The Votes Are In
Deciding who the most powerful anime protagonist is may seem like a subjective list, but in actuality, certain characters have been racking up votes far faster than others. Taking public opinion into account, here are the 20 most powerful anime protagonists according to the fans.
1. Saitama
Undoubtedly, Saitama is considered the most powerful anime protagonist ever. He is basically able to defeat anybody with a single, comical punch, making him quite the adversary. Paired with his invulnerability, speed, and humorous origin, it makes sense that he’s the fan-favorite.
2. Zen-Oh
Zen-Oh is pretty much a god in the Dragon Ball Super universe. In fact, he quite literally is the ruler of the multiverse and is more than capable of erasing universes to suit his whims. With his omnipotence and abilities, it adds up that he’s the peak powerhouse in the franchise.
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3. Goku
Another popular and powerful character from the Dragon Ball universe is none other than Goku himself. Often compared to Superman, this Saiyan has the ability to harness transformations, control ki, and crush opponents with his strength. He’s a bit of a cultural icon too, making way for his title as one of the strongest heroes around.
4. Madara Uchiha
Another popular series is Naruto, which is full of many powerful characters. However, when it comes to the ultimate powerhouse, it’s likely none other than Madara Uchiha. For reference, Madara has mastery over all elemental jutsus and has given plenty of characters a hard time with his near-invincibility.
5. Satoru Gojo
A more recent anime that has taken the world by storm is Jujutsu Kaisen, and everyone has quickly fallen in love with the comedic but cool Satoru Gojo. With the ability to harness curses and an unmatched prowess for combat, Gojo is certainly the strongest sorcerer in his world.
6. Kaguya Otsutsuki
Returning to the Naruto series, Kaguya is another god-like character with the ability to manipulate dimensions and control multiple jutsus. She has surpassed most characters in the story in terms of strength, and her divinity only makes her all the more dangerous.
7. Meliodas
Shifting gears to the world of The Seven Deadly Sins, Meliodas stands out as one of the most powerful demons around. As the son of a demon king, his sheer strength and darkness-attuned powers make him a formidable opponent for any.
Stéphane Gallay from Laconnex, Switzerland on Wikimedia
8. All Might
My Hero Academia is full of lovable and interesting characters, but when it comes to sheer power and strength, All Might takes the cake. Another Superman-equivalent, this character is the beacon of hope in his world, and his strength, speed, and stamina only make him more resilient.
9. Natsu Dragneel
Time for a throwback! If you used to watch Fairy Tail back in the day, then you’re all too familiar with the dragon slayer magician that is Natsu Dragneel. Able to harness the powers of a dragon, the only thing hotter than his flames is his cliché friendship-fueled determination.
10. Ichigo Kurosaki
Another oldie but goodie is the series Bleach, which places soul reapers and monsters in the modern world. Ichigo Kurosaki is one of the most powerful soul reapers around, with access to a unique blade and a hybrid nature that makes him more dangerous than most.
11. Gohan
The Dragon Ball universe is full of heavy hitters, which is why it’s no surprise that Gohan also makes the list. Some believe his raw potential exceeds even the likes of Goku, and his ability to draw from his scholastic background only makes him a better warrior.
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12. Naruto Uzumaki
The namesake of the Naruto series is undoubtedly one of the strongest characters around. Throughout the series, the underdog becomes a Hokage legend and has mastered ninjutsu and the nine-tails chakra that plagues him.
13. Monkey D. Luffy
In the silly but severe world of One Piece, Monkey D. Luffy progresses in his quest toward Pirate King with full trust in his stretching abilities. You might not think much of a rubber-man, but Luffy’s creativity plus willpower make him quite an unparalleled foe.
The Conmunity - Pop Culture Geek from Los Angeles, CA, USA on Wikimedia
14. Roronoa Zoro
Another powerful character from One Piece is none other than the master swordsman himself. What makes Zoro unique is his use of a three-sword style, which alongside his determined nature and battle-hardened history, appoints him a place on this list.
Gaudencio Garcinuño on Wikimedia
15. Pain
In the Naruto series, Nagato is certainly one of the most powerful adversaries the heroes have ever had to face. His destructive potential means he hits like a force of nature, and having control over life certainly doesn’t make him any more manageable.
16. Koro-sensei
In Assassination Classroom, Koro-sensei is seen as a superhuman being capable of vanquishing the Earth itself. But luckily, he comes across as a comedic character, making him seem all the more dangerous and unpredictable.
Pikawil from Laval, Canada on Wikimedia
17. Erza Scarlet
Returning to Fairy Tail, Erza has always stood out as a tactical genius. Her ability with a sword and her magical armor make her an unparalleled knight in her universe, and one of the strongest anime characters around.
18. Ban
Another impressively strong character from the world of The Seven Deadly Sins is Ban. What makes him so unique is his immortality, paired with his ability to steal the energy of others. His powers, plus his versatile fighting style, make him a tricky one to beat.
19. Ryuk
Ryuk, unlike a bunch of characters on this list, isn’t your typical anime character. Instead, he’s a reaper that normally keeps his distance from mortals. But when he does decide to interfere, his godlike presence and ability to take lives with a swipe of his pen make him a monster to be feared.
20. Kaneki Kan
Like most ghouls in Tokyo Ghoul, Kaneki is able to regenerate and is immensely strong. But his abilities as a hybrid, plus his dark history, have shaped him into quite the vicious leader anyone would think twice about fighting.
