5 Best Anime with Non-Human Protagonists

Anime often shines when it steps outside the usual human perspective. Non-human protagonists allow for wild imagination, like a cyborg questioning his existence, a slime thriving in another world, or a half-demon battling inner conflict. 

These characters bring new twists to familiar struggles like survival, friendship, and identity. Their journeys remind us that being different doesn’t mean being weak—it often means seeing the world in ways others can’t. Here are five of the best anime where non-human leads take center stage, ranked by popularity.

5. Beastars

In a society where carnivores and herbivores live uneasily together, Legoshi, a gray wolf, struggles with his instincts. Attending Cherryton Academy, he’s quiet and gentle, yet feared for his appearance. His life changes after meeting Haru, a small rabbit who’s often shunned for her personal choices. 

Their unusual connection forces Legoshi to confront his predator nature and the prejudice in their world. Balancing high school drama with questions of survival and coexistence, Beastars offers a gripping look at identity and acceptance through the eyes of its non-human cast.

4. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime

When Satoru Mikami dies in modern Japan, he’s reborn in a fantasy world as Rimuru Tempest, a blue slime with the ability to absorb skills from enemies. What starts as a humble beginning quickly transforms into a tale of leadership, as Rimuru builds alliances with goblins, ogres, lizardmen, and even dragons. 

His journey goes beyond survival, as he creates a new nation, the Jura Tempest Federation, where monsters of all kinds can coexist. Slime mixes fun, action, and politics while exploring how a “weak” creature can reshape an entire world.

3. Inuyasha

Half-demon Inuyasha is torn between the human and yokai worlds. Set in Japan’s Sengoku era, the story begins when Kagome Higurashi, a modern schoolgirl, falls through a shrine well into the past. Together, they hunt for the shattered Shikon Jewel shards while clashing with villains like Naraku. 

Inuyasha’s hybrid blood makes him powerful, but also conflicted, his human side leaves him vulnerable, while his demon nature can overwhelm him. This balance creates a fascinating character who learns to fight not only for himself, but also for Kagome and their companions.

2. Attack on Titan

Eren Yeager, humanity’s fiery defender, harbors a secret that he can transform into a Titan. Living within massive walls that protect humans from giant man-eating Titans, Eren begins as a boy desperate for revenge after his mother is devoured. 

His Titan powers make him both weapon and threat, shaking the fragile trust within the Survey Corps. Alongside Mikasa, Armin, and Captain Levi, Eren’s story takes on larger stakes involving Marley, Eldia, and the truth behind the Titans. Attack on Titan uses its non-human lead to challenge ideas of freedom and survival.

1. Death Note

Light Yagami isn’t the only star of Death Note—Ryuk, the bored Shinigami (death god), drives the story with his casual cruelty and curiosity. Dropping his Death Note into the human world, Ryuk watches Light’s rise as Kira with amusement. 

Though not the main character in a traditional sense, Ryuk’s presence looms large. His non-human perspective keeps the morality of the story blurred, as he never helps or hinders directly, only observes with apples in hand. Ryuk proves a non-human character can redefine the tone of an entire anime.