Anime 2021: Who Are This Year’s Best Boys?
2021 is ending soon, which means that it's time to look back on what was great about all the anime that came out during the year. One exciting thing to look back on are the best anime boys of 2021. Let's count down some of the most popular and interesting male anime characters to debut this year, plus a few who were introduced earlier but were important parts of 2021 anime.
If you love characters who are passionate about what they do, you might like Yatori Yaguchi from Blue Period, who just discovered the amazing world of art. Looking for the exact opposite? Uramichi Omota from Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan is a depressed millenial who nobody wants to be able to relate to, but a lot of people can. What about a cool warrior? Try Kyojuro Rengoku from Demon Slayer: Mugen Train. No matter your taste, there's an awesome 2021 anime guy for you.
- Photo: Demon Slayer: Mugen Train / ufotable
Though he plays a minor role in the Demon Slayer TV series, Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku is a major highlight of Demon Slayer the Movie: Mugen Train.
During the film, he shows off his hilariously straightforward personality, as well his raw strength and bravery.
- 2227 VOTES
Izumi Miyamura - 'Horimiya'
Photo: Horimiya / CloverWorksOn the outside, Izumi Miyamura is a shy, introverted dork who doesn't seem like he'd take risks or open up to others. But he's actually more daring than he looks - he has a ton of piercings and tattoos.
His hidden side is part of what helps him bond with his eventual girlfriend Kyouko Mori, who has a hidden side of her own.
- 3288 VOTES
Draken - 'Tokyo Revengers'
Photo: Tokyo Revengers / LIDENFILMSTokyo Revengers has many excellent boys, but for now we're going to highlight Ken Ryuguji, also known as Draken. He's one of Mikey's oldest and most loyal friends, but he's no sycophant - he'll argue with him and get mad when he needs to.
Also, can we talk about how cool his dragon tattoo is?
- 4243 VOTES
Kyo Sohma - 'Fruits Basket'
Photo: Fruits Basket / TMS EntertainmentFruits Basket aired its final season in 2021, so let's give it up for the most popular male lead, Kyo Sohma. Kyo is the cat of the Sohma Zodiac, which means that he's excluded from most family events and has a dark future ahead of him.
He started off the series as an angry young man who couldn't connect with others because he hadn't processed his own trauma and he can't imagine a life beyond the present moment. By the end of the series, not only have things completely turned around for him, but he's also able to reach out and help others.
- 599 VOTES
Shinei Nouzen - '86 Eighty-Six'
Photo: 86 Eighty-Six / A-1 PicturesShinei Nouzen is the captain of the Spearhead Squadron in the 86th District. He's been the sole survivor of every other squadron he's been a part of, a fact which has left him jaded and depressed, but also determined to make sure everyone remembers his fallen comrades' names.
He doesn't trust easily, which makes it hard for him to connect with Vladilena Milizé.
- 6184 VOTES
Rimuru Tempest - 'That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime'
Photo: That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime / 8bitOkay, so Rimuru Tempest isn't an new character, but considering the fact that Slime was updating for half the year and he's a beloved character, we included him.
Rimuru was reincarnated into a fantasy world as a lowly slime, but he quickly gained power and allies through two methods - his incredible ability to absorb the powers of others, and his amazing communication skills. He ends up forming a new community called the Jura Federation.
- 794 VOTES
Vanitas - 'The Case Study of Vanitas'
Photo: The Case Study Of Vanitas / BonesUsing the Book of Vanitas, Vanitas hopes to cure the vampire race of Malnomen, a disease that warps them psychologically and makes them addicted to blood.
Claiming to be an ordinary human being, he enlists the help of Noé Archiviste, a vampire who has been researching the Book of Vanitas.
- 8139 VOTES
Hitohito Tadano - 'Komi Can't Communicate'
Photo: Komi Can't Communicate / OLMHitohito Tadano is hoping for a normal, stress-free high school life, but his plans change when he meets Shouko Komi. At first, he's the only person who gets that she's not being standoffish - she's just too anxious to speak to people.
He resolves to help her communicate with others so that she can achieve her dream of making 100 friends.
- 9112 VOTES
Fushi - 'To Your Eternity'
Photo: To Your Eternity / Brain's Base"Boy" might be a bit of a stretch for Fushi, since he began as an orb that can take on the forms of other living things he encounters, some of which are female. But his preferred default form is male, so he qualifies.
The series focuses on his journey to understand his purpose as an immortal being in a world full of mortals whom he loves deeply.
- 10126 VOTES
Reki Kyan - 'SK8 the Infinity'
Photo: SK8 the Infinity / BonesSkateboarding is Reki Kyan's passion - well, skateboarding and his best friend Langa Hasegawa. Reki works in a skate shop and participates in S, a secret underground skateboarding event where members challenge each other.
He's a nice, fun-loving guy who has some jealousy issues he needs to work on - a trait that makes him a more endearing and well-rounded character.
- 1190 VOTES
Yatora Yaguchi - 'Blue Period'
Photo: Blue Period / Seven ArcsYatora Yaguchi begins the series as a directionless kid who spends most of his time hanging out with his friends.
When he discovers his passion for art, he realizes exactly what he wants to do with the rest of his life - that is, assuming he can acquire the skills and get other people on board with supporting his path.
- 1278 VOTES
Takt Asahina - 'Takt Op. Destiny'
Photo: Takt Op. Destiny / Madhouse, MAPPATakt Asahina is a taciturn piano player who is grieving the loss of his father after a D2 attack.
He ends up becoming a conductor - that is, someone who controls Musicarts who are capable of fighting D2s.
- 1363 VOTES
William G. Maryblood - 'The Faraway Paladin'
Photo: The Faraway Paladin / Children's Playground EntertainmentWilliam G. Maryblood was born the only human in the City of the Dead. After being raised to adulthood by undead beings, he leaves to explore the world outside.
On his journey, he dedicates himself to helping others and to promoting faith in his guardian deity, Gracefeel.
- 14108 VOTES
Bojji - 'Ranking of Kings'
Photo: Ranking of Kings / Wit StudioBecause he's deaf and mute, Prince Bojji's kingdom doesn't expect much of him. In fact, they think he's a weakling and a pathetic excuse for a future leader. But while Bojji may not be physically strong, he's brave, kind, and caring.
With help from his strange new friend, a shadow named Kage, he's working towards becoming a true leader.
- 1582 VOTES
Uramichi Omota - 'Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan'
Photo: Life Lessons With Uramichi Oniisan / Studio BlancFor Uramichi Omota, life is a huge drag. He works on a children's show and tries his best to be cheerful when interacting with the kids, but his depression still seeps through.
He's kind of like the protagonist of Sayonara, Zetsubou-Sensei, but a little less dramatic and a lot more buff.
- 16125 VOTES
Falco Grice - 'Attack on Titan'
Photo: Attack on Titan / MAPPAAttack on Titan has plenty of fantastic characters, but this time we're going to give the spotlight to a character who was introduced in 2021, rather than an old favorite.
Falco Grice is an Eldian who inherited the Jaw Titan while serving in the Marleyan Army. He isn't an especially effective warrior, but he's dedicated to pursuing it anyway in order to try and protect his friend Gabi.
- 1743 VOTES
Tamahiko Shima - 'Taisho Otome Fairy Tale'
Photo: Taisho Otome Fairy Tale / SynergySPAfter losing both his mother and the use of his right arm in an accident, Tamahiko Shima is banished to live in the remote countryside so as not to bring down the rest of his family's reputation.
The one consolation his cruel father offers is an arranged marriage, but Tamahiko just wants to be left alone to wallow in misery. But Yuzuki - his wife-to-be - slowly begins to change his attitude with her optimism and love.
- 1841 VOTES
Fumiya Tomozaki - 'Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki'
Photo: Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki / Project No.9Though he's an incredible gamer with top scores, Fumiya Tomozaki lacks the skills he needs to be successful in life. He sees the real world as full of incredibly complex rules that, no matter how hard he tries, he just can't understand.
His life turns around when he meets Aoi Hinami, a fellow player who is surprised by his poor social skills and wants to help him out.
- 1936 VOTES
Kyoya Hashiba - 'Remake our Life!'
Photo: Remake our Life! / feel.After his attempt at building a career in the gaming industry implodes around him, Kyoya Hashiba travels backwards in time by 10 years.
This gives him a chance to pursue the education he didn't go through with when when he was young, with the maturity of his adult self.
- 2041 VOTES
Rajdhani - 'Sonny Boy'
Photo: Sonny Boy / MadhouseRajdhani is one of the many students who were unexpectedly transported to another world. Instead of panicking, he approaches everything logically and scientifically.
Unlike many brilliant characters, he doesn't look down on those who can't keep up with him. He's always kind and respectful, and does his best to understand others.
