Top 10 Most Powerful Anime Characters of All Time

Get your scouters ready. Join WatchMojo as we count down our "Top 10 Most Powerful Anime Characters of All Time."

For this list, we’re ranking characters from anime series, both heroes and villains, and basing our list not only their physical strength, but overall power and capability. We’re looking at how interesting they are, how well they use their powers, and how badass they can be in a fight. Because there is such a huge amount of variation in anime, we are also taking into consideration how powerful the characters are within their respective universes. As usual, one per franchise, and anime feature films are out, as that is a list for another day.

#10: Kenshiro 'Fist of the North Star' (1986)

There's little this man can say that he can't already say with his fist. Becoming a master of the Hokuto Shin-ken style has put Kenshiro into a league of his own, allowing him to use trigger points that make his enemies explode. Mastery of the martial arts has also given rise to Kenshiro's true Ki potential, elevating his mind, body, and spirit to superhuman levels. With this, the apocalyptic justice warrior can not only move at lightning speeds, but resist heavy amounts of physical trauma, and even project energy waves. Stay the hell out of his way.

Being a vampire can be tough, especially when there's not a single living thing that can rival your power. Through his vampiric existence, Alucard has been imbued with immortality, a masterful fighting capability, as well as a host of other various supernatural abilities. Having lived for nearly six centuries, the Hellsing Organization's most powerful weapon very rarely faces a worthy foe. Because of this, Alucard almost always has to hold back, and limit himself to using only a fraction of his power during confrontations.

With literally hundreds of pirates duking it out for the top spot, it’s ironic that probably the most powerful one among them isn’t out to prove a thing. Shanks leads the brave Red Hair Pirates and his actions and fame are the main inspiration for series protagonist Monkey D. Luffy. There's few in the world that could attest to the pirate's true potential, as some of the most feared captains and admirals in the world dare not face him in direct combat. Shanks only appears at number 8 on our list because much of his power is still a mystery, but when the infamous Blackbeard himself declines a fight, you know there is a lot more to this red-head than meets the eye.

A blow from this Gourmet Hunter is sure to be quite memorable. Having trained under the Gourmet God and successfully becoming the President of the International Gourmet Organization, Ichiryuu's name has become known far and wide. Despite his declining age, the seasoned veteran is still widely considered one of the strongest men in the world, and his training of the Four Heavenly Kings are a tribute to that. Ichiryuu's numerous victories against Top Gourmet Corp. fighters and Gourmet World beasts pales in comparison to his many superhuman feats, such as skipping on water, or even flying.

#6: Dr. Jackal 'GetBackers' (2003-04)

Having a natural talent for killing might make you formidable, but the good Doctor Jackal’s enthusiasm for it makes him invincible. He is employed as a Transporter, and let's just say business is really good. Unconcerned with money he obtains from his jobs, the former surgeon is strictly interested in testing the true levels of his power on the most fitting opponents. His weapon of choice are scalpels in which he materializes from his own blood. He holds 108 within his body infused with titanium alloy and diamond, making them susceptible to cut through nearly anything.

#5: Father 'Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood' (2009-10)

On the quest for knowledge, one eventually must confront the Truth. Through the power of a Philosopher Stone, the once cunning dwarf in a flask transformed himself into the world's first Homunculus, however it wouldn't be until Father amassed the “power of God” that he'd become the omnipotent figure we all love to hate. In his quest to become the perfect being, Father acquired the ability to not only negate another's alchemy, but manipulate energy and matter. His influence would also soon be able to spread beyond that of himself, as he could create other powerful Homunculi to fulfill his bidding.

You may know your opponent, but this villain knows the outcome of the battle before it even begins. The former Soul Society Captain's abilities are largely attributed to his extensive intellect and his ability to completely understand and "know" his enemies. On top of all that, Aizen is a highly adept swordsman, as well as a massively accomplished Kido user, having only been matched by Ichigo Kurosaki in his ultimate form. Possibly Aizen's most devastating skill is his Zanpakuto's special ability, which puts opponents under full hypnosis, causing them to lose control of their surrounding, and thus, the battle.

#3: Pegasus Seiya 'Saint Seiya' (1986-89)

When it comes to protecting the galaxy, you only enlist the best. Serving under Athena as one of her 88 Saints has granted Seiya access to the power of the cosmos, allowing him to don the Pegasus Cloth. Through the use of this bronze level cloth, the young Saint is bestowed with otherworldly strength and vitality. However, upon leveling into his Gold Cloth, Seiya's power allows him to travel faster than the speed of light, cross other dimensions, and rival the power of the gods themselves. Talk about overpowered.

This enigmatic fighter has rightfully earned his superhero name “One Punch Man,” as none can withstand a single blow from his fist. With close to no effort, Saitama can disintegrate his foes with mere punches, leap into the depths of space, and move fast enough to cast afterimages. Yet due to the hero's lackadaisical demeanor, this is hardly a testament of his true potential, and there is still much untapped potential to be found within One Punch-Man. Until that day however, Saitama will have to settle for number 2, as there is one last anime superhero we need to talk about…

Before we unveil our pick for the most powerful anime character of all time, here are a few honorable mentions:

• Kami Tenchi Tenchi Muyo! Ryo-Ohki (1992-2005)
• Meruem Hunter X Hunter (2011-13)
• Yusuke Urameshi Yu Yu Hakusho (1992-95)
• Xellos Slayers series (1995-2009)

When it comes to the fate of the universe, there is no other man we'd put our money on. While Goku has recently played second string to higher beings such as Beerus and Whis, his unwavering tenacity gives him unlimited potential. Even when he does get taken down, our favourite Saiyan never fails to come back stronger than ever. Through his genuine love of training and pushing his body to new boundaries, Goku has astronomical levels of strength, earning the title of Super Saiyan God, a form, shared by his lifelong rival Vegeta, that had only been referenced in legends.

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