Attack on Titan is more than just an anime about humans fighting giant monsters—it’s a saga of war, morality, survival, and the cost of freedom. From the very first episode, the series thrust viewers into a brutal world where no character was safe and no decision was black and white. What set it apart wasn’t just the jaw-dropping action or intense plot twists, but its unforgettable characters. Every figure, from main heroes to conflicted enemies, played a vital role in shaping the story’s emotional and philosophical weight. Some characters rose through courage and conviction, while others broke us with betrayal or tragic sacrifice. This list celebrates the ten characters who defined Attack on Titan—those who left the deepest impact through their strength, flaws, and unforgettable journeys. Whether they fought for vengeance, truth, or peace, these characters remind us why Attack on Titan remains one of the greatest anime of all time.
#10: Hange Zoë
Hange Zoë stood out as the bridge between science and humanity in a world driven by chaos. Their obsession with Titans at first seemed comical, but quickly evolved into one of the show’s most nuanced roles. Hange wasn’t just curious—they were relentless in their pursuit of truth, often putting themselves in danger for the sake of knowledge. Whether it was experimenting on captured Titans or trying to find ethical answers in a cruel world, Hange consistently pushed boundaries. Their later leadership of the Survey Corps added another layer, revealing tactical brilliance and unshakable courage. Their final stand—facing off against a tide of Titans—wasn’t just noble. It was unforgettable. Hange embodied the series’ core conflict: the pursuit of answers, even when the cost is everything.
#9: Jean Kirstein
Jean’s growth might be the most underrated in Attack on Titan. Initially selfish and pragmatic, he wanted a safe life in the Military Police. But circumstances and the deaths of friends turned him into one of the most mature, grounded voices in the series. Jean doesn’t have flashy powers or tragic secrets—he has realism and empathy. That’s what makes his character so impactful. He questions authority, challenges Eren’s increasingly dark path, and leads with reluctant but strong resolve. Jean is a rare anime character who feels truly human—flawed, evolving, and deeply loyal. In a world filled with monsters and legends, Jean’s strength lies in his grounded heart.
#8: Sasha Blouse
The “Potato Girl” began as comic relief, but Sasha’s legacy went far beyond that. Her love for food and quirky humor made her instantly lovable, but it was her bravery and humanity that made her unforgettable. Sasha saved lives with nothing but a bow and unbreakable will, proving herself time and time again in combat. Her moral compass stayed strong even as the world around her darkened, and her heartbreaking death was one of the show’s most emotionally raw moments. Sasha reminded everyone what the soldiers were really fighting for: the simple joys of life and the people who make it worth protecting.
#7: Erwin Smith
Few leaders in anime command the kind of respect Erwin Smith did. Cold when necessary, but always committed to the bigger picture, Erwin embodied sacrifice. He inspired loyalty so fierce that soldiers followed him into certain death. Erwin’s speeches—especially his final charge against the Beast Titan—will go down as some of the most iconic moments in anime history. But beneath his steel was a deeply conflicted man, constantly weighing truth against duty. His final decision to entrust the future to Armin over himself was the ultimate act of selflessness. Erwin didn’t seek victory for glory—he sought it so humanity could finally be free.
#6: Reiner Braun
Reiner’s story is a masterclass in internal conflict. Introduced as a dependable comrade, his shocking reveal as the Armored Titan shattered that illusion. But rather than becoming a one-dimensional villain, Reiner’s arc dove into mental illness, guilt, and identity. The way he dissociated from his crimes by separating “soldier” from “warrior” was disturbing, yet heartbreaking. Reiner is one of the few characters who truly lived with the consequences of their actions, spiraling into depression but still choosing to fight for what he believed was right. His complexity—and eventual redemption—make him one of the show’s most compelling and tragic figures.
#5: Mikasa Ackerman
Fierce, loyal, and silent in her devotion, Mikasa is the sword that protects Eren—but she’s so much more. From the moment she saved Eren as a child, Mikasa’s life was defined by love and survival. As an Ackerman, she’s one of the most powerful soldiers alive, cutting down Titans with surgical precision. But it’s her emotional journey that resonates. Learning to live beyond Eren’s shadow, questioning her purpose, and facing the pain of inevitable loss—Mikasa’s strength isn’t just physical. It’s in her will to keep going, even when her heart is shattered. Her final decision in the series was devastating and poetic, solidifying her place as one of anime’s most iconic heroines.
#4: Armin Arlert
Armin represents the mind in a world ruled by might. Physically weaker than his peers, Armin always believed in strategy, compassion, and diplomacy. His faith in humanity was often challenged, but never broken. He’s the reason humanity knew about the outside world. He’s the one who saved lives with plans rather than brute force. And when it mattered most, he sacrificed himself—and was reborn as a Titan. Armin’s transformation into a leader wasn’t about becoming someone else—it was about embracing who he always was: the heart and hope of the group. He proved brains can change the world.
#3: Historia Reiss
From an unknown background to the literal queen of the walls, Historia’s arc is one of quiet revolution. Once pretending to be the sweet, harmless “Krista,” she eventually revealed her real self—conflicted, angry, and brave. Her decision to reject her family’s oppressive legacy and take control of her fate was a defining moment. In a series about freedom, Historia embodied what it meant to seize it. Whether it was punching Levi, confronting Eren, or choosing an unorthodox path as queen, she refused to be a pawn in anyone’s game. Her strength was subtle but powerful—a true survivor with agency.
#2: Eren Yeager
No character in Attack on Titan underwent a more radical transformation than Eren Yeager. Starting as a hot-headed, vengeance-driven boy, he became humanity’s greatest hope—then its greatest threat. Eren’s descent into anti-hero (or outright villain) territory was shocking, yet tragically logical. He was always driven by freedom, and when that dream was threatened, he took it to an extreme. His motivations, while horrifying, were never without emotional weight. Eren’s story forces the audience to ask: how far is too far for freedom? His final fate—engineered by his own hands—was devastating and unforgettable. Eren was the beating heart of the series, even when that heart turned cold.
#1: Levi Ackerman
Captain Levi is the epitome of badassery, loyalty, and pain. Humanity’s strongest soldier never wanted glory—he wanted results. Whether taking down the Female Titan or going toe-to-toe with the Beast Titan, Levi’s skill in combat is legendary. But what truly defines him is his quiet grief. He lost his entire squad, his closest friends, and the hope of peace—yet he kept fighting. His stoicism masked deep trauma, but never dulled his sense of duty. Levi represents the best of humanity: strength, humility, and the burden of survival. In a show filled with unforgettable characters, Levi stands above the rest—not just because of what he could do, but because of everything he endured.
Attack on Titan wasn’t just a story about monsters and walls—it was a story about people: their pain, their hope, their decisions. Each character listed left a permanent mark on the anime landscape. Whether by changing the tide of battle, making impossible choices, or simply surviving the horrors around them, these ten proved that in the world of Attack on Titan, true greatness comes from within.
