
Anime is full of familiar character types, and one of the most beloved is the character with a powerful, imposing presence. Viewers enjoy seeing a calm and confident character take the lead, but it’s a difficult quality to portray well.
Very few anime shows, both classic and modern, have created main characters who truly stand out and become fan favorites due to their compelling presence and cool demeanor.
Sung Jinwoo
Sung Jinwoo, the main character from Solo Leveling, is incredibly powerful and charismatic. His cool personality and overwhelming abilities are major reasons why he’s become so popular with fans.
Since gaining his powers, Jinwoo is almost always calm and collected, consistently displaying incredible strength. He’s a classic example of a powerful anime protagonist who rarely faces defeat or even a difficult fight. Many consider his battle with the Ant King to be a defining moment, solidifying his status as one of the coolest new characters in the genre.
Lelouch vi Britannia
Lelouch vi Britannia is widely considered one of the most memorable main characters in anime history. As the protagonist of Code Geass, he’s the show’s main focus and a key reason for its popularity.
Lelouch is an incredibly intelligent character who skillfully utilizes his Geass ability. His elaborate plans and ultimate sacrifice have cemented his place as one of the most memorable protagonists in anime history. Even nearly 20 years after the series finale of Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, people are still discussing and admiring him, which speaks volumes about his impact.
Eren Yeager
Eren Yeager didn’t immediately stand out as the most popular character in Attack on Titan. In the early seasons, characters like Levi Ackerman and Erwin Smith often drew more attention and were more popular with fans.
Things shifted after the time jump. As the story of Marley developed, and Eren reached his most powerful point, his popularity soared. While some feel his ending diminished his impact, he’s still largely considered a very memorable character.
Frieren
image by Madhouse studio The story of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End centers around Frieren. Many viewers feel she’s quickly become one of the most compelling new protagonists, rivaling Jinwoo in impact. As an elf who has lived for centuries, Frieren generally maintains a calm and detached demeanor.
She’s known for staying calm under pressure, and her presence in a fight is incredibly powerful. She’s become a legend after facing opponents like Aura, and fans are eagerly anticipating her comeback in Season 2.
Jotaro Kujo
Jotaro Kujo is the original model for a powerful protagonist brimming with inner energy. While he’s just one of several main characters in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, he’s consistently the most well-loved, and there’s a good reason why.
Jotaro Kujo is the central figure in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders, particularly after unlocking the full potential of his Stand, Star Platinum, to confront Dio. He continues to be a compelling and valuable character in later parts of the series as well.
Light Yagami
Light Yagami is the main character in Death Note. He’s different from many heroes because he isn’t physically strong or a fighter. He’s just an ordinary person in terms of strength.
Light is incredibly intelligent, and the Death Note makes him a truly formidable character. His cleverness has made him famous, especially in his battles of wits with the equally brilliant detective, L.
Thorfinn Thorsson
Thorfinn is the central character in the popular anime and manga series, Vinland Saga. His life took a tragic turn when his father, Thors, was killed while saving him, and this event drove Thorfinn’s desire for revenge. Throughout the first season of Vinland Saga, Thorfinn is a powerfully compelling and charismatic character.
In Season 2, the character grows up and finds a new sense of purpose. He trades some of his initial rebellious attitude for a more compelling personality and proves himself as a skilled fighter.
Guts
Guts is still considered one of the most memorable protagonists in seinen manga, even though Berserk hasn’t had a truly great anime version.
Berserk is a very dark and intense series, and its protagonist, Guts, endures incredible hardship. Even with all that suffering, Guts is still one of the most compelling and cool main characters in anime. His fierce battles and brutal nature give him an incredibly powerful presence.
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2025-12-09 02:35