Animehas a unique way of creating and developing characters, making them more dramatic to fit in with the creative environment of the medium. Riveting figures are at the center stage of every show, whether character-focused stories likeNeon Genesis Evangelionor plot-centric stories likeSteins;Gate. However, anime has had no problem creating some of the best morally grey characters.
Morally grey characters and anti-heroes often fall within the same category: they aren’t entirely good or bad, meaning they could aim for justice but get it through extreme means. These complex figures are some of the most interesting characters in any series, ripe with philosophical debate and plain epicness.This list will rank the ten best morally grey charactersbased on fan opinion, quality of their writing, and importance to the story.
10Rudeus Greyrat
‘Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation’ (2021)
Perhaps one of the more unexpected picks on this list, Rudeus Greyrat is a controversial character in a polarizing anime.Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnationis an isekai where a loser gets a new chance at life in a fantasy world. Rudeus uses his previous knowledge to fast-track success but can’t escape his mortal desires easily. Rudeus is the story’s protagonist who slowly develops,shedding some of his grey morals.
Unlike many of the characters on this list, Rudeus is morally grey because of his previous attitude and personality. While he generally wants to do good things,his last life was depressing and hateful, prompting him to do unsavory things in the anime. Rudeus does grow, but his grey morals present themself through uncomfortable means.Mushoku Tenseiis a phenomenal fantasy animeaiming to redeem Rudeus over a long time.
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
9Sakazuki (Akainu)
‘One Piece’ (1999)
If fans thought the previous entry was controversial, they will be even more upset by this placement. Even though he is technically a morally grey character, Sakazuki is also the main antagonist inOne Pieceand the current fleet admiral who has a strong sense of justice that will kill anyone to achieve peace. The anime follows Luffy and his crew as they venture out to find the elusive titular treasure.
While most morally grey characters are anti-heroes or protagonists, Akainu isa straight-up villainand one of themost hated characters inOne Piece. However, his goal is peace, but the means are too extreme, resulting in him killing countless innocents. Fans could argue that he is a morally black character, and his ideals have shifted. Still, Akainu does technically want the betterment of society, even ifhis beliefs to achieve that make him morally grey.
8Kiritsugu Emiya
‘Fate/Zero’ (2011)
There are many protagonists inFate/Zero, all of them equally important and badass, but Kiritsugu Emiya distinguishes himself asan anti-hero with a flexible moral compass. The anime follows different clans using their historical familiars to fight a war for the Holy Grail, which will grant the winner a wish. One of the families hired Emiya to work for them, making him Saber’s master, and his goal is to eradicate anyone who is a threat.
Emiya is one of the most fascinating characters in anime and the best part ofFate/Zero. He is a fan-favorite because of his complex background. While he is a badass anti-hero who smokes and shoots guns on the outside, he is a tragic character who believesall he needs to do to achieve world peace is kill those who threaten it, creating ananime with epic actionand complex morally grey characters.
‘Hellsing’ (2001)
Vampires are surprisingly prevalent in anime, and the genre’s most iconic series isHellsing, which follows the titular group as they exterminate any dark creatures that threaten humanity. However, their greatest weapon is Alucard, a vampire who fights his kind for unknown reasons, brutally slaughtering anything against the company.
Hellsingis a gruesome anime that features some of the most intense action and gore sequences, and Alucard delivers most of them. He is one of thestrongest protagonists in anime, and there is no doubt in fans' minds as to whyhe is the ultimate weapon. As a vampire,his means of killing are horrific, but he fights against the evilest creatures imaginable, making him a standout morally grey character.
Hellsing Ultimate
6Sasuke Uchiha
‘Naruto’ (2002)
Sasuke Uchiha is a tricky character whochanges between a villain and an anti-herowith grey and black morals. He is the deuteragonist ofNaruto, one of the greatest anime series ever, and an integral aspect that drives the story forward. While the titular character dreams of becoming Hokage in the ninja world, he spends most of his time searching for Sasuke, who left the village to gain the strength he needs to kill his brother.
Sasuke’s drive for revenge defined his character for most of the show, giving him the grey morals that put him on this list. He doesn’t rank higher despite being one of the best anime characters of all time because others signify what it is to be morally grey better. Still, Sasuke is a highlight of the series and arguably the bestcharacter with the most growth inNarutobecause of his grey morals.
5Spike Spiegel
‘Cowboy Bebop’ (1998)
Set in 2071, the story finds humanity at the farthest edge of the galaxy, building an interconnected society across the solar system. However, crime knows no bounds, prompting Spike Spiegel and his crew to hunt down criminals and other threats as bounty hunters.Cowboy Bebopfollows Spike, who must battle against constant threats while struggling with a dark past that he must face before it swallows him up.
There isn’t a right and wrong for Spikedespite dispatching horrible criminals. It is all a job to him, but that doesn’t mean he is evil since he helps better the world while using his distinct methods, leaning into hisquestionable morals.Cowboy Bebopis an essential anime, and Spike perfectly embodies the series to deliver a tale about crime and what it takes to eliminate it, even if it means stepping into the dark side.
Cowboy Bebop
‘Black Lagoon’ (2006)
Black Lagoonis an action anime that follows the Lagoon Company, a group of bandits trying to make a living. One day, they kidnap employees from a company, but after the manager refuses to pay the ransom, one of the workers begs to join. Now, he must adjust to this violent setting and make himself useful, slowly gaining confidence while also trying to maintain his humanity.
Revy is the female protagonist, a gunslinger with a rough attitude and exterior. While fans maydebate whether she is a villain or an anti-hero, her morals are definitely grey, as the show portrays her as a badass fighter who will kill for money but also does good things.Her good deeds come at the cost of questionable means, making her a badass and essential morally grey character ina perfect action anime.
‘Death Parade’ (2015)
Death Paradeis an underrated death game anime with every episode following a new plotline. At the Quindecim bar, the staff judge contestants through a set of games, seeing who is worthy of going to heaven and who will go to hell. Decim is one of two protagonists and the bartender who sets up the games, meaning he must judge the players with absolutely no bias.
Death Paradeis a fascinating anime because of its philosophical debate through the use of games and how people show their genuine emotions. But Decim is the star of the show, needing grey morals so that he can rightfully judge who deserves to go where.Death Paradeis easily bingeable, with every episode changing Decim and having him question the system. Either way,his loose morals play an integral partin his journey and the overall story.
Death Parade
‘Berserk’ (1997)
Image via OLM Team Iguchi
One of the most critically acclaimed manga isBerserk, which has produced multiple anime series, with the 1997 one being the only decent adaptation. The anime follows Guts on a quest for revenge after his best friend betrays him.In this dark fantasy world, Guts' brand attracts demons who are constantly trying to kill him, turning him into a ruthless character who slowly grows through the important people in his life.
The world ofBerserkis dark and gruesome,darkening every character’s morals. The overly violent surroundings and Guts' past make him a changing figure who needs to fight and kill to survive. The Eclipsedarkened his morals, which slowly brightened throughout the series. His motivations switch between revenge and saving Casca, highlighting hisprofound and complex moralsand cementing him as an all-time great morally ambiguous character.
1Lelouch Lamperouge
‘Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion’ (2006)
Finally, earning the top spot is one of the most iconic protagonists and anime characters: Lelouch Lamperouge fromCode Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion. In an alternate reality, the Britannia Empire is in control over Japan. After Lelouch gains a mysterious power, he uses it to lead a revolution, freeing Japan while also aiming for selfish goals in thisclassic anime series.
There are many great morally grey anime figures, but none is more iconic than Lelouch,a brilliantly written character who is also a fan favorite. A leader cannot be suitable to spearhead a revolution without a degree of ruthlessness, soLelouch embodies both good and badto take down the tyrannical empire. His methods are devious, and he has selfish goals, but Lelouch does everything for the greater good, making hima legendary morally grey character.
