Goku is one of the most iconic protagonists in anime history. The popularity of Dragon Ball ensured that this spiky-haired protagonist would become a mainstay of pop culture that fans can't get enough of.
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Anime always finds a way to make the mundane seem extraordinary. These poses are as iconic as anime itself.
However, this doesn't mean that Goku can't be unseated from his throne. Some protagonists from modern anime are making a huge splash in the industry and can rival him in terms of sheer popularity.
Tanjiro Kamado
His Grit And Determination Rivals That Of Goku
Demon Slayer
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- April 6, 2019
- Network
- Adult Swim
Tanjiro is a determined demon slayer who embarks on this path after Muzan kills off his entire family and transforms his sister into a demon. He learns the art of Water Breathing, only to realize that his natural aptitude is toward the strongest breathing style in the series.
Watching him whip out Sun Breathing to lay waste to the show's toughest foes makes for a great time. Fans can't wait to see the true extent of his Sun Breathing expertise in Infinity Castle, where he's going to obliterate some of the strongest demons in the series.
Thorfinn
A Unique Protagonist Who Grows Over The Course Of The Series
Vinland Saga
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2019 - 2023
WHERE TO WATCH
- Network
- Netflix
Vinland Saga used to be one of the greatest manga that never got an anime adaptation, but this changed recently. It allowed fans to follow Thorfinn's adventures during the Viking era and the strife he must deal with during such turbulent times.
Dragon Ball: 8 Strong Characters Who Overpowered Goku, Ranked
Even if Goku has won the majority of his battles, there has been quite a few opponents that had the upper hand against him for awhile.
It's one of the more sobering shows that has a realistic take on the idea of violence and the need for revenge. This mature storytelling is what fans are seeking out in most modern anime, which is why Thorfinn's amazing character arc makes him one of the best protagonists in modern times.
Denji
One Of The Funniest Shonen Protagonists Of All Time
Chainsaw Man
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2022 - 2022
- Network
- TV Tokyo, TV Osaka, TV Aichi, TVh, TVQ, TSC
Every shonen protagonist has a noble goal that they strive to achieve at any cost. Some characters want to save the world, others want to get stronger for the sake of others, and some want to bear the responsibilities on their shoulders with a smile on their face.
This is why it's so refreshing to follow Denji's story, with this down-on-his-luck character enjoying the small things in life and having the stupidest goals to look forward to. Yet, some aspects of his character are pretty relatable and ensure that the Chainsaw Devil leaves a lasting impression on viewers.
Saitama
Another Hilarious Character Who's So Strong That It Has Become Boring For Him
One Punch Man
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget endOne-Punch Man has been on the back burner for way too long, and fans can't wait for Season 3 to grace them with its presence. Fans will get to follow Saitama's adventures for one more season as this overly strong hero struggles not to succumb to his biggest weakness — boredom.
Saitama has already surpassed Goku's power in the eyes of many, and one can hope that a regularized adaptation will help him reach the same levels of popularity. Some might argue he already has, given how his need to make the most of supermarket discounts and constantly being overlooked by the masses has already led to him becoming a pop culture icon.
Frieren
The Protagonist Of A Fascinating Tale About Moving On
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- September 29, 2023
- Network
- Nippon TV, YTV, FBS, Chukyo TV, RNB, FCT, STV, KNB, HTV, YBS, RAB, TVI, YBC, UMK TV Miyazaki, TSB, MMT, TeNY, RNC, NIB, KKT, KTK, NKT, ABS, JRT, Daiichi-TV, FBC, RKC, KYT, KRY
A fantastic series about the idea of beings with long lives having to love on from the people they outgrow, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is an emotional fantasy masterpiece that is unlike any other show out there. It helps that fans of bombastic battles will also love it when the animation kicks it into high gear.
Dragon Ball: 7 Moments When Characters Admire Goku's Strength
In the Dragon Ball franchise, Goku's immense strength has been acknowledged even by his greatest enemies.
However, it's the memorable character interactions and poignant storytelling that help Frieren: Beyond Journey's End stand out as one of the best and most popular modern anime fans can get their hands on. Some of the story beats will genuinely leave fans in tears as they see their favorite heroes struggle with the idea of mortality and loss.
Eren Jaeger
A Multifaceted Protagonist, If One Can Even Call Him That
Attack On Titan
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2013 - 2022-00-00
The "protagonist" moniker is not enough to encompass Eren's character. He starts as a shonen hero who wants to stand for what's right, only for the far-reaching powers of the Attack Titan to make it clear that the idea of right and wrong isn't as simple as it's made up to be.
Even after enacting a genocide that wipes out eighty percent of the world's population, it speaks volumes that fans still justify Eren's actions as a hero the world will hate. He truly is one of the most fascinating characters in anime history who is nowhere near as one-dimensional as Goku.
Joseph Joestar
Your Next Words Are, "He's The Best JoJo Protagonist Of All Time!"
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
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- October 6, 2012
- Showrunner
- Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu
Out of all the JoJo parts that have been adapted to date, fans can't get over just how infectious and charming Joseph's character was. He is an endearing goofball who is both powerful and lucky in equal measure, being able to take out powerful antagonists in the most entertaining manner possible.
It speaks volumes that the JoJo protagonists who have been revealed since don't hold a candle to Joseph's personality in the eyes of many. He may be an old, wizened man, but fans still remember the time when his mere presence made every second of Battle Tendency a joy to witness, despite this part lacking the iconic Stands that would make battles far more interesting in later entries.
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Courage and valor are essential to survival in the Dragon Ball universe, and these characters are the bravest of them all.