The Best Anime Gangsters

Some of the best anime villains are ruthless gangsters who lead their gangs and mercilessly torment heroes and innocents to get what they want. Thanks to these anime gangsters, fans can enjoy some of the darkest and twistiest stories about the mob world and learn more about how criminal organizations work, not just in Japan but all around the world.

Anime lovers can meet ruthless anime villains as well as international crime lords. While many of these gangsters are unredeemable characters, anime fans can also meet a few hilarious mobsters who are trying to change their ways as well as vengeful anti-heroes who only join these mafia groups to take revenge on their leaders.

Updated November 17, 2024, by Hamza Haq: Anime has never been shy about exploring gang culture, mostly inspired by the concept of the Yakuza, something the average viewer is often fascinated by. Gang influences from the world outside Japan, like the Italian Mafia, Western cowboys, and more, have also seeped into the culture over the years, giving the medium more breadth of vision. Gangsters in anime are typically portrayed as the villains or supporting cast, but there have been quite a few protagonist gangsters over the years as well. Naturally, some gangsters stand out more than others, becoming infamous in anime.

9 Diavolo

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

The Jojo franchise had some stylish and diabolical villains but few were as memorable and well-crafted as Diavolo, the ruthless Italian mob boss. He mercilessly murdered anyone who got in his way and, while creating his empire, he got rid of all his weaknesses and all the traces of his past including his own daughter.

While he was a leader of a big crime organization, he would never directly communicate with any of the gangsters working for him. Instead, he used multiple proxies to give out his orders. Diavolo was one of the most mysterious gangsters in anime who was obsessed with power and hiding his true identity. The JoJo franchise also had one of the strongest found families in anime who worked together to fight villains like Diavolo all around the globe.

8 Shizuo Heiwajima

Durarara!!

Shizuo Heiwajima is Durarara!!‘s strongest and most popular gangster. Even though Shizuo is trying to leave his criminal life behind and started working as a bodyguard, he was still respected and feared in the Ikebukuro district.

He was one of the most infamous members of the Dollars gang who had a heartbreaking backstory. Shizuo was not only physically strong but mentally too because of the hardships and physical abuse he had to endure while growing up. Durarara!! is an exciting seinen anime series with gangsters and its story follows Mikado after the young boy moves into the Ikebukuro district in Tokyo.

7 Worick Arcangelo & Nicholas Brown

Gangsta

Worick Arcangelo and Nicholas Brown are the toughest and deadliest gangsters in the world of anime. They’re called The Handymen, and they perform the hardest jobs not even mob members can finish. Nicholas and Worick work in the dangerous town of Ergastulum, which is overrun by crime and chaos.

When the cops or the mafia don’t know what to do anymore that’s when they call The Handymen to take care of the problem. Along with Alex, who is the third member of their small organization, they are ready to take on any job that pays well. Gangsta is one of the best action anime shows for anime fans who are looking for a darkly atmospheric and unique gangster story with a great art style and brilliant characters.

6 Tsunayoshi Sawada

Katekyo Hitman Reborn!

A Mafia boss in training, Tsunayoshi Sawada, commonly called Tsuna, is the protagonist of Katekyo Hitman Reborn! He reluctantly agrees to inherit the title of head of the Vongola Family. He starts off as a weakling, extremely afraid of violence and horrified by the actions of the other Mafia members he encounters, but thanks to Reborn’s guidance and confidence in his own ability to handle anything the world throws at him, he grows into a formidable gangster and a worthy successor of the family.

Reborn! is an action fantasy series that takes inspiration from the concept of the Italian mob and runs with it. It’s equal parts comedy and action with a sprinkling of slice-of-life to keep things fresh.

5 Nero

91 Days

91 Days is one of the most underrated gangster anime series with a gorgeous art style, well-crafted characters, and a few ruthless and deadly gangsters. Nero is one of the worst in the story and is also the son of the leader of the Vanetti mafia family. He’s just as ruthless as his father and found pleasure in humiliating others.

91 Days follows the story of Angelo, who, after returning to his hometown, takes on a fake identity to join the Vanetti family’s gang and befriend Nero, so he can eventually take revenge for his family’s death. It’s a thrilling and twisty gangster anime show that’s set during the United States Prohibition era.

4 Balalaika

Black Lagoon

While Black Lagoon had plenty of gangsters, none were as feared and brutal as Balalaika, the boss of the infamous Hotel Moscow. Balalaika was a trained soldier and a skilled sniper. This is because before she became a member of the Russian mafia, she was a captain in the Soviet army.

Balalaika is also one of the most intelligent gangsters in anime who is respected by her men thanks to her great combat skills and because she proved her bravery and fearlessness during the Afghanistan war. Black Lagoon‘s story follows the Lagoon Company’s adventures as they smuggle goods around the seas of Southeast Asia for criminal organizations.

3 Ash Lynx

Banana Fish

Ash Lynx has one of the most tragic backstories in anime and many of his characteristics and large chunks of his life story were inspired by actor and musician River Phoenix. Even though Ash had a genius-level intellect, he became famous for his brutal behavior and high kill count.

He was one of the most feared gang members and was exceptionally cruel towards his enemies; not just killing them but torturing them in various ways including ripping out most of their teeth. Banana Fish is one of the twistiest anime by MAPPA studio and tells the story of Ash, who uncovers a conspiracy involving a mysterious drug that brainwashes those who take it.

2 Tatsu

The Way Of The Househusband

Tatsu quickly became the most recognizable and beloved gangster in the world of anime. He is the infamous ex-Yakuza gang member who became famous in Tokyo for his brutal ways and even earned the nickname The Immortal Dragon.

However, after falling in love, Tatsu decided to leave the criminal life behind and become a househusband. Now, instead of fights and murders, he cleans, decorates, and cooks delicious dishes to make sure that his wife is always happy. The Way Of The Househusband‘s hilarious story follows Tatsu’s life as he tries to build a normal life for himself after leaving the Yakuza.

1 Eikichi Onizuka

Great Teacher Onizuka

Eikichi Onizuka is the protagonist of Great Teacher Onizuka, a classic that had a huge influence on the rest of the anime industry. When the story starts, Onizuka is a 22-year-old retired gangster who takes up a teaching role at a local school, using his charms and street know-how to guide his students in a way only he can.

Even though he is no longer an active gangster, Onizuka’s name can still strike fear in the hearts of other gang members who know his previous accomplishments. He proves he has not lost what made him great by taking on an entire gang solo and beating them up to the last man. Even though he appears lackadaisical, Onizuka cares deeply for his students and makes sure they are always safe and on the right path. Great Teacher Onizuka is a feel-good anime with a dose of action that deserves a watch even after all these years.