Unbeatable Misfortune: The Unluckiest Anime Characters Ranked

There are certain anime characters who seem to attract bad luck wherever they go. These characters can be labeled as "unlucky" as everything they attempt ends up in failure. What makes these characters particularly captivating is the anticipation of whether they will finally succeed or find themselves in trouble once again.

Some of these anime characters are exceptionally clumsy, adding a touch of humor to otherwise serious storylines. Viewers often find amusement in their struggles with misfortune, as it allows them to connect emotionally with these characters who possess the same flaws as everyone else. However, there are also unfortunate anime characters whose stories lean more towards tragedy rather than comedy.

Ten anime characters who have terrible luck

Ten Anime Characters Who Persevere Through Life's Constant Challenges

1) Usopp - One Piece

Usopp - The Sniper of Straw Hat Pirate (Image via Eiichiro Oda)

Usopp, the marksman of the Straw Hats, kickstarts our list with a life filled with constant misfortune. Raised without a father and burdened by the loss of his mother, Usopp became renowned for his knack for stretching the truth.

Although he embarks on countless adventures with the Straw Hat crew, Usopp frequently finds himself trapped in seemingly unwinnable predicaments. However, his unwavering determination and occasional displays of courage endear him to fans, despite his enduring string of unfortunate events.

2) Ken Kaneki - Tokyo Ghoul

Ken Kaneki from Tokyo Ghoul (Image via Sui Ishida)

Ken Kaneki's life takes a somber turn even prior to the events that precipitate his metamorphosis into a hybrid ghoul-human. Suffering through the misery of his overworked mother's suicide and enduring mistreatment while residing with relatives, Kaneki's journey is plagued with adversity. Upon becoming a ghoul, his challenges amplify as he navigates a treacherous world and uncovers the true magnitude of his tragic destiny.

3) Yuuko Aioi - Nichijou

Yuuko Aioi, also referred to as Yukko, is an anime character (Image via Keiichi Arawi).

Yuuko Aioi, a high school student notorious for her laziness, realizes that even the most routine aspects of daily life can be riddled with unfortunate events. Misunderstandings, mosquito attacks, mishaps on the school grounds, and encounters with random deer are just a few examples of the challenging situations she faces. Despite her cuteness, Yuuko's constant unlucky experiences make her a fitting representation of perpetual misfortune.

4) Guts - Berserk

The Berserk series is currently being written by Kouji Mori (Image via Kentaro Miura)

Guts, the main protagonist of "Berserk," is an anime character who has faced unimaginable misfortune throughout his life. From being forced into war zones as a child to enduring acts of betrayal and sacrifice, Guts' journey is a tragic one. He forms meaningful friendships and experiences love, only to have it all ripped away from him. His story serves as a harsh reminder that even the strongest individuals can ultimately succumb to the cruel hand of fate.

5) Spike Spiegel - Cowboy Bebop

Sporting a 70s vibe (Image via Hajime Yatate), this content delves into the struggles of none other than Spike Spiegel, the epitome of a cool bounty hunter. However, not even his unparalleled charm and quick wit can shield him from the grip of misfortune. Burdened with the weight of past betrayals, lost love, and all-out battles against criminal syndicates, Spike's life unfolds like a tumultuous rollercoaster ride. Even the most adept operators are bound to confront the odds.

6) Touma Kamijou - A Certain Magical Index

Ordinary high school student with imagine breaker power (Image via Kiyotaka Haimura)

Touma Kamijou is an extraordinary protagonist in a world filled with people possessing supernatural abilities. Unlike others who possess incredible powers, Touma wields the unique Imagine Breaker, capable of nullifying any kind of magic or illusion.

However, Touma's luck is far from fortunate, frequently leading him into comical or even painful predicaments. Nevertheless, he refuses to be deterred by this setback and does his best to make the most of his unfortunate circumstances.

7) Kenji Harima - School Rumble

Kenji Harima is the main protagonist (Image via Jin Kobayashi)

In romantic comedies, the kindhearted guy is often overlooked, with the girl usually falling for the rebellious bad boy. However, "School Rumble" challenges this cliché with the character of Kenji Harima.

Despite facing constant obstacles in expressing his love for Tenma, Kenji's unwavering determination captivates anime fans' hearts, enabling them to empathize with his heartbreak.

8) Hasegawa Taizou - Gintama

Gintama's story is set in the Edo era (Image via Bandai Namco Pictures)

Hasegawa Taizou, a former government official, finds himself trapped in an unending cycle of unemployment. Regrettably dubbed as MADAO (meaning hopeless loser), Hasegawa tirelessly pursues any available job, no matter how demeaning it may be. Encountering job losses and squandering his meager possessions through gambling, his life serves as a testament to ill fortune. Nonetheless, his determination and unwavering resilience are truly commendable.

9) Iyami - Mr. Osomatsu

The Japanese comedy series Mr. Osomatsu features a cast of sextuplet protagonists, with Iyami being the most unlucky among them. Known for his infamy as a con man, his schemes are consistently exposed, plunging him into various troublesome predicaments.

10) Kouta - Elfen Lied

: From engaging in experimental drug usage to reap financial benefits by assuming a feminine identity, to skillfully trapping himself in hilarious predicaments, Iyami's comedic misdeeds consistently captivate and amuse us. In the realm of karmic retribution, there is no escaping the inevitable consequences.

Presenting a captivating 13-episode anime series, brought to you by studio Arms.

Embark on a mesmerizing journey with Elfen Lied, a tale that delves deep into the life of Lucy, a character haunted by tragedy. As her actions reverberate, it is her childhood friend Kouta who bears the weight of her choices.

Kouta, devastated by the brutal deaths of his father and sister, suffers from deep emotional scars that lead to the erasure of Lucy from his memory. However, destiny intervenes and reunites them years later, subjecting Kouta to a turbulent existence. This cruel twist of fate solidifies his position as one of the most unfortunate anime characters, showcasing the undeniable harshness of life portrayed in this series.

These ten anime characters, plagued by misfortunes ranging from mundane to life-changing tragedies, captivate our hearts and force us to question the fairness of their fictional realities. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder that luck can be an unreliable companion.

However, with their unwavering determination and resilience, these anime characters persist in their battles against formidable challenges. Devoted anime fans can't help but cheer them on, eagerly anticipating a change in fortune.