Top 10 Most Hated Anime Villains Ever

Anime series are known for their diverse range of characters, from beloved heroes to despised villains. The heroes serve as sources of inspiration and motivation for fans, overcoming challenges and staying on the right path despite facing immense hardships.

On the other hand, the villains add depth to the story, keeping fans fully engaged with the series. While protagonists are important in captivating audiences, there are times when the villains steal the spotlight and become the center of attention.

Mahito, Danzou Shimura, and eight other most disliked anime villains of all time

1) Griffith (Berserk)

Griffith depicted in the manga (Image courtesy of Hakusensha)

Griffith, a character in the Berserk anime and manga series, went from being a revered leader to a widely reviled figure. His betrayal of the protagonist, Guts, and the Band of the Hawk led to the harrowing event known as the Eclipse.

2) Danzou Shimura (Naruto)

Griffith's choices and his betrayal of his comrades shocked and angered fans. The Eclipse scenes were filled with disturbing horrors that further cemented Griffith's reputation as one of the most reviled anime villains in history.

Danzo Shimura is widely regarded as one of the most despised antagonists in anime history, particularly in the Naruto series (Image via Studio Pierrot). Despised by fans for his uncompromising methods of safeguarding the village, he is known for his ruthless actions, including the betrayal and elimination of individuals whom he perceived as a danger to the village.

3) Shou Tucker (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)

Danzo's reputation as the most hated character was cemented by his betrayal of Shisui Uchiha, ultimately leading to Shisui's tragic decision to end his own life. Fans condemn Danzo for prioritizing his own ambitions over principles and the value of life. His secretive and self-centered nature, combined with his betrayal of key characters, has led to widespread disdain for him.

The image above shows Shou Tucker as depicted in the anime, courtesy of Studio Bones.

Shou Tucker, a character in the Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood series, was a morally corrupt scientist referred to as the Sewing Life Alchemist. His expertise involved the fusion of animals to create chimeras.

Shou Tucker's despicable act of fusing his daughter, Nina, with their pet dog in a bid to retain his position as a State Alchemist cemented his status as one of the most reviled anime villains in history. The calculated nature of his actions and the irreparable harm done to his family make him an unforgettable antagonist, earning him a well-deserved place among the most hated villains of all time.

4) Frieza (Dragon Ball Z)

Frieza as shown in anime (Image via Studio Toei Animation)

Frieza, the cruel emperor of darkness from Dragon Ball Z, instills fear across the universe as a tyrant who takes pleasure in obliterating planets and inflicting suffering on his victims with a disturbingly playful grin. Among his despicable deeds, the destruction of the Saiyan planet Vegeta, the home of our hero Goku, stands as one of the most heinous. This heartless act of genocide, wiping out an entire race on a whim, solidified Frieza's status as one of the most despised anime villains. His gleeful enjoyment of destruction and complete disregard for life make him a truly monstrous figure, forever etched in the hearts of anime fans as a symbol of pure evil.

5) Zagred (Black Clover)

Zagred is one of the most disliked anime villains (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Zagred, known as the Word Soul Devil in Black Clover, reigns supreme as the ultimate villain. He is akin to a malevolent puppet master who orchestrated the massacre of the elves, manipulated a noble character into becoming a demon god, and reveled in the suffering of inhumans and elves. His cruel manipulation and lack of regard for any life, including his own pawns, solidify his status as an unforgivable villain. Fans abhor his sadistic delight in causing chaos and his role in sparking the conflict that drives the entire series, cementing his place as one of anime's most despised antagonists.

6) Johan Liebert (Monster)

Johan Liebert as shown in anime (Imager via Studio Madhouse)

In the Monster series, Johan Liebert's cold, empty eyes chill audiences. He is portrayed as a charming monster who manipulates people like puppets, turning them into instruments of destruction and pain. Even as a child, he orchestrated his own sister's kidnapping. Johan's lack of empathy and thirst for chaos make him capable of any cruelty. His chilling demeanor and complete detachment from humanity make him one of the most disliked anime villains, sending shivers down spines.

7) Gendo Ikari (Neon Genesis Evangelion)

Gendo Ikari is known as one of the most disliked anime villains (Image via Studio Gainax)

Gendo Ikari in Neon Genesis Evangelion is portrayed as less monstrous and more chilling, resembling a puppet master dad. He manipulates his children like tools in a massive experiment, putting their lives at risk and pushing them to their limits for his selfish, ambitious goals. He even abandoned his son, Shinji, for years. Gendo's icy demeanor shows that he cares more about his deceased wife and achieving mysterious goals than his own children.

This emotional neglect, along with his manipulative nature, leads to his reputation as one of the most disliked anime villains. Fans despise his cold-heartedness and willingness to sacrifice anything for his twisted ambitions.

8) Malty S Melromarc (The Rising of the Shield Hero)

Malty S Melromarc is depicted as one of the most disliked anime villains (Image via Studio Kinema Citrus)

Malty Melromarc, the queen of lies and cruelty in The Rising of the Shield Hero series, is a spoiled princess who falsely accuses the hero of a horrible crime in her pursuit of power. Manipulative and reveling in causing pain and suffering, she is truly a despicable villain. Her false tears and selfish schemes to climb the social ladder have earned her a top spot on the list of most disliked anime villains ever, with fans despising her hypocrisy and willingness to hurt others, especially for her role in framing the innocent hero.

9) Zeke Yeager (Attack on Titan)

Zeke Yeager is known as one of the most disliked anime villains (Image via Studio Wit and MAPPA)

Zeke Yeager is a multifaceted but widely despised antagonist in Attack on Titan. As the half-brother of Eren Yeager, he is fixated on ending the suffering of his own people, even if it means wiping them out completely. He manipulates both sides of the war, orchestrating atrocities and advocating for mass extinction through a twisted plan.

His chilling rationality and readiness to sacrifice anyone, including his own family, for his warped concept of salvation make him an undeniably horrifying and unforgettable character, ranking him as one of the most disliked anime villains of all time. Many fans detest his manipulative demeanor, callous disregard for life, and his role in perpetuating the devastating conflict that plagues the world of Attack on Titan.

10) Light Yagami (Death Note)

Light Yagami as shown in anime (Image via Studio Madhouse)

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Light Yagami, a character from the series Death Note, evokes mixed feelings from fans. Initially, he is depicted as a high school student who acquires the Death Note, giving him the power to kill anyone by writing their name in the book. However, his moral decline and manipulation of others leave some fans feeling hesitant about supporting him.

In summation

Furthermore, Light's manipulation of Misa Amane by feigning affection for her further contributes to his depiction, blurring the distinction between being perceived as a hero or a villain. Some admire his intelligence, while others denounce his unethical decisions, solidifying Light as one of the most polarizing anime antagonists of all time.

In summation

There are numerous characters in the realm of anime that may not be as well-liked as others, but it is important to recognize that these characters are just as essential to the narrative, even if they are not favored.

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Editor's P/S

As a hard fan of anime, I have strong feelings towards these notorious villains mentioned in the article. Griffith's betrayal in Berserk was truly shocking and disturbing, making him one of the most despicable characters in anime history. His actions during the Eclipse were unforgivable, and his transformation from a revered leader to a reviled figure is a testament to the power of his villainy.

Danzo Shimura from Naruto is another character who evokes intense hatred among fans. His ruthless methods and betrayal of his comrades, particularly Shisui Uchiha, are unforgivable. Danzo's self-centered nature and disregard for the value of life make him a truly despicable character.