Anime Villains You Secretly Agree With

Many anime antagonists captivate audiences with their daring schemes and distorted reasoning, causing us to ponder our own positions. Sometimes, their objectives or ideologies resonate deeply, despite their questionable tactics, which subtly earns our admiration.

Explore a collection of 10 intriguing anime antagonists whose purposes stir contemplation, prompting the thought, ‘Ah, I see.’ Their goals range from pursuing justice to confronting flawed systems, and while their methods may not be acceptable, their underlying reasons strike a chord. Let’s delve into why these villains might not be entirely in the wrong.

10. Stain – ‘My Hero Academia’ (2015-)

Stain, known as the Villain Killing Superhero, has a strong disdain for those who masquerade as heroes but prioritize fame over actually saving lives. Portrayed by Go Inoue, he focuses on taking down supposed heroes whom he believes are corrupt, with the intention of purifying society.

Despite finding his harsh tactics difficult to accept, the appeal of his authentic bravery resonates deeply. In an era fixated on ratings, Stain’s crusade for honesty seems surprisingly legitimate.

9. Meruem – ‘Hunter x Hunter’ (2011-2014)

Initially portrayed as a merciless Chimera Ant ruler driven by conquest, Meruem – voiced by Koki Uchiyama – undergoes a transformation. As he encounters empathy and contemplates his existence, he begins to question the very reason for his actions.

Rediscovering Meruem’s original objective of a realm dominated by might highlights some deeply ingrained human weaknesses, yet his transformation leaves one cheering for his success. This odyssey underscores the fact that even antagonists may undergo change and contemplate a new direction.

8. Pain – ‘Naruto: Shippuden’ (2007-2017)

Nagato, portrayed by Junpei Morita, seeks to put an end to war by making the world experience genuine pain. To accomplish this, he devises a strategy that includes massive devastation in order to bring about tranquility.

His perspective on pain serving as a unifying force is shaped by a life marked by conflict, which makes it challenging to completely refute. The intense view of peace through pain resonates with actual discourses in the world about the concept of sacrifice.

7. Shogo Makishima – ‘Psycho-Pass’ (2012-2019)

Makishima, lent his voice by Takahiro Sakurai, clashes with a system that dictates individuals’ lives based on preemptive crime scans. He upholds the concept of personal freedom, willing to tolerate disorder for its sake.

Although Makishima’s methods are violent, his resistance against the oppressive regime seems justified. The struggle for self-rule by Makishima leaves one pondering where the line between control and tyranny lies.

6. Askeladd – ‘Vinland Saga’ (2019-2023)

In a different phrase, we can say that the character Askeladd, portrayed by Naoya Uchida, is a crafty Viking chief who secretly aims to safeguard his native land. Beneath his harsh facade lies a more profound intention.

The fact that Askeladd is ready to take on the role of the antagonist for a higher purpose leaves a strong impression. His intricate motivations cause you to respect his determination, despite his actions being tinged with violence.

5. Reiner Braun – ‘Attack on Titan’ (2013-2023)

Reiner, played by Yoshimasa Hosoya, finds himself caught between loyalty and remorse as he secretly joins the ranks of his adversaries. His choices are motivated by a deep-seated wish to protect his community.

The inner turmoil he faced due to his commitment to an imperfect ideal was deeply affecting, particularly as you witness his suffering. It leaves one questioning the price that Reiner had to pay for mere existence.

4. Itachi Uchiha – ‘Naruto’ (2002-2007)

Itachi Uchiha, portrayed by Hideo Ishikawa, appears as a ruthless betrayer, mercilessly wiping out his own clan. However, it’s revealed later that his actions were aimed at averting a larger conflict and safeguarding his village.

In a way that’s strikingly close to home, Itachi’s self-imposed role as the antagonist, aiming for peace, deeply resonates with me. His tale compels me to ponder the lengths I might be willing to go for the greater good.

3. Lelouch Lamperouge – ‘Code Geass’ (2006-2008)

As a cinephile immersed in the world of anime, I find myself identifying with Lelouch Lamperouge, brilliantly brought to life by Jun Fukuyama. This enigmatic character is on a relentless mission to dismantle an oppressive regime and liberate his people from tyranny. His methods, however, are not always straightforward; they often involve subterfuge and the orchestration of massive upheavals that shake the very foundations of his world.

His struggle against oppression and yearning for a superior future seem admirable, though it’s hard to ignore the toll in lives. The captivating charm of Lelouch and his suffering stir feelings of support towards his seemingly unattainable objective.

2. Scar – ‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’ (2009-2010)

Kenta Miyake provides the voice for Scar, a survivor of the Ishvalans who were brutally wiped out by the military. Driven by intense anger, Scar embarks on a destructive quest for vengeance.

His pursuit of justice, stemming from the tragedy of genocide, is difficult to dispute, despite the fact that his actions sometimes become violent or chaotic. The story of Scar’s struggle and eventual redemption evokes deep empathy in the audience.

1. Light Yagami – ‘Death Note’ (2006-2007)

In a different turn of phrase, the character portrayed by Mamoru Miyano, named Light, employs an extraordinary journal to eliminate wrongdoers in his quest for a flawless society. However, his divine-like beliefs and ambitions result in disorder.

Initially, his aim to eliminate evil seems rational and praiseworthy, but once power takes hold of him, it becomes clear that he may have been misguided all along, as his eventual downfall suggests. This leaves one questioning the nature of his original intentions.

2025-07-06 18:45