In the vast world of anime, certain villains evoke intense hatred and resentment from fans, leaving an indelible mark on the genre. From Rachel in Tower of God, whose betrayal of Bam shatters trust, to Shou Tucker in Fullmetal Alchemist, whose horrific actions against his own daughter haunt viewers, these characters embody the darker side of storytelling. Other notorious figures like Akainu from One Piece and Frieza from the Dragon Ball franchise illustrate the extremes of cruelty and ambition, showcasing how power can corrupt and destroy. Each villain’s actions resonate deeply, ensuring they remain etched in the memories of fans worldwide.
AnimeKing dives into the depths of these despised characters, exploring the motivations and consequences of their actions. Villains like Griffith from Berserk and Mahito from Jujutsu Kaisen highlight the emotional toll their betrayals take on both characters and viewers alike. As we reflect on the most hated anime villains, we understand their roles not just as antagonists, but as catalysts for growth and change in the heroes they oppose. Whether through chilling acts of treachery or disturbing displays of power, these villains remind us of the complexities within anime narratives, making them unforgettable figures in the anime landscape.
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9: Rachel
“Tower of God” (2020-)
Bam’s unwavering devotion to Rachel was the foundation of his journey. He protected her from monsters, stayed by her side through every challenge, and even nursed her back to health when she could no longer walk. Rachel, for all her struggles, was the one constant in Bam’s life—or so he thought.
Her betrayal is not just shocking, it’s heart-wrenching. After everything Bam did for her, Rachel repays him by coldly shoving him to what she believes is his doom. It’s the ultimate backstab, made even worse by the fact that she shows no remorse. In fact, she smiles. Her laughter in the aftermath stings not just for Bam but for every viewer who rooted for their friendship.
8: Akainu
“One Piece” (1999-)
Akainu isn’t just a Marine admiral; he’s the embodiment of “absolute justice” taken to terrifying extremes. His ruthless pursuit of order means that he doesn’t care who gets hurt in the process—not even innocent refugees seeking safety from war. His cruelty goes beyond the battlefield, showing a total disregard for anyone standing in the way of his version of justice.
But what truly cements Akainu as one of the most hated characters in One Piece is his role in Ace’s death. After everything Luffy sacrificed to save his brother, Akainu shatters their hopes with a single devastating blow. This moment didn’t just break Luffy—it broke the hearts of fans worldwide.
7: Mahito
“Jujutsu Kaisen” (2020-)
Among cursed spirits, Mahito stands out not just for his strength, but for his sadistic pleasure in human suffering. He isn’t content with simply killing people—he enjoys it, toying with their lives and transforming their bodies in grotesque ways. His childlike glee as he manipulates souls is as disturbing as it is terrifying.
Mahito’s cruelty is most evident in how he torments Junpei, a downtrodden boy who saw him as a friend. The twisted sense of enjoyment Mahito gets from betraying and torturing Junpei makes him one of the most detestable villains in modern anime. His cruelty is on full display, with no hint of empathy or remorse.
6: Frieza
“Dragon Ball” Franchise
Lord Frieza doesn’t just destroy planets—he does so with glee. As one of the most iconic villains in anime history, Frieza is infamous for enslaving the Saiyans and making them wipe out entire races. His cold-blooded destruction of Planet Vegeta set the stage for his reign of terror long before Goku and the Z-Fighters ever faced him.
When the battle on Namek begins, Frieza shows no mercy. Vegeta, Krillin, and countless others fall victim to his brutal attacks, all while Frieza sneers at their efforts. His casual destruction of Namek itself is just another day’s work for the tyrant. Even in defeat, Frieza’s thirst for revenge fuels him, and he never lets go of his grudge against Goku.
5: Griffith
“Berserk” (1997-98)
Griffith’s betrayal of the Band of the Hawk is one of the most harrowing moments in anime. As a once-charismatic leader, Griffith seemed to have it all—a loyal army, unwavering ambition, and the respect of his comrades. But when things go south, he chooses the unthinkable, sacrificing his comrades to ascend to godhood.
What makes Griffith’s actions so chilling is the cold calculation behind them. He doesn’t hesitate when branding his friends as sacrifices, watching impassively as they’re torn apart by monsters. And then there’s Casca—what Griffith does to her is unforgivable, made even worse by forcing Guts to witness her suffering.
4: Oberon
“Sword Art Online” (2012-20)
In the virtual world of Alfheim Online, Oberon rules as the Fairy King, but behind the screen, he’s Sugou Nobuyuki—a businessman with a twisted sense of entitlement. His obsession with Asuna leads to some of the most disturbing scenes in Sword Art Online, where he subjects her to disgusting behavior in both the game and reality.
Oberon’s cruelty knows no bounds, but his downfall is as satisfying as his reign was unbearable. When Kirito confronts him in the game, Oberon’s overconfidence turns to panic as he realizes he’s lost. And when he tries to seek revenge in real life, he’s met with well-deserved humiliation.
3: Danzo Shimura
“Naruto: Shippuden” (2007-17)
Danzo Shimura is the shadow lurking behind many of the tragedies in the Naruto universe. From manipulating Itachi into slaughtering the Uchiha Clan to attempting to seize control of the Hidden Leaf, Danzo’s actions are driven by a twisted sense of duty to the village. But it’s clear his motivations are far more self-serving.
Danzo’s betrayal of the Uchiha Clan is particularly despicable. By pushing Itachi into an impossible situation, he not only destroys the clan but also ruins Itachi’s life. Danzo’s hunger for power leads him to commit countless atrocities, all in the name of his distorted version of peace.
2: Princess Malty Melromarc
“The Rising of the Shield Hero” (2019-)
Malty Melromarc is the epitome of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Behind her charming facade lies a schemer who relishes in making others suffer, especially Naofumi. Her false accusations against him are devastating, not because she needs anything from him, but simply because she enjoys watching him fall.
Malty’s treachery is made all the worse by her status as a princess—she has wealth, power, and privilege, but chooses to ruin Naofumi out of sheer malice. Even after her schemes are exposed, she refuses to change, trying to poison those who gave her a second chance.
1: Shou Tucker
“Fullmetal Alchemist” (2003-04)
Few villains in anime are as universally despised as Shou Tucker. His crimes go beyond mere cruelty—they are an affront to the very idea of humanity. As an alchemist, Tucker uses his own daughter, Nina, and their dog in a horrifying experiment to create a chimera. It’s a moment that haunts viewers long after the episode ends.
Tucker’s lack of remorse makes his actions even more unforgivable. He treats his daughter’s suffering as a necessary step toward scientific progress, showing no empathy for the life he destroyed. The betrayal of his own child is a line that no parent should cross, and it’s what makes Tucker one of the most irredeemable characters in anime history.
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Conclusion
the most hated anime villains leave a profound impact on both characters and viewers, with figures like Rachel from Tower of God and Shou Tucker from Fullmetal Alchemist epitomizing betrayal and moral depravity. These antagonists, including Akainu from One Piece and Frieza from the Dragon Ball franchise, serve as reminders of the darkness that can exist within the anime universe. By examining these villains, AnimeKing highlights their roles as catalysts for character development and emotional resonance, ensuring they remain unforgettable in the world of anime storytelling.