The best anime hero and villain relationships

Sometimes the main source of tension in an anime is the tumultuous relationship between the main protagonist and the antagonist. Even if those characters don't fit the typical “hero/villain” dynamic, their fights, dialogue, and even character arcs can mirror or compliment each other in unexpected ways. The main hero and main villain can also end up being family or ex-lovers, which adds a lot of extra tension.

This dynamic is in a good portion of the anime, but in each of them it presents itself slightly differently. Regardless of what form it takes, however, the hero and villain have a certain kind of chemistry that grabs your attention and makes you wonder if they could have been allies in another life.

10 Shoto & Dabi Todoroki

My Hero Academia

These brothers have polar opposite views of the world, but that doesn't mean they have no connection to each other. Dabi and Shoto were separated early on, and when the two find each other, they have both changed exponentially. To Dabi, Shoto is just another puppet of Endeavour, but Shoto responds with nothing but pain and empathy for his brother, despite Dabi becoming a villain.

Dabi's hatred and twisted worldview diminishes when confronted with Shoto's unrelenting belief in him and his ability to be good, enough for the two to have many moments of clarity and understanding throughout the anime of the They both deserve a happy ending.

9 L & Light Yagami

death note

These two characters are not family, but they have a dynamic that resembles a lost family member at certain points in the anime. Even though the two are enemies, the way the two interact makes them seem more like friends. L and Light's character arcs revolving around each other are just one piece of the complex puzzle that is their relationship. L's biggest goal is to catch Light as Kira after all.

They both share an intense desire that shapes who they are, even if it's on opposite sides of the spectrum of good and evil. Even though Light is always under the influence of the Death Note's power, his sense of the justice that should exist in the world mirrors L's own pursuit of justice.

8 Goku and Vegeta

Dragon Ball

This duo is one of the most iconic, considering how monumental Dragon Ball is. The fact that Goku and Vegeta respect each other despite their intense rivalry means that they end up pushing each other to grow and evolve. Goku even spares Vegeta's life on several occasions throughout the anime, mainly because he admires Vegeta's strength and wants the chance to fight him again in the future.

Vegeta cheers Goku on in return, whether it's a literal standing ovation or simply rooting for him as a comrade. Both are powers that can both appreciate the value of strength even in their most sworn enemies. The two work as perfect foils for each other.

7 Guts & Griffith

Berserk

These two are the definition of what could have been. They both deeply admire each other at certain points in the anime, and even though they have a rivalry, there are always hints left to make you wonder if Guts and Griffith could have ended up working together if things had gone differently for both of them. . The fact that they both improve so drastically over time makes them perfect rivals, but their persistent appearances in each other's lives suggest otherwise.

Griffith even insists on trying to get Guts to join him, cementing the fact that Griffith wants Guts around even though he's always fighting. Courage leaving the group doesn't help soften the connection between the two of them, and there's a lot of romantic undertones that aren't quite explored.

6 Naruto and Sasuke

Naruto

Sasuke and Naruto have a love-hate relationship, even though Naruto remains determined to have a positive and close bond with Sasuke. There are so many questions about their dynamic that remain unanswered, including what would happen if the two put aside their hatred for each other at the beginning of the anime. Ultimately, they form a bond based on their undeniable respect for each other, especially as Naruto looks to Sasuke to maintain that bond.

Sasuke also risks his ninja life to help Naruto early on, and with such an early basis for a connection, it's no wonder the two gravitate towards each other. The two aren't particularly friends, but their respect for each other makes you wonder if they could be.

5 Winry & Scar

Fullmetal Alchemist

This entry contains spoilers for Fullmetal Alchemist!Scar being a villainous character feels even more tragic when you think about how he and Winry had so many chances for forgiveness and growth before Winry found out about his actions in the worst possible way. The way Scar kills as a result of his trauma is the exact opposite of how Winry uses her hardships to help people, and if she had had more time to talk, maybe the two of them would have been allies.

Winry and Scar's conflicts revolve around each other, whether they like it or not, and although Winry is much gentler than Scar every time, when she learns that he was behind her parents' murders, her anger matches her his. They are similar, but they have not had the opportunity to see that similarity.

4 Yor and Yuri

Spy x Family

Yuri and Yor unknowingly fight similar battles and keep similar deadly secrets from each other at the same time. This level of subversion and deceit between the two brothers has great potential to create a huge rift between them, but their bond remains extremely strong throughout the anime. They both dance discovering each other's secret, but never get close.

Yuri is very protective of his sister, and the vast majority of his career is motivated by his love for her. Yor is also protective of Yuri, especially since she is the older brother. It helps that they're both menacing in their own way, too.

3 Mikasa and Eren

Attack on Titan

This entry contains spoilers for Attack On Titan!The tragedy here is that Eren started out as a bright-eyed hero, but when he becomes a Titan, his relationship with Mikasa becomes complicated, to say the least. Eren and Mikasa are protective of each other and care deeply for each other, so it's no surprise that their final ending is so hard for Mikasa to get through. She and Eren are extremely close, ever since they were kids, and they look out for each other no matter what.

When Mikasa is forced to kill Eren, their relationship makes the decision much more emotionally charged than a typical hero vs. villain clash. And while Eren isn't the worst, the position he's put in forces him to be a villain. That's a lot worse than being bad to begin with.

2 Luffy and Admiral Garp

One piece

Luffy being the nephew of a high ranking marine feels like the complete antithesis of who his character is as a person – until you inspect their relationship a little closer, that is. Vice Admiral Garp may not always approve of Luffy's methods, his recklessness, or his crewmates, but he still supports his nephew from afar. He even supports Luffy directly, even when the Straw Hats are fighting the Marines.

Also, Luffy never stops considering Garp as his family, no matter how far the two are from each other. If they ever fought side by side, there is no telling how strong they would be as a team. It would be an interesting fight to watch unfold!

1 Natsu and Zeref

Fairy Tail

This entry contains spoilers for Fairy Tail!Natsu and Zeref have one of the most tragic sibling relationships in anime. Even though Zeref's curse played a big part in turning him into the Dark Wizard, the embodiment of evil, he never stopped caring for his little brother, especially when it came to saving his life. Natsu would come to hate Zeref at first because of everything he's done, but towards the end of the anime he actually starts referring to Zeref as his older brother.

Natsu respects his brother's love for him despite possessing a powerful demon seed due to that twisted form of Zeref's love. At the end of the day, the two might be on completely opposite sides of a magical war, but as a family, they deserve more time together.