Every anime needs a great villain to make the show memorable. From Frieza in Dragon Ball to Imu in One Piece, these characters challenge the heroes and help shape the story. Their strength, influence, and unique personalities have made them some of the most iconic villains in anime.
However, not every villain is truly evil. Some are driven by tragic pasts, broken dreams, or difficult choices that lead them down the wrong path. Instead of simply being enemies, these characters often earn fans’ sympathy and leave just as strong an impression as the heroes. Their stories make viewers wonder what might have happened if they had been given a different chance in life.
Over the years, fans have imagined many of these villains receiving redemption arcs or choosing a better path. While a few eventually found redemption, many never got that opportunity. Here are 11 anime villains who had everything it took to become unforgettable heroes if fate had been kinder to them.
1. Reiner Braun (Attack on Titan)
Few anime villains have earned as much sympathy as Reiner Braun from Attack on Titan. When the series revealed that Reiner was one of the Warriors responsible for the fall of Wall Maria, it completely changed how fans saw him. Instead of becoming a one-dimensional villain, however, the story showed that he was a child soldier raised in Marley and taught from a young age that his mission was justified. The emotional burden of living a double life eventually shattered his sense of identity and left him consumed by guilt.
Throughout the series, Attack on Titan explores Reiner’s inner struggle in heartbreaking detail. His emotional breakdowns, suicidal thoughts, and constant regret reveal a man deeply affected by the lives he destroyed. His relationships with characters like Falco, Historia, and even Eren highlight that, despite everything, Reiner still wants to protect others and make amends for his past. These moments made many fans hope he would eventually find true redemption.
By the end of the series, Reiner fights alongside his former enemies to stop Eren’s Rumbling and help save humanity. Although he plays a crucial role in the final battle, the story never fully presents him as a traditional hero. Instead, he remains a tragic figure who continues to carry the weight of his past.
Reiner’s story is one of the most emotionally complex in modern anime. Rather than asking whether he can become a hero, the series explores whether someone burdened by guilt and shaped by war can ever truly forgive themselves. That complexity is exactly why many fans still believe Reiner could have become one of anime’s greatest heroes under different circumstances.
2. Zeref Dragneel (Fairy Tail)
At first, Zeref Dragneel appears to be Fairy Tail’s ultimate villain. A legendary black wizard is feared for creating powerful demons that threaten the world. However, as the story unfolds, fans discover a much more tragic truth. Zeref is a grieving older brother who lost Natsu centuries earlier. After trying to bring him back to life, Zeref was cursed with immortality, forcing him to watch countless lives end while he remained unable to die.
Rather than seeking power for its own sake, Zeref spends much of his life searching for a way to end his suffering. His immortality curse causes death wherever he goes, making it impossible for him to live a normal life or protect the people he cares about. Even his love story with Mavis Vermillion ends in heartbreak, adding another layer to his tragic journey.
Despite being feared as one of the strongest mages in history, Zeref’s incredible intelligence and magical talent could have been used to help others if fate had treated him differently. Instead of becoming a legendary villain, he had the potential to be one of the world’s greatest protectors. His actions were driven more by grief, loneliness, and despair than by a desire for conquest.
By the end of Fairy Tail, Zeref sacrifices himself during the final battle, allowing Natsu to continue living. His final moments, shared with Mavis, bring an emotional end to a life filled with pain and regret. Rather than remembering him as a monster, many fans see Zeref as one of anime’s most tragic characters, a man whose life was shaped by loss instead of evil.
If his brother had never died and he had never been cursed with immortality, Zeref could have become one of Fairy Tail’s greatest heroes instead of its most heartbreaking antagonist.
3. Shigaraki Tomura (My Hero Academia)
Tomura Shigaraki is introduced as the main villain of My Hero Academia and the leader of the League of Villains. With his devastating Decay Quirk, he appears to be a ruthless enemy determined to destroy hero society. However, as the series progresses, creator Kohei Horikoshi reveals that Shigaraki’s hatred is rooted in a deeply tragic childhood rather than pure evil.
Born as Tenko Shimura, Shigaraki grew up in an abusive household and accidentally killed his family after his Quirk awakened beyond his control. Left alone and ignored by those around him, he lost all faith in society. Instead of receiving help, he was found by All For One, who manipulated his pain and turned him into the perfect successor for his own plans.
What makes Shigaraki such a compelling villain is that his anger highlights real flaws in the hero system. His story raises questions about whether society truly protects everyone or only those who fit its ideals. While his actions are unforgivable, the series makes it clear that he was shaped by trauma, neglect, and manipulation rather than being born evil.
Throughout the final arc, My Hero Academia offers brief glimpses of the kind-hearted boy Tenko once was. Even as Izuku Midoriya fights to stop him, he also tries to understand the pain that created Shigaraki. Those emotional moments made many fans hope there was still a chance to save him.
Although Shigaraki’s story ends in tragedy, many viewers believe he had the potential to become a hero if someone had reached out to him before All For One did. Under different circumstances, Tenko Shimura could have used his strength to protect others instead of becoming one of the most dangerous villains in My Hero Academia.
4. Meruem (Hunter x Hunter)
Meruem is introduced as the King of the Chimera Ants and one of the most powerful villains in Hunter x Hunter. Created to be the ultimate life form, he begins the story believing that strength alone determines a person’s worth. His cruelty and lack of empathy make him one of the series most terrifying antagonists.
Everything begins to change when he meets Komugi, a blind girl who is the world’s greatest Gungi player. Although Meruem is stronger than anyone he has ever faced, he cannot defeat Komugi at the board game. As they continue playing together, he starts to admire her determination, kindness, and honesty. For the first time, Meruem learns that true strength is not measured by power alone.
Their growing friendship transforms Meruem from a ruthless conqueror into a character capable of compassion and respect. Instead of seeing humans as inferior, he begins to understand their value. This emotional growth is one of the main reasons many fans believe Meruem could have become a true hero if his life had taken a different path.
By the end of the Chimera Ant arc, Meruem chooses to spend his final moments with Komugi instead of seeking revenge or continuing his quest for domination. Their heartbreaking final scene remains one of the most emotional moments in Hunter x Hunter and highlights how much he had changed.
Meruem’s story proves that even someone created to destroy can learn kindness and love. Had he not been born solely to conquer and wage war, many fans believe he could have become one of the greatest protectors in the series. His journey from feared villain to deeply human character is one of the finest examples of character development in anime.
5. Obito Uchiha (Naruto)
Obito Uchiha is one of the most tragic villains in Naruto. Before becoming the masked leader behind many of the series’ biggest conflicts, he was a kind, optimistic young ninja who dreamed of becoming Hokage. He cared deeply about his teammates, and his determination even inspired Kakashi Hatake to become a better person.
Everything changed after Obito was believed to have died during a mission. After surviving, he witnessed the death of Rin, the person he cared about most. Consumed by grief and manipulated by Madara Uchiha, Obito lost faith in the world and embraced the Eye of the Moon Plan, believing that only an illusion could end humanity’s suffering.
One reason fans sympathize with Obito is that his story closely mirrors Naruto Uzumaki’s. Both characters experienced loneliness, pain, and loss. The biggest difference was that Naruto had people like Iruka, Kakashi, and his friends to support him through his darkest moments. Obito never had that same support, making it easier for Madara to manipulate his grief and turn him into a villain.
During the Fourth Shinobi World War, Obito realizes the mistakes he has made and chooses to fight alongside Naruto and the Allied Shinobi Forces. He sacrifices his life to protect Kakashi and Naruto, helping save the world from Madara and Kaguya. His final actions prove that the kind-hearted boy he once was never completely disappeared.
Although Obito found redemption in the end, many fans wish he had been given a second chance to live in the peaceful world he helped create.
6. Askeladd (Vinland Saga)
Askeladd is introduced as the man who kills Thors and becomes the main antagonist of Vinland Saga’s first season. As the leader of a mercenary band, he is clever, ruthless, and always thinking several steps ahead. He also manipulates the young Thorfinn by promising him a chance for revenge, making him one of the series most complex villains.
As the story unfolds, however, Askeladd proves he is far more than a typical antagonist. Beneath his ruthless exterior is a man who deeply cares about his Welsh heritage and dreams of protecting his homeland. He also shows moments of compassion, especially toward Thorfinn, gradually becoming an unlikely mentor despite being responsible for his father’s death. These layers make it clear that Askeladd is driven by duty and survival rather than cruelty.
The biggest turning point comes when Askeladd reveals his true identity as the son of a Welsh noblewoman. He ultimately sacrifices himself by killing King Sweyn to protect both Wales and Prince Canute’s future. His selfless decision changes the course of the story and shows that, despite his violent past, he was willing to give up his own life for a greater cause.
Even after his death, Askeladd’s influence continues to shape Vinland Saga. His final advice encourages Thorfinn to move beyond revenge and search for a better purpose in life, laying the foundation for the series themes of redemption, forgiveness, and peace.
Many fans believe that under different circumstances, Askeladd could have been remembered as a respected king or a legendary leader rather than a feared mercenary.
7. Sukuna (Jujutsu Kaisen)
Ryomen Sukuna is one of the most feared villains in Jujutsu Kaisen. Introduced as the legendary King of Curses sealed inside Yuji Itadori, Sukuna is ruthless, arrogant, and incredibly powerful. Unlike many other anime villains, he rarely shows regret or sympathy, making him one of the most dangerous antagonists.
What makes Sukuna so fascinating is how little the story reveals about his past. Jujutsu Kaisen offers brief glimpses of the Heian Era, suggesting he was once a legendary sorcerer before becoming the feared figure known throughout history. However, the series never fully explains what shaped him or how he became the King of Curses, leaving much of his history open to interpretation.
There are also a few moments that hint at a more complex side to Sukuna. His long-standing relationship with Uraume, who has remained loyal to him for over a thousand years, suggests he was capable of forming meaningful connections. These small details have led many fans to wonder whether there was once more to Sukuna than the merciless villain seen throughout the series.
Unlike characters such as Obito or Meruem, Sukuna never begins a redemption arc. Instead, his appeal comes from the mystery surrounding his past and the unanswered questions about who he once was. Many fans believe that if Jujutsu Kaisen had explored his history in greater depth, it might have revealed a very different side of his character.
8. Itachi Uchiha (Naruto)
Itachi Uchiha is one of the greatest examples of a villain who was never truly evil. For much of Naruto, he is portrayed as a rogue ninja who massacred the Uchiha Clan and left his younger brother, Sasuke, alive. To fans and the characters in the story, Itachi appeared to be a cold-blooded criminal with no remorse.
As the series unfolds, however, the truth completely changes how fans see him. Itachi carried out the Uchiha massacre under orders from the Hidden Leaf’s leadership to prevent a civil war that could have claimed countless lives. Knowing he would be hated forever, he accepted the burden to protect both his village and his younger brother. He sacrificed his reputation, his family, and ultimately his own life for the greater good.
Even after his death, Itachi continued to protect those he cared about. During the Fourth Shinobi World War, he helped stop Kabuto’s Edo Tensei technique and worked alongside Sasuke to save countless lives. Before disappearing, he finally revealed the truth to his brother, allowing Sasuke to understand the painful choice he had made years earlier.
What makes Itachi’s story so heartbreaking is that very few people ever learned the truth. Most of the shinobi world continued to remember him as a traitor, while only a handful of characters knew he had sacrificed everything to keep the Hidden Leaf safe.
Unlike many villains who hoped for redemption, Itachi had been acting as a hero from the very beginning. His story is a powerful reminder that true heroism is not always recognized.
9. Akaza (Demon Slayer)
Akaza is one of the most tragic villains in Demon Slayer. He is first introduced as the Upper Moon Three demon who kills Kyojuro Rengoku, instantly becoming one of the series’ most hated antagonists. Obsessed with strength and battle, Akaza initially appears to be a ruthless demon who enjoys fighting powerful opponents.
However, the Infinity Castle arc reveals the heartbreaking truth about his past. Before becoming a demon, Akaza was Hakuji, a kind young man who devoted his life to caring for his sick father. Later, he found happiness with Koyuki and her father, who treated him like family. Hakuji learned martial arts not to hurt others, but to protect the people he loved from those who threatened them.
His life changed forever when tragedy took everything away. After losing his loved ones, Hakuji fell into despair and was transformed into a demon by Muzan Kibutsuji. As a demon, he lost his memories and humanity, becoming the powerful warrior known as Akaza. The strength he once used to protect others was twisted into a weapon for evil.
During his final battle against Tanjiro Kamado and Giyu Tomioka, Akaza slowly regains memories of his human life. Remembering his father, Koyuki, and the promises he once made, he rejects Muzan’s control and accepts his fate. His emotional final moments are among the most heartbreaking scenes in Demon Slayer.
10. Gin Ichimaru (Bleach)
Gin Ichimaru is one of the most misunderstood characters in Bleach. For most of the series, he appears to be a loyal follower of Sosuke Aizen. His constant smile, mysterious personality, and willingness to carry out Aizen’s orders make him seem like one of the story’s most dangerous villains. Few characters trust him, and fans are given every reason to believe he has fully embraced the dark side.
As the story unfolds, however, Gin’s true intentions are finally revealed. Rather than serving Aizen out of loyalty, he had spent years secretly waiting for the right opportunity to defeat him. Gin’s mission was deeply personal. As a child, he witnessed Aizen harm Rangiku Matsumoto, his closest friend, and vowed to take revenge no matter how long it took. To get close enough to Aizen, Gin sacrificed his reputation and allowed the entire Soul Society to see him as a traitor.
When Gin finally makes his move, he risks everything in an attempt to stop Aizen. Although he comes close, his plan ultimately fails, and he loses his life before he can explain the truth to Rangiku or the people who once fought beside him.
Gin’s story is tragic because he was never driven by greed or a desire for power. Everything he did was meant to protect someone he cared about and stop one of the greatest threats in Bleach. His quiet sacrifice remained hidden from almost everyone, leaving him remembered as a villain instead of the hero he hoped to become.
Many fans believe that if Gin had trusted others or found allies earlier, his story could have ended very differently.
11. Bellamy (One Piece)
Bellamy is introduced in One Piece as an arrogant pirate who believes dreams are meaningless. During the Jaya Arc, he mocks Monkey D. Luffy for believing in the One Piece treasure and ridicules anyone who dares to chase impossible goals. His cruel attitude and willingness to bully others make him seem like nothing more than a minor villain.
Everything begins to change after Luffy defeats him with a single punch. Instead of seeking revenge, Bellamy later experiences Luffy’s kindness firsthand. That moment forces him to question the beliefs he had followed for years and changes the way he sees both Luffy and the world around him.
Bellamy’s biggest turning point comes during the Dressrosa Arc. Even though he remains loyal to Donquixote Doflamingo, he struggles with the conflict between his respect for his captain and his growing admiration for Luffy. When the time comes, Bellamy chooses not to betray Luffy and even risks his own life to help him. His actions show that he has grown far beyond the arrogant pirate fans first met.
What makes Bellamy’s story memorable is that his redemption feels natural. He doesn’t become a perfect hero overnight, but he learns from his mistakes and changes because someone believed in him instead of treating him as a lost cause. That character growth makes him one of the most underrated redemption stories in One Piece.
