Many shonen anime focus on epic battles, pushing protagonists to constantly improve and face stronger foes. However, some characters shine with mental prowess and strategic genius over brute strength. Here are the top 5 most intelligent anime characters.
At the bottom of the list, we have Shikamaru Nara, one of the most promising ninjas from the Leaf Village in Naruto. The only one to become a Chunin early in the series, he later serves as an advisor to the Seventh Hokage, Naruto himself. Shikamaru's high IQ allows him to anticipate enemy attacks with his shadow control technique.
Ranking fourth is Conan Edogawa, the protagonist of Detective Conan by Gosho Aoyama. One of the world's greatest detectives, his intuition is formidable, boasting analytical and deductive skills envied by even the sharpest minds. Over 1000 chapters, Conan has displayed his impressive detective abilities, cracking cases deemed too complex for others.
Just off the top spot, we find Korosensei from Assassination Classroom, an extraordinary being with incredible powers and a deep affection for his students. Korosensei's plan, crafted from the start of Yusei Matsui's work, is brilliant and, in the series' final moments, profoundly moving.
The runner-up is Kiyotaka Ayanokoji from Classroom of the Elite, a psychological thriller by Shogo Kinugasa, illustrated by Shunsaku Tomose. A student at Koudo Ikusei High School's class D, Kiyotaka seems unremarkable but remains quiet and to himself until his intervention is crucial for his class's future. Despite his detached demeanor, Ayanokoji consistently proves to be sharper than anyone else in the series.
The title of the most intelligent anime character goes to Light Yagami from Death Note, the dark protagonist wielding the eponymous notebook. Cunning, sharp, ambitious, and deadly, Light manages to carry out his mission to change the world, evading incredibly intelligent foes like L, his main adversary, while maintaining the facade of a diligent student in front of his father, Soichiro, the police superintendent and head of the Kira case.
Before we part, let's mention the most terrifying villain organizations in anime. Do you agree with this ranking? Which other anime character deserves a spot in the top? Share your thoughts in the comments.
