An updated ranking as of April 2026 placed Zero Two at the top among pink-haired characters. The protagonist of Darling in the FranXX , fiction anime produced by Studio Trigger and A-1 Pictures in 2018, maintains strong relevance even years after its debut.
The color pink in anime often highlights memorable characters, and this list reinforces that trend. Right behind it is Yuno Gasai from Mirai Nikki , a suspense series created by Sakae Esuno. In third place is Kusuo Saiki, the protagonist of Saiki Kusuo no Psi-nan , a supernatural comedy published in Weekly Shonen Jump .
The ranking mixes genres and diverse protagonists
The Top 5 continues with Natsu Dragneel from Fairy Tail , an action manga by Hiro Mashima, and Miku Nakano from 5-toubun no Hanayome , a romantic comedy by Negi Haruba. The presence of both male and female characters shows the variety of profiles linked to the striking visual style.
Next, Yuji Itadori, from Jujutsu Kaisen , occupies the sixth position. Hitori Gotou, from Bocchi the Rock!, appears in seventh. Chika Fujiwara, from Kaguya-sama: Love is War , is in eighth place, followed by Anya Forger, from Spy x Family , and Nino Nakano closing the ranking.
Absences spark debate among fans
As expected, the list generated discussion. Many cited the absence of Lucy from Elfen Lied and Madoka Kaname from Puella Magi Madoka Magica , two classic anime characters. Another point of debate was the hair color of the Nakano sisters.
Even so, the ranking shows how recent and classic characters remain relevant. For more anime , follow AnimeNews and stay up-to-date on upcoming seasons and releases in the otaku universe.