Villains play a vital role in the plot of any anime. They create a conflict and bring about a challenge for the heroes to face. Without villains, there can be no story. While many anime villains are downright despicable to the core, some are more than they seem and gain the audience’s sympathy.
It is common for a sympathetic villain to come with a tragic past that shapes who they become, but this isn’t always the case. Some villains have noble, though misguided, intentions, while others slowly become good as the story goes on, and others are just so likable that fans can’t help but root for them. Whatever the reason, these villains are beloved for their complexity and steal the show whenever they appear.
10 Sebastian Michaelis Is One Of The Most Popular Characters (Black Butler)
Fans of the series Black Butler are all enamored by demon butler Sebastian Michaelis. Despite being one of the main characters, he is, without a doubt, a villain in his own right. He is a demon from Hell, under a contract with protagonist Ciel Phantomhive, serving him in exchange for his soul. From the start, he appears as a very morally grey character with no regard for human life. Nevertheless, he is a fan favorite and is loved by nearly the entire fanbase. Even when he is in the wrong, everyone roots for him and loves to see him succeed.
9 Lordgenome’s Actions Have Good Intentions (Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann)
Lordgenome is the first main villain of the series Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann and is at war with the main cast in the first arc. Because of him, humans are forced to live underground, never seeing the light of day. Through the fight between him and Team Dai Gurren, his true intentions are revealed. He initially drove humans underground to protect them, seeing no other option for survival. Though he is a clear villain and very brutal in his actions, he only does what he thinks is necessary for humans to continue on.
8 Lust Has A Change Of Heart (Fullmetal Alchemist 2003)
Lust’s character is very different in the 2003 adaptation of Fullmetal Alchemist. While she starts off as a sadistic and fearsome villain, she has a much kinder side that grows throughout the series. She eventually begins to remember her previous life, causing much internal conflict for her.
Fans can sympathize with her struggle as she learns the truth of her existence and what her purpose as a homunculus really is. In the end, she chooses to abandon her original mission and aid Ed and Al. Unfortunately, this redemption is short-lived as she is killed almost right after. Her struggles and pain make her a compelling character that the audience can root for.
7 Sesshomaru Becomes A Kinder Character (Inuyasha)
At the start of Inuyasha, Sesshomaru is one of the main antagonists. He sees himself as superior to others due to his pure demon blood and inherited power. He is cruel and heartless, seeing all life as worthless. Despite his cruelty, he is an instant fan favorite. His popularity only grows as his cold heart slowly warms up to those around him, such as Jaken, Rin, and Kohaku. Especially after he meets Rin, he begins to show compassion for others. Though he remains stoic and cold, he learns the value of the lives of others. Instead of longing for power, his main goal changes, and he wants to protect those precious to him.
6 Zabuza Learns A Valuable Lesson At The End Of His Life (Naruto)
When he is first introduced in the Land of Waves Arc of Naruto, Zabuza Momochi is a cold and heartless killer. He kills countless people with little to no thought. Despite taking him in at a young age, Zabuza even has little feeling for Haku. He only realizes the error of his ways after Haku’s death, seeing that he should have valued the boy who loved him and was willing to do anything for his sake. His change of heart moves fans, and his death is one of the most memorable deaths of the series.
5 Kirio Fights To Protect His Family (Kamichama Karin)
Kirio Karasuma is the main antagonist throughout the series Kamichama Karin, especially during the first arc. He is the enemy of Karin Hanazono and longs to possess the power of God the lives within her ring. As Karin learns the truth of these powers, she discovers Kirio’s true goal. He wants to harness the power of the ring to protect his family. He especially hopes to help his adopted little sister, Himeka Karasuma, who is declining in health. Though he remains an enemy throughout most of the series, his motives and his relationship with his sisters make him a likable villain who fans want to succeed.
4 Vegeta Goes From A Villain To A Hero (Dragon Ball)
Vegeta begins as one of the main villains of the Dragon Ball franchise. He is egotistical and cold, killing others with no remorse. However, his character slowly evolves throughout the series. As the story progresses, he changes, no longer longing for power the way he used to and becoming more heroic.
Once he settles down with Bulma, he becomes more protective and regards the lives of others with respect. Originally all he cares about is power, but as his power grows, he changes and wants to protect those around him. Whether a villain or a hero, Vegeta is loved by fans and has always been supported by them.
3 Sailor Galaxia Is Manipulated By Chaos (Sailor Moon)
Growing up in a war-torn land, Sailor Galaxia longs for power in the final arc of Sailor Moon. This desire allows her to fall victim to Chaos, and she is manipulated into doing its bidding. She travels from planet to planet and collects the Sailor Crystals to gain even more power. Sailor Moon is the only one who can get through to her, allowing her to escape from Chaos’ grasp. Though she has a rough upbringing, her life is not truly tragic until Chaos takes control of her. Thanks to Sailor Moon, she is able to finally be free.
2 Team Rocket Is Both Pathetic And Lovable (Pokémon)
Team Rocket has been the main villain of the Pokémon anime series from the start. Despite this, they aren’t successful villains in the slightest. From the time of their introduction, they are horrible at their job and fail time and again at stealing Pikachu or any other Pokémon. Their failed attempts at thwarting Ash and friends are always comical and one of the best parts of the show. To top it all off, they’re actually very good at heart, proving to be more like heroes than villains. For these reasons and more, they are some of the most well-liked and popular characters in the series.
1 Tahomaru Only Wants What Is Best For His People (Dororo)
Tahomaru treads the thin line between villain and hero in the series Dororo. Everything he does is for the good of his land and his people. He grows up as the more privileged of the two brothers, enjoying palace life while Hyakkimaru suffers abandonment. While he is comfortable and relatively happy in his peaceful land, he knows something isn’t right. He discovers just what that is when he learns of his older brother, Hyakkimaru, who was sacrificed to the demons for the sake of prosperity in their land. At first, Tahomaru wants to welcome his brother with open arms, but his father convinces him that, for the sake of everyone, Hyakkimaru must die. His change of heart starts him down a dark path, and he is tormented by the resentment he feels towards his brother.
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