Certain anime characters, ranging from action heroes to beloved icons, have become instantly recognizable around the world and across different age groups. Here’s a simple list of those characters you’ll see everywhere – in animation studies, on store shelves, and even in competitive gaming – with quick details about where they came from, what they’re like, and what they do in their respective stories.
Shinji Ikari
Shinji Ikari is the main character and pilot of the Evangelion in the anime series ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion,’ created by Hideaki Anno and designed by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto. He pilots Evangelion Unit-01 for the organization NERV, battling strange creatures called Angels while also dealing with difficult relationships with his parents. The series focuses heavily on Shinji’s internal struggles with loneliness, responsibility, and figuring out who he is. In the original Japanese version, Megumi Ogata provides his voice, while Spike Spencer voices him in English dubs.
Totoro
As a critic, I’ve always been captivated by Totoro, the adorable forest spirit at the heart of Hayao Miyazaki’s ‘My Neighbor Totoro.’ He’s essentially a gentle, protective presence for these two young sisters who are moving to the countryside. You instantly recognize him – his shape and that little leaf umbrella are the iconic symbol of Studio Ghibli, plastered on everything from toys to clothing. What’s really fascinating is how Miyazaki portrays Totoro; he barely ‘speaks’ – the character communicates through incredible sound design and pure, visual storytelling, which makes him all the more magical.
Astro Boy
Astro Boy, originally called Tetsuwan Atomu in Japan, was created by Osamu Tezuka, a groundbreaking manga artist. This character is a young, robotic boy with incredibly advanced intelligence, the ability to fly, and powerful weapons. He lives with his creator’s family and works to resolve disagreements between people and robots. Astro Boy was also highly influential in the development of the anime industry, helping to establish many of the visual styles and distribution methods used today.
Edward Elric
Edward Elric is the main character in Hiromu Arakawa’s ‘Fullmetal Alchemist’. After a dangerous experiment went wrong, he lost limbs which were replaced with automail – mechanical prosthetics. This led him to become the youngest person ever to earn the title of State Alchemist. Edward is skilled in alchemy, able to perform transformations without needing the traditional circular pattern, a skill he learned while trying to bring his mother back to life. In the original Japanese version, Romi Park provides his voice, while Vic Mignogna originally voiced him in English, with other actors taking on the role in different releases.
Ichigo Kurosaki
Ichigo Kurosaki is the main character in ‘Bleach,’ a series created by Tite Kubo. He gains the powers of a Soul Reaper, taking on the duty of helping spirits move on and fighting dangerous creatures called Hollows. As the story progresses, Ichigo’s abilities grow, drawing on both Quincy and Hollow powers due to his unique family background. The series features long, detailed story arcs like the Soul Society and Arrancar sagas, and has expanded into several video games and novels.
Saitama
Saitama is the main character in ‘One-Punch Man,’ originally created by ONE and later adapted into a manga by Yusuke Murata. Despite being incredibly powerful – able to defeat enemies with just one punch – he’s registered as a low-level hero with the Hero Association. The story follows dangerous threats categorized by their severity, and the complex system the Hero Association uses to rank heroes. Saitama’s life is a mix of intense training, hero work, and everyday tasks, all while facing increasingly dangerous villains.
Levi Ackerman
Levi Ackerman is a captain in the Special Operations Squad from the anime and manga series ‘Attack on Titan’, created by Hajime Isayama. He comes from the Ackerman family, known for their natural fighting skills and strong bodies. Levi is famous for skillfully using his 3D maneuver gear to fight in cities and forests. Hiroshi Kamiya voices him in the Japanese version, while Matthew Mercer is one of his English voice actors.
L
In the popular manga and anime series ‘Death Note’, created by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, L is a brilliant detective. He investigates a series of mysterious deaths connected to a special notebook used by Kira. L uses unique methods like manipulating the media, creating fake identities, and closely watching suspects. Kappei Yamaguchi voices L in the original Japanese version, while Alessandro Juliani is well-known for his English portrayal of the character.
Light Yagami
In the anime ‘Death Note’, Light Yagami finds a supernatural notebook that allows him to kill anyone whose name he writes in it. He begins a secret operation to eliminate criminals, calling himself Kira, and works hard to avoid getting caught. Light carefully plans his actions, uses clever distractions, and even joins the investigative teams trying to catch him. Throughout all of this, Ryuk, a Shinigami (death god) who gave Light the notebook, watches from the sidelines.
Doraemon
Doraemon is a robot cat who travels from the future in the popular series of the same name, created by Fujiko F. Fujio. He helps a boy named Nobita Nobi with amazing gadgets he pulls from his four-dimensional pocket – things like time machines and tools to solve any problem. The series includes a long-running TV show, movies, educational episodes, and lots of related products. In Japan, Doraemon is currently voiced by Wasabi Mizuta, who took over the role from previous voice actors.
Sailor Moon
Usagi Tsukino, also known as Sailor Moon, is the main hero of the popular series ‘Sailor Moon’ created by Naoko Takeuchi. She discovers she’s a magical warrior whose mission is to defend Earth and the Moon Kingdom, fighting alongside other Sailor Guardians. The series is known for its characters transforming, using symbols related to planets, and telling a continuing story of battles against groups of villains. Kotono Mitsuishi voices the character in Japanese, and several different actors have played Sailor Moon in English versions over the years.
Monkey D. Luffy
Monkey D. Luffy leads the Straw Hat Pirates in the popular manga and anime series ‘One Piece’, created by Eiichiro Oda. After gaining powers from the Gum-Gum Fruit, he fights using rubber-like abilities and eventually masters advanced Haki skills. Luffy’s journey takes him through the dangerous Grand Line, where he gathers a diverse crew, each with their own specialized role – from navigator to swordsman and doctor. In the original Japanese version, Mayumi Tanaka provides the voice for Luffy, while Colleen Clinkenbeard is one of the English voice actors.
Naruto Uzumaki
In Masashi Kishimoto’s ‘Naruto’, Naruto Uzumaki is a powerful ninja who contains the spirit of the Nine-Tails. The series follows his journey as he trains in his village, Konohagakure, learning skills like the Rasengan and Sage Mode. The story also explores the complex relationships between villages, the histories of ninja clans, and conflicts between the five major nations. Naruto is voiced by Junko Takeuchi in the original Japanese version and by Maile Flanagan in most English dubs.
Son Goku
Son Goku is the main hero of the popular anime and manga series ‘Dragon Ball,’ created by Akira Toriyama. He constantly improves his fighting skills by training with expert martial artists and competing in tournaments, gaining new levels of power through energy control. The story grows to include adventures across the universe, exploring Goku’s Saiyan ancestry and encounters with gods and events spanning multiple universes. In the original Japanese version, Masako Nozawa has voiced Goku in the TV series, movies, and video games, while Sean Schemmel provides his voice in most English versions.
Pikachu
Pikachu is the face of the ‘Pokémon’ franchise, appearing in animated series, video games, and on all sorts of merchandise, all managed by The Pokémon Company. In the animated show, Pikachu travels with trainer Ash Ketchum and fights using electric attacks like Thunderbolt and Quick Attack. Atsuko Nishida designed the character, while Ken Sugimori helped shape its early look in the games. Japanese voice actress Ikue Ōtani is famous for providing Pikachu’s voice, both in Japan and in versions around the world.
Share your picks—and who you think we missed—in the comments!
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2025-11-10 01:16