10 Anime Shows With the Best Character Development, Ranked

Stories can prove their worth in many ways, from delivering a flawless plot to entertaining the viewers with pure enjoyability and good pacing. However, another significant aspect of showcasing writing skills is character development, the technique where a character goes through a specific arc of growth, whether that be good or bad. Like all mediums, anime has its fair share of shows with excellent character development.

Every anime has character development, such as Wind Breaker and Naruto, but these ten shows are the best in that regard. This list will rank the ten anime with the best character development based on quality, quantity, believability, pacing, writing, fan opinion, and critical consensus. Every anime here has at least one character who went through a significant and noticeable change that bettered the story.

10

‘Berserk’ (1997)

Studio: OLM

Fantasy anime seems to be all the rage nowadays, but Berserk is a classic which might have started the trend with its iconic story. The 1997 anime highlights the Golden Age arc, one of the most renowned in anime and manga. It showcases Guts’ past, from a child soldier to a mercenary in the Band of the Hawk to a broken individual who lost everything.

It’s no shock to see Berserk on this list, but it may be surprising that it’s so low. However, this is because the list ranks anime, not manga, which would be the first. While Guts experiences the best character development in the manga, the anime still develops the character significantly. It tortures him and gives Guts everything before taking it away, going on a roller coaster of development, making Berserk a dark anime.

9

‘One Piece’ (1999)

Studio: Toei Animation

With over a thousand episodes and still counting, One Piece is one of the longest-running anime series and naturally has lots of character development. Monkey D. Luffy sets sail to find the titular treasure and become King of the Pirates, but to do so, he must find a crew and make a name for himself. This expansive journey tests will and passion, developing many characters in the endless cast.

One Piece doesn’t land on this list because of one or two great examples of development, but countless cases of decent growth that are impressive in their own right. This anime brilliantly uses backstory to develop characters and tell fans why they are the way that they are. Characters like Luffy, Robin, Sanji, Usopp, Law, Oden, and Bon Clay highlight an impressive roster of growth, delivering some of the deepest quotes in One Piece.

8

‘Attack on Titan’ (2013)

Studios: Wit Studio and MAPPA

Few anime broke the internet like Attack on Titan, whose ending marked an important time in anime history, whether fans liked it or not. When the Titans destroy his village, Eren Yaeger vows revenge but gains the ability to turn into one of the beasts. He uses his newfound power to lead humanity outside the wall and fight their true enemies, changing everyone when they learn the truth.

Many characters go through changes, including Reiner, Armin, and Mikasa, but Eren is the most notable star of the anime. His idea of freedom enslaved him from the beginning, going from someone who would kill monsters to gain freedom to eradicating humanity in order to survive. The anime brought up philosophical debates, but Eren’s dark character development is why Attack on Titan is a modern classic.

7

‘Ping Pong the Animation’ (2014)

Studio: Tatsunoko Production

Table tennis isn’t the most exciting sport, but Ping Pong the Animation will prove fans otherwise with its thrilling story, unique art style, distinct animation, and magnificent character development. Smile and Peco have played the game together for years, but competition pulls them apart as the arrogant Peco learns he is no match against the best, while Smile finds no joy in competing despite being the best.

Through the eyes of four characters, Smile, Peco, Kong, and Dragon, fans experience the idea of winning and the pressure that lies with it. Each character has different feelings and situations, forcing them into a corner, but when competing against each other, they learn what they need. Ping Pong the Animation is a phenomenal anime that even gives side characters profound growth, with the entire series dedicated to changing these individuals through sport and winning, making it one of the best avant-garde anime.

6

‘March Comes in Like a Lion’ (2016)

Studio: Shaft

Not all sports are physical, as March Comes in Like a Lion, is about a shogi player’s life and growth. Following Rei, who moves to avoid the pressure, he lives a reclusive lifestyle, not taking care of himself and only leaving the house occasionally. But when a new family moves close to him, they show him the kindness he needs and begin his development into a better self.

March Comes in Like a Lion isn’t a complex anime with new themes or messages, but it does everything sincerely, which makes it renowned and beloved. Rei’s development is a beautiful and well-paced journey accentuated by some of the best animation in anime. Overcoming this relatable issue provides a moving story and tear-jerking character development.

5

‘Mob Psycho 100’ (2016)

Studio: Bones

Mob Psycho 100 is a renowned anime and beloved series by the same creator of One Punch Man. Despite being the world’s strongest psychic, Shigeo only wants an everyday life. But because he holds in his emotions, they explode through psychic outbursts. While he takes on other espers, he must deal with his inner feelings and withheld emotions.

Mob has one of the best arcs for an anime protagonist, developing in a unique way compared to most shōnen. While other characters and villains grow through Mob’s kindness and power, his development is the best part. When his power hurts someone he cares about, Mob holds onto his powers and, therefore, his true feelings, with the show masterfully developing him to be genuine through dramatic events.

4

‘Sound! Euphonium’ (2015)

Studio: Kyoto Animation

Musical anime is relatively popular, delivering many stand-out series, including Sound! Euphonium. Wanting to forget her musical past, Kumiko’s friends bring her back into that world. All are aiming to reach nationals; Kumiko and her rival have a tough time adjusting but must learn to cooperate and not make the same mistakes in middle school.

Sound Euphonium has a simple plot, but that doesn’t stop it from excelling at its central point, character development. The whole purpose of the story is Kumiko’s journey and development; starting as a cynical person who grows to chase excellence and have confidence in her abilities. This profound and relatable journey is why Sound Euphonium is one of the best anime of 2024.

3

‘Vinland Saga’ (2019)

Studios: Wit Studio and MAPPA

Historical anime has recently grown in popularity, with Vinland Saga serving as the spearhead that penetrated fans’ interest. After the Vikings kill his father, Thorfinn joins their crew in order to get revenge on their leader, Askeladd. Going on missions for them, Thorfinn is unable to accomplish his task and, without any purpose, becomes a hollow man.

Characters like Canute and Einar undergo massive and believable shifts, forming to their environment to match their situation. However, Thorfinn is the star of the show and delivers arguably the best character development in anime. His arc takes time and patience, but its sincerity and believability are unmatched. Vinland Saga has beloved characters because of the deep character development multiple people go through.

2

‘Ashita no Joe’ (1970)

Studio: Mushi Production

Ashita no Joe follows the titular protagonist, a troubled youth who finds solutions by throwing punches and scamming people. When a boxing coach sees his potential, he looks the other way and lands himself in prison. However, he learns to love the sport through a rival, dedicating his life to knocking out opponents despite not following the rules.

As the oldest show on this list, Ashita no Joe is a timeless anime that influenced countless series and invented popular techniques. But the highlight of the series is Joe’s development, who goes from an arrogant punk to a depressed and broken fighter. Every moment shapes his character, becoming a dynamic part of the series moulded throughout its entirety.

1

‘Hunter x Hunter’ (2011)

Studio: Madhouse

Finally, Hunter x Hunter earns the top spot for anime with the best character development because of multiple examples. Gon sets out to become a Hunter to find his dad, but the journey and the people are far more important. They leave a lasting impact on each other that changes them for the better and sometimes for the worse.

Hunter x Hunter has numerous amounts of minor character developments, including Leorio, Kurapika, the Phantom Troupe, and the Chimera Ants. However, Gon, Meruem, and Killua are three incredible examples of character development. Each one changes throughout the entire series because of the world and people beside them. Their arcs are phenomenal and fleshed out, making them believable and masterfully written. Hunter x Hunter is a masterpiece that features quality and quantity character development.