Anime characters are often recognized for their ability to convey strong emotions, but there are some who are notable for their lack of smiling. This can be seen in characters who have endured tragic experiences and have difficulty smiling, or in those who possess a serious demeanor or a cold, distant personality.
The serious and stoic demeanor of these individuals enhances their stories, making any rare moments where they do eventually smile even more impactful.
Despite their mysterious, intimidating, or even heart-wrenching demeanor, the lack of smiles only adds to the beauty of these anime characters. Without further ado, here are ten characters who have left a lasting impression on fans with their stern and unsmiling expressions.
Please note that this list is not ranked in any specific order and reflects the writer’s personal opinion.
Anime Characters Who Rarely Smile
1) Levi Ackerman – Captain of the Survey Corps (Attack on Titan)
Levi Ackerman, known from Attack on Titan, is renowned for his lack of expression and tendency to brood. Despite the series spanning multiple moments, very few show him smiling. As the strongest soldier for humanity, the responsibility of saving others in a world overrun by Titans always rests heavily on his shoulders.
Despite his past filled with loss and grief, Levi’s stoic demeanor remains a constant. Whether celebrating victories or experiencing moments of camaraderie, his composed and grim expression reflects the burden he has carried throughout his life.
It is a rare occurrence for him to smile, and when he does, it is brief and fleeting. This only amplifies the impact of a smiling Levi when it is eventually seen. It is a testament to his strong sense of duty and purpose, solidifying his place as one of the anime characters who seldom smiles.
Mashle – The Title of a Manga Series
Mash Burnedead, the main character of Mashle: Magic and Muscles, stands out as a distinct protagonist who, despite his kind and straightforward personality, seldom wears a smile. His serious demeanor is a result of his determined mindset and his dedication to taking care of those around him. However, there were moments of comedic relief when his stoic expression appeared in the most absurd of situations.
Maintaining his determination and calmness in every challenge and comedic moment, Mashle’s character is only made more charming by his rare smiles. This makes him stand out among other anime characters, as he is one of the few who rarely smiles.
Ulquiorra Cifer
Despite being a prominent member of Aizen’s army and the 4th Espada, Ulquiorra Cifer from Bleach is known for his cold and emotionless demeanor. Rarely does he display any hint of a smile, as his nihilistic beliefs lead him to deem emotions, especially happiness, as insignificant.
Despite being in the midst of a battle, Ulquiorra remains aloof and indifferent, his demeanor emphasizing his lethal nature. A smile from him is a rare sight, and if he were to do so, it would be more disconcerting than comforting, only adding to the enigmatic aura surrounding his character. This aspect makes Ulquiorra one of the few anime characters who rarely show a smile.
4) Main Character of Psycho-Pass: Shinya Kogami
Despite the burden of his job as an enforcer in a dystopian society, Shinya Kogami from Psycho-Pass stands out as a vivid character due to his unwavering commitment to justice and the impact of his past trauma. The harsh realities of his work and the weight of his decisions only add to the intensity of his character.
Despite moments of good camaraderie, Kogami’s tranquil and poised disposition rarely allows for any happiness, as he scarcely smiles. This serious demeanor reflects his inner conflict and relentless pursuit of his desired end, setting him apart as one of the few anime characters who seldom show a smile throughout the story.
L Lawliet (Death Note)
Despite his eccentricity, L Lawliet from Death Note is typically serious and rarely displays a smile. As a highly intelligent detective fixated on the Kira case, L seldom exposes his emotions, as he devotes most of his energy to devising strategies and relying on logic. His peculiar customs, such as sitting in unusual positions or indulging in sweets, are in stark contrast to his impassive demeanor.
Despite his deep intellect and strategic thinking, L is not one to often display his happiness through a smile. When he does, it is brief and enigmatic, adding to his reputation as one of the most intriguing and emotionally reserved anime characters.
Giyu Tomioka (Demon Slayer)
Giyu Tomioka, also known as the Water Hashira in the anime Demon Slayer, is known for his stoic demeanor. He rarely shows emotions and is often seen with a serious and reserved expression, making it difficult to see him smile. As the Water Hashira, Giyu takes on the important role of protecting humanity from demons, a responsibility that can often leave him exhausted from the weight of his seriousness and aloofness.
Despite having experienced a tragic past and losing close friends, Giyu’s guilt and these events heavily influence his perspective on life. Even in moments of triumph or camaraderie, Giyu maintains a serious expression, highlighting the significance of these people and his emotional burden. This characteristic places him among the few anime characters who seldom smile.
Kenshin Himura – Character Profile (Rurouni Kenshin)
In Rurouni Kenshin, Kenshin Himura is haunted by his violent past as the notorious killer Battousai. Despite his efforts to make amends and lead a peaceful life, Kenshin’s troubled history is reflected in his solemn and serious demeanor.
Despite occasionally showing kindness and warmth towards others, genuine smiles were a rarity for him. His reluctance to smile was a reflection of the inner turmoil between his violent past and his yearning for redemption. As a result, he was known as one of the anime characters who seldom smiled.
Oreki Houtarou (Hyouka)
Despite his seemingly lethargic and indifferent demeanor, Oreki Houtarou from Hyouka has a deeply ingrained personality that is often characterized by conserving energy and avoiding unnecessary efforts. His disinterest in activities, unless they pique his curiosity, is what sets him apart as one of the most serious anime characters.
Despite encountering thrilling mysteries and engaging in social interactions, his smiles are infrequent and subdued, reflecting his overall lack of enthusiasm and practical outlook on life. These rare smiles hold great significance, representing his genuine curiosity and rare emotional connections.
Nagato Uzumaki (Naruto)
Throughout the duration of Naruto, Nagato Uzumaki, who is also referred to as Pain, is not known for his frequent smiles. His transformation from a hopeful child to a leader seeking vengeance has greatly impacted his demeanor. With the loss of all his friends and a complete shift towards his goal of eradicating suffering, Nagato’s face often displays a serious and determined expression.
Nagato is one of the anime characters who rarely smiles, with his rare expressions usually appearing in brief moments of retrospection or manipulation. These few smiles are reserved for times when he is reflecting or manipulating others.
Sakamoto – Haven’t You Heard? I’m Sakamoto
In the anime Haven’t You Heard? I’m Sakamoto, Sakamoto is the epitome of cool and collected, rarely showing a smile. His composed demeanor and flawless facade exude a sense of calm seriousness. However, he can also be incredibly expressive in emotional situations, further adding to his enigmatic perfection. And when he does smile, it becomes an epic event.
Sakamoto’s stoic expressions reveal a great deal about his confidence, setting him apart from other anime characters who openly display their emotions.
Final thoughts
The lack of smiles from anime characters captivates audiences not through words, but with their subdued and infrequent expressions. What makes these characters compelling is the poise and grace they bring to their stories, making their occasional smiles all the more significant.
Despite their lack of visible emotion, characters like Levi Ackerman and Ulquiorra Cifer are able to leave a lasting impression on fans. Their enigmatic personalities manage to make a strong impact and speak volumes without the need for overt displays of emotion.
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