Last updated on October 31st, 2024 at 05:48 am
In the lively world of anime, we often focus on the main characters and their big adventures. But there are also some lesser-known figures who have their own special charm and impact. These hidden gems, from quirky sidekicks to mysterious characters, might not be the main focus, but they definitely leave a lasting impression. While there are many side characters to choose from, I’ve picked out 10 names for this list, based solely on my opinion. I’m sorry to One Piece fans, but you won’t find any characters from that series here. That’s because all the great characters in One Piece are actually main characters. But the characters I’ve listed are really fantastic, and if you’ve seen them, you’d probably agree. So, let’s dive into the best anime side characters!
Roy Mustang
Roy Mustang, also known as the Flame Alchemist, is a skilled State Alchemist who holds the rank of Colonel in the military. Mustang is smart and always stays ahead of his enemies. His ambition to become the next Fuhrer drives him to fight corruption within the government and seek justice for his fallen comrades. Yet, beneath his confident exterior lies a hidden past marked by loss. These scars fuel his determination to create a better future and add depth to his character. Mustang’s mastery of fire alchemy allows him to unleash devastating attacks with a snap of his fingers, adding thrilling spectacle to battle scenes. His strategic brilliance and control over fire make him a powerful force in battles. Mustang’s charismatic leadership inspires loyalty from those around him. Mustang’s blend of power, charisma, and complexity makes him a fan favorite despite not being the central protagonist.
Toushirou Hijikata
Hijikata is a blast in Gintama. He’s the super strict, mayo-loving vice-commander of the Shinsengumi. He’s hilarious but also fiercely loyal, with a surprising past. His contradictions make him stand out. As the brains behind the force, he is very loyal to his leader, Isao Kondo, and takes his work very seriously. Hijikata loves mayonnaise so much that he’s nicknamed “Mayora.” He puts mayonnaise on everything he eats and even has objects shaped like mayonnaise jars, like his lighter. Although he was popular with girls, his mayonnaise obsession turned many away. He enjoys fighting and sees Gintoki as a rival in nearly everything, from drinking contests to rock-paper-scissors, ever since Gintoki defeated him in battle. Hijikata is often targeted by Okita’s attempts to kill him, but despite this, they share a close friendship. Hijikata’s mix of humor, loyalty, and hidden depth makes him a fan favorite even though he’s not the main character, solidifying his place among the best anime side characters.
Hisoka Morow
In Hunter x Hunter, Hisoka is a side character who captivates viewers despite his villainous tendencies. Known for his cruel and deceitful fighting ability, Hisoka is deadly and unpredictable, making it hard for opponents to anticipate his moves. He uses Shu-powered poker cards with deadly accuracy. His motivations are mysterious, driven by a thirst for thrilling battles, particularly against the young protagonist, Gon. Hisoka is a skilled Nen user with a flamboyant personality and unique fighting style, giving him an odd charisma. He sees Gon as a potential rival, leading to a twisted mix of threats and encouragement. Hisoka’s unpredictability, ruthlessness, and strange connection to Gon make him a captivating side character.
Levi Ackerman
In Attack on Titan, Levi Ackerman stands out as “Humanity’s Strongest Soldier.” His unmatched combat skills and agility, especially with ODM gear, make his Titan fights thrilling. Levi is also the leader of the Special Operations Squad, an elite team that he hand-picked in order to protect Eren Yeager. Levi’s tough, neat-freak exterior hides a deep dedication to duty and strong bonds with his comrades, rooted in a tragic past. Despite his seriousness, he often shows dry wit and humor, providing comic relief. His moral compass, loyalty, and blend of power, complexity, and humor make him a captivating character.
Yami Sukehiro
Yami Sukehiro in Black Clover breaks the mold as a side character. He wields Dark Magic, an unconventional power that fuels his formidable fighting style, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats during battles. Despite his tough demeanor and affinity for darkness, Yami is fiercely loyal to his squad, the Black Bulls, and upholds a strong sense of justice. As their captain, he not only leads but also mentors, pushing his squad members to excel. Yami’s unconventional methods and unwavering belief inspire others, while his unexpected humor, like his gambling addiction and peculiar hobbies, adds comedic relief to the series. He is also often seen smoking and takes a notoriously long time in the bathroom. His blend of power, loyalty, leadership, and humor makes him a captivating presence in Black Clover.
Tobi
I have to be careful here and I can’t disclose much about this character because he is a mystery and one of the great characters of Naruto. Tobi is not his real name, and you should not know his real name without actually watching Naruto. Tobi is a member of the Akatsuki, a notorious criminal organization known for its immense power and villainous goals. He wears an orange mask with a single eye-hole covered in a swirl pattern that focuses on his right eye. This strange mask covers his entire face except for his right eye. At first, he is shown as a carefree and childish villain, but this playful facade hides a more complex reality. Hints of hidden power peek through, leaving viewers curious about his true identity. As the story progresses, the veil lifts, revealing a tragic backstory and a connection to the protagonist, Naruto. While Tobi’s true villainous motivations are eventually exposed, his initial comedic presence and the lingering mystery around his identity make him a captivating, albeit short-lived, side character in Naruto.
Himmel
Himmel is the hero whose group defeated the demon king after ten years of adventure, bringing peace to the land. He is a charismatic and caring person who bravely protected others and inspired his friends with his selflessness. His playful arrogance made him a charming and memorable character. Even though he had unreturned feelings for Frieren, he always respected and admired her, adding emotional depth to their friendship. Himmel is a fast and skilled swordsman with sharp senses. After he died of old age, Frieren decided to understand humans better, making Himmel the starting point for the main storyline of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. Watching the anime, you can see how much he influenced Frieren, which is very captivating. The flashbacks of Himmel’s actions and Frieren’s memories of him not only make her smile but also touch the viewers. As the story progresses, more flashbacks reveal just how great a guy he was, highlighting him as one of the best anime side characters.
Kento Nanami
Kento Nanami in Jujutsu Kaisen is a 1st Grade sorcerer who surprises everyone. Under his office worker facade lies a skilled jujutsu user with a dry wit. He values efficiency and dislikes overtime, a relatable trait despite his extraordinary abilities. His true power lies in the Ratio Technique, a unique method of exploiting enemy weak points. While reserved, Nanami possesses a strong moral compass and helps those in need. As Yuji’s mentor, Nanami offers a counterpoint to the flamboyant Gojo, providing a more grounded and practical perspective. Initially seen as gloomy by Yuji, Nanami eventually forms a close bond with him, showcasing his capacity for growth. Nanami’s blend of practicality, skill, and loyalty makes him a fascinating and well-rounded character who has captured the hearts of Jujutsu Kaisen fans.
Thors
Despite his brief screen time, Thors leaves a strong impression in Vinland Saga. As Thorfinn’s father, he transcends the typical side character role. Known as “The Troll of Jom,” Thors is a Jomsviking general with amazing combat skills. Tired of battle after his children are born, he fakes his death and becomes a pacifist farmer. Thors is seen as the best fighter in the series, having defeated Askeladd and Thorkell in single combat. His strength is so great that Floki avoids fighting him, even with a squad of Jomsvikings. Thors hates killing and spares Askeladd and his men in battle, despite the threat they pose to him and Thorfinn. He believed a true warrior needed no sword, meaning violence should be a last resort. After Thors’s tragic death, Thorfinn is driven by vengeance and chooses a violent path. Flashbacks show Thors’s caring nature and his dream of finding a land free from war—Vinland. These memories remind Thorfinn of the peaceful future his father wanted. Thors’s legacy continues to shape Thorfinn’s journey, making him a crucial and unforgettable character in Vinland Saga.
Kan Ki
In Kingdom, Kan Ki stands out as a unique side character. Originally a bandit leader known for his love of decapitation, he earned the nickname The Beheader before becoming a Vice General in the Mou Gou Army. After Great General Mou Gou’s death, he went independent and quickly rose to be one of the most important and infamous military commanders in the central plains due to his violent nature. Kan Ki is known for his extreme brutality, showing no mercy to surrendered soldiers and personally beheading everyone in any city or village he conquered. Despite his violent tendencies, Kan Ki has a sense of humor and sarcasm. For instance, when Ma Ron questioned why he promoted the seemingly unskilled Ogiko to a 1000-Man Commander, Kan Ki lightheartedly responded, “cause it’s funny obviously.” He also maintains a cool demeanor and rarely shows shock, no matter how dire the situation. This mix of brutality, humor, and calm demeanor makes Kan Ki a memorable and complex character in Kingdom.
That’s a wrap on the best anime side characters who stole the spotlight! These hidden gems prove that even supporting roles can make a lasting impact. Let me know in the comments who your favorite side character is!