Anime characters like Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez from Bleach are slowly becoming the norm, given the anti-hero dynamic. Grimmjow, defined by his rebellious spirit, raw power, and an unrelenting desire to prove his strength, is an iconic example of an anti-hero out to prove his worth, no matter the path.
Showcasing an aggressive yet charismatic personality, his character has resonated with fans in the best of ways. But Grimmjow is not the only anime character who fits this mold. Other anime characters like Grimmjow are well-known names who embody similar fierce independence, unique personalities, and are morally complex.
Vegeta from Dragon Ball Z, a villain turned rival and ally to Son Goku, matches Grimmjow’s competitive drive. Elsewhere, Ban from The Seven Deadly Sins and Grimmjow share a sharp wit and devil-may-care attitude. One Piece's Eustass Kid has an akin brash yet ambitious nature.
This list explores anime characters like Grimmjow who boast raw power and an intriguing layered depth of character which them unforgettable figures.
Anime characters like Grimmjow from Bleach
1) Katsuki Bakugo (My Hero Academia)
Kicking off the list of anime characters like Grimmjow is Katsuki Bakugo. The deuteragonist of Kohei Horikoshi's series, Bakugo underwent considerable development, from a selfish and vain bully to a mature and more understanding Hero, who also found strength in camaraderie.
Similar to Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, Bakugo is fueled by a competitive spirit and a relentless drive to prove himself superior. Both characters have a fiery temper and a hunger for combat which masks their underlying insecurities with bravado. Again, Grimmjow subtly respecting his opponents is akin to Bakugo's growth.
2) Speed-o-Sonic (One Punch Man)
Another one of the anime characters like Grimmjow is Speed-o-Sonic from One Punch Man. As a child, Sonic was passionate, aiming for a better life and staying above turning into a machine, despite his rigorous ninja training. Due to his ego, he wanted to complete a mission and achieve what he set out to— in this case, take down Saitama.
Throughout the story, he attempts to do so, but respects Saitama for fighting monsters and vows to never face him while the latter does so. His similarity to Grimmjow stems from both of them thriving on combat and strong opponents testing their limits. His cockiness and drive to beat Saitama, coupled with his love for dramatic entrances, closely align him with Bleach's Grimmjow.
Hence, he takes a spot on this list of anime characters like Grimmjow.
3) Ban (The Seven Deadly Sins)
Ban, the Fox Sin of Greed, is another name on the list of anime characters like Grimmjow. True to his name, he has shown instances of greed and selfishness, but will not act if given a good reason. His main goal has mostly been the revival of his wife Elaine, and he has even sacrificed his immortality for its sake.
Those familiar with the series cannot deny that Ban’s roguish charm and defiant attitude closely resemble Grimmjow’s rebellious streak. Both Ban and Grimmjow view freedom as highly valuable. They have been shown to have complex moral codes. Moreover, both characters also maintain loyalty to their chosen compatriots, making them relevant to viewers despite their edgy personas.
4) Hisoka Morow (Hunter x Hunter)
When speaking of anime characters like Grimmjow, Hisoka Morow is also a name that comes to mind. Hunter and former member of the Phantom Troupe, Hisoka is a character who lives on his own terms, also seeking strong opponents or those with the potential to be powerful. He doesn't hesitate in killing those he deems "unworthy" or who aren't strong enough, thus making him amoral, but not evil.
Similar to Grimmjow, Hisoka oozes chaotic energy. Like others on this list, Hisoka thirsts for and thrives on battle against actually powerful opponents. Both characters' fascination and attraction to strength, and their readiness to bend their morals, make them unpredictable forces. Similar to other anime characters like Grimmjow, Hisoka simply cannot get enough of intense combat.
5) Vegeta (Dragon Ball series)
The almighty Prince Vegeta is another one of the anime characters like Grimmjow who falls in this list. Initially a villain, Vegeta opted to stay on Earth with hopes to one day beat Son Goku, and ended up becoming a protector of the planet. He came a long way from being Frieza's soldier to having a family and one of the strongest warriors around.
When comparing Vegeta to Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, one of the character's main drives cannot be ignored— the rivalry with Goku. This is a defining point for both Vegeta and Grimmjow. The former's journey from antagonist to anti-hero mirrors Grimmjow’s relationship with Ichigo. Both characters are puffed with pride, fiercely ambitious, and have an insatiable hunger to be the strongest.
6) Jogo (Jujutus Kaisen)
Even disaster Curse Jogo finds himself on the list of anime characters like Grimmjow. Allying with Kenjaku alongside his comrades Hanami, Mahito, and Dagon, Jogo wanted a world where Curses could roam and live free of human intervention. His pride defined him, and he was an intelligent being with resolute beliefs, even willing to sacrifice himself for his goals.
Grimmjow and Jogo share a common trait, which is their fiery arrogance. Both characters think of themselves as warriors of an extremely high caliber. They aren't afraid to clash with stronger foes just to show off their power and assert their dominance. But, akin to anime characters like Grimmjow, their overconfidence serves as a chink in their armor.
7) Killer Bee (Naruto Shippuden)
Possibly surprising to many, Naruto's Killer Bee also features on this list of anime characters like Grimmjow. Hailing from the Hidden Cloud Village, Killer Bee was the Eight Tails' Jinchuriki. Unlike those before him, he befriended the Tailed Beast and uses its limitless power to supplement his own. It was under his guidance that Naruto Uzumaki developed further and learned to control Kurama.
Just like Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, Killer Bee boasts a brash and highly confident personality. These, coupled with his absolute love for battle, allow him to stand alongside Grimmjow. In this case, Killer Bee is more comedic and lighthearted, but even so, anime characters like Grimmjow are proud of their strength and in this case, have a distinct charm that makes them stand out.
8) Suphia (That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime)
When speaking of anime characters like Grimmjow, the White Tiger Claw cannot be overlooked. One of the Beast Kingdom of Eurazania's Three Beastketeers, Suphia is known to radiate a ferocious aura that has been compared to a "battle-hardened leader". She harbors a certain disdain for humans, and can be quite direct when spoken to.
Suphia, very similar to Grimmjow, is a fierce fighter who places value on physical prowess above all. She loves battle and even takes on Shion. However, she does have considerable respect for Albis after the latter breaks up her battle with Shion. Suphia's blunt personality, hot temper, and fierce loyalty towards her comrades are reflective of Grimmjow’s rough-around-the-edges demeanor.
9) Eustass Kid (One Piece)
Excluding Eustass "Captain" Kid from this list of anime characters like Grimmjow would be wrong. A notorious South Blue pirate and head of the Kid Pirates, Eustass is among the 12 Pirates labeled as the "Worst Generation". His journey is complex, as he cannot be called a villain or an anti-hero, given his contributions during the Sabaody Archipelago Arc and the Wano Country Arc.
He can be compared to Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez in terms of relentless ambition, aggressiveness, and disdain for authority. This is in line with Grimmjow’s own highly rebellious and violent tendencies. Eustass, similar to other anime characters like Grimmjow, possesses an insatiable hunger for power and respect, often making him butt heads with others.
10) Takumi Aldini (Food Wars)
Concluding this list of anime characters like Grimmjow is Takumi Aldini. Coming from Italy, Takumi was the 92nd Totsuki Generation and the fraternal elder twin of Isami Aldini. His self-proclaimed rivalry with Soma Yukihira drives him to constantly better himself, added to his origins being from a successful family-owned restaurant. As such, he hates defeat and can be a sore loser.
It is this competitive edge and constant rivalry with Soma that parallel Grimmjow’s dynamic with Ichigo. Through his culinary "battles," Takumi exhibits a strong and unwavering confidence with a desire to be recognized, which evokes Grimmjow’s energy. The characters have a shared air of defiance, ambition, and complex personalities, epitomizing the true meaning of anti-heroes, compelling and chaotic.
Related links:
- How did Grimmjow survive? The mystery behind his return in Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War, explored
- 10 Demon Slayer characters who could defeat Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez
- "The king has returned" with Bleach TYBW's latest surprise appearance