Anime is filled with characters who live in the shadows, executing deadly missions and taking out targets with skill and precision. These assassins are not only powerful but often deeply complex, making them unforgettable figures in the anime world. In this article on Animeking, we present the top 10 anime assassins who have left a lasting mark on fans with their remarkable abilities, intriguing backstories, and undeniable impact on the series they come from.
10. Hei – Darker Than Black
In Darker Than Black, Hei is a Contractor, a special individual with the ability to manipulate electricity. Known for his efficiency and cold-blooded nature, Hei hides his ruthless side behind various personas. With his combat prowess and ability to channel electricity through his weapons, Hei is a formidable assassin who can take down his targets with ease.
Hei’s emotionless efficiency and mysterious backstory make him one of the most iconic assassins in anime.
9. Claire Stanfield – Baccano!
Claire Stanfield may lack supernatural powers, but his title as the best assassin in the world comes from his sheer skill and determination. Known for his incredible physical abilities and philosophical belief that he is the center of the universe, Claire operates with confidence and brutality.
Despite his ruthless methods, Claire holds a personal code of justice, protecting the innocent while dispatching his enemies with terrifying ease.
8. Risotto Nero – JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
As the leader of the assassin group La Squadra Esecuzioni, Risotto Nero stands out in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure for his cunning and lethal tactics. His stand, Metallica, allows him to control magnetism and manipulate iron in his opponent’s bloodstream, making him a terrifying force.
Risotto’s strategic mind and the versatility of his stand make him a deadly and memorable villain in the JoJo universe.
7. Rob Lucci – One Piece
Before the two-year time skip in One Piece, Rob Lucci served as the deadliest agent of Cipher Pol 9. With a Zoan-type devil fruit that transforms him into a human-leopard hybrid, Lucci is a fearsome fighter who revels in violence and thrives on the thrill of battle.
His brutal nature and unwavering loyalty to the World Government make him one of Luffy’s most dangerous adversaries, earning him a spot among the best anime assassins.
6. Akame – Akame ga Kill!
Akame, from Akame ga Kill!, is a highly skilled swordswoman with the Teigu, Murasame, a cursed blade that kills with a single cut. As a member of the Night Raid, Akame works to overthrow the oppressive empire, balancing her deadly skills with her compassion for her comrades.
Her ability to remain emotionally detached during combat, combined with her unmatched speed and precision, makes Akame one of the strongest assassins in anime.
Also Read: Top 10 Underrated Action Anime You Shouldn’t Miss
5. Itachi Uchiha – Naruto
A former member of the Anbu Black Ops and one of the most skilled members of Akatsuki, Itachi Uchiha is known for his immense power and tragic backstory. Despite his reputation for slaughtering his own clan, Itachi is revealed to be a hero who sacrificed everything for his brother and the greater good of Konoha.
With his powerful Sharingan, mastery of genjutsu, and layered personality, Itachi is one of anime’s most memorable and tragic assassins.
4. Himura Kenshin – Rurouni Kenshin
Before becoming a peaceful wanderer, Himura Kenshin was known as the legendary Hitokiri Battousai, a swordsman who killed countless enemies during the Meiji Revolution. His decision to abandon killing and protect others with a reverse-edged sword demonstrates his internal struggle with his violent past.
Kenshin’s mastery of swordsmanship and his journey for redemption make him a legendary assassin-turned-hero.
3. Yor Forger – Spy x Family
Yor Forger, known as the Thorn Princess, is a lethal assassin who balances her secret life with her role as a wife and mother in Spy x Family. Though the series leans heavily into slice-of-life and comedy, Yor’s immense strength and agility are undeniable. Her ability to maintain her assassin persona while showing care for her family adds depth to her character.
Yor’s unique combination of lethality and quirky charm has made her a fan favorite.
2. Korosensei – Assassination Classroom
Before becoming the beloved teacher of Class 3-E, Korosensei was one of the world’s most feared assassins. After a transformation that gave him superhuman abilities, he dedicated himself to teaching a group of students to become skilled assassins with the goal of killing him.
Korosensei’s deadly past contrasts beautifully with his compassionate and humorous personality, making him one of anime’s most unforgettable characters.
1. Killua Zoldyck – Hunter x Hunter
Raised in a family of elite assassins, Killua Zoldyck is one of the most skilled and naturally talented assassins in Hunter x Hunter. Despite his dark upbringing, Killua has a kind heart and a strong sense of loyalty, especially toward his best friend Gon. With his exceptional combat skills and the ability to use electricity in battle, Killua is a formidable force.
Killua’s journey from a child assassin to a loyal friend and fighter makes him the top assassin in anime, blending deadly efficiency with heartfelt character development.