10 Anime MCs Better Than Ichigo Kurosaki

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The Bleach anime first introduced audiences to Ichigo Kurosaki, a rebellious teen who unexpectedly became a Soul Reaper. Throughout the series, viewers came to appreciate Ichigo as a strong and caring character—though he often hides his softer side—as he dealt with personal loss. Many consider Ichigo one of the greatest anime protagonists, and some even think he’s better than more recent heroes like Tanjiro Kamado and Yuji Itadori. However, there are still other anime leads who surpass him in quality.

Ichigo from Bleach is a strong and popular character, but some other anime protagonists have even more unique and unforgettable designs. While a few can compete with Ichigo’s strengths, others offer something completely new and arguably even more impressive. Even though Ichigo remains well-known today, it’s time to give other main characters a chance to really stand out.

10. Naruto Uzumaki is the Shonen Symbol of Hope and Peace

Ichigo is a Great Hero, But Naruto is More Inspiring

Ichigo, Naruto, and Luffy – the main characters from three of the most popular anime series – are all incredibly popular and admired for good reason. They each represent bravery, selflessness, and the importance of strong bonds. However, Naruto Uzumaki stands out as particularly impactful, captivating fans with his inspiring journey from a lonely outcast to the leader of his village.

Naruto was a dreamer who refused to give up, even when everything seemed impossible, and he ultimately achieved his goals. While he could be a mischievous troublemaker, his sincere and emotional scenes were deeply impactful. Though Bleach also had touching moments with Ichigo, Naruto’s displays of vulnerability and empathy felt even more powerful.

9. Edward Elric Has a Theme of Overcoming Past Mistakes

Edward Elegantly Blends Humility With Science and Alchemy

Image via studio Bones.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood proves that exciting shonen anime doesn’t rely on constantly increasing power levels. While Edward Elric doesn’t have abilities like those seen in other series, such as the powers of a Hollow or Bankai, he’s a more compelling character in many ways. His unique combination of martial arts, alchemy, and scientific thinking sets him apart.

Ed’s journey is particularly compelling, as he and his brother Al learn valuable lessons about staying humble and the risks of using dangerous powers. This is a unique viewpoint within Amestris, a country where people often seek power without considering the consequences. Unlike many others, Ed had to face his sadness and loss in a realistic way, accepting that he couldn’t bring his mother back to life.

8. Kaguya Shinomiya Has the Best Arc in the Romance Genre

Ichigo’s Love Life Has Nothing on Kaguya’s

Image via A-1 Pictures.

As the main character in an anime, Ichigo from Bleach shares similarities with characters in other genres, like Kaguya Shinomiya from romance stories. Both characters experience emotional growth – Ichigo deals with loss and learns to connect with others after building emotional walls. However, Kaguya’s journey is arguably more compelling, as she realizes that love is more valuable than her family’s wealth.

Kaguya is a fantastic romantic lead whose personality grows and changes beautifully throughout the series. Initially, she seemed distant due to being privileged and protected, but she’s overcome that. Now, she’s courageous enough to pursue a relationship with Miyuki, even while dealing with her own self-doubt.

7. Rimuru Tempest Stands as the #1 Isekai MC

Rimuru’s Power Scaling Puts Ichigo’s to Shame

Image via 8bit.

The isekai genre often features incredibly powerful main characters, but many of them feel bland and like author stand-ins. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime breaks the mold with Rimuru Tempest. He truly deserves his reputation as a powerful character, and unlike many others, he’s compelling to watch because he can be challenged.

Similar to Ichigo, Rimuru is a kind and powerful hero in a fantasy world, but he has even grander ambitions. He didn’t just become strong – he created an entirely new nation for monsters, one founded on acceptance and peace, something never seen before. Rimuru maintained this nation through friendship, compassion, and a positive attitude, all while skillfully using his impressive abilities.

6. Uryu Ishida is Even More Inspiring Than Ichigo in Bleach’s Story

Uryu Overcame Prejudice and Revenge to Befriend Ichigo

Image via studio Pierrot.

While Ichigo is the central character in Bleach, some of the supporting characters are actually more interesting if you consider their stories closely. Uryu Ishida stands out as the most compelling of these characters. Unlike Ichigo, Uryu truly moved past his initial prejudice and built a meaningful friendship with someone from a traditionally opposing group.

Uryu stands out as a unique rival in shonen anime. He could have easily been consumed by anger and a desire for revenge, but he actively chose compassion instead. He served as a strong moral example, especially considering his peers in the Wandenreich didn’t follow suit, and he even risked everything by betraying his own people to save the world. Throughout the series, Uryu also won over Bleach fans with his serious yet endearing personality, showcased through his crush on Orihime and his surprisingly gentle hobby of sewing.

5. Saitama is a Study of Depression and New Friendships

Saitama Doesn’t Always Know What to Do With Infinite Power

Image via Madhouse.

Anime series like Frieren and One-Punch Man are excellent at showing the emotional and mental impact of having overwhelming power. This is what makes Saitama, the main character in One-Punch Man, so interesting – he’s a compelling character in a way that Ichigo isn’t. While Saitama’s battles are exciting, what really connects with viewers is that he’s a surprisingly relatable character who struggles with feelings of emptiness and a lack of purpose.

Like many action-packed anime shows, Bleach consistently gave its main character, Ichigo, clear goals and a reason to fight. However, One-Punch Man took a different approach with Saitama. Saitama had to find his own meaning and deal with feelings of loneliness and sadness. He felt insignificant in a world that didn’t seem to need a hero, making his growth as both a hero and a friend to Genos all the more impactful.

4. Guts Made Seinen History as the Lone Struggler

Guts Proves That Hope Survives Even the Nastiest Darkness

Image via studio OLM.

Many excellent manga and anime aimed at adult audiences, like Monster and Vagabond, are known for their complex and well-developed characters. Berserk is another standout, introducing the memorable character Guts. Similar to Ichigo, Guts is a strong swordsman who values his friends, though he doesn’t openly express it.

Guts is the ultimate underdog – a deeply scarred warrior who keeps fighting even when facing impossible challenges. He’s survived horrific experiences, all while battling monsters, helping others, and seeking both love and revenge. His story is best told in the Berserk manga, but the 1997 Berserk anime also did a great job of showing how his difficult journey began.

3. Thorfinn Karlsefni’s Redemption is the Stuff of Legends

Thorfinn Grappled With Inner Demons Ichigo Can’t Imagine

Image via Wit studio.

I’m a huge fan of Vinland Saga, and honestly, it’s right up there with Berserk as one of the best seinen stories out there. The main character, Thorfinn, is seriously amazing – he makes a lot of typical shonen heroes look weak! Like Guts, he’s a really intense, skilled warrior who’s seen a lot of battle. But it’s not just about the fighting for him; he’s searching for a deeper purpose in life, something more meaningful than just winning.

While Guts battled external struggles, Thorfinn wrestled with inner turmoil, specifically finding meaning in life and accepting the pain of making amends. Thorfinn’s journey of redemption, confronting the consequences of his past actions, is considered one of the greatest in anime history, as he chooses creation and rebuilding over destruction.

2. Light Yagami’s Character is a Gripping Conflict of Good and Evil

Light Challenged Viewers to Ponder Many Ethical Questions

Image via Madhouse.

Light Yagami remains a well-known and controversial protagonist in the shonen genre, forcing audiences to consider complex ethical and philosophical issues. Death Note distinguishes itself through its focus on crime and difficult moral dilemmas, rather than battles and power levels. Light’s strength lies in his intellect and manipulation, making him a compelling main character, arguably even more so than heroes like Ichigo or Tanjiro who rely on physical strength.

Early in Death Note, Light was a captivating and intense protagonist thanks to his intelligence, acting ability, and strong beliefs. But as the series went on, he became the very type of criminal he originally set out to eliminate, forcing viewers to question their own sense of right and wrong. Even today, it’s hard to say whether Light was a well-intentioned person who went too far, or a truly monstrous figure empowered by Ryuk’s Death Note.

1. Eren Yeager Blurs the Line of Hero and Villain in Incredible Ways

Eren Will Always Be Remembered For Going Too Far For a Good Thing

Image via studio MAPPA.

Eren Yeager was a central figure in Attack on Titan, starting as someone driven by revenge and later becoming a controversial hero willing to do anything to achieve his goals. Discovering the history between Marley and Eldia drastically changed him, launching what many fans consider the best part of the story. While Bleach‘s Ichigo largely continued on a familiar path, Eren ventured into completely new and unexpected areas.

No matter how fans feel about Eren – whether they see him as a hero or villain – his story in Attack on Titan is undeniably powerful and unforgettable. He challenges viewers to consider the limits of what people will do to protect their communities, and there are no simple answers to that question.

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2026-01-13 22:44