The concept of a protagonist in anime is incredibly varied and nuanced. In most cases, the main character of any story is the one whose success the audience roots for until the end. In other instances, the protagonist becomes the antagonist, changing the whole trajectory of the story. There is no true formula to what makes a good protagonist. However, if the main character of an anime is one-directional, the story also falls flat in the eyes of the audience.
- Also Read: Top 10 Best Anime Characters of All Time
The Greatest Anime Protagonists Have Amazing Character Development
One of the main features of a good anime protagonist is character growth throughout the series. Although some iconic anime protagonists don’t evolve drastically in the show, they all go through some change that makes them more complex and relatable for the fans. Here are some of the best-written protagonists that have made their shows better.
Edward Elric
| Anime | Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood |
| Where To Watch | Crunchyroll |
Although there are many great characters in the Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood anime, Edward Elric stands out with his determination and skill. Even though it’s a pretty short anime with only one season, it has become one of the greatest modern Shonen shows over the years. The Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse are strong, kind, and smart. In the end, Elric is able to save his brother’s life and defeat the enemy threatening the world. His character development in the series also makes him a beloved protagonist.
Frieren
| Anime | Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End |
| Where To Watch | Crunchyroll |
Frieren is the titular protagonist of the new anime series, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, based on Kanehito Yamada’s manga. Although a recent addition to the world of anime, Frieren has already made her mark on the industry with her incredible mental fortitude and magical powers. The elven mage’s journey through a fantastical world has entertained people across the globe. Fans are eagerly waiting for Frieren’s return to the screen with a second season.
Yuji Itadori
| Anime | Jujutsu Kaisen |
| Where To Watch | Crunchyroll, Netflix |
Jujutsu Kaisen is likely the most popular anime and manga right now. One of the main reasons behind its fame has to be the main character Yuji Itadori, who is the perfect example of a great Shonen protagonist. Not only is he kind and compassionate, but is also always ready to risk his life for others. His immense strength also pushes his comrades to do everything to support him in his quest to defeat the King of Curses Sukuna. Itadori’s ability to bring out the best in everyone around him makes him a character everyone looks up to.
Eren Yeager
| Anime | Attack On Titan |
| Where To Watch | Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Videos |
Hajime Isayama’s iconic manga and anime series owes a lot of its success to Eren Yeager, who is both the protagonist and the antagonist of the story. Fans were rooting for him throughout the first three seasons of the anime as he wanted to defeat all the Titans who had wreaked havoc upon their town and killed his mother. However, in the end, Eren descends into insanity and starts the Rumbling, which would destroy the entire world. His rise and fall was one of the most devastating and beautiful stories to ever come out of any anime. Although not a typical Shonen protagonist, Eren earned his place in this list as a complex and well-written character.
Monkey D. Luffy
| Anime | One Piece |
| Where To Watch | Crunchyroll |
Monkey D. Luffy’s quest to find the One Piece treasure and become the King of the Pirates is probably the most well-known lore in the anime world. Not only is Luffy incredibly strong and stubborn, but he also supports his friends and crewmates in all their dreams. Throughout its long run, One Piece has produced hundreds of characters, but the protagonist remains the main reason why people enjoy the story so much.
- Also Read: Top 5 Best Anime Series for Gamers
Sailor Moon
| Anime | Sailor Moon |
| Where To Watch | Netflix, Hulu |
Usagi Tsukino, better known by her superhero persona Sailor Moon, is likely the most iconic female anime character of all time. She is a global icon, known for not just her immense magical strength but also her incredible personality and style. Although there are many superhero characters in the anime, she alone remains above them all as a beacon of strength to young girls across the world.
Son Goku
| Anime | Dragon Ball |
| Where To Watch | Crunchyroll |
Much like Sailor Moon, Son Goku from Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball manga and anime series remains a legendary protagonist. Even people who don’t usually watch anime regularly have watched Dragon Ball or the sequel series Dragon Ball Z in their childhood. Toriyama’s death in March of 2024 is marked as a dark day in anime history. However, his legacy will always live on through Goku’s transcendental strength and his friendship with other characters in the story.
Do you like watching immersive anime shows? Here are the 5 best anime of all time that you can’t miss.
