The best male anime characters of 2024, ranked

Summary

• Ranma has a cold water gender influencing 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 plethora of incredible series either debuting or continuing this year, fans got to see many interesting and compelling male characters, old and new.

From beloved old anime 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 in 2024.

10

Ranma Saotome

A boy with the ability to bend gender

Ranma is the main character of Rumiko Takabashi's popular series Ranma 1/2. This series recently dropped in 2024 with a new adaptation, bringing it to light for many younger anime watchers.

While Ranma is male, he was accidentally cursed during his training trip. This curse causes him to turn into a girl when he comes in contact with cold water. He can turn back into a boy if he comes in contact with hot water.

9

Kafka Hibino

The protagonist of Kaiju No. 8

Kafka Hibino is the protagonist of one of the new series that appeared in 2024, Kaiju no. 8. Kafka had big dreams, especially joining the Third Division office to eliminate all Kaiju. However, he uses the power of a Kaiju after one invades his body and gives him some amazing abilities.

However, Kafka is still a fool with some very childish personality traits. He is exciting to watch and fans are waiting to see what he will do next Kaiju no. 8.

8

Goku

A legendary anime protagonist returns

This year, Dragon Ball fans were treated to something brand new Dragon Ball series, Dragon Ball Daima. This means that fan-favorite protagonist Goku has made a big return in this new story. This came as a treat to fans, especially after Toriyama's sad death.

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

The hero of the sailors

One piecedespite being on hiatus right now, it had an incredible run in 2024. This year, the anime was in the Egghead arc, and most of it was truly incredible. One of the most notable male characters during this arc was definitely none other than Garp, a legendary member of the marines as well as Luffy's grandfather.

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

6

Kuala

His run in the final war is legendary

With MHA reaching the final saga in the anime, it's no surprise that many of its characters get incredible moments to shine. The final war takes place in the present, and Deku finally faces Shigaraki.

Fans will have to wait for the next season to see how it all really plays out, but nevertheless, 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

An alien fanatic

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

Despite his weak appearance, Okarun is actually quite an impressive individual, especially due to the fact that he was able to use Turbo Granny's powers. He and Momo make a great team and his storyline sees him become one of the top male characters this year.

4

Bakugo

The explosive hero

Bakugo has come a long way since the beginning MHA. Although he started out as an evil thug, Bakugo has developed a lot as a character since then. He had incredible moments during MHAs the last season, season 7, which aired this year in 2024.

In this season, Bakugo fought the major antagonist of the entire series, Shigaraki. However, while he put up a good fight, the fight ended in tragedy for him, with Shigaraki delivering a fatal blow to Bakugo.

3

Heaven

Himmel the Hero

• Anime: Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

Frieren was a major success as an anime this year, being one of the most talked about animes. Himmel was the catalyst for the story, holding a lot of weight in the plot despite being a character who was already deceased. Even though Himmel wasn't around, throughout the story and throughout Frieren's adventure, fans can see his impact on her.

Himmel was an interesting character when he was alive and even after he died. Frieren's character grew only as much as it grew because of him.

2

Jinshi

The handsome eunuch of the Apothecary Diaries

• Anime: Apothecary Diaries

Apothecary Journals is one of the most entertaining anime released this year and Jinshi is the most important character in this anime after Maomao. He is presented 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

A new Yonko of the sea

One piece there's always something interesting going on. This year, the anime covered a good portion of the Egghead Island arc before going on hiatus until 2025. That was enough for Luffy to shine though.

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