11 Anime Characters Who Can Defy Death, Ranked Least to Most Well-Known

Both immortal characters and anime characters who can defy death possess the ability to escape death, but they are not identical. While the former cannot be killed, the latter can be killed but have the means to avoid death through various techniques.

It is nearly impossible for a character to cheat death, making it a feat that is beyond human capabilities. This power is often held by non-human characters, but can also be attained by human characters through unethical means.

This article will rank 11 anime characters who possess the ability to defy death, based on their popularity within the fandom. Whether they are demons or humans who can cheat death, this article will feature them all.

Note: The following article contains possible spoilers from the Demon Slayer manga series. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.

Top 10 Anime Characters Who Defy Death, Ranked by Popularity

Hitogami – Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation

Hitogami as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Bind)

The entity known as Man-God was responsible for reincarnating Rudeus Greyrat into the fantasy world. Possessing a playful and sadistic personality, the entity takes pleasure in observing Rudeus’ suffering caused by his own choices.

As a divine being, Man-God is among the anime characters who possess the ability to cheat death. Despite never encountering a situation where his mortality is at risk, he is immortal as he reigns as the God of the fantasy realm where Rudeus resides.

Zhu Jin – Hell’s Paradise

Zhu Jin as seen in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

Zhu Jin, a member of the group of immortal beings known as Lord Tensen, was born on the island of Kotaku. As with the rest of the group, Zhu possesses the ability to defy death, making him one of the few anime characters with such power.

During his time at Kotaku, the male protagonist Gabimaru engages in a fierce battle against Zhu Jin and successfully weakens him to the brink of death. Despite their god-like abilities, both survive, but Gabimaru cleverly escapes.

Tet from No Game No Life

Tet as seen in the anime (Image via Madhouse)

Tet, the God of the world where all decisions are made through games, reincarnates the main protagonists, Shiro and Sora, into a fantasy world after a mere game of chess.

As a deity, Tet is among the anime characters who possess the ability to defy death and rule over the other divine beings that inhabit the fantasy realm. While he has never encountered a situation where his life is at risk, he is certainly someone who would resurface if ever he were to meet his demise.

Fushi – To Your Eternity: An Anime Review

Fushi as seen in the anime (Image via Brain's Base) — Fushi as seen in the anime (Image via Brain’s Base)

Fushi, the central character in To Your Eternity, possesses the ability to cheat death and has done so repeatedly throughout the anime. As the creation of The Beholder (God), he was sent to Earth with the purpose of protecting and preserving the planet.

Despite facing the Nokkers, evil beings created to disrupt Fushi’s journey, he has managed to cheat death multiple times thanks to The Beholder who constantly accompanies him.

Character Profile: Imu – One Piece

Imu as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Imu, the Supreme Leader of the World Government in the One Piece universe, is a formidable character who has defied death for centuries, since the Void Century.

Despite much speculation from fans, the true nature of Imu remains a mystery. While some believe that Imu obtained immortality through the use of the Op-Op devil fruit, others theorize that Imu may even be a manifestation of the devil itself. The truth of Imu’s identity remains unknown and shrouded in secrecy.

6) Father’s Role in Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood

Father as seen in the anime (Image via BONES)

The final antagonist of Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood is Father, also known as the oldest Hommonculus. He is one of the few anime characters who possess the ability to defy death.

The protagonist’s father, Hoffenheim, and Eve both contributed to the creation of the homunculus. Despite Hoffenheim’s repeated attempts to end his life, the homunculus defies death and continuously returns. However, the other homunculi that he brought to life eventually betrayed him, resulting in Father being banished to the realm of the dead.

Kibutsuji Muzan – The Main Antagonist in Demon Slayer

Kibutsuji Muzan as seen in the anime (Image via ufotable)

Kibutsuji Muzan, the main antagonist of Demon Slayer, was once human before he became the Demon King. Despite gaining immense power as a demon, his only weakness remained his sensitivity to sunlight, ultimately leading to his downfall.

In terms of anime characters with the ability to cheat death, Muzan can only be killed by exposure to sunlight. Even beheading him is not a viable option as his regenerative abilities are unmatched.

Aizen Sosuke – Character from Bleach

Aizen as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Sosuke Aizen, the former captain of the fifth division of the Soul Society, was a prominent antagonist in Bleach. He ultimately betrayed the Soul Society in his pursuit of ultimate power and immortality, making him one of the few anime characters who are seemingly invincible.

After merging his shinigami body with the Hougyoku, also known as the Breakdown Sphere, he gains the power of regeneration, allowing him to heal from any wound. As a result of this, he is ultimately sealed away by Ichigo Kurosaki, the main protagonist, after being defeated.

Ryomen Sukuna – Jujutsu Kaisen

Sukuna as seen in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

Despite his reincarnation over 1000 years ago, Ryomen Sukuna remains one of the most beloved anime villains. His current host, Itadori Yuji, is just one of many vessels he has inhabited, making him a character who is seemingly immortal.

The cause of his death remains unknown, as he was widely regarded as the most powerful sorcerer in history. It is clear that someone of great strength must have been responsible for ending his life. Following his demise, Sukuna’s body was divided into 20 mummified fingers. The more one consumes these fingers, the more the consciousness of the King of Curses within them becomes stronger.

Naruto

Hidan as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

As a devout follower of Lord Jashin, Hidan is an immortal entity from the Naruto series who is responsible for the demise of many highly skilled shinobi, including Asuma Sarutobi. His unique technique involves standing within a ritual circle and ingesting the blood of his victim, inflicting any injuries he sustains onto his adversary.

Despite being vanquished, he was spared from death due to Shikamaru’s cunning strategy. Shikamaru successfully trapped and fragmented his body, and then buried the remains deep underground to prevent any possibility of regeneration and future mobility.

1) Seven Deadly Sins – Ban

Ban as seen in the anime (Image via A-1 Pictures)

Bam, the embodiment of greed and an immortal being, is undoubtedly one of the most renowned anime characters, if not the most renowned, known for his ability to cheat death. He is granted immortality by Elaine, who offers him a sip from the Fountain of Youth just moments before his demise.

Despite being subjected to brutal acts such as having his head chopped off or his bones broken, Ban’s body will always regenerate. He sacrifices his immortality in order to later revive Elaine in the story.

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