The 5 Best Villain-Focused Anime Episodes, Ranked

Anime often showcases heroes and their growth, but sometimes, it’s the villains who steal the show with intense backstory reveals, unexpected twists, and climactic moments. 

Here’s a list of the top five anime episodes that focus on villains, giving viewers unforgettable insights into their motives and personalities. From brutal showdowns to tragic origins, each episode listed below is a must-watch for anime fans.

5. The Tragic Past of Meruem – Hunter x Hunter

In the “Hunter x Hunter” episode “This Person and This Moment,” viewers see the complex and tragic side of Meruem, the powerful Chimera Ant King. Known for his ruthless strength, Meruem’s interactions with the blind girl Komugi slowly change him, revealing a surprising side to his character. 

Meruem starts questioning his purpose, power, and humanity, creating an emotional arc that adds nuance to his villainy. This episode redefines Meruem not just as a king of monsters but as a being capable of compassion and change, offering viewers a rare glimpse into a villain’s vulnerability.

4. The Wrath of Zeke – Attack on Titan

“Attack on Titan” episode “Sole Salvation” dives into the life of Zeke Yeager, a prominent member of the Marleyan military and the Beast Titan. In this episode, Zeke’s upbringing and strained relationship with his father, Grisha Yeager, are laid bare, showing how these factors influenced his decisions as an adult. 

As Zeke grapples with the pressure of being both warrior and pawn, his decision to betray his parents shocks fans but makes sense within the context of his painful backstory. It’s an intense and tragic exploration of how family can both shape and destroy a person.

3. Pain’s Path of Destruction – Naruto Shippuden

The “Naruto Shippuden” episode “Planetary Devastation” focuses on the Akatsuki leader Pain as he attacks Konoha, bringing mass destruction to the village and questioning the nature of peace. Pain’s philosophy, driven by his own tragic past, leads him to believe that true peace is only achievable through shared suffering. 

This episode emphasizes Pain’s sheer power as he faces Naruto, who has to confront the brutal ideology behind Pain’s actions. The standoff becomes one of Naruto’s most pivotal moments as he tries to understand Pain’s intentions and the cycle of hatred.

2. The Power and Madness of Shogo Makishima – Psycho-Pass

In “Psycho-Pass” episode “The Gates of Judgment,” Shogo Makishima, a charismatic but dangerous antagonist, embodies the intellectual and physical threat to protagonist Akane Tsunemori and the Sybil System. Makishima’s rejection of the Sybil-controlled society makes him a fascinating villain, as he questions the foundations of control and conformity. 

In this episode, his confrontation with Tsunemori reveals his disturbing perspective on freedom, morality, and control, making him one of anime’s most intriguing antagonists. His relentless rebellion against Sybil’s surveillance system pushes both Tsunemori and viewers to question the nature of a truly free society.

1. The Endless Cruelty of Johan Liebert – Monster

Johan Liebert from “Monster” is a master of psychological horror, and in the episode “The Wrath of the Baby,” his twisted nature is brought to the forefront. Johan’s manipulation and cold-hearted cruelty make him one of anime’s most chilling villains. 

This episode offers an unsettling look into Johan’s ability to influence people, breaking them mentally to achieve his own dark goals. His calculated moves and eerie charisma keep viewers captivated, making him a character who leaves a lasting impact on anyone who encounters him. Johan’s complexity and profound menace have secured his place among anime’s most terrifying villains.