Top 10 Anime Characters That Broke The Internet

Top 10 Anime Characters the Internet Obsessed Over

Welcome to WatchMojo and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the top 10 anime characters the internet obsessed over.

For this list, we’ll be going over the characters from anime that have been viral topics online, whether because of popularity, memes, or controversy.

If there’s an anime character that broke the internet that didn’t manage to break onto our list, let us know in the comments!

#10: Yor Forger

“Spy x Family” (2022)

“Spy x Family” has made a big splash recently. While Yor’s adopted daughter Anya makes all of us want to protect her smile, the woman herself has proven even more popular. Yor’s spacey attitude and contrastingly dark thoughts, given that she’s an assassin, make her highly entertaining. But, it’s the internet – naturally everyone is going crazy for how gorgeous she is. Her elegant and sexy outfits have inspired fanart and cosplay aplenty. While she might be the latest “flavor of the month” girl, and far from the only one on our list, Yor’s popularity is positively deadly, and she may have staying power, as well as stopping power.

#9: Reigen Arataka

“Mob Psycho 100” (2016-)

Mob may be the title character of this series, but everybody knows that Reigen is the real star! The young psychic’s conman mentor, Reigen, is a lovable fraudster of the highest order. While his “psychic powers” are fake, his wholesome advice to his disciple and unexpected leadership skills make him an easy character to root for. Not only that, but the guy is also basically a walking talking meme. With his hilarious “special moves,” his numerous outlandish expressions, and surprising wisdom, Reigen has earned devoted followers across the internet. And with season 3 finally happening, he’s poised to gain even more!

#8: Zero Two

“Darling in the Franxx” (2018)

Girls from mecha series, particularly ones in skintight outfits, are always going to be big hits with anime fans, but Zero Two transcended even that archetype. Zero Two’s romance with her titular “darling,” Hiro, as well as the ensuing waifu war with her rival, Ichigo, certainly drew attention, and battle lines, across the internet. But Zero Two’s biggest impact has arguably been the memes surrounding her. From reediting her lip movements during that episode, to her no iconic dance animation, Zero Two is everyone online. The fact that Kim Kardashian, Ms. Broke the Internet herself, is a fan probably didn’t hurt either.

#7: Hayase Nagatoro

“Don't Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro” (2021-)

Teasing anime girls are all the rage right now, and Hayase Nagatoro is arguably the epitome of the archetype. Nagatoro has been at the center of several controversies online. There’s the firestorm around a translation of her dialogue using the term “sus.” But there’s also been plenty of discussion over whether her treatment of her beloved senpai is actually more akin to bullying. Although early on in the show it certainly seemed like it, as the show has progressed, it’s become clear that Nagatoro doesn’t know how to express her affection towards her senpai, and is “pulling his pigtails,” so to speak. Still, Nagatoro has remained a popular topic, even if her actions are pretty “sus.”

#6: Shouko Komi

“Komi Can’t Communicate” (2021-)

The eponymous Shouko Komi may be a stunning beauty, but that’s not the only reason the internet is obsessed with her. Rather, Komi’s popularity is more down to other part of the title – her difficulty communicating. Komi suffers from severe social anxiety, which leaves her struggling to speak to people. Many netizens can certainly relate to having trouble interacting socially. Plus Komi’s expressive face and body language, in addition to being hilarious and adorable, make for excellent meme fodder. Komi is a character that’s very easy to cheer for, and we’re all very invested in seeing her make 100 friends.

#5: Hana Uzaki

“Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out!” (2020-)

Hana Uzaki is another one of the wave of teasing heroines. However, in this case, it isn’t her attitude that drew controversy, but rather her appearance. First, in Japan, her use in an ad campaign for a blood drive drew ire from some who felt it was needlessly sexualized. Then, in the west, Uzaki’s whole character design was at the center of a blowup on Twitter, after one user redesigned her and criticized her appearance as being “gross.” This drew plenty of backlash, from those who liked her design and those who considered it body shaming. After all, some people are just short and baby-faced. And naturally, Uzaki’s famous “so big!” shirt spawned plenty of fan art.

#4: Rem

“Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World” (2016-21)

Rem is the adorable and devoted maid who risks her life time and time again for the ever-looping protagonist Subaru. When Rem confessed her feelings for Subaru, and he rejected her in favor of Emilia, the internet promptly exploded! Battle lines were drawn between those who felt the same as Subaru, and those who felt he chose…poorly. Although Emilia was certainly at the center of this controversy too, Rem essentially fired the first “shot” so to speak, and her supporters tend to be slightly more vocal. We’re pretty sure fewer people went to war for Helen of Troy! And we get it – the girl is cute, supportive, and incredibly badass. She’s definitely a catch.

#3: Satoru Gojo

“Jujutsu Kaisen” (2020-)

Quite possibly the strongest character in the “Jujutsu Kaisen” series, Gojo is not only a powerhouse, he’s also a certified troll. That leads to plenty of great, meme-worthy comedy. His unmitigated swagger and effortless coolness certainly make him an attractive character. However, Gojo has also been the subject of a TikTok trend. This ranges from people editing photos to make people or objects look like the blindfold-wearing sorcerer or pranking people by covering their eyes in imitation of him. Given how irreverent Gojo is, we have a feeling he’d approve.

#2: Marin Kitagawa

“My Dress-Up Darling” (2022)

Speaking of loving Gojo – Marin Kitagawa! See what we did there? This cosplay enthusiast has run away with half the internet’s hearts, and the reasons are both obvious and surprisingly subtle. While the gyaru archetype is always popular, and the lovingly rendered fan service in the anime certainly doesn’t hurt, Marin’s popularity is more than just skin deep. Her adorable romance with Gojo, as well as her kindness and passion for her hobby have helped endear her to many otaku the world over. Marin’s cosplaying outfits have inspired cosplay of their own, even for the singer of the show’s ending song. It has only been a few months, but Marin is already a contender for the waifu hall of fame.

#1: Dio Brando

“JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” Series (2012-)

You thought #1 would be someone else, but it was HIM – DIO! While pretty much every character in “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” has done something to create a meme online, the scenery chewing, psychic vampire known as Dio Brando has them all beat in volume and in popularity. Most of the things he says or does has become a meme. His fashion sense, time-stopping powers, hammy delivery, and all-around swagger has made him incredibly popular. Dio has even inspired rap songs! Even if another character’s popularity “approaches” him, Dio has nothing to worry about. Let’s just face it, it’s Dio’s “World” – we all just live in it.