When it comes to anime, the protagonist can either make or break the series, and a few are absolutely terrible. Some leads are interesting, dynamic, and evolve over time, while others leave fans groaning at their every appearance. Unfortunately, not every anime hero is likable or well-written, and sometimes, the main character is the biggest flaw in an otherwise decent show.

While some of these protagonists might have dedicated fan bases and fit their respective series, there is no denying that they all have qualities that make them frustrating to watch, even for the most die-hard anime fans. Whether they are annoyingly loud, painfully whiny, or just downright terrible people, some of the most popular anime characters rank among the worst to ever grace the screen.

12 Asta - Black Clover

The Loudest Shōnen Hero Ever

Asta, the main protagonist of Black Clover, is infamous for one thing and that is his constant shouting. While his underdog story of rising through the ranks in a magic-dominated world without any magic is enjoyable, his execution leaves much to be desired. His persistent yelling makes it difficult to take his struggles seriously, and many fans have found him grating rather than inspiring.

Despite his loud and obnoxious personality, Asta does show some growth throughout the series. However, his character development is often overshadowed by his one-note determination, which lacks nuance. While Black Clover as a whole has a strong cast and is an entertaining series, Asta’s over-the-top enthusiasm turns what could have been an endearing character into an exhausting one.

11 Izuku Midoriya (Deku) - My Hero Academia

The Best (Or Worst) Example Of Power Without Confidence

Izuku Midoriya, or Deku, is a classic underdog protagonist, but his character often comes across as frustratingly whiny. Despite possessing immense power and the potential to become the world’s greatest hero, he frequently doubts himself and bursts into tears at the drop of a hat. While vulnerability in a protagonist can be compelling, Deku’s constant self-doubt makes it difficult to root for him.

Additionally, Deku's timid personality clashes with his role as the inheritor of One For All. His emotional breakdowns and lack of decisive action in key moments make him feel unworthy of his abilities. For a character who is meant to be the next Symbol of Peace, he often lacks the confidence and leadership one would expect, which can get repetitive and annoying as the series goes on.

10 Takemichi Hanagaki - Tokyo Revengers

The Time-Traveling Punching Bag

Takemichi Hanagaki, the main character in Tokyo Revengers, is an embodiment of helplessness. While his ability to travel through time to prevent tragic events sounds interesting, he is frustratingly ineffective at making meaningful changes. Instead of learning from his experiences, he often repeats the same mistakes and relies on others to bail him out.

Adding to the frustration is his complete lack of physical or strategic ability. He is constantly beaten down, both physically and emotionally, and rarely shows the determination necessary to justify his role as the lead character. His incompetence makes it difficult to invest in his journey, as he never truly earns his victories.

9 Black Star - Soul Eater

The Most Annoying Ninja In Anime

Black Star is the kind of character who believes he is the main attraction in every scene, whether or not anyone else agrees. His obnoxious personality, overconfidence, and inability to read the room make him one of the most irritating characters in Soul Eater. While his arrogance is meant to be comedic and take the edge off intense moments, it often falls flat, making him more annoying than entertaining.

Despite his skill in battle, Black Star never truly matures as a character. While his dynamic with Tsubaki has some redeeming moments that fans can enjoy, his presence often detracts from the show rather than enhances it, which is the one thing a character is not supposed to do. He exists primarily as comic relief, but when the jokes do not land, all that remains is an aggravatingly loud and self-absorbed character that no one likes.

8 Ganta Igarashi - Dean Wonderland

The Ultimate Whiny Protagonist

Ganta Igarashi is one of the most irritating protagonists in anime history. His journey through Dean Wonderland should have been a gripping story of survival, but instead, it is marred by his whiny and helpless nature. Rather than adapting to his horrific circumstances, Ganta spends most of the series wallowing in self-pity and relying on others to protect him.

While it is understandable that a middle schooler would struggle in a deadly prison, his inability to grow as a character makes him insufferable. He remains weak and ineffective throughout the series, making it difficult to become invested in his story.

7 Satou Matsuzaka - Happy Sugar Life

A Disturbing And Twisted Lead

Satou Matsuzuka from Happy Sugar Life is a well-written character, but she is also deeply disturbing and completely horrible. A protagonist who is a pedophile and manipulates others to justify her twisted love story is not someone audiences want to see or root for. While she is undeniably complex and meant to showcase what cycles of abuse do to people, her actions are irredeemable, which is something that not every fan took away from the series.

The show attempts to frame her obsession with Shio as tragic, but there is no excusing her behavior.

The show attempts to frame her obsession with Shio as tragic, but there is no excusing her behavior. Her character may serve the story well, but her disturbing nature makes her one of the most unsettling protagonists in anime history.

6 Kazuto Kirigaya (Kirito) - Sword Art Online

The Definition Of A Boring Overpowered Hero

Kirito is the definition of an overpowered protagonist with no real depth. He excels at everything he attempts, from swordsmanship to hacking, and is effortlessly adored by every female character. This makes his journey feel hollow, as he rarely faces meaningful challenges.

The lack of character flaws makes Kirito unbearably dull. While power fantasies can be enjoyable, Kirito’s lack of personality makes him more of a self-inserting character than an interesting isekai lead.

5 Kazuya Kinoshita - Rent-A-Girlfriend

A Masterclass In Desperation

Kazuya Kinoshita is one of the most cringe-inducing protagonists in anime. His pathetic behavior, lack of self-respect, and creepy obsession with his rental girlfriend make him difficult to watch. Instead of growing as a character, he continuously makes terrible decisions that worsen his situation.

Kazuya’s lack of redeeming qualities makes him one of anime’s worst protagonists, and it's easy to see why no girl would want to date him willingly.

His immaturity and desperation make it hard to sympathize with him. While flawed characters can be interesting, Kazuya’s lack of redeeming qualities makes him one of anime’s worst protagonists, and it's easy to see why no girl would want to date him willingly.

4 Shinji Ikari - Neon Genesis Evangelion

The Most Infamous Whiner In Anime

Shinji Ikari is infamous for his whiny, cowardly nature. While Neon Genesis Evangelion is a deep psychological study, Shinji’s reluctance to act makes him frustrating to watch. His endless self-doubt and refusal to take responsibility make him a difficult protagonist to root for throughout the entire franchise.

Though his trauma is very understandable, his lack of growth makes him an exhausting character. Instead of overcoming his struggles, he often succumbs to them, making the story feel stagnant. No one wants to watch a protagonist who never acts or grows, especially when they start out so unlikable at the beginning of the series.

3 Makoto Itou - School Days

The Ultimate Anime Scumbag

Makoto Itou is one of anime's most hated protagonists, and for good reason. His selfish, manipulative nature ruins the lives of those around him. He strings along multiple women without remorse, making him completely unlikable.

Unlike other flawed protagonists, Makoto never faces true redemption or remorse for his inappropriate behavior. His lack of responsibility and disregard for others’ feelings or consent cement him as one of the worst leads in anime history and make School Days, an already bad show, even worse.