Anime heroes come in all different forms, from classic good-guy types to barely socialized antiheroes, and even heroes by accident. They may be at the center of the story, but heroes are often complex characters, with traits that aren’t always so likable.
Some anime heroes are blessed with charm, and for many of them, it’s a quality that has endured through many trials and tribulations–or maybe even developed because of them. It’s not hard to see why these heroes have become fan favorites.
10 Sugawara Koushi Is A Kind, Upbeat & Supportive Teammate (Haikyu!!)
Once a third-year study at Karsuna High, Kōshi Sugawara eventually became an elementary school teacher in Haikyu!! As a student, he was vice-captain and substitute setter for the volleyball team, and he’s got the perfectly soothing personality to keep his teammates in line.
Sugawara is a dedicated player and encourages his teammates never to give up. He’s always supportive, and also has a mischievous side now and then, which adds to his charm. His handsome face is nearly always seen smiling.
9 Lupin III Combines Chivalry & A Love Of Stealing (Lupin III)
Grandson of Arsène Lupin, Lupin III continues the family tradition of being a gentleman thief. Part of his charm is his willingness to play the fool sometimes, especially when it’s a ruse to take his enemies by surprise.
In the anime, he fights injustices and helps other people–all while helping himself to money and jewels, of course. But, he lives by a code and combines his cleverness and ability to craft master plans with a childish sense of humor.
8 Yamato Kurosawa Is Super Cute, Protective, & A Devoted Boyfriend (Say I Love You)
With black hair that hangs over those dark eyes, it’s not surprising that Yamato Kurosawa has been scouted by modeling agencies. He’s the most popular guy at Toumei High. It’s not just that he’s so incredible looking.
When he was in middle school, he let down a friend, and in the present, he really tries to do his part to protect anyone he can to make up for that mistake. He comes to help Mei immediately, even though they’d just met. He’s also loving and patient, even when Mei has her gloomy moods.
7 Takumi Usui Wins Misaki Ayuzawa’s (& Fans’) Heart With Good Looks & Loyalty (Kaichou Wa Maid-Sama!)
Athletic, hot, fantastic at everything he does, Takumi Usui is easily the most popular person at Seika High. He’s able to rise beyond a disadvantaged background as an illegitimate and unacknowledged child to #1 at his school.
He’s protective of Misaki and her secrets, tries to help her when she’s overworked, and in many other situations throughout their growing friendship. Despite Misaki’s initial antagonism towards men in general, he gradually wins her over by the sheer force of his loyalty and charm. They end as a married couple.
6 Mayuri Shiina Adds Her Gentle Charisma To Time Travel & Lab Work (Steins;Gate)
Some characters are so sunny and good-natured, they win over even the most cynical of fans. Mayuri Shiina is short and cute, and pretty naïve–even childish–for her age. She loves to surround herself with cute things.
Despite the fact that she may seem like an intellectual lightweight, she often catches details others miss when it comes to lab work. Her charming personality and role as Rintaro Okabe’s helper create a lot of the fan appeal in the time-traveling saga Steins;Gate.
5 Armin Arlert Dislikes The Violence He’s Forced To Commit (Attack On Titan)
In the harsh world of Attack On Titan, where every day is a battle for survival for the human race, Armin Arlert still finds time to develop a love of flowers and bunnies. He’s a nature and animal lover and dislikes violence. He’s kindhearted and empathetic, despite the harshness of his early years.
Armin is loyal and selfless to a fault, but also capable of violence and killing. When it comes to fighting Titans, he believes in doing everything it takes bar nothing to accomplish their goals.
4 Yuzuru Otonashi Becomes A Good-Hearted Person & Finds True Love (Angel Beats)
Otanashi’s personality changes after his sister’s death. He goes from more or less a loner to a responsible person and works his way through medical school to become a doctor. He’s selfless, and proves that by helping the survivors of the train crash before his death.
He’s the same good-hearted charmer in the Afterlife, and his gradual friendship, then love, for Kanade comes in between conflicts and battles with and within the SSS, school dramas, and the general uneasiness of adjusting to the Afterlife.
3 Ken Kaneki Makes The Most Of His Life As A Ghoul (Tokyo Ghoul)
Who else could emerge from his transformation into a one-eyed ghoul actually cooler and more charming than he was when he started out? Ken Kaneki even turns his torture by Yamori into part of his look when it turns his hair white.
After he escapes from his captivity by Aogiri Tree, he becomes a champion and protector of his family and home. Eventually, he plays a key role in the Defense of Tokyo. He’s heroic and protective, cute and stylish, and in the end, also a happily married father.
2 Emilia Is Beautiful With A Few Lovable Quirks (Re:Zero)
Emilia is a gorgeous Half-Elf with silver hair and purple eyes in Re:Zero. Emilia likes to pretend that she’s selfish, but she’s got a good heart. She likes to take care of those close to her. She also has a few lovable quirks, like the way she doesn’t care at all about how she looks, and her occasional slip-ups when she comes across social mores she’s not familiar with.
She’s endearing, and that may be because she is said to be writer Tappei Nagatsuki’s favorite Re:Zero character.
1 Kirigaya Kazuto Combines Good Looks With A Kind Personality (Sword Art Online)
Kazuto can be blunt in his speech, and sometimes tends to favor computers over people, but he also takes on an active role as a Beater to help other beta testers like him, and in general shoulders more than his share of the work in the VRMMORPG.
He adapts quickly to the game environment, and adept at its many challenges. At the same time, he’s emotional and empathetic to others who are trapped. There’s a reason why many of the female characters fall for this kind and charming hero.
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