The best anime boys worth crushing on

We want to remember the boys of anime who are our entire hearts on this day, which is the Day of Love.

A trend may emerge when you look at the list of their fictional crushes. Three Polygon employees wanted to know more about their anime crushes so we began to question our tastes and took a minute to think. (Or we just wanted to put a bunch of our favorite characters on a list — but that’s classified information).

The characters we love vary greatly, but in the spirit of Valentine’s Day we’ve decided to single out some of our favorite anime boys and define what really makes them shine.

Petrana Radulovic’s boyz

For whatever reason (you can psychoanalyze me later), the characters I find most interesting tend to be little shits with secret hearts of gold or stoic, brooding fellows who are actually have a lot of feelings deep down — or inversely, nice fellows who have a mischievous or edgy streak. Although there are exceptions to this rule, most of the time it boils down to how I enjoy boys who seem more complicated than their appearance. This is my shortlist

Image from Production I.G.

Suga probably fits the archetypical description of Best Boy (ie; good, wholesome) more than anyone else on my list, but I cannot emphasize enough that he’s also a cheeky little shit. While it was difficult to pinpoint him as my favorite character at first, when I discovered there were more nuances to his pleasantness, I knew I had found the right one. He’s basically the Team Mom of the Karasuno High School Volleyball team, providing emotional support and encouragement to the players — while also teasing his teammates and performing embarrassing cheerleading moves for them. Sugawara’s experience with the team is a reflection of my own sporting experiences.

Image: Studio Ghibli/GKids

Before I ever loved another anime boy, Howl was my favorite. Howl’s Moving CastleIt was the first Ghibli movie I saw, and my first time ever getting into anime. He’s suave, smooth, and incredibly powerful, but also pretentious, fixated on his personal appearance, and cowardly. At the end, however, he gains the courage to defend the people that he loves. There’s the heart of gold I love! The beautiful locks! It’s the fashion Christian Bale’s voice I love the scene in which he saves Sophie from pushy soldiers. Then they fly through the city together.

TMS Entertainment

OK, yes, manga readers, I Know there’s something suspicious about Shigure, but… I still love him. Shigure fits perfectly the “complete-little-shit” vibe. Although he may not possess a heart full of gold, he has hidden talents and knows much more than he admits. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Ayame and Hatori, his two BFFs, though, because really, it’s the trio dynamic of flamboyant costume designer, flirty scheming author, and stoic, serious doctor that is just [chef’s kiss].

Miyuki Shirogane Love is War

Image: A-1 Images

My favorite part of Shirogane’s design is the deep lines he has under his eyes, because my boy is just so tired. The class president seems like a reserved hardass, but he’s actually easily embarrassed and just a total sweetheart on the inside. Space is his favorite subject! Every social interaction with Kaguya is scrutinized! He works very hard and needs to take a break. He is only entitled to good things.

Image: Viz Media

I don’t even know where to begin with this one, because frankly, when I started this list, I had loudmouth-jerk-with-secret-heart-of-gold Leorio on here for Hunter x Hunter. But as I’ve watched more of the show, stoic and noble Kurapika’s quest for complete vengeance in the name of his murdered people is just really vibing with me! He was a bit like Suga, who I initially overlooked because he appeared too reserved and cool. But I started to appreciate his snarkiness. Now he’s absolutely my favorite character because of the desperate measures he’s taking to achieve his goal, spiraling deeper and deeper… It’s the tragiqueMy backstory

Kite starting at Hunter x Hunter

Image: Viz Media

Evidently I am bad at latching on to broody characters who don’t have fun. Kite, however, is so beautiful that I can’t help but care. His long white hair is very flowing and his nose is quite sexy. He is a big father figure, and he takes young Killua and Gon under his wing, putting himself at risk to save them. One of the tools he uses is an extremely cool scythe. Did I ever dream of a self-insert Hunter x HunterOC and Kite in a long-lasting romance? I won’t answer that, but instead just

Tengen Uzui – Demon Slayer

Photo: Ufotable

This list shows that I love annoying characters. And Tengen Uzui, who goes around proclaiming things to be “flashy” and putting on a show for everyone, is absolutely obnoxious. His hotness is amazing! He’s super fit! He is a man with THREE hot wives! As we discover more about him we find out that his childhood was not brutal. A member of a Shinobi clan, Uzui watched his siblings all die for his family’s cause and his remaining younger brother treat his wives terribly. Uzui vowed that he would always put the safety of his three wives before his own. He also gave up his life as an assassin in order to help defeat demons. Beneath that flashy exterior is a soft heart, and I just think he’s neat.

Roy Mustang Fullmetal alchemist: Brotherhood

Image: Bones

Before that, I watched Fullmetal Alchemist: BrotherhoodAna and Julia (below), both told me about a character they thought I would go wild over. That is what convinced me to watch the show and … phew, boy, I have never felt so seen.

Image: Petrana Radulovic

How do I start? Roy Mustang is a cocky idiot and a bit of an asshole, except he’s You can also see it here deeply wracked with guilt and has spent his entire life atoning and working to make his broken country a better place, and also he cares about his team so much and doesn’t want to see any of them in danger, and alsoWhile he’s still a stupid idiot, he’s also a complete feckless. Because I love him so deeply, I asked everyone to redo it so that I could include him.

Ana Diaz’s boyz

You know, I think I’m in my “Zaddy Era,” meaning I just like dads. This year, I am more proud of my dads. Within the sphere of “dad” type I also have belligerent mentors, as well as the “more responsible and calculated” friend type. My heart belongs to anyone cool and calm who turns out to be a softie.

These are mine.

Loid Forgers from Spy x Family

Image: Toho Animation

Loid forger, the begrudging father of this show. Spy x Family. I became obsessed with him while reading the manga, during which he quickly climbed to the list of my “best boys.” In the series, Loid is a top-secret spy on a mission to gather information on a political leader and save the world. In order to complete his mission, Loid creates a fake clan that eventually softens him. Loid isn’t the gentle type, he is a spy after all. Loid’s cold, calculated personality often gets in the way of supporting Anya. Personally, I think a large part of his charm comes from the way he interacts with his daughter Anya. Early on in the manga, there’s a panel that shows the two of them napping together that captured my whole heart.

Shinjuro Rengoku Demon Slayer

Photo: Ufotable

Everybody seems obsessed with Kyojurorengoku, the yellow-haired and red-colored flame hashira. Demon Slayer. Let me suggest a new crush, Shinjuro Rengoku his father. Shinjuro is seen for the first-time in the most current season of Demon SlayerThere is a moment when Tanjiro kamado (the protagonist) updates Shinjuro about the events which took place during the Mugen Train Arc. Look, Shinjuro isn’t a defensible crush. This guy is both a terrible father and an absolute prick. After a bout with Kamado, however, he starts to get better. Look, there’s nothing much to this crush other than he just looks like a more grown-up, hotter, and angrier version of Kyojuro.

Trafalgar Law One Piece

Image: Toei Animation

You know, I’m honestly fine with having Trafalgar Law on this list twice, because he deserves it. I haven’t seen all of One PieceI didn’t read the manga. However, after finishing it I went and watched literally every episode Law appeared in. One Piece is filled with wonderful characters, but he’s my favorite by leaps and bounds. I just have a soft spot for any character who looks permanently tired and an even softer spot for hand tattoos — which he has. He’s known as the “Surgeon of Death” because he’s a doctor, in addition to being an excellent fighter. His cool demour contrasts with the series’ rambunctious protagonist, Luffy. Although he’s the captain of his own ship, he helps Luffy at many critical points of the story, even goes as far to save Luffy’s life. Saving Luffy and teaming up with him is to his advantage, however, I can’t also help but feel he himself has been endeared to the antics of Strawhats as well. I guess I just like boys who seem like they’re secretly soft.

Image: MAPPA

Satoru Gojo has become a favorite of many fans. Jujutsu KasienViewers,He’s funny! He’s goofy! I don’t know what it is, but something about the most powerful characters being some of the most down-to-earth really resonates with me. He’s a wonderful mentor, even if he’s clumsy at times — he cares about the kids and is a good role model. If I was going through tough times, he’s the kind of character that I could turn to.

Kisuke Urahara Bleach

Image: Studio Pierrot

Kisuke Uhara was the original e-boy. That’s it. His hair is long and he has a silly bucket hat. He also appears tired, just like Miyuki. He’s super shady and an asshole, but he also isn’t afraid to cut through the nonsense and do what is morally right. Are the ends worth the means? Urahara will probably answer yes. And while he puts Ichigo Kurosaki through some real bullshit, he is also ultimately responsible for kicking off Ichigo’s journey. Although he could care more about the needs of others, things always go according to plan.

Julia Lee’s boyz

These are boys that I find interesting. Some of these boys are great. They’re pure, they’re guys I would feel comfortable setting my friends up with. However, some boys in this group aren’t good. To be honest, they are not good boys.

Steven Stone Pokémon

Steven Stone is an amazing character.émon mEdia, and I have since I was young, but I want to specifically speak about the version from Pokémon AdventureThe manga is s. He’s got red eyes and a powerful set of steel-type ’mons. He wears a gaudy “champion’s cape” that signals, yes, he’s the best around in the Hoenn region, and he proves he’ll sacrifice himself to protect said region.

Image: Orange/Netflix

Calm me furry. Do it. I don’t even care anymore. Legoshi, the wolf, is a great boy. You know this and so do I. I would die for Legoshi. His rabbit friend Haru and his other friends are his top priorities. To protect Haru, he goes to great lengths. He’s a loyal doggy boy, and I love him.

Trafalgar Law One Piece

Image: Toei Animation

Law appeared for the first time in One Piece mangaMy heart began to throb when I saw the title of this article. Eiichiro Oda is a great guy. His Strawhat Pirates make fun of him, making him a very likable character. He’s also a surgeon who has a talking bear as a companion, and pilots a yellow submarine. What isn’t to like?

Jin Samurai Champloo

Manglobe Image

Samurai ChamplooDoes a great job making the three main characters very likeable. When I watch Mugen and Jin in combat, the animation is so good, I can’t help but to form a little weird crush on them. What about the episode when Jin rescues Shino and allows her to run from her fate? Yeesh, I’m ashamed to talk about how far I fell at that point.

Kotetsu Kaburagi Tiger & Bunny

Image: Bandai Namco Pictures

I don’t have too much to explain here. Kotetsu, a hardworking man who tries his hardest to please his daughter while also keeping in touch with the young heroes is an admirable example of hard work. He’s also a super hot dad.

Tatsu available from The Way of the House Husband

Viz Media

Tatsu is a man of extraordinary character. Tatsu can meticulously clean your house and cook delicious meals. He also knows how to fight for good deals at the supermarket. He can also fight off and intimidate others just for being there. The former yakuza has truly won my heart, because not only is he a great house husband, he’s ride-or-die for his lucky wife — and that’s yakuza loyalty.

Grimmjow jaegerjaquez Bleach

Image: Bandai Namco/Klab

Oh, my God! BleachAs a teenager, I was in phase. Although I was familiar with a number of characters and I had a good idea about which I liked, the endings were so polarizing that I didn’t care to read them. Coronavirus quarantine got me to read Bleach. As I expected, I was madly infatuated with Grimmjow. What is his dumb jawbone? Good. Good. Good. He wears the little jumpsuit in the last arc. Good. He’s also voiced by Junichi Suwabe, which did not help me not fall for him. Even if it was the end of BleachGrimmjow was good, but that’s the bad part.