In anime, you’ve got your classic simps – those characters who are head over heels for someone else, often without getting much in return. It’s like watching a comedy of errors when Nishinoya and Tanaka from Haikyuu!! go all out to impress Kiyoko.
But then there are the cringe ones, like Kazuya Kinoshita from Rent-a-Girlfriend, who just can’t seem to catch a break. And let’s not forget the ones who finally get their happy ending, like Sasuke marrying Sakura in Naruto.
Here is a list of our favorite anime simps.
1) Sanji (One Piece)
Sanji from One Piece is quite the character when it comes to his obsession with women. Whether he’s cooking up a storm for his beloved “Nami-swan” and “Robin-chwan” or swooning over any lady in sight, his infatuation knows no bounds.
However, his admiration sometimes crosses into problematic territory, like his tendency to peep or his reluctance to fight female opponents. Despite his flaws, witnessing his antics never fails to entertain.
2) Zenitsu Agatsuma (Demon Slayer)
Amidst the chaos of Inosuke’s constant shouting and the battles against demons in Demon Slayer, Zenitsu’s fervent cries for “Nezuko-chaaannnn~!” stand out prominently. His obsession with her reaches comical heights, to the point where he envies Tanjiro for spending time with his own sister.
While he may express similar fervor towards other girls, Nezuko remains the primary object of his affection, evoking the most intense reactions from him.
3) Brock (Pokemon)
No matter if you’re a Nurse Joy look-alike, an Officer Jenny look-alike, or just any woman who catches his eye, Brock from Pokemon is guaranteed to turn into a heart-eyed emoji and ask you out on a date.
It’s a bit perplexing how he manages to see these ladies without ever opening his eyes, but perhaps that’s all part of his charm – maintaining an air of mystery while he’s busy wearing his heart on his sleeve.
4) Denji (Chainsaw Man)
Denji’s life may seem pretty bleak, but there’s one thing that gives him a glimmer of hope: Makima’s, uh, assets. He’s not just interested in her physical appearance, though – he’s completely mesmerized by her as a person and is willing to follow her every command.
However, given Makima’s shady reputation, Denji’s infatuation with her takes on a rather ominous tone.
5) Kazuya Kinoshita (Rent-a-Girlfriend)
Kazuya Kinoshita takes his infatuation with Chizuru to an uncomfortable extreme. He hires her as a “rental girlfriend” but quickly becomes obsessed, blurring the lines between their professional arrangement and his personal feelings.
His constant efforts to insert himself into her life cross boundaries and create an unhealthy dynamic. Instead of fixating on Chizuru, Kazuya would benefit from focusing on his own personal growth and well-being.
6) Mineta (My Hero Academia)
Mineta’s obsession isn’t tied to any specific person – as long as they fit his criteria of being cute and well-endowed, he can’t help but express his desires.
Unfortunately for him, his lecherous behavior doesn’t win him any favors with the girls in his class, who often respond with irritation to his inappropriate comments.
The exception is Tsuyu, whose kindness leads her to tolerate him more than others, though even she has her limits.
7) Juvia Lockser (Fairy Tale)
Juvia Lockser undergoes a significant transformation after joining Fairy Tail and encountering Gray Fullbuster. Her initial depression gives way to an intense obsession with Gray, leading her to fiercely defend him from any perceived threats or flirtations from others.
Juvia goes as far as referring to him as “Gray-sama” and expressing unconventional desires, such as requesting him to discipline her for misbehavior. It’s safe to say that her feelings for Gray are anything but subtle.
8) Misa Amane (Death Note)
Misa’s infatuation with Light goes beyond mere attraction; it’s rooted in a complex mix of emotions, including gratitude and revenge. She sees Light as the one who avenged her parents’ murder, fueling her desire to serve him unquestioningly.
Despite being aware of Light’s manipulative nature, Misa remains devoted, fiercely protective of their relationship, and fiercely jealous of any perceived rivals, especially other women like L.
9) Sakura Haruno (Naruto)
At the outset of Naruto, Sakura’s primary focus is her infatuation with Sasuke, consuming much of her attention.
However, her intelligence enables her to excel in her ninja training despite this distraction. Sasuke, preoccupied with avenging his parents, doesn’t reciprocate Sakura’s affections and even poses a threat to her safety at one point.
Nevertheless, Sakura eventually marries Sasuke after he undergoes significant personal growth. Yet, even in their married life, Sasuke’s commitment to his duties often takes him away from their family, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unrequited affection.
10) Sacchan (Gintama)
Sarutobi Ayame, often referred to as Sacchan, may wield considerable ninja skills, but she’s also deeply infatuated with Gintoki. Despite his lackadaisical demeanor and mundane habits, she sees him as the epitome of shonen anime perfection.
However, Gintoki remains indifferent to her advances, typically responding with disinterest or attempts to evade her persistent declarations of affection.
11) Subaru Natsuki (Re:Zero)
Some might mistake Re:Zero for a harem, but Subaru’s heart unequivocally belongs to Emilia. Despite being surrounded by other attractive girls, Subaru’s loyalty to Emilia is unwavering.
While Rem may harbor strong feelings for him, Subaru remains steadfast in his affection for Emilia, going to great lengths to prove his love for her, even at the risk of embarrassment. Their relationship evolves over time, requiring Subaru to confront his own flaws and view both himself and Emilia more realistically.
Yet, their bond strengthens, gradually leading to a healthier connection between them.
12)Miroku (Inuyasha)
Miroku’s flirtatious antics extend far beyond mere admiration; he boldly proposes to women, asking them to bear his children to help him with his curse. Despite the gravity of his situation, he approaches these requests with a lightheartedness that often results in him receiving a slap in return.
His playful yet audacious demeanor leaves a trail of amusing encounters as he maneuvers his quest for a solution to his wind tunnel curse.
13) Tanaka & Nishinoya (Haikyuu!)
Tanaka and Nishinoya share a bond forged on the volleyball court and their mutual admiration for one person: Kiyoko Shimizu. Despite their loud banter and constant teasing, they find common ground in their admiration for her.
Although Nishinoya eventually shifts his focus elsewhere, Tanaka’s affection for Kiyoko deepens over time, culminating in a genuine relationship that blossoms into marriage by the manga’s end.
14) Motoko Minagawa (Fruits Basket)
Motoko Minegawa holds a special place in the hearts of fans of the “prince,” Yuki Sohma. Her infatuation with him is legendary, leading her to establish a devoted fan club dedicated to celebrating his every move.
Despite never capturing Yuki’s attention, Motoko’s unwavering devotion and protective instincts over him are palpable.
Her years spent pining over him shaped her friendships and instilled within her the hope for a genuine romantic connection in the future.
15) The Osomatsu Brothers (Mr. Osomatsu)
“Mr. Osomatsu” follows the misadventures of the sextuplets as they deal with life’s challenges, including their peculiar infatuation with their neighbor Totoko.
Despite her questionable personality and career choices, Totoko awes the brothers, who eagerly attend her performances and shower her with attention and money.
Their relentless pursuit of her affection leads them to absurd lengths, even by their own standards, showcasing their comically misguided efforts to win her over.
16) Futoshi (Darling in the Franxx)
Futoshi’s unwavering affection for Kokoro is evident, portraying him as a lovable character with a heart of gold. His genuine desire to remain partnered with Kokoro is understandable, given the tumultuous times they inhabit.
However, when Kokoro abruptly changes partners, Futoshi’s heartbreak is palpable, and his subsequent actions, such as officiating their wedding, highlight the bittersweet nature of his love story.
17) Slaine (Aldnoah.Zero)
Slaine’s infatuation with Princess Asseylum in “Aldnoah.Zero” takes a toll on his character, leading him down a path of obsession and self-destruction. Despite his status and potential, he becomes consumed by his unrequited love, ultimately resulting in his own suffering and downfall.
His fixation on Asseylum blinds him to other opportunities for fulfillment and growth, highlighting the destructive nature of unrequited affection.
18) Bam (Tower Of God)
Bam’s unwavering dedication to Rachel in “Tower of God” stems from their deep connection and her significance as his sole constant in life. His relentless pursuit to reunite with her is driven by genuine affection rather than desperate craving.
However, his devotion blinds him to Rachel’s deceitful actions, leading to betrayal and endangering himself and his friends. Despite his genuine intentions, Bam’s loyalty highlights the complexity of relationships and the consequences of misplaced trust.
19) Jiraya (Naruto)
Jiraiya’s journey from a clumsy child to a legendary ninja is marked by both growth and quirkiness. Despite his early struggles, he honed his skills to become a formidable ninja. His infamous transparency technique, developed for less-than-honorable purposes, showcases his mischievous side.
However, Jiraiya’s mastery of ninjutsu earned him great respect, with some even considering him as a candidate to succeed in the Third Hokage. Despite the offer, Jiraiya remained true to his principles and chose his own path.
20) Kon (Bleach)
Kon serves as the manga’s lovable mascot, an artificial soul created in Soul Society for combat assistance. Despite being a product of discontinued production due to ethical concerns and failures, Kon managed to evade destruction and hide among simple souls.
As an under pod, Kon’s leg capabilities were enhanced, granting him the ability to jump great heights and deliver powerful kicks. Known affectionately as “Bostaf” by Yuzu, one of Ichigo’s sisters, Kon adds a unique and comedic element to the series.