The anime world has seen several anime characters like Hisoka Morow, who stands out as one of anime's most sinister yet charismatic characters. As the unpredictable villain of the popular shonen series Hunter x Hunter, Hisoka creeps into fans' hearts with his ominous style, lethal powers, and twisted personality.
His intriguing characterization—courteous yet psychopathic, helpful yet self-serving—has inspired several anime characters with similar traits across various series. In this article, we highlight the top 10 anime characters like Hisoka, who bears an uncanny resemblance to his looks, mannerisms, or motivations.
Some share his cunning manipulation, others reflect his ruthless fighting style, and a few even mimic his eccentric fashion sense. Read on to discover anime characters like Hisoka and his creepiest counterparts.
Disclaimer- This article contains the author's opinions. Readers' discretion is advised.
Johan Liebert, Makoto Shishio, and 8 anime characters like Hisoka Morow
1) Johan Liebert (Monster)
Johan Liebert is the main antagonist of the psychological thriller series Monster. He is often compared to Hisoka for his calculating mind and complete lack of empathy. Like Hisoka, Johan is highly intelligent and easily manipulates people to further his mysterious goals.
Johan has a blank facial expression that masks his true emotions. His charm allows him to connect with people, but beneath his gentle demeanor lies a cold-blooded murderer with no regard for human life. Fans of anime characters like Hisoka's sinister dual nature will find Johan Liebert familiar.
2) Makoto Shishio (Rurouni Kenshin)
Makoto Shishio, a major antagonist of the popular samurai series Rurouni Kenshin, shares Hisoka's savage combat nature and lethal abilities. Covered in bandages after being burned alive, Shishio is a terrifying swordsman with immense power and speed.
Like Hisoka, Shishio loves to battle strong opponents to test himself, but he has his own code of conduct. While Hisoka spares worthy fighters for later, Shishio operates on the principle that "the weak are food for the strong" and aims to remake Japan based on that principle.
3) Izaya Orihara (Durarara!!)
Izaya Orihara, the information broker from the occult fiction series Durarara!!, has a playfully devious personality reminiscent of Hisoka Morow. Izaya enjoys putting humans in chaotic situations to observe their reactions, much like how Hisoka sets up lethal battles to excite himself.
Izaya shares Hisoka's razor-sharp intelligence, manipulation tactics, and ability to get under people's skin. He is cunning and unpredictable, making him both an untrustworthy ally and a dangerous enemy if crossed.
Like Hisoka, he carries unique flickblade weapons and fights with an acrobatic flair. Anime characters like Hisoka often display these intriguing traits, making Izaya a fascinating counterpart.
4) Shogo Makishima (Psycho-Pass)
Shogo Makishima is the villain from the cyberpunk series Psycho-Pass. He has an educated, theatrical flair, much like Hisoka. As the mastermind behind many gruesome crimes, Makishima shares Hisoka's talent for cruelty and lack of empathy.
However, his ultimate goal goes beyond sadistic urges—Makishima despises the society he lives in and aims to liberate people from an oppressive system by sabotaging it from within.
He stays calm under pressure and displays knowledge of literature and philosophy while executing his schemes, making Makishima one of the anime characters like Hisoka in spirit.
5) Re-l Mayer (Ergo Proxy)
At first glance, Re-l Mayer, the female lead of the dystopian anime Ergo Proxy, seems nothing like Hisoka Morow. However, both share a strong desire to seek out and confront dangerous mysteries.
Re-l investigates powerful proxies out of duty and curiosity, despite the huge risk to herself. Similarly, Hisoka endangers himself by fighting strong opponents for pleasure.
Additionally, Re-l and Hisoka are observant, composed individuals who hide their emotions beneath an icy exterior. They tend to mask inner turmoil and confront situations calmly, even when facing severe violence. Anime characters like Hisoka often possess these compelling qualities.
6) Father (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)
Father, the original homunculus from the popular action series Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, has immense power coupled with a disdain for humanity, much like Hisoka. Created without human values, Father aims to become a perfect being by sacrificing people to suit his needs. Hisoka also treats human life as expendable for his personal amusement.
In addition, both display eerily calm expressions, regardless of the severity of their actions. However, while Hisoka acts out of twisted excitement and bloodlust, Father lacks empathy and pursues his goals out of a god complex. Anime characters like Hisoka and Father leave a lasting impression on viewers.
7) Betelgeuse Romanée-Conti (Re:Zero)
Betelgeuse from the dark fantasy Re:Zero mirrors Hisoka in creepy appearance and mannerisms. His unsettling look and colorful attire resemble Hisoka's style. Betelgeuse has a disturbingly cheerful demeanor that hides sinister obsessions, similar to Hisoka's façade of friendliness masking bloodthirsty urges.
Also, Betelgeuse's extreme devotion to his witch cult leads him to commit terrible atrocities without remorse, akin to how Hisoka remains unfazed by violence.
Fans who find Hisoka's horrifying yet magnetic characterization appealing may appreciate the madness of Betelgeuse. Anime characters like Hisoka often have these chilling dualities.
8) Bondrewd (Made in Abyss)
Bondrewd is the ruthless scientist from the dark fantasy series Made in Abyss. He experiments on children to push the limits of exploring the Abyss, reminiscent of how Hisoka battles powerful fighters for thrills despite the consequences.
Bondrewd progressively discards his humanity by transferring his mind into multiple bodies to further his research. Like Hisoka, he crosses ethical lines without hesitation when pursuing his interests.
In addition, Bondrewd's calm, polite demeanor misrepresents his heartless actions, similar to Hisoka's approachable front masking his sadism. Anime characters like Hisoka, including Bondrewd, challenge viewers with their complex morality.
9) Legato Bluesummers (Trigun)
The psychopathic villain Legato Bluesummers serves the ruthless Millions Knives in the anime series Trigun, much as Hisoka allies temporarily with dangerous lunatics when it suits his whims.
More specifically, Legato is completely devoted to Knives, to the point where he gives up his autonomy and desires to end his life if commanded. This mirrors how Hisoka temporarily serves as a member under leader Chrollo Lucifer in the Phantom Troupe.
Like Hisoka, Legato takes sadistic pleasure in provoking lethal reactions from his enemies. He also maintains a calm exterior that masks the inner psychotic chaos within, waiting to be unleashed at the right moment. Anime characters like Hisoka and Legato are unforgettable for their malevolence.
10) Ryuk (Death Note)
Ryuk, the Shinigami from the psychological thriller Death Note, has similarities with Hisoka in both dramatic appearance and desire for entertainment.
Like Hisoka, Ryuk is an ominous creature with spiky hair, piercings, and eccentric clothes. He drops a powerful weapon in the human world purely to alleviate his boredom, observing the ensuing chaos, like Hisoka sparking violence for thrills.
While Ryuk is less actively sadistic than Hisoka, he remains a creepy instigator who views events with disturbing amusement. Anime characters like Hisoka, such as Ryuk, keep audiences on edge with their appearance.
Conclusion
Whether or not the preceding psychopaths and sinister villains can truly match Hisoka Morow’s unique flair is arguable. However, they certainly reflect different aspects of his creepy, ruthless, and captivating characterization.
Hisoka remains an exceptional anime villain—despicable yet magnetic. Fans who can’t get enough of anime characters like Hisoka, with his particular brand of panache and evil, will appreciate exploring series featuring similar alternatives showcased here.
As more anime arrive in the future, more anime characters like Hisoka, echoing traits of the unnervingly charming Hisoka, may emerge.
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