10 greatest anime protagonist of all time

Time of India

23-05-2025

Top anime protagonist of all time (Image via Crunchyroll)
When we think about the greatest anime protagonists of all time, we often think about strength but true greatness goes beyond power. These characters left a lasting mark not just because of what they did, but because of how deeply they connected with us.
Whether they made us laugh, cry, or rethink life itself, their journeys became a part of ours.
Ten iconic anime characters that made their mark in memorable ways
From Goku to Nana, these unforgettable protagonists didn't just define anime, they defined an entire generation. Here's why fans still carry their stories years later.
The reason shonen anime is special is due to Goku (Dragon Ball). He always has a smile on his face, is blamelessly youthful and looks forward to new experiences.
He fights when he can but not out of hatred, but for fun and as a means to defend people. Millions of children saw him as a role model because of his strong friendship and eager mind.
Naruto Uzumaki (Naruto) began with nothing other than his big dreams. Being lonely, having mean reasons and being ignored didn't stop him. He used kindness and his own determination to overcome his pain. His past doesn't have to determine the direction of his future.
Even though Monkey D. Luffy (One Piece) is always wild and laughing, he's actually quite faithful and fearless. He's not driven by the desire for power, but only wants personal and collective freedom. His example encourages us to be happy and willing to help those important to us.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood shows Edward Elric, who possesses great talent in alchemy and lots of determination. His brother's presence and Miura's wish to do the right thing make you relate easily to him.
Edward shows that the strongest move a person can take is to own their shortcomings and deal with the things they do.
Many people are drawn to Usagi Tsukino (Sailor Moon) because she is awkward, feeling and sweet. She points out that being soft doesn't mean you lack strength. The love and companionship she experiences allow her to help the world avoid danger.
In the Ghost in the Shell story, Motoko Kusanagi is calm, organized and well-thought-out. Like many others in her field, she questions what it is to be human and to live. Both courage and depth can be seen in Motoko when everything around her is unfamiliar and dangerous
At the beginning, Eren Yeager (Attack on Titan), seeks revenge and is set on fighting, but later turns into a fascinating character in shonen.
Because his morals are vague, the audience is forced to consider what freedom actually includes and how much they would pay for it.
According to her series, Madoka Magica, Homura Akemi gains most of her strength by loving and enduring her own suffering. Each time she tries to help her friend, her worries grow so much she acts even more desperately. It's truly sad, but stealthy, how effective she is.
Gon Freecss (Hunter x Hunter) looks like a simple person, but it's shocking how deeply he feels.
Mr. Underhill manages rage, while always being kind and brave. Gon stands for the way growing up involves dealing with the beautiful and the cruel things around us.
Nana Osaki (Nana) isn't taking on monsters, she's dealing with real-life issues. She handles love, sadness and heartache as a tough and passionate musician. Her experience speaks to us by showing that some heroes are simply trying to keep going.
These characters didn't just entertain us, they taught us, healed us, and challenged us. In their struggles, we saw our own. And in their triumphs, we found hope.
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