In the vast and vibrant world of anime, we often find ourselves captivated by powerful protagonists. They’re brave, flawed, and journey through unimaginable arcs. But sometimes, just sometimes, it’s the sidekicks—those loyal companions, powerful allies, or mysterious second leads—who capture the spotlight and even outshine the main characters.
From swordsmen and sorcerers to comedic relief and silent protectors, anime sidekicks play a much bigger role than most realize. Some have become pop culture icons, while others are so beloved that fans crave entire spinoff series just about them.
So, whether you’re a hardcore otaku or a casual binge-watcher, this list is a tribute to those legendary supporting characters who refused to stay in the background.
Let’s dive into the 10 anime sidekicks that totally stole the show.
🧠 What Makes an Anime Sidekick Truly Unforgettable?
Before we get into the list, let’s understand what turns a supporting role into a scene-stealing legend.
1. Unique Personality & Depth
Sidekicks with a strong personal story or mysterious past tend to fascinate viewers. They’re not just “support”; they feel real and layered.
2. Unmatched Power or Skill
Characters like Levi or Gojo Satoru are more powerful than the main character, making them incredibly fun to watch in action.
3. Comic Relief That Works
A good sidekick can ease tension with humor, giving the audience emotional balance.
4. Loyalty With Independence
They stand by the hero but also shine independently through their own choices, fights, and philosophies.
Now, let’s see which anime sidekicks have won over fans worldwide.
🔥 1. Levi Ackerman – Attack on Titan
Why He Stole the Spotlight:
Captain Levi is arguably one of the most beloved anime characters of all time. While Eren Yeager is the main protagonist, Levi’s unmatched skill, stoic charm, and tragic backstory have made him the real MVP of Attack on Titan.
Iconic Moment:
Levi’s solo battle against the Beast Titan is one of the most visually stunning and emotionally charged moments in the entire series.
Fun Fact:
Levi consistently ranks as #1 in popularity polls, often beating Eren and Mikasa.
⚔️ 2. Roronoa Zoro – One Piece
Why He Stole the Spotlight:
As Luffy’s right-hand man, Zoro is the epitome of loyalty, honor, and strength. Many fans consider him the real heart of the Straw Hat Pirates, and his dream to be the world’s greatest swordsman is as compelling as Luffy’s quest for the One Piece.
Iconic Moment:
“Nothing happened.” – After absorbing all of Luffy’s pain in Thriller Bark, Zoro’s silent sacrifice became legendary.
Fun Fact:
Oda once said that if Luffy weren’t the main character, the story could easily be about Zoro.
🧠 3. Gojo Satoru – Jujutsu Kaisen
Why He Stole the Spotlight:
Gojo is not only the strongest sorcerer in the world but also one of the coolest, most stylish characters in recent anime history. From his infinite domain expansion to his playful arrogance, Gojo became a viral sensation right after his debut.
Iconic Moment:
His fight against Jogo, where he uses “Infinity,” stunned fans with visuals and raw power.
Fun Fact:
Gojo’s popularity skyrocketed so much that he’s now considered the “face” of Jujutsu Kaisen more than protagonist Yuji Itadori.
🔥 4. Killua Zoldyck – Hunter x Hunter
Why He Stole the Spotlight:
Killua isn’t just a sidekick—he’s the emotional backbone of Hunter x Hunter. With his dark assassin past, fierce loyalty to Gon, and constant inner conflict, Killua has a depth that draws viewers in.
Iconic Moment:
His Godspeed transformation during the Chimera Ant arc was both shocking and exhilarating.
Fun Fact:
Fans love Killua so much that his name trends on Twitter every year on his birthday.
🌠 5. Megumin – KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!
Why She Stole the Spotlight:
In a show filled with ridiculous characters, Megumin still manages to outshine everyone with her obsession for explosion magic. Her over-the-top personality and comedic timing have made her a fan favorite.
Iconic Moment:
Every time she screams “Explosion!” and collapses dramatically is gold.
Fun Fact:
Megumin is so popular that she received her own spin-off light novel and anime series.
👁️ 6. L – Death Note
Why He Stole the Spotlight:
L’s intellectual duels with Light Yagami are what truly make Death Note a masterpiece. His eccentric habits, mysterious background, and brilliant mind keep viewers hooked.
Iconic Moment:
L revealing himself to Light and attending the same university to play psychological mind games.
Fun Fact:
Many fans believe Death Note lost its edge after L’s death—highlighting just how vital he was to the story.
🔥 7. Sasuke Uchiha – Naruto
Why He Stole the Spotlight:
From rival to anti-hero to redemption arc, Sasuke has one of the most multi-layered storylines in all of anime. Many fans relate more to his struggle with pain and revenge than Naruto’s optimism.
Iconic Moment:
Sasuke’s defection from Konoha and final battle with Naruto still echo through anime history.
Fun Fact:
Masashi Kishimoto once admitted that Sasuke’s popularity rivaled that of Naruto from very early on.
🐺 8. Holo – Spice and Wolf
Why She Stole the Spotlight:
Holo, the wise wolf deity, blends intelligence, charm, and depth unlike any other side character. Her witty banter with Lawrence and philosophical musings elevate the entire narrative.
Iconic Moment:
When Holo showcases her true wolf form for the first time—both awe-inspiring and terrifying.
Fun Fact:
Despite being a “side character,” Holo is widely considered the true soul of Spice and Wolf.
💥 9. Kamina – Gurren Lagann
Why He Stole the Spotlight:
Kamina is the soul and spirit of Gurren Lagann. His explosive energy, motivation speeches, and unwavering faith in Simon shaped the series’ core theme: believe in yourself.
Iconic Moment:
His sacrifice in Episode 8 still stands as one of the most emotional plot twists in mecha anime.
Fun Fact:
Fans often say Gurren Lagann has two parts: before Kamina and after Kamina.
🩸 10. Itachi Uchiha – Naruto Shippuden
Why He Stole the Spotlight:
Itachi was once viewed as a villain, but as his backstory unraveled, he became one of the most tragic and beloved characters in anime. His complexity, sacrifice, and quiet wisdom stunned fans.
Iconic Moment:
The emotional final battle with Sasuke where Itachi smiles and taps Sasuke’s forehead one last time.
Fun Fact:
Itachi’s redemption arc changed the entire tone of Naruto Shippuden, sparking a massive fanbase.
🧠 Bonus: Sidekicks Who Deserve Their Own Spin-Offs
Some of these sidekicks are so rich in story and personality, they deserve entire series of their own. Here are a few ideas:
🔹 Levi Ackerman: Attack on Titan: Underground Chronicles
Explore his brutal life before joining the Survey Corps—how he became the world’s most powerful soldier.
🔹 Killua Zoldyck: The Assassin’s Journey
Follow Killua post-Hunter x Hunter, diving deeper into his family dynamics and personal growth.
🔹 Gojo Satoru: Gojo: The Youth of Infinity
Imagine a coming-of-age story of Gojo’s younger days, his friendships, and rise to being the strongest.
🔹 Holo: Tales of the Wise Wolf
See Holo’s life before meeting Lawrence—more folklore, world-building, and historical fantasy.
🗳️ Fan Poll: Who’s Your Favorite Scene-Stealing Sidekick?
Cast your vote below or comment your pick!
| Character | % Fan Votes (Example) |
|---|---|
| Levi Ackerman | 28% |
| Gojo Satoru | 24% |
| Killua Zoldyck | 20% |
| Sasuke Uchiha | 16% |
| Megumin | 12% |
🔚 Final Thoughts
While protagonists often get the spotlight by default, these anime sidekicks proved that the supporting cast can be just as—if not more—captivating. They brought heart, humor, strength, and layers to the story, giving us unforgettable scenes that live on in anime history.
Whether it’s Levi’s silent fury, Gojo’s charismatic overconfidence, or Megumin’s explosive madness, these side characters turned the tables and gave fans more than they ever expected.
💬 What Do You Think?
Who’s your favorite anime sidekick of all time?
Did we miss someone who totally stole the show?
Drop a comment below, share this with your anime crew, and let the fandom debates begin!
📈 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who is the most loved anime sidekick?
A: Levi Ackerman consistently ranks #1 in global polls as the most beloved side character.
Q2: Which anime sidekick became more famous than the protagonist?
A: Gojo Satoru from Jujutsu Kaisen and L from Death Note are two sidekicks who outshined their leads in popularity.
Q3: Are there anime dedicated entirely to sidekicks?
A: Yes! Megumin from KonoSuba got her own spin-off, and several OVAs focus on side character arcs.