The Ultimate List of Drop-Dead Gorgeous Bishounen Anime Heroes!

There are numerous options when it comes to selecting the top bishounen anime heroes, making it challenging to narrow down the choices. In a typical anime group, there is usually at least one bishounen character, although those unfamiliar with the term may not even realize it. Bishounen refers to a popular type of character in Eastern culture, specifically a "beautiful youth." The Western equivalent would be a prettyboy, but it is important to note that bishounen's beauty often leans towards a more androgynous and ethereal appearance. This character type provides an interesting lens through which to analyze gender-nonconforming characters and is also aesthetically pleasing.

Anime is replete with villainous and morally ambiguous bishounen characters, such as Sesshomaru from Inuyasha, Griffith from Berserk, and the Shitennou from Sailor Moon. Interestingly, having white hair on a bishounen often signifies questionable ethics. However, equally fascinating are the bishounen heroes, a lesser-recognized subgroup in anime. While they lack consistent defining characteristics, some notable indicators include their endearing cuteness and genuine sincerity. Although bishounen heroes gained popularity in shoujo manga (manga aimed at young girls), they also make appearances in shounen works (manga aimed at young boys).

10 Richard Ranashinha de Vulpian (The Case Files of Jeweler Richard)

Mouthful of a name aside,

9 Yue (Cardcaptor Sakura)

is an attractive and seemingly composed expert in jewelry appraisal who made the journey from England to establish his business in Japan. While exuding a cool and dazzling demeanor akin to the precious gems he evaluates, he carries a hidden warmth within him (along with a touch of tragedy in his past). Richard's profound bond with his apprentice, Seigi, and his personal quest to embrace vulnerability with loved ones, delivers a profoundly moving emotional release. Enthusiasts of the anime are encouraged to delve into Nanako Tsujimura's light novels, where her portrayal of Richard is notably less serene and occasionally endowed with a touch of flamboyance.

Yue, a beloved character from CLAMP's Cardcaptor Sakura, makes his appearance later in the series. Taking on the temporary form of Yukito Tsukishiro, he comes to Sakura's aid when she encounters a tricky card. At first, Yue may seem distant, but deep down, he is kind-hearted and fiercely loyal to those he cares about, such as his creator Clow Reed and Sakura herself. In contrast to his mischievous companion Kero-chan, Yue becomes an entertaining target for teasing and is often unaware of his own emotions.

8 Fai D. Flourite (Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle)

7 Kaoru Sakurayashiki (Sk8 the Infinity)

CLAMP has gained quite a reputation for its depiction of tall and slender male characters, and this is especially evident with Tsubasa's Fai. Despite the early loss of his twin brother and a potentially abusive father figure, Fai rarely lets anyone see his true emotions and always maintains a cheerful demeanor. However, it is only through the tough love from his friend Kurogane that Fai gradually begins to reveal the hardships he has endured. If you are a fan of characters with intricate backstories, then Fai's hidden depths are sure to captivate you – they could easily fill numerous books.

Also recognized as Cherry Blossom, Kaoru possesses a multitude of captivating qualities – an intense, eccentric nature, and a profound passion for all things skateboarding. He has even engineered his own artificial intelligence, Carla, to aid in the development of a meticulously calculated skating technique. Kaoru's undeniable aesthetic appeal often leads adoring fangirls to declare their affection for him at the clandestine underground skateboarding hub, S. Even his childhood friend Kojiro found it difficult to resist admiring him during the unforgettable beach episode of the series. With the official announcement of Sk8 the Infinity's second season, fans couldn't contain their excitement for the forthcoming installment of Cherry Blossom-centric content.

6 Makoto Tachibana (Free!)

5 Ash Lynx (Banana Fish)

Benevolent, softly spoken, and perpetually wearing an expression of drowsiness, Makoto stands out as one of the primary swimmers at Iwatobi High School. Known for his exceptional backstroke technique and acting as the nurturing figure among his friends, Makoto radiates an irresistibly lovable aura. His temperament contrasts greatly with that of his determined and aloof best friend, Haru, resulting in a friendship that creates an abundance of warmth in the realm of Free!. However, if one were to nitpick, the only fault one could find in this bishounen is his tendency to prioritize others to the extent of neglecting his own needs. Witnessing Makoto's emotional growth and the deepening of his bond with his team is a heartwarming experience that surpasses expectations in terms of wholesomeness.

As the leader of a street gang, Banana Fish's Ash possesses a dashing and enigmatic allure. Despite his rugged exterior, he embodies the essence of a bishounen, captivating both friend and foe alike. Mirroring a femme fatale, he skillfully manipulates his appearance to deceive his adversaries and secure the upper hand. However, Ash shatters the stereotype of a vapid pretty boy, showcasing a genius-level intellect of 180 and consistently outmaneuvering his targets. Yet, his relationship with his own allure is intricate, as it serves as a haunting reminder of the indescribable trauma he has endured throughout his life.

4 Viktor Nikiforov (Yuri on Ice)

Former figure skating champion and current mentor to Yuri Katsuki, Viktor's ethereal beauty was unforgettable during his prime. He skillfully embraced his androgynous image, showcasing flowing locks and adorning himself with a delicate flower crown in his performances. Even after he underwent a drastic hair transformation and retired from the world of skating, fans unanimously agreed that Viktor remained aesthetically pleasing. It comes as no surprise then, that Yuri has harbored a long-standing crush on him. Presently, Viktor and Yuri hold the esteemed title of being one of the most prominent LGBTQ couples in the realm of anime. While much of his past remains shrouded in mystery, the forthcoming prequel Ice Adolescence holds the potential to illuminate his enigmatic origins.

3 Yuki Sohma (Fruits Basket)

Yuki, one of the main characters in the highly popular anime series Fruits Basket, has become a symbol of beauty and grace among his peers, earning the title of the "school prince". However, beneath his seemingly perfect exterior, Yuki battles inner turmoil stemming from his troubled past. Throughout the series, he undergoes significant emotional growth, overcoming his insecurities and coming to terms with his childhood traumas. Adding to the complexity of his character, Yuki also serves as a comedic foil, engaging in hilariously intense conflicts with his fellow protagonist Kyo.

2 Arataka Reigen (Mob Psycho 100)

1 Tamaki Suoh (Ouran High School Host Club)

: Equally foolish yet charismatic, Reigen owns the Spirits and Such Consultation Office, despite lacking any actual psychic abilities. Reigen's portrayal in the Mob Psycho 100 anime is favored by online audiences, particularly bishounen enthusiasts, compared to ONE's manga. The reason for this change remains unclear, but fans of Mob's mentor are elated by the alteration. Beyond appearances, Reigen's vibrant personality and exaggerated expressions greatly enhance his presence on screen, providing ample entertainment. Despite the anime's conclusion in late 2022, the adoration for Reigen shows no signs of waning.

No comprehensive list of the top bishounen heroes can be considered complete unless it includes the hilarious and flamboyant Tamaki, who proudly proclaims himself as the "king" of the Ouran host club. Taking on the appearance of a human golden retriever, his exuberance often exasperates his fellow hosts, but they hold a deep affection for him. Adorned with roses or surrounded by sparkles, he is anything but subtle, and that's precisely what makes him so enchanting. Much like other bishounen characters, he possesses hidden depths that go beyond initial impressions - including his impressive academic standing as the second top-ranked student in his class, just behind Kyoya. In homage to this iconic prettyboy, let's raise a cup of instant coffee.

Bishounen fulfill various roles in anime. Often, they provide comic relief by being completely oblivious to their own stunning appearance. Equally frequently, their exceptional physical beauty leaves the audience curious about their inner thoughts and emotions. Occasionally, these aesthetically pleasing characters simply add visual delight to the already compelling and distinct world of anime. It is evident that the most exceptional bishounen anime protagonists have firmly established the bishounen archetype as a significant character type, and its significance is expected to endure for the foreseeable future.