Hey, anime fam! 2024 was a wild ride for anime, wasn’t it? From heart-pounding battles to tear-jerking moments, the year gave us characters who stole our hearts and dominated our screens. If you’ve ever wondered who is the most popular anime character in the world or just want to geek out over the best of the best, you’re in the right place. We’ve scoured fan polls, awards, and global trends to bring you the top 10 most popular anime characters in the world in 2024. These are the icons who had us screaming, crying, and cosplaying like there’s no tomorrow. So, grab your favorite anime snack (Pocky, anyone?), and let’s dive into the characters who defined 2024!
What Makes an Anime Character Popular?
Before we jump into the list, let’s talk about what makes a character one of the most popular anime characters in the world. It’s not just about being the protagonist of a hit show, though that helps. Popularity comes from a mix of factors:
- Relatable Stories: Characters who face struggles we can connect with, like overcoming odds or chasing dreams.
- Iconic Designs: Think Gojo’s blindfold or Anya’s pink hair, looks that scream “anime legend.”
- Cultural Impact: Characters who inspire fan art, cosplay, and X posts galore.
- Global Reach: They’ve got to be loved not just in Japan but worldwide, from Brazil to the U.S.
In 2024, anime’s global influence exploded, with streaming platforms like Crunchyroll and fan-driven polls like Japan’s Joysound survey (PR Times) showing us who’s topping the charts. This list blends data from these sources, plus insights from MyAnimeList and the Crunchyroll Anime Awards, to answer the question: who is most popular anime character in the world in 2024? Let’s find out!
1. Sung Jin-woo (Solo Leveling)
Who He Is: Sung Jin-woo is the star of Solo Leveling, a manhwa-turned-anime that took 2024 by storm. Starting as the weakest hunter in a world of monster-slaying pros, he gains a mysterious power that transforms him into a powerhouse.
Why He’s Popular: Jin-woo’s journey from underdog to unstoppable hero is pure adrenaline. His determination, cool-headedness, and jaw-dropping fight scenes make him a fan favorite. His series won Anime of the Year at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards, and Jin-woo himself snagged Best Main Character, cementing his global appeal.
Why Fans Love Him: Fans relate to his grind, working hard to overcome his limitations. His sleek design and epic battles also make him a cosplay and fan art staple. Whether he’s facing a dungeon boss or protecting his allies, Jin-woo’s story is one you can’t look away from.
How to Appreciate Him: Binge Solo Leveling on Crunchyroll for its dark, intense vibe. Pay attention to Jin-woo’s subtle growth, he’s not just about power; he’s about heart.
2. Frieren (Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End)
Who She Is: Frieren, the immortal elf from Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, is a mage who’s lived for centuries. Her story explores life, loss, and the beauty of human connections after her adventuring party defeats the Demon King.
Why She’s Popular: Frieren’s unique perspective, living forever while watching others pass, hits deep. Her calm, reflective nature and stunning magical abilities make her a standout. She topped lists like Sportskeeda’s 2024 rankings, and her series won multiple Crunchyroll awards.
Why Fans Love Her: Fans adore her wisdom and the way she learns to cherish fleeting moments. Her relationships with Fern and her old party members add emotional weight, making her a character you’ll cry for and cheer for.
How to Appreciate Her: Watch Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End on Crunchyroll for its gorgeous animation and heartfelt story. It’s a slow burn that’s worth every second.
3. Satoru Gojo (Jujutsu Kaisen)
Who He Is: Satoru Gojo is the charismatic, blindfold-wearing teacher from Jujutsu Kaisen. He’s the strongest sorcerer alive, with a laid-back attitude and a knack for stealing every scene he’s in.
Why He’s Popular: Gojo topped Japan’s Joysound survey (PR Times) for the second year running, and his global fanbase is massive. His confidence, humor, and protective nature make him a fan favorite, not to mention his meme-worthy moments.
Why Fans Love Him: Gojo’s mix of overpowered skills and genuine care for his students (like Yuji Itadori) makes him irresistible. His mysterious past and epic battles keep fans buzzing on X.
How to Appreciate Him: Dive into Jujutsu Kaisen on Crunchyroll for its dark fantasy and Gojo’s unforgettable presence. His fight scenes are pure hype.
4. Tanjiro Kamado (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba)
Who He Is: Tanjiro is the kind-hearted protagonist of Demon Slayer, fighting to save his demon-turned sister Nezuko and defeat the demons plaguing their world.
Why He’s Popular: Tanjiro’s unwavering kindness and determination make him a global icon. The Hashira Training Arc in 2024 kept Demon Slayer in the spotlight, with Tanjiro’s growth as a warrior shining through. His series is a visual masterpiece, boosting his popularity.
Why Fans Love Him: Fans love Tanjiro’s empathy, he sees the good in everyone, even demons. His iconic checkered haori and Nichirin sword make him a cosplay favorite, and his emotional depth keeps viewers invested.
How to Appreciate Him: Stream Demon Slayer on Crunchyroll or Netflix to witness Tanjiro’s journey. His bond with Nezuko will tug at your heartstrings.
5. Izuku Midoriya (My Hero Academia)
Who He Is: Izuku Midoriya, aka Deku, is the hero-in-training from My Hero Academia. Born quirkless, he inherits the power of One For All and aims to become the world’s greatest hero.
Why He’s Popular: Deku’s underdog story resonates with fans worldwide. His 2024 arc in My Hero Academia showed his growth as a leader, earning him a spot on Sportskeeda’s list. The series’ global popularity keeps him in the spotlight.
Why Fans Love Him: Deku’s selflessness and strategic mind make him a hero you can’t help but root for. His rivalry with Bakugo and his friendships at U.A. High add depth to his character.
How to Appreciate Him: Watch My Hero Academia on Crunchyroll for its action-packed story and Deku’s inspiring journey.
6. Kafka Hibino (Kaiju No 8)
Who He Is: Kafka Hibino is the lead of Kaiju No 8, a 2024 hit where he transforms into a kaiju while chasing his dream to join the Defense Force.
Why He’s Popular: Kafka’s relatable struggle, balancing his human life with his monstrous powers, made him a breakout star. His series was nominated for multiple Crunchyroll awards, and Kafka himself was a Best Main Character nominee.
Why Fans Love Him: Fans connect with Kafka’s determination and his friendships with his team. His unique kaiju design and action-packed battles make him a cosplay and fan art favorite.
How to Appreciate Him: Check out Kaiju No 8 on Crunchyroll for its fresh take on the monster genre. Kafka’s story is both thrilling and heartfelt.
7. Bakugo Katsuki (My Hero Academia)
Who He Is: Bakugo is the explosive, hot-headed hero from My Hero Academia. His rivalry with Deku and his growth into a true hero make him a complex character.
Why He’s Popular: Bakugo ranked high in Japan’s Joysound survey (PR Times) and has a huge global following. His fiery personality and intense battles keep fans hooked.
Why Fans Love Him: Bakugo’s journey from arrogance to self-awareness is compelling. His dedication to becoming the best and his evolving friendship with Deku make him a standout.
How to Appreciate Him: Follow My Hero Academia on Crunchyroll to see Bakugo’s growth. His fight scenes are explosive in every sense.
8. Anya Forger (Spy × Family)
Who She Is: Anya is the telepathic little girl from Spy × Family, adopted by a spy and an assassin. Her antics and heartwarming moments make her a fan favorite.
Why She’s Popular: Anya won the “Must Protect At All Costs” award at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards, and her adorable personality has fans worldwide obsessed. Spy × Family’s global success boosts her popularity.
Why Fans Love Her: Anya’s innocence, her “I want to eat hamburgers” catchphrase, and her telepathic shenanigans are pure joy. Her bond with Loid and Yor is the heart of the series.
How to Appreciate Her: Watch Spy × Family on Crunchyroll for its perfect mix of humor and heart. Anya will have you smiling from ear to ear.
9. Okarun (DAN DA DAN)
Who He Is: Okarun is the high schooler from DAN DA DAN who gets tangled in a world of spirits and curses alongside his friend Momo.
Why He’s Popular: DAN DA DAN was a 2024 sensation, earning 22 Crunchyroll nominations. Okarun’s journey from ordinary teen to supernatural fighter, plus his quirky romance with Momo, made him a Best Main Character nominee.
Why Fans Love Him: Fans love Okarun’s growth, his humor, and the wild energy of DAN DA DAN. His dynamic with Momo and his bravery in facing spirits make him a standout.
How to Appreciate Him: Stream DAN DA DAN on Crunchyroll for its unique blend of comedy, horror, and action. Okarun’s story is a wild ride.
10. Laios (Delicious in Dungeon)
Who He Is: Laios leads an adventuring party in Delicious in Dungeon, exploring dungeons and cooking the monsters they defeat.
Why He’s Popular: Laios’s passion for food and his optimistic leadership made Delicious in Dungeon a 2024 hit, earning 16 Crunchyroll nominations. He was also a Best Main Character nominee.
Why Fans Love Him: Laios’s enthusiasm for culinary adventures and his care for his team are infectious. The series’ unique premise makes him a fresh and lovable protagonist.
How to Appreciate Him: Watch Delicious in Dungeon on Netflix for its mix of adventure and cooking. Laios will make you hungry for more.
How We Picked These Characters
Determining who is the most popular anime character in the world isn’t an exact science, but we leaned on reliable sources:
- Crunchyroll Anime Awards: With 51 million votes worldwide, the 2025 awards (Anime News Network) highlighted characters like Sung Jin-woo and Anya Forger.
- Joysound Survey: Japan’s 2024 poll (PR Times) showed local favorites like Satoru Gojo and Bakugo Katsuki.
- Global Lists: Outlets like Sportskeeda ranked characters like Frieren and Izuku Midoriya based on global appeal.
- Fan Buzz: Platforms like MyAnimeList and X posts reflect ongoing fan love for these characters.
|
Rank |
Character Name |
Anime Title |
Why They’re Popular |
|
1 |
Sung Jin-woo |
Solo Leveling |
Won Best Main Character, Anime of the Year |
|
2 |
Frieren |
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End |
Emotional depth, topped global lists |
|
3 |
Satoru Gojo |
Jujutsu Kaisen |
Topped Japan’s charts, global meme icon |
|
4 |
Tanjiro Kamado |
Demon Slayer |
Kindness, iconic design, 2024 arc |
|
5 |
Izuku Midoriya |
My Hero Academia |
Inspiring hero, global series popularity |
|
6 |
Kafka Hibino |
Kaiju No 8 |
Relatable lead, breakout 2024 series |
|
7 |
Bakugo Katsuki |
My Hero Academia |
Fiery growth, high Japan ranking |
|
8 |
Anya Forger |
Spy × Family |
Adorable, won fan-favorite award |
|
9 |
Okarun |
DAN DA DAN |
Quirky hero, 2024 hit series |
|
10 |
Laios |
Delicious in Dungeon |
Unique premise, culinary charm |
These characters aren’t just popular, they’re shaping anime culture. They inspire cosplay at conventions, fan art on X, and heated debates about the most popular anime characters in the world. Whether it’s Sung Jin-woo’s epic battles, Frieren’s quiet wisdom, or Anya’s wholesome chaos, they’ve left a mark on 2024. Their stories remind us why we love anime: it’s about connection, growth, and a little bit of magic.
Wrapping It Up
The most popular anime characters in the world in 2024 are a diverse bunch, from action heroes to adorable kids. They’ve captured our hearts with their stories, designs, and sheer charisma. As anime continues to grow globally, these characters are proof of its power to bring people together. Want to keep up with the latest anime trends and character rankings? Check out Shinime.blog for more news, analyses, and fan discussions. Keep watching, keep loving, and let’s see who tops the list in 2025!