The Official 8 Best-Written Anime Heroes of the ’90s, Ranked

For Western audiences, the popular characters from the 1990s are the building blocks of what makes a hero in storytelling. While being iconic doesn’t always mean a character is well-developed, that was often the case during this period – the most memorable heroes were usually also the best written.

I still think about the amazing anime heroes from the 90s all the time! Seriously, they’re some of the best characters ever created. Whether it was action-packed Shonen, sweet Shojo, mature Seinens, or giant robot shows, these protagonists were just so well-developed. You really felt like you were growing with them, and it made the whole experience incredibly rewarding.

Killua Zoldyck Makes a Strong First Impression in the Early Episodes of Hunter X Hunter

Though Hunter x Hunter technically started airing in 1999, it’s undeniably a well-written anime. While Gon Freecss is a strong main character, the 2011 version explores the darker, more complex sides of the characters in a way the original 1999 series doesn’t. The original adaptation also gives Killua, the show’s second lead, more opportunities to showcase his personality, depth, and growth, based on Yoshihiro Togashi’s manga.

Killua’s journey is about a former child assassin who just wants to be a normal kid, and he gets to live that dream through his wonderful friendship with Gon. It’s incredibly satisfying to watch him break free from his controlling and abusive family, and his playful, confident personality is always funny. The bond between Killua and Gon is one of the most well-written and heartwarming relationships in anime.

Lain Iwakura Serves as a Fascinating Lens to Watch Serial Experiments Lain Through

Though Serial Experiments Lain focuses more on ideas than characters, Lain Iwakura is still a memorable protagonist. At the start of the anime, she’s a typical, somewhat shy and awkward girl, and the story follows her journey as she explores the Wired—a virtual world—and uncovers surprising truths about herself.

Throughout most of the series, Lain stands out as an unusual anime lead – she feels both relatable and incredibly fascinating. Unlike many other female characters in anime, she’s truly one of a kind, and that’s what keeps you hooked as her life, and the world around her, undergoes strange and unsettling transformations.

Asuka Langley Soryu is the Real Star of Neon Genesis Evangelion

Shinji Ikari is a complex and often controversial character in Neon Genesis Evangelion, but his dynamic with Asuka Langley Soryu is essential to the story. Though Asuka shares Shinji’s inner turmoil and struggles with trauma, she possesses a vibrancy and energy that he lacks. Many fans feel the series truly comes into its own when Asuka is introduced, as she adds a much-needed spark despite her own flaws and difficulties.

Asuka comes across as spoiled, conceited, and quick to anger, but this is a defense mechanism stemming from her insecurity and a very difficult relationship with her mother, which tragically culminates in End of Evangelion. Her connection with Shinji is complicated and fraught with issues, mirroring their individual struggles. However, the rare moments when they simply act like normal children offer a glimmer of hope and prevent Neon Genesis Evangelion from becoming overwhelmingly depressing.

Guts is One of the Greatest Dark Fantasy Heroes of All Time in Berserk

If Berserk had continued beyond its single season, Guts had the potential to become one of the most well-developed protagonists of the 1990s. Kentaro Miura’s Berserk manga is considered a masterpiece, and although the anime adaptation was excellent, it wasn’t enough to establish Guts as a top-tier hero alongside the decade’s most iconic characters.

Guts is remarkably resilient, calm, and courageous, traits developed from his harsh childhood as a mercenary. While this upbringing made him strong, it also left him isolated and troubled. This complex background is what makes his relationship with Griffith so compelling – arguably the most intricate of the 1990s – and their devastating falling out ultimately drives the unforgettable, tragic events at the heart of Berserk.

Spike Spiegel in Cowboy Bebop is an Anti-Hero You Can’t Help But Love

Spike Spiegel from Cowboy Bebop is one of the most captivating protagonists ever created. Right from the first episode, this cool, complex anti-hero instantly draws you in. He keeps you hooked with his wit, his mysterious nature, and his reckless disregard for his own safety.

Spike is a captivating character – his charisma jumps off the screen, and his lines are consistently clever. The connections he shares with the Bebop crew are genuinely heartwarming. Learning more about his past with Vicious and Julia in each episode makes him even more compelling, and his story’s poignant conclusion feels completely satisfying.

Yusuke Urameshi in Yu Yu Hakusho is One of the Best Shonen Protagonists Ever

Okay, look, everyone loves Goku, and he is a huge part of what made the ’90s so great for anime. But honestly? I think Yusuke Urameshi from Yu Yu Hakusho is just a better-written character. Watching his journey over the four main arcs is incredible. He starts as this rebellious kid with no direction, and slowly transforms into a really thoughtful, powerful protector of not just our world, but three worlds! He builds this amazing found family, and really finds his purpose. What I love is that it all feels earned and natural – you genuinely see him grow with every challenge.

Even as Yusuke grows stronger, he always keeps his signature sharp wit and attitude, which is what truly makes him different from other heroes in Shonen anime. His connections with other characters are also exceptional, including his close friendships with Botan and his teammates, his training relationship with Genkai, and his romantic connection with Keiko – all considered some of the best in the genre.

Usagi Tsukino Became an Icon For a Reason in Sailor Moon

Usagi Tsukino, the iconic magical girl and star of Sailor Moon, is truly deserving of all the acclaim she receives. Some viewers unfairly criticize her early portrayal as a bit of a crybaby, but this is actually a crucial element of what makes her character so compelling. It’s from this starting point that her growth and transformation become so powerful and meaningful.

I absolutely adore Usagi! She’s just the sweetest, most caring person you could imagine, and everything she does is focused on making the people she loves happy. Plus, she’s totally into all things traditionally ‘girly,’ and honestly, that’s awesome! But don’t let that sweetness fool you – she represents a really powerful, gentle strength that’s so inspiring. It’s incredibly satisfying to see her become strong enough to defeat any typical male action hero! And it’s not just her power that grows, either. Watching her develop as a person, learning to be a better friend and leader, is just amazing. Seriously, the Usagi we see at the end of the story is a completely different person than she was in the beginning – in the best way possible!

Utena Tenjou in Revolutionary Girl Utena is the Most Complex Heroine of the ’90s

Considered by many to be the best anime of the 1990s, Revolutionary Girl Utena features a remarkably well-developed protagonist in Utena Tenjou. Utena is a tomboyish girl who wants to be a heroic prince, just like the one who inspired her as a child. She’s known for her kindness and strong morals, but also for being a bit impulsive and naive. This combination of positive traits and flaws makes her a lovable character and creates a compelling, complicated relationship with Anthy Himemiya.

Utena consistently shines as a protagonist, effortlessly carrying both the comedic and dramatic moments of her show. She brilliantly contrasts with the many wounded and vulnerable characters in Revolutionary Girl Utena. Watching her succeed in the first two story arcs is incredibly rewarding, making her later downfall – manipulated by Akio and betraying Anthy’s trust – genuinely heartbreaking. However, this painful turn is crucial to what is widely considered one of the most well-developed romances in anime.

2026-02-05 05:40