In the world of anime, a great villain often captivates audiences just as much as, if not more than, the main heroes. Beyond overwhelming power, it is their psychological depth and complex life philosophies that turn them into timeless icons.
Recently, a large-scale survey in Japan by Ranking.net revealed the top 10 most beloved villains among fans today.
10. Meruem (Hunter x Hunter)
Leading off the list is the Chimera Ant King, Meruem. Interestingly, Meruem never directly faces the main protagonist Gon, yet his impact is immeasurable. From a cold-blooded creature focused solely on protecting his species, Meruem develops profound humanity through his Go matches with the young girl Komugi. This complex psychological transformation makes him one of the most humane villains in Jump history.
9. Muska (Castle in the Sky)
The only movie villain on the list is Muska from Studio Ghibli. He embodies the classic villain archetype: calm, cunning, and always in control to sow chaos. Muska’s presence highlights the diversity of Japanese fans’ tastes, where timeless classics still hold a strong place.
8. Tomura Shigaraki (My Hero Academia)
The heir of All For One, Shigaraki represents the modern shonen villain. He could have been a hero, but fate pushed him toward destruction. With his signature “Decay” ability, Shigaraki destroys not only matter but also the moral foundations of the superpower society, evoking both sympathy and sorrow from fans.
7. Itachi Uchiha (Naruto Shippuden)
Mentioning beloved villains without Itachi would be a huge oversight. Initially seen as a cold-blooded clan killer, the truth reveals him as a silent hero who bore the villain label for the greater good. Itachi’s legacy is immortal, and his seventh-place ranking is well deserved for his sacrifices.
6. Shinsuke Takasugi (Gintama)
In a series full of laughter like Gintama, Takasugi stands out as a dark, intense note. He symbolizes destruction and the desire to annihilate the world that took everything from him. His complex bond with Gintoki creates a powerful dynamic, making Takasugi the most realistic and haunting villain in the series.
5. Dio Brando (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure)
“Kono Dio Da!” This iconic phrase alone speaks volumes about Dio’s status. Without relying on deep philosophies, Dio wins fans with his arrogant ego, decisiveness, and unique charisma. He is the quintessential villain: selfish, cruel, yet irresistibly captivating.
4. Baikinman (Anpanman)
Baikinman can be seen as Japan’s version of Tom from Tom & Jerry. He proves that a villain doesn’t need world domination plans or a tragic past to be loved. His innocence and pure entertainment value have kept Baikinman alive in the hearts of generations of Japanese viewers.
3. Kenjaku (Jujutsu Kaisen)
The mastermind behind the Culling Game, Kenjaku is a schemer with plans spanning centuries. His layered character design secures him the third spot. However, many fans feel his full potential wasn’t fully explored by the story’s end, which might have earned him an even higher rank.
2. Dabi (My Hero Academia)
Surprisingly, Dabi surpasses Shigaraki to claim second place. His trademark wild “dance” and shocking reveal to the Todoroki family define his character. Years of meticulous revenge planning have made Dabi a symbol of bitterness and rage, earning him deep empathy from Japanese fans.
1. Akaza (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba)
The crown goes to Akaza, Upper Rank Three of Demon Slayer. His popularity soared after the blockbuster movie Infinity Castle. Akaza is not just a powerful villain, he is a lost soul crushed by society.
The tragic past of Hakuji has broken millions of hearts. A villain who constantly seeks strength to protect what he lost, Akaza is the perfect villain in the hearts of Japanese fans today.