Anime With Iconic Characters That Often Overshadow the Plot

Some animated characters become incredibly famous, even more so than the shows they’re in. Often, people focus on how a character looks, their personality, or their abilities, rather than the story itself. This is fueled by things like social media, popular clips, and merchandise, which can make a character more recognizable than the show’s name. Knowing the main story of these popular series helps us understand why certain characters have become so iconic within the anime world.

‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ (2020–)

Satoru Gojo is a powerful sorcerer and teacher at Tokyo Jujutsu High, and he’s a frequent topic of conversation among fans because of his incredible ability, “Limitless.” However, the main story centers around Yuji Itadori, a high school student who accidentally consumes a cursed object connected to Ryomen Sukuna, a very powerful curse. To stop Sukuna from taking over, Yuji joins a secret group of sorcerers on a mission to find and absorb all of Sukuna’s remaining cursed fingers. Although the series explores the dark world of curses and the complex politics of the sorcery community, Gojo consistently stands out as the most talked-about character.

‘Chainsaw Man’ (2022–)

Makima is a hugely popular character online, largely due to her position as a powerful leader within the Public Safety Devil Hunters. The story follows Denji, a poor young man who fuses with his devil companion, Pochita, becoming a unique hybrid creature. He’s then recruited by Makima to hunt a dangerous devil known as the Gun Devil, all while living in a world where people’s fears take physical form. While the series explores difficult topics like trauma and abuse, much of the online discussion focuses on Makima herself – specifically her controlling behavior and striking appearance.

‘My Dress-Up Darling’ (2022)

Marin Kitagawa quickly became popular thanks to her energetic love of cosplay. The story centers around Wakana Gojo, a shy student who dreams of becoming a skilled maker of traditional Japanese dolls. When Marin learns about Wakana’s talent for sewing, she asks him to make costumes for her favorite characters, and they become close friends. While the show carefully shows the challenges and artistry of costume making, most viewers are captivated by Marin’s different and eye-catching looks.

‘Spy x Family’ (2022–)

Anya Forger, a little girl who can read minds and loves peanuts, is the most popular character in this series. The story centers on Twilight, a skilled spy who needs to start a fake family to get into a top school and stop a war. He accidentally adopts Anya, who has telepathic abilities, and marries Yor, a professional assassin, as part of his plan. Though the story mixes spy action with funny family moments, Anya’s playful behavior and memorable lines often steal the show, sometimes overshadowing the serious mission at hand.

‘Attack on Titan’ (2013–2023)

Levi Ackerman is consistently the most popular character in the series, often overshadowing the main hero and the show’s complicated political storylines. The story starts with humans hiding inside walls to avoid giant, man-eating creatures called Titans. It quickly evolves from a simple survival story into a much deeper narrative about long-standing conflicts, prejudice, and the ethics of attacking first. However, many fans are still most interested in Levi’s fighting abilities and calm personality.

‘Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World-‘ (2016–)

Rem, the blue-haired maid from the Roswaal Mansion, has become so popular that she’s often used to promote the series, even more than the main female character. The story centers on Subaru Natsuki, a young man who finds himself in a fantasy world with a unique ability: he can return to a specific point in time after he dies. This power, called “Return by Death,” means Subaru must suffer greatly, both physically and emotionally, to protect those he cares about. Despite this, much of the discussion around the show focuses on who Subaru should end up with romantically, particularly regarding Rem.

‘Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’ (2022)

Set in the world of ‘Cyberpunk 2077,’ this series centers on David Martinez, a young man who becomes an edgerunner – a mercenary outlaw – after a devastating loss and the installation of a powerful cybernetic implant. The story examines the dangers of overusing cybernetics, which can lead to a mental condition called cyberpsychosis. While the series offers a commentary on oppressive corporations and what it means to be human, many fans are particularly captivated by the character of Rebecca – a wild, heavily armed mercenary who quickly became a standout figure.

‘Bungo Stray Dogs’ (2016–)

Osamu Dazai used to be a leader in the Port Mafia but now works with the Armed Detective Agency. He’s known for being a bit of an oddball, and is a popular character with fans. The story centers around Atsushi Nakajima, an orphan who can turn into a tiger and joins a team of detectives with special powers, each named after famous authors. The detectives investigate difficult crimes and deal with conflicts between different groups. Even with many characters, Dazai’s hidden history and his dark, often self-deprecating, humor continue to captivate audiences.

‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ (1995–1996)

Asuka Langley Soryu and Rei Ayanami have become incredibly popular characters, but their popularity sometimes overshadows the serious and complex themes of the anime they’re in. The story centers on Shinji Ikari, a young boy forced by his father to pilot a giant robot called an Evangelion against strange creatures known as Angels. Over time, the show shifts from typical robot battles to a deep exploration of the human psyche and religious ideas. Despite the show’s focus on loneliness and inner turmoil, much of the discussion outside of the series itself revolves around the dynamic between Asuka and Rei.

‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba’ (2019–)

Nezuko Kamado, the main character’s sister who becomes a demon and often travels in a box, is the most iconic figure from the series. The story centers on her brother, Tanjiro Kamado, as he trains to become a Demon Slayer, hoping to find a way to turn Nezuko back into a human and get revenge on Muzan Kibutsuji, the demon who killed their family. It’s a traditional hero’s tale filled with exciting sword fights and unique breathing techniques used to battle powerful demons, but Nezuko’s image – especially with her bamboo muzzle – is what most people remember.

‘【OSHI NO KO】’ (2023–)

The series revolves around Ai Hoshino, a captivating pop idol whose impact is felt throughout the story, even though she doesn’t appear on screen much. The main plot follows her twin children, Aqua and Ruby, as they grow up in the cutthroat world of Japanese entertainment. Aqua is especially determined to uncover the truth behind their mother’s death, which leads to a complex mystery involving people in the acting and television industries. Although the show sharply criticizes celebrity culture, it’s Ai’s image as an idol that truly captures everyone’s attention.

‘Cowboy Bebop’ (1998–1999)

Spike Spiegel is one of the coolest characters in anime, instantly recognizable by his suit and laid-back personality. The show ‘Cowboy Bebop’ follows a group of bounty hunters traveling through space in the year 2071, struggling to get by. While each episode focuses on a new bounty, the series as a whole is about the characters being haunted by their pasts. ‘Cowboy Bebop’ expertly mixes different genres and tells a thoughtful story, but Spike’s charm is often what people remember most.

‘One Piece’ (1999–)

Roronoa Zoro, a powerful swordsman from the Straw Hat Pirates, is often praised for his impressive feats – sometimes even more than the complex story of ‘One Piece’ itself. The series follows Monkey D. Luffy’s journey to find a legendary treasure and become the Pirate King, exploring themes of freedom, injustice, and lost history across over a thousand episodes. Despite the show’s depth, fans consistently enjoy Zoro’s action-packed battles and his humorous habit of getting lost.

‘Tokyo Ghoul’ (2014–2015)

Ken Kaneki’s story, from a timid college student to a powerful, white-haired fighter, is incredibly popular online, often used in profile pictures and as inspiration for dark, stylish edits. The story begins when Kaneki is attacked by a Ghoul—a creature that needs to eat people to survive—and he’s turned into a half-Ghoul himself. He then struggles to live in a world where Ghouls are hunted by a special organization, all while trying to hold onto his human side. Although the manga and anime delve into the difficult topic of humans and Ghouls trying to live together, it’s Kaneki’s dramatic physical transformation that people talk about the most.

‘Death Note’ (2006–2007)

The story of a supernatural notebook is almost as well-known as the brilliant detective, L Lawliet, who tries to solve its mysteries. It centers around Light Yagami, a student who discovers a notebook with the power to kill. Light decides to use it to eliminate criminals, which starts a thrilling and intense chase as L attempts to catch him. While the story is a gripping psychological thriller exploring themes of right and wrong, many fans remember L for his quirky and unusual behavior.

‘Kill la Kill’ (2013–2014)

Kill la Kill centers on Ryuko Matoi, a student who arrives at Honnouji Academy with a dangerous weapon – one half of a massive pair of scissors – determined to find her father’s killer. The school is controlled by powerful students who wear special outfits called “Goku Uniforms” that give them superhuman powers. Though the story playfully explores themes of fashion, authority, and growing up, the show is best known for its striking visuals and incredibly dynamic action scenes. Ryuko’s rivalry with student council president Satsuki Kiryuin is a central focus.

‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ (2023–2024)

Frieren is a powerful elf who lives for centuries, and she’s become popular online for her calm, expressionless face and unique presence. The story starts after she and her hero companions have already defeated the Demon King, but it focuses on what happens as her friends grow old and pass away. This leads Frieren on a new quest to better understand humanity and find the afterlife. While the series is a thoughtful exploration of time and regret, it’s Frieren’s personality that’s really captured people’s attention.

‘Kakegurui’ (2017–2019)

Yumeko Jabami is famous for her intense love of gambling and the over-the-top expressions she uses while playing. The story takes place at Hyakkaou Private Academy, a school where students are ranked not by their grades, but by how well they gamble. Students who lose money and fall into debt are reduced to the status of “house pets” and lose their rights. While the show includes complicated games and explores themes of wealth and status, it’s Yumeko’s unpredictable personality that has captured the most attention.

‘Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid’ (2017–2021)

Kanna Kamui, a young dragon who comes to live among humans, quickly became popular online due to her adorable appearance and unique vocalizations. The story revolves around Kobayashi, an office worker who accidentally rescues a dragon named Tohru, and the two end up living together. Tohru becomes Kobayashi’s housekeeper, and the series follows their everyday adventures as other mythical beings arrive in the human world. Though the show explores themes of finding family and adapting to new cultures, Kanna often steals the spotlight from the main relationship between Kobayashi and Tohru.

‘Hellsing Ultimate’ (2006–2012)

Alucard, a powerful and seemingly unbeatable vampire who works for the Hellsing Organization, is a fan favorite among viewers who enjoy incredibly strong characters. The story centers on the Hellsing family’s fight to defend England from various supernatural dangers, ultimately leading to a confrontation with a neo-Nazi group called Millennium. The series is known for its intense violence and unique visual style, using these elements to explore themes of war, religion, and the nature of monstrosity. While the show includes references to history and theology, it’s Alucard’s cool demeanor and over-the-top action that have kept it popular over the years.

Tell us which of these characters made you watch the series in the comments.

2026-01-30 19:47