Top 10 Times Hated Anime Characters Redeemed Themselves

#10: Hendrickson

“The Seven Deadly Sins” (2014-)

Conspiracy, murder, and a helping hand in bringing back the demon race into the world of the living, this druid ticked all the boxes for a fantasy villain, including getting bested by the combined might of the Sins. Turns out that even he knew he had gone too far after reviving the Ten Commandments, seeking to make up for his mistakes by helping out the rest of Britannia’s noble knight against the encroaching demonic hordes. Good thing Meliodas and that are pretty big on the whole forgiveness thing.

#9: Manabu

“Ping Pong: The Animation” (2014)

Formally known as Demon, the smart-talking table tennis enthusiast was normally only good for starting fights and bringing people down, and yet turned out to be the perfect catalyst to snap Peco out of his spiral of self-pity. Refusing to let him quit, Manabu reveals that he and everyone else from their class envied Peco’s skill, and that to let it all go to waste because of a single loss was ridiculous. With insight from such an unexpected source combined with a sudden rebirth courtesy of a dip in the river, Peco instantly gets his groove back, while Manabu hoped straight into our good books.

#8: Laxus

“Fairy Tail” (2009-19)

It’s a pretty long-standing tradition in this series for each arc’s enemy to eventually come round to the side of good to help Natsu out in their next upcoming battle, but none did it flashier than Laxus. Fuelled by arrogance, he nearly succeeded in bringing down all of Fairy Tail, though thankfully it wasn’t something a flaming fist to the face and a prolonged exile couldn’t fix. This in turn made his triumphant return to save everyone from Hades and avenge his grandfather all the sweeter!

#7: Shinomiya

“Food Wars” (2015-)

When you’re an alumni of a prestigious cooking academy as well as a former First Seat, you’re allowed to be a tad cocky, though in Shinomiya’s case, he took it a tad too far when he tried to flex his culinary chops in order to expel both Megumi and Soma. Thankfully, the purity of Megumi’s cooking provided a full-on Ratatouille moment, reminding him of what he was aiming for to begin with. Ever since, Shinomiya has served as an invaluable mentor to both his young charges, elevating their skills exponentially in the process.

#6: Canute

“Vinland Saga” (2019)

Now this was an unexpected transformation. For the most part, the Prince of Denmark was a sheltered soul who cared not for the violent antics of other Vikings, simply content with a quiet life shared with his guardian Ragnar. He was also something of a crybaby. At least until Ragnar bit the big one, shipped off to Valhalla early and left him alone. In a single moment of revelation, Canute became a whole different person, determined to make paradise on Earth, give God the middle finger, and become a king like no other. And you know what? We believe he can do it…

#5: Magma

“Dr. Stone” (2019-)

Turns out even three thousand years in the future, there are still jerks who want to invoke the “might is right” mentality and claim dominion over what they think they’re owned. Case and point with Magma, who was so desperate to become village chieftain he was even contemplating bumping off the sweet yet sickly Ruri. That is until he got his ass whooped and his mind blown by the power of science, leading to the meat to put his trust in Senku and use his muscles to help further his restoration of the modern world. He’s got a ways to go, but every bully has a chance to make things right.

#4: Accelerator

“A Certain Magical Index” Franchise (2008-)

When Accelerator was first introduced to the franchise, he was a murderous esper who had no qualms in killing as many Misaka clones as possible. However, after being humbled courtesy of Touma’s direct punch to the jaw, the ultimate esper was placed on the road to becoming a slightly less murderous asshole. The transition would eventually be completed when he found himself in the unexpected position of guardian to Misaka Clone Last Order. Talk about a complete 180!

#3: Mr. Satan

“Dragon Ball Z” (1989-96)

The most endearing joke character in the whole franchise next to Yamcha, Mr Satan made a name for himself as a competent martial artist with an ego on par with Vegeta, which of course proved to be fruitless compared to monsters like Cell and Buu. Normally someone like that would be reduced to atoms sooner or later, and yet the People’s Champion continued to thrive, not only befriending the good version of Majin Buu, but rallied the entire planet together in order to assist Goku complete his Spirit Bomb. The benefits of fame, eh?

#2: Ken

“Digimon Adventure 02” (2000-01)

It’s pretty hard to find humbleness after spending the majority of the series as a self-titled dictator obsessed with enslaving all Digimon. Of course, for all his hubris, at the end of the day, Ken was just a human kid like the rest of the Digidestined, and thus had his world shattered when Wormmon was deleted because of his selfish actions. The shock of losing his only real friend turned out to be the wake up call he needed, allowing him to find the humanity in his heart after realising what he had truly lost.

#1: Endeavor

“My Hero Academia” (2016-)

From day one, this veteran hero was introduced as a man who would do anything to make it to number one, even going as far as to abuse his family and drive his wife to a mental breakdown. It’s pretty hard to come back from that after you’ve demonstrated yourself as the lowest of the low. And yet, somehow, All Might’s replacement has taken one hell of a first step. Not only has he made the awkward and painful attempt at trying to reconnect with his family, but his battle with High-End proved that he was capable of acting like a true hero, shining like a supernova and protecting the innocents he was now entrusted with.