There are many bizarre creatures in anime that make the heroes and viewers shudder, but these beings are not something anyone would want to encounter. However, there are certain characters that can be compared to or even surpass these creatures in terms of danger and malice. But what exactly makes these antagonistic characters so terrifying?
Below are the most notorious characters in anime that are scarier than any monster.
Light Yagami in Death Note
Light Yagami is just an ordinary high school student who is exceptionally intelligent, but one day he happens upon a mysterious notebook called the Death Note. This is not an ordinary notebook; it is a supernatural item that can kill anyone whose name is written in it.
Light believes he can rid the world of evil by using the names of notorious criminals, hoping to turn the world into a better place. However, taking on the role of a god is not merely a game, as Light has become the very thing he sought to eliminate.
Eren Yeager in Attack on Titan
Some antagonists begin as heroes. Eren Yeager embodies this transformation, driven by the trauma of witnessing the horrors of a world overrun by giants. He seeks to eliminate these titans to create a better future for humanity.
However, as he encounters the brutal realities of war, Eren becomes increasingly willing to sacrifice humanity itself, even planning to annihilate 80% of the human population in a catastrophic event, showcasing the depths of his moral decline.
Kazutaka Hyōdo in Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor
Kazutaka Hyōdo, also known as the Chairman, is a wealthy elderly man with a penchant for gambling. He loves creating increasingly risky games that force others to face horrific consequences.
While some individuals are desperately searching for a chance to change their lives for the better, Hyōdo shows no mercy or remorse in his twisted games, often leading to disastrous outcomes for the players involved.
Gendo Ikari in Neon Genesis Evangelion
Gendo Ikari is a cunning and ruthless character, serving as the commander of the scientific organization NERV. He is determined to achieve his own goals, often at the expense of humanity’s safety.
Despite being at the center of a secret organization with its own agenda, Gendo intends to pursue his personal ambitions, even using his own son as a pawn in his plans, showcasing his utter disregard for human life.
Frieza in Dragon Ball Z
Frieza is an intergalactic tyrant intent on exterminating every living thing in the universe, regardless of whether they are innocent or guilty. He has already wiped out entire civilizations, including the Saiyan race, by obliterating their home planet.
Frieza’s relentless pursuit of power and control leads him to commit heinous acts, making him one of the most feared villains in anime history.
Shou Tucker in Fullmetal Alchemist
In Fullmetal Alchemist, the science of alchemy allows practitioners to transmute matter and energy into other forms. However, there is a critical rule: Equivalent Exchange. To create or obtain something, something of equal value must be lost.
Shou Tucker, a state alchemist, took this principle to horrifying extremes by experimenting on his own daughter, creating a chimera—a creature made from the fusion of multiple living beings. His actions highlight the depths of his moral depravity and disregard for human life.
Yūjirō Hanma in Baki the Grappler
Yūjirō Hanma is the epitome of a monstrous figure, known for his immense physical prowess and ruthless nature. He is a character who embodies the concept of brute strength, often terrorizing even his own family.
His monstrous personality leads him to inflict pain and suffering on those around him, proving that he thrives on violence and domination.
Bondrewd in Made in Abyss
Bondrewd “The Novel” is a high-ranking White Whistle Delver in Made in Abyss. He is a researcher who uncovers the secrets of the Abyss through unethical scientific methods.
Not only does he experiment on his own adopted daughter in his relentless pursuit of knowledge, but he is also willing to manipulate and exploit others for his gain, showcasing his complete disregard for human life.
Johan Liebert in Monster
The most manipulative antagonist is Johan Liebert, whose actions draw others into a web of darkness. Johan is a monster in human form, having orchestrated a series of tragic events throughout the story.
His very existence seems to bring suffering to those around him, as he uses his intelligence and charm to manipulate others to fulfill his sinister desires.
Griffith in Berserk
Griffith, known as the “White Falcon,” is the leader of the Band of the Falcon and renowned for his strategic brilliance in battle. He is revered as a hero but harbors dark ambitions for power.
To achieve his goals, Griffith is willing to sacrifice not only his comrades but also entire nations, revealing the true extent of his ambition and moral corruption.
