Best Male Anime Characters of 2024, Ranked

Summary

• Ranma has a gender-bending cold water curse.

• Goku returns as a child in the new Dragon Ball series.

• Deku's epic battle with Shigaraki in the final MHA saga.

Anime fans had a great year in 2024, and with a number of incredible series debuting or continuing this year, fans were able to see many interesting and compelling male characters, both old and new.

From old anime favorites to new releases, there was no shortage of interesting characters in these stories. Here are some of the best male characters seen in anime this year, 2024.

10

Ranma Saotome

A boy with gender bending abilities

Ranma is the main character of Rumiko Takabashi's popular series Ranma 1/2. The series recently dropped in 2024 via a new adaptation that brought it to light for many younger anime watchers.

While Ranma is male, he was cursed by accident on his training journey. This curse causes her to turn into a girl upon contact with cold water. If he comes in contact with hot water, he can turn back into a boy.

9

Kafka Hibino

Protagonist Kaiju No. 8

Kafka Hibino is the protagonist of one of the new series that came out in 2024, Kaiju no. 8. Kafka had big dreams, namely entering the Third Division office to take out all the Kaijus. However, he harnesses the power of a Kaiju after one invades his body and gives him some amazing powers.

Despite all this, Kafka is still a madman with some very childish personality traits. He is interesting to watch and fans are waiting to see what he will do next Kaiju no. 8.

8

Goku

The legendary anime hero returns

This year, Dragon Ball fans got something brand new Dragon Ball series, Dragon Ball Daima. This means that fan-favorite protagonist Goku has made a great comeback in this new story. This came as a treat to fans, especially after the sad death of Toriyama.

In this new story for Dragon Ball, Goku, along with Vegeta and others, is actually transformed into a child. The return of Goku, especially as a child, was definitely a nostalgia hit for many fans of the original Dragon Ball anime.

7

Garp

Marine Corps Hero

One pieceeven though he's on hiatus right now, he's had incredible success in 2024. This year the anime was in the Egghead arc and most of it was really incredible. One of the most notable male characters during this arc was definitely none other than Garp, a legendary member of the Marine Corps and also Luffy's grandfather.

Garp had an incredible display of his power when he infiltrated Blackbeard's territory to free Koby. Garp showed his superior strength but was eventually taken down.

6

A blanket

His Run In The Final War is legendary

WITH MHA having reached its final saga in the anime, it's no surprise that many of its characters experience incredible moments. The final war is currently underway and Deku finally faces Shigaraki.

Fans will have to wait until the next season to see how this all really plays out, but despite that, Deku has proven to be an amazing main character and fans can't wait to see what's in store for him in the final season.

5

Okarun

Alien fanatic

Dandadan is one of the best anime to come out this year, and definitely for good reason. The anime is packed with amazing storytelling and action. The main male character of the anime is none other than the alien fanatic Okarun.

Despite his flimsy appearance, Okarun is actually quite an impressive individual, especially due to his ability to harness Turbo Grandma's powers. He and Momo make a kickass team and his story made him one of the best male characters of the year.

4

Bakugo

Explosive hero

Bakugo has come a long way since the beginning MHA. While he started off as an evil bully, Bakugo has evolved a lot as a character since then. He had some incredible moments during it MHA the final season, season 7, which aired this year in 2024.

In this season, Bakugo took on the main antagonist of the entire series, Shigaraki. However, while he fought well, the fight ended in tragedy for him when Shigaraki dealt Bakugo a fatal blow.

3

Himmel

Himmel Hero

• Anime: Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

Frieren was a huge hit anime this year and was one of the most talked about anime. Himmel was the catalyst of the story and had a lot of weight in the plot despite being a deceased character. Even though Himmel wasn't around, everywhere in the story and throughout Frierene's adventure, fans can see his influence on her.

Himmel was an interesting figure when he was alive and even after he died. Frierene's figure grew as he did.

2

Jinshi

The handsome eunuch from the Apothecary Diaries

• Anime: Apothecary Diaries

Pharmacy diaries is one of the funniest anime released this year and Jinshi is the most important character in this anime after Maoma. He is introduced as a handsome eunuch with many secrets up his sleeve. His relationship with Maomao is quite captivating for fans.

Jinshi's personality makes him quite a fun character and fans are definitely looking forward to his return early next year in Season 2.

1

Luffy

New Yonko from the sea

One piece there is always something interesting going on. This year, the anime covered a good chunk of the Egghead Island arc before going on hiatus until 2025. However, that was enough to give Luffy his time to shine.

While it's hard to top last year's Wano arc, Luffy still had some amazing moments, such as his rematch with the old One piece antagonist, Rob Lucci. This fight allowed fans to see how much Luffy has grown since Enies Lobby.