Top 10 Anime Series Where the Protagonist Acts Like A Villain
In the captivating world of anime, not every main character wears the armor of righteousness. Sometimes, they surprise us by embodying the role of the villain, blurring the boundaries between good and evil.
This unexpected twist adds depth to their character and creates intriguing storylines. It also gives the author a chance to highlight the supporting characters.
Here are the top 10 anime where the main character surprisingly exhibits villainous tendencies.
10. The Saga of Tanya The Evil
“The Saga of Tanya the Evil” follows a protagonist who was a salaryman in his previous life and gets reincarnated as a little girl. Although not a villain in the series, the protagonist’s behavior is antagonistic.
Tanya fights against the main antagonist, “Being X,” throughout the series by using any means she considers necessary. This series takes an ordinary salaryman who is reborn on another planet as a young girl during World War I, where magic exists.
Tanya, often referred to as “The Devil of the Rhine” due to her cold personality, rises through the military ranks to build the most powerful empire in history.
9. Black Lagoon
“Black Lagoon” takes an interesting approach to its protagonist, who gradually appears more as an antagonist as the series unfolds.
After being kidnapped by a pirate company, the protagonist witnesses the dark side of the world and becomes familiar with it. This compels him to embrace his dark side, sometimes betraying his comrades, which may seem criminal.
The story revolves around Rokuro Okajima, an ordinary salaryman who gets involved in the seedy underbelly after being abducted by the Lagoon Company, a mercenary organization.
As “Rock,” he joins forces with the rugged Revy, Dutch, and Benny in the lawless city of Roanapur, a haven for misfits and outlaws. Together, they engage in dangerous operations, smuggling, and conflicts while navigating morally ambiguous and violent waters.
8. Overlord
“Overlord” features a protagonist who reincarnates as a skeleton in another world and becomes the ruler through sheer power. The protagonist, Ainz, rules over the world with his army of monsters and beasts.
Like an antagonist, Ainz shows no mercy to his enemies. The series follows the story of Suzuki Satoru, a young man bored with life who spends most of his time playing the game “YGGDRASIL.”
One day, Satoru becomes trapped in the game’s universe, along with the NPCs that have come to life. In this strange new world, Ainz, the powerful wizard and head of an evil guild, battles against the human species while searching for his comrades.
7. Psycho-Pass
“Psycho-Pass” follows a group of protagonists, one of whom, Makishima Shogo, not only is a main character but also serves as the primary villain in the series.
Makishima opposes the “Psycho-Pass” social system known as the Sibyl System. He manipulates people into believing that the system is evil, causing uproar. This creates obstacles for the other protagonist, Akane, making Makishima a potential antagonist in the series.
The story is set in a future society where the Sibyl System, a government-run system, monitors and regulates people’s mental health and behavior. Akane Tsunemori, a recent recruit in the Criminal Investigation Division of the Public Safety Bureau, investigates crimes committed by individuals with high “Crime Coefficients.”
As Akane delves deeper into the cases, she begins to question the morality and effectiveness of the system, leading her on a journey of self-discovery and rebellion.
6. 91 Days
“91 Days” is an underrated anime series that features a captivating protagonist, Angelo Lagusa. Although he is not the main antagonist, his quest for revenge leads him to embody antagonistic traits.
Angelo witnesses the Mafia murder his family, instilling a deep desire for vengeance within him. Throughout the series, his actions and methods resemble those of an antagonist, much like the characters in “Attack on Titan.”
The story follows Avilio Bruno (Angelo), a young man seeking revenge against the Mafia organization responsible for his family’s murder. Avilio returns to the town of Lawless, Illinois, and infiltrates the Vanetti family, whose boss was involved in the crime.
As Avilio gains the trust of the Vanetti family, he meticulously plots his revenge. But as the plan unfolds, he discovers that there is more to the story than he initially thought. Will Angelo be able to achieve his long-awaited revenge?
5. Hellsing Ultimate
In “Hellsing Ultimate,” the protagonist, Alucard, carries out his duties as a vampire hunter by any means necessary, often resorting to antagonistic methods.
Although not the main antagonist of the series, Alucard’s demeanor and behavior exude villainous vibes. This series offers a blend of horror and action that can be enjoyed by a wide audience.
The tale revolves around the Hellsing organization, led by the powerful vampire Integra Hellsing and her vampire subordinate Alucard. Together, they defend England against paranormal threats such as rogue vampires and Nazi experiments.
Engaging in combat with formidable enemies, including the Millennium organization, a group of Nazi vampires seeking global domination, with the help of skilled sniper Seras Victoria and other members of the Hellsing organization.
4. Death Note
“Death Note” is a classic anime series with an antagonistic protagonist. The main character, Light Yagami, can be considered the story’s villain.
The story follows high school student Light Yagami, who stumbles upon a notebook called the “Death Note.” Anyone whose name is written there will die, and Light starts using it to eliminate criminals he deems unworthy of living. However, his actions attract the attention of a detective called “L,” leading to a battle of wits between the two.
3. Code Geass
“Code Geass” is an anime series primarily known for its protagonist, Lelouch Lamperouge.
Lelouch crafts a strategy of sacrificing himself for the sake of his loved ones, which places him in an antagonistic position. Throughout the series, he goes against the innocent to create a better world.
The story is set in a universe where the Holy Britannian Empire holds dominion. Lelouch Lamperouge, a former prince who possesses the power of Geass, which allows him to manipulate people’s thoughts, takes center stage.
Adopting the persona of “Zero,” Lelouch organizes an uprising against Britannia utilizing his newfound abilities. As he navigates political intrigue, military conflicts, and personal relationships, Lelouch strives to create a world of peace for his sister Nunnally.
2. Terror In Resonance
“Terror in Resonance” follows two teenage protagonists, Nine (Arata Kokonoe) and Twelve (Toji Hisami). Despite their desire to destroy Tokyo, they are portrayed as the story’s protagonists.
To avoid spoilers, it’s best for you to discover why these antagonists are also the main characters of the series.
The story revolves around two enigmatic adolescents named Nine and Twelve, known as Sphinx. They orchestrate a series of intricate bombings throughout the city, using their genius intellect and dark past as weapons.
After each explosion, they provide authorities with riddles, challenging them to uncover their true motives. Shibazaki, a determined investigator, gradually unravels a more complex truth behind the bombings, setting the stage for a thrilling cat-and-mouse game filled with secrets, moral dilemmas, and a race against time.
1. Attack on Titan
“Attack on Titan” is a masterpiece by Hajime Isayama that popularized the theme of an antagonistic protagonist worldwide. Eren Yeager was named the “antagonist of the year” in the Crunchyroll Anime Awards.
The final part of the final season will be aired in two parts, and there have been surprising announcements regarding the manga series of Attack on Titan.
The story is set in a world where humans are trapped within walls to protect themselves from gigantic creatures known as Titans. When a colossal Titan larger than any seen before breaches the walls, a young boy named Eren Yeager resolves to eradicate these monsters by joining the Survey Corps.
However, as time passes, mysteries start to unravel, and Eren’s quest becomes more complicated. Will he be able to succeed in his mission to eliminate these creatures?
What are your thoughts on this list? We, at Fecomic, would love to hear your opinions.
