27 Of The Most Likeable Anime Characters I've Ever Seen

How do you define a likeable anime character anyway?

Is it their cheerful personality?
How nice, calm and generous they are?
Do you measure it by character development?
Or how much you can relate to them on a deep level?

I’d say all 4 of those traits, plus more.

Coming up with a list of “likeable” anime characters is obviously subjective. Because everyone’s opinions are different.

But with that said – here’s my list of the best anime characters with likeable personalities.

Most likeable anime characters:

1. Glenn Radars (Rokudenashi)

Glenn Radars is a funny character. He’s smug, but in a sarcastic kind of way. And too laid back to get stressed over the tiniest things.

The type of guy most people would get irritated by, because of his tendency to antagonise or dismiss things.

I’m a like Glenn in this way, but more than that he has good qualities for an anime protagonist, without being too repetitive.

2. Yuuki Konno (Sword Art Online)

Yuuki Konno is likeable for different reasons than most characters. At least for me.

She’s suffering, and has suffered since birth because she’s born with a life threatening disease that’s killing her. The kind of disease that would push you to give up on life and more importantly, yourself.

But not Yuuki Konno.

She’s strong.
She’s a warrior at heart.
She doesn’t quit.
And she does whatever it takes to do everything she wants to do, to avoid regrets.
And she doesn’t quit on the thought of being happy.

That’s what’s likable about Yuuki Konno.

3. Sae (Twin Star Exorcist)

Sae is the cutest little sister you’ve never had. Or the cutest kid you’ve never met.

You could say almost all anime kids are like that. And even likeable in most cases. But really that’s just not true.

Sae’s intellect is surprising, with an optimism so high you’re put at ease just by being in her company.

4. Goku (DBZ)

The Goku I’m talking about is from the dubbed version of the Dragon Ball series. I’ve heard Goku is different otherwise.

Goku’s simplistic, pure of heart, never hesitates and has enough optimism to inspire anyone around him.

And let’s not forget about his insane work ethic. It’s no wonder people around the world are inspired by DBZ so much.

5. All Might (My Hero Academia)

Admit it – if you’ve watched My Hero Academia, it’s hard not to love All Might’s shenanigans. And in the dubbed version, he has one of the best voice actors in the business.

All Might has two sides to his character:

The symbol of peace, power and justice.
And the insecure, fragile and fearful version of his superhero persona.

The struggles between these 2 personalities is what makes All Might one of the best characters I’ve seen in years.

6. Kusuo Saiki (The Disastrous Life Of Saiki K)

Kusuo Saiki stepped in the anime industry in 2016. And has made a name for himself since.

This anime series will make you laugh so hard you’ll need to see a doctor by time you’re finished. But besides that, Kusuo’s laid back, introverted and “cool” personality is enough to keep anyone entertained.

He’s so relatable that it’s funny.

7. Bulat (Akame Ga Kill)

Bulat’s the kind of guy who’ll give you a pat on the back when you’re having a sh** day. Because he’s too cheerful.

But how can you hate on a person like that? It’s hard to frown when someone’s genuinely smiling and giving off positive vibes.

8. Natsu Dragneel (Fairy Tail)

One of the most likable anime characters from the Fairy Tail universe.

Cheerful, simple, fun, and won’t stand for your BS If you threaten his family.

It’s no wonder he’s such a popular character among so many fans. He’s easy to understand, and never holds back his personal feelings.

9. Gray Fullbuster (Fairy Tail)

Gray Fullbuster is cool, chilled, laid back and say what’s on his mind if it’s necessary. His personality basically reflects his own ice powers.

If you ask me he’s one of the more underrated characters in Fairy Tail, usually overshadowed by the obvious characters like Erza or Natsu.

10. Tami Nishimikado (Hanayamata)

I don’t think there’s a more serene, pure, thoughtful and calm character in the world of anime.

What’s not likeable about someone like that? It’s part of her charm.

11. Ochako Uraraka (My Hero Academia)

Ochako always has the best intentions when making decisions. And never only thinks of herself or how “she” feels when others are involved.

It’s not so much that she’s selfless, but more that she’s thoughtful, practical and a logical thinker.

And that smile of hers is priceless.

12. Soma Yukihira (Food Wars)

Creative, innovative, strategic and laid back. Soma is one of the most entertaining characters anime has blessed us with. Who’s always willing to do whatever it takes to win.

And even though he’s a protagonist, he’s not as bland or repetitive as most seen in Shounen shows these days.

13. Vegeta (DBZ)

Vegeta is one of my favorite characters for a reason. He’s the “underdog” of the DB series.

Vegeta’s backstory, character development and growth from DBZ to DB Super is the craziest sh** I’ve seen.

People complain about Vegeta being “closed” off, mostly towards Bulma, but clearly they’re missing the point to Vegeta’s character.

And how likeable he is because of his trials, tribulations and personal growth.

14. Kokomi Teruhashi (The Disastrous Life Of Saiki K)

Kokomi’s personality is ridiculous. The kind of girl who appears “perfect” to everyone, because she adapts to fit the situation. Like a chameleon.

Despite this side of her though, she’s a fun, likeable character who’s more entertaining than most female characters from similar anime series (comedy, slice of life).

It’s a good laugh just watching her character throughout Saiki K.

15. Anzu (HInamatsuri)

Anzu’s likeable for deeper reasons than other characters on this list.

She’s put through so much in such a short space of time, like homelessness and being forced to steal to survive.

And just seeing her character develop takes you on an emotional journey sprinkled with some of the biggest life lessons I’ve seen in anime.

She’s more relatable than most characters who tend to be cheerful, energetic and positive.

16. Koko Hekmatyar (Jormungand)

Koko Hekmatyar, to me, is even better than a comparable character like Revy Rebecca from Black Lagoon.

Koko’s a business woman. Maybe that’s what I like most about her.

But really it’s unbelievable amount of grit, determination and how she’s able to “stomach” the ruthlessness of the business she’s in. Which is selling weapons to dirty politicians and warlords.

17. Diablo (How Not To Summon A Demon Lord)

Diablo’s inner-dialogue is hilarious. So if that’s your thing, there’s a lot to be seen in this anime.

His “back and forth” between his introverted personality that he’s hiding, and the extroverted personality he’s forced to act out is one of the most well-done I’ve seen.

He’s a likeable character as far as “Ecchi” series go. Where the MC’s tends to be a little bland.

18. Dutch (Black Lagoon)

Dutch is another business man on this list. And he’s always about his business.

He’s cool, calm and collected, always keeping a level head even when sh** hits the fan.

19. Subaru Natsuki (Re:Zero)

Subaru is another relatable character like Anzu for deeper reasons.

What you get from Subaru is a guy who’s a hardcore gamer, forced into another world where his life is constantly put in danger. Forced to step out his comfort zone and grow as a person.

Just watching his character develop, and the realism of what he’s put through is enough reason to find this guy likeable.

20. Koro Sensei (Assassination Classroom)

Koro Sensei is the best school teacher I never had. Teaching his students based on their skill sets, their strengths, weaknesses, and helping them fill in the gaps.

Compare that to the education system we live in today, which forces everybody to be “equal” when no such thing exists.

What’s not to like about Koro Sensei!

21. Osamu Dazai (Bungou Stray Dogs)

Osamu is weird. I’ll just start there. Watch the 1st episode of Bungou Stray Dogs and you’ll understand within the first 10 minutes.

But for some reason – that’s what makes Osamu so interesting.

He’s not just weird for the sake of it. There’s a meaning to his madness, making him too entertaining to turn away from.

22. Anzu Shiina (Flying Witch)

That’s right, another character named Anzu with blonde hair.

Anzu Shiina is peaceful. And this side of her personality just puts you at ease.

It makes you want to relax, avoid trouble, and enjoy life for what it is.

She’s unique in that way, and so she’s likeable for different reasons than your average anime character.

23. Saber (Fate Stay Night)

The King Of Knights is a proud person, but never too proud to do what needs to be done.

Saber has humility, so nothing is “too” below her standards that she wouldn’t do it out of shame or arrogance.

And besides, who doesn’t love a woman who knows what she wants, and won’t hesitate to tell you?

24. Sousuke Sagara (Full Metal Panic)

Sousuke’s so serious and uptight. It cracks me up. You could literally take him to a comedy concert and he wouldn’t even find the jokes funny.

He’s a child soldier who’s trained for combat after all. So it’s no wonder he’s turned out like that.

But then again, that’s why he’s different. There’s a strong sense of duty and purpose to everything Sousuke stands for.

25. Mochizuki Touya (In Another World With My Smartphone)

Mochizuki Touya’s similar to Gray Fullbuster. Both characters remind you of something who’s cool, laid back and easy going.

The type of character you could chill with and enjoy yourself without feeling uneasy.

26. Kaizaki Arata (ReLife)

Kaizaki goes from being a 27 year old NEET, to a mentor for other characters. And how it all comes together is what makes Kaizaki, and the anime itself worth your time.

You won’t run into anime characters like Kaizaki often. It’s surprising how many people can relate to his circumstances, struggles, and challenges in life.

Not to mention his outlook and personal view of the world.

27. Mugen (Samurai Champloo)

If you thought a character like Bakugou Katsuki was bad, just wait till you meet Mugen from Samurai Champloo.

Mugen is one of the most delinquent, gangster-like characters with a bad attitude and little respect for most people.

At least that’s how it looks on the outside.

But in fact – that’s why he’s likeable. Because he’s straightforward, can smell pretentious B.S from a mile away, and won’t hesitate to go after what he wants.

Mugen’s flaws are why he’s a likable character.