10 anime shows where the hero is the villain

Anime has captivated audiences worldwide by exploring diverse themes and storytelling styles. While most anime focus on protagonists who are virtuous and benevolent, some series feature main characters who are far from heroic. Here are some notable anime where the main character is a villain:

1. Code Geass

Image Courtesy: Code Geass Official Website

Lelouch Lamperouge, an exiled Britannian prince, blames his father for his mother's death, which traumatized his sister. After gaining the power of Geass to control minds, he becomes Zero, leading Japan's resistance against the Britannian Empire. Lelouch's motives are noble, but his methods are ruthless.

2. Death Note

Image Courtesy: IMDb

"Death Note" is perhaps the most famous anime with a villainous protagonist. Light Yagami, a high school student, finds a notebook that allows him to kill anyone whose name he writes in it. Initially targeting criminals, Light's sense of justice quickly corrupts, leading him to kill innocents to protect himself.

3. Black Lagoon

Image Courtesy: Black Lagoon Official Website

Set in a city rife with crime syndicates, "Black Lagoon" follows the Lagoon Company, a group of pirate mercenaries. The characters, though sometimes doing good, are inherently criminal, each displaying varying degrees of villainy throughout the series.

4. 91 Days

Image Courtesy: IMDb

In "91 Days," Angelo Lagusa seeks vengeance against the Vanetti family, who murdered his family. His single-minded pursuit of revenge makes him a villain, as he is willing to kill anyone connected to his family's death.

5. Saga of Tanya the Evil

Image Courtesy: Saga of Tanya the Evil Official x account

Tanya von Degurechaff is a ruthless military officer reborn in a child's body in an alternate Europe. Despite her young age, Tanya exhibits a lack of morality, driven by a desire for an easy life and a natural death.

6. Terror in Resonance

Image Courtesy: Terror in Resonance Official x account

This anime follows Nine and Twelve, two teenagers who form the terrorist group Sphinx. Their goal is to acquire a nuclear weapon to avenge the experimentation and death of gifted children, including themselves, by the government.

7. Lupin the Third

Image Courtesy: Lupin the Third Official x account

Lupin, a master thief, leads a gang pursued by Inspector Zenigata. While often villainous, Lupin occasionally plays the anti-hero by taking down worse criminals.

8. Overlord

Image Courtesy: Overlord Official x account

Set in a video game world, "Overlord" follows Momonga, who gains immense power and loses his moral compass. His actions grow increasingly villainous as he seeks to understand his situation.

9. Elfen Lied

Image Courtesy: IMDb

Lucy, a Diclonius with deadly abilities, is driven by trauma from government torture. Her violent actions are fueled by pain and a desire for freedom.

10. Hellsing Ultimate

Image Courtesy: IMDb

Alucard, a powerful vampire, serves as the Hellsing Organization's weapon against supernatural threats. He is an anti-hero, mercilessly eliminating enemies to protect England and the world.



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