10 Best Red Hair Anime Characters of All Time

Most anime creators tend to give their main characters unique personalities, abilities, and appearances. In doing so, the characters will have their own quirks and looks that make them stand out from the others. However, it can be challenging for artists to think of fascinating traits that can make a character less bland. So for their characters to look more appealing, one of the traits that artists consider is a character’s hair color, including having red hair.

When a character has colored hair in an anime, there’s a high chance that they aren’t your typical background characters. Almost every artist adds different hair colors to make a character more noticeable, with the color red being one of the more popular picks. So if you’re a redhead fanatic, here are the best red hair anime characters.

 

10. Soma Yukihira (Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma)

When it comes to cooking, no one else is better than Soma Yukihira. As the main protagonist of “Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma,” Soma is a skilled chef familiar with many cuisines. He was also trained by his father, Joichiro Yukihira, one of the greatest and most legendary chefs.

Despite his talents, Soma is still driven to constantly improve his cooking. He always looks to challenge fellow chefs so that he can test the limits of his skills. Soma is also innovative with his cooking, as he can make unorthodox yet very delicious dishes.

Regarding his personality, Soma is an energetic boy with a natural charm that makes people believe in him. He also tends to have reckless tendencies, often putting himself in situations that can destroy his cooking career. Still, his exceptional cooking skills are enough to carry him out of these dire situations.

 

9. Red Blood Cell AE3803 (Cells at Work!)

AE3803 is one of the main characters in the anime called Cells at Work!. This anime portrays the human body’s processes by depicting them as actual workers. As a red blood cell, AE3803 delivers oxygen and nutrients throughout the body and disposes of carbon dioxide.

So why did a blood cell make it into this list? AE3803 is overly determined to complete her job. However, she gets lost easily along the blood vessels since she lacks any sense of direction whatsoever. Despite this, she keeps working hard to become a reliable red blood cell like her peers.

Furthermore, AE3803 also has a bubbly and cheerful personality. She loves to help people in need and is quite apologetic when she makes mistakes. Out of all the characters in this list, AE3803 might be one of the most genuine among them.

 

8. Minori Kushieda (Toradora)

Minori Kushieda is one of Toradora’s female protagonists. She’s best friends with Taiga Aisaka and a student of Class 2-C. Minori is also quite athletic, making her the captain of their school’s softball club.

She’s a hardworking student, able to work multiple part-time jobs so that she can earn money to attend a sports university. Minori is quite the glutton as well, but she still tries to combat it through dieting.

Despite showing air-headed tendencies, Minori is actually rather perceptive. She can easily see through people’s true intentions and read their feelings. Her intuition, diligence, and cheerfulness truly makes a character worthy of a spot on any list of the best red hair anime characters.

 

7. Shanks (One Piece)

As one of the most powerful characters in One Piece, Red-Haired Shanks deserves a spot on this list. He’s also the captain of the Red Hair Pirates and one of the Four Emperors of the Sea. Furthermore, Shanks is the one who inspired the protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy, to become a pirate.

So what makes him so strong? Well, Shanks utilizes spiritual energy called Haki. Most people in One Piece can train to use this energy, but Shanks is one of the few who can use a rare type of Haki. His Conqueror’s Haki allows him to exert his willpower over others, which means he can instantly knock out his enemies.

Because of his Haki, Shanks is widely feared throughout the world of One Piece. Even the Marines were forced to stop their onslaught when Shanks entered the battlefield during the Paramount War. If you want to see his power, you can catch him in their latest movie, One Piece Film: Red.

 

6. Kallen Kozuki (Code Geass)

Coming from the anime Code Geass, Kallen Kozuki is a skilled Knightmare pilot for the Order of the Black Knights. Due to her skills on the battlefield, she is known to be the Black Knights’ ace pilot and the right hand of Zero himself.

Using the Guren Mk-II Knightmare Frame, Kallen can take on almost every enemy. Her intuition and intelligence also allow her to act quickly in battle. In fact, Zero gave her the codename “Q-1” as a reference to the most powerful chess piece, the queen.

Kallen’s loyalty and willpower make her an irreplaceable asset to the Black Knights. She’s a tough woman who can hold her own against the forces of Britannia. Along with Lelouch, they’ll stop at nothing to take down the enemy and liberate Japan.

 

5. Karma Akabane (Assassination Classroom)

Originating from the anime Assassination Classroom, Karma Akabane is a cunning and mischievous anime redhead. He’s one of Class 3-E’s top students, excelling in all things academic and assassination-related. Karma is also a close friend of Assassination Classroom’s main protagonist, Nagisa Shiota.

Karma’s behavior is violent and troublesome, often picking fights and making fun of people. Still, he cares a lot for his classmates and teachers despite his attitude, as he’s willing to take down anyone who dares threaten them. His skills and intellect also make him a reliable person overall.

After multiple failed attempts from his classmates, Karma was the first to damage Koro-sensei through his devious plans. His combat skills are also exceptional, being considered the strongest among the Class 3-E students physically. Karma also possesses an intellect that allows him to ace his exams and lead his classmates during dire situations.

 

4. Akashi Seijuro (Kuroko’s Basketball)

If you watched Kuroko’s Basketball, you know Akashi Seijuro is a force to be reckoned with. Akashi is the point guard and captain of Rakuzan High and the all-star team Vorpal Swords. He’s also the leader of the Generation of Miracles, a team filled with basketball prodigies.

Every player who faced Akashi witnessed firsthand how intimidating he can get. Akashi’s personality doesn’t allow any room for error and also puts anyone who belittles him in place. However, that isn’t Akashi’s only personality. Initially, Akashi was a caring person who respected his teammates. But due to his fear of being left behind skillswise, Akashi developed his menacing personality to keep up.

Both his personalities have their own strengths when it comes to basketball. His ominous personality can read his opponent’s movements by using the Emperor Eye. Meanwhile, his softer personality is a team-oriented player, becoming the perfect point guard who can make perfect passes every time.

 

3. Rias Gremory (High School DxD)

Are you a fan of High School DxD? If you’re not, then you should be so you can meet Rias Gremory. Known as the Crimson-Haired Ruin Princess, Rias is a first-year college student with red hair who inherited demonic powers from her parents.

Using her Power of Destruction, Rias can completely obliterate everything in her vicinity. With this power, she has the potential to be on par with the highest-class devils. Rias also possesses an incredible intellect, making her one of the more skilled tacticians in the series.

Rias is usually pretty kind and compassionate towards people, but anyone that wrongs her or anyone close to her must watch out. When someone insults her peerage, she usually gets angry and will not hesitate to show her violent side. Still, Rias is one of the strongest, most caring red-haired anime characters out there.

 

2. Erza Scarlet (Fairy Tail)

Hailing from the magical world of Fairy Tail, Erza Scarlet secures the #2 spot for being a powerful mage. As a matter of fact, Erza is an S-Class mage and a reliable member of Team Natsu. Due to her magical strength, people gave her the title of Titania, which translates to “the queen of fairies.”

Erza’s primary power source comes from her signature type of Requip called The Knight. This magic can make her swap weapons and armor at will, and she’s the only mage known who can swap during battle. Furthermore, Erza is also a talented user of Sword Magic and Telekinesis.

Throughout the series, Erza has proven herself as a character capable of beating many enemies. Despite her impatient and stern attitude, she’s an indispensable member of the Fairy Tail Guild.

 

1. Tanjiro Kamado (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba)

Of course Demon Slayer’s protagonist Tanjiro Kamado earns the top spot. After a devastating incident, Tanjiro’s goal is to cure his sister Nezuko, who was turned into a demon. He also aims to defeat the King of Demons, Muzan Kibutsuji, the one who murdered his family. To achieve his goals, Tanjiro joined the Demon Slayer Corps in hopes of finding a cure for Nezuko.

Despite his tragic losses, Tanjiro remains a kind-hearted individual who treats everyone with compassion. Still, he won’t hesitate to fight demons that wreak havoc and hurt innocent people. His determination and relentlessness give him the strength he needs to protect his loved ones and master his swordsmanship.

Tanjiro was trained by a retired Demon Slayer named Sakonji Urokodaki. At first, he was taught how to wield a Nichirin Sword and utilize Water Breathing techniques. Later on, Tanjiro learned a new breathing technique called “Hinokami Kagura,” increasing his power and abilities. Even if he has a gentle soul, no one should underestimate Tanjiro’s strength. You can look forward to seeing him again in Demon Slayer: Season 3.