Here is our list of the top 5 best anime villians of all time! Notable Villians not included in the list: Stain – Hero killer from My Hero Academia, and Madara – one of the strongest villains of the Naruto series

5.Light Yagami – Death Note

While Light may not be the evilest anime Villain, he is definitely one of the most interesting. As opposed to an antagonist, the anime community refers to Light rather as an anti-hero, who believes that his way of murdering criminals is the only way to rid the world of evil (even though he is, you know… a delusional serial killer). Light decides to play god after he discovers a notebook known as the ‘death note’ on his school’s grounds. Any person whose name is written in the notebook dies, therefore allowing god-like power to whoever possesses it. While Light has a good vision, his unlawfulness stains his potential to be a positive force in the world.

“This world is rotten, and those who are making it rot deserve to die. Even if it means sacrificing my own mind and soul, it’s worth it.”

4.Sōsuke Aizen – Bleach

Aizen is a selfish, homicidal and reckless yet smart villain who is the main protagonist throughout most of the Bleach series. As the former captain of the 5th Division in the Gotei 13, Aizen turns against Soul Society as a surprise to many. Throughout Bleach Aizen shows his ruthlessness and is one of few anime villains who lack the story of an unfortunate past to account for their foul ways.

“Fear is necessary for evolution. The fear that one could be destroyed at any moment.”

3. Pain – Naruto

Pain is the leader of the Akatsuki, an antagonist who wanted peace for the world, although unfortunately at great costs. He suffered a great loss at a young age, giving him a warped and extreme view (that he demonstrates in the anime) of how to better the world. Pain lost his parents at a young age, as well as his close friend and many Akatsuki members. Through this experience, his vision of ridding the world of pain and suffering becomes a life goal, no matter the cost.

“Sometimes you must hurt in order to know, fall in order to grow, lose in order to gain because life’s greatest lessons are learned through pain.”

2. Frieza – Dragon Ball

Frieza is a living embodiment of sadism, ruthlessness and natural evil who becomes more powerful with every transformation. Frieza is a villain whose back story is elaborately written, with little being left to assumption. He enjoys having others at his mercy, and evidently has the power to wipe out planets filled with inhabitants at his will. The “Frieza saga” highlights Frieza’s immense power and showed a struggling Goku hopelessly attempting to defeat one of the greatest threats that the Z-Universe had ever come across.

”The pain that you have caused me… I will return it ten-fold!”

1. Meruem – Hunter x Hunter

Meruem the leader of the Chimera Ants is the main antagonist of the Chimera Ant Arc. Born to rule over all forms of life, Meruem lacks any conscience and shows great cruelty in his ruling, particularly against humans. He uses those who can benefit him and cares none for those who don’t. To enhance his abilities Meruem devours others with Nen, and so shows virtually no limit to his power. He eventually starts losing his will to kill aimlessly, after he slowly gains humanity.

“Fear and desire hold the power to disrupt one’s rhythm. Desire clouds one’s vision, while fear stills one’s step.”