For decades, anime villains have been debated back and forth as to who is the most despicable.

But a question comes to mind when such a debate occurs: What exactly makes a good anime villain?

There are many qualities of a good villain.

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Image by Federico Napoli

Some of the best villains in anime aren’t necessarily the strongest or the most evil.

Rather, their characters are more than just violent purveyors of genocide, murder, and crime.

They are instead intelligent lifeforms with charismatic personalities, charming appearances, and manipulative behavior.

‘Father’ and Hiyori, Noragami

Image via Bones

Brilliant and deceptive, Muzan is the reason behind demons existing in the world ofDemon Slayer.

He was able to survive against Yoriichi, thestrongest demon slayer to ever exist.

This venture alone will allow Muzan to overcome the sun once Nezuko is in his grasp.

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23Shogo Makishima

‘Psycho-Pass’ (20122023)

Shogo Makishima is the antagonist ofPsycho-Pass.

In the world ofPsycho Pass, the future becomes rather abysmal for Japan.

While an antagonist in all his right, Makishima’s intentions aren’t entirely bad.

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Rather, he is a strong believer that people should be autonomous.

One such foe, Blackbeard, has proven to be extremely powerful.

After obtaining this fruit, Blackbeard gained the ability to nullify other Devil Fruit users and their abilities.

Demon Slayer’s Big Bad Muzan

Image via Ufotable

Likeso many shonen anime,Narutois filled with plenty of complex and intriguing villains.

However, Madarainitially dead at the start of the seriesis revived by both Kabuto and Obito.

Kisaki is an intelligent antagonist.

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Although he is not physically strong, he relies on his intelligence to get others to do his bidding.

19Naraku

‘InuYasha’ (20002004)

Naraku is the main villain ofInuYasha.

Ultimately, Naraku is a powerful half-demon who orchestrated many of the tragic events inInuYasha.

Shogo Makashima staring out a window, Psycho-pass-1

Image via Production I.G

He is a deadly opponent who works InuYasha and his friends to the bone up until the very end.

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Blackbeard enjoying a drink with women in One Piece.

Image via Toei Animation

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Madara Uchiha crossing his arms in Naruto Shippuden

Image via Viz Media

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Kisaki Tetta sitting on stairs as a member of the Tokyo Manji Gang

Image via Liden Films

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Close up image of Naraku in Inuyasha

Image via NNS

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Shigaraki crushing stone within his hands in My Hero Academia

Image via Crunchyroll

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Lady Eboshi with one of her rifles turning around and smiling confidently in Princess Mononoke.

Image via Toho

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Sukuna talking to someone, slyly smirking in Jujutsu Kaisen

Image via MAPPA

Jujutsu Kaisen Anime Poster

Naruto