Hey guys! I've finally done it. After years of watching anime and reading manga, I've decided to create my ultimate tier list of characters. This was tougher than I thought, seriously! There are so many amazing characters out there, and choosing the best was a real challenge. But hey, that's the fun part, right? This tier list is based on a mix of factors: how much I enjoy them, their impact on the story, their character development, and just overall coolness factor. I'm going to dive deep into why I placed each character where I did, so get ready for some serious anime and manga talk. This is all just my opinion, of course, and I'm always open to discussing and debating. So, buckle up, and let's get into it! We'll cover a wide range of series, from the classics to some newer hits. My aim is to provide a comprehensive and well-reasoned ranking that reflects my personal favorites and the characters I believe have truly left a mark on the anime and manga world. This isn't just about power levels or who would win in a fight; it's about the characters that make us laugh, cry, and feel something deep inside. I hope you find this list entertaining and maybe even discover some new characters to check out. Let's get started!
S-Tier: The GOATs of Anime & Manga
Alright, let's kick things off with the S-Tier. These are the characters that I consider to be absolute legends. They're the cream of the crop, the ones who have shaped the anime and manga landscape. These characters consistently deliver in terms of story, character development, and impact. They are the characters that have made a lasting impact on me personally and continue to resonate long after finishing their respective series. Expect to see characters who are not only powerful and influential but also incredibly well-written and memorable. These characters are the ones I'll never forget, the ones that define their series and genres. They are the ones who inspire and entertain, who leave a mark on your heart and mind. Deciding on the S-Tier was tough, because there are so many incredible characters, but these are the ones who consistently stand out for their depth, their influence, and the sheer enjoyment they bring to the experience of watching or reading their stories. Expect to find characters who have become cultural icons, characters whose catchphrases and actions are widely known and celebrated. They aren't just characters; they're phenomena. They have become integral to the broader conversation around anime and manga. They demonstrate a high degree of complexity in terms of personality, motivations, and relationships. They are often the driving force behind the narrative. They can make you laugh, cry, and everything in between. The characters in this tier are the reason why anime and manga are so popular.
Examples
- Goku (Dragon Ball): Let's start with the obvious. Goku is the epitome of the shonen protagonist. His relentless drive to become stronger, his unwavering optimism, and his pure heart make him a true icon. Goku's development throughout the Dragon Ball series is nothing short of legendary. From a young boy with a monkey tail to a Super Saiyan God, his journey is a testament to the power of hard work and perseverance. Goku's character isn't just about fighting; it's about the relationships he has with his friends and family, and his love for martial arts. He's a cultural phenomenon, inspiring generations of fans with his never-give-up attitude.
- Luffy (One Piece): Monkey D. Luffy is another must-have in the S-Tier. His infectious enthusiasm, his unwavering loyalty to his crew, and his determination to become the Pirate King make him one of the most beloved characters in all of anime and manga. Luffy is a character that perfectly embodies the spirit of adventure. He cares deeply about his friends, and that is often the driving force behind his actions. Watching Luffy evolve from a carefree pirate to a formidable leader is always a treat. Luffy's story is about dreams, friendship, and the pursuit of freedom. His influence on the narrative and his interactions with other characters are unmatched. He is someone you can't help but root for.
- Eren Yeager (Attack on Titan): Talk about a character arc! Eren Yeager goes through one of the most dramatic and impactful transformations in anime history. From a hot-headed kid seeking revenge to a complex and morally ambiguous protagonist, Eren's development is captivating. His actions and decisions have changed the whole game. Eren's role in Attack on Titan explores the darker aspects of humanity and the complexities of war. His story explores themes of freedom, sacrifice, and the heavy weight of responsibility. Eren's journey from a simple boy to a character with the weight of the world on his shoulders is the embodiment of what makes his character so great.
A-Tier: The Amazing & Influential
Alright, moving on to the A-Tier. These characters are amazing and impactful, but they don't quite reach the legendary status of the S-Tier. These are characters who have had a major influence on their respective series, and they're often some of the most popular and beloved characters. They are incredibly well-written, and they're must-see characters. The A-Tier is where you'll find characters who are incredibly influential, with memorable story arcs and compelling personalities. These characters typically stand out for their complex backgrounds, unique skills, and often, for their significant contributions to the plot. They may be the heroes who save the day, the villains who challenge our beliefs, or the side characters who steal the show. Each character in this tier brings something special to the table. These characters are very well-crafted, their designs are often iconic, and their presence in the story is always a joy to watch. Expect to see characters who have very complex personalities. They are not always the heroes, and sometimes they act like villains; they are not always bad guys. These are the characters that drive the story in ways that are essential to the overall impact of their respective series. Their presence helps enrich the story, making it a more enjoyable experience.
Examples
- Vegeta (Dragon Ball): Vegeta, the Prince of all Saiyans, goes straight into this tier. He is a character defined by his pride, rivalry with Goku, and his gradual evolution from a ruthless villain to a complex hero. Vegeta's arc showcases growth and also resilience. His struggle to surpass Goku is very relatable. Vegeta's development from a cold-hearted warrior to a family man is heartwarming. Vegeta's constant striving to be better also allows us to see his vulnerabilities and how he grows. Vegeta isn't always the strongest, but his determination is unmatched. Vegeta is a good example of a character who is not always the good guy, but he makes us understand his motives.
- Levi Ackerman (Attack on Titan): Levi is the strongest soldier of humanity. His stoic demeanor and exceptional fighting skills make him one of the most compelling characters in Attack on Titan. Levi is not only a skilled fighter, but he's also a leader, and his actions consistently save his comrades. His backstory adds layers to his character, allowing for a level of depth in him that will keep you engaged. Levi's commitment to his squad, and his dedication to humanity, make him one of the most popular characters in the series. He's a leader who cares about his soldiers. Levi is a great example of how to bring a good character arc and design into your anime.
- Saitama (One-Punch Man): Saitama is the epitome of the overpowered hero. Despite his overwhelming strength, Saitama remains humble and relatable. His nonchalant attitude and deadpan humor are a refreshing change. Saitama's design perfectly reflects his personality. He is powerful and incredibly cool, despite how simple he looks. His story is a satire of the superhero genre. His journey is about how Saitama deals with being overpowered. Saitama is an incredibly simple yet unique character that is an icon in the genre.
B-Tier: Solid Characters
Let's move to the B-Tier. These are the characters I really enjoy and have a good impact on their respective series. These characters are good, but they may lack the same level of depth or impact as those in the higher tiers. They're still very enjoyable and deserve a spot in my tier list. The B-Tier features characters who have an important role in their stories and they're often very likable. They might have a compelling storyline, a unique design, or maybe a specific skill that is essential to the plot. Characters that have interesting personalities and development but don't necessarily reach the same heights as those above. These characters are still a great addition to the anime and manga world. You'll find a variety of characters in this tier. These characters contribute in their series, and they often have many fans. They have characteristics that will make you relate to them and have a fun time. Their character arcs make them unique and interesting. The characters in this tier are not always perfect, but they're characters that keep you engaged. Expect to find characters with good storytelling, cool designs, and interesting abilities.
Examples
- Naruto Uzumaki (Naruto): Naruto is the energetic and determined protagonist of his own series. His character development from a mischievous underdog to a respected hero is inspiring. Naruto is a character who never gives up. He always strives to improve. His drive to protect his friends, and his determination to never give up, make him a beloved character. Naruto is a great example of a character who overcomes challenges through perseverance and also resilience. His story highlights themes of friendship, acceptance, and hard work.
- Tanjirou Kamado (Demon Slayer): Tanjiro is the kind-hearted protagonist of Demon Slayer. His unwavering kindness and strong sense of justice make him a very likable character. Tanjirou's character is also known for his strong determination to save his sister. His pursuit to protect his loved ones is a central theme of the story. His character shows great empathy and always fights to do the right thing. Tanjirou's story is about family, sacrifice, and also the battle against evil. His never-give-up attitude and kindness help him be a very well-loved character.
- Light Yagami (Death Note): Light Yagami is a brilliant but morally complex protagonist. His descent into darkness is a fascinating study of power and corruption. Light's mind games and strategic thinking make him a very compelling character. Light is a character that makes you think about what is good and bad. His motivations and actions lead to many discussions and also debates. Light's story explores the themes of justice, morality, and the abuse of power. Light's character arc keeps you engaged and wondering what the ending will be.
C-Tier: Good Characters
Alright, let's talk about the C-Tier. These are characters I like, but they are not necessarily the ones that stand out the most. These characters are solid, and they contribute to their stories, but they might have a less memorable impact. They're not bad characters, they're just not as amazing as those in the higher tiers. They are still very enjoyable to watch, and they have their place in the anime and manga world. These characters add something, but they may lack the same level of depth or impact as the characters in the other tiers. Expect to find characters who are generally likable or interesting, but they're not the ones that have left a huge impact on me. They're enjoyable but might not have a compelling backstory or a very complex personality. They play their part in the story, and often have some good moments, but they don't necessarily stand out from the crowd. These characters may be essential to the plot, or they may provide a good dose of comedy or support. However, their overall impact is not as significant as the characters in the higher tiers. They are characters who are okay, but not the ones that you'll be raving about for days. They might have great moments in their series, and sometimes shine, but overall, they're not the ones that leave a huge impact.
Examples
- Erwin Smith (Attack on Titan): Erwin Smith is a skilled leader, and his strategic mind makes him a key figure in Attack on Titan. His decisions often lead to conflict, and his character is more focused on strategy than personality. His sacrifice during the series shows his leadership skills and how he is always willing to sacrifice. Erwin is not a main character, but his impact on the story makes him a memorable character.
- Roronoa Zoro (One Piece): Roronoa Zoro is the loyal swordsman of the Straw Hat Pirates. His dedication to Luffy and his dream of becoming the world's strongest swordsman make him an interesting character. He is a key part of the crew, but his development is not as big as the other characters. His design and his strength make him an icon.
- Kakashi Hatake (Naruto): Kakashi is a skilled ninja. His mysterious nature and his powerful abilities make him one of the best characters in the series. His impact on the story and his teaching skills also add up to his character. Kakashi's story is also interesting, but he is not the most important character in the series.
D-Tier: Not My Favourites
Okay, finally, we have the D-Tier. This is where the characters I don't enjoy as much end up. They're not necessarily bad characters, but they haven't resonated with me in the same way. They might have annoying traits, weak storylines, or they might just not be characters that I particularly connect with. The D-Tier consists of characters that might have been bland, or they could have had moments that didn't land. They might have had annoying aspects, poor development, or perhaps they didn't fit into the narrative in a way that I found satisfying. They're not necessarily terrible, just not my favorites. These characters could have been poorly written, or they simply didn't grab my attention. They may have had traits that I found unlikeable or storylines that didn't resonate with me. Some characters may have had great moments, but overall, they just didn't have the impact needed to be higher. It's all subjective, and it doesn't mean these characters are bad; they're just not my cup of tea. They have their place in their respective series, but they didn't have the impact that some other characters have had on me. Expect to find characters that you may enjoy, but the ones that I didn't like.
Examples
- Sakura Haruno (Naruto): Sakura is a key character in Naruto, but her character development and personality have not been my favorite. Her actions have been essential to the plot, but the writing has not always been good for me.
- Orihime Inoue (Bleach): Orihime is a kind character, but her personality and design don't stand out as much as the other characters. Her story did not resonate with me as much as the other characters.
- Shinji Ikari (Neon Genesis Evangelion): Shinji is a complex character, but his personality and his development are not the best. His impact on the story makes him a character, but the character did not resonate with me as much as the other characters.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, guys! My tier list of anime and manga characters. This was a fun project, and I hope you enjoyed it. Remember, this is just my opinion, and everyone's tastes are different. Let me know what you think, and share your own tier lists! I'm always up for a good discussion about anime and manga characters. Thanks for reading, and keep watching, and keep reading! Maybe you'll find some new anime or manga to start watching!
