Chainsaw Man: 10 manipulative anime characters like Makima from Chainsaw Man

Manipulative anime characters like Makima from Chainsaw Man are a truly different kind of terrifying. At the surface level, they might appear to be the nicest people with the best of intentions for those in front of them. However, that couldn't be further from the truth.

To put it simply, they are the greatest examples of a wolf in sheep's clothing. Like Makima, animanga has such characters who seem ordinary but have committed atrocities to suit their selfish needs or achieve their personal goals. When speaking of manipulation and slyness, a host of characters come to mind.

Disclaimer: This article is not ranked in any particular order and contains the writer's opinions.

Manipulative anime characters like Makima from Chainsaw Man

1) Dio Brando

Dio Brando (Image via David Production Inc.)

Kicking off this list of manipulative anime characters like Makima from Chainsaw Man is Dio Brando. Originally a man of low birth but insatiable ambition, he sought to conquer the world upon becoming a vampire. Backed by his army of zombies, he also aimed to take down his adoptive brother Jonathan.

Dio has become famous, or rather infamous, for employing his loyal minions to do his bidding, and he stops at nothing to achieve his goals. Ever since he was introduced, he has consistently employed sly means against the Joestars, mainly manipulation.

Even before his abilities, he cunningly ensured that Jonathan suffered early on. Moreover, he manifested an ability that enabled him to place flesh buds into his target's brain, compelling them to follow his commands.

2) Light Yagami

Light Yagami is another who takes a spot on this list of manipulative anime characters like Makima from Chainsaw Man. He needs no introduction given how popular Death Note grew to be and the fame both Light and Ryuk gained. Even so, Light is the best instance of "playing God gone wrong."

The boy was exceptionally intelligent, excelling academically with little effort and even locking horns with expert detectives. His cautious nature enabled him to stay hidden and even backed into a corner, he appeared astoundingly resourceful.

As shown in the series, he operated under the alias of Kira, which allowed him to work with many different people, even those tasked with apprehending Kira. His uncanny sharpness is what helped him mislead and puppeteer these individuals to satisfy how own twisted ambitions.

3) Aquamarine "Aqua" Hoshino

Aquamarine "Aqua" Hoshino (Image via Doga Kobo)

Among the list of manipulative anime characters like Makima stands Oshi No Ko's Aquamarine "Aqua" Hoshino. Starting as Dr. Gorou Amamiya, he was murdered by a stalker and reincarnated as idol Ai Hoshino's child. An orphan and a fan of Ai in his previous life, he enjoyed being her child, entering the entertainment world from an early age.

However, his life soon crashed when the same murderer took the life of Ai, his mother. Thus began his path down the dark side of the entertainment industry. Throughout the series, Aqua has shown himself to be quite adept at psychological manipulation. A fate as tragic as his pushed him to stop at nothing to seek out the one guilty.

4) Askeladd

Without Askeladd, this list of manipulative anime characters like Makima would be incomplete. Despite these deeds, he isn't hated or disliked all that much by fans. It is true that he killed Thors Snorresson and inflicted great trauma on Thorfinn. However, he gained people's understanding with his charisma and meaningful actions.

To put it simply, Askeladd is a man with an agenda and is not afraid of manipulating people to fulfill his ambitions. His being involved with Canute is the most prominent example, aiding in the young prince’s growth and then cooking up a scenario where death by his hand would act as a catalyst for greater things.

5) Griffith

Anyone who is abreast with anime or manga or both knows of Griffith. Excluding such an individual from those manipulative anime characters like Makima from Chainsaw Man would be incorrect. Similar to Dio, Griffith was a poor yet ambitious child, dreaming of someday ruling his own kingdom.

That ambition burned bright as he grew and founded the Band of Falcon group and conducted himself as if he were royalty. What makes Griffith unique is how highly he values his ambition over his own comrades.

Manipulative, cruel, and devoid of emotion, he didn't hesitate to sacrifice his group during The Eclipse to join the God Hand.

6) Zetsu

Perhaps the tale of Naruto might not have been if it weren't for the mastermind of Zetsu. He is likely the most fitting to be included on this list of manipulative anime characters like Makima from Chainsaw Man. Zetsu was behind the most significant events of the Naruto series.

This sentient offshoot of Kaguya Otsutsuki cleverly lined up circumstances that led to Kaguya's return, after inciting a full-blown war. Despite becoming a member of the Akatsuki, he only acted with Kaguya's revival in mind.

7) Shogo Makishima

Shogo Makishima (Image via Production I.G.)

Shogo Makishima is another who finds a spot on this list of manipulative anime characters like Makima from Chainsaw Man. He was part of a world where a system that thwarted criminal activity at its source existed. His main aim was to expose the hypocrisy and inefficiency of this system.

For this, he wasn't afraid of committing terrible acts. With the ability to deceive this system, he killed and manipulated others to draw out the human factor he believed the system was destroying. Shogo had few people who were constants in his journey and the rest met a bitter end when they ceased to be of use to him.

8) Johan Liebert

Johan Liebert is an immense entry on this list of manipulative anime characters like Makima. His characteristics are synonymous with the series' title of Monster. He showcased his uncanny ability of puppeteering from a very young age, moving to inflict chaos and destruction wherever he stepped foot.

Moreover, he can expertly manipulate and influence his targets in such a way that it seems as if their interests coincide with his, which in turn convinces them to do his bidding. Johan has operated under many aliases and has killed many individuals. However, he has reservations for the series protagonist, Kenzo Tenma, who saved his life.

9) Sosuke Aizen

Greater than Light Yagami, fame has favored Bleach's Sosuke Aizen. He and his grand ambitions need no introduction as he takes up a spot on this list of manipulative anime characters like Makima from Chainsaw Man.

Aizen sought to occupy the “vacancy on the world’s throne” by overthrowing the Soul King, something he had planned to do for a very long time.

As he schemed in the shadows, he acted as a Gotei 13 member, even rising to become a Captain. Thus, he cautiously operated in secret and conspired with two fellow Captains to realize his goals. Even after kicking off his plan, his manipulation did not cease, holding any regard for those close to him. This is what makes him one of the manipulative anime characters like Makima.

10) Lelouch Lamperouge

Finally, Lelouch Lamperouge concludes this list of manipulative anime characters like Makima from Chainsaw Man. Lelouch is one of animanga's most intriguing characters, acting as a hero for some and a villain for others. Throughout Code Geass, he has only ever shown a soft side for his sister.

Other than that, he has been relentless in his quest for vengeance. He is a man of high intelligence, proving to be dangerous even without his Geass. This was evident when he deceived the Geass-powered Rolo and incited multiple rebellions throughout the Chinese Federation. His cunning and crafty nature is exactly what earns him a spot on this list of manipulative anime characters like Makima.