10 Anime Where the Main Character is a Villain defeating Heroes

 

Anime has long been known for its powerful protagonists, but what about those characters who choose the darker path? Whether they’re villainous masterminds or antiheroes who get their hands dirty, these characters often offer some of the most exciting and intense storylines. In this post, we’ll explore the top 10 anime where the main character is a badass villain, ruthlessly taking down heroes in epic battles. Spoilers ahead!

10 Anime Where the Main Character is a Villain

Position	Anime
10.	Angels of Death
9.	Talentless Nana
8.	Aldnoah.Zero
7.	Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead
6.	Michiko and Hatchin
5.	Gangsta
4.	Darker Than Black
3.	Terror in Resonance
2.	Great Pretender
1.	Monster

10. Angels of Death

This series starts with a mysterious scenario. A girl wakes up with no memory in a creepy, abandoned building. After a brief encounter with a bandaged man wielding a scythe, she realizes she’s not just in a typical horror movie – she’s in a life-or-death game. As she teams up with the scythe-wielding man, they navigate the twisted maze they’re trapped in, facing killers and cruel surprises along the way. The main character might look innocent, but don’t be fooled—she’s as deadly as they come.

9. Talentless Nana

This anime takes the "murder mystery" genre and blends it with superhuman abilities. The main character, Nana, is sent to a school for "talented" students—those with dangerous powers. However, Nana’s mission is far from friendly. As an undercover assassin, she’s tasked with taking down her fellow students one by one. But things get complicated when she faces off against a detective-like character who regenerates, making him a tough opponent. Will Nana succeed in her deadly mission or be stopped?

8. Aldnoah.Zero

While not a typical villain-focused anime, Aldnoah.Zero features the terrifyingly efficient Verse Empire. This powerful Martian empire, equipped with advanced technology, wages war on Earth, overwhelming the Terrans with their superior Gundams. The main character, Inaho, is forced to outsmart these powerful forces in a battle of wits, with Earth’s survival at stake. The level of planning and ruthlessness from the Verse Empire sets the stage for intense, high-stakes battles.

7. Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead

In Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, the protagonist’s life takes an unexpected turn when he’s infected by a zombifying virus. This transformation gives him monstrous abilities, but also the risk of turning into stone or being killed by his new powers. Despite this, he uses his newfound strength to battle foes and take on dangerous enemies, all while searching for a cure to his condition. His journey is filled with intense battles and grim decisions, making him a formidable character.

6. Michiko and Hatchin

This series features Michiko, an escaped convict on the run from the law, as she searches for her lost lover and daughter. Set in a lawless South American world, Michiko’s adventures put her in the middle of gang wars and dangerous criminals. The protagonist’s unpredictable actions and brutal decisions make her one of the most unforgettable badass villains on this list. Her story is full of chaos and violence as she fights for her goals, regardless of the consequences.

5. Gangsta

In Gangsta, the gritty underworld of mafia life is brought to life. Nicholas, a superhuman assassin known as a Twilight, works alongside his partner Warwick to carry out deadly missions for the mafia. Although they’re on the same side, their enemies show no mercy, making this a brutal and action-packed series. Nicholas' unstoppable nature and relentless pursuit of his goals elevate him to villain status as he takes down everyone in his way.

4. Darker Than Black

Darker Than Black introduces a world where people with powers, known as Contractors, exist. Hei, a Contractor assassin, works for a criminal syndicate using his ability to control electricity. Despite being one of the best at what he does, Hei faces numerous enemies who are just as powerful. His journey involves facing off against both Contractors and normal humans in a relentless battle for survival, all while trying to uncover the secrets of his past.

3. Terror in Resonance

In Terror in Resonance, the line between villain and hero is blurred. The main characters, 9 and 12, are teen geniuses who use bombs to wreak havoc across Tokyo, leaving clues for a detective to follow. As the detective digs deeper, he uncovers a painful past tied to a secret project called Athena. Though they commit terrorist acts, their tragic backstory makes them sympathetic, raising questions about what truly makes someone a villain.

2. Great Pretender

The main character of Great Pretender, Makoto, is a self-proclaimed master con artist. He’s convinced he’s the best scammer in Japan, but when he crosses paths with a fellow con artist, he gets taken for a ride. The show’s brilliance lies in Makoto’s journey, as he seeks revenge against a mafia leader while navigating an ocean of deception, double-crosses, and schemes. Makoto’s cunning and ability to manipulate others make him a powerful, albeit flawed, protagonist.

1. Monster

At number one is Monster, a psychological thriller that centers around Johan Liebert, a man who embodies evil in its purest form. As the title suggests, Johan is truly a monster—a villain so cold-hearted and devoid of empathy that he commits horrific atrocities without a second thought. His crimes are so severe that even the detective hunting him cannot fully understand the depths of his malice. Johan’s sheer evil makes him one of the most chilling villains in anime history, and the series is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the nature of true villainy.

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These anime all feature complex villains whose actions and motivations leave a lasting impact on the story. Whether through ruthless battles or psychological manipulation, these characters redefine what it means to be a villain. Which one will you watch next? Let us know in the comments!