When you think of iconic anime villains, names like Frieza, Madara Uchiha, or Dio Brando likely come to mind.
These antagonists have cemented their legacy in anime history through their overwhelming power, complex plans, and commanding charisma.
But what about the villains who don’t get the same level of attention yet possess equally intricate depth and influence?
Today, we’re highlighting some of anime’s most underrated villains.
These characters may not top popularity polls, but through their motivations, layered personalities, and lasting impact on their stories, they deserve recognition.
1. Kureo Mado (Tokyo Ghoul)
Kureo Mado, a senior investigator at the CCG (Commission of Counter Ghoul), is as unsettling as he is tragic.
Who is Kureo Mado?
Mado is a middle-aged ghoul investigator with an obsessive passion for creating quinques (weapons made from ghoul body parts).
His eccentricities, such as his wild eyes and twisted excitement over “hunting” ghouls, make him appear unhinged at first glance.
Why is He Complex?
Beneath his grotesque behavior lies an underlying tragedy. Mado’s hatred of ghouls stems from the murder of his wife, an event that irreparably shattered his worldview.
His obsession with eradicating ghouls is fueled not only by a sense of duty but also by deeply personal pain.
This pursuit of revenge leads to his detached and morally dubious choices.
Why He Deserves Recognition
Mado is a haunting reflection of how grief and loss can distort even the noblest of intentions.
His death not only impacts the show’s narrative but also catalyzes profound character growth in his partner, Amon, ensuring his presence is felt long after his demise.
2. Ragyo Kiryuin (Kill la Kill)
Ragyo Kiryuin from Kill la Kill is a vision of villainy wrapped in dazzling aesthetics and unrelenting cruelty.
Who is Ragyo Kiryuin?
Ragyo is the tyrannical matriarch of the Kiryuin family and the CEO of Revocs Corporation.
She aims to enslave humanity through life fibers, alien threads infused into clothing that ultimately consume their hosts.
Why is She Complex?
Ragyo’s villainy extends beyond world domination.
Her treatment of her daughters, Satsuki and Ryuko, involves manipulations so emotionally charged they border on psychological horror.
While her power and grandeur make her a classic villain, her abuse of familial bonds adds an additional chilling layer to her already menacing persona.
Why She Deserves Recognition
Ragyo’s combination of sophistication, charisma, and disturbing malice places her in a league of her own.
Her narrative serves as a harrowing examination of power, control, and betrayal, showcasing her as one of anime’s most multifaceted villains.
3. Seijuro Hiko (Rurouni Kenshin)
Seijuro Hiko, though not a primary antagonist, offers an unconventional portrayal of conflict and morality.
Who is Seijuro Hiko?
The master of Kenshin’s Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu swordsmanship style, Hiko is a physically imposing figure brimming with arrogance and wit.
However, he lives in isolation, detached from the world’s conflicts.
Why is He Complex?
Hiko critiques the idealism Kenshin clings to, believing it leads to unnecessary suffering.
His refusal to fight in the revolution stems from a pragmatic realization that violence often perpetuates the very pain it aims to end.
Unlike many villains, Hiko’s philosophy is rooted in wisdom rather than malice, making him an intellectually challenging character.
Why He Deserves Recognition
Hiko’s nuanced stance on non-intervention pushes viewers to question the lines dividing heroism and passivity, offering a fresh take on moral conflicts within Rurouni Kenshin.
4. Bondrewd (Made in Abyss)
Bondrewd, the Lord of Dawn, is one of the most morally ambiguous and chilling villains in anime.
Who is Bondrewd?
A researcher and White Whistle Delver, Bondrewd’s obsession with the Abyss leads him to conduct horrifying experiments, particularly on children, to explore its mysteries.
Why is He Complex?
Bondrewd’s polite and almost fatherly demeanor stands in stark contrast to his unimaginable cruelty.
His willingness to sacrifice even those closest to him for the “greater good” exposes the dark side of scientific and philosophical ambition.
What makes him compelling is that, despite his gruesome methods, his motivations are not rooted in evil for evil’s sake but rather a twisted vision of progress.
Why He Deserves Recognition
Bondrewd’s actions force viewers to confront uncomfortable questions about morality, ethics, and the price of progress.
Few villains can enthrall and repulse in equal measure like he does.
5. Isabella (The Promised Neverland)
Isabella from The Promised Neverland embodies the duality of villain and victim.
Who is Isabella?
At Grace Field House, Isabella is the caretaker for orphans whom she raises lovingly, or so it seems.
It’s soon revealed that she sends these children to demons as food under the guise of adoption.
Why is She Complex?
Isabella’s motivations are eventually shaped by her own painful past as a child trapped in the same system.
Her decision to comply stems from self-preservation and a twisted sense of maternal care, where she comforts children even as she ensures their demise.
Her dual role as nurturer and dealer of death creates one of the most emotionally poignant villains in anime.
Why She Deserves Recognition
Isabella is proof that villains are not always born but created. Her tragic backstory and conflicted choices add layers of depth to her character, leaving viewers wondering whether to hate or pity her.
Reflections on Underrated Villains
The world of anime is filled with unforgettable antagonists, but true storytelling brilliance lies in the nuanced, less-heralded characters like Mado, Ragyo, Hiko, Bondrewd, and Isabella.
They remind us that villains do not need to wield universe-ending power to leave a significant impact.
These underrated individuals elevate their stories, challenging our understanding of morality, purpose, and the intricate dynamics between heroes and antagonists.
They show us that the richness of anime lies not in black-and-white narratives but in the gray complexities of human and inhuman nature.
Who are your favorite underrated anime villains?
Share your thoughts—we’d love to keep the discussion alive!
