10 anime characters who can copy powers, ranked by popularity

With anime character designs, from dark antiheroes to futuristic soldiers, some stand out not for their innate powers, but for their ability to copy powers. These anime characters copy powers and wield borrowed abilities, turning combat into a strategic surprise for heroes and villains alike.

In anime, such anime characters who can copy powers are often potent and unpredictable, challenging opponents with their strengths. This article explores some anime characters who can copy powers, showcasing how this creative and sometimes controversial fighting style shapes narratives and captivates audiences.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for multiple anime and reflects the writer's opinion. Discretion is advised.

Neito Monoma, Yuta Okkotsu, and others are among the anime characters who can copy powers

10. Archer (Fate/stay night)

Archer as seen in anime (Image via Ufotable)

Archer, who is a protagonist of Fate/stay night possesses the ability to reproduce a weapon he sees by using the protection of his Noble Phantasm- Unlimited Blade Works; it is a Reality Marble that Archer can make as many weapons as he wants and keep restoring them.

Many aspects of Archer include mystery such as his character, his double life, and the internal and external conflict he has with Shirou Emiya. These ideological issues and the show’s manner of presenting Archer’s magical powers have turned the character into one of the most memorable in the “Fate” series.

9. Himiko Toga (My Hero Academia)

Young Himiko and her parents (Image via Bones)

Himiko Toga, a member of the League of Villains in My Hero Academia, initially used her Quirk, "Transform," to imitate others' voices and appearances. However, in a desperate fight against the Meta Liberation Army, her Quirk developed, allowing her to replicate the Quirks of those she transformed into.

Transforming into Ochaco Uraraka, Himiko also gained Ochaco's zero-gravity ability and used it lethally against her enemies. This newfound power makes Himiko even more versatile and dangerous, enhancing her role as one of the formidable anime characters who can copy powers.

8. Ash's Ditto (Pokémon)

Ditto is one of the most peculiar Pokémon, known for its goofy, blob-like appearance. This plain look is purposeful, as Ditto can mimic any other Pokémon at will, using their techniques as its own. Ash Ketchum caught a Ditto in the Kanto region, and like others of its kind, Ash's Ditto could transform into any Pokémon during battle, replicating their form and abilities.

This ability turns any fight into a tricky mirror match, adding a unique strategic element to Ash's team. Ditto’s ability to change its type and appearance has made it one of the most interesting creatures in the Pokémon franchise.

7. Rimuru Tempest (That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime)

Rimuru Tempest, the protagonist of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime possesses the unique ability of "Predator," allowing him to absorb and mimic the abilities of creatures he consumes. Supported by his analytical companion, Great Sage, Rimuru steadily accumulates a vast arsenal of spells and attributes throughout his journey.

From a giant spider's steely thread technique for capturing enemies alive to a dire wolf's intimidation howl and water blades, Rimuru's ability to replicate any observed spell or technique is unparalleled. His adaptability and strategic prowess, combined with an ever-expanding repertoire of abilities, establish him as one of the formidable anime characters who can copy powers in the isekai genre, constantly strengthening with each encounter.

6. Chrollo Lucifer (Hunter x Hunter)

Chrollo Lucifer (Image via Nippon Animation)

Chrollo Lucifer is the calm leader of the villainous Phantom Troupe. His confidence and intelligence are a highlight, as even Kurapika, who once took him hostage, could not use him as leverage. Chrollo's standout ability is to copy other people's Nen abilities through a ritual involving his book, Bandit's Secret, and receiving a verbal response from his opponent.

This meticulous process is worthwhile because of the diverse and powerful nature of Nen abilities, providing Chrollo with a significant advantage in combat. His unique skill set and enigmatic personality have made him a captivating anime character who can copy powers.

5. Kakashi Hatake (Naruto)

Kakashi Hatake, best known as the Copy Ninja, is a master of more than a thousand jutsu moves. Kakashi Hatake also wore the Sharingan eye under a forehead protector, which he also revealed during the fight with Zabuza Momochi and amazed Sasuke by replicating the techniques without effort.

Obitouchi gave Kakashi the Sharingan, through which he can copy and use any jutsu that does not belong to the kekkei genkai after observing it once. This mastery also covers the tendency to read hand signs quickly as the contextual applied raw expression of the jutsu regardless of the element. Kakashi is also one of the most versatile and cunning fighters, who is famous for his vast shrine of copying and using various ninjutsu on the battlefield, making him one of the iconic anime characters who can copy powers.

4. Asahi Saiba (Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma)

In Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma, culinary skills replace martial arts, and Asahi Saiba stands out with his extraordinary ability to replicate any chef's techniques after a single observation. As a villain, Asahi takes culinary copying to unprecedented heights by seamlessly borrowing their equipment and executing complex procedures flawlessly.

This unique skill turns him into a culinary one-man army, capable of adapting to any cooking style with ease. Asahi's mastery not only challenges his rivals but also elevates him as a formidable antagonist in the intense culinary battles of the series, where innovation and skill define every competition making him one of the iconic anime characters who can copy powers.

3. Yuta Okkotsu (Jujutsu Kaisen)

Yuta Okkotsu, the protagonist of Jujutsu Kaisen 0: The Movie, is among the world's most formidable in the Jujutsu Sorcery realm. Descended from the legendary sorcerer Michizane Sugawara, Yuta possesses an immense reservoir of Cursed Energy surpassing even Satoru Gojo's. His bond with Rika enhances his abilities further.

Yuta's unique power lies in his ability to mimic Jujutsu techniques through sheer Cursed Energy, akin to a wizard wielding boundless mana. Unlike conventional sorcerers who learn incantations, Yuta bypasses this need with overwhelming energy, allowing him to replicate any technique effortlessly. This power underscores his dominance and unpredictability in battles, distinguishing him as one of the iconic anime characters who can copy powers.

2. Neito Monoma (My Hero Academia)

Neito Monoma, a student in class 1-B in My Hero Academia, has a Quirk “Copy” through which he can copy other people’s Quirks by touching them, but only for a short time. It sets him up well for being slippery in combat, which is the type of character that he is.

Monoma's competitive spirit against Class 1-A is quite entertaining and brings tension to this series. Although his obsession with getting better and beating his classmates has earned the fan base’s appreciation, his portrayal as a hero’s type and competitiveness remains exceptional in the show.

1. Jewelry Bonney (One Piece)

Jewelry Bonney as a kid (Image via Toei Animation)

Jewelry Bonney, one of the Eleven Supernovas in One Piece, has a mysterious ability linked to age manipulation. While not a direct power-copying ability, her power allows her to change the age of herself and others, effectively altering their physical capabilities and appearance.

Bonney's enigmatic past and her connection to significant events in the One Piece world have intrigued fans. Her rebellious nature and the mystery surrounding her powers add an extra layer of depth to her character. Bonney's popularity is driven by her unique abilities and her potential impact on the overarching plot of the series.

Final Thoughts

Anime characters who can copy powers offer a fascinating exploration of versatility and strategic depth. From tactical mimicry in combat to the psychological impact on adversaries, these anime characters who can copy powers redefine what it means to wield strength and skill. Whether these anime characters who can copy powers use borrowed abilities for heroism or villainy, their presence enriches storytelling by introducing complex dynamics and unexpected twists.

While the effectiveness of copycat abilities may vary, their prominence in anime highlights their enduring appeal and creative potential. Ultimately, these anime characters who can copy powers remind us that in anime, as in any narrative art form, the ability to adapt and innovate can be as powerful as any unique skill or power.