Anime series often prioritize the goal of making their characters the strongest, as it is a well-established recipe for immediate success. However, there are certain anime series that diverge from this norm by highlighting other qualities that make their protagonists more captivating and distinctive. One such quality is intelligence, which not all characters possess to the same degree. The smartest anime characters demonstrate that brains can often be more crucial than physical strength in various situations.
7 Kars (Battle Tendency)
As the primary villain of Battle Tendency, Kars possessed exceptional intellect and physical prowess as a Pillar Man. He is credited with inventing the stone mask, which could transform ordinary humans into blood-thirsty vampires. His ultimate ambition was to attain the status of a flawless living entity, and upon achieving this feat, his IQ skyrocketed to an astounding 400 - a remarkable achievement compared to the average human IQ of 115. His rapid mastery of his enhanced abilities is a testament to his unparalleled brilliance.
6 Donquixote Doflamingo (One Piece)
Doflamingo's cunning and merciless tactics allowed him to take over Dressrosa by manipulating King Riku and committing heinous acts against innocent civilians. After deposing the mad king, Doflamingo tightened his grip on the country through the use of Sugar's Devil Fruit and smuggling illegal weapons. His reign of terror would have continued unchecked if not for the intervention of the Straw Hat Pirates.
5 Shikamaru Nara (Naruto)
Shikamaru Nara, known for his intelligence, made his debut in the Chunin Exams when he was pitted against Temari from the Hidden Sand. Despite her confidence in an easy win, Shikamaru outsmarted her and forced her to surrender. He later devised a clever plan to trap and defeat Akatsuki member Hidan, without relying on flashy ninjutsu.
4 Senku Ishigami (Dr. Stone)
Senku Ishigami possesses a vast amount of knowledge in various subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology, and geology. His expertise in these fields has allowed him to accomplish feats that most individuals can only imagine achieving. Additionally, Senku is exceptionally resourceful and can craft weapons and other objects using the most basic materials. He remains composed even in the most critical circumstances and can swiftly devise solutions to protect himself and others from harm.
3 Conan (Detective Conan)
Conan Edogawa, also known as Shinichi Kudo, has made a name for himself as one of the most brilliant detectives in anime history. His reputation grew as he assisted law enforcement in solving some of the most complex cases. However, his talent also drew the attention of a criminal organization that attempted to assassinate him with a poison. Although the poison did not take his life, it did cause his body to regress to that of a six-year-old. Despite his young appearance, Conan's intellect remains razor-sharp, allowing him to piece together clues and anticipate the actions of villains. With an impressive track record of solving countless cases, it's clear that Conan is a true genius and one of the most intelligent anime characters ever created.
2 Yagami Light (Death Note)
Yagami Light from Death Note is undoubtedly one of the most intelligent anime characters ever created. His brilliance is evident from the very beginning of the series, where he uses the power of the Death Note to pass judgment on criminals. Despite being hunted by law enforcement agencies and the world's smartest detective, L, Light manages to outsmart them all. However, his arrogance eventually leads to his downfall and serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power.
1 Lelouch VI Britannia (Code Geass)
After obtaining the power of Geass, Lelouch VI Britannia meticulously studied its limitations before strategically using it to conquer his enemies and overthrow the Kingdom of Britannia. Known for his eloquence and ability to manipulate others with his words, Lelouch was a master strategist who could improvise in any situation. It is perhaps his ingenious mental capabilities and his uncanny ability to conjure multiple strategies that have earned him the title of the smartest anime character of all time, contributing to his ultimate goal of bringing peace to the world even if it meant sacrificing himself.