There is a common stereotype that anime villains are brooding and miserable. In many instances, they are deliberately written this way in order to better illustrate how their villainous deeds will not make them happier in the end. Such misery is a result of their actions and is meant to convey evil’s effect on one’s personality.
However, dozens of antagonists live life to the fullest. Whether taking pleasure in the cruelties they inflict on others or simply not being bothered by their conscience, they never go a day without a smile on their faces and mirth in their hearts.
10 Galand (Seven Deadly Sins)
Despite being a demon from the darkest reaches of the underworld, Seven Deadly Sins’ Galand was surprisingly jolly. He did not hesitate when pursuing Meliodas shortly after the Ten Commandments’ arrival to Britannia and was the only villain optimistic enough to do so.
Galand’s larger-than-life personality was also his undoing. During a fateful night of binge drinking with Melascula, he playfully challenged Escanor to a contest of who could endure more attacks. Even though he went first, Galand got so scared of Escanor’s sunshine that he got petrified by his own commandment.
9 Nui Harime (Kill La Kill)
Although she was Kill La Kill’s most twisted villain, Nui Harime was surprisingly chipper. She giggled amidst her worst crimes, whether it was murdering Ryuko‘s father or taunting her about his death.
Nui’s personality was particularly infuriating because almost nothing got to her. It took Ryuko a significant personal journey before she was meaningfully able to retaliate, but she still failed to avenge her father even then. Considering how Nui sacrificed herself at Ragyo’s request, she ultimately got the last laugh by denying the heroes any opportunity for vengeance.
8 Pegasus (Yu-Gi-Oh!)
Pegasus was the original creator of Yu-Gi-Oh’s Duel Monsters and a hedonist by nature. He enjoyed frivolous pleasantries over the harsh realities of life, which explained his obsession with toon-based monsters.
Although realizing the threat Yugi and Kaiba posed to his plans, Pegasus never let them bother him. He was so proud of what he had built and confident in his abilities that he only showed signs of distress when Yugi found a way around his Millennium Eye. The end of Pegasus’ story may not have been a pleasant one, but he otherwise enjoyed a happy and carefree life.
7 Himiko Toga (My Hero Academia)
Himiko Toga was a former admirer of Stain and a member of My Hero Academia‘s League Of Villains. Unlike the malevolent Shigaraki or vengeful Dabi, Toga was typically jubilant even amidst the deadliest missions. She referred to fighting as “playing” and thought her opponents became more attractive when bleeding for her.
Toga’s almost naive perception of the world around her helped when maintaining optimism amidst the League’s more bleak circumstances. After Twice’s death, she was forced to mature and realize how the pro heroes were not actually her friends nor had they ever wanted to be.
6 Kenny Ackerman (Attack On Titan)
Kenny Ackerman’s unique life philosophy made him perhaps the happiest character in Attack On Titan. He did not take most circumstances seriously and cited his participation with the Military Police as a hobby.
Kenny justified that the search for fulfillment could be answered by doing what one thoroughly enjoyed. In his case, this meant combat, especially when conducive to his long-term prospects. In the end, Kenny was seldom in a bad mood, only losing his temper after realizing that Rod Reiss deceived him for protection.
5 Ty Lee (Avatar: The Last Airbender)
Ty Lee was conscripted into Azula’s service in Avatar: The Last Airbender. Although hunting Aang and his friends under Azula’s oppressive direction, she never stopped bringing mirth and joy to the otherwise austere group.
After the Earth Kingdom’s defeat, Ty Lee was clearly not burdened by the things she had done in the Fire Nation’s name. She only rebelled for Mai’s sake, who had a personal investment in Zuko’s happiness despite their breaking up as a couple. In this regard, Ty Lee found the most happiness and meaning from standing up for her friends.
4 The Major (Hellsing)
The Major may be Hellsing’s most violent and sadistic villain, but he takes great joy in what he does. His Millennium Organization’s actual success in destroying London was never a crucial priority. From the beginning, he wanted to cause as much death and destruction as possible no matter who was the recipient.
As a result, the Major constantly maintained a positive attitude even while Alucard and Integra unraveled his plans. Not even the heroes’ breach of the zeppelin proved sufficient in wiping the rictus from his face since he didn’t fear death. After all, his modern incarnation was a robot built long ago.
3 Spec (Baki)
Spec was the most disturbed member of Baki’s escaped convicts. Eerie and monstrous, he could endure a surprising amount of abuse for the sake of his ultimate goal to taste defeat. Whether being imprisoned or beaten to a pulp by Hanayama, Spec viewed any injuries as an opportunity to lash out with even greater impunity.
In addition to fighting, Spec also enjoyed wanton acts of destruction to quench his boredom. Such examples included stalking Baki and Kozue, attacking the police, and even cracking the United States’ Statue of Liberty.
2 Deidara (Naruto)
Unlike most Naruto villains, Deidara did not ascribe to a rigid life philosophy or suffer from serious trauma. Instead, he dedicated himself entirely to his “art” of blowing people up. He claimed that every explosion was a masterpiece and that its fleeting nature made it even more spectacular.
Deidara’s attitude put him at odds with Sasori, whose bitter demeanor and preference for permanence contrasted with his partners’. Whether dying to Sasuke or being resurrected as an undead slave, nothing ever bothered Deidara. As a result, he was perhaps the happiest villain in the entire series.
1 Blackbeard (One Piece)
Blackbeard is the most powerful remaining One Piece villain and a man who surprisingly enjoys life. This was first seen in his Jaya debut, where he devoured pie next to Luffy. Shortly after the brawl with Bellamy, Blackbeard tried to encourage Luffy by citing that the dreams of pirates will never end.
Blackbeard’s zest for life parallels Luffy in many ways. Their only difference is that he is an amoral monster who doesn’t care about those he must hurt when claiming the mantle of Pirate King. Blackbeard may think that his lack of restraint grants freedom and happiness, but it also created enemies across the world.
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