In the vast world of anime, it’s not uncommon for characters to be disliked by audiences. Sometimes, those characters who appear to be “innocent” or even “heroic” actually possess traits and actions that provoke viewers to feel intense animosity, prompting a desire for their downfall. From the seemingly “innocent” facade that hides a malicious core, to those who make choices that lead to severe consequences, these characters often leave a deep negative impression on viewers.
Below are 10 anime characters who are widely hated, due to their personality traits and actions that spark controversy.
1. Kazuya Kinoshita from Rent-a-Girlfriend
Kazuya Kinoshita is characterized as a “loser without a girlfriend” who resorts to hiring a girlfriend after being dumped. His persistent efforts to maintain this rental relationship turn him into a source of frustration, as he continuously tries to force this relationship to become something more than it is. Although Kazuya is seen as a typical loser who fails to resolve his own issues, he often ends up being even more pathetic as he remains entangled in a cycle of poor choices that escalate problems rather than resolve them.
2. Rudeus Greyrat from Mushoku Tensei
Rudeus Greyrat is often labeled as “the epitome of a wasted potential”. Although granted a second chance at life, he often makes choices that are morally questionable, leading to a depiction of him as a character of complete disdain. If only he would acknowledge his mistakes and strive for improvement, his story could be much more relatable. Unfortunately, he continuously makes incredibly poor choices, leading him to dire consequences and demonstrating a lack of growth.
3. Kokoro from Darling in the Franxx
Kokoro is disliked for being “emotionally manipulative” and hiding her true intentions. Many feel that she placed undue pressure on Futoshi, complicating a long-term relationship. However, Kokoro’s inability to openly communicate her feelings led Futoshi into a spiral of despair, making her a character of contention.
4. Nina from Berserk
Nina is portrayed as a deeply unlikable character with her “whiny personality” and “constant self-pity”. She led her love interest to their death due to the cult she was part of, although she initially appeared as a tragic figure. Her character’s actions and emotional state are often seen as detrimental to the overall narrative.
5. Mari Iscariot from Rebuild of Evangelion
In the Rebuild series, Mari Iscariot is often seen as lacking any significant purpose beyond “destroying” the established narrative. Her perspective on the Eva units and her relationships, including with Shinji, are portrayed as shallow and lacking depth, which frustrates viewers who appreciate character development.
6. Kagari Shiina from Steins;Gate 0
Kagari’s primary role seems to be that of a mere plot device, lacking any meaningful development. Despite being a character with a significant backstory, her interactions are often confusing, leading viewers to struggle with her identity. Her connection to Kurisu feels forced and does not contribute positively to the overall narrative.
7. Hayase Nagatoro from Don’t Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro
Hayase Nagatoro is often hated for her relentless teasing of Naoto Hachiouji, which can reach a level of cruelty that leaves him in tears without fully understanding why. Her character is primarily defined by her sadistic tendencies, which overshadow any redeeming qualities she may have.
8. Kun Ota from Mirai
Despite being acknowledged as a diligent student, Kun Ota is often compared unfavorably to the animated character Caillou, known for being “incredibly annoying”. His constant whining and inability to mature make him a character that viewers grow tired of quickly.
9. Delia Ketchum from Pokémon
Delia Ketchum, Ash’s mother, is often viewed as a stereotypical “overbearing” mother in the anime who is overly protective of her son. However, her approach to parenting raises questions, especially when it seems she is oblivious to Ash’s reckless behavior and the potential dangers he faces in his adventures.
10. Miki Kawai from A Silent Voice
Miki Kawai is characterized as a “secondary character with superficial charm”, masking her selfishness and the negative traits she possesses. She acts in a way that seems caring on the surface, yet her actions often lead to more harm than good, particularly in her treatment of Shōya Ishida, where she fails to take responsibility for her role in the story.
