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There are thousands of anime, but only a few anime characters who use their brains in the way this anime character we are going to talk about does. These are the manipulators, individuals who wield influence like a finely honed blade, shaping destinies and bending wills to their own accord. So, let’s start our journey to Ranking The Top Manipulators in the entire anime world.
Note: Some of you might not like the ranking we have done here, but we have considered the impact of their manipulation. If you don’t like the ranking, you can comment with the order you think is correct.
09. Izaya Orihara (Durarara!!)
Izaya Orihara thrives on observing and manipulating the complex web of human relationships in Ikebukuro. He sees people as playthings, their emotions and actions as a source of endless fascination. Izaya’s vast network of information and his keen understanding of human nature allow him to orchestrate complex scenarios, pitting individuals and factions against each other for his own amusement. He enjoys knowing the darkest secrets of people and using that knowledge to manipulate them. His ability to understand human nature makes him a master of social engineering, and because of that, we have placed him at number 9.
08. Hisoka Morow (Hunter X Hunter)
I know many of you will not agree with us putting Hisoka on this list, but before judging, read the whole paragraph, then comment whether Hisoka deserves this position. Hisoka Morow’s manipulation is a performance, a twisted game played for his own amusement. He delights in sowing chaos and discord, manipulating individuals and situations to test their limits and satisfy his insatiable hunger for excitement. Hisoka’s unpredictable nature and theatrical flair make him a master of psychological manipulation, as he toys with his opponents’ emotions and expectations. He expertly uses his charisma and deceptive nature to control the battlefield and the people in it, always keeping everyone guessing what his next move will be.
07. Griffith (Berserk)
Griffith ranks seventh on this list because his manipulation is a slow, calculated burn, fueled by his unwavering ambition. He cultivates loyalty and devotion, building a powerful band of mercenaries who would follow him to the ends of the earth. His charisma and strategic brilliance allow him to manipulate entire armies and kingdoms, but his ultimate act of manipulation—the sacrifice of the Band of the Hawk—reveals the terrifying depths of his ambition.
06. Light Yagami Or Kira (Death note)
The sixth position goes to Light Yagami (Kira). His genius intellect allows him to subtly influence public opinion, turning him from a vigilante into a godlike figure. Light masterfully plays a cat-and-mouse game with L, weaving intricate plans and exploiting human psychology to maintain his anonymity and control. He manipulates those around him, including his own family and the police force, using them as pawns in his grand scheme to create a world free of crime, according to his own twisted definition.
05. Yuuichi Katagiri (Tomodachi Game)
The fifth position goes to Yuuichi Katagiri, and some of you will think why he is above Light Yagami. As I said before, read the paragraph, then decide and comment if it’s the right ranking or if changes are needed. Yuuichi Katagiri possesses a chillingly pragmatic approach to manipulation. He excels at exploiting the weaknesses of human relationships, using friendship and trust as weapons in the treacherous Tomodachi Game. His ability to read people and predict their actions allows him to manipulate even the most cunning opponents, turning their own strengths against them.
04. Ayanokoji Kiyotaka (Classroom Of the Elite)
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka is a master strategist and manipulator, possessing a cold and calculating demeanor. He operates from the shadows, manipulating events and people to achieve his goals. His ability to understand and exploit human psychology is unpredictable, allowing him to subtly influence the outcomes of complex situations. Ayanokoji’s detached perspective and strategic brilliance make him formidable, and because of that, he is in the fourth position on this list.
03. Lelouch vi Britannia (Code Geass)
Lelouch vi Britannia, driven by his desire for revenge and a better world, utilizes his Geass ability to manipulate others. His strategic genius allows him to orchestrate complex operations, manipulating entire nations and armies to achieve his goals. While his motives are often noble, his methods are undeniably manipulative, requiring him to deceive and control those around him. Lelouch’s charisma and strategic mind make him a powerful and compelling manipulator.
02. Johan Liebert (Monster)
Johan Liebert is a master of psychological manipulation. Many of you will find it harder to accept that we have given the second rank to him and the first rank to Aizen Sosuke. Johan Liebert’s charisma and intelligence allow him to subtly influence those around him, driving them to madness and despair. He operates in the shadows, pulling the strings of others without ever revealing his true intentions. Johan’s manipulation is not about brute force, but about exploiting the weaknesses of the human psyche, making him one of the most terrifying and effective manipulators in anime history.
01. Aizen Sosuke (Bleach)
Aizen Sosuke wins first place because his manipulation was on a grand scale. He spent centuries cultivating a facade of kindness and trustworthiness, while secretly orchestrating a complex plan to overthrow the Soul Society. His ability to deceive even the most perceptive characters, coupled with his strategic genius and powerful abilities, makes him a master manipulator and the first-ranked holder on our list.
Conclusion
I hope you liked our article. All of these anime characters are the top manipulators we found in our research. You can comment with your ranking based on your opinion on this matter. If you don’t want to miss this type of article, you can subscribe to our newsletter and join our Discord server. To join the Discord server, click the link below.
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