Anime All-Stars: MyAnimeList’s Ultimate Character Showdown

Alright, fellow anime fans, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and dive headfirst into MyAnimeList. It’s the place where fandoms intersect, debates rage, and where your Rockle trio—Rena, Lucas, and myself—are taking on the challenge of sifting through the MAL’s 20 most popular anime characters. Heads up: our tastes may clash, but hey, that’s just another day in anime fandom.

With heartthrobs, heroes, and even villains who charm us against our better judgment, we have a star-studded list to share. Did your favorite character make the cut? Only one way to find out. Let’s roll!

1. Lelouch Lamperouge: The Rebel Strategist

Lelouch, the genius from Code Geass, uses his brainpower and Geass magic to topple the Britannian empire. This ex-prince’s end game? A perfect world. His methods? A bit shady. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, he’s the reigning champ on MyAnimeList!

Brooke: Lelouch’s strategic genius? A class apart! No Britannian warship or chess opponent stands a chance. As for topping the list, it’s just another day on the battlefield for our Knight of Zero.

Rena: Lelouch has that bad boy appeal down to a tee, yet he’s a teddy bear when it comes to his little sister, Nunnally. And let’s face it, only Lelouch can rock that Zero costume.

Lucas: The ultimate chessmaster! It’s as if every episode is another pawn moved, another strategy unveiled. His top rank on MAL? Probably predicted it right when he got his Geass. The man’s always ahead, even in popularity lists.

2. Levi Ackerman: The Deadly Stoic

Levi Ackerman of Attack on Titan lands at number two! This cool and collected Survey Corps Captain takes down titan-sized threats without batting an eye. His combo of looks, battle skills, and dedication to humanity has fans, including the MyAnimeList community, swooning!

Brooke: Tackles Titans and laundry with the same gusto. Second place on MAL? Well, us clean freaks need love too.

Rena: Okay, Levi, talk about intense! Did anyone else’s heart skip a beat when he smiled that one time in season three?

Lucas: Ackerman, my man! He’s the sort of guy who doesn’t say much, but when he does, you better listen. He is quiet, but only because he is too busy getting things done. Second on the list of favorite anime characters? Well, clearly, actions speak louder than words.

3. Monkey D. Luffy: The Elastic Hero

Third place goes to One Piece’s ever-resilient Monkey D. Luffy! Leading the Straw Hats in the quest for legendary loot, his relentless optimism and loyalty make him an icon of adventure, with a fanbase as massive as the Grand Line itself!

Brooke: I’d follow this guy to the ends of the Grand Line! Can’t argue with Luffy’s rank, though I do still miss his straw hat from the early seasons.

Rena: If that stretchy, loveable goofball is on screen, you can bet I’m laughing or tearing up—or both! It’s hard not to get caught up in Luffy’s dreams.

Lucas: Who else can punch a Celestial Dragon in the face and still keep that goofy grin? Luffy’s third spot on MAL? I get it; he’s loved, but come on, folks! This is the future Pirate King we’re talking about! Number one, here we come!

4. L Lawliet: The Shadowy Detective

Ranking fourth is L Lawliet from mystery anime Death Note, the oddball detective playing a dangerous game with the mysterious and deadly “Kira.” His sweet tooth and quirky genius have endeared him to fans worldwide.

Brooke: L is as odd as they come, and I’m all for it. Is it the mad scientist’s hair or the intellect that gets me? Can’t tell. Fourth place seems about right.

Rena: L, the Sherlock Holmes of the anime world, if Holmes sat like a crouched cat and used 4% of his bed. He’s sharp, no doubt, but his social skills could use a little polish.

Lucas: L is the detective who redefines ‘casual Friday’ every day of the week. Sure, he’s got a mind like a supercomputer, but top five on MAL? For a guy who looks like he’s rolled out of bed for a crime scene, I’m not fully sold. But hey, I’ll give him this—he’s never boring!

5. Zoro Roronoa: The Loyal Blade

Fifth spot goes to Roronoa Zoro of One Piece, a triple-sword slinger and loyal sidekick to Captain Luffy. A combo of badass moves, pro napping, and a distinctive sense of direction make this ex-bounty hunter a worldwide fan-favorite!

Brooke: Zoro could fight a monster, get lost in a hallway, and still look cool. The top five is pretty much what I expected for our Sword Saint!

Rena: Zoro, the muscle of the Straw Hats? I won’t deny his impressive strength and loyalty, but his fan rank on MAL? Not quite what I would expect. I mean, have we forgotten about Nico Robin?

Lucas: Zoro is my second favorite One Piece guy! Who else could take on a Shichibukai while still figuring out which way is north? One Piece wouldn’t be the same without him!

6. Light Yagami: The Power-Hungry Genius

Landing at number six is Death Note’s Light Yagami! This cunning boy wields a lethal notebook in a high-stakes game. His tactical genius and god complex have fans on the edge, caught between love and hate, but they can’t look away!

Brooke: A notebook, a pen, and the world’s at his mercy. Light is proof that you don’t need a cape to be compelling. And his fan rank proves that I’m not the only one who believes that not every character needs to wear a white hat to leave an impression.

Rena: I couldn’t decide whether to root for Light or against him. One minute he’s acing exams, the next he’s deciding who gets to live and die. It would mess with anyone’s head. His popularity does make sense, though. He’s not a character you easily forget.

Lucas: Now there’s a character that’s hard to pin down. I admit the mind games in Death Note were pretty engaging, but Light’s easy slip into megalomania? Not a fan. Him being so high on the popularity list? I think we’ve let the flashy notebook and those killer monologues cloud our judgment a tad.

7. Killua Zoldyck: The Friend in the Shadows

At number seven, it’s Killua Zoldyck from shounen anime Hunter x Hunter! This once-assassin now Hunter, captivates with his lightning speed, silver-haired coolness, and dark past saga. His adventures alongside his BFF Gon have won him a world of fans.

Brooke: Killua has a mean right hook and an even meaner yo-yo, but it’s his soft spot for his friends that really hits home. At number seven on MAL? Definitely, because who doesn’t love a bad boy turned good?

Rena: Killua, the boy who wears his heart on his sleeve—well, when he’s not busy electrocuting his enemies. I’ve lost count of the times his character growth has made me cheer! Seventh place is cool, but this silver-haired boy needs to be higher up!

Lucas: He has the power to tear enemies apart, but it’s Killua’s softer moments that really strike a chord. He’s number one in the ‘Characters I’d Want as My Best Friend’ category, for sure!

8. Rintarou Okabe: The Mad Scientist

Eighth place goes to Rintarou Okabe from sci-fi anime Steins;Gate, the self-proclaimed mad scientist and time-travel mastermind. Under the alias Hououin Kyouma, he has flair, humor, and resolve that keep fans hooked, even when the time-twists go wild!

Brooke: Okabe might talk to imaginary agencies on his phone, but when it comes to messing with timelines, he’s your guy. I love to se him in the top ten of the most popular anime characters. It’s high time we acknowledge our love for eccentric geniuses and their microwave time machines.

Rena: Okabe, the chuunibyou with a PhD! He has the intellect, sure, but his ‘mad scientist’ act? Bit much for me. But there’s no denying his commitment to his friends. Eighth place? Well, everyone loves a good drama queen, I suppose!

Lucas: The mad scientist of Akihabara! Okabe’s laughter could shatter glass, but beneath the crazy facade, there’s a guy who’d bend time for his friends.

9. Edward Elric: The Alchemical Whiz

Ninth in line is Edward Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, the magic whiz trying to fix a massive alchemical mess-up. Beyond his skills, Ed packs a punch with guts, heart, quick wit, and brotherly love, charming fans all over!

Brooke: The little alchemist that could! Edward is stubborn, hot-headed, and has a metal arm that’s as hard as his resolve. In my book, this pint-sized powerhouse is always number one. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood forever!

Rena: Ed is the boy who dared to break the laws of equivalent exchange. He’s lost so much, yet his resilience is nothing short of inspiring.

Lucas: Edward Elric, the short stack with a long list of achievements. Who else can claim they’ve literally touched the truth and come back to tell the tale? And those alchemical circles? Pure genius! But ninth on MAL? Come on! This guy’s got intellect, grit, and fab anime hair. Top five material, no question!

10. Naruto Uzumaki: The Determined Shinobi

Naruto Uzumaki, the fiery ninja from the eponymous series, nails the tenth spot with his Hokage dreams. His journey from a mischief-maker to a symbol of hope has fans across the globe laughing, weeping, and cheering. Believe it!

Brooke: Remember when Naruto was just this knucklehead running around Konoha, dreaming of becoming Hokage? And then he did it! He gets under your skin, doesn’t he? I’m surprised he’s not ranked higher.

Rena: Naruto, huh? This was my gateway anime and his story always brings back memories. His fight against Neji during the Chunin exams? Still gives me chills.

Lucas: Naruto! The orange ninja who showed us what true resilience is. The moment when he finally became Hokage—I have to admit, I man-teared up a little. Tenth place is a testament to his enduring popularity and influence, I’d say.

11. Guts: The Dark Berserker

Coming in 11th, it’s Guts from the horror anime Berserk, a hardened mercenary with a soft spot for those he loves. Unflinching against the horrors of his past and present, he embodies the ‘never say die’ spirit. No surprise he has such a loyal crowd rooting for him!

Brooke: Guts, now there’s a character who doesn’t know the meaning of the word ‘quit’. His courage in the face of adversity is legendary. That scene when he stood alone against the 100-man army? Literal chills! It’s nice to see all the love for him on MAL!

Rena: I’ll admit, Berserk isn’t my cup of tea, but I can see why people admire Guts. His resilience in a world full of darkness is commendable. His rank on the list seems about right to me. He’s legendary in his own right.

Lucas: Guts, the man, the myth, the legend! If there’s one character who knows how to fight against the odds, it’s him. Remember when he first wielded the Dragon Slayer? Absolutely epic. Let’s get him to the top ten, folks, the man is an anime icon!

12. Gintoki Sakata: The Silver Samurai

Gintoki from Gintama, a former samurai turned odd-jobber, spices up the alien-led Edo era. Despite his laid-back exterior, he’s a samurai at heart, and his knack for creating comedy out of everyday tasks has MyAnimeList users laughing, securing him spot number 12!

Brooke: Gintoki never fails to crack me up! His hilarious antics in the Yorozuya, that’s anime comedy gold. And when things get tough? He always steps up. Ranked 12th? Honestly, I think he deserves more love.

Rena: A mix of lazy samurai, reliable big brother, and unexpectedly wise friend. Remember when he stood up to the entire Shinsengumi for his pals? Goosebumps!

Lucas: Gintoki has this uncanny ability to lighten the mood and then catch you off guard with a moment of profound insight. Let’s rally, Gintama fans, and push him up the ranks!

13. Eren Yeager: The Relentless Revolutionary

Ranking 13th is the unstoppable Eren Yeager from Attack on Titan! In a world of massive walls and Titans, he’s all about the big payback. A secret power, an epic journey, and a never-back-down spirit earned him a titan-sized fanbase worldwide!

Brooke: Eren Yeager has come a long way from that impulsive boy in Shiganshina. His progression, especially after the basement reveal, was absolutely fascinating. His impact is well-deserved in my book; Eren is a beautifully written character with layers worth exploring.

Rena: His transformation through the series was a real shocker, wasn’t it? From wanting to destroy all Titans to… well, no spoilers. But it was quite a turn. I can understand Eren’s popularity, though his later actions do leave me with mixed feelings.

Lucas: Eren, the boy who dreamed of freedom. The path he’s chosen is not an easy one, but it sure keeps you hooked. Remember when he plugged that hole in Wall Rose? Epic moment. It’s clear he’s made a massive impact, but man, his story is a tough pill to swallow.

14. Kurisu Makise: The Enigmatic Scientist

At 17, we have the gifted Kurisu Makise from Steins;Gate. She’s a brainy redhead with an EQ to match her IQ, navigating time travel whirlwinds and keeping fans riveted. Given her smarts and golden heart, Kurisu’s popularity with fans is a no-brainer!

Brooke: There’s something about a smart woman with a heart of gold that just draws you in. She’s not just an incredible scientist but also a loyal friend and a caring soul. Remember the “I am a scientist, I have to act on my own theory” line? Love her!

Rena: Kurisu is definitely a compelling character, but I have to admit, her tsundere moments sometimes threw me off a bit. That said, her contribution to the plot, especially with the time travel theory, is undeniable.

Lucas: Kurisu was a strong character in Steins;Gate, for sure. Her interactions with Okabe added an interesting dynamic, but she never quite clicked with me on a personal level.

15. Itachi Uchiha: The Silent Protector

At number 15, we have Itachi Uchiha from Naruto, the gifted rogue ninja with a secret twist. Veiled in anime villainy but secretly a hero, his transformation from cold-hearted foe to undercover savior makes him a beloved character in the anime universe.

Brooke: The prodigy, the patriot, the tragic hero. The Uchiha massacre, his relationship with Sasuke… his story always leaves me with a heavy heart (it’s not a spoiler, it’s been YEARS, people). He’s a remarkable character who deserves every bit of his popularity.

Rena: Itachi, oh, the feels! His story arc is one of the most memorable for me. I mean, who didn’t shed a tear during his final moments with Sasuke? It’s nice to see him on the list.

Lucas: Itachi Uchiha! I’ll always remember the shock when his true intentions were revealed. It was a game-changer. This guy, with his crow genjutsu and a story as deep as his Mangekyou Sharingan, will always be one of my favorites. He’s earned the fan love, no doubt.

16. Mikasa Ackerman: The Fearless Frontliner

Scaling her way up to number 16 is Mikasa Ackerman from the monster-ridden world of Attack on Titan. More than a military muscle; Mikasa embodies human resilience. Her indomitable spirit, loyalty, and fondness for a scarf-wearing friend have fans swooning!

Brooke: Who doesn’t love Mikasa? She’s one strong, badass lady, but has such a caring heart! Her place on the popularity list just goes to show that we love our ladies strong, smart, and capable of taking down a Titan or two!

Rena: Mikasa, our lady of steel. A heart cloaked in an armor of resilience, she fights Titans as fiercely as she loves a certain someone. A sweet sixteen on MAL? Cool, but personally, I feel she’s a sleeper hit. The right blend of steely nerve and soft heart—she’s my personal favorite any day.

Lucas: Ackerman, again! Mikasa is quick with her blades as she is slow to open her heart, but when she does—it’s worth the wait. Sure, she’s not the loudest character, but her actions speak volumes. A top-tier heroine in my eyes.

17. Hachiman Hikigaya: The Rom-Com Outsider

Hachiman from My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU takes the 17th spot! This sharp-witted outsider sees through high school drama while grudgingly aiding the Service Club. His ‘couldn’t-care-less demeanor and surprising knack for helping others have fans hooked.

Brooke: Oh, it’s the reluctant Romeo who deals with high school drama with the same passion he reserves for his pessimistic monologues. Number 17 sounds about right for our dead-fish-eyed hero, who has more heart than he lets on.

Rena: Well isn’t it the boy who made pessimism almost charming! Who knew a romantic cynic could worm his way into so many hearts? His rank is well deserved, I’d say. He’s way more than his ‘loner’ facade.

Lucas: Hikigaya, the ‘anti-social’ thinker who got caught in a web of high school romance? Not my usual cup of tea, but hey, his sharp wit is entertaining. His place on the list? Guess rom-coms have their charm, even if they’re not my first pick.

SEE ALSO: Best Romance Anime On Netflix To Fall In Love With

18. Ken Kaneki: The Tortured Soul

At 18th, we have Ken Kaneki from Tokyo Ghoul, a reluctant ghoul torn between two realities. Amidst his struggle with ghoulish urges and fading humanity, he’s all heart and protection. His resilience and complex character have made him a fan favorite!

Brooke: Although I can’t say I was completely engrossed in this tortured ghoul’s journey, he certainly knows how to leave a lasting impression. I would bump him two spots down.

Rena: Ken Kaneki… yeah, I’m not a fan. I mean, the whole angst-filled, tortured-by-existence thing is just too much for me. I guess people like their heroes brooding and ghoulish, but I wouldn’t have him anywhere near my top 20.

Lucas: Kaneki, man! Talk about character development. The guy goes from bookworm to ghoul, navigating the darkest corners of both worlds. Tokyo Ghoul might not be for everyone, but Kaneki’s transformation is worth the watch.

19. Satoru Gojou: The Magic Maestro

Satoru Gojo, the cool-headed mentor from Jujutsu Kaisen, trains new sorcerers at Tokyo Jujutsu High with an enigmatic power and easy-going style. His coolness, wit, and care for his students have fans raving, securing him 19th place on MyAnimeList!

Brooke: Gojou’s magic is intense, but it’s his laid-back attitude that really gets me. He’s got this unbeatable power, but he’s not all macho about it; he’s fun, he’s a bit goofy, and that’s refreshing. I wouldn’t mind seeing him a bit higher on the list.

Rena: This masked hotshot could freeze me with his Limitless Cursed Technique, and I’d thank him. He’s ranked 19th?? We revolt at dawn!

Lucas: Gojou’s cool! He could wipe the floor with most curses without breaking a sweat, yet he’s cracking jokes and playing mentor to his students. In terms of characters that keep you watching, he’s right at the top for me.

20. Saitama: The One-Punch Hero

Saitama from One Punch Man punches in at No. 20! His over-the-top strength lets him topple foes with a single punch, all while keeping a straight face. But it’s his relatable persona and funny ‘too strong’ problems that make him a fan-favorite knockout!

Brooke: Saitama has more power in his pinky than most anime characters have in their entire bodies. So he’s not in the top 10, who cares? He’d probably shrug it off with his usual nonchalant style.

Rena: Bald, bored, and packing a one-punch KO. Saitama never fails to make me chuckle with his dry wit. I’m glad to see there’s still love for this baldy.

Lucas: Saitama? Yeah, he was fun—until he wasn’t. Honestly, I lost some interest after the first season. 20th place on the list seems about right, given how things panned out after the lackluster second season.

You can check out the MAL list showcasing the most favorited characters along with their animeography, mangaography, and the corresponding number of votes here.

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