The best side characters in anime, ranked

While factors such as visuals and story are naturally important, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that the characters are what make any show worth watching. This also applies to anime, a medium where many fans create art and edits of their favorite characters. There’s nothing better than finding a character that you just instantly connect with, especially if that character isn’t even the actual lead.

Askeladd | Vinland Saga

While Askeladd initially joins the series as the main antagonist in the first season of Vinland Saga, things change as viewers learn more about him. Behind the manipulative and cruel Viking is a surprisingly thoughtful person who has a lot of unexpected depth.

Thorfinn spends the first season chasing after Askeladd for revenge, but that idea of revenge is constantly challenged. Whether it’s his dialogue or the decisions he makes, Askeladd is constantly in control of the story, and that’s what makes him such an awesome side character.

Kaiki Deishuu | Monogatari Series

Kaiki Deishuu is one of the most unusual characters in the Monogatari Series, which is already saying a lot. He’s openly a liar and a scammer, and he wholeheartedly embraces his selfishness and dishonesty. Despite all of this, he’s the only grounded character to stay calm in the face of all the supernatural chaos around him.

All of Kaiki’s conversations are thought-inducing, especially after his depth is revealed as the story continues. While he’s far from a traditional hero, Kaiki’s relatability made him a favorite in the series.

Kamina | Gurren Lagann

If confidence and raw energy had a name, it would be Kamina. Despite being introduced fairly late into the story, Kamina leaves a clear mark on Gurren Lagann by becoming an instant favorite. He pushes Simon to grow as a person, and his passion feels genuine instead of forced.

While most other anime would utilize Kamina as an annoying, loudmouthed side character whom fans hate, that doesn’t happen here. He inspires those around him to be better, and he leaves the show in a grandiose way befitting his boisterous personality.

Reigen Arataka | Mob Psycho 100

Mob may be Mob Psycho 100’s main character, but Reigen is arguably the show’s soul. Multiple fans stuck around because of Reigen’s antics. While he starts off as a seemingly joke character who just scams Mob by posing as a fake psychic, the show gradually reveals that he’s much more emotionally intelligent than he shows.

Reigen may not have insane powers or cunningness, but he stands out as a character who’s genuinely nice and human. He has flaws, selfish moments, and even regrets, but he always tries to do the right thing in whatever way he can.

Levi Ackerman | Attack on Titan

It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Levi is Attack on Titan’s most popular character. Of course, much of that is because of his awesome title of “Humanity’s Strongest Soldier,” but his personality also helps. He has skill, discipline, and emotional restraint that make him a character worth looking up to.

While characters such as Gojo from Jujutsu Kaisen are strong because of some broken ability, that doesn’t apply to Levi. Levi is the strongest purely because of his skill, letting him go toe to toe against colossal titans. Despite all of the pain he has gone through, Levi is the perfect example of a commander who genuinely cares for his comrades.

Urahara Kisuke | Bleach

Some of the best anime characters are those who look like average Joes when they’re introduced. This trope was practically made for Kisuke, a seemingly ordinary shopkeeper who’s actually one of the smartest characters in the Bleach series. He’s constantly several steps ahead of other characters, making him a favorite.

Despite all of the smartness and power he wields, Kisuke never lets anything get to his head. He has a playful personality around those he cares about, even if he knows when to let that face drop when things get serious.

Might Guy | Naruto

The fight between Rock Lee and Gaara in Naruto shook the anime world to its core. Much of this was because of it being a battle between hard work and talent. While Lee wasn’t able to beat Gaara, Might Guy proves that hard work really does pay off by being one of the strongest characters in the series.

Despite his personality fitting the overly loud side character trope, Guy is clearly a teacher who genuinely wants his students to succeed. He’s much more than just another comic relief character, as proven by the many fights he has been in.

Mirio Togata | My Hero Academia

Deku may have gotten the All For One quirk, but Mirio arguably captured what a symbol of hope should be more accurately in the earlier seasons of My Hero Academia. He seems like a bright and friendly student at first glance, but he’s extremely selfless and disciplined. Mirio spent more time and effort than most to master his quirk, turning something that should’ve been a disadvantage into his greatest weapon.

Even when he lost his quirk while protecting a helpless child, he still decided to put his life on the line to fight evil. His sheer willpower alone makes him more of a hero than even some main characters.

Yu Ishigami | Kaguya-sama: Love Is War

Kaguya-sama: Love Is War is seemingly just a fight of love between two individuals. But Ishigami’s character still manages to shine purely because of how relatable he is. He starts as a gloomy and awkward background character, but he becomes so much more when his backstory is revealed.

Despite all of the confidence issues he faces, Ishigami is someone who strives to be better. He slowly learns to trust others, and while he has his moments of aloofness, Ishigami is someone his friends can ultimately rely on.

Reinhard van Astrea | Re:Zero

The concept of being the strongest isn’t new in anime. Some characters just have a power that no one in their universe can rival. Reinhard van Astrea is literally the walking definition of being overpowered, but he’s far from being one-dimensional.

Reinhard is respected by everyone, yet few can actually understand him. His immense strength makes everyone love him, but it also isolates him because he knows that no one will truly relate to him. Despite everything, Reinhard puts on a smile and sets out every day to do the right thing.