One of the reasons anime has become so popular is because of its characters, who can evoke a wide range of emotions in audiences. Some characters win our hearts with their heroic and just personalities, while others are hated for their actions.
Then, there are those characters who are downright annoying. Whether it’s their grating personalities, obnoxious habits, or simply their presence on screen, these characters can turn a binge-watching session into a test of patience. Here are seven of the most annoying anime characters, exploring what makes them so irritating and why they continue to irk fans.
1. Sakura Haruno (Naruto)
Sakura Haruno is a key character in “Naruto,” known for her strength and healing jutsu. She is part of Team 7 alongside Naruto and Sasuke. However, her obsession with Sasuke, despite his clear disinterest and her often harsh treatment of Naruto, frustrates many viewers. Additionally, her whining about trivial issues didn’t help her character’s appeal.
Although Sakura’s development improves in “Naruto: Shippuden,” her early character flaws left a lasting impression on fans, contributing to her negative reception.
2. Minoru Mineta (My Hero Academia)
Minoru Mineta is a side character in “My Hero Academia.” He’s a student at U.A. High School, in the same class as the protagonist, Izuku Midoriya. Mineta is notorious for his perverted behavior and cowardice, often shirking responsibilities in dangerous situations.
Originally introduced as comic relief, his lecherous actions and his overall cowardly demeanour make him irritating. Many viewers find his behaviour uncomfortable, which detracts from the overall enjoyment of the series.
3. Orihime Inoue (Bleach)
Orihime Inoue, a kind-hearted and sweet character from “Bleach,” is also the protagonist’s love interest. Despite her good nature, her lack of assertiveness and constant need for rescue can be frustrating. Her slow development and overly gentle, passive personality during critical events made her character feel bland.
Throughout the series, she often plays the damsel in distress, frequently finding herself in harm’s way. Meanwhile, characters like Rukia Kuchiki actively fight and assist the protagonist. Fans believe that Orihime, despite having powers and being the protagonist’s love interest, should have been portrayed more effectively. This underutilization of her character makes her particularly infuriating.
4. Zenitsu Agatsuma (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba)
Zenitsu Agatsuma from “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” is one of the main characters in the series. While he’s known for his incredible swordsmanship when unconscious, his personality when awake is far less impressive. Zenitsu’s cowardly nature, constant screaming, and incessant crying make his character very irritating to watch.
The stark contrast between his competent unconscious self and his cowardly conscious self is frustrating. Although Zenitsu’s fear is intended to provide comic relief, his over-the-top reactions can become tiresome, making it difficult for some viewers to appreciate his character.
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5. Genta Kojima (Detective Conan)
Genta Kojima is one of the Junior Detective League members in “Detective Conan.” He’s one of those loud and impulsive characters who, despite having good intentions, often cause more harm than good due to their overconfidence. His cluelessness and overestimation of his detective skills make him a frustrating character. Genta is supposed to add comic relief to the series, but his lack of awareness and brash behavior can be more irritating than amusing.
6. Nami (One Piece)
Nami is one of the most famous characters from “One Piece.” As the navigator of the Straw Hat Pirates, she plays a crucial role in the crew’s adventures. However, her behavior can often be exasperating.
Her obsession with money leads her to act selfishly at times, and her short temper and tendency to boss around the crew can be quite grating. While Nami’s skills as a navigator are indispensable, her annoying traits can make her a less likable character at times.
7. Excalibur (Soul Eater)
Excalibur is a mythical weapon from the anime “Soul Eater.” Despite his legendary status, he is infamous for his irritating personality and long-winded stories. He’s incredibly self-absorbed and narcissistic, with constant demands for attention and respect making him a real chore to deal with. While meant to be humorous, Excalibur often disrupts the pacing of the show with his exaggerated self-importance and complete lack of self-awareness.
These characters, each with their unique brand of annoyance, are quite well-known in the anime community. While some are intentionally irritating for comic relief, others might just be victims of poor writing.
