Anime wouldn't feel complete without incredibly powerful characters dominating their opponents, thrilling fans everywhere. Audiences love watching these unstoppable forces showcase their amazing abilities. But when comparing characters from different anime universes, who would fans choose as the absolute strongest? Recently, nearly 20,000 anime enthusiasts voted on Japan's popular ranking website, Minna no Ranking, to finally settle this timeless debate, identifying the definitive top three strongest anime characters. Here’s who fans selected as anime’s ultimate powerhouses, ranked based on their legendary strength and unique skills.

With characters from popular titles like Dragon Ball, One Punch Man, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, and Assassination Classroom all competing fiercely for the coveted top three spots, the competition was intense—and the results were surprising.

Third Place: Zeno, the Cosmic Eraser

Second and First Place: The Unstoppable Saitama and Rimuru

Taking third place is Zeno from Dragon Ball Super, a character feared even by extremely powerful beings like Beerus and Supreme Kai. Although Zeno rarely engages in direct combat, his ability to instantly erase anyone—or entire universes—proves terrifying. Fans vividly recall Zeno's chilling power when he effortlessly eliminated Universe 9 during the Tournament of Power. Most agree Zeno is beyond conventional strength, labeling him an omnipotent entity rather than merely a fighter.

In second place is the humorously overpowered Saitama from One Punch Man. Defined by his absurdly potent punches, Saitama easily dispatches nearly every opponent with just a single hit, leaving him perpetually bored due to a lack of worthy challengers. Despite his comedic persona, fans love his simple yet overwhelmingly effective fighting style—no fancy moves, just pure power. His battles usually conclude instantly, reinforcing his reputation as an unbeatable fan favorite, even against cosmic-level threats.

Securing the number one spot is Rimuru Tempest from That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. Initially appearing harmless, Rimuru wields a remarkable array of skills, from absorbing and duplicating opponents' abilities to near-total resistance against various attacks. Fans especially emphasize Rimuru’s vast set of ultimate techniques and incredible adaptability, acknowledging that raw power or speed alone cannot sur their unmatched defensive capabilities and strategic brilliance.

Surprising Omission: Goku’s Narrow Miss

Fifth Place: The Speedy and Strange Koro-sensei

Surprisingly, fan-favorite Saiyan warrior Goku from Dragon Ball just missed the top three. Renowned for his relentless determination and ever-growing strength, Goku narrowly misses the podium yet remains a legendary figure. His outstanding combat skills, mental resilience, and unwavering determination consistently enable him to overcome impossible odds. Fans adore Goku’s relentless optimism and unmatched spirit—qualities that secure his place among anime's elite fighters despite not topping the list.

Claiming fifth place is the unusual yet powerful Koro-sensei from Assassination Classroom. Despite his tentacled appearance and humorous personality, Koro-sensei can move at an incredible Mach 20, making him nearly impossible to defeat. Fans are fascinated by Koro-sensei’s blend of comedic charm, mentorship, and sheer destructive capability. His quirky yet benevolent character firmly establishes him among anime's most uniquely powerful figures.

The Endless Debate: Who’s Really the Strongest?

Who’s Your Ultimate Anime Powerhouse?

Although this ranking provides some clarity, debates among fans remain ionate, continuing to weigh everything from sheer strength and clever tactics to speed and charisma. While Rimuru, Saitama, and Zeno currently reign supreme, spirited discussions persist about who truly deserves the crown. Each character uniquely appeals to fans, whether through Saitama’s unbeatable punch, Rimuru’s unmatched versatility, or Goku’s endless resolve.

But the honor of being the ultimate judge belongs to you. So... who would you pick as anime’s strongest character?

Source: Yahoo! Japan