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In many anime series, side characters often steal the spotlight from the main protagonists, captivating audiences with their unique personalities, abilities, and story arcs. Characters like Levi Ackerman from Attack on Titan, Roronoa Zoro from One Piece, Shoto Todoroki from My Hero Academia often stole the show.
What makes these side characters even more fascinating is their ability to resonate with viewers on a deeper emotional level. Often, they embody traits or struggles that are more relatable or nuanced compared to the main characters, who might follow more traditional hero archetypes.
1. Roronoa Zoro ( One Piece )
Despite Luffy being the main protagonist in One Piece, Zoro being the side character, stole the show from him. He is swordsman of Straw Hats crew and dreams to become the strongest swordsman.
In his fight against Bartholomew kuma a warlord and King the right hand man of Kaido the strongest Beast he proved that he is worthy of beings the strongest swordsman. Zoro’s unwavering resolve and epic battles often steal the spotlight, earning him a massive fan following.
2. Satoru Gojo ( Jujutsu Kaisen )
Despite Yuji Itadori being the main protagonist, Gojo always stole the show from him. Gojo possesses extraordinary abilities, including his Limitless Cursed Technique and the Six Eyes, which make him nearly invincible in combat and he was the main side character.
One of the most viewed fight of Gojo is fight against Toji Fushiguro a highly anticipated and dramatic showdown in “Jujutsu Kaisen” that occurs during the Gojo’s Past Arc.
Toji, known as the “Sorcerer Killer,” is an exceptionally skilled and cursed-free assassin hired to eliminate Gojo. The fight between Satoru Gojo and Toji Fushiguro profoundly impacts the series by showcasing Gojo’s growth and establishing his dominance while deepening the narrative with Toji’s formidable presence.
3. Levi Ackerman ( Attack On Titan )
Despit Eren Yeager being the main protagonist of Attack on Titan Levi Ackerman almost stole the show from him being a side character. Humanity’s strongest soldier, Levi is a captain in survey corps in known for his exceptional combat skills.
In the fight between Levi vs Beast Titan he showcased his skills, precisions and his capability to defeat titans and this is his one of the most viewed fights. Levi’s presence often overshadows even the main characters due to his unmatched prowess and compelling personal story.
4. Itachi Uchiha ( Naruto / Naruto Shippuden )
Despite Naruto being the main character in Naruto, but whenever Itachi got the screen time, he stole the show every time, although he was a side character. Itachi is a prodigious ninja from the Uchiha clan, known for his tragic backstory and immense power.
Itachi Uchiha’s most memorable and highly viewed fight is his final battle against his younger brother, Sasuke Uchiha, in “Naruto Shippuden”.
This fight is a culmination of years of tension and emotional buildup, revealing Itachi’s true intentions and the extent of his sacrifice for Sasuke and the Hidden Leaf Village.
5. Vegeta ( Dragon Ball )
Despite Goku being the main character, Vegeta with his ego and attitude fights stole the show many times from Goku despite being the side character.
In his battle against Jiren in “Dragon Ball Super” during the Tournament of Power arc Vegeta’s unwavering determination, driven by his Saiyan pride and a promise to revive the erased universes, led him to achieve the “Super Saiyan Blue Evolution” transformation.
His relentless attacks and emotional motivations forced Jiren to take him seriously, highlighting Vegeta’s growth as a character and showcasing his tactical prowess and deep sense of honor.
6. Todoroki Shoto (My Hero Academia)
Izuku Midoriya despite being the main charracter in My Hero Academia, most of the time Shoto Todoroki stole the show from him despite being the side character.
Todoroki has a quirk of fire and ice and is one of the powerful students in U.A High School. Shoto Todoroki’s most viewed fight is likely his battle against Izuku Midoriya during the U.A. Sports Festival in My Hero Academia.
This fight is notable for its high stakes and intense action, showcasing Todoroki’s dual abilities with his ice and fire powers. Todoroki’s personal journey of overcoming his past and embracing his dual powers resonated with many viewers.
7. L ( Death Note )
L is a world-renowned detective who takes on the challenge of catching the mysterious serial killer known as Kira, although he was a side character. He is eccentric, highly intelligent, and has peculiar habits.
L’s intellectual battles with Light Yagami created a unique psychological thrill in the series. His quirky personality and enigmatic presence made him a fan favorite, driving much of the show’s tension and intrigue.
8. Killua Zoldyck (Hunter x Hunter)
Killua Zoldyck steals the show in Hunter x Hunter as a side character through his complex background as an heir to a family of assassins, which contrasts with his developing personality—initially stoic and detached but gradually revealing wit, humor, and a deep capacity for loyalty and friendship, particularly with protagonist Gon Freecss.
His journey of self-discovery and moral questioning, coupled with his incredible physical abilities and strategic mind in battles, not only enriches the storyline but also cements his place as a fan-favorite character
9. Akaza ( Demon Slayer )
Akaza from “Demon Slayer” stole the show with his overwhelming power, unmatched combat skills, and compelling backstory being a side character. As an Upper Rank demon, his abilities, especially his incredible speed and mastery of martial arts, made every battle intense and gripping.
Beyond his physical prowess, Akaza’s complex character development and tragic past added depth, making him a villain whose motivations and struggles resonated with the audience.
10. Yujiro Hanma ( Baki )
Yujiro Hanma dominates “Baki” with his unmatched strength, compelling charisma, and pivotal role in the series being a side character. His overwhelming power sets him apart in every confrontation, making his battles iconic and unforgettable.
Despite his antagonistic nature, Yujiro’s charisma captivates audiences, and his complex motivations add depth to his character.