgamesh. In the end, Kirei uses the Grail to create destructive flames, satisfying his craving for harm. Revived by the Grail, he is considered the unofficial “winner” and becomes the main villain in the Fifth War.
4) Kyubey (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)
In this genre-subverting magical girl series, Kyubey is a cute but manipulative alien creature. Kyubey grants girls a wish in exchange for becoming Magical Girls who fight witches. Its goal is to harvest energy from the girls’ suffering and despair to prevent the universe’s destruction. By hiding this harsh truth, Kyubey succeeds in generating the energy it needs, achieving its ultimate goal.
3) Griffith (Berserk)
Berserk is widely praised for its epic story and brutal themes, though its anime adaptations often receive mixed reviews. The series’ highlight is the controversial villain Griffith.
Once a mercenary leader, Griffith dreamed of founding his own kingdom. He committed the ultimate betrayal against the Band of the Hawk, sacrificing his comrades to ascend as God Hand member Femto. Despite this, Griffith does not fail by the series’ end. He builds the utopian city Falconia, fully realizing his royal ambitions.
2) Eren Yeager (Attack on Titan)
Attack on Titan is considered a modern classic, ending with debates about the protagonist’s villainous role. Eren Yeager starts as a hero sworn to destroy Titans after his mother’s death. But after learning the world’s truth and gaining future sight, his goals shift. Eren’s new desire is to create a world where Eldians are no longer oppressed or hated.
To achieve this, Eren unleashes The Rumbling, becoming a genocidal force. This ensures the outside world is too weakened to retaliate against Eldians. Though he ultimately dies, Eren completes much of what he set out to do for his loved ones.
1) Ryo Asuka (Devilman Crybaby)
Devilman Crybaby is a supernatural horror series centered on the influence of demons. Ryo Asuka is introduced as Akira Fudo’s close friend who warns of an impending demon invasion. But the story flips when it’s revealed that Ryo is actually Satan in disguise.
Satan’s initial goal is to expose demons to spark violence and humanity’s destruction. Later, this shifts to destroying Earth to keep Akira forever by his side. In the end, Ryo/Satan wins as Earth is destroyed and humanity wiped out. However, this victory is bittersweet since Akira dies in battle, leaving Ryo to live alone forever.