10 anime characters who can fly

The flying anime characters reveal some of the most fantastic times in animation when they defy gravity as they soar into vast landscapes or high into the skies. Be the supernatural or tech-savvy heroes, flights by such anime characters are used to get an upper hand over battles explore hidden realms, and bring justice from above.

Whether it is wings, psychic powers, or advanced technology, these airborne beings often live in the world with that definition of their being, making them different from every other as they can command the liberty to navigate from any point above. Here are 10 anime characters who can fly.

Disclaimer: This list is ranked in no particular order and contains the writer's opinion.

Tatsumaki, Donquixote Doflamingo, and 8 other anime characters who can fly

1) Goku (Dragon Ball Z)

Goku as seen in anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Flight is an integral component in Goku's fighting style where he travels throughout realms in Dragon Ball Z. Initially, he learned to fly through intense martial arts training and mastered the management of ki to propel himself.

This skill allows him an easier and more tactful way of moving through battle and allows him to chase after enemies that even the physical body can't touch. Flying is part of what makes Goku who he is, let alone attaining new heights on his journey in any form, making him one of the anime characters who can fly.

2) Ainz Ooal Gown (Overlord)

Ainz Ooal Gown as seen in anime (Image via Madhouse)

Ainz Ooal Gown is in full mastery of magic, which enables him to navigate through the sky effortlessly, thereby giving him a wonderful upper hand over most enemies in Overlord.

With the "Fly" spell, he can glide around in the air, which allows him to check battlefields from up in the sky, dodge attacks, and position himself on the battlefield accordingly.

It gives him the bolster needed on top of his wide array of powerful spells and strategies, making him one of the anime characters nearly unstoppable from both the land and the air.

3) Donquixote Doflamingo (One Piece)

Donquixote Doflamingo as seen in anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Donquixote Doflamingo’s mastery over the String-String Fruit grants him the ability to fly by attaching nearly invisible strings to clouds and structures around him, thus being able to "walk" through the air without exertion.

This kind of mobility is extremely effective during combat since he can attack from above and slide away from his opponents with ease. His flight is exceptional in the world of One Piece since he can have distinct command over his strings, placing him among the anime characters who can fly.

4) Happy (Fairy Tail)

Happy as seen in anime (Image via A-1 Pictures)

Happy, the adorable Exceed from Fairy Tail, easily soars into the sky with his Aera magic, growing angelic wings to fly at incredible speeds. With this, he becomes an elemental support in battles and a priceless friend to those around him, especially Natsu Dragneel.

While he may not have brute force, Happy's expertise in flight allows him to scout ahead, rescue teammates in the tightest of situations, and provide quick escapes when needed. Happy is one of the anime characters who can fly, and he brings an element of charm and agility to every adventure in the story.

5) Ryuk (Death Note)

Ryuk as seen in anime (Image via Madhouse)

Ryuk, the Shinigami from Death Note, floats easily between the human world and the Shinigami world. His capability to fly gives him a unique sight of the world, enabling him to watch mankind as they go through their lives and the chaos that his Death Note caused.

The flight of Ryuk does not rely on wings or visible mechanisms but gives his movements an eerie, ghostly quality, matching the supernatural origin. This power makes him one of the most unnerving but interesting anime characters who could fly, passing quietly through every scene.

6) Hawks (My Hero Academia)

Hawks as seen in anime (Image via Bones)

Hawks owns an amazing Quirk called Fierce Wings, making his wings huge and strong and allowing him to fly through high speed and air for incredible agility and control to be one of the greatest aerial fighters out there.

With the capability to move at extreme speeds and through tight spaces, Hawks use flight as a tool for advantage in combat, surveillance, and rescue missions.

7) Tatsumaki (One Punch Man)

Tatsumaki as seen in anime (Image via Madhouse)

Tatsumaki can fly at amazing heights, which she achieves through massive telekinetic powers. She levitates herself in the air by manipulating psychic energy and controlling her movements using her willpower alone.

Her flight is not only for mobility but also a skill that enhances combat potential. She can hover at great heights and move in a battle at tremendous speed. Tatsumaki has full control over her psychic, giving her a spot for unmatched accuracy in air navigation. This makes her one of the anime characters who can fly.

8) Deidara (Naruto Shippuden)

Deidara as seen in anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Deidara can fly using clay-based creations, most especially his bird-shaped explosives. These birds are made of his special clay that he molds and animates with his chakra. Embedding small explosive charges inside allows him to control their flight, both as transportation and a tool in an attack.

This ability gives him a considerable mobility advantage, for example, striking his opponent from the air without being within their opponent's reach.

9) ⁠Ichigo Kurosaki (Bleach)

⁠Ichigo Kurosaki as seen in anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Ichigo Kurosaki acquires the ability to fly through his strong Hollow and Quincy powers that combine in strength for greater combat. He can levitate himself or move at such high speeds using his Bankai or in his Hollow form while manifesting his spiritual energy.

His flight is particularly dramatic, especially in intense battles, where he can fly at a rapid pace through the air to overpower his opponents and perform a strong attack. Ichigo's flexibility and mobility during battle are complemented by his flight.

10) Tanya Degurechaff (Saga of Tanya the Evil)

Tanya Degurechaff as seen in anime (Image via Nut)

Tanya Degurechaff flies using her magic power, a vital part of her fighting skills in Saga of Tanya the Evil. Using advanced magic-infused flight systems in her uniform, she moves through the skies at a mind-boggling speed.

It allows her to engage in speedy combat and maneuver herself out of the enemy's line of sight before they even know what hit them. Flight is important to Tanya's strategic advantage in battle because this allows her an advantage over some opponents.

Final thoughts

The ability to fly has become a very iconic trait for many anime characters, and they can benefit greatly in both combat and exploration. Goku's ki-powered flight in Dragon Ball Z and Tatsumaki's telekinetic abilities in One Punch Man just sail above the heavy traffic of the sky.

Ainz Ooal Gown's mastery of magic, Deidara's clay-based creations, and Happy's Aera magic add unique layers to how flight enhances their roles.

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Edited by Tiasha