With so many new anime produced each season, the never-ending list of popular anime boys seems to get even longer.
How is it possible that we get new best boys so frequently? Well, the answer is quite simple—mangakas actually create them with that in mind! Just like with anime waifus, anime husbandos have desirable traits that appeal to both female and male audiences.
Nonetheless, we can agree that there are a few anime boys that outshine the rest. Whether it’s the looks, personality, or character development, there is something unique about them that makes them special. But since I can’t rank them objectively, I used the MAL database, which determines the popularity of a character based on users’ votes. It’s not perfect but it’s certainly more objective than if I were to create this list based on my opinion.
This list of the best anime boys includes princes, fighters, high schoolers, demon hunters, soldiers, and more.
Here are the 25 most popular anime boys (according to MyAnimeList)!
25. Hisoka Morow (HxH)
Hisoka Morow is the kind of guy who will give you goosebumps. He’s got a killer smile and a wicked sense of humor, but you never know what he’s thinking. Also, he is as slippery as a fish and as unpredictable as the weather.
When it comes to being a Hunter, Hisoka is in a league of his own. He’s not your typical do-gooder hero. In fact, he is more like a rogue, playing by his own rules and doing whatever he wants.
But more importantly, Hisoka is a thrill-seeker, always looking for a challenge and getting a kick out of testing his skills against strong opponents. You could say he’s a bit of a renegade, but there’s no denying his talent and cunning. One thing’s for sure though, you don’t want to get on his bad side.
24. Roy Mustang
Having both a commanding presence and a fiery personality to match, Roy is an incredibly skilled alchemist. The guy can create flames out of thin air and incinerate just about anything in his path. And he’s not afraid to use his power to get what he wants.
But Roy is more than just a powerhouse of a person. He’s also a master strategist who knows how to get things done. Whether he’s leading his team on a mission or planning a sneak attack, he’s always one step ahead of the game.
23. Yato
Yato is a god, but not exactly a household name. In fact, he’s more of a “delivery god” than anything else. He’ll do pretty much any odd job you can think of, as long as it pays well enough.
But beneath his carefree exterior lies a complex and troubled past that still haunts him to this day.
22. Kazuto Kirigaya
When it comes to popular anime boys, Kirito certainly can’t be omitted. After this black-haired hardcore gamer becomes stuck in the virtual world of Sword Art Online, everyone quickly realizes that he’s got the skills to pay the bills. And he knows it too! But while he could be cocky, Kirito is a pretty chill guy who loves to help others and doesn’t look down on them. Instead, he lifts them up!
Of course, that’s easier said than done when you’re trapped in a virtual reality game with your life on the line. But Kirito takes it all in stride, using his smarts and his sword to survive and thrive in this dangerous world.
21. Joseph Joestar
The most popular JoJo character, Joseph Joestar is an elegant and quick-witted hero who loves to trash talk while he’s beating up bad guys. He’s not afraid to take risks and often uses unorthodox tactics to come out on top.
But what really makes Joseph stand out is his uncanny ability to predict his opponents’ next moves through his “Hermit Purple” technique. He’s like a psychic chess master, always thinking two steps ahead.
Despite his confident exterior, Joseph is a deeply caring person who will do anything to protect his loved ones. His loyalty and determination make him a true hero, and his humor and charm make him a fan favorite.
20. Spike Spiegel
Many males wish they could ooze effortless coolness. Spike Spiegel manages to achieve this without any effort. He is the ultimate cool guy in the anime world with his laid-back demeanor, sharp wit, and suave style.
As a bounty hunter and former member of a notorious crime syndicate, Spike has seen his fair share of danger and excitement, and he always manages to come out on top with his sharp fighting skills and quick reflexes.
19. Kakashi Hatake (Naruto)
Everyone’s favorite mentor, Kakashi is the epitome of coolness and intelligence. He is pro at keeping his emotions in check and taking down enemies with ease. On top of that, he has a mysterious vibe around him. Since he wears a black mask, you can’t help but wonder what is underneath!
18. Saitama
If you’ve ever wondered if there is an MC who’s a total beast, Saitama is the one. He’s a hero for fun who can knock out any baddie with just one punch. It’s like he’s got the cheat code to life!
But the thing is, he’s so strong that he’s bored with absolutely everything. Like, what’s the point of fighting when you know you’re gonna win? It’s a real buzzkill.
Still, Saitama’s got a heart of gold and will do whatever it takes to protect the innocent.
17. Satoru Gojou (Jujutsu Kaisen)
Satoru Gojou is a badass sorcerer with a devil-may-care attitude and a killer style. He’s the kind of guy who can kick demon butt and look cool doing it.
But what really sets him apart is his insanely powerful cursed techniques. The guy can control space itself, and he’s not afraid to use it to his advantage.
Gojou has a devilishly sharp tongue too, with a comeback for any situation. You might say he’s a real ace in the hole.
All in all, Satoru Gojou is a force to be reckoned with, and you definitely don’t want to mess with him.
16. Ken Kaneki (Tokyo Ghoul)
Ken Kaneki starts out as a shy and bookish guy who just wants to impress his crush, but then things take a turn for the horrific. He gets turned into a ghoul—you know, the kind that eats people—and suddenly his whole world is turned upside down. But Ken doesn’t just curl up and die, no. He’s got some fight in him, and he’s determined to make the best of his situation.
And let me tell you, Ken’s journey is not for the faint of heart. He’s got to navigate some seriously messed-up stuff, both physically and mentally. But through it all, he somehow manages to maintain his humanity (even though he’s not technically human anymore), and he never gives up on his friends or his quest for revenge.
15. Hachiman Hikigaya (OreGairu)
Hachiman, the male MC of SNAFU, is not only one of the most popular anime boys, but he is also one of the characters who are famous for being “dead inside”. Cynical and unconventional, he is a loner by choice who often finds himself at odds with the people around him.
While he may seem like a jerk at first, he’s actually a pretty empathetic dude. He’s good at reading people and figuring out what’s really bothering them. Throughout the show, Hachiman learns to drop the tough-guy act and let people in, which makes him a lot happier.
14. Itachi Uchiha (Naruto)
One of the most iconic characters in anime history, Itachi is a mysterious and cool boy that draws you in. But what really makes Itachi stand out is his backstory. Let’s just say it’s pretty complicated, and it involves a lot of betrayal, sacrifice, and heartbreak.
You really have to pay attention to understand everything that’s going on with him. And don’t even get me started on his relationship with Sasuke. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, to say the least.
Overall, Itachi is a fascinating character who will keep you hooked from beginning to end.
13. Eren Yaeger (AoT)
Most Attack on Titan fans love Levi Ackerman because he’s the cool shortie. There is definitely not enough acknowledgment of Eren, the actual protagonist of the anime.
At first, he’s just this angry kid who wants to kill all the Titans. But as the story goes on, he starts to question everything he’s ever known and realizes there’s a lot more to the world than he ever thought.
Eren struggles with some really tough stuff, like betrayal and loss, and it changes him in a big way. He becomes more introspective and less hot-headed, and his motivations shift from just revenge to something bigger and more complex. It’s wild to see how much he grows throughout the series.
12. Gintoki Sakata (Gintama)
So you thought that laziness can’t be charming? Enter Gintoki Sakata who is both. Just like many people, he’s often seen lazing around and taking on odd jobs to make ends meet. But when the situation calls for it, he’s got fierce fighting and sword skills.
Despite his carefree nature, Gintoki has a tragic past that has shaped him into the person he is today. He’s a lovable rogue who always seems to find himself in the middle of trouble, but his sense of humor and loyalty to his friends make him an endearing character.
11. Guts (Berserk)
Guts, Bersker’s main protagonist, is a complex character with a tragic past. He has also seen some serious stuff in his time. Consequently, he has the scars and the mental baggage to prove it.
Despite being all tough and macho, he’s actually in touch with his emotions and struggles to deal with all the trauma he’s been through.
His story is all about getting revenge and trying to make things right for all the bad stuff he’s done. Basically, he’s just trying to find some peace in his messed-up life.
10. Naruto Uzumaki (Naruto)
Naruto is the poster boy of popular anime boys. His infectious positivity and never-give-up attitude have become staples of the popular ninja anime. Despite being an orphan and shunned by the whole village, he doesn’t feel sorry for himself. Instead, he focuses all of his energy on making his dream of becoming the leader of his village possible.
As a typical shounen protagonist, Naruto is good-hearted and sympathetic toward everyone, including enemies. After all, he is famous for his ‘talk-no-jutsu’ which means that many times, he somehow changes the mind of his enemies by talking to them instead of fighting them.
9. Edward Elric (FMA)
All fans agree that FMA wouldn’t be the same without Edward leading the charge. A talented alchemist, he might be shorter than a penguin, but he still has mad skills and a slick automail arm that packs a punch.
But enough about Edward’s powers and looks. His greatest qualities are compassion and selflessness. Not only does he shows compassion towards strangers and enemies but he is also willing to sacrifice everything, including himself, to restore the body of his brother.
8. Rintarou Okabe (Steins;Gate)
Rintarou Okabe, also known as “Okarin,” is the eccentric and self-proclaimed mad scientist protagonist of the anime series Steins;Gate. He’s a fun character to watch because of his quirky personality and his tendency to go on long-winded rants about time travel and conspiracy theories.
Despite his seemingly crazy behavior, Okabe is actually very intelligent and inventive, and he uses his knowledge to try and save his friends from a sinister organization. He’s a unique and memorable character who adds a lot of humor and excitement to the show.
7. Killua Zoldyck (HxH)
A child assassin, Killua is a skilled hunter with lightning-fast reflexes and deadly techniques that are advanced beyond his age. Although he acts like a really COLD guy, he wants to make friends just like any other kid his age.
This becomes possible only after he meets Gon, the anime’s MC, during the hunter exam. The two become best buddies and set out on an adventure to find Gon’s father and become stronger.
6. Light Yagami (Death Note)
Let’s talk about Light, one of the popular anime boys from Death Note. And boy, does he have some issues. I mean, he has a serious god complex, which is probably not a great thing to have if you’re trying to be a decent human being. But let’s be real, it’s kind of fun to watch him go all “mad scientist” and try to rid the world of criminals with his “magical” notebook.
He’s a weird mix of super smart and super impulsive, which makes for some pretty wild plot twists. And even though he’s kind of a jerk, you can’t help but root for him sometimes.
5. Zoro Roronoa (One Piece)
Zoro Roronoa is one of the coolest and most badass anime characters out there. As a member of the Straw Hat Pirates, he is a skilled swordsman with incredible strength and endurance. He’s also incredibly loyal to his captain, Luffy, and will do whatever it takes to protect him and their crew.
Zoro’s backstory and his unwavering determination to become the world’s greatest swordsman are also major reasons why he’s such a beloved character among anime fans. Moreover, his three-sword fighting style is an amazingly unique technique.
4. L Lawliet (Death Note)
To this day, there are very few anime that can challenge Death Note in terms of intricacy and complexity. One of the main draws of the series is the battle of wits between the two main characters, Light Yagami and L Lawliet, as they try to outsmart each other in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse.
L is a genius detective with a quirky personality and a major sweet tooth. He’s also incredibly empathetic and always puts himself in the shoes of those he’s investigating to try and understand their motives and emotions.
With his signature slouch and love for sugary treats, L has become a fan favorite in the anime world for his quirkiness and brilliant mind.
3. Luffy D. Monkey (One Piece)
One Piece, a masterpiece among anime, owes much of its popularity to the beloved protagonist, Luffy. This popular anime boy rocks a signature straw hat and exudes a carefree and cheerful vibe that instantly captures hearts.
Luffy is a lovable goofball who’s not only adventurous and powerful but also kind-hearted and loyal.
2. Levi Ackerman (Attack on Titan)
Levi is a badass soldier from Attack on Titan. Famous for his unique fighting style and cold demeanor, he’s a member of the Survey Corps. But despite his tough exterior, he’s got a soft spot for his colleagues and friends and will go to great lengths to protect them.
With a mysterious past that only adds to his allure, fans can’t get enough of him. Plus, let’s be real, he’s also pretty easy on the eyes!
1. Lelouch Lamperouge (Code Geass)
Lelouch Lamperouge is the brilliant and calculating protagonist of Code Geass. He’s definitely not your typical hero, and he’ll do whatever it takes to achieve his goals, even if that means making questionable moral choices.
It’s no surprise that he’s a fan favorite, as he’s both a compelling and relatable character. Plus, who doesn’t love a good antihero?
Do you agree with this list of the most popular anime boys? Is there any character you would add? Let me know in the comment! 🙂
