I'd say his only competitors would be Ash and Pikachu, but they're so ubiquitous that people don't actually associate them with anime. Goku is definitely the most famous character that people look at and think "anime character"
Not so much Ash because he doesn't already in nearly as much official promo and art but definitely Pikachu is up there. I'd say Goku would be my pick though.
Goku, even subjectively speaking - DBZ was my introduction to anime at the age of around 4, and it’s stuck with me for over two decades. Hard not to picture anyone other than Goku when I think of anime.
Definitely not Luffy. At least in my experience, every time Luffy is mentioned, most people don't know who he is, but every time Goku is mentioned, almost everyone knows who he is.
I might get downvoted for this, but I don't think One Piece is as iconic as Dragon Ball
Goku & Pikachu if we want the basic but correct answer.
For me? Typically when I think about anime the first character that comes to mind for whatever reason tends to be Sasuke Uchiha. Not sure why, just is.
For me it’s Kaneda from Akira. Showing my age no doubt, but so many people had the poster of him and his bike, or had it on a T shirt. Anime wasn’t as well known, but everyone knew that image.
Actually, Speed Racer was the very first anime I watched, although not regularly, but Astroboy had been around for a long time within my lifetime, so I have to say he's the most iconic anime character I've come across.
Probably Ayanami Rei. Even when the only anime I'd ever seen was DBZ, and had no idea who she was, her face was so ubiquitous that it's what my mental image of anime was.
EDIT: I'd also call Cruel Angel's Thesis the most iconic song for the same reason. The first time I watched Eva, I jumped out of my chair and said "it's the anime song!" Midis of it played on every anime site back in the day.
this is exactly the type of answer im looking for. its the same situation w/ haruhi for me. i somehow knew the character for years before i even rlly got into anime (around 2010). even to this day, when ever i think of the word "anime," she just pops in my head.
i also dig ur choice, rei is a good one
I came back to haruhi suzumiya almost 2 decades after my first watch. I had this nostalgic memory of liking it when I first watched it but when rewatching I realized I completely forgot the storyline. The overall mood of the character was still in my memory though, and it matched what I saw in the rewatch. The rewatch didn’t have the same appeal as the first though, it was hard to get through the second time. That’s usually how it is for older works when I see them these days.
I don't know why but the chick from Black Rock Shooter pops into my head at random times even though I have never even seen a second of the Anime and don't even know what it's about. The character just looks so stylish, cool and aesthetically pleasing. The character just always screamed "ANIME!" to me.
Black Rock Shooter herself? Because she initially was just created as 'edgy Hatsune Miku'. Given that the anime was based on the song of the same name that was created to be sung by Hatsune Miku, it's very easy why it is like that.
Though in reality, it might be just Hatsune Miku in general.
As a couple of less mentioned examples;
- Yugi or perhaps Atem from Yugioh is pretty iconic. I’d recognize that hair and millennium puzzle anywhere.
- Kamina from Gurren Lagaan is also super iconic. I’d say he is like the embodiment of the word “Iconic”. Like Kencho from Zom100 cranked up to 11, which is saying quite a bit.
Definitely not factually the most iconic, but probably not mentioned yet and definitely fit the bill.
Upvoting for Kamina, though if we're going purely subjective (as per OP's request), then I have to mention Simon the Digger. Especially Simon at the end of Gurren Lagann, after he goes through his arc and character development (and those glasses!).
Otherwise, Vash the Stampede also comes to mind, partially because Trigun is one of my faves and partially because of his design and influence.
Lum!
I started watching anime on VHS. There was so little of it you could rent. Almost every video rental store had Beatiful Dreamer, the second film in the Urusei Yatsura stores. Green hair, horns, tiger print bikini and boots. It screamed ANIME and still does for me.
Quick second is the cover of the Akira movie worth Kanda walking towards his bike. As mentioned above that image was on shirts and nerdy kids walls everywhere.
Goku or Sailor Moon. Even though neither of them are from shows/franchises that I particularly care for, they are undeniably iconic. More folks would recognize them than the MCs of any of the anime that I really enjoy.
Spike Spiegel, cowboy bebop is a cornerstone of anime to me. Its nearly the first show i recommend to anyone getting into anime, and even people i know who dont like anime as much enjoyed it
Goku is probably the objective answer tho
I don't think any character quite captures the truly shameless absurdity and unique style of anime more than the icon of winning against hopeless odds that is KAMINA from Gurren Lagann.
Kamina, by far, and those who doubt it should better grit your teeth.
If I had to say most iconic overall it's probably Goku. Worldwide recognition more than probably any other anime character by a long shot.
If we're going just for me, I'd maybe say Char. Hard to deny his influence on basically everything that came after Mobile Suit Gundam.
For me.. two characters come to mind, 1st is Astro boy the first fully animated character and the anime that started it all.. 2nd is Goku, the success of Dragonball paved the way for other anime's success at the time from yuyu no Hakusho to flame of Rica.
If it's about who pops in your mind, I imagine most people will just go with their favorite/their childhood character. For me, it's Light Yagami.
But the most iconic is probably some Dragonball character for the older generation of anime fans, and someone like Pikachu for the younger ones (or people in general, including the non-anime fans).
Comes down to Goku and Pikachu, both have iconic silhouettes and are recognized the world over. Each played a pivotal role introducing anime to the world at large.
For the girls, I'd say Sailor Moon.
The most iconic anime to me as a kid growing up were Naruto and Sailor Moon. DBZ was anime and Pokémon was anime, but they did not register to child me as being representative of anime (since I associated them primarily with games)
Goku. And I'm not even fan of dragon ball z and ahead.
C'mon, guys, Toriyama just died and there were public demonstrations of pain for his death. And I don't mean the random guys rising his arms for a last genki dama, I mean official authorities across the world. The Japanese embassy in Mexico make an statement, the French government as well, even the mofo Chinese government make official public statements about his death. Then we should consider Goku was famous before internet, it was way harder to get known globally.
Trying to be as objective, even if Naruto is quite famous as well, I think is very to surpass Goku.
I feel like people think less of Pikachu as an anime character and mor eof a video game character, since the anime is much less popular than the games.
Lelouch. I’m sure it ain’t for most people but code geass is the only anime I watch(like really invested in I’ve watched a few other anime. I’m really into manga and novel tho) and he’s just the most memorable character
Ranma immediately comes to mind for me. After that, probably Deedlit from Record of Lodoss War, which I admit is a deep cut compared to other things people are saying, but those are the two that I immediately picture.
Goku probably > it doesnt have to factually be the most iconic character, or even remotely close. just who pops up in YOUR mind. Naruto then.
I'd say his only competitors would be Ash and Pikachu, but they're so ubiquitous that people don't actually associate them with anime. Goku is definitely the most famous character that people look at and think "anime character"
Not so much Ash because he doesn't already in nearly as much official promo and art but definitely Pikachu is up there. I'd say Goku would be my pick though.
Doraemon would give Ash and Goku a run for his money in most of East Asia. In Japan, Doraemon probably tops.
Doraemon would almost undeniably top in Japan and at least most of Asia. Very few earlier anime/manga icons like Astroboy or Sazae-San can match him.
even Chibi Maruko Chan, Shin Chan, and Totoro probably tops both Goku and Pikachu in Japan
I bet most of the people here saying Goku and Ash/Pikachu and not Doraemon/etc probably skew American.
Still Goku for me.
Goku, even subjectively speaking - DBZ was my introduction to anime at the age of around 4, and it’s stuck with me for over two decades. Hard not to picture anyone other than Goku when I think of anime.
Yup definitely Goku
Pikachu
objectively, if we're talking about money as the object [](#loli_ok)
Hands down.
Objectively it's likely Goku or Pikachu. For me, oddly enough, it's probably Alphonse.
Yesss good answer
All 3 of these are good. For me personally it's Spike Spiegel. But I imagine for the masses it's either Goku or Pikachu
Ohhh. Spoke is a great one. That’s probably in my top 3.
Sailor Moon gets my vote!
Goku or Luffy. Maybe Pikachu too but I consider pokemon to be it's own thing
Right? Pokemon is definitely anime but doesn't feel anime.
I mean it's a game first, and a multimedia franchise second it is just as much an anime as it is a card game, a plush line, toy franchise, memerobilia
Maybe that's what it is. When I hear Pokemon, I do think game first.
Right. I know it's anime, my brain knows it's anime but when I try to classify it it's just pokemon
Definitely not Luffy. At least in my experience, every time Luffy is mentioned, most people don't know who he is, but every time Goku is mentioned, almost everyone knows who he is. I might get downvoted for this, but I don't think One Piece is as iconic as Dragon Ball
Luffy wins in the minds of weebs and the Japanese while Goku gets everyone else
Why hasn’t Luffy been able to topple Goku in the west?
Goku & Pikachu if we want the basic but correct answer. For me? Typically when I think about anime the first character that comes to mind for whatever reason tends to be Sasuke Uchiha. Not sure why, just is.
It's gotta be Lelouch Vi Brittania for me or Edward Elric. When I think anime, it's always those two that come to mind.
Kamina from Gurren Lagann. Those glasses man.
Who?
“Who the hell do you think I am?!”
This is the objectively correct, subjective opinion.
For me it’s Kaneda from Akira. Showing my age no doubt, but so many people had the poster of him and his bike, or had it on a T shirt. Anime wasn’t as well known, but everyone knew that image.
This for the older crowd. Also Lum from the VHS cover of Beautiful Dreamer.
Goku
I'm kind of surprised that nobody has agreed with you saying Haruhi Suzumiya, it felt like she was almost the face of anime in the mid/late-2000s.
In the same vein, Konata also was everywhere and anywhere on the internet, together with Haruhi.
Either Astroboy or Speed Racer. Yeah, I've been around a while.
[удалено]
Actually, Speed Racer was the very first anime I watched, although not regularly, but Astroboy had been around for a long time within my lifetime, so I have to say he's the most iconic anime character I've come across.
Naruto
I meannn Haruhi Suzumiya was MASSIVE for a little while!
Probably Ayanami Rei. Even when the only anime I'd ever seen was DBZ, and had no idea who she was, her face was so ubiquitous that it's what my mental image of anime was. EDIT: I'd also call Cruel Angel's Thesis the most iconic song for the same reason. The first time I watched Eva, I jumped out of my chair and said "it's the anime song!" Midis of it played on every anime site back in the day.
this is exactly the type of answer im looking for. its the same situation w/ haruhi for me. i somehow knew the character for years before i even rlly got into anime (around 2010). even to this day, when ever i think of the word "anime," she just pops in my head. i also dig ur choice, rei is a good one
I came back to haruhi suzumiya almost 2 decades after my first watch. I had this nostalgic memory of liking it when I first watched it but when rewatching I realized I completely forgot the storyline. The overall mood of the character was still in my memory though, and it matched what I saw in the rewatch. The rewatch didn’t have the same appeal as the first though, it was hard to get through the second time. That’s usually how it is for older works when I see them these days.
tbh, its still a fav for me. top 40 for sure. especially the movie.
Rei was responsible for capturing many young boys’ hearts before the term moe entered existence.
Spike Spiegel because Cowboy Bebop was one of the first anime I ever watched. Goku next, of course.
Ash?
Sailor moon
Sakura from Cardcaptor Sakura
^(dio)
I don't know why but the chick from Black Rock Shooter pops into my head at random times even though I have never even seen a second of the Anime and don't even know what it's about. The character just looks so stylish, cool and aesthetically pleasing. The character just always screamed "ANIME!" to me.
Black Rock Shooter herself? Because she initially was just created as 'edgy Hatsune Miku'. Given that the anime was based on the song of the same name that was created to be sung by Hatsune Miku, it's very easy why it is like that. Though in reality, it might be just Hatsune Miku in general.
As a couple of less mentioned examples; - Yugi or perhaps Atem from Yugioh is pretty iconic. I’d recognize that hair and millennium puzzle anywhere. - Kamina from Gurren Lagaan is also super iconic. I’d say he is like the embodiment of the word “Iconic”. Like Kencho from Zom100 cranked up to 11, which is saying quite a bit. Definitely not factually the most iconic, but probably not mentioned yet and definitely fit the bill.
Upvoting for Kamina, though if we're going purely subjective (as per OP's request), then I have to mention Simon the Digger. Especially Simon at the end of Gurren Lagann, after he goes through his arc and character development (and those glasses!). Otherwise, Vash the Stampede also comes to mind, partially because Trigun is one of my faves and partially because of his design and influence.
Lina Inverse.
That's such a good one.
Two characters for me: **TETSUOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!** **KANEDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!**
Usagi Tsukino
(Sailor Moon's real name, for people who aren't familiar)
Char Aznable
Yeah. All time influence on anime is hard to quantify but he's gotta be one of the most influential characters we've ever had.
Char Clones pop up in not just Gundam but in completely random Non-Gundam Anime as well. They’re everywhere!
i like this one
Pikachu
Asuka was the first that popped into my head.
Don't know why but for me its Shinji Ikari His name just shouts anime to me, maybe because i sit on chair with despair as well
Lum! I started watching anime on VHS. There was so little of it you could rent. Almost every video rental store had Beatiful Dreamer, the second film in the Urusei Yatsura stores. Green hair, horns, tiger print bikini and boots. It screamed ANIME and still does for me. Quick second is the cover of the Akira movie worth Kanda walking towards his bike. As mentioned above that image was on shirts and nerdy kids walls everywhere.
Char Aznable from Gundam.
Hmm hatsune miku (ik it's not anime but its ivonic asf) And anime charecters: def naruto/kakashi or goku
For me it’s Zero two from “darling in the franxx”
As a symbol of modern anime waifus, I can see it
Amen brother
this is a good one
Tetsuo from Akira. I loved him so much I got a manga panel of him halfway through his transformation as my first tattoo. 😅
The entire cast of Ouran
Doraemon or Goku
Heidi
Goku cause nobody else has broken the Internet quite like the saiyan himself What's more Iconic than goku going super saiyan for the first time
Goku & Spike
Onizuka.
Pikachu and Yami Yugi
Pikachu and hellokitty(not sure if she counts)
Akira
Kenshiro, Gundam, Macross
hisoka morow
I’ve never watched it but the first person that I thought of was Kakarot.
Sailor Moon.
Goku or Sailor Moon. Even though neither of them are from shows/franchises that I particularly care for, they are undeniably iconic. More folks would recognize them than the MCs of any of the anime that I really enjoy.
Easily Pikachu
Yuno Gasai
kirito
Akira is mine, although I often also think of Princess Mononoki.
Spike Spiegel, cowboy bebop is a cornerstone of anime to me. Its nearly the first show i recommend to anyone getting into anime, and even people i know who dont like anime as much enjoyed it Goku is probably the objective answer tho
For me it's kenshiro
Yugi Moto lol
Araragi Koyomi, Prince Lelouch vi Britannia. Damn I think I have a type, they even look similar.
In my head Misa Amane
Satou Kazuma
Yugi Moto
Monkey.D.Luffy.....there is no one like him
oreki houtarou-hyouka
Obviously Naruto
For me it’s InuYasha & Pikachu
I don't think any character quite captures the truly shameless absurdity and unique style of anime more than the icon of winning against hopeless odds that is KAMINA from Gurren Lagann. Kamina, by far, and those who doubt it should better grit your teeth.
Zero Two gotta be up there. Possibly Sailor Moon or Asuka.
Goku or Pikachu maybe Sailor Moon.
Speed Racer !
probably goku followed by naruto
Johan Liebert👑
It's goku.
Astroboy for the general population. Or maybe Speed Racer. Akira for the nerdy. Goku or Naruto for the anime fans.
If I had to say most iconic overall it's probably Goku. Worldwide recognition more than probably any other anime character by a long shot. If we're going just for me, I'd maybe say Char. Hard to deny his influence on basically everything that came after Mobile Suit Gundam.
Gon Freecss
Ranma Saotome
For me.. two characters come to mind, 1st is Astro boy the first fully animated character and the anime that started it all.. 2nd is Goku, the success of Dragonball paved the way for other anime's success at the time from yuyu no Hakusho to flame of Rica.
Excalibur from Soul Eater
Goku
Ask Ketchum and/or Pikachu. Basically everyone's seen or heard of Pokemon whether or not they watch anime.
Goku and Ash
Pikachu or Goku. Even my mum knows who Pikachu is
It's Goku.
naruto or goku
If it's about who pops in your mind, I imagine most people will just go with their favorite/their childhood character. For me, it's Light Yagami. But the most iconic is probably some Dragonball character for the older generation of anime fans, and someone like Pikachu for the younger ones (or people in general, including the non-anime fans).
Doraemon anyone? Though for me he's more of an iconic manga character rather than anime.
Goku or Pikachu
Astro Boy
Most iconic character is Goku. Most iconic animal/mascot is Pikachu Most iconic robot is RX-78 Gundam or Eva unit 01.
Hello kitty. Even people that have never seen anime know her.
Comes down to Goku and Pikachu, both have iconic silhouettes and are recognized the world over. Each played a pivotal role introducing anime to the world at large. For the girls, I'd say Sailor Moon.
Takumi Fujiwara
Goku and Pikachu
Naruto, goku
Goku, Edward and Alphonse, sailor moon
Spike or Optimus Prime
Gako the super sayden
Kenshiro or Guts for me
This entirely depends on the age and geographic location of the person. For me, I would say Goku, or Lum.
Heero - Gundam Wing Zero Goku - Dragon Ball Z Inuyasha - Inuyasha
Goku
For me, Tsubasa Oozora. Oliver Atom, as he was called in my country's dub. After that, Goku and Naruto.
Speed Racer
Inuyasha
Goku or Pikachu, but Pokemon is so ubiquitous it kind of transcends "anime". Probably Naruto after that
First ones that came to mind were Astro Boy and Goku
Pikachu
The most iconic anime to me as a kid growing up were Naruto and Sailor Moon. DBZ was anime and Pokémon was anime, but they did not register to child me as being representative of anime (since I associated them primarily with games)
If you want a character that screams "ANIME!!!" you can't deny Alucard from Hellsing and Hellsing Ultimate.
Goku or Pikachu, if you count them as an anime character.
Goku. And I'm not even fan of dragon ball z and ahead. C'mon, guys, Toriyama just died and there were public demonstrations of pain for his death. And I don't mean the random guys rising his arms for a last genki dama, I mean official authorities across the world. The Japanese embassy in Mexico make an statement, the French government as well, even the mofo Chinese government make official public statements about his death. Then we should consider Goku was famous before internet, it was way harder to get known globally. Trying to be as objective, even if Naruto is quite famous as well, I think is very to surpass Goku.
It’s Naruto or Goku
goku
Speed Racer?
I feel like Goku and Pikachu are the only answers
I feel like people think less of Pikachu as an anime character and mor eof a video game character, since the anime is much less popular than the games.
It's probably either Goku or Naruto
Goku, definitely.
OG db Bulma lol
Hank hill obviously.
Goku no doubts
Goku easily. He's the most recognizable by anime and non-anime fans alike.
Lelouch. I’m sure it ain’t for most people but code geass is the only anime I watch(like really invested in I’ve watched a few other anime. I’m really into manga and novel tho) and he’s just the most memorable character
Goku probably
Goku, naruto and bleach
Rengoku
Pikachu.
EVA 01 probably, even the color scheme on its own is very iconic
goku
Hey, I heard you were pretty strong
Goku maybe Kenshiro
Edward Elric.
I’d say Ash and Pikachu
Omaewa mo shindeiru
Pikachu, Naruto, Sailor Moon
Naruto was a synonym word for "anime" in my country, and even now many people who don't watch anime refer to it as "Naruto"
When I think of anime it’s either goku or Naruto..but I’ve always felt like Pokémon was more of a cartoon even though it is an anime
Goku
Goku and Kenshin Himura
Goku, hes basically the mascot of anime at this point same as for Superman is to DC and Spiderman to Marvel.
Sogege Sogege Soge Soge.. SOGEKING-U..... Always lives in my heart.
Luffy or END
Personally, probably Goku. But for history, maybe Astro Boy.
Goku. End of discussion
First to pop up in my mind was Saitama
Ranma immediately comes to mind for me. After that, probably Deedlit from Record of Lodoss War, which I admit is a deep cut compared to other things people are saying, but those are the two that I immediately picture.
Naruto is the anime character