What are the best Attack on Titan characters? If the 2010s were defined by any anime, it was Attack on Titan. The adaptation of Hajime Isayama’s manga, about a kingdom struggling to defeat giant, mutated humanoid creatures that continually invade, became an instant hit upon starting in 2013.
Over the years, we’ve followed Attack on Titan through some highs, and quite a lot of lows, watching the cast of one of the best anime series on our screens unravel the mystery of the Titans and find salvation for mankind. Led by Eren Yaeger, this contender for any list of the best horror anime introduces us to a deep, varied cast of heroes we love, and villains we love to hate.
It seems strange that we’re still waiting for the Attack on Titan season 4, part 3 release date to finally finish the best animated series of recent years. After all this time, some closure! To celebrate we’re running through the best Attack on Titan characters, to commend those who best served us during our darkest moments in one of the best TV series from the anime world.
Who are the best Attack on Titan characters?
- Zeke Yeager
- Levi Ackerman
- Armin Arlert
- Mikasa Ackerman
- Erwin Smith
- Reiner Braun
- Eren Yaeger
Zeke Yeager
The son of Grisha Yeager and Dina Fritz, Zeke Yeager is the older half-brother of Eren Yeager and the holder of the Beast Titan Power. Incredibly intelligent and a veteran soldier, Zeke is one of Marley’s greatest weapons; however, he has his own agenda that makes him more dangerous than anyone realizes.
Zeke’s a fan favorite for his cool personality, unique Titan design, and his rivalry with Levi Ackerman. Still, if we’re honest, one of the best things about Zeke is watching him get his overconfident ass handed to him time and time again.
Levi Ackerman
Levi is an obvious choice and undeniably one of the best anime characters in Attack on Titan. At first, Levi’s ruthless efficiency is opposed to Eren, but gradually their goals align. His talents on the mobility gear are second to none, making him the hardiest Titan killer in the show.
He’s introduced under the belief that he’s the absolute pinnacle of what the Survey Corps can produce, and the consistent stream of bodies continually gives credence to that proclamation. Naturally, he rarely has much to say, making him a mystery, too.
Armin Arlert
Oh, Armin, sweet naive Armin. Every little step he takes towards conquering his fears feels like a massive victory, but it’s bittersweet to watch his innocence be dismantled. Unfortunately, you can’t be second-guessing when there are gigantic, humanoid monsters trying to eat you.
As he gets braver, he challenges Eren and makes choices for himself, leading to some of the best plot twists in the history of the show. His arc is among the most well-executed.
Mikasa Ackerman
If anyone has a stake in being as good as Levi when it comes to taking down Titans, it’s Mikasa. Funnily enough, they’re family members, though it’s never confirmed how close they are. After swearing to protect Eren as a child, she keeps her promise no matter the odds or situation, and there have been some drastic close calls.
Mikasa’s dedication and resilience make her an incredible asset an as Eren gets drawn further and further towards into darkness, she becomes one of the few characters who can hope to save him. She is one of the few heroes where, so long as she’s still hanging around, there’s a chance of survival.
Erwin Smith
Erwin’s great tactical mind was one of the pleasures of Attack on Titan. He could orchestrate a victory against the Titans from the slimmest of margins. This usually involved quite a bit of human sacrifice, but such is war – something Erwin understands emphatically.
Ultimately, he passes in duty, exactly how he wanted. His life is given so others may live; a true soldier.
Reiner Braun
As dedicated as the Paradis soldiers are to their cause, Reiner’s subterfuge demonstrates that Marley civilians aren’t to be underestimated. Of course, Eren comes to understand this himself eventually, and Reiner eventually becomes a central protagonist, trying to stop this universe’s version of nuclear annihilation.
He’s shouldered with the Armoured Titan, a curse that he’s eventually able to walk away from. The relief is palpable, and his presence gives the negotiations between Marley and Paradis a chance.
Eren Yaeger
The big hero, or the guy who was the big hero before he got a little bit genocidal. Eren‘s at the centre of Attack on Titan’s mysteries. His bond to Armin and Mikasa is one forged in terror and shared trauma that forms the backbone of the show’s emotional thrust.
It’s what makes it all the worse when he becomes the ultimate example of the best anime villains later. But then, was there any other conclusion for a generation so steeped in war and carnage? Eren was always a product of his environment, just look at his dad.
Those are the best Attack on Titan characters, and we stand by our choices. We’ve also explained how one Attack on Titan star had a gross ritual while making the show and delved into the Founding Titan.
Have a look at our lists of the best anime movies and best romance anime if you’re keen for more viewing options and learn how anime movie Suzume teaches Star Wars an important lesson. We also have guides to the best Dragon Ball Z characters and best My Hero Academia characters if you’d like more rankings.