From Yagami Light To Gasai Yuno: Here Are Our Top 10 Psychopath Anime Characters

From egocentric maniacs to mass murderers, here are our top ten picks for psychopath anime characters.

By Sneha Sam

Updated on May 14, 2024 | 11:09 PM IST | 338.5K

Future Diary [Sakae Esuno, Asread, Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu]

In this Article

But first, what makes a psychopath?
10. Yagami Light – Death Note
9. Seryu Ubiquitous – Akame Ga Kill!
8. Illumi Zoldyck – Hunter x Hunter
7. Petelgeuse Romanée-Conti – Re:Zero series
6. Gasai Yuno – Future Diary

In certain anime, psychotic characters can serve as the main allure, captivating many viewers with their intimidating presence and leaving the audience uneasy. From mass murderers to suicidal maniacs, these characters from popular series like Death Note, Monster, and others have garnered enormous followings since their releases. Some of them that are not included in this list are Gluttony, Hisoka, Lucy (Elfen Lied), Doflamingo, Orochimaru, and Frieza.

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Akame Ga Kill [Takahiro, WHITE FOX, Hulu, Crunchyroll]

But first, what makes a psychopath?

Psychopathic anime characters possess a distinct set of traits that set them apart in the realm of storytelling. Their lack of empathy is striking, as they demonstrate a profound inability to understand or share the emotions of others, showing no remorse for their actions.

Manipulative and deceitful, they wield charm and intelligence to influence those around them for their own gain. Often exhibiting violent tendencies or a fascination with the macabre, they act impulsively, without regard for consequences, making their actions highly unpredictable. With an egocentric and grandiose worldview, they see themselves as superior beings, consumed by their own desires and needs.

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For those wanting to delve into the enigmatic charm and chaotic nature of psychopath anime characters, here are our top ten anime characters with a madness and unpredictable allure that will keep you engaged.

10. Yagami Light – Death Note

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Death Note [Tsugumi Ohba, Takeshi Obata, Madhouse, Netflix, Crunchyroll, Hulu]

Light Yagami from Death Note is what one would call a psychopath with genius intellect. Initially driven by a noble goal of justice, Light descends into madness upon acquiring the Death Note, wielding its power to enact his skewed vision of righteousness. His actions, justified by a God complex and pursuit of a crime-free world, display his chilling detachment from humanity.

Light's ruthless pursuit of his ideals knows no bounds, leading him to eliminate both criminals and innocents alike with callous indifference. He goes from a brilliant student to a megalomaniacal mass murderer, all because a Shinigami got bored one day.

9. Seryu Ubiquitous – Akame Ga Kill!

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Akame Ga Kill [Takahiro, WHITE FOX, Hulu, Crunchyroll]

Seryu Ubiquitous from Akame ga Kill! is one of the most disturbing anime characters, almost embodying psychopathy with her apparent cheerfulness and dedication to a twisted sense of justice. Seryu’s facade of kindness hides a violent and cruel nature, deriving joy from brutalizing and killing those she deems as criminals.

Her fixation on a black-and-white view of morality, coupled with her willingness to execute her version of justice without mercy, paints her as a chilling and unsettling antagonist. Her distorted sense of righteousness is fueled by past traumas and misguided beliefs and highlights the darker aspects of human nature.

8. Illumi Zoldyck – Hunter x Hunter

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Hunter x Hunter [Yoshihiro Togashi, Madhouse, Netflix, Crunchyroll, Hulu]

Illumi Zoldyck, a professional assassin in the Hunter x Hunter series, embodies psychopathy with a chilling demeanor. Serving as a secondary antagonist in various arcs, his stoic and ruthless persona contrasts sharply with his joyous tone. He harbors a twisted, overprotective love for his younger brother, Killua, even implanting a Nen needle in his brain to ensure obedience.

His sinister ambitions can be seen in Illumi's desire to control Alluka's wish-granting ability, and his partnership with Hisoka shows his willingness to engage in mass murder and manipulation for personal gain.

7. Petelgeuse Romanée-Conti – Re:Zero series

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Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World [Tappei Nagatsuki, White Fox, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll]

Petelgeuse Romanée-Conti, a Sin Archbishop of the Witch Cult within the Re:Zero series, couples his psychopathy with insanity. Debuting as a primary antagonist in Arc 3, he led brutal attacks on Arlam Village and Roswaal Manor. His erratic behavior, including self-harm and bizarre postures, betrays his deranged mindset.

Despite his title representing Sloth, he zealously executed the Cult's orders, earning a reputation as its most active member. Once a rational and respected individual, his descent into madness occurred after taking in the Witch Factor of Sloth and inadvertently causing harm to loved ones. Petelgeuse's complex persona and disturbing actions leave an indelible mark on the series.

6. Gasai Yuno – Future Diary

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Future Diary [Sakae Esuno, Asread, Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu]

Gasai Yuno is both a complex as well as a chilling psychopathic character within Future Diary. The duality of sweetness and psychosis is quite evident within her, and while she appears as an attractive and sweet girlfriend, she harbors deep-seated brokenness within. A rabid stalker of protagonist Yuki, she eliminates anyone hindering her quest for affection, even instilling fear in Yuki himself.

Renowned as one of anime's most memorable psychopathic characters, Yuno's unsettling mix of obsessive love and psychopathic tendencies creates a chilling yet captivating persona, oscillating between affection and violent aggression with terrifying ease.

5. Keyaru – Redo of a Healer

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Redo of a Healer [Rui Tsukiyo, TNK, Sentai Filmworks, Amazon Prime Video]

Keyaru, also known as Keyaruga, is the main protagonist of Redo of Healer. Keyaru was originally a kind and gentle boy with dreams, though he makes it onto this list after undergoing an intense transformation into a man consumed by vindictiveness and sadism. Betrayed, imprisoned, tortured, and raped, his once optimistic demeanor has long since given way to a manipulative and cunning misanthropy that leaves a trail of chaos and destruction in its wake.

Seeking vengeance against those who have wronged him, he meticulously plans and executes extreme acts of retribution. His sadistic nature is evident in the pleasure he derives from inflicting suffering, shown in his enjoyment in breaking Flare's fingers repeatedly.

4. Johan Liebert – Monster

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Monster [Naoki Urasawa, Madhouse, Netflix]

Johan Liebert, the central antagonist in Monster, is an epitome of madness and psychopathy. Born from inhumane experiments, he harbors aspirations of leading humanity; he often attempts to maintain a near-perfect personality and appearance. A twisted psychopath driven by a craving for destruction and despair, he orchestrates misery with ruthless efficiency.

In childhood, he orchestrated a deadly school inferno, manipulating students and instructors into fatal conflict. Possessing a profound understanding of the human psyche, Johan wields manipulation as his most potent weapon. His charming facade conceals his malevolent intent, manifesting in calculated acts of cruelty and nihilism.

3. Kumagawa Misogi– Medaka Box

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Medaka Box [Nisio Isin, Gainax, Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video]

Kumagawa Misogi, a senior of Class -13 in Medaka Box, might appear harmless with his sweet and innocent appearance, but beneath his carefree facade is a psychopathic character of disturbing proportions.

Labeled a Born Loser, his constant failures have been the fuel for a twisted psyche, leading to monstrous behavior. His actions betray his chilling disregard for life, whether it be by testing his affections by maiming a girl or contemplating global genocide. Possessing the ability to conceal his presence and manifest objects from his imagination, Kumagawa wields a terrifying power.

2. Charlotte Linlin – One Piece

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One Piece [Eiichiro Oda, Netflix, Toei Animation, Crunchyroll]

Charlotte Linlin, famously known as Big Mom in the world of One Piece, is a grossly psychopathic figure within the anime realm. As one of the Four Emperors reigning over the seas, her dominance and despotic control over Totto Land establish her as a terrible villain. Big Mom is characterized by her unsettling unpredictability, seamlessly transitioning from a nurturing mother figure to a merciless despot at a moment’s notice.

Moreover, Big Mom’s propensity for malice and cruelty is somewhat astounding as well: she eats the souls of those who defy her authority and even captures men to create an army of her children.

1. Kyubey – Madoka Magica series

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Puella Magi Madoka Magica [Gen Urobuchi, Studio Shaft, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll]

Kyubey, from the Madoka Magica series, is a completely different form of a psychopathic character. Without the typical violence and mayhem, it resorts to manipulating little girls into becoming Magical Girls, granting their wishes at the cost of their souls.

In the name of preventing the Heat Death of the Universe, this small, cat-like creature views these children as nothing more than mere tools to harvest energy. Its benign appearance often hides its incredible lack of empathy, as seen when it calls the girls’ bodies ‘empty shells’ and its blatant disregard for human life.

For more updates and lists like this from the animeverse, keep an eye on Pinkvilla.

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Credits: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Sportskeeda, Dual Shockers, Cartoon Lists, Dunia Games, Reel Rundown, Wikipedia, Death Note Wiki, Akame Ga Kill! Wiki, Hunterpedia, Re:Zero Wiki , Future Diary Wiki, Kaifuku Jutsushi no Yarinaoshi Redo of Healer Wiki, Naoki Urasawa's Monster Wiki, Medaka Box Wiki, One Piece Wiki, Madoka Magica Wiki