As well as being hugely popular with young kids, Astro Boy is an important show for the themes it often tackles. The character of Astro Boy often confronts heavy themes about death, society, and human nature, guiding viewers through the issues with relative ease and without throwing it in your face. 

14. Erza Scarlet – Fairy Tales

Octavia Scarlett/YouTube

A fan favorite, Ezra Scarlet is an S-Class swordswoman of the wizard guild known as Fairy Tail. Not only is she a great fighter, but Scarlet is the guild’s most powerful female wizard. Despite a rough upbringing – Scarlet was enslaved at the Tower of Heaven at age 11 – she is possessed with confidence, charisma, and unbelievable strength.

Easily recognizable due to her red hair, Scarlet is an iconic anime character who continues to grow and learn through each season of Fairy Tales. She goes on many adventures with her fellow guild members and becomes rather close to them all. 

13. Saitama – One-Punch Man

Blue Flash/YouTube

Saitama is the most powerful man in the universe. Known as the One-Punch Man (because he can defeat his enemies with one punch), Saitama helps others out as a hobby. Soon growing bored of this, he joins the Hero Association and tries to put his powers to good use.

What makes Saitama such a great character is his jaded view of things. As he is almost indestructible, he finds everyday life mundane and is on a quest to find a strong opponent to test him and make him feel alive again. He’s also a decent bloke who is just trying his best to survive in a crazy world. 

12. Ken Kaneki – Tokyo Ghoul

The Amagi/YouTube

Looking like something from your nightmares, Ken Kaneki is another iconic anime character who has made his mark. While he doesn’t consider himself the protagonist of any great novel, Kaneki is the driving force behind Toyko Ghoul. When a one-eyed ghoul is transported into his body, Kaneki finds himself with duel personalities and caught up in a war between humans and ghouls.