However, these characters go through significant development, and it’s important to appreciate the nuances and growth of these characters rather than dismissing them outright. In this article, we’ll explore a selection of anime characters who have been unfairly hated. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

10. Mai Zenin – Jujutsu Kaisen

Jujutsu Kaisen's colorful cast doesn't get as much hate compared to other fandoms, but the scenario is completely opposite when it comes to Maki Zenin. She can be annoying at times, but the unfounded hate Mai feels seems irrelevant.

People hate her for being weak and are jealous of Maki's prowess, but they ignore Mai's inferiority complex that gives a solid basis for her actions. Her rivalry with Maki is very realistic, just like even real-life siblings, and her story actually justifies it.

9. Akaza – Demon Slayer

Being just an anime, Demon Slayer fans would wonder what Akaza is doing on the list of hated anime characters because for them, his place is in hell. To be fair, they have a point and Akaza's brutal death will be well justified after his role in the execution of the beloved Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku.

But from a manga reader's perspective, the case may not be the same. There's no denying that Akaza is rude, but his backstory gives his character an edge, and once the Infinity Fortress arc is over, Akaza's attempt at redemption will allow viewers to reevaluate the merits of his personality.

8. Yamcha – Dragon Ball

Dragon Ball's supposedly deadly warrior, Yamcha is subject to much criticism and is treated as a fun character whose sole existence is for comic relief. Ever since his defeat at the hands of the Saibamen, people have mocked him and his abilities as a Saiyan.

But sometimes it feels like he's getting too much, considering that many other characters in the series have also been part of meme culture. However, Yamcha is pretty cool, especially in the original Dragon Ball series, and while most of it is jokes, he doesn't deserve the hate.

7. Gabi Braun – Attack on Titan

Gabi's overall character and resolute personality give a glimpse into Eren's childhood, which is why as an Attack On Titan fan, it comes as a surprise how anyone could hate such a well-written character who is the exact parallel version of Eren and in fact, even better.

The achievements that Gabi has made at such a young age are truly commendable and as much as one might want to condemn her, don't forget that she is only 12 years old and has been practically brainwashed into hating Paradis. In the end, Gabi did what she thought was right, and hating her means hating Eren too.

6. Takemichi Hanagaki – Tokyo Revengers

When it comes to the list of weakest main characters in anime, Takemichi is at the top because he certainly doesn't act the way you'd expect a protagonist to, nor does he feel like one. But does that make him worse? Absolutely not, because he's the kind of hero that's easy to relate to.

Although he is not the stereotypical protagonist and is dumb and whiny, Takemichi keeps going even when he is scared and does not give up easily. Even though he does not have any fighting skills, he knows that he is the only one who can change the future and keeps going no matter what.

5. Kirito – Sword Art Online

Sword Art Online has played a significant role in influencing the isekai fantasy anime trope over the past decade, however, it has put Kirito in a state where he has become the object of collective resentment and arguably the most hated anime character on screen.

He doesn't really stand out in personality and is initially criticized for being a "one-dimensional" character, which isn't true, as throughout the series, Kirito developed as a person becoming a competent isekai hero in the end. Also, SAO fans stop calling him "Black Swordsman", the nickname belongs only to Guts.

4. Sakura Haruno – Naruto

Sakura is arguably one of the most misunderstood and hated anime characters, aside from Boruto. A large portion of the Naruto fanbase who consider her useless are heavily biased against her. Her execution is quite disappointing in some arcs, but in Shippuden she shows growth.

Unnecessary hatred for Sakura also arises due to her incompetent nature, but it must be remembered that a medical ninja is not allowed to engage in battles and must be protected. Healing may be an inferior skill, but it was Sakura who saved Naruto from death, yet she barely got to enjoy it.

3. Near – Death Note

Near or N, in short, takes over Kira's case after the tragic death of his predecessor L and also makes good progress, eventually ending the endless cycle of murders. Despite all this, he is despised for being L's replacement, which shows the narrow-mindedness of some fans.

After all, Near was essentially groomed to be like L and was supposed to be his successor, so it's pretty obvious that he shares his thinking style and high intellect. L was still the better detective than him, no doubt, but Near is a worthy successor and should be valued as he is what remains of L's legacy.

2. Boruto Uzumaki – Boruto

Boruto Uzumaki's only flaw is that he is the son of the legendary Hokage, Naruto. Being the heir to one of the greatest shonen heroes has really burdened Boruto with not only great responsibilities but also constant teasing that sometimes goes too far considering he is still so young.

While Boruto sometimes goes too far, especially during the beginning of the series, it still doesn't change the fact that he is mostly hated for irrelevant and idiotic reasons. People hate to admit that he is a prodigy who will surpass even his father.

1. Shinji Ikari – Neon Genesis Evangelion

“Get in the robot Shinji” – this meme from one of the worst anime dads aimed at his amateur son never gets old. It’s not that Shinji doesn’t deserve to be made fun of, but a lot of the criticism is lazily delivered and ignores the factors that led to his ineptitude.

Shinji is a 14-year-old boy with mental issues and father issues who is suddenly forced to fight in a high-stakes war that he doesn't understand. For a guy in his early years of puberty who faces extreme mental breakdowns, it seems biased to hate him, ignoring the reality that people his age often act the same way.

Which of the following hated anime characters is your favorite? Feel free to comment your opinion and recommend some other characters like the ones listed above. Also, don’t forget to share this article with your otaku friends.