Anime characters, like real people, are complex and multi-dimensional. While some characters become instant fan favorites, others may receive undue criticism or even outright hatred. These overhated anime characters are often misunderstood by the viewers even though they have much more to offer than meets the eye.

Nonetheless, these characters undergo significant development and it’s important to appreciate the nuances and growth of these characters rather than dismissing them outright. In this article, we’ll explore a selection of anime characters who have been unfairly overhated. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

10. Mai Zenin – Jujutsu Kaisen

The colorful cast of Jujutsu Kaisen doesn’t get that much hate as compared to other fandoms but the scenario is completely opposite when the subject in question is, Maki Zenin. She can be annoying at times, but the ill-found hate Mai gets seems irrelevant.

People hate her for being weak and envious of Maki’s prowess but they overlook Mai’s inferiority complex that gives a solid basis to her actions. Her rivalry with Maki is very much realistic like how even real-life siblings have and her backstory indeed justifies it.

9. Akaza – Demon Slayer

As an anime-only, Demon Slayer fans would wonder what Akaza is doing in the overhated anime characters list because for them his place is in hell. To be fair, they have a valid point and Akaza’s brutal death will be well justified following his role in executing the beloved Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku.

But from the perspective of a manga reader, the case might not be the same. There’s no denying that Akaza is rude but his backstory gives an edge to his character and once the Infinity Fortress arc drops, Akaza’s attempt at redemption will allow viewers to reevaluate the merits of his personality.

8. Yamcha – Dragon Ball

Dragon Ball’s supposed mortal warrior, Yamcha is subjected to too much criticism and is treated as a fun character whose sole existence is for comic relief. Since his defeat at the hands of Saibamen, people have made fun of him and his abilities as a Saiyan.

But sometimes it feels like he’s getting too much of it considering a lot of other characters from the series have also been part of the meme culture. Nonetheless, Yamcha is pretty cool, especially in the original Dragon Ball series, and while most of it is banter, he doesn’t deserve the hate.

7. Gabi Braun – Attack On Titan

Gabi’s overall character and resolving personality give a glimpse of Eren’s childhood which is why as an Attack On Titan fan it comes as a surprise that how can someone hate such a well-written character who’s the exact parallel version of Eren and in fact even better.

The achievements Gabi has at such a young age are really commendable and as much as someone wants to condemn her don’t forget she’s only 12 years old and was practically brainwashed into hating Paradis. At the end of the day, Gabi did what she thought was right, and hating her means hating Eren as well.

6. Takemichi Hanagaki – Tokyo Revengers

As far as the list of weakest main characters in anime goes, Takemichi sits atop as he certainly doesn’t act the way a protagonist is expected and neither does he feel like one. But, does it make him worse? Absolutely not, as he’s the kind of hero with whom it’s easy to relate.

While he isn’t like the stereotypical protagonist and is dumb and a crybaby, still Takemichi pushes through even when he’s scared and doesn’t give up easily. Even if he doesn’t have any fighting skills, he knows he is the only one who can change the future and keeps going no matter what.

5. Kirito – Sword Art Online

Sword Art Online played a significant role in influencing the fantasy isekai anime trope in the last decade however, it put Kirito in a state where he became the object of collective resentment and arguably the most overhated anime characters on the screen.

He doesn’t really stand out in personality and is initially criticised for being a “one-dimensional” character which is not true as throughout the series, Kirito has developed as a person making himself a competent isekai hero by the end. Also, SAO fans stop calling him “Black Swordsman”, the monicker belongs to Guts alone.

4. Sakura Haruno – Naruto

Sakura is inarguably one of the most misinterpreted and overhated anime characters besides Boruto. A large section of the Naruto fanbase who call her worthless is heavily biased against her. Her execution is rather disappointing in a handful of arcs, but in Shippuden, she shows growth.

The unnecessary hate for Sakura also arises due to her incompetent nature but one should remember that a medic ninja isn’t allowed to engage in battles and is supposed to be protected. Healing might be an inferior ability, but it was Sakura who saved Naruto from dying still she barely got the appreciation.

3. Near – Death Note

Near or N in short takes over the case of Kira after his predecessor L’s tragic death and makes good progress as well, eventually ending the unending loop of killings. Despite all that, he’s despised for being L’s substitute which shows the narrow-minded thinking of certain fans.

After all, Near was essentially groomed to be like L and was meant to be his successor, so it’s quite obvious that he shares his thinking style and high intellect. L was still the better detective than him no doubt, but Near is a worthy successor and should be treasured as he is what remains of L’s legacy.

2. Boruto Uzumaki – Boruto

Boruto Uzumaki’s only mistake is that he’s the son of the legendary Hokage, Naruto. Being the heir to one of the greatest shonen heroes really burdened Boruto not just with great responsibilities but also constant mockery which sometimes just goes too far considering he’s still too young.

Although Boruto takes it too far at times, especially during the beginning of the series, it still doesn’t change the fact that he’s mostly hated for irrelevant and dumb reasons. People hate to admit that he’s a prodigy who’s bound to surpass even his dad.

1. Shinji Ikari – Neon Genesis Evangelion

“Get in the robot Shinji” – this meme from one of the worst anime dads directed towards his amateur son doesn’t get old. It’s not that Shinji doesn’t deserve to be a laughing stock, but a large amount of criticism is lazily stated and ignores the factors that led to his ineptitude.

Shinji is a mentally ill 14-year-old with fatherly issues who’s all of a sudden forced to fight in a high-stakes war he doesn’t understand. For a guy in his initial years of puberty facing extreme mental breakdowns, it seems biased to hate him ignoring the reality that people his age usually act the same way.

Which one of the following overhated anime characters is your favorite? Feel free to comment down your thoughts and make sure to recommend some other characters like the ones listed above, also don’t forget to share this article with your fellow otaku friends.

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