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10 Anime Characters Fans Love to Hate: The Most Polarizing Figures in Anime History

Writer's picture: Villeage GamingVilleage Gaming

Anime thrives on complex characters who evoke strong emotions from viewers. Some inspire admiration, others love, but a select few earn a special place in fans' hearts—for being utterly despised. These polarizing anime characters fans love to hate often play pivotal roles in their stories, yet their actions, personalities, or the way they’re written leave audiences fuming. Whether through betrayals, selfishness, or questionable choices, here are 10 anime characters fans love to hate.

Shou Tucker image

1. Shou Tucker (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)

Few anime characters have incited as much disgust as Shou Tucker. In a horrifying bid for scientific recognition, he experiments on his own daughter and their family dog, fusing them into a tragic chimera. This single act of cruelty cements Tucker as one of the most reviled figures in anime history.

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2. Sakura Haruno (Naruto)

Despite her potential, Sakura’s early obsession with Sasuke and dismissive treatment of Naruto drew sharp criticism from fans. While she matures into a strong ninja later in the series, her early selfishness and perceived lack of contribution overshadowed her growth for many viewers.

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3. Mineta Minoru (My Hero Academia)

Mineta’s lecherous behavior toward his female classmates is a constant source of irritation. While intended as comedic relief, his antics often miss the mark, leaving fans frustrated by his creepy personality and overshadowing his rare moments of courage.


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4. Danzo Shimura (Naruto)

Power-hungry and manipulative, Danzo is behind some of the most devastating betrayals in the Naruto universe, including the massacre of the Uchiha Clan. His actions embody corruption, making him one of the series' most universally hated characters.

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5. Makoto Itou (School Days)

Makoto starts as a seemingly ordinary high schooler but quickly descends into manipulative and selfish behavior, emotionally abusing the women around him. His choices spark catastrophic consequences, cementing his place as one of anime’s most detested protagonists.

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6. Gabi Braun (Attack on Titan)

Gabi’s introduction left fans fuming, especially after her involvement in a major tragedy early on. Her blind loyalty and arrogance initially made her a target of disdain, though her later development softened opinions for some.

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7. Seryu Ubiquitous (Akame ga Kill!)

Seryu’s twisted sense of justice, unhinged behavior, and enjoyment of violence make her a standout antagonist in Akame ga Kill!. Her fanatical devotion to her beliefs turns her into a symbol of self-righteous cruelty, earning her widespread hate.

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8. Nina Einstein (Code Geass)

Nina’s xenophobia, obsessive behavior, and erratic decisions alienate her from viewers. Her fixation on Euphemia and her increasingly destructive actions only deepen fans' disdain for her as the series progresses.

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9. Shinji Ikari (Neon Genesis Evangelion)

Shinji is one of anime’s most divisive protagonists. While his internal struggles resonate with some, others find his indecisiveness and self-pity exhausting. His inability to rise to the occasion when needed makes him a frustrating figure for many viewers.

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10. Subaru Natsuki (Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World)

As the protagonist of Re:Zero, Subaru’s repeated failures and bouts of self-pity frustrate fans who expect more from him. His impulsiveness and obsessive pursuit of Emilia alienate some viewers, despite the series' exploration of his growth.


Honorable Mentions

  • Rachel (Tower of God): Her betrayal of Bam left viewers outraged.

  • Mello (Death Note): His reckless ambition paled in comparison to Light and Near.

Why These Characters Stay in Our Minds


Not every character needs to be loved to leave an impact. These polarizing figures prove that love and hate often go hand in hand when it comes to unforgettable storytelling. They challenge

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