8 anime characters like Eren from Attack on Titan

Eren Yeager, the anime character from Attack on Titan, transformed from a sentimental young man who wants to join the Survey Corps and annihilate the Titans to a reckless Titan-Shifter who caused a genocide that killed ninety percent of the population that lived outside The Walls. Morally gray anime characters like Eren are more popular with fans because of their complex personalities.

Across the anime world, there are other characters from other anime who also have similar character traits as Eren Yeager. These characters have been discussed below. Each character represents an anime world parallel to Eren and his pursuit of a ‘better world’ at the cost of others’ lives and, sometimes, their own.

Top 8 Anime Characters Like Eren Yeager In the Anime World

1) Light Yagami (Death Note)

Light Yagami (Image via Madhouse Studios)

Light Yagami and Eren Yeager, though protagonists share a similar twisted journey. Both the anime characters see the world as deeply flawed. Light is outraged by crime, while Eren is disillusioned by war and oppression.

In their journey to create a “better” world, both resort to extreme morally ambiguous measures. Light uses the Death Note’s power to finish off the offenders, while Eren wields the destructive force of the Titans to free the Eldians.

Both characters are intelligent and manipulative, using others to achieve their goals and justify their actions. As their power increases, they develop a god complex. Light becomes judge, jury, and executioner, while Eren believes he is the only one who can save humanity, ultimately leading to their downfall.

2) Lelouch vi Britannia (Code Geass)

Lelouch vi Britannia (Image via Sunrise Studio)

Lelouch vi Britannia and Eren Yeager were both witnesses to their mothers’ brutal deaths, which ignited a burning desire for revenge within them. Lelouch vowed to destroy Britannia, while Eren became obsessed with eliminating Titans.

Both characters take up ruthless tactics to fulfill their goal. Lelouch manipulates Geass and leads a masked rebellion, while Eren unleashes the devastating Rumbling through betrayals and support from other characters.

Both the anime characters understood the weight of their actions and sacrificed themselves for a perceived better future, even if it meant being deeply resented and hated. Though their methods differ, their paths converge in a shared burden and controversial sacrifice.

25 best Attack on Titan moments

3) Ken Kaneki (Tokyo Ghoul)

Ken Kaneki of Tokyo Ghoul shares striking parallels to Eren Yeager in terms of character development. Ken Kaneki transforms into a ghoul himself and grapples with a monstrous identity in a world that hunted him, similar to how Eren Yeager became a Titan, the being he hated the most. Kaneki’s wish for ghoul-human harmony crumbled as he became a Ghoul himself.

As Eren yearned for a Titan-free world, he crumbled under the weight of the destruction he caused himself, finally resorting to genocide as his only means.

As the series progressed, both Ken and Eren gained powerful abilities.Ken gained his Ghoul powers, while Eren gained the power of the Attack Titan. It is essential to note that both the anime characters were supported by strong female companions. Touka had always been there for Kaneki, similar to how Mikasa stood by Eren, offering her unwavering support.

4) Lucy (Elfen Lied)

Despite their contrasting worlds, Lucy from Elfen Lied share surprising similarities to Eren Yeager. Both the anime characters experience profound trauma at a young age, fueling a burning desire for revenge. Lucy’s rage stems from human cruelty, leading to violent outbursts, while Eren’s rage comes from his mother’s death.

Lucy’s “Lucy” personality is merciless, with little regard for innocents, mirroring Eren’s actions when he caused the Rumbling that claimed innocent lives. However, both Lucy and Eren are subject to internal conflict. Lucy’s split personality shows her battle between rage and potential for kindness within her. Similarly, Eren wrestles with the morality of his choices and the weight of his power.

5) Akame (Akame ga Kill!)

Eren Yeager and Akame from Akame ga Kill! share surprising similarities despite their contrasting worlds. Both Akame and Eren were witnesses to horrific acts in their childhood, which drove their revenge. Both the characters are ready to sacrifice themselves to achieve their goals.

At the start of the series, Eren fought for survival, while towards the end of the series, it had become a fight for freedom from the ruthlessness of the Marleyan Empire. This is similar to how Akame fights to overthrow The Empire. However, as the story progressed, their paths diverged.

Eren descends into darkness with increasingly violent methods, while Akame maintains a flicker of compassion despite her deadly skills. Both characters showcase unwavering dedication to their cause, but Eren’s journey is one of transformation, while Akame starts hardened but shows growth potential.

6) Edward Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)

Edward Elric, the protagonist of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood suffered a huge personal loss as he lost his brother Alphonse Elric’s physical body as a result of a failed Human Transmutation. This is similar to how Eren lost his mother at the hands of a Titan when Wall Maria was breached.

Both the anime characters make reckless and impulsive decisions. However, this impulsiveness is what helps them keep their loved ones safe. Edward prioritizes Alphonse’s wellbeing, and Eren fiercely safeguards his friends, to the point that he even sacrifices himself so they can have a bright future.

7) Aokiji (One Piece)

Aokiji, the former Admiral from One Piece, is similar to Eren Yeager. Both characters possess an unwavering desire for change, pushing against the status quo even if it means violence. This is shown as Eren aids in the fall of the false ruling family of Paradis Island. This is similar to how Aokiji left his position as Admiral, which placed limitations on his freedom.

Their methods, however, can be morally ambiguous. Eren’s quest for freedom takes a genocidal turn, while Aokiji’s allegiances shift, aligning himself from the Marines to the Blackbeard Pirates. Aokiji even turned on the Marines, including Garp, who came to Pirate Island to rescue Koby. His encounter with the Vice Admiral was fatal for the latter.

8) Spike Spiegel (Cowboy Bebop)

Spike Spiegel (Image via Studio Sunrise)

Spike Spiegel and Eren Yeager are both complex anime characters driven by trauma. While Eren’s trauma stemmed from seeing his mother get devoured by Titans, Spike’s came from his past as a hitman and the loss of his love, Julia. The trauma experienced by both of them stirred their unwavering determination. Eren mastered his Titan abilities in order to achieve freedom, while Spike chased bounties to make peace with his past.

Ultimately, both represent the contrasting ways trauma can forge a path. Eren had a passionate fire burning, while Spike became a jaded, melancholic cool person. Their journeys highlight the complexity of how past experiences shape who we become.

Conclusion

The above-mentioned characters belong to different anime with varying storylines. However, their complex personas group them as one. Some are anti-hero characters like Eren Yeager while others are upright. The common point between them is their spontaneity and their willingness to go to any lengths to protect those they hold close.