10 anime characters like Yusuke from Yu Yu Hakusho

Yusuke Urameshi from Yu Yu Hakusho is a special character in the anime world. He starts as a rude and rough teen but turns into a brave spirit detective. This show from the 1990s is still loved by many fans. Yusuke is a strong hero who grows a lot through his journey. His boldness, sense of right and wrong, and determination make him a great lead.

Though Yusuke is skilled at fighting, that's not all there is to him. Yu Yu Hakusho shows how he changes over time. His bonds with others get deeper and he learns important lessons about life. Yu Yu Hakusho set new standards for building characters and telling stories in an engaging way. Yusuke's path has inspired countless viewers to be their best selves.

From Ichigo Kurasaki to Eren Jaeger: Here are 10 anime characters like Yusuke from Yu Yu Hakusho

1) Ichigo Kurosaki

Ichigo Kurosaki (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Ichigo Kurosaki is the protagonist of the anime series Bleach. He starts as a typical high school student who can see spirits. This special gift puts him in an out-of-the-ordinary position, similar to Yusuke Urameshi from Yu Yu Hakusho. Ichigo's life takes an intense turn when he becomes a Substitute Soul Reaper. His new role is to protect the living world from evil spirits called Hollows.

Ichigo and Yusuke share a strong sense of justice. Both courageously protect their loved ones without hesitation. At first, their motivations are personal. But they grow to embrace broader roles as defenders of humanity. Ichigo shows unwavering dedication, even against overwhelming foes. This resilient spirit mirrors Yusuke's relentless drive.

2) Eren Yeager

Eren Yeager from the anime series Attack on Titan is a powerful example of raw passion and a shifting sense of righteousness. Like Yusuke from Yu Yu Hakusho, Eren's journey is fueled by an intense desire for freedom and revenge against the Titans, gigantic creatures that destroyed his hometown and caused his mother's death.

This burning drive to protect loved ones, even at great personal risk, mirrors Yusuke's initial motivations. Over time, both Eren and Yusuke undergo profound character growth. Eren evolves from an impulsive, headstrong youth into a more thoughtful and complex individual, forced to confront the harsh realities of his world.

Similarly, Yusuke's relentless determination and perspectives on justice and duty mature as he faces new challenges. At their core, these two characters are driven by powerful emotions and a deep need to change their worlds for the better. This makes Eren a compelling parallel to Yusuke's unwavering spirit and evolving moral compass.

3) Naruto Uzumaki

Naruto Uzumaki (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Naruto Uzumaki, the main character in Naruto, shares many things with Yusuke from Yu Yu Hakusho. They both had tough childhoods and a strong desire to protect their friends.

At first, Naruto was an outcast in his village, just like Yusuke was seen as a troublemaker. People did not understand or respect them initially. Naruto went from being a lonely prankster to becoming the hero of the Hidden Leaf Village.

This journey is like Yusuke becoming a respected spirit detective. Their stories show how they grew through hard times, made strong bonds with friends, and overcame their inner struggles. Naruto's hopeful spirit and belief in himself, even when things were tough, are very similar to Yusuke's path from a troubled teenager to a hero.

4) Edward Elric

Edward Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is like Yusuke in many ways. Edward's journey starts because he wants to restore his brother Alphonse's body. This goal drives him, just like Yusuke wants to protect his loved ones. Both characters are very determined and willing to face tough foes to achieve their aims.

Edward grows a lot through his adventures, dealing with the results of his actions and learning the bigger meaning of his quest. This change mirrors how Yusuke evolves from a self-centered rebel to a protector with strong morals. Their stories blend action, self-reflection, and deeper understanding of their roles in their worlds. Edward and Yusuke show resilience and complex personalities.

5) Natsu Dragneel

Natsu Dragneel, a central figure in Fairy Tail, mirrors Yu Yu Hakusho's Yusuke's spirited and devoted essence. As a Dragon Slayer, Natsu wields immense might and unwavering willpower to safeguard his guild and cherished companions. His journey, replete with battles against formidable opponents, resonates with Yusuke's unrelenting fight against demons and other preternatural threats.

Akin to Yusuke, Natsu is propelled by a profound sense of justice and an indomitable spirit. His jovial and at times impetuous demeanor conceals a profound allegiance to his friends, mirroring Yusuke's rugged exterior and underlying depth of compassion.

6) Gon Freecss

Gon Freecss (Image via Nippon Animation)

Gon Freecss, a character from Hunter x Hunter, created by Yoshihiro Togashi, shares many common traits with Yusuke from Yu Yu Hakusho. Gon's journey to find his father and become a Hunter is fueled by his endless energy, positive outlook, and strong determination.

Like Yusuke, Gon faces numerous challenges and grows significantly throughout his adventures. Both Gon and Yusuke are driven by personal goals that evolve into a broader sense of justice and a desire to protect others. Gon's unwavering determination and ability to inspire those around him mirror Yusuke's role as a leader and protector.

7) Lelouch vi Britannia

Lelouch vi Britannia (Image via Sunrise Studio)

Lelouch from Code Geass and Yusuke from Yu Yu Hakusho have some things in common, yet Lelouch is more complex. Both fight for what they think is right. Lelouch wants to beat a cruel system and make a better world for his sister. Yusuke battles scary forces to keep people safe.

Lelouch and Yusuke are brave leaders who take on big jobs to help loved ones. Lelouch uses his sharp mind and faces hard choices, and Yusuke has a more straightforward approach but is just as driven. They grow through tough times and sacrifices to reach their goals. At their core, they want to make positive changes in their worlds.

8) Meliodas

Meliodas, the chief of the Seven Deadly Sins group, shares many traits with Yusuke from Yu Yu Hakusho. He's a strong leader with depths hidden beneath. As a mighty demon with a sad history, Meliodas blends lightheartedness and complex feelings, some quite painful.

His quest to rejoin his friends and safeguard the kingdom mirrors Yusuke's role in defending others and leading his team. Meliodas acts playfully, yet deeply values loyalty to friends, like Yusuke's caring yet tough nature.

Both face huge challenges, growing through battles and balancing immense power with duties. Their journeys show personal growth, forming strong bonds, and an unwavering drive to protect loved ones at all costs.

9) Rin Okumura

Like Yu Yu Hakusho's Yusuke, Rin Okumura from Blue Exorcist has a rebellious side and faces inner struggles. However, Rin's challenges stem from his demonic heritage — he is the son of Satan himself. Despite this, Rin aims to become an exorcist and protect people from harm. He must grapple with his demonic nature while pursuing a path of good.

This internal conflict mirrors Yusuke's journey from troublemaker to heroic figure. Rin's path is marked by his strong sense of justice and loyalty to friends. He is determined to overcome his demonic side through sheer willpower. Similar to Yusuke, Rin grows by accepting his unique abilities and using them for noble causes.

The stories of characters from Blue Exorcist and Yu Yu Hakusho highlight important themes. These include redemption, personal growth, and forging one's own destiny despite difficult circumstances. Rin and Yusuke show that even those facing great inner turmoil can become forces for good through courage and resolve.

10) Ken Kaneki

Ken Kaneki, the main character from the popular anime Tokyo Ghoul, experiences a profound change, similar to Yu Yu Hakusho's Yusuke's transformation. Initially a regular college student, Kaneki's life takes a dramatic turn when he becomes a half-ghoul after a nearly fatal encounter. His struggle to balance his human and ghoul sides mirrors Yusuke's dual existence as a human and spirit detective.

Kaneki's journey is marked by his evolving sense of identity, complex moral choices, and his constant effort to protect those he cares about. His transformation from a gentle bookworm to a powerful and often feared ghoul parallels Yusuke's growth from a delinquent to a respected hero.

Final thoughts

Yu Yu Hakusho and its main character Yusuke Urameshi made a huge impact on the shonen genre. Yusuke has remained very popular since the show first aired. Many characters in newer anime shows share Yusuke's personality traits.

Like Yusuke, they have amazing abilities but act tough on the outside while being caring deep down. Characters like these connect well with viewers. Yusuke started a lasting trend of tough yet kind protagonists in shonen anime. His influence shows how Yu Yu Hakusho left a meaningful legacy in the anime world that continues today.