What are emo anime characters? For the uninitiated, emo anime characters are those that belong to the emo subculture.
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This group is typically characterized by its members' dark clothing, moody demeanor, and love of all things depressing.
Emo characters often wear lots of blacks and have significantly lots of emotions buried deep inside their heart.
In fact, it's common for emo anime characters to spend most of their time brooding, moping, watching TV and generally being miserable.
So, let's look at the best emo anime characters and maybe one of them is your favorite character.
Emo Anime Boys
Typical emo boys are usually pretty easy to spot. Often, they have pale skin. They're usually the ones with the black hair, dark clothing, and brooding expressions
If these emo anime boys are not wearing all black, they're probably wearing some kind of plaid.
They tend to be loners, outcasts, or just general misfits. Despite all of that, there's just something about them that's irresistible. Maybe it's just the fact that they're so darn misunderstood.
Whatever the reason, emo anime boys have a certain appeal that just can't be denied.
Matsuyuki Atsumu
The story progresses after one fateful summer day, when one of five friends died suddenly. One of the surviving friends is Matsuyuki.
Matsuyuki Atsumu is a complex character at 16 years old dwelling on his own grief. This boy is a member of Super Peace Busters who loves skipping school. He is grieving, trapped in the memory of Meiko.
This tall young man even claims that he sees Meiko’s spirits. With this, he speaks on her behalf. Later, his childhood friends find out that Matsuyuki is pretending to be Meiko.
In the present, Atsumu holds a condescending and hateful attitude towards Jinta "Jintan" Yadomi. He is one of the group’s members who can’t move on with the girl’s death.
Thankfully, Menma's ghost pays him a visit and helps him to move on.
Okazaki Tomoya
Tomoya Okazaki is a 17-year-old third-year student. He deeply resents his town Hikarizaka due to the bad memories he experienced. Tomoya's emotional outlet is rebellion.
This emo boy is your typical high schooler. He likes sleeping and skipping class. Aside from these, he is also a player with many girlfriends until he meets Nagisa. Nagisa Furukawa and Okazaki Tomoya find solace in each other's love.
Tomoya has lived with his alcoholic father, Naoyuki Okazaki, with whom he constantly argues. He resembles his father with tan skin, spiky blue hair, and deep blue eyes.
This teenager is a bit of a maverick, always doing the opposite of the normal. Despite his rebellious nature, he’s kind and compassionate.
Zeref
Zeref is considered the darkest mage. He mastered the Black Arts and created many demons, wreaking havoc in the present.
This handsome mage is calm, sincere, but conflicted. He wants to atone for all his sins through death.
Despite being the villain, Zeref seems to show concern for others when he warns them not to come near him. He is emotionally fragile, especially when he realizes that Natsu Dragneel is his brother.
This Dark mage may be the villain but he's also one of the most complex and interesting characters in all of the Fairy Tail.
Light Yagami
Light Yagami is the definition of a driven individual who has more emo than others. After finding the Death Note, he quickly becomes fixated on the idea of using it to create a new world free of crime and evil.
Even when faced with the prospect of being caught and put in prison, Light doesn't hesitate to continue using the Death Note.
In fact, he seems to relish the idea of becoming the "God of the new world." While his methods may be questionable, there's no denying that Light is one of the most determined characters in anime.
Otosaka Yuu
Tomori Nao forces Yuu to attend Hoshinoumi Academy, the most prestigious school and join the student council in order to keep an eye on him and his ability after discovering Yuu's deception.
However, Yuu sees right through her façade. So, he uses his ability to his advantage, often turning the tables on her.
As the series progresses, this 16-year-old emo boy begins to open up more and forms a close bond with Tomori and Charlotte.
While he is still selfish and narcissistic, he gradually becomes more selfless and puts others before himself. By the end of the series, Yuu has become a much better person, thanks in part to Tomori and Charlotte.
Sasuke Uchiha
Uchiha Sasuke is known for his brooding attitude, prodigious ninja skills, and dark ambition. He grows up happy and eager to please. However, everything changed when his brother Itachi Uchiha massacred the clan.
Consumed by hatred and seeking revenge, this emo character dedicated himself to becoming strong enough to kill Itachi.
In his pursuits, he often evaluated those around him. If he perceived them to be weaker than himself, he would arrogantly disregard them.
Sasuke would fixate on those who he thinks are strong and strive to surpass them. This single-minded quest for power led him down a dark path but made him one of the strongest ninjas in the Naruto series.
Ulquiorra Cifer
Ulquiorra is a real tough guy. He's got a heart of ice and not afraid to show it. This anime character is a guy who would probably drop a baby if it got in his way.
He refers to anyone he doesn't find interesting as "trash". But despite all this, Ulquiorra is actually a pretty cool guy.
This emo anime boy is not particularly violent, and he only fights when provoked or ordered by Aizen.
Arima Kousei
Arima Kousei is a character from the anime Your Lie in April. Kousei is a highly talented pianist. But with the death of his mother, he stops playing the piano.
Throughout the series, Kousei goes through an emotional journey as he meets new friends, including the free-spirited violinist Kaori Miyazono. Kaori helps Kousei come out of his shell and rediscover his love for music.
Despite being labeled as a pessimist, Kousei is actually a kind person. He treasures his friends and admires Kaori for being his opposite.
This emo boy’s journey is one of self-discovery and growth. He starts off as a depressed person but meeting Kaori gives him opportunity to open up to other people.
Kiryuu Zero
Kiryuu Zero is the most popular day class student at Cross Academy. The day class students love him because he's a vampire knight.
This vampire knight is always so composed and protective of Prefects Yuki, the day class president. Although he comes across to other students as cold-hearted and hostile, he's actually quite friendly and occasionally shows his true emotions to the girl.
Due to his childhood, he builds barriers around himself and does not let these barriers down all the way, even for Yuki. Despite this, he has a kind heart that longs to protect humans.
Hei
10 years ago, something strange happened in the sky. Gates appeared in Japan and South America, creating a new sky reflecting false stars over the Earth. Then, contractors are born and created. One of these contractors is Hei.
Hei is your typical Contractor who has the power, looks, and suave attitude. But what sets him apart from the rest is his love for his sister, Bai, and his huge appetite! The dude can put away some serious grub.
He also got a bit of a temper, which can be a problem when he's trying to assassinate someone. But all in all, he's a pretty cool guy.
Okumura Rin
Rin is the typical anime protagonist. He's got big dreams, a heart of gold, and a serious case of stupidity. But unlike most anime protagonists, Rin actually tries to do something about his stupidity.
This emo character studies and trains hard. Rin decides to surpass his brother Yukio and become the world's greatest exorcist.
For now, though, he's content to just be a nuisance to Yukio. He's always getting into trouble, always saying the wrong thing, and always managing to screw things up.
But even Yukio has to admit that Rin's heart is in the right place.
Crona
Crona, a soul eater from death city, is a shy individual who cites they're unable to "deal" with many things. This causes them to completely shut themselves down from their surroundings.
What makes Crona a dangerous enemy is their unbalance state of mind and inclination to insanity (Madness mindset).
This originates from the abuse this emo anime boy (or maybe girl, don't know but this character is genderless) suffered from being tortured and learning from the experience.
Plus, this character uses a Soul Eater's weapon that a Shinigami Lord can hold. Despite this, Crona uses the weapon to protect death City.
Emo Anime Girls
What is an emo anime girl? Emo anime girls are the perfect blend of dark and brooding angst combined with bright and bubbly cuteness.
With their big, expressive eyes and cutesy fashion sense, they ooze a sort of cool edginess that is totally irresistible.
While they may seem like they’re always ready to fight or cry at the drop of a hat, there’s also a softer side to them that just begs to be protected.
In short, emo anime girls are the perfect mix of tough and tender. So, here's a list for you.
Rei Ayanami
Rei Ayanami is a mysterious and emotionless female protagonist from the anime series Evangelion. She is often seen as a cold and aloof person.
But there are moments when her true personality shines through. Despite being an introvert, Rei is shown to have an interest in psychology and genetics.
Additionally, she is fiercely loyal to her father, Gendo, and is always willing to help him with his work. However, she also has a deep inner conflict that manifests itself in different ways throughout the series.
Ultimately, Rei is a complex and fascinating character who adds depth and intrigue to the world of Evangelion.
Touka Kirishima
Touka is an interesting character in Tokyo Ghoul. She's initially defined by her duality between rage and kindness.
Her character arc is centered around that rage fading as well as her kindness coming to the fore. It's fascinating to see how her relationship with Kaneki changes over time.
Slowly, she starts to open up and become more compassionate as a result of his influence. She's a complex and multi-layered character, and it's always enjoyable to watch her interact with the other characters in the show.
Mei Misaki
Mei Misaki is a fascinating girl. She's curious, independent, and has a sharp tongue. But she's also kind, caring, and fiercely loyal to those she loves.
This beauty appears in the story when Kouichi Sakakibara moves to Yomiyama North Middle School. She's the class president of 3-9 and takes Kouichi under her wing.
Despite her initial reservations about him, she grows to care for him deeply. And when tragedy strikes, Mei is there for Kouichi every step of the way.
She's his rock, his anchor in the midst of chaos. Without her, Kouichi would have been lost. But with Mei by his side, he was able to face anything. That's why she's such an important part of his life.
Tomoko Kuroki
Tomoko Kuroki was excited to start high school. She had over 50 years of dating experience from playing Otome games.
With experience, this emo girl felt confident she could transfer her knowledge to the real world. However, once she started school, she quickly realized things were not going as planned.
Tomoko didn't talk to anyone in her class and was starting to feel isolated. In May, she decided to try and make herself more popular by trying something different.
Unfortunately, these attempts backfired and she only ended up alienating her classmates even more. In the end, Tomoko learned that being popular is not as easy as it seems.
Revy
Revy is 20 years old and tan-skinned. She is Rock's complete opposite in every way.
While Rock is tall, level-headed, and laid back, Revy is short, hot-tempered, and always ready to fight. She's also of Chinese descent, while Rock is Japanese.
Rock is a devout Christian while Revy is a self-proclaimed nihilist who believes that life is meaningless. In other words, these two are about as different as two people can be.
But despite their many differences, Rock and Revy have one important thing in common: they're both BADASSES.
Lucy
Elfen Lied is one of those weird anime that's both really good and really messed up. It's the story of Lucy, a girl with Dissociative Identity Disorder who has three different personalities: Kaede, Nyu, and Lucy.
Throughout her life, she believed that her parents abandoned her, leaving her to die. At the orphanage, Kaede was avoided and neglected by the staff, frequently bullied, and referred to as an "ox" (due to her horns).
In an odd way, she understood this as the other kids using her as a way to distract themselves from their own misery. When this sad girl was finally adopted, she thought she had finally found a place where she belonged.
But it turns out that they just wanted to use her as a weapon in their own personal vendetta against the government. Elfen Lied is a dark and violent anime, but it's also surprisingly touching and heartwarming.
Clare
Clare was a claymore when she was first introduced, and she was a very cold warrior. She prioritized her duties over everything else, and she was willing to take Raki with her until they found a new village for him to settle in.
However, she was still willing to take Raki with her until they found a new village for him to settle in, largely because he reminded her of herself when she was a child.
Mikasa Ackerman
Mikasa Ackerman is a force to be reckoned with. Born into a life of hardship and tragedy, she has fought tooth and nail to survive in a world that is constantly trying to kill her.
Despite everything she has been through, Mikasa still retains some of the innocence and kindness that she was born with. She is fiercely loyal to her friends and family and will go to any lengths to protect them.
Even though she may seem intimidating at first, Mikasa is actually a big softie at heart.
Saeko Bushijima
Saeko is definitely the kind of girl you want on your side when the Zombie Apocalypse hits. She's strong, level-headed, and got a sword.
This beautiful girl is pretty darn good at using it. Throughout the series, she is shown to be a reliable and caring individual, always looking out for the well-being of her fellow survivors.
Even in the face of danger, she remains calm and collected, which can be a bit scary at times.
Lucy Heartfilia
Lucy Heartfilia is a confident young woman who takes pride in her appearance. She is also a talented writer, working on a novel about her adventures with the Fairy Tail guild.
Despite her vanity, Lucy is actually a kind and caring person. She comes from a wealthy family, but she does not let that define her.
Instead, Lucy chooses to make her own way in the world, following her heart and living the life of a Celestial Spirit mage.
Izumi Takanashi
Izumi Takanashi is your typical writer. She's got a messy room, full of books and paper.
Her desk is covered in ink, and she's always scrambling to meet deadlines. Izumi is also a bit of a recluse. She doesn't leave her room often, and she loves to wear eyeliner and black clothes.
Because Izumi has a weak constitution, she frequently has to rely on others to take care of her. If she carries anything heavier than a pen, she gets muscle aches after three days.
Trivia Questions
What other anime with emo anime characters?
You might want to check Yukieteru Amano from Mirai nikki.
Is anime emo?
No, anime is not emo. Just because a lot of anime characters wear black and have dark hair does not mean that anime is emo.
In fact, there are all sorts of different types of anime, with characters of all different colors, personalities, and styles. So no, anime is not emo. And if you think it is, then you obviously don't know what emo actually is.
Who is the edgiest character in anime?
This coveted title goes to none other than L from Death Note. L is a brilliant but enigmatic detective who takes on the tough cases that no one else can solve.
He's also got a serious attitude problem, and he's not afraid to break the rules if it means catching a criminal. His dark sense of style and love of all things black set him apart from the rest, and his intensity is off the charts.
Is Tanjiro Kamado of Demon Slayer emo?
Tanjiro Kamado of Demon Slayer is often mistaken for an emo. He has the black clothes, the long black hair, and the brooding expression. However, there's more to Tanjiro than meets the eye.
While he does wear dark clothing and keep his hairstyle simple, he doesn't brood or mope around like most emos.
Who is your favorite emo anime character on this list? Is it innocent young boy Tomoya or your edgy Izumi? Don't forget to comment below!
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