Ranking The Most Powerful Anime Villains of All Time

This article was originally published on absolutelyconnected.com and has been republished here with permission.

The key qualities of a great anime villain are backstory, attitude and motivation, but none of them matter until the villain poses a credible danger – especially in anime where superpowers are abundant. With this in consideration, let’s analyze some of the most powerful anime villains. Madara Uchiha of Naruto is a well-known example of a great ninja who took on the Shinobi Alliance without putting much effort after being resurrected. There is also Fate’s Gilgamesh, who carries a sword so powerful that it could easily destroy the Earth. Baki The Grappler’s Yujiro Hanma is also a strong oponent: he has mastered every kind of non-lethal warfare and is trusted by governments all over the world to carry out assassination missions.

39. Washijo Tanji – Haikyuu

In Haikuyuu, the antagonists are just players who want to win, even if they can be irritating or blunt about it, which is why it’s difficult to call anyone a villain.

Washijo Tanji, on the other hand, would be a perfect fit for the character of a villain in the show. He is as cutthroat as they come in volleyball, placing a premium on height above everything else.

38. Yano – ‘Odd Taxi’

Yano, the wicked porcupine, is unlike any other character in the series. While Yano may appear to be a minor villain at first in Odd Taxi, there is no disputing that by the end of the film, he has stolen the show. This 27-year-old criminal is both cunning and brutal, unconcerned about who he has to harm in order to advance in the Yakuza ranks.

Running badger games, kidnapping, and torturing are just a few of his accomplishments during the first season of the show. He weirdly also raps about everything the entire time he is doing all of this.

37. Rachel – ‘Tower of God’

The best antagonists in anime are usually the ones you don’t see coming, which is doubly true when they’re the protagonist’s friend, the reason for living, and love interest. That’s why Rachel is so wonderfully horrible at the end of season one of Tower of God.

When Bam discovers it is Rachel, he forgives her and wants to help her. However, Rachel has been insane since first meeting Bam, since she was envious of his innate powers with Shinsu magic and even his ability for making friends. Because she fears he will abandon her, she decides to try to kill him.

36. Bryan Hawk – Hajime no Ippo: Rising

Bryan Hawk is everything Hajime no Ippo fans have come to accept about series regular Takamura cranked up to 11.

Hawk revels in disrespecting his opponent and the sport at every turn, presenting himself as Takamura’s barrier to entry into the world championship. He ignores his training, fights civilians whenever he wants, and takes joy in insulting everyone. Worse, he possesses the necessary talent to back it up.