15 Best Anime Recommendations with Anti-Hero Characters, Equally Cool as the Protagonists!

Kapanlagi.com - Written by: Lily Ariani

When watching a movie or series, we usually focus on characters with good personalities and heroic attitudes like heroes. As protagonists, these characters are portrayed as individuals with clear moral compasses. However, sometimes characters with gray morality are more attention-grabbing.

Characters with ambiguous characteristics or morality are commonly known as anti-heroes. Anti-heroes usually hold values that are opposite to those of heroes. However, anti-heroes cannot be classified as the main villains or criminals in a story.

An anti-hero usually has complex characteristics. These characters still have a tendency to do good, but are not hesitant to act evil when necessary. Anime series often present anti-hero characters that are just as interesting as the usual protagonists. Some anti-heroes in anime even become the main characters.

Here are 15 best anime recommendations with anti-hero characters.

1. COWBOY BEBOP – Spike Spiegel

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COWBOY BEBOP is a science fiction anime series that aired from 1988 to 1999. Set in the year 2071, where humans continue on other planets after a catastrophic disaster on Earth, COWBOY BEBOP tells the story of a group of bounty hunters who hunt down criminals. The group consists of Spike Spiegel, Faye Valentine, and Jet Black.

The anti-hero character in this anime is Spike Spiegel. Although he is part of a group of criminal hunters, Spike was once a member of the Red Dragon Crime Syndicate, which traded drugs and was involved in various murder cases. His dark past still haunts Spike.

As an anti-hero, Spike Spiegel is someone who tends to be apathetic. He only cares about himself and often does reckless things that endanger others. On the other hand, Spike is willing to give up his wealth and possessions for others. Spike also develops a close bond with Jet to the point where he feels comfortable sharing his past stories.

2. VINLAND SAGA – Askeladd

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Adapted from the manga by Makoto Yukimura, VINLAND SAGA is an anime with a Viking theme and rich in history. The story focuses on Thorfinn, a young man seeking revenge for his father's death. The perpetrator responsible for Thorfinn's father's death turns out to be Askeladd.

Askeladd is a cunning figure. He will do anything to achieve his goals. Askeladd is not hesitant to sacrifice his warriors or even the entire village population without hesitation. As an anti-hero, Askeladd does not care about the negative effects that arise from his actions.

However, Askeladd has his own reasons for doing such evil deeds. Askeladd also has a special concern for certain people. This is shown when he avenges his mother and becomes a protector for the people of Wales.

3. BERSERK – Guts

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Anime series BERSERK summarizes the story of Guts, a Black Swordsman who hunts Apostle monsters using the Dragonslayer sword. Guts joins the Band of the Falcon and becomes the main commander alongside Griffith, a great and charismatic leader. However, Guts ends up being betrayed by Griffith.

This causes deep wounds for Guts. He transforms into a cynical figure and tends to distance himself from others. In order to continue living, he must kill.

The more determined he is for revenge, the more brutal Guts becomes. He does not hesitate to eliminate anyone who becomes his target. However, behind this dark side, Guts actually just wants to protect the people he cares about.

4. BLACK LAGOON – Revy

Studio Madhouse

One day, Rock had to send something from his office using a ship. However, he met the Lagoon crew and ended up becoming their captive. To survive, Rock then decided to join the Lagoon crew.

One of the members of the Lagoon crew is Revy. She is a skilled shooter and fighter against opponents. Revy is a follower of nihilism. For Revy, everyone has the right to do whatever they want.

Revy projects her trauma through violence. Known as a cruel figure, Revy is not hesitant to kill anyone who becomes her target. She doesn't care if the person has a weapon to defend themselves or not. However, her personality changes slightly when she meets Rock. Revy starts to contemplate the reasons behind her actions.

5. CODE GEASS - Lelouch Vi Britannia

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Seven years after the war, Britannia successfully invaded and conquered Japan with advanced technology called Knightmare Frame. The Japanese people lost their freedom and rights. The Britannian government imposed new rules, where the Japanese area is called Area 11 and the Japanese people are called Elevens.

Amidst the invasion, Lelouch is just a Britannian prince who was exiled by his father. Obtaining the power of Code Geass, Lelouch leads a rebel group called The Black Knights under the alias Zero. He is determined to avenge his father and destroy the Britannian Empire.

Although arrogant, Lelouch is also an idealistic person. In order to achieve his goals, he will not hesitate to take steps even if it means sacrificing others. He is also a stubborn person. However, behind all of that, Lelouch still has a heart and care for the people he loves.

6. FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: BROTHERHOOD - Scar

Studio Bones

FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: BROTHERHOOD tells the story of two brothers, Edward Elric and Alphonse Elric, who attempt to use alchemy to resurrect their deceased mother. When the experiment fails, Alphonse's body is destroyed and Edward loses one of his legs. To restore their conditions, Edward and Alphonse embark on a journey to find the Philosopher's Stone.

Being a part of Edward and Alphonse's journey, Scar appears as a villainous figure. He is a serial killer who doesn't hesitate to take the lives of many people. It is known that Scar's main target is State Alchemists.

Although he appears cruel, Scar's actions are not without reason. The destruction of Scar's hometown is the cause and motivation behind his criminal acts. As an anti-hero, Scar shows that he is still capable of giving the victims a chance to fulfill their final wishes.

7. BUNGO STRAY DOGS – Osamu Dazai

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Atsushi Nakajima, who was recently expelled from an orphanage, accidentally encounters Osamu Dazai, a member of the Armed Detective Agency who was floating in the river in a suicide attempt. When Dazai learns that Atsushi has information about the Tiger Man, he and his colleagues interrogate Atsushi.

Before joining the Armed Detective Agency, Osamu Dazai was an executive of an infamous underground organization called the Port Mafia, known for its cruelty. During his time with the organization, Dazai was involved in several murder cases. However, the death and final wish of his friend made him switch sides to the Armed Detective Agency.

Dazai may seem foolish on the outside. However, his demeanor changes completely when he is on a mission. Often, Dazai also shows concern for his friends, even though he tends to be apathetic and lacks emotional connections with others.

8. HELLSING - Alucard

Studio Gonzo

The Hellsing Organization is a secret group tasked with protecting England from supernatural threats. The organization is led by Sir Integra Hellsing and her loyal vampire servant, Alucard. Together, they strive to eradicate dark forces.

Alucard himself is the strongest force in Hellsing. He enjoys violence and slaughter. Alucard is not hesitant to use his powers to kill other vampires that pose a threat in England.

For Alucard, humans and vampires are the same creatures. Both are mere toys and prey that deserve to be annihilated.

9. OREGAIRU - Hachiman Hikigaya

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Adapted from a light novel series, OREGAIRU presents the story of Hachiman Hikigaya, who is forced to join the volunteer club at his school. Hachiman is faced with two girls, each with their own problems.

Although portrayed as the main character in this romantic comedy anime series, Hachiman Hikigaya's personality and actions are contrary to those tropes. Hachiman has no interest in friendship or teenage romance. He tends to be pessimistic, closed-minded, and unwilling to work towards improving his surroundings.

Hachiman's philosophy of life stems from a traumatic experience he had in middle school. After being ostracized by his classmates, Hachiman became an individualistic figure. Instead of helping others, he often manipulates situations.

10. FATE/ZERO – Emiya Kiritsugu

Studio Ufotable

FATE/ZERO tells the story of the Holy Grail, which is capable of granting any wish. The Holy Grail will choose seven qualified magicians to battle in the Holy War. One of those involved in the war is Emiya Kiritsugu.

As a central character in the FATE/ZERO series, Emiya is an anti-hero. Young Emiya dreams of becoming a hero who can uphold justice. Unfortunately, this aspiration becomes a tragedy for him. Emiya holds a utilitarian view, believing that sacrifices are necessary to achieve justice.

Behind this perspective, Emiya also carries a moral burden. For Emiya, his actions cannot be seen as morally right. However, he acknowledges these actions as necessary evils.

11. DEATH NOTE – Light Yagami

Studio Madhouse

One day, a genius teenager named Light Yagami discovered the Death Note, which claimed to have the power to kill anyone the owner of the book desired. Although initially considering the black notebook he found to be a joke, Light used the Death Note to kill people he hated.

Light was just an ordinary student before he found the black Death Note book. He then transformed into a cold-blooded killer. Light had no qualms about killing criminals and anyone who posed a threat to him, even if they were law enforcement officers or innocent parties.

For Light, what he was doing was the right action for justice. He felt like a god who could decide who deserved to live and who should be killed. It was this power that made Light an anti-hero.

12. ATTACK ON TITAN – Eren Yeager

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Titans have been a threat to humanity for centuries. Within the protection of three giant walls, humans were able to experience peace for a hundred years. However, that peace was shattered when the outer wall was attacked by the Colossal Titan.

In the beginning of the story in ATTACK ON TITAN, Eren appears as the main protagonist, like in other anime. Eren is portrayed as a young man with strong determination. He aspires to join the Survey Corps and kill the Titans outside the walls.

His transformation into an anti-hero begins when he witnesses a revelation and is faced with a difficult choice. Eren starts to waver. His desire for freedom causes him to disregard morals. Nevertheless, the audience still sympathizes with Eren. He has many flaws, but it is these flaws that make his character feel human.

13. DARKER THAN BLACK – Hei / BK-201

Studio Bones

One night, a mysterious place called Hell's Gate appeared in the city of Tokyo. Hell's Gate covers the sky from the sight of Tokyo's residents. People gifted with special abilities called Contractors emerge, one of them being Hei with the Messier Code BK-201.

Hei is the main protagonist in the series DARKER THAN BLACK. He is known as The Black Reaper, one of the most ruthless killers.

Hei is an individual who is not emotionally attached to others. He never thinks about the consequences of his actions. Although slowly Hei learns to care about others, the losses he experiences often cause him to unintentionally hurt others.

14. INUYASHA – Kikyo

Studio Sunrise

Tells the story of the love between a girl and a half-demon, INUYASHA begins when a high school student named Kagome falls into a well and travels back to feudal Japan. This event leads her to meet Inuyasha, a half-demon.

Long story short, Kagome turns out to be the reincarnation of Kikyo. Kikyo herself was a priestess who lived in the past. She used to have feelings for Inuyasha. However, Kikyo tragically met her end due to manipulation by an antagonist named Naraku.

In her past life, Kikyo was a responsible priestess. Being betrayed and manipulated turned her into a vengeful person.

15. GANGSTA - Nicolas Brown

Studio Manglobe

The city of Ergastulum is a city with a high crime rate. In this city, two mercenaries known as Handymen live. These two individuals are Nicolas Brown and Worick Arcangelo. As mercenaries, Nicolas and Worick are tasked with handling cases that cannot be solved by others.

Nicolas Brown is a central character in the anime series GANGSTA. Despite being a deaf man, Nicolas is blessed with strong vision and accurate lip-reading abilities. He is also skilled in sword fighting.

Nicolas enjoys fighting. He likes to toy with his opponents before killing them. Despite having his own dark side, Nicolas does not allow himself to be apathetic towards the people around him.

(kpl/lly)