Top 5 Anime Characters That Are Better Than The Hero

They’re Stealing The Spotlight

No matter how overpowered or charismatic a protagonist appears to be, sometimes it’s the secondary character that ends up being the one audiences remember above all else. Whether it’s due to their force of personality, quirks or undeniable badassery, these five anime characters stand tall as the true stars of their respective shows.

Fair warning, there are SPOILERS AHEAD!

#5: Satsuki Kiryuin
“Kill La Kill” (2012-14)

Don’t get us wrong, we love Ryuko. She’s spunky, fiery and makes for an excellent protagonist. It’s just that we found Satsuki’s redemption arc far more investing compared to Ryuko’s drive for vengeance. Originally the baddest broad on the block whose ruthlessness, sword skills and Kamui made her nearly undefeatable, her clashes with Ryuko, not to mention the unsettling relationship she had with her mother, made her character far more layered. Balancing a superiority complex with a very unhappy home-life, the wicked sister of our hero soon became the one to root for.

#4: L
“Death Note” (2006-07)

Whether you found Light’s actions to be villainous or necessary for the sake of true justice, it made his nemesis all the more intriguing. An unorthodox genius whose intellect and skill when it came to detective work was unsurpassed, L was truly Light’s equal in a deadly game of wits. So much so that with his untimely demise some would say that the series dipped in quality. Regardless, the cat and mouse feud these two opposites had was truly the highlight of the series, even if L was a weirdo.

#3: Kamina
“Gurren Lagann” (2007)

Going from meek child all the way to saviour of the cosmos, Simon’s heroic journey was certainly worthy of praise. Alas, this transformation wouldn’t have happened if he didn’t have a role model to look up to, and you couldn’t get a better one than Kamina. His bravado borders on the insane, his stubbornness knows no bounds, he refuses to wear a shirt and he even made out with Yoko! Truly standing at the top as the pinnacle of anime manliness, no matter how hard the series tried, there’s no one who can replace Kamina.

#2: Ban
“The Seven Deadly Sins” (2014-)

There’s no doubt that Meliodas is a worthy leader for the sins, both for his noble heart and his monstrous strength, but when it comes to charisma you just can’t beat the Fox’s Sin of Greed. Aside from pulling off a wardrobe that no sane creature should be able to pull off, Ban brings so much to the table simply by being a certified badass.

#1: Homura Akemi
“Puella Magi Madoka Magica” (2011)

Everybody has a waifu when it comes to the Madoka series…but Homura is objectively the best girl. Ok, just kidding, but it’s the sacrifices of this fractured young lady that truly makes her the unsung hero of the show. After witnessing Kyubey’s villainous intentions, Homura traverses, fights against and even rewinds time itself in order to prevent Madoka’s death. Throw in her unwavering determination and the fact she’s nearly unsurpassed when it comes to taking out witches and you’re looking at the total package.

Be sure to check the video below to see our picks for the Top 10 Anime Series To Binge Watch.