Having a strong protagonist is crucial in elevating an anime to the top ranks. The hero must go through personal growth, be relatable, have a compelling motivation, and ultimately make sacrifices to save the day.
However, what if the champion succumbed to the temptation of the dark side? What if following the path of righteousness did not result in the most favorable outcome? What if the dark side presented a more enticing offer that would bring them closer to achieving their ultimate goal?
Despite not fully embracing villainy, there have been instances in which the protagonist succumbed to the allure of the dark side. They were on the brink of becoming a full-blown villain, but ultimately managed to resist the temptation.
10 Anime Where the Main Character Teeters on the Edge of Becoming a Villain
1) Attack on Titan
Tokyo Ghoul is an anime that portrays the journey of its protagonist, Kaneki Ken, as he comes close to becoming a villain. After enduring brutal torture at the hands of Yamori, Kaneki’s psyche is broken and he embraces his Ghoul side. This unleashes a dark side within him that surfaces when he is pushed to his limits. However, the series concludes with Kaneki ultimately choosing to use his powers for good and saving Tokyo.
Tokyo Ghoul chronicles the story of Kaneki Ken, a high school student whose life changes dramatically after a disastrous date with Rize Kamishiro, a ghoul unbeknownst to him. As a result of a series of events, he undergoes a transplant of her “kakuhou”and becomes the One-Eyed Ghoul.
2) Attack on Titan
Light Yagami is a well-known figure in the anime/manga world. His exceptional intellect, academic accomplishments, and constant admiration have fueled his inherent pride and conceit, which only intensified after he assumed the identity of Kira.
Despite acquiring the Death Note, he continued to exhibit ruthlessness, cruelty, and a cold demeanor. However, in the final scene of the anime, he is shown having a flashback to his childhood before obtaining the Death Note, causing him to break down in tears. This has caused fans to interpret this version of Light as feeling remorse.
The plot of Death Note revolves around Light Yagami, a remarkably intelligent and academically accomplished individual. His life takes an unexpected turn when he comes across a Death Note, a notebook with the power to cause the death of anyone whose name is written in it. Light seizes this opportunity to rid the world of evil and assumes the role of a deity. However, the sudden deaths of individuals start to draw the suspicion of a detective known as L, leading to a gripping and intense game of cat and mouse between the two adversaries.
3) The Dark Knight Returns
It is safe to assume that anime enthusiasts are well-acquainted with the character Guts. Prior to his betrayal, Guts had already experienced significant hardships. However, the Eclipse transformed him into a merciless and vengeful individual.
While he may not be considered a hero, he also does not fit the role of a villain. Instead, he can be described as an anti-hero.
Guts, a mercenary who constantly moved from one company to another, is the subject of the story in Beserk. His path crosses with Griffith’s during a battle, after which he decides to join his company. However, Griffith’s betrayal results in Guts losing almost everything. Driven by a single purpose, he sets out on a brutal journey.
4) Game of Thrones
Eren Yeager is a well-known figure, with a story that has captivated audiences and garnered high ratings. However, his journey from hero to necessary evil is not the only notable aspect. Prior to discovering the truth, his sole focus was on defeating titans.
Despite learning the truth about his people’s history, he remained determined to put an end to their ongoing suffering. He believed it was unjust for Eren and the rest of the Eldians to face consequences for the actions of their ancestors. He yearned to break free from the discrimination and mistreatment they faced. And though he may be labeled a villain, he remains a hero in the eyes of his people.
In the world of Attack on Titan, humanity has taken refuge behind walls to protect themselves from Titans, massive creatures known for devouring humans. To defend against these terrifying beings, soldiers are trained and deployed by the Cadet Corps.
Eren Yeager’s destiny takes a turn when he joins the corps and learns more about the Titans.
5) Class: Demi-Human
The main character of the Ajin anime is Kei Nagai. He is portrayed as highly reserved, stoic, and emotionally distant. By relying solely on logic in all situations, he gives the impression of being indifferent to anything but the most efficient result. Unlike the typical Shounen Hero who rushes to save the day, Kei takes a different approach.
At times, he exhibits villainous traits, but this can be attributed to a troubled past.
The plot of Ajin revolves around Kei’s death in a car accident, but he is promptly revived by a government agency. As he learns about his newfound status as an Ajin, a demi-human, he encounters another Ajin named Sato, who is revealed to be a terrorist.
6) The Nine-Tailed Fox’s Jinchuriki
The story of the Konoha Shinobi has gained immense popularity worldwide, perhaps even more so than any other. By now, almost everyone is familiar with the anime or manga. During his battle against Pain, protagonist Naruto Uzumaki is tempted to succumb to the darkness within.
Despite being pushed to the brink, witnessing the destruction of his village and the injury of his friends, he allows the Nine Tails to take control. As the transformation advances to the Six-Tailed stage, he comes close to fully transforming into the Fox. However, he summons the strength from within and manages to regain control.
During its Golden Age in Jump, Naruto was considered one of the Big Three anime, along with One Piece and Bleach. The series chronicles the transformation of Naruto Uzumaki from an outcast in his village to becoming the 7th Hokage of the Leaf.
7) The Complex World of Code Geass
Lelouch Lamperouge is a well-known figure in the world of anime. As the main character of the series, he possesses a complex persona upon closer examination.
Despite his actions of manipulation, mass murder, and other terrible deeds, they do not entirely define him as a villain. Although inexcusable, his ultimate sacrifice proves that he is not entirely evil.
Lelouch wages war against the Brittanian Empire in Code Geass, fueled by his deep desire for revenge against them for their atrocities against his family.
Despite his newfound power and tactical ability, Lelouch assumes the identity of Zero in order to fulfill his childhood vow of destroying Britannia.
8) Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Undoubtedly, one anime that may not have the same level of popularity but is still adored is Elfen Lied. The main character, Kaede, transforms into Lucy when she is consumed by madness and Nyu when she loses her memory. Throughout the series, she is portrayed as an anti-villain who is a serial killer.
Despite her insanity, Lucy had a desire to destroy humanity until she encountered Kouta. While she is not a saint, her friends were able to prevent her from succumbing to the darkness.
The focus of Elfen Lied is on Lucy, a teenage Diclonius with a split personality. After facing rejection from humans, she sets out to seek revenge and carries out a silent massacre. Along the way, she enlists the help of “Silpelits”to aid in her quest. However, her encounter with Kouta and Yuka brings about significant changes.
9) Supreme Ruler
Overlord is another highly sought-after anime featured on this list. Its main character, Ainz Ooal Gown, is known for his formidable reputation. He is often portrayed as self-centered, prioritizing his own goals and the interests of Nazarick above all else.
Despite not being a Hero, Ainz does not become a villain. Though he may have strayed from his path, he always manages to find his way back.
The premise of Overlord is straightforward – When a well-known MMORPG is slated for a permanent closure, experienced player Momonga chooses to remain logged in. As the game’s non-playable characters begin to develop their own personalities and thoughts, he seizes the opportunity to utilize his skills as the new overlord.
10) Shrouded in Mystery: Terror in Resonance
Terror in Resonance has proven to be adept at tackling challenging themes within the realm of anime. The show’s two central characters, Twelve and Nine, execute a daring plan to steal an atomic bomb and use it to hold Tokyo hostage.
Despite being labeled as terrorists, they are adept at evading the authorities. Nevertheless, their intentions prevent them from deviating onto a more destructive path.
The premise of the anime Terror in Resonance revolves around two teenagers, known as Nine and Twelve, who carry out a terrorist act by stealing a prototype atomic bomb. Identifying themselves as “Sphinx”, the duo releases a video online and issues a demand to solve a cryptic riddle in order to prevent the destruction of Tokyo.
Additional resources:
“The 8 most powerful protagonists in the history of anime.”
The top ten most distinct shonen anime protagonists, listed in order.
There are 10 shonen anime protagonists who are not afraid to take a life.
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