The 24 Strongest Anime Characters of All Time

The strongest anime characters thrive and survive in the fantastic world of anime. Anime characters often have exaggerated attributes. It’s not only the anime characters with the biggest muscles that are the strongest. There are various reasons one might be considered the strongest, such as extraordinary superpowers, out-of-this-world magic, or simply pure strength. Some are even a combination of all three. Many characters have unbelievable power, but it comes at a price. Other times, they use their strength to fulfill their destiny. 

Of course, it’s common for the most unlikely anime characters to be the strongest. For instance, a young child, old man, or an ambiguous creature can defeat entire armies without breaking a sweat. The most powerful heroes are also the most vulnerable and flawed. At the same time, the villains often rival the strongest heroes when it comes to power and strength. Regardless of magic, superpowers, or the amount of time they spend at the gym, these powerful anime characters can’t lose a fight.

24. Tatsumaki (One-Punch)

There are many powerful anime characters, but none compare to the ‘Tornado of Terror’ Tatsumaki. In One-Punch Man, Tatsumaki’s considered the strongest superhero in the world. Despite her arrogant and bold attitude, she’s a skilled fighter that can defeat the most powerful villains. In addition to her natural strength and skill, she possesses psychic powers. Tatsumaki’s strength, technique, and psychic abilities make it virtually impossible to defeat her in a fair fight. This combination makes her one of the Hero Association’s strongest and most feared superheroes. The other characters acknowledge that Tatsumaki’s one of the strongest in their universe. They all admit she could probably beat them in a one-on-one battle. She’s easily one of the strongest of all time. 

23. Eren Yeager (Attack on Titan)

The immensely popular Attack on Titan revolves around main protagonist Eren Yeager, who vows revenge against titans after one violently kills his mother. Yeager proves that true strength comes from within. He might not be the strongest, but he makes up for what he lacks in power with heart. He trains intensely to accomplish his mission and gains vengeance for his mother. It helps that he can transform into an unstoppable titan as well. However, he’s also a polarizing character that is loved by some and hated by others. Regardless, he uses all of his power and skills to help take down his enemies and titans. Despite all his power, his true strength is his ability to believe in his dreams and motivate others around him. 

22. Chimera Ants (Hunter x Hunter)

The most unlikely of villains often end up being the most powerful. Hunter x Hunter proves that every hero meets an equally gifted villain. Indeed, Chimera Ants are incredibly talented. They have various unique skills and often grow large. In many ways, their true power is their reproductive style. It’s not the traditional way in any sense. After eating other species, the queen reproduces and creates hybrid ants with rhinos, frogs, humans, and other creatures. These ants love to eat and can eat species their size. These unique attributes make the Chimera Ants one of the most dangerous villains in anime. It’s safe to say that if Chimera Ants show up at your next picnic, run in the opposite direction.

21. Ezra Scarlet (Fairy Tale)

There’s a good reason that anime heroes and villains fear Erza Scarlet. The Fairy Tale guild considers Erza the strongest character in their world. She joins Natsu Dragneel on his many adventures but proves to be very capable of taking care of herself. She’s known for being impatient and doesn’t put up with nonsense. In addition, Scarlet has many superpowers, including telekinesis, increased speed, and super strength. She’s also very skilled with a sword in one-on-one battles. However, her most extraordinary power is The Requip. This allows her to change armor and weapons in the bof an eye. Her incredible strength and various superpowers make her an unbeatable force. 

20. Muzan Kibutsuji (Demon Slayer)

Muzan Kibutsuji is the most feared and powerful demon in the critically acclaimed series The Demon Slayer. The plot follows the main character Tanjiro Kamado as he hunts Muzan for murdering his family and tries to cure his demon sister. Tanjiro becomes a fearless demon slayer but struggles against his greatest foe, Muzan. Not only is Muzan the most powerful demon, but he’s also the original. All of this combined makes him one of the strongest anime characters. Muzan often turns into a violent monster during battles. His blood turns others into demons and allows him to have a certain level of control over them. He would likely be able to defeat all other anime characters but a handful. Anime heroes often use their powers for good, while villains take the opposite approach. Muzan’s an example of a villain with powers that exceed the unlikely hero. 

19. Kaguya Otsutsuki (Naruto)

Anime villains are often as powerful as their hated rivals. For instance, Naruto has battled some of the fiercest villains. However, they all pale in comparison to the unstoppable Kaguya Otsutsuki. The ‘Rabbit Goddess’ became so consumed with power that it corrupted her soul. Of course, that only helped her become one of the strongest anime characters in Naruto. She has several abilities, including reading minds, erasing memories, and controlling the elements. Kaguya also has immense physical strength and impressive fighting skills. Kaguya’s evilness grew as she gained more power and strength. Despite being a skilled ninja, Naruto often struggles in his battles with the unbeatable Kaguya. 

18. Satoru Gojo (Jujutsu Kaisen)

There are various factors when considering the strongest anime characters. For instance, some characters rely on strength, superpowers, or magic to defeat their hated rivals. Then there are the heroes that combine it all to become the most powerful character in the world. In Jujutsu Kaisen, Satoru Gojo is the strongest character in the universe. He’s a wise teacher and a powerful sorcerer. The series revolves around Yuji Itadori, who joins the Jujutsu Sorcerers. It’s here that Yuji meets the powerful Satoru Gojo. Satoru is an intelligent, strong, and skilled fighter who incorporates magic. He can manipulate space and slow down time. Satoru combines pure strength, superpowers, and magic to be one of the strongest characters in anime. 

17. Isaac Netero (Hunter x Hunter)

Hunter x Hunter follows the main character, Gon Freecss, who goes on several adventures searching for treasure, rare species, and criminals. Head of Hunter exam, Isaac Netero, proves that looks can be deceiving. Netero might appear older and weaker, but it’s wise not to mess with him. To become a hunter, one must first get a license from the Hunter’s Association. Netero’s in charge of the exam, which gives him immense power. He’s not some pencil pusher sitting in his office all day. He has enhanced strength and can absorb a beating from the most formidable villains. In addition to his super strength, Netero also has quick reflexes, tremendous fighting skills, and speed. In his younger days, his peers considered him the greatest Nen. He realizes getting older means he’s not the hunter he once was. Of course, he’s just being modest since he’s one of the strongest anime characters. 

16. Madara Uchiha (Naruto)

There are several powerful characters in the Naruto series, including Kaguya Otsutsuki and Naruto Uzumaki. Of course, numerous villains have equal power and strength to the greatest ninjas. At the very top of the list is Madara Uchiha. As a child, Madara was so powerful he was already thrashing adults. Eventually, he became a bitter young man, but it only made him stronger. His greatest strength is simply his love for fighting. His chakra even made it possible to fight non-stop for 24 hours. Madara’s a very skilled fighter and ninja. Combined with his pure love for fighting, he’s a dangerous enemy to have. 

15. Monkey D Luffy (One Piece)

The critically acclaimed series One Piece follows the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, Monkey D Luffy, searching for the one-piece treasure in his quest to become King of the pirates. After eating the devil fruit, Gum Gum Fruit, he gains the abilities of rubber. Monkey can stretch his body out, is immune to electricity, and absorbs physical attacks. The rubber effects make his punches and kicks much more devastating. Plus, it gives Monkey increased physical strength, speed, and stamina. The combination makes him one of the strongest anime characters. Monkey D Luffy doesn’t need big muscles or super strength to defeat his enemies. He proves that rubber is genuinely the most powerful element. 

14. Anos Voldigoad (The Misfit of Demon Academy)

The Misfit of Demon Academy revolves around Anos Voldigoad and his quest to reclaim his title as The Demon King. Surprisingly, his journey actually begins in school. Despite Anos being one of the strongest anime characters, he must graduate from The Demon Academy first before becoming The Demon King again. Of course, he earned that title in the first place because of his incredible strength. His power doesn’t only come from his muscles. Anos is also brilliant and an expert when it comes to spells. Plus, he has increased speed and limitless magical powers. Anos uses all of his power, strength, and abilities to become one of the strongest anime characters.

13. Natsu Dragneel (Fairy Tale)

The popular series Fairy Tale follows Dragon Slayer Natsu Dragneel on his many adventures through Earth-land. He’s a member of the Fairy Tale Guild and encounters numerous powerful foes. Luckily, Natsu’s one of the strongest characters in history. He might not have natural strength, but he finds ways to make up for it. His most significant power is his ability to manipulate and consume fire. He can also breathe out fire, similar to a dragon. He combines magic, fire breathing, and survival skills to be one of the strongest anime characters. There are only a few characters that rival his extraordinary powers. He would be able to destroy any villain that crosses his path. 

12. Jotaro Kujo (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure)

The wildly famous Jotaro Kujo stars in Jojo’s Big Adventure – Stardust Crusaders. He goes on a journey to save his mother’s life and battle his grandfather’s arch-nemesis. At first, he believes an evil spirit is possessing his body. He soon learns that his fighting spirit is emerging, known as a Stand. The Stand gives Jotaro increased speed, accuracy, and super strength. These factors combined make Jotaro one of the strongest anime characters. Only a select few could match his power and quickness. He’s a deeply flawed character that not even his power can overcome. Jotaro quickly became one of the most popular characters in anime history. His incredible strength and phenomenal speed put him above most anime characters. 

11. Tetsuo Shima (Akira)

The groundbreaking anime film Akira revolves around the leader of a biker gang, Shōtarō Kaneda, and his telekinetic friend Tetsuo Shima. The film takes place in a dystopian future in Neo-Tokyo. Without a doubt, Shima is one of the most destructive and powerful characters in anime history. His psychic abilities make him a threat to anyone that crosses his path. Shimais’ power and strength put other anime characters to shame. His newfound psychic powers cause a great deal of mayhem and death. Eventually, Kaneda must stand up to his powerful friend and attempt to stop his path of destruction. Regardless, Tetsuo Shima remains one of the strongest anime characters. 

10. Tatsuya and Miyuki Shiba (The Irregular at Magic High School)

Sometimes the emotionless hero with the simplest power is the strongest character. The Irregular at Magic High School follows siblings Tatsuya Shiba and his sister Miyuki as they attend the First High magic high school. Both siblings are powerful, although Tatsuya is sometimes considered the strongest. Tatsuya tries to suppress his abilities, but it only makes him more powerful. Tatsuya can manipulate and discharge matter. That’s one of the most devastating powers one can have. However, several characters openly admit that the younger sister Miyuki is the strongest magician in their world. She’s an expert in freezing magic and can even freeze a person’s mind. One of her abilities’ primary purposes is to contain Tatsuya’s powers. One could argue that makes her stronger than her brother. Regardless, they’re two of the strongest characters in anime history. 

9. Saiki Kusuo (The Disastrous Life of Saiki K)

The Disastrous Life of Saiki K revolves around Saiki Kusuo as he tries to hide his superpowers. Without a doubt, Saiki K is one of the strongest anime characters, although he’d prefer it if he weren’t. Despite being incredibly powerful, Saiki avoids using his superhuman abilities. He has psychic powers and can teleport but uses a device to suppress them. Saiki goes out of his way to stay out of trouble so he won’t need to use his powers. Of course, he often finds himself in situations where his superpowers would be helpful. Saiki K has a big heart and often puts other people first. He’s the ultimate superhero trying to live an everyday life while saving the world. 

8. Shigeo Kageyama (Mob Psycho 100)

Mob Psycho 100 follows gifted psychic Shigeo Kageyama, who works for a supposed spirit medium dealing with various ghosts. Kageyama doesn’t need big muscles or super strength to prove he’s one of the strongest anime characters. His true strength comes from his psychic powers. He’s one of the strongest psychics in all of anime. Kageyama appears to be a typical emotionless kid that blends into the background with his plain bowl haircut. However, he’s actually one of the most powerful anime characters and can defeat the scariest spirits. One of the reasons he’s so strong is he suppresses his emotions. Eventually, Kageyama can’t contain them, and he explodes when he reaches 100. 

7. Rimuru Tempest (That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime)

The popular series That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime follows the ordinary Satoru Mikami, who’s stabbed to death and reincarnates as a slime, Rimuru Tempest. From afar, one would assume that slime is unlikely to be one of the strongest anime characters. However, Tempest proves that even slime can rule over a kingdom. He’s not a typical anime tough guy or a powerful wizard. He’s simply slime. Regardless, he’s one of the most powerful characters. First of all, he’s able to mimic any creature or human. Perhaps, his most significant strength is his big heart. He’s a very caring person that puts everyone else’s needs before his own. Of course, this can work against him as well. Tempest prefers to work out problems without fighting. He does stand up and fight when there’s no other option. He overcomes his flaws and weaknesses to be an effective and strong leader. 

6. All For One (My Hero Academia)

It’s common in anime for villains to be more powerful than their heroic counterparts. For instance, My Hero Academia follows Izuku Midoriya as he attends a famous superhero high school. Of course, it’s not all about classes, grades, and recess. My Hero Academia features a plethora of strong and unbeatable characters. At the top of the list is the evil antagonist All For One. He’s gathered various Quirks to become one of the most powerful villains over the years. He can steal any Quirk during battle and combine it with others. However, All For One needs the One For All Quirk to become invincible, which Midoriya currently controls. Nonetheless, All For One’s immortal, has enhanced strength, increased speed, and is a genius. Therefore, it’s virtually impossible to defeat All For One. 

5. Light Yagami (Death Note)

Light Yagami proves that the pen is indeed mightier than the sword. The strongest anime characters are primarily known for their pure strength. Most of these characters could easily defeat Light in hand-to-hand combat. However, Light’s unbeatable with his trusty Death notebook by his side. Death Note’s main character, Light, discovers the notebook and uses it to kill evildoers, murders, and the morally corrupt. The notebook gives Light the power to kill anyone he wants simply by writing their name down. Light is a brilliant student who now dreams of becoming God-like and cleansing the world of evil. He doesn’t need to punch or kick anyone to show his true strength. All it takes is writing down a name. 

4. Zeno (Dragon Ball Super)

The Dragon Ball franchise features a wide variety of fearless heroes and powerful villains. However, none compare to the King of the Multiverse, Zeno. From afar, Zeno seems to be harmless. He’s short, has an oval-shaped head, and doesn’t appear to be intimidating. Of course, he’s actually one of the most powerful anime characters. He’s a deity that doesn’t rely on brute force. He has several powers that give him great strength, including being able to fly, immortality, and erasing people from existence. Even the strongest heroes are powerless against Zeno. He also has a terrible temper, which causes him to destroy several different worlds and universes. Zeno’s anything but harmless. 

3. Naruto Uzumaki (Naruto)

Naruto Uzumaki might not be the sharpest tool in the toolbox, but he’s undoubtedly one of the strongest characters. The beloved anime series, Naruto, follows a fearless ninja that’s determined to gain the respect of his fellow villagers. He’s excluded from the community because his father locked the destructive Nine-tailed fox in the young boy. Regardless, the easygoing and upbeat Naruto doesn’t let that stand in his way of gaining the village’s acceptance. As an adult, he becomes a talented ninja with chakra reserves that give him great power. Several main characters are stronger and faster than Naruto, but he overcomes it. Naruto has many other strengths in addition to his power. He’s a very skilled ninja that can tap into different abilities. 

2. Son Goku (Dragon Ball)

There isn’t an anime fan in the world who doesn’t know Son Goku’s name. Not only is Goku one of the most famous anime characters, but he’s also one of the strongest. The worldwide phenomenon Dragon Ball follows the unorthodox Goku on his journey to discovering the seven Dragon Balls. The highly influential series helped bring anime into the mainstream, which turned Goku into a major star. Eventually, Goku becomes the strongest and most feared warrior in all of anime. Goku has enhanced strength and uses several techniques, including Dragon Fist, Kaio-ken, and the powerful spirit bomb. There isn’t a bad guy that he can’t defeat. Therefore, Goku will go down in anime history as one of the most important and powerful characters. 

1. Saitama (One-Punch)

The critically acclaimed series One-Punch Man revolves around the super-strong superhero Saitama. There are several powerful anime characters, but few compare to Saitama. He’s so powerful that it only takes one punch to defeat his enemies. It’s so easy for him to destroy these giant monsters that he’s bored out of his mind. He usually has the same dull, bland expression even when in danger. He has many other strengths, including speed and stamina. Of course, he can also take a vicious beating but gets back to his feet each time. To be fair, Saitama puts in tremendous work to gain his incredible power. His workout routine features 100-push ups and sit-ups. Unfortunately, he lost all of his hair on his quest to be the strongest anime character.