13 Anime Antagonists Who Eventually Won Fans Over
Villains aren’t always meant to stay the bad guys forever.
Some anime antagonists start off as total enemies, making us want to see them defeated.
But then something amazing happens – their stories unfold, their reasons become clear, and suddenly we’re rooting for them instead!
These 13 characters prove that even the darkest hearts can win over audiences with the right development.
Disclaimer: All selections and descriptions are based on opinion and fan interpretation rather than any objective or absolute measure of character redemption or popularity.
1. Vegeta (Dragon Ball Z)
Starting as a ruthless space warrior, Vegeta wanted nothing more than to destroy Goku and conquer Earth.
His pride was legendary, his cruelty undeniable.
However, watching him slowly transform into a protective father and loyal ally created one of anime’s greatest redemption arcs.
Fans couldn’t help but love his stubborn determination to become stronger while learning what truly matters.
2. Lelouch Lamperouge (Code Geass)
Was Lelouch a villain or a hero?
That question haunted fans throughout the entire series!
He used manipulation, lies, and ruthless tactics to overthrow an empire.
Though his methods were questionable, his ultimate sacrifice for world peace made viewers weep.
His brilliant mind and tragic ending cemented his status as one of anime’s most beloved anti-heroes ever created!
3. Griffith (Berserk)
Griffith committed one of anime’s most unforgivable betrayals, sacrificing his friends for power.
Yet fans remain captivated by his complex character and tragic fall from grace.
Before his transformation, he was charismatic, ambitious, and genuinely inspiring to follow.
His dream and the path he chose spark endless debates among viewers.
Loving and hating Griffith simultaneously is the Berserk fan experience!
4. Itachi Uchiha (Naruto)
Everyone thought Itachi was a monster who murdered his entire clan in cold blood.
The truth?
He sacrificed everything to protect his village and his little brother Sasuke from a terrible fate.
When his real motives were revealed, fans’ hearts shattered into a million pieces.
His selfless love and impossible choices transformed him from hated villain to beloved tragic hero almost overnight!
5. Seto Kaiba (Yu-Gi-Oh!)
Kaiba started as an arrogant, wealthy bully who literally tried to destroy Yugi’s grandpa.
His obsession with defeating Yugi and being the best duelist drove every action.
But his dedication to his little brother Mokuba revealed a protective, caring side.
Fans grew to love his fierce determination and refusal to give up.
His rivalry with Yugi became legendary, making him unforgettable!
6. Gaara (Naruto)
Gaara was a terrifying killing machine who murdered without hesitation or remorse.
His lonely childhood and the demon sealed inside him created a monster.
Naruto’s friendship showed him another path, transforming hatred into protective love.
Watching him become the Kazekage and defend his village brought tears of joy.
His journey from villain to hero is absolutely heartwarming and inspiring!
7. Hisoka Morow (Hunter x Hunter)
Hisoka is a creepy, battle-obsessed magician who fights purely for pleasure.
His unsettling personality should make him completely unlikable.
Instead, fans find his unpredictable nature and twisted charisma absolutely fascinating!
His respect for strong opponents and darkly comedic moments create an oddly entertaining character.
Sometimes the most dangerous villains become the most memorable, and Hisoka proves that perfectly.
8. Zuko (Avatar: The Last Airbender)
Though technically not anime, Zuko’s redemption arc is too perfect to ignore!
He spent seasons hunting the Avatar to restore his honor and father’s approval.
His internal struggle between good and evil made him incredibly relatable.
When he finally joined Team Avatar, fans everywhere celebrated his growth.
9. Light Yagami (Death Note)
Light became a mass murderer who believed he was creating a perfect world.
His god complex and manipulation skills made him genuinely terrifying.
Despite his villainy, fans couldn’t stop rooting for his brilliant plans to succeed.
His cat-and-mouse game with L created one of anime’s most intense rivalries.
10. Madara Uchiha (Naruto Shippuden)
Madara wanted to trap the entire world in an eternal dream.
His plan seemed absolutely insane and villainous.
Yet his backstory showed a man broken by endless war and loss.
His friendship with Hashirama and ultimate betrayal created a tragic tale.
Fans admired his incredible power and understood his twisted desire for peace, even while opposing him!
11. Char Aznable (Mobile Suit Gundam)
Behind his iconic red mask, Char plotted revenge against those who wronged his family.
His mysterious nature and skilled piloting made him legendary.
Fans were drawn to his cool demeanor and complex motivations throughout the series.
His rivalry with Amuro became one of anime’s most famous conflicts.
12. Doflamingo (One Piece)
Doflamingo was a tyrannical warlord who enslaved an entire country.
His crimes were absolutely unforgivable and cruel.
But his tragic childhood as a fallen Celestial Dragon added surprising depth.
His charisma, style, and fascinating powers made him weirdly captivating despite everything.
Fans love to hate him while acknowledging he’s one of One Piece’s most compelling villains!
13. Ainz Ooal Gown (Overlord)
Ainz is literally an undead skeleton ruling through fear and overwhelming power.
He conquers nations and eliminates anyone standing in his way.
Yet his internal monologue reveals a regular guy trapped in an overpowered game character.
His attempts to maintain his cool leader image while panicking inside are hilarious!
