Top 10 Underrated Villains in Anime

Anime is known for its larger-than-life heroes and villains who often make an unforgettable impression. While many villains like Naruto's Orochimaru or Dragon Ball Z’s Frieza are famous for their villainy, there are many underrated antagonists who don't get enough attention despite their depth and impact. Here’s a list of 10 underrated anime villains who deserve more recognition.

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1. Zeref (Fairy Tail)

Anime: Fairy Tail
Zeref is one of the most complex villains in Fairy Tail. Although his motives might seem typical of a villain (seeking destruction), his tragic backstory, cursed immortality, and emotional struggles make him an antagonist with depth. Zeref's complicated relationship with Natsu and his tragic end make him one of the most underrated villains in the shounen genre.

2. Johan Liebert (Monster)

Anime: Monster
Johan Liebert is a chilling character who doesn’t rely on physical strength or flashy powers. Instead, his genius intellect and ability to manipulate those around him make him terrifying. Monster is a psychological thriller where Johan’s dark past and the horrifying consequences of his actions provide a deep exploration of human nature.

3. Esdeath (Akame ga Kill!)

Anime: Akame ga Kill!
Esdeath is a beautiful and terrifying general in the Empire who rules with a cruel, sadistic demeanor. She’s not just about brute force; her manipulative nature and complex backstory make her an incredibly compelling villain. Though she’s known in anime circles, Esdeath is still somewhat underrated compared to other iconic anime antagonists.

4. Hidan (Naruto Shippuden)

Anime: Naruto Shippuden
Hidan is one of the members of the Akatsuki and one of the most dangerous due to his immortality and twisted mindset. His obsession with pain and sacrifice, coupled with his unique ability to inflict damage by performing rituals, makes him a fascinating villain. Hidan often gets overshadowed by other members of the Akatsuki but is still one of the most unique and frightening.

5. Frou Frou (Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion)

Anime: Code Geass
While Code Geass is known for its larger antagonists, Frou Frou is one of the overlooked villains. She works behind the scenes manipulating key players. Frou Frou’s quiet influence and subversive methods contribute to the chaos that surrounds Lelouch’s life, though she’s often overshadowed by the more well-known characters.

6. Mugen (Samurai Champloo)

Anime: Samurai Champloo
Though Mugen is actually a protagonist in Samurai Champloo, he is occasionally viewed as an anti-hero whose rebellious nature and willingness to fight for personal gain sometimes put him at odds with others. His chaotic, unpredictable personality makes him a wild card and adds a villainous edge to his character that’s not fully recognized in traditional hero terms.

7. Aizen Sosuke (Bleach)

Anime: Bleach
Although Aizen might not technically be “underrated” in terms of being famous, his brilliance and manipulation tactics are often overlooked. His complex strategies, his hidden plans, and the way he manipulates other characters make him one of the most intelligent and patient villains in anime. His calm demeanor, combined with his ultimate goals, make him stand out from typical antagonists.

8. Shogo Makishima (Psycho-Pass)

Anime: Psycho-Pass
Shogo Makishima is a deeply philosophical villain who rejects the established order of society. In Psycho-Pass, he is more than just a traditional villain: he challenges the concepts of justice, morality, and human emotion. His manipulative intellect and his desire to create chaos to reveal the flaws in society make him an underrated villain in a series that deals with tough ethical questions.

9. King (One Punch Man)

Anime: One Punch Man
King isn’t the typical villain in One Punch Man, and in fact, he isn’t a villain at all. But his identity as "The Strongest Man on Earth" is a deception, and his exaggerated persona and internal struggle with fear and incompetence make him a fascinating and tragic character. Though he is not truly evil, his role in the story subverts expectations of what a "villain" can be.

10. Gaku Yashiro (The Perfect Insider)

Anime: The Perfect Insider
Gaku Yashiro is a lesser-known antagonist from The Perfect Insider, and his calm, calculated personality hides a deeply disturbing nature. His philosophical outlook on life and his ability to carry out intricate plans make him a unique and chilling antagonist. The way his character unfolds throughout the series makes him an underrated villain that deserves more recognition.

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Conclusion

These underrated villains showcase the diversity and depth of anime antagonists. They may not always be in the spotlight like other famous villains, but their actions and backstories make them stand out in their respective series. If you enjoy villains that aren’t just evil for the sake of being evil, give these characters a watch—they may surprise you with how compelling they are.