9 Anime Supporting Casts That Steal the Show
Discover the top 9 anime supporting casts that bring depth, humor, and heart to their respective series. These characters add their own unique flair to the story, uplifting the protagonists and contributing to the narrative in unexpected ways.
Grand Blue Dreaming: Comedy at Its Best
Grand Blue Dreaming, the knee-slapping anime produced by Studio Zero-G, takes place in the coastal town of Izu, where college first-year Kitahara Iori aims for a mainstream college experience but is quickly drawn into the antics of the university diving club. The cast of university students, with their shameless humor and raucous laughter, adds a hilarious twist to the story.
Grand Blue Dreaming Cast leaping excitedly into the ocean while wearing swimwear.
Yu Yu Hakusho: Iconic Quartet
Yu Yu Hakusho, the anime that set the standard for modern shonen battle series, features a quartet of characters who support protagonist Urameshi Yusuke. The demon world duo of Kurama and Hiei, along with the unforgettable pompadour-rocking Kuwabara, add depth and complexity to the narrative, allowing Yusuke's character to shine in unexpected ways.
Yu Yu Hakusho anime series key visual featuring the main cast standing together against a purple background.
One Piece: The Straw Hat Crew
One Piece, known for its creative characters and strong connections, revolves around Luffy's ability to gather a group of like-minded individuals to achieve his goal of becoming the King of Pirates. Each member of the Straw Hat Crew is so thorough and compelling that they could operate as focal points of an arc, even without the presence of the protagonist.
The Straw Hat Pirates in the One Piece anime.
Durarara!!: Intricate Web of Characters
Durarara!! weaves intricate stories among a wide cast of characters, each having their chance to take the stage. The bustling town of Ikebukuro comes together as a perfect web of connections, showcasing the diverse and captivating supporting cast.
Cast of the Durarara!! anime against the Tokyo skyline at night.
Chihayafuru: Niche Community and Rivalries
Chihayafuru, a sports drama anime, features a niche and close-knit cast of characters representing the world of Karuta. The top Karuta players challenge and uplift protagonist Ayase Chihaya, creating endless rivalries and deep connections within the niche community.
Chihayafuru Official Art featuring the three main characters surrounded by autumn leaves.
Saiki K: Embodiments of Psychic Powers
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K is a gag comedy anime that leans into the personality of the main character, Kusuo Saiki. However, the supporting cast, each representing a different psychic power, adds depth and humor to the series, creating the perfect foil to Saiki's character.
The cast of Saiki sitting together at a long dinner table covered in sweets, seemingly themed after The Last Supper.
One Punch Man: Defining Saitama's Strength
One Punch Man takes the superhero genre as satire and uses a strong supporting cast to define protagonist Saitama's strength and loneliness. The cast adds dramatic irony and depth to the narrative, advocating for Saitama through his internal struggles.
The cast of One Punch Man with Saitama punching at the front
Gintama: Wacky and Hilarious Characters
The hit comedy Gintama brings laughter to audiences with its wacky and diverse characters, from aliens to samurais. The series creates the perfect platform for comedy, with characters like the hilarious mascot Sadaharu and the samurai who can't be taken seriously.
Gintama's main cast in a key visual against a galaxy speckled background.
Kaguya-sama: Beyond Kaguya
Kaguya-sama: Love is War is a modern romance series that goes beyond its namesake, Kaguya. The wide variety of supporting cast, from the eccentric Fujiwara Chika to the misunderstood Ishigami Yuu, makes the anime a stand-out work of cinema, adding heart and humor to the story.
Kaguya-sama Love is War Official Art featuring the main cast looking towards the front of the frame, and Chika drawing a heart with her hand.
