When it comes to anime, some of the most memorable characters are the villains. They are known to be incredibly capable, manipulative, and charismatic, making them formidable foes for the protagonists. With their cunning ways, they can blend in among the heroes, without anyone suspecting their true nature. These are the anime villains that are too good at being bad. Here are some of the most iconic anime villains, according to CBR!
10. Dio – Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure
Dio Brando from Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure is one of the most iconic shonen anime villains. He is a threat to the Joestar bloodline as he continues to trouble generations after generations. From defeating Jonathan and taking over his body to manipulating Romo Pucci to reset the universe, Dio has proven to be a manipulative and narcissistic villain who continues to lure many followers.
9. Shogo Makishima – Psycho-Pass
Shogo Makishima in Psycho-Pass is known for his strong moral compass. However, he uses cruel and brutal means to reveal the truth. Shogo is not a supernatural being, but rather a manipulative, charismatic, and intelligent human who has the power to force his views on everyone around him. He knows that what he does is evil, but he refuses to back down, making him a villain too good to be bad.
8. Reinhard von Lohengramm – Legend of the Galactic Heroes
Reinhard von Lohengramm from Legend of the Galactic Heroes is one of the most advanced and ruthless villains in the anime community. He is the leader of the Galatic Empire, and even his enemies recognize him as a brilliant strategist and leader. Reinhard is not defined as good or evil, and his moral complexity makes him a standout antagonist. His intelligence is unparalleled, and he could have been successful on the other side of the conflict if he chose to.
7. Griffith – Berserk
Griffith is known as one of the most cunning, disturbing, and hated antagonists in anime history. He is so mesmerizing that even his opponents want to follow him. His ambition and leadership ability have a hypnotizing effect on people around him. Nonetheless, Griffith sacrifices his loyal followers, the Band of the Hawk, in the Eclipse, the most pivotal plot twist in the anime. Griffith’s transformation into the ultimate villain, Femto, proves how ruthless he is. He is willing to destroy anything that stands in the way of his dreams.
6. Ougai Mori – Bungou Stray Dogs
Ougai Mori is the secretive villain of Bungou Stray Dogs. He appears to be harmless, but he is the leader of the Port Mafia and the former mentor of Osamu Dazai. He is a logic-driven, heartless crime boss who manipulates and bullies everyone around him. He uses his power to run the criminal syndicate filled with ability users without anyone daring to stop him. His ambition is relentless, and he will stop at nothing to achieve his absolute power.
5. Gorosei – One Piece
The antagonist force in One Piece is the corrupt bureaucratic and military alliance known as the World Government. The various factions that work for the World Government, from the Marines to the Gorosei, represent absolute justice and control, which is opposed by philosophical pirates like Luffy and his crew. The Gorosei are the rulers of the World Government, and they are the ones who make major-world government decisions. Little is known about them, and they are often considered the most dangerous and powerful people in the One Piece universe.
Anime villains have always been a significant aspect of the anime world. They are complicated, charismatic, and evil, which makes them too good at being bad. Each villain listed above has the power to steal our hearts and make us forget their pure evil intentions. As anime enthusiasts, we cannot wait to see who the next villain to steal our hearts and make us question our stance on good and evil.
