Back in Time Today
Sometimes the real stars of an anime aren’t the main characters at all. These supporting characters steal the spotlight with their complex backstories, memorable personalities, and scene-stealing moments. Whether they’re providing comic relief, emotional depth, or just being plain cooler than the protagonist, these side characters have become fan favorites for good reason. Let’s look at twenty side characters who arguably carried their entire shows on their shoulders.
1. Levi Ackerman (Attack on Titan)
Humanity’s strongest soldier dominates every scene with minimal dialogue and maximum impact. Fans adore his deadly spinning attacks almost as much as his obsession with cleanliness.
Behind Levi’s cold exterior lies a man shaped by underground poverty and countless losses. His loyalty to Commander Erwin and protective nature toward his squad reveal depths that the stoic captain rarely expresses verbally.
What makes Levi truly special is how he embodies the brutal world of Attack on Titan – ruthlessly efficient yet haunted by the cost of survival. His tea-holding technique alone sparked countless memes!
2. Vegeta (Dragon Ball Z)
From ruthless villain to reluctant hero, Vegeta’s evolution remains one of anime’s most compelling character arcs. The proud Saiyan prince initially arrived on Earth bent on destruction, only to eventually become its defender.
His rivalry with Goku drives him to constant self-improvement. Watching Vegeta struggle with his pride while gradually forming bonds with Earth’s defenders provides emotional depth that balances the series’ explosive battles.
Vegeta’s iconic moments – from his sacrifice against Majin Buu to his “Final Flash” against Cell – often outshine the protagonist’s adventures. His famous catchphrase “It’s over 9000!” transcended anime to become cultural legend.
3. Itachi Uchiha (Naruto)
Masterfully written as a villain before the heartbreaking truth was revealed, Itachi’s story of sacrifice recontextualizes everything we thought we knew. The prodigy who slaughtered his clan was actually protecting his brother and village all along.
His final words to Sasuke – “Sorry, Sasuke… this is the last time” – still bring tears to fans’ eyes. Itachi’s intelligence, unmatched genjutsu abilities, and tragic backstory make him stand out in a series filled with compelling characters.
Even after death, his influence shapes the narrative. The revelation that he chose to bear the hatred of the world rather than let his brother know the truth elevates him from villain to one of anime’s greatest antiheroes.
4. Satoru Gojo (Jujutsu Kaisen)
Charismatic, overpowered, and impossible to ignore – Gojo steals every scene with his blindfolded swagger. As the strongest jujutsu sorcerer, he combines devastating abilities with a playful attitude that lightens the dark world of curses.
His Limitless technique and Six Eyes make him virtually untouchable in battle. Yet it’s his cocky personality and genuine care for his students that endear him to fans more than his combat prowess.
Merchandise sales tell the story – Gojo consistently outsells protagonist Yuji Itadori. When he removes his blindfold to reveal those mesmerizing blue eyes, both characters and viewers hold their breath, knowing something spectacular is about to happen.
5. Mikasa Ackerman (Attack on Titan)
Fiercely protective and lethally skilled, Mikasa brings emotional weight to Attack on Titan through her unwavering devotion to Eren. Her iconic line “The world is cruel, but also beautiful” captures her complex worldview shaped by childhood trauma.
Unlike many female characters in action anime, Mikasa never needs rescuing. Her Ackerman bloodline grants her superhuman combat abilities that make her titan-slaying sequences among the show’s most thrilling moments.
Beyond her fighting prowess, Mikasa’s subtle emotional development throughout the series reveals vulnerability beneath her stoic exterior. Her red scarf symbolizes both her connection to Eren and her journey toward finding her own purpose beyond protection.
6. Killua Zoldyck (Hunter x Hunter)
Born into a family of assassins, Killua’s journey from emotionless killer to loyal friend provides Hunter x Hunter’s emotional core. His white hair and electric blue eyes mirror his lightning abilities, while hiding a traumatic past of torture and conditioning.
Watching Killua experience friendship with Gon for the first time reveals his childlike innocence that his family tried to destroy. His struggle between his assassin instincts and desire for normal human connections creates compelling internal conflict.
During the Chimera Ant arc, Killua’s Godspeed ability showcases his growth as both fighter and person. His willingness to risk everything to protect those he cares about marks his complete transformation from the isolated boy we first met.
7. Roy Mustang (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)
Colonel Mustang balances ambition with compassion as he climbs the military ranks while secretly plotting to overthrow a corrupt government. His flame alchemy makes him a formidable fighter, but his strategic mind makes him truly dangerous.
Behind his womanizing facade lies a man haunted by the atrocities he committed during the Ishvalan War. His relationship with Lieutenant Hawkeye – built on mutual respect and shared trauma – provides one of anime’s most mature depictions of partnership.
Roy’s quest for justice reaches its emotional peak when he confronts Envy, the homunculus responsible for his best friend’s murder. The raw fury of his revenge, followed by his willingness to step back from the brink, showcases his complex character development.
8. Koro-sensei (Assassination Classroom)
A yellow octopus-like creature teaching middle schoolers how to kill him sounds bizarre, but Koro-sensei’s character transcends this strange premise. Moving at Mach 20 speed, he grades papers, saves students from danger, and even gives personalized beauty treatments between class periods.
Despite his monstrous appearance and threat to destroy Earth, his genuine dedication to his students’ growth makes him the heart of Assassination Classroom. Each episode reveals more about his mysterious past and motivations.
What makes Koro-sensei special is how he tailors his teaching to each student’s needs, finding and nurturing their unique talents. His constant smile hides profound wisdom about learning, life, and what it truly means to be a teacher.
9. Kakashi Hatake (Naruto)
The mysterious jonin with his face perpetually hidden behind a mask captured fans’ imagination from his first appearance. Kakashi’s laid-back attitude and habit of reading inappropriate books in public contrasts with his reputation as the legendary Copy Ninja.
His tragic backstory involving his father’s suicide and the loss of his teammates provides emotional depth to his character. The Sharingan eye gifted to him by his dying friend Obito becomes both his strength and a constant reminder of his past failures.
As Team 7’s mentor, Kakashi balances teaching with his own growth. His journey from ANBU assassin to potential Hokage mirrors Naruto’s larger themes about finding purpose after trauma and the importance of bonds between people.
10. Rem (Re:Zero)
The blue-haired maid with a demon’s strength and a gentle heart stole the spotlight from main heroine Emilia. Rem’s unwavering devotion to Subaru, especially after he saved her from self-loathing, resonated deeply with viewers.
Her iconic confession scene in episode 18 – “You’re my hero” – stands as one of anime’s most emotional moments. Despite Subaru’s rejection, her selfless love continues to support him through his darkest moments.
What makes Rem special is her journey from suspicion to sacrifice. Her willingness to die for Subaru multiple times, combined with her morning star combat skills and adorable moments of jealousy, created a character who dominates fan polls despite being technically a supporting role.
11. Hisoka Morow (Hunter x Hunter)
Unpredictable, flamboyant, and morally ambiguous – Hisoka defies traditional villain categorization. With his playing card attacks and creepy fixation on fighting strong opponents, the magician creates tension whenever he appears.
His bizarre aesthetic – combining jester makeup, playing card symbols, and revealing clothing – makes him instantly recognizable. Yet beneath the eccentric exterior lies calculating intelligence that allows him to manipulate events and people to satisfy his bloodlust.
Neither hero nor villain, Hisoka follows only his own twisted code. His famous “Schwing” moment and rubber-like Bungee Gum ability (which possesses the properties of both rubber and gum) have become legendary among fans, making him Hunter x Hunter’s most memorable wild card.
12. Roronoa Zoro (One Piece)
The three-sword wielding pirate with no sense of direction has become One Piece’s most iconic supporting character. Zoro’s unwavering loyalty to Luffy, demonstrated when he absorbed his captain’s pain at Thriller Bark, exemplifies his code of honor.
His training regimen is legendary – lifting boulders, meditating under waterfalls, and surviving wounds that would kill ordinary men. Despite his serious demeanor, his terrible navigation skills and unexpected naps provide comic relief throughout the series.
Zoro’s dream to become the world’s greatest swordsman parallels Luffy’s quest to become Pirate King. His battles against Mihawk, Kaku, and Pica showcase both his growth as a fighter and his willingness to sacrifice everything for his ambitions and his crew.
13. Jiraiya (Naruto)
The self-proclaimed super pervert and legendary Sannin brought crucial balance to Naruto’s world. Jiraiya’s goofy antics and “research” for his adult novels mask a shinobi of extraordinary power and wisdom who carried deep wounds from past failures.
As Naruto’s godfather and mentor, he filled the parental void in the young ninja’s life. Their training journey together provided some of the series’ most heartwarming moments, as Jiraiya’s tough love helped shape Naruto into a future Hokage.
His death fighting Pain remains one of anime’s most gut-wrenching moments. The revelation that he never gave up hope – dying with a coded message and a smile – encapsulates his legacy as the gallant Jiraiya, whose greatest technique was inspiring others to believe in themselves.
14. Zero Two (Darling in the Franxx)
With her distinctive pink hair and red horns, Zero Two became an instant fan favorite who overshadowed the actual protagonist. Her catchphrase “Darling” and honey-loving habits quickly became iconic in the anime community.
Beneath her playful, seductive exterior lies a tragic past as a human-klaxosaur hybrid experiment. Her search for her childhood “darling” drives her character arc, creating emotional depth beyond her initial femme fatale appearance.
Zero Two’s relationship with Hiro evolves from manipulative to genuinely tender. Her struggle with her monstrous nature and desire to become human resonated with viewers on a profound level, making her the emotional center of a show that otherwise might have been forgotten.
15. Yuno Gasai (Future Diary)
The original yandere queen terrifies and fascinates viewers with her obsessive love and willingness to kill anyone who threatens her relationship with Yukiteru. Her sweet smile while committing brutal murders creates disturbing cognitive dissonance that’s impossible to look away from.
Yuno’s diary predicts Yukiteru’s future, allowing her to protect him with terrifying efficiency. Behind her psychotic behavior lies a tragic backstory involving abusive parents and a time loop that explains her desperate attachment.
While Yukiteru serves as the viewpoint character, Yuno drives the plot with her unpredictable actions and hidden knowledge. Her pink-haired, axe-wielding image has become the template for countless yandere characters that followed, but none have matched her perfect blend of terror and tragic romance.
16. Winry Rockbell (Fullmetal Alchemist)
Armed with a wrench and engineering genius, Winry provides crucial emotional grounding in a series filled with supernatural alchemy. Her automail designs give Edward his literal limbs, while her compassion helps heal his emotional wounds.
Unlike many female characters in shounen anime, Winry has her own goals and career separate from the protagonist’s journey. Her determination to improve her craft mirrors Ed and Al’s quest, creating a parallel narrative of growth.
Winry’s relationship with her parents’ killers showcases the series’ themes of forgiveness and breaking cycles of violence. Her tearful confrontation with Scar, choosing mercy over revenge despite her grief, stands as one of the most powerful moments in a series filled with emotional highs.
17. Speedwagon (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure)
Starting as a street thug before becoming the most loyal ally in the JoJo universe, Robert E.O. Speedwagon’s journey spans generations. Despite having no supernatural abilities in a world of Stand users, his unwavering support makes him invaluable.
His commentary during battles has become legendary among fans. Speedwagon’s ability to narrate exactly what’s happening (often stating the obvious with dramatic flair) turned him into an endearing meme while actually helping viewers understand JoJo’s complex power systems.
Even after his death, his legacy continues through the Speedwagon Foundation that supports future JoJo generations. His gentleman’s code of honor, fabulous hat, and ability to warm frozen arms with his abs cement him as one of anime’s greatest supporting characters.
18. Shoto Todoroki (My Hero Academia)
Half cold, half hot – Todoroki’s divided appearance reflects his internal struggle with his abusive father’s legacy. His iconic red and white hair and burn scar tell a story before he even speaks.
Initially refusing to use his fire powers to spite his father Endeavor, Todoroki’s match against Deku becomes a turning point. This cathartic battle, where he finally embraces his complete self, remains one of the series’ emotional highlights.
Todoroki’s deadpan delivery and social awkwardness provide unexpected humor. His journey from isolated trauma survivor to trusted friend parallels the show’s themes about heroism coming in different forms. Many fans find his complex family drama and power development more compelling than protagonist Deku’s straightforward hero journey.
19. Bulma (Dragon Ball)
The blue-haired genius who started it all by finding Goku in the woods has remained Dragon Ball’s most important non-fighter. Without Bulma’s dragon radar invention, there would be no dragon ball hunting and consequently no series.
Her evolution from teenage adventurer to scientific powerhouse and mother showcases the passage of time better than any other character. Bulma’s capsule technology, time machine, and various gadgets repeatedly save the day when brute force fails.
Despite having no combat abilities in a show centered around fighting, her sharp wit and technological brilliance make her indispensable. Her relationships with Yamcha, Vegeta, and her children add crucial emotional dimensions to a series otherwise focused on power levels and martial arts.
20. Erwin Smith (Attack on Titan)
Commander Erwin’s strategic brilliance is matched only by his ability to inspire soldiers to ride to certain death. His famous “SHINZOU WO SASAGEYO!” (Dedicate your hearts!) battle cry sends chills down viewers’ spines every time.
Unlike many leaders in anime, Erwin acknowledges the moral ambiguity of sacrificing soldiers for humanity’s future. His complex motivations – balancing personal dreams of proving his father’s theories with humanity’s survival – create a fascinatingly flawed leader.
His final charge against the Beast Titan represents the perfect culmination of his character. Choosing to die leading his soldiers rather than taking the serum that would save him showcases the ultimate sacrifice of a commander who always led from the front.