Anime is an all-you-can-eat buffet that offers thousands of options, each telling different stories with intriguing premises and characters. However, some of these just get skimmed through, with viewers only seeing the glam and story of the protagonist, overlooking the villains.

One of the qualities of a good anime is a well-created villain; one who not only gets hated, but also respected for their strengths, intrigue, influence on the storyline, and the legacy they leave. These are typical qualities that make or mar a good villain, or rather, a great one. But with tons of villains present in various anime out there, only a handful can be regarded as being the greatest, and in this list, we’ve curated a list of the top 20 greatest villains in anime.

20. Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald | Bungou Stray Dogs

Lord Francis, as he’s fondly called by Louisa May Alcott, is one of those characters that prove that truly, money does buy happiness, or in his case, power. His ability, The Great Fitzgerald, imbues him with superhuman strengths that are synonymous with the amount of money he spends. Francis Scott is one character who didn’t succeed in all his missions, however, his impact is felt throughout the entire series.

From the smirk on his face alone, one would be able to discern that he’s one of those rich fellows who’s up to no good. Francis’ crimes include bribery, solicitation, attempted mass destruction, and murder. Francis is a villain who’s hard to overlook because of his unwavering determination and disregard for collateral damage, as seen in his planning of devastating attacks on Yokohama.

19. Sir Crocodile | One Piece

Sir Crocodile, who goes by the name "Mr. 0", is a powerful opponent in the One Piece series and has been for quite some time. Despite his evil deeds, he becomes a crucial ally in the Marineford and Impel Down arcs. Crocodile was responsible for the rebellion in Alabasta, where he used Dance Powder to give rain to the capital, thereby causing drought in surrounding towns. He used his influence over the people to blame Cobra, the King of Alabasta, for it. However, Crocodile is still a major fan favorite villain in One Piece, owing to his whooping 3-1 triumph against Luffy, his master plan to obtain Pluton, and his ability to get an entire city to hate their King. 

18. Shinobu Sensui | Yu Yu Hakusho

Formerly a spirit detective, and later leader of the Sensui Seven, Sensui (or Black Angel) was arguably the strongest villain in the Yu Yu Hakusho series. Personality-wise, he shares similarities with Hantengu from Demon Slayer, as they both have a victim complex that leads them to have multiple personalities, with Sensui having seven different personalities, as opposed to Hantengu’s six emotions.

One of the most dramatic storylines in the series begins with his intricate plan to open a portal to the Demon World. Sensui is a powerful opponent in combat since he has the Sacred Energy, a rare and destructive force. His final battle with Yusuke Urameshi is one of the series' most physically stunning and emotionally filled fights.

17. Ryomen Sukuna | Jujutsu Kaisen

Known as the King of Curses, Sukuna is a legendary and malevolent cursed spirit feared by both Jujutsu sorcerers and curses. Sukuna was originally a human sorcerer, whose immense power and malevolence allowed him to transcend death, with his essence and powers sealed in his twenty immortal fingers scattered across the world.

According to Gege Akutami, the creator of the Jujutsu Kaisen manga series, “Sukuna is less of a sorcerer and more of a walking disaster.” Since the Heian Era, Sukuna has been raining terror on the Jujutsu community. Before his reincarnation, some of his feats include the single-handed massacre of the Fujiwara Clan’s elite forces, which include the Five Empty Generals, and the Sun, Stars, and Moon Squads. After his resurrection in 2018, he pushed the limits of the Jujutsu Society, killing not only curses but also the series’ strongest Sorcerers.

16. Ryo Asuka | Devilman Crybaby

Not many anime out there discuss the concepts and stories of God, Satan, angels, and demons in the way Devilman Crybaby does. One thing that makes this anime great is the open-ended ending that the creator, Go Nagai, gave it. Another is the story it tells, of Akira and his archenemy Satan, also known as Ryo Asuka.

Ryo’s most defining act of villainy is manipulating Akira into merging with the mighty demon Amon, thereby creating Devilman. Presenting himself as a protector of humanity, he subtly sows discord, fueling fear and hatred. His propaganda leads to humanity’s descent into paranoia, triggering societal collapse. As the story unfolds, his true identity as Satan is revealed, which exposes his betrayal and the depths of his manipulation.

15. Gendo Ikari | Neon Genesis Evangelion

Neon Genesis Evangelion is one of the most controversial anime series ever made. While some may contend that the program only plays up to a particular puerile ideology of the world, others counter that it contains a number of hidden meanings. In any event, it became the most talked-about anime for more than ten years.

One of its villains, Gendo Ikari, has been named one of the cruelest, most inhumane anime characters. Gendo used everyone around him: he manipulated Naoko and pushed her to commit suicide; he transformed a strong, independent, and brilliant lady into someone who only cared if he loved her or not, by psychologically torturing her. When he needed Ritsuko also, he used her, drove her to a mental breakdown, and went on to do the same to his son, Shinji, who is one of the few people who respects him despite his villainy. Sadly, all of his intentions and actions were orchestrated towards him reuniting with his dead wife.

14. Dio Brando | Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure

Dio Brando is the epitome of arrogance and ambition. He starts as a cunning and manipulative human before transforming into a vampire and, lastly, a Stand user. He is the main antagonist in the Stardust Crusaders and Phantom Blood sequels of the Jojo's Bizarre Adventure manga and anime series, wielding The World and orchestrating a series of events and disasters in Jojo's Bizarre Adventure.

Dio’s over-the-top personality and unforgettable phrases like “Za Warudo” and “It was me, Dio” keep him alive in the hearts of fans. His peak ability, The World, allows him to stop time, combined with Jonathan Joestar’s Stand known as The Passion, make him one of the strongest characters in the series. While his human and vampire selves might’ve had a few weaknesses, his final form and abilities nearly make him untouchable.

13. Naraku | InuYasha

The InuYasha anime series might have had a pretty straightforward plot, but it had one of the strongest and badass villains in anime history. Naraku is a half-demon born from the fusion of a bandit named Onigumo and multiple demons. Driven by envy, greed, and a desire for power, he becomes InuYasha’s main antagonist, manipulating others, scheming, and killing to achieve his goals. Another testament to Naraku’s strength is that every single one of his reincarnations is always stronger than the last, and he was even stronger than Sesshomaru, who was otherwise known as the Beast King.

12. Char Aznable | Mobile Suit Gundam

The "Red Comet" of Mobile Suit Gundam, Char Aznable is a superb mix of brutality and charm. Driven by revenge against the Zabi family for the death of his father, Char hides his true identity as Casval Rem Diekun behind a mask. Though his battlefield prowess is widely recognized and he is a great tactician and skilled pilot, his villainy lies in his ambition and manipulation.

While he blurs personal resentment with ideological battle, he uses Newtype evolution to help reshape the destiny of humanity. From the One Year War to Char's Counterattack, his influence covers the whole Universal Century, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, moral doubt, and fear. Since his complexity tests the boundaries of villainy, Char is among the most memorable villains in anime.

11. All For One | My Hero Academia

Even after his death, All For One remains one of the most memorable anime villains for many reasons. His overwhelming power, the quirk All For One, provides him with unprecedented versatility and control. As a skilled manipulator, he strategically orchestrates events, taking advantage of the weaknesses of others, as seen in his grooming of Shigaraki to become his successor.

Seen as the symbol of pure evil and selfishness, he stands as the antithesis of heroism. He’s one of the few characters in the Boku no Hero Academia series who would rather transfer his consciousness into another’s body rather than dying. He left a lasting impact on the lives of both heroes and villains even after he got erased.

10. Muzan Kibutsuji | Demon Slayer

The King and Creator of all demons in Demon Slayer, Muzan Kibutsuji is a cunning, ruthless, and narcissistic villain who has spread terror all over Japan for over a thousand years. While his actions drive the central conflict of Demon Slayer, his position as the series’ main antagonist is solidified by the fact that he’s also the first and strongest demon. The fear and might of Muzan transcend imaginations, as not even his demons dare speak his name, as that translates to certain death. Demon slayers know they don’t stand a chance, as even the members of his Twelve Kizuki are enough to wipe them out.

However, the full extent of his strength is soon to be revealed, as the final arc of the series is yet to be released.

9. Meruem | Hunter X Hunter

Meruem is the main antagonist in the Chimera Ant arc of Hunter X Hunter. Born as the King of the Chimera Ants, Meruem is the apex predator born to lead his race to dominance. Meruem’s villainy began right from his birth, where he ripped his mother open and fed on her, before leaving with his bodyguards in search of better food.

Meruem could very much be called Hunter X Hunter’s strongest villain. It necessitated Chairman Netero, the Hunter Association’s Chairman and strongest hunter, to give his life just to kill Meruem. Netero had to use his ultimate Nen technique, the 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva, plus a suicide nuclear bomb, the radiation of which later killed Meruem and his subordinates even after they revived him. However, Meruem’s love story with Komugi is one of the most unprecedented and iconic in anime, further making Meruem a not-so-easily-forgotten anime character.

8. Johan Liebert | Monster

Johan is often regarded as one of the most realistic and terrifying anime villains, as his lack of a clear motive and inherent ability to instill fear without raising his voice sets him aside from other villains in the psychological thriller genre.

As the titular “monster” from Monster, Johan is a remorseless, homicidal, psychotic, heartless, emotionless, brilliant, and enigmatic serial killer. Unlike most anime villains, Johan lacks superpowers but relies on his unparalleled manipulative skills to wreak havoc. When discussing Johan’s true nature, Hans Georg Schuwald said “I saw Hell right there in his eyes. Hell. In the eyes of a living human being.” He’s one of the few anime characters with a fluid combo of superhuman charisma, manipulation, and genius-level intellect.

7. Captain Blackbeard | One Piece

The One Piece manga and anime series is riddled with many villains, most of whom wield different powers, especially that which they get from devil fruits. Among these villains, Blackbeard, also known as Marshall D. Teach is the first, and to date, the only individual to possess the abilities from two Devil fruits simultaneously: the Dark-Dark Fruit which can nullify other devil fruit powers and the Tremor-Tremor Fruit which can create earthquakes.

Based on the real-life pirate Captain of the same name, Blackbeard is a pivotal force in the Summit War Saga. He significantly influences the overarching narrative of One Piece leading up to the war as he arrested Ace and bears indirect responsibility for his death, as well as the death of Whitebeard. Blackbeard is the character who reaped the greatest rewards following the conclusion of the Marineford War, acquiring several of Whitebeard’s crew members and his Devil Fruit. This success positioned him as one of the Four Emperors and a primary antagonist as one of Luffy's arch-enemies.

6. Sosuke Aizen | Bleach

Another of the most cunning and manipulative villains in anime history is Sosuke Aizen, the former Captain of the 5th Division in Gotei 13. Initially appearing as a calm and polite person, Aizen’s scheming led to the first civil war in the Soul Society, a war that shook not only the core of the Soul Society but also that of all those in it.

As a Captain, Aizen is one of the strongest Soul Society inhabitants in Bleach, but his scheming and cold, calculating plots with combat abilities make him almost invincible. Aizen’s strategies take into account the psyche, mannerisms, and potential of his opponents, including unforeseen circumstances. His abilities allow him to hypnotize anyone, plus immediate regeneration which grants him nigh-indestructibility.

5. Light Yagami | Death Note

Light is the typical example of a good boy gone bad, as access to an unprecedented power turns him into a megalomaniac. Just when he grows weary of crime and criminals, Light’s wildest dreams come true when he comes across the Death Note, a book that allows the user to kill anyone simply by writing the target’s name on its pages.

Light’s IQ is extraordinary, as his ability to manipulate Misa Amane, the Shinigami Ryuk, the Genius L, and the entire police force with various schemes and plots is nothing short of magnificent. Light is regarded as one of the most fascinating anime villains, as his moral complexity, psychological duel with L, and ultimate downfall are highly intriguing and highlight the dangers of absolute power and moral corruption.

4. Madara Uchiha | Naruto

From his complex motivations to his profound backstory with Hashirama Senju and his role as a driving force in the Naruto storyline, Madara Uchiha is often praised as one of the most memorable anime villains. Madara isn’t a textbook villain who seeks world domination, as all his intentions and actions are geared toward bringing peace, from a rather twisted but realistic perspective.

He is an interesting anti-villain character, as opposed to typical evil antagonists like Pain or Orochimaru. Speaking on the cruelty of existence, Madara’s outlook on life is almost similar to Pain’s, and his words “…the longer you live, the more you realize that the only things that truly exist in this reality are merely pain, suffering, and futility” remain one of the most memorable quotes from the Naruto anime series.

3. Frieza | Dragon Ball Z

“I doubt I need an introduction, but just in case, I am the mighty Frieza, and yes, all the horrible stories you’ve heard are true.”        

 - Frieza

The son of a space pirate in the Dragon Ball franchise, Frieza is a tyrannical alien emperor who seeks to dominate the universe and destroy everything in his path. Well-known for his sadistic and egotistical personality, Frieza’s cunning intelligence and immense power make him a formidable foe, solidifying his place as one of Dragon Ball Z’s strongest villains.

As the main antagonist of the Namek Saga, Frieza’s quest for immortality thrives on and drives the conflicts in the series. He is responsible for destroying the Saiyan race, from which Goku came. Frieza could be referred to as the representation of pure evil and probably has the fifth-highest kills in DBZ, with notable casualties like Vegeta, Krillin, Gohan, and the inhabitants of Planet Arla, among others.

2. Griffith | Berserk

Berserk’s power-hungry traitor, Griffith, also known as White Falcon for his angelic appearance that has won him the title of “the most handsome character in Berserk”, is also its main antagonist. Known for his many crimes which include mass human sacrifice, mass murder, arson, high treason, corruption, statutory rape, terrorism, blackmail, etc, Griffith’s activities in The Eclipse, a place where he sacrifices his followers, remain one of the most infamous events in anime and manga history.

Griffith was originally a straightforward, fair, and half-honorable man. While all these qualities contrasted with his ambitious, egotistic, and opportunistic persona as a mercenary, his rebirth as Femto made him worse. Also, his indomitable will and willingness to resort to any means necessary to achieve his goals make him unpredictable and quite villainous. 

1. Eren Yaegar | Attack On Titan

Attack on Titan is one of the most GOATed series of the season and it presented one of the greatest twists ever seen in anime: the main protagonist transformed into the series’ main antagonist! It tells the story of Eren Yaegar, Attack on Titan’s cataclysmic fallen hero, the Eldians suffering persecution at the hands of Marleyans, and Eren’s plots and actions at getting square. 

Out of nine Titan abilities that are present, Eren alone consumed and gained the abilities of the three strongest: the Attack Titan which was skilled in combat; the Founding Titan which can not only control the subjects of Ymir but can also turn them into Titans and control all titans; and the War Hammer Titan which can create structures from hardened titan flesh. Eren massacred entire groups of people (reportedly about 1.6 billion people) to save his people from persecution.

Also, he orchestrated the initial attacks on his people, conspired, brainwashed, blackmailed, committed treason, and a host of other crimes, all in a bid to save his people from persecution.