Ranking the Top 10 Shonen Anime Villain Galleries

Highlights

Attack on Titan's villain gallery showcases characters that change sides, creating intriguing plot twists and rivalries.

The Twelve Kizuki in Demon Slayer provide intense battles against the protagonist, but they have not yet been fully developed as a gallery of villains. On the other hand, Naruto's gallery of villains is relatively small because many of them have been transformed into allies by the protagonist, but they remain memorable and well-developed.

Villain galleries, sometimes called rogue galleries, are a compilation of villains that consistently reappear in a given show, comic, or manga. These villains rarely meet their demise and always come back for more. Within the Batman franchise, the epic villain gallery is well-known. Characters like Ra's al Ghul and Joker continually resurface throughout the franchise's history, devising new plots and schemes to conquer the world, defeat Batman, and wreak havoc in general. This storytelling mechanism stands in contrast to the "Monster of the Week" approach, where the protagonist confronts a new antagonist in each episode. Buffy the Vampire Slayer and certain filler episodes of popular anime like Naruto exemplify this style. Often, a combination of both methods is utilized.

In the realm of anime, villain galleries are extensive, featuring infamous characters like Orochimaru from Naruto and Aizen from Bleach. What defines a villain gallery is a group of villains who manage to evade death, even when pitted against the story's formidable hero. These villains captivate the audience with their memorable personalities and the challenging task the hero faces in eliminating them, evoking feelings of both love and hatred.

10. Attack On Titan

Some contemporary anime such as Chainsaw Man and Hell's Paradise hold promise for remarkable Villain Galleries; however, the portrayal of these antagonists has yet to fully develop in the anime to warrant their inclusion.

The villain gallery in Attack on Titan is captivating, with characters frequently switching sides. Among them, Zeke, also known as the Beast Titan, stands out as a particularly memorable villain. Introduced in Season 2, Episode 1, during the intrusion of Wall Rose, Zeke develops a rivalry with Captain Levi as the first titan that poses a challenge for him. The Nine Titans, along with lesser titans like the one responsible for Eren's mother's death, all contribute to AOT's villain gallery, appearing as both antagonists and occasional allies throughout the course of the story.

Though not as extensive as other series, Attack on Titan impresses its audience with a compelling and intricately crafted plot that is sure to captivate fans of grandiose drama.

9. Demon Slayer

While Demon Slayer typically follows a format of featuring a different monstrous threat each week or story arc, its antagonists are part of a larger group of villains known as the Twelve Kizuki. These demons serve under their leader, Muzan, who is the primary antagonist of the series. Muzan's ability to change his appearance adds to his enigmatic and terrifying nature. The Twelve Kizuki, powerful demons in their own right, engage in intense battles with Tanjiro and his allies, often catching them off guard and nearly overpowering them each time.

Although the Twelve Kizuki and Muzan possess a stylish, terrifying, and tenacious presence, it cannot be said that they fully qualify as an exceptional gallery of villains, except for Muzan. Rather, they represent the initial stage of what potentially can evolve into an unparalleled villain gallery.

8. Naruto

The villain gallery in Naruto serves as a near-perfect representation of the concept, with one notable exception - Naruto often manages to change the allegiance of many villains after having sincere interactions with them. While this is not always the case, Naruto has the ability to convert antagonists into allies, resulting in a relatively small number of villains compared to the size of the franchise. One prominent figure in the gallery is Orochimaru, who serves as the main antagonist in the original Naruto series and the beginning of Naruto Shippuden. Another significant group is the Akatsuki, recurring villains who aim to capture jinchuriki like Naruto for a greater purpose. They pose a significant threat to Naruto and The Leaf, and provide engaging interactions and battles with Naruto and his friends.

The Naruto franchise effectively develops its villains by providing viewers with their backstories, displays of strength, and an understanding of their personalities before and during their clashes with the shinobi of The Leaf. This approach makes these villains memorable and, at times, even likable, solidifying their place in the gallery of canonical villains time and time again.

7. Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood provides fans with a captivating array of antagonists, primarily consisting of the Homunculi, each representing one of the Seven Deadly Sins. The Elric brothers encounter and engage with each homunculus individually, narrowly evading their overwhelming "wrath." One particularly alluring character among them is Greed, who fluctuates between being a recurring villain and a potential antihero. The inclusion of the homunculi adds a touch of levity and, when required, amplifies the tension, as they prove to be exceedingly resilient and challenging to defeat. This amalgamation of adversaries serves as a remarkable showcase of villainry.

The antagonists in Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood are anything but ordinary; each possesses unique traits and abilities. They continuously engage in battles against the Elric brothers, constantly scheming and creating numerous obstacles for them.

6. Dragon Ball Z

Despite being an older anime, Dragon Ball Z still boasts legendary villains. Characters like Vegeta and Frieza disrupt peace, threaten Earth, and engage in epic battles with Goku, Gohan, and their comrades. It's no surprise that Dragon Ball Z has cemented itself as a classic in the realm of battle shonen anime. Vegeta and Frieza embody the archetypal villain, driven by their relentless pursuit of planetary domination, with deep ties to Goku and Gohan's history. Their strength, on par with that of our heroes, solidifies their roles as formidable adversaries in the story. Dragon Ball Z, along with the entire franchise, has laid the foundation for the success of subsequent shonen anime, including the popular "Big Three" series. Its iconic villains will forever remain timeless classics, etched in the memories of fans.

5. One Piece

Donquixote Doflamingo, the captain of the Donquixote Pirates, stands out among the countless villains in One Piece. He presents a vibrant and diverse array of characters that constantly challenge Luffy and his crew. Donquixote Doflamingo takes the spotlight as a fan-favorite antagonist, particularly during the Dressrosa arc, where he engaged in a fierce and grueling battle against Luffy. His eccentric fashion choices and larger-than-life persona captivate fans, complemented by a blend of questionable morals and unparalleled combat skills.

4. My Hero Academia

Among the numerous villains in the vast array of One Piece's antagonist lineup, notable figures Black Beard, Akainu, and Crocodile stand out. Each of them possesses unique and eccentric qualities that leave a lasting impression on both the viewers and the main protagonists.

Drawing inspiration from classic Western superhero comics, My Hero Academia presents an unforgettable lineup of villains. The enigmatic All For One, the arch-nemesis of All Might, and the boundless potential of Shigaraki make for formidable foes. Moreover, fans can't help but notice the compelling parallels between the rivalries of All For One and All Might, as well as Shigaraki and our hero, Deku, adding depth to the already impressive rogues' gallery of My Hero Academia. In the realm of modern shonen anime, My Hero Academia boasts a standout collection of villains, featuring intriguing origins tied closely to the main characters' narratives.

3. Jujutsu Kaisen

Jujutsu Kaisen stands as a remarkable, contemporary shonen that boasts an impressive lineup of antagonists. Despite its recent debut, it has managed to surpass many of its predecessors in terms of its captivating rogue's gallery. Characters like Geto and Mahito bring about intriguing and dynamic interactions between the heroes and villains, setting JJK apart with its ability to captivate the audience through its antagonists. Season 2 introduces a new favorite, Toji Fushiguro, whose clash with Gojo leaves the viewers spellbound with his charm and distinctive abilities.

Jujutsu Kaisen boasts a captivating roster of antagonists, solidifying its position as the ultimate contemporary exemplification of the shonen genre. These villains are sly, eccentric, inextricably linked to the protagonists, and extraordinarily resilient.

2. Hunter X Hunter

Hunter X Hunter features numerous memorable villains, such as Illumi Zoldyk and Mereum, who play pivotal roles in the growth of Gon and Killua as individuals and hunters. However, it is undeniable that Hisoka stands out as the ultimate villain and a standout member of an epic villain ensemble. From his introduction in the Hunter Examination until the culmination of the manga's adaptation, Hisoka consistently exudes an eerie and repulsive presence, making him one of the most sinister characters in the entirety of the anime realm. Moreover, the remaining villains in this gallery exceed expectations in terms of their captivating character designs, malicious intentions, and formidable combat prowess.

In Hunter X Hunter, the audience is presented with two main heroes who must continuously enhance their skills, constantly facing off against villains who push them to their limits in order to unlock their true potential. This results in a superior villain ensemble, surpassing those found in other anime where the heroes possess greater battle experience.

1. Bleach

Bleach's villain gallery stands out as the finest among the Big Three shonen animes. These villains possess a remarkable sense of style, with impeccable designs that captivate viewers. Moreover, they bring forth compelling backstories that challenge our perception of morality. Characters such as Grimmjow, belonging to the Arrancar, effortlessly capture the hearts of fans with their mischievous and sinister exploits. Meanwhile, figures like Aizen disrupt the lives of the protagonists in ways that only Bleach can execute. Additionally, the Quincies, as villains, raise the question of whether their fight for their beliefs can truly be deemed incorrect.

The villains in Bleach are highly skilled fighters who constantly challenge Ichigo and his friends, forcing them to exceed their limits and strive for greater strength. They bear resemblance to iconic comic book villains such as the Joker, emphasizing the crucial role of an antagonist in creating a captivating protagonist.