The world ofanimeis filled with epic heroes who fight against all odds to protect what they believe in andamazing openingsthat take you to the edge of your sit. However, not all heroes stay true to their cause, and some end up turning to the dark side.
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These once noble characters fall from grace, their intentions twisted by darkness and despair. We’ll take a look at the best anime characters who turned evil and explore the reasons behind their descent into darkness.
10Light Yagami (Death Note)
Light Yagami is a fictional character from the popular manga and anime series,Death Note. He was once a brilliant and gifted student with a strong sense of justice. However, his fate changed inthe first episodewhen he stumbled upon a mysterious supernatural notebook called the Death Note, which had the power to kill anyone whose name was written in it. At first, Light was hesitant to use the Death Note, but as he began to understand its true power, he became consumed by his own sense of righteousness and superiority.
Light’s desire for justice soon turned into an obsession, and he began to see himself as a god who could decide the fate of the world. He started to kill anyone who opposed him or stood in the way of his ultimate goal of creating a perfect world free from crime and evil.
9Sasuke Uchiha (Naruto)
Sasuke Uchiha is a character from the popular anime and manga series,Naruto. He was once a loyal member of the Leaf Village and a close friend of Naruto. However, his life took a dark turn when his family was murdered by his own brother, Itachi Uchiha. This event triggered Sasuke’s overwhelming desire for revenge, which became his sole purpose in life.
Sasuke turned his back on his friends and allies, seeking out the guidance of Orochimaru, a powerful villain who promised to help him become stronger and achieve his goal of avenging his family. He triesto defeat Narutoconstantly during the series.
8Griffith (Berserk)
Griffith fromBerserkwas once the leader of the Band of the Hawk, a group of mercenaries who fought for the greater good. However, his obsession with power and control led him to make a terrible sacrifice.
To achieve his dream of becoming a king, Griffith sacrificed his own men to become a powerful demon, becoming the very thing he once fought against. Griffith is one of the most controversial characters in the manga, and one of the reasons why Berserk isconsidered a masterpiece.
7Kaname Kuran (Vampire Knight)
Kaname’s transformation from a sympathetic hero to a ruthless villain is rooted in his tragic backstory. As a child, he witnessed the massacre of his family at the hands of humans and was saved by a pureblood vampire, who turned him into a vampire. At first, Kaname appears to be working towards this goal, acting as a guardian and protector for the students of Cross Academy, where vampires and humans attend classes together.
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One critical factor contributing to Kaname’s descent into darkness is his love for the series' protagonist, Yuki Cross. As the series progresses, Yuki begins to develop feelings for another character, a vampire named Zero Kiryu. This causes Kaname to become jealous and possessive, and he starts to manipulate events to try and keep Yuki by his side. Kaname’s actions become increasingly manipulative and morally questionable. He begins to show a willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals, including hurting and manipulating those around him.
6Eren Yeager (Attack On Titan)
Eren Yeager is central in the popular anime and manga seriesAttack on Titan. He starts as a determined and brave protagonist driven by a fierce desire to protect his friends and loved ones. However, as the story progresses, Eren’s character undergoes a dramatic shift, and he eventually becomesone of the series' main antagonists.
Eren’s transformation into a more ruthless and calculating character can be traced back to several key events in the story. One of the most significant is the revelation that Eren can transform into a Titan, a giant humanoid creature with incredible strength and regenerative abilities. Eren’s transformation into a more sinister and villainous character is also driven by his growing frustration with the world around him.
5Itachi Uchiha (Naruto)
Itachi Uchiha was once a member of the Leaf Village and a respected member of the Uchiha clan. However, after learning of a plot by his own people to rebel against the village, Itachi made a terrible decision.
He killed his entire clan, including his own family, to prevent a war. Itachi became a rogue ninja, working behind the scenes to protect his village at any cost. He’s considered one of thestrongest charactersin the show.
4Homura Akemi (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)
Homura Akemi was once a pathetic and weak-minded girl, clinging to her so-called “friends” like a desperate fool. But, after witnessing the true nature of the magical girl world, she realized the pathetic nature of their existence and sought to use them for her benefit.
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Driven by her selfish desires, She became a cold and calculating warrior, willing to do whatever it took to keep her friends safe. Homura became consumed by the darkness within her soul, using any means necessary to protect her precious “friends” from their inevitable doom. She revels in the suffering of others and takes pleasure in manipulating the minds of those around her, all in the name of her twisted sense of protection.
3Kirei Kotomine (Fate/Zero)
Kirei Kotomine was a revered member of the church, and his guidance was sought by many. He was particularly fond of the young mage Kiritsugu Emiya, whom he took under his wing and mentored. Kirei was a kind and gentle teacher, always patient and understanding with his pupil.
However, tragedy struck when Kirei’s wife passed away. The loss was devastating, and it shook Kirei to his very core. Suddenly, the things he had once believed in no longer held the same meaning for him, and he began to question his purpose in life. Kirei found himself drawn to a darker path in his search for answers. He became a ruthless killer, working alongside the villainous Gilgamesh to bring chaos to the world. Although his actions were misguided, Kirei believed he was doing what was necessary to find his place in the world.
2Ryo Asuka (Devilman Crybaby)
Ryo Asuka was once a close friend of Akira Fudo and a fellow student at their high school. However, as the events of Devilman Crybaby unfold, it becomes clear that Ryo has a much more complex agenda than just being a friend to Akira.
Ryo is revealed to be a fallen angel who seeks to destroy humanity and remake the world in his own image. He manipulates Akira into becoming a Devilman, a powerful hybrid of demon and human, and uses him as a weapon in his quest for destruction.
1Vegeta (Dragon Ball Z)
Vegeta starts offDragon Ball Zas a ruthless and arrogant prince of the Saiyan race. He is obsessed with power and conquering planets and sees himself as the strongest fighter in the universe. When he first arrives at Earth,he fights against Goku and the earth Fighters, but over time, he begins to see the value of friendship and working together to protect the planet.
Vegeta’s turn to the dark side during the Majin Buu arc was a significant moment in the anime. After working to form bonds with the other characters and becoming more of a team player, it seemed like Vegeta was well on the path to redemption. However, he became increasingly jealous of Goku’s strength and saw him as a rival to be defeated at all costs. He gave in to his dark urges and allowed himself to be controlled by the evil influence of Babidi and his puppet, the dreaded Majin Buu.
