Now, let's get down to the characters who have cemented their place in the annals of anime annoyance. These are the ones who, for better or worse, have left an indelible mark on viewers' psyches.
Sakura Haruno (Naruto)
Sakura is a character who often divides the fanbase, and for many, her primary characteristic is her sheer annoyance factor, especially in the early arcs of Naruto. Her unrequited obsession with Sasuke Uchiha is a constant driving force, often leading her to neglect Naruto or act irrationally. Her constant crying, her inability to keep up with her peers, and her frequent outbursts of "Shannaro!" can be grating. While she does develop into a capable medical ninja, her early portrayal as a damsel in distress who is primarily concerned with Sasuke's approval makes her a prime candidate for this list. Her emotional volatility and her tendency to rely on others for protection, despite her aspirations, often put her in situations that test the viewer's patience. Many fans found her inability to move past her feelings for Sasuke, even when he was clearly a danger, to be a significant flaw.
Misa Amane (Death Note)
Misa Amane is a walking, talking embodiment of vapid obsession. While her initial introduction might seem like a quirky addition to the Death Note narrative, her unwavering devotion to Light Yagami, coupled with her often-childish demeanor and lack of critical thinking, quickly becomes tiresome. She’s easily manipulated by Light, readily sacrificing her own well-being and morality for him, even when he clearly despises her. Her high-pitched voice and her constant need for Light’s attention, often expressed through declarations of love and loyalty, can be incredibly irritating. Her actions, driven by infatuation rather than genuine understanding or respect, often complicate matters for Light in ways that feel less like strategic brilliance and more like accidental sabotage. The fact that she possesses a Death Note, a tool of immense power, and uses it primarily to please Light, rather than for any grander purpose, adds to her frustrating nature.
Kie Kamado (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba)
While Kie Kamado is a beloved mother figure in Demon Slayer, her brief appearances and the circumstances surrounding her death often leave viewers with a sense of frustration. Her initial portrayal as a kind and loving mother is undeniable, but the narrative framing of her demise, which occurs off-screen due to a demon attack, leaves a void. While this serves to motivate Tanjiro, the lack of a more substantial character arc for her means her primary impact is as a catalyst for the protagonist's journey. Some viewers might find it annoying that such a pivotal character in Tanjiro's life is not given more screen time or a more active role before her tragic end. Her gentle nature, while admirable, also makes her seem tragically vulnerable, and the helplessness associated with her fate can be a source of frustration for those who wish characters could fight back against their circumstances.
Usopp (One Piece)
Usopp, the Straw Hat Pirates' resident sniper, is a character designed to be a coward. While this trait is often played for laughs and contributes to his relatability, there are times when his fear and dishonesty cross the line into pure annoyance. His tendency to exaggerate his own bravery and accomplishments, only to crumble at the first sign of real danger, can be tiresome. His moments of panic and his willingness to abandon his friends during critical junctures, like during the Water 7 saga, have drawn significant criticism. While Usopp does grow and overcome his fears, his initial and recurring bouts of cowardice, coupled with his often-unpleasant lying, make him a character that many find difficult to root for consistently. His desire to be a brave warrior of the sea is constantly at odds with his innate timidity, creating a frustrating dichotomy.
Shinji Ikari (Neon Genesis Evangelion)
Shinji Ikari is perhaps one of the most polarizing characters in anime history. As the pilot of Evangelion Unit-01, he carries the weight of the world on his young shoulders, but his constant whining, indecisiveness, and crippling self-doubt make him incredibly difficult to watch for many. His famous line, "I mustn't run away," is often contrasted with his actual actions, as he frequently tries to avoid his responsibilities. While his psychological struggles are central to the themes of Evangelion, Shinji’s inability to take decisive action or assert himself can be maddening. His reliance on others for validation and his tendency to push people away when they try to help him create a cycle of emotional distress that can be exhausting for the audience. Is it realistic? Absolutely. Is it annoying? Undeniably for many.
Kazuya Shibuya (Masou Gakuen HxH)
Kazuya Shibuya from Masou Gakuen HxH exemplifies the "overpowered protagonist who is also incredibly perverted and often clueless" trope. While the series leans heavily into ecchi and fanservice, Kazuya’s interactions, particularly his use of his "superpower" which involves seducing female characters to gain their cooperation, often come across as cringeworthy and annoying. His lack of genuine emotional connection and his often-simplistic approach to complex situations, combined with his lecherous tendencies, make him a character that many viewers find hard to tolerate. The narrative often excuses his behavior, which adds to the frustration. His primary method of problem-solving, which involves exploiting the female characters’ desires, can feel repetitive and uninspired.
Nobita Nobi (Doraemon)
Nobita is the quintessential lazy, crybaby protagonist. While Doraemon is a children's anime, Nobita's consistent inability to learn from his mistakes, his reliance on Doraemon's gadgets for even the simplest tasks, and his perpetual laziness can be incredibly frustrating. He constantly gets into trouble, bullies others (or is bullied), and then uses Doraemon’s futuristic tools to escape consequences or achieve his desires, often with disastrous results. His whining and his tendency to blame others for his misfortunes are hallmarks of his character. While the show is about the wish-fulfillment aspect of Doraemon's gadgets, Nobita's lack of personal growth and his consistent failure to apply any lessons learned make him an enduringly annoying character for many.
Tohru Adachi (Persona 4)
Adachi is a fascinating case because his annoyance factor is tied to his role as a villain. Initially presented as a bumbling, somewhat goofy detective, his true nature as the antagonist is revealed later. However, even before the reveal, his smug attitude, his passive-aggressive comments, and his tendency to be unhelpful or obstructive can be irritating. Once his villainy is exposed, his casual cruelty and his nihilistic worldview make him a deeply unpleasant character to encounter. His motivations, stemming from a deep-seated resentment and a sense of meaninglessness, are understandable on a psychological level, but his actions and his smug demeanor make him a character that viewers love to hate, and perhaps, just hate. His ability to blend in and manipulate others highlights a more insidious form of annoyance.
Goku (Dragon Ball Super)
Now, this might be a controversial pick for some, but hear me out. While Goku is the beloved hero of the Dragon Ball franchise, his single-minded obsession with fighting and getting stronger, particularly in Dragon Ball Super, can sometimes border on annoying. His inability to grasp the severity of certain situations when a good fight is involved, his tendency to let villains power up, and his often-naive approach to diplomacy can be frustrating. While this is a core part of his character, there are moments where his singular focus on battle makes him seem oblivious to the suffering of others or the larger implications of his actions. His constant desire for stronger opponents often puts Earth and his loved ones in danger, a recurring theme that can become tiresome.