10 Fast Anime Characters With the Best Animation of Speed, Ranked

One of the most highly contested discussions among anime enthusiasts revolves around comparing the speed of fast characters in different anime series, often in an attempt to determine the fastest. A major challenge in this debate arises from the varying power systems and methods of measuring speed utilized by these characters.

Despite the varying levels of speed among these anime characters, a fair basis for comparison is the quality of animation used to depict their agility. Therefore, the list below is arranged based on the animation’s ability to effectively convey the characters’ incredible speed, rather than their speed in relation to each other.

Author’s Opinion Disclaimer

Top Ranking Fast Anime Characters with High-Quality Animation

Minato Namikaze (Naruto)

Minato Namikaze as seen in the Naruto anime (Image via Pierrot)

Despite being recognized as one of the fastest anime characters due to his Flying Raijin jutsu and Body Flicker Technique, Minato Namikaze’s speed is not the most impressive in terms of animation. The functionality of his former technique as a teleportation method rather than pure speed restricts the potential for dynamic animation. After all, there are only so many ways to animate someone constantly appearing and disappearing in space and reality.

Despite its flashy name, the Body Flicker Technique is underwhelming in its execution. The animation merely shows a character quickly disappearing in a few frames, leaving behind some shaky lines. The character then reappears at their destination without any fanfare, making the technique lackluster and forgettable.

Ichigo Kurosaki (Bleach)

Ichigo Kurosaki as seen in the Bleach TYBW anime (Image via Pierrot)

The Body Flicker Technique in the Bleach anime, known as the Flash Step in creator Tite Kubo’s series, is essentially the same as its original version. However, in Bleach, the technique is enhanced with additional frames that showcase both the user’s body and their aftereffects, resulting in a more enjoyable viewing experience.

Despite sharing similarities with the Body Flicker, Ichigo Kurosaki’s lackluster depiction of the technique in the original anime lands him low on this list. Compared to other entries, the animation for the technique is not as impressive. Furthermore, Ichigo has not utilized the technique in a memorable manner in the TYBW anime series, solidifying his place among the many fast anime characters with subpar depictions of their speed.

Character Profile: Yoruichi Shihoin from Bleach

Yoruichi as seen in the original Bleach anime series (Image via Pierrot)

Despite being a skilled master of the technique and known for her flashy use of it, Yoruichi Shihoin, a fellow cast member and fast anime characters member, just barely surpasses Ichigo. However, due to her limited appearances in the current TYBW anime series and the lackluster animation of the original series, her use of the technique may not be as impressive as it could be.

7) The Character of Sanji in One Piece

Sanji seen activating his Ifrit Jambe form (Image via Toei Animation)

During the Wano arc in One Piece, Sanji’s latent abilities were awakened, allowing him to join the ranks of fast anime characters. His newfound power, the Ifrit Jambe form, enabled him to move at incredible speeds, making him nearly impossible for enemy Queen to keep up with.

In this sequence, Sanji’s speed is presented with more flair and finesse than in previous entries. The buildup and execution of his acceleration are both noticeably improved, making it stand out among other techniques. Unlike Flash Step and Body Flicker users, Sanji remains visible to viewers throughout, showcasing his mastery of speed. Furthermore, his speed is seamlessly integrated into his fighting style, setting him apart from those who only use it in specific situations.

Killua Zoldyck’s Character Development in Hunter x Hunter

Killua's Godspeed form as seen in Hunter x Hunter (Image via Madhouse) — Killua’s Godspeed form as seen in Hunter x Hunter (Image via Madhouse)

Likewise, Killua Zoldyck from Hunter x Hunter is among the numerous lightning-fast anime characters, with his most notable display of speed being his Godspeed form. Similar to Sanji, Killua’s enhanced speed in this form greatly influences his fighting technique, as clearly portrayed in the animation of the technique itself.

Instead of just vanishing and appearing sharply, the film utilizes camera cuts and panning shots of the entire scene to emphasize his speed. The technique’s effect on his enemies also enhances the animation’s depiction. As a result, the scene captivates viewers and remains memorable even long after the initial viewing.

Satoru Gojo – Jujutsu Kaisen Character Profile

Gojo as seen in the Jujutsu Kaisen anime series (Image via MAPPA Studios)

Despite already being highly praised for his skills in the Jujutsu Kaisen series, Satoru Gojo further solidified his reputation as a fast anime character in the second season. The scene showcasing his speed, where he effortlessly sprints across the vast platform of Shibuya train station, is beautifully animated and truly captures the essence of his lightning-fast movements.

Throughout the entire film, he is seen meticulously selecting his targets of transfigured humans, skillfully avoiding any unnecessary deaths of actual humans. This close-up view showcases his speed in a way that is just as impactful as any other perspective, resulting in a remarkable final product that effectively conveys his abilities with great quality.

4) Character Profile: Toji Fushiguro (Jujutsu Kaisen)

Toji as seen in the Jujutsu Kaisen anime series (Image via MAPPA Studios)

Toji Fushiguro, a fellow cast member of Jujutsu Kaisen, is widely recognized for his incredible speed in the anime world, attributed to his Heavenly Restriction. This restriction granted him extraordinary physical abilities in exchange for forfeiting access to the series’ power system. Despite this trade-off, Toji’s speed is consistently highlighted through the animated scenes featuring his character.

Despite the Body Flicker Technique and Flash Step often falling short due to their narrow focus on the user, Toji’s closeup shots are successful due to the precise angles utilized. These scenes, such as his sneaking up on Gojo, Granny Ogami, and Takuma Ino, are enhanced by the depth and breadth of the closeup shots. In essence, while the focus may be on the closeup, the overall distance covered by the shot elevates the animation quality of Toji’s impressive speed.

Shinra Kusakabe from Fire Force

Shinra Kusakabe as seen in the Fire Force anime (Image via David Productions)

Shinra Kusakabe from Fire Force stands out as a truly distinct individual due to his abilities being closely tied to his speed and role as one of several fast anime characters. This is attributed to his blazing feet, which propel him at incredible speeds, surpassing even the speed of light according to canon.

Similarly, the animation showcasing this extraordinary speed is consistently exceptional for the reasons mentioned above. However, what truly sets him apart from other fast anime characters is the animation depicting his ability to exceed the speed of light. Viewers can witness his body disintegrating into a streak of light and then reappearing without any logical explanation. The emphasis and intricacy given to this entire process is what elevates Shinra’s ranking among fast anime characters.

Izuku Deku Midoriya – The Hero of My Hero Academia

Deku as seen in the My Hero Academia anime (Image via BONES)

Despite not being the first character that comes to mind when discussing fast anime characters, Deku from My Hero Academia certainly deserves to be included in the conversation. The depiction of his speed in the anime is top-notch, and this is further exemplified when considering both the events in the main television series and the franchise’s anime films.

Similar to other top-ranking scenes, wide shots that span a large area and effectively display Deku’s swift movements are crucial to the impressive animation of his speed. Studio BONES’ interpretation of his abilities further emphasizes this, often supplementing the original material with impressive displays of speed from the modern-day protagonist.

Zenitsu Agatsuma – A Character in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Zenitsu as seen in the Demon Slayer anime series (Image via ufotable)

Without a doubt, Zenitsu Agatsuma from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba deserves the top spot on this list for his exceptional animation as a fast anime character. His Thunderclap and Flash technique perfectly exemplifies this, as he effortlessly traverses large distances in the blink of an eye.

Ufotable’s signature top-notch animation in Demon Slayer is also showcased in this scene, effectively emphasizing the distance that Zenitsu is covering while also delivering an aesthetically pleasing experience. This scene is widely recognized and remembered for its impressive portrayal of speed in the medium as a whole.

In conclusion

Although quick anime characters are consistently captivating, their memorability often hinges on the quality of their animation. The aforementioned examples exemplify this, as the majority of the highest-ranked characters are brought to life by studios that go the extra mile in showcasing their speed.