With the legendary villain Darth Vader returning to the screen in Obi-Wan Kenobi, it is only a matter of time before many other antagonists like him make their way back into the pop culture collective. This also includes the vast array of villains in many anime hits.
For instance, Sosuke Aizen will be making his debut once again in the latest and final arc of Bleach, which will be adapted later this year, and Eren from Attack on Titan‘s arc will come into full effect in its final season. So taking last year into consideration, the best anime bad guys have proven themselves to be wicked, likable, or simply a danger to those around them.
Floch Forster
In part 1 of Attack on Titan’s final season, Floch Forster had become a more cold and nationalistic version of himself. His actions during the invasion of Marley were criminal for his indiscriminate actions against innocent Marleyan civilians. His eventual betrayal culminates in his team-up with Eren and forming the Jaegerists in order to take over Paradis and move forward with Eren’s genocidal plans.
What makes Floch Forster an interesting and compelling villain is the direct parallelism he shares with the upper echelon of Marley’s society. Driven by past aggressions on him and his people, he’s even willing to make a deal with the “devil” so the walls of Paradis can be safe from any foreign threats.
Hanami
A member of the band of curses who wishes to upset the balance of Jujutsu society, Hanami is a particularly interesting character in Jujutsu Kaisen, with their cursed trait being directly tied with nature and plant life. A being that holds empathy for all that comes from the earth is a particularly tough curse that nearly gives Itadori and Todo a run for their money during one of the most visually impressive fights seen in anime.
Despite their unique communication skills, Hanami is the most open and kind member of the villainous spirits. Their devotion to earth and aggression towards humans for its defiling of it is certainly understandable. These traits make Hanami appear more than just another obstacle for the sorcerers but one they truly have to reckon with.
Daki
Demon Slayer’s second season has certainly been a success, including elevated stakes, dazzling fights, and amazing new characters. One such character is the “upper-rank six” demon, Daki, a vain and cruel being who hides amongst the Oirans of the Entertainment District.
She and her brother Gyutaro (who made his appearance the following year), rank among the strongest demons in Demon Slayer. Yet solo, Daki still caused trouble for the main trio as they hid in the red-light district of Yoshiwara. Her tragic backstory, exceptional beauty, and ruthless demeanor have made her quite the captivating villain as well as a neat parallel to Nezuko Kamado.
Echidna
While Re: Zero‘s witch of greed Echidna has an outward personality that’s polite, charming, and with a childish yearning for knowledge, it soon becomes clear that this is ultimately a facade. Her attempts to grow closer to the series protagonist, Subaru, after learning about his ability “Return from Death” for the sake of gathering intel and info for her goals only proves this.
True to her title, Echidna selfishly plans to achieve her own agenda for her own benefit regardless of what casualties it may bring, making her one of the most apathetic characters in an anime to date. Most of the supporting cast even go so far as to label her as black-hearted because of her lack of emotions.
Tetta Kisaki
Kisaki is the perfect example of a villain who wills themselves to be better above the rest despite the possible repercussions. In Tokyo Revengers, he’s not the strongest but knows how to lead those with fear as his ultimate ally. His direct actions have influenced the causality for the entirety of the series, as he would repeatedly kill Hinata in every timeline that rejected him.
Petty, cruel, and with aspirations to climb the social ladder, Kisaki encompasses a villain who will go to any lengths and repeat it as many times as long as his desired future becomes a possibility.
Suguru Geto
Last year, Jujutsu Kaisen released its first movie with a positive reception to boot. While not reaching the same heights as Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, the prequel to the first season still made its mark in terms of critical reception. But one thing it did have going for it was the ever charismatic villain, Suguru Geto.
While not answering all the questions raised, Geto still comes off as an aloof guru archetype that knows how to command a scene with his presence. Contrasting with his “Buddhist” visage lies a genocidal maniac who’s ready to make his move but only when the date is appropriate.
Akaza
The first half of Demon Slayer’s second season is essentially a rehash of the 2020 film Mugen Train with bonus content. Regardless one of the main highlights to carry over from is the legendary clash between the Hashira and the upper-rank demons. Showcasing what’s to come for the demon slayer corps by showing off the sheer amount of power the upper-ranks hold is no better displayed than with Akaza’s first appearance.
His lust for battle and preferring fists over weapons are the feats of a legendary antagonist. Akaza’s duel with Rengoku is extremely impressive and he proves to be nothing short of terrifying in the few scenes he is in. This makes Akaza one of the best villains in anime and a Demon Slayer character deserving of an OVA.
Tomura Shigaraki
Since his first appearance in My Hero Academia, when he and the league of villains first attacked UA, Tomura Shigaraki has come a long way from a misguided child. Now he is a fully-fledged villain leading a band of misfits and other undesirables of society.
But what made 2021 his year as a top contender for a villain stand out was that the show’s narrative was told from his perspective. Showcasing a heartbreaking past that would lead to a bitter present, it is easy to see why individuals like Shigaraki turn against the world for having been pre-determined “evil” because of the quirks they are born with.
Akito Sohma
Fruits Basket aired its final season in 2021 and keeping with the manga (which is one of the highest-rated shoujo on MyAnimeList), it still managed to deliver on a mesmerizing villain that any other shoujo piece wish they could’ve had as an antagonist.
Albeit cruel and abusive to her zodiac-afflicted clan members, Akito Sohma might be the most tragic figure in the entire Fruits Basket series. Not only considering who her mother is but even through her manipulative father, she still became the main antagonist of the series. Her cruel acts in order to keep everything in line despite the emotional toll made her an empathetic villain to witness while at the same time showcasing the cruelty she was capable of.
Eren Jaeger
The arc of Eren Jaeger has been a long time coming and it won’t be fully realized until the third part of Attack on Titan’s final season but what audiences have seen thus far is nothing short of villain.
Eren was beset upon a dark path ever since he witnessed his mother being eaten alive by a titan. It’s only gone downhill emotionally for him from there and the world has had to suffer for it. But what makes his villainy most significant is the betrayal of those he has held close. His outright declaration of his contempt for Mikasa and Armin will be ingrained as one of the most villainous acts a protagonist in anime has ever committed.
