Highlights
- The male characters in the new anime of 2023 were outstanding, with depth, humor, and charisma, making them feel realistic and winning over the audience.
- Characters like Jinshi, Tendou Akira, and Aqua Hoshino showcased unique traits and relatable experiences, making them some of the best male anime leads of the year.
- Gabimaru and Cid Kagenou also stood out with their intriguing stories and internal struggles, making them beloved characters in the anime world of 2023.
2023 has been a glorious year for anime aficionados. Throughout the year, many new anime were released, with some of them gaining more popularity than the rest. One of the key reasons for their fame was their cast of characters.
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The male characters in the new anime, in particular, were outstanding. Some of them had a great degree of depth, which made them feel more realistic. Others were humorous and charismatic, which helped them win over the audience. Given the fact that so many new characters made their debut in 2023, it is almost impossible to choose just a few.
8 Jinshi
The Apothecary Diaries
- Release Date
- October 22, 2023
- Studio
- OLM, TOHO animation STUDIO
- Creator
- Natsu Hyuuga
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll
- Genres
- History, Drama, Medical
Jinshi is a devilishly handsome individual from The Apothecary Diaries. He is in charge of the inner palace, and ultimately, he strikes a deal with Maomao, which sees the latter receiving rare herbs in exchange for solving mysteries.
Despite his looks, Jinshi lacks self-confidence, which often leads to some comical moments between him and others. Due to his incredible charm and charisma, Jinshi is one of the better male characters of 2023.
7 Tendou Akira
Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead
- Release Date
- July 9, 2023
- Studio
- BUG FILMS
- Creator
- Haro Aso
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix
- Genres
- Horror, Action, Supernatural
Tendou Akira was once an optimistic man who always tried to focus on the positive things, but working for the Black Company changed him. Akira became much more stressed, which led to suicidal tendencies. So, the outbreak proved to be a blessing in disguise.
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Akira is different from most anime protagonists in the sense that he is more realistic. He does not have any supernatural abilities; in fact, he has to rely on his physical strength to defeat zombies and help others. His way of living in the moment is something that many people have tried to emulate in real life. So, he gives them a glimpse of what it is like to do so. All these things make him one of the best male anime leads of 2023.
6 Aqua Hoshino
Oshi No Ko
- Release Date
- April 12, 2023
- Studio
- Doga Kobo
- Creator
- Aka Akasaka
- Streaming Service(s)
- HIDIVE
- Genres
- Thriller
Aqua Hoshino is the son of the popular idol, Ai Hoshino. In his previous life, Aqua was the doctor who took care of Ai until he was murdered by a mysterious individual. Aqua is a smart individual who is untrusting of most people.
Aqua’s distrust is mainly because of his mother’s death. He is a great representation of how even the most skilled people cannot just let go of their traumatic experiences. Another reason why Aqua is such a special character is because he shows how to achieve his goal while trying to deal with emotional issues.
5 Gabimaru
Hell’s Paradise
- Release Date
- April 1, 2023
- Studio
- MAPPA
- Creator
- Yuji Kaku
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll
- Genres
- Action, Adventure
Gabimaru’s story is one of extreme woe. Despite being an extremely dangerous character, Gabimaru refrains from fighting. He lost all his appetite for killing and was ready to die, or at least he thought so.
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After meeting Yamada Asaemon Sagiri, Gabimaru realizes that he has a chance to be pardoned for all of his crimes. He joins Sagiri on a journey to a mysterious island to find the Elixir of Life for the Shogun. Gabimaru knew that this was his best shot at being reunited with his wife. His internal struggle moved many fans, which is why he is among the best male anime characters of 2023.
4 Cid Kagenou
The Eminence In Shadow
- Release Date
- October 5, 2022
- Studio
- Nexus
- Creator
- Daisuke Aizawa
- Streaming Service(s)
- HIDIVE
- Genres
- Isekai, Fantasy, Action, Comedy
Cid Kagenou’s old life was nothing but trivial, so he had no complaints when it ended. He was reborn into a world of sorcerers and swords. Cid has an obsession with dark and mysterious characters, and this has affected his own persona.
Cid likes to stay aloof most of the time, but he does value his friends. In the anime, he showed his determination to become a shadow broker by putting himself through several trials. Cid also has a warrior’s pride, which is why he respects those who understand the importance of fighting. Cid’s cold personality, along with his intelligence, makes him one of the best male anime characters of 2023.
3 Kurosaki Ichigo
Bleach
- Release Date
- October 5, 2004
- Studio
- Pierrot
- Creator
- Tite Kubo
- Streaming Service(s)
- Hulu
- Genres
- Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Ichigo returned to screens after a lengthy absence with Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War. Ichigo has always been a loved character, and the release of the new anime only added to his popularity. In the Thousand-Year Blood War, Ichigo faced his biggest test in Yhwach.
Throughout the season, Ichigo showed his mature side as he kept his cool in tense situations. Not only did it prove beneficial to him, but to his friends as well. With the anime set to return for another run, fans will be looking forward to seeing Ichigo cap off his story.
2 Gojo Satoru
Jujutsu Kaisen
- Release Date
- October 3, 2020
- Studio
- MAPPA
- Creator
- Gege Akutami
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll
- Genres
- Action, Supernatural
Gojo Satoru holds the title of the strongest sorcerer in the world, so it is hardly surprising that he has an arrogant demeanor. Satoru has an easy-going personality, and he rarely gets worked up.
The much-anticipated Shibuya arc was released in 2023, and, as expected, Gojo Satoru played a crucial role in it. He managed to exorcise a Special Grade Curse Spirit with little effort, and he even took down 1000 enemies in just 0.2 seconds. With more of his backstory being revealed, Satoru soared even further in 2023, making him one of the most loved characters of the year.
1 Monkey D. Luffy
One Piece
- Release Date
- October 20, 1999
- Studio
- Toei Animation
- Creator
- Eiichiro Oda
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu
- Genres
- Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
Monkey D. Luffy is the main protagonist of Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece, and the rubbery hero had another immense year. With the anime entering the final act of the Wano arc, Luffy clashed with Kaido one last time. Despite the odds being stacked against him, Luffy didn’t lose his unyielding attitude. He knew that he had to keep his promise to Momonosuke, O-Tama, and his friends.
Luffy awakened his Devil Fruit, which resulted in the creation of Gear 5th. The debut of this new power sent waves throughout the internet. Luffy used this ability to defeat Kaido and free Wano from the Emperor’s clutches.