10 anime villains whose power could have ruled any other universe

Anime has given us some of the most unforgettable villains in fiction, characters whose cunning, power, and ambition often rival or even surpass those of the heroes. In their respective stories, these villains are sometimes defeated, but their sheer might and brilliance suggest that in almost any other series, they would have emerged victorious.

These iconic antagonists not only drive the plots of their stories but also leave viewers questioning what might have been if they had been in a different world or narrative. Here, we explore 10 anime villains who would have likely won if they had been part of any other series.

Seto Kaiba (Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters)
Image Courtesy: Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters- Official X (formerly Twitter) Account

Seto Kaiba is the epitome of a determined and resourceful villain. As the CEO of KaibaCorp and one of the top duelists in the world, Kaiba's brilliance lies not just in his mastery of the game but in his relentless pursuit of victory. His obsession with defeating Yugi fuels his every move, and his strategic mind allows him to overcome nearly any challenge. Kaiba's unwavering confidence, coupled with his vast resources, makes him a villain who could easily dominate in any other series. His refusal to accept defeat, even in the face of overwhelming odds, would make him an unstoppable force in a world where the stakes were less centred around the heart of the cards.

Shogo Makishima (Psycho-Pass)
Image Courtesy: Psycho-Pass- IMDb

Shogo Makishima is a villain defined by his philosophical depth and manipulation of societal structures. In the dystopian world of Psycho-Pass, where people's potential for crime is measured and controlled, Makishima stands out as someone who cannot be judged by the system. His intellect and charisma allow him to manipulate others to achieve his anarchic goals, challenging the very foundations of the society he inhabits. In any other series, where the societal control wasn't as rigid or the heroes less morally bound, Makishima's vision of a world free from the chains of a corrupt system could easily have come to fruition, making him a terrifyingly effective antagonist.

Char Aznable (Mobile Suit Gundam)
Image Courtesy: Mobile Suit Gundam- IMDb

Char Aznable, the enigmatic and charismatic antagonist of the Mobile Suit Gundam series, is a master tactician and skilled pilot with a deep-seated vendetta. His ability to inspire others, coupled with his strategic brilliance, makes him a formidable opponent. Char's motivations are complex, driven by a desire for revenge and a belief in the need for change within the human race. In a different setting, where the heroes might not have been as united or as skilled, Char's combination of intellect, combat prowess, and leadership would likely have led him to ultimate victory. His ability to play the long game, patiently waiting for the right moment to strike, makes him one of anime's most enduring villains.

Madara Uchiha (Naruto)
Image Courtesy: Naruto- Official X (formerly Twitter) Account

Madara Uchiha is one of the most powerful and influential figures in the Naruto series. His mastery of the Sharingan, coupled with his vast knowledge of jutsu and strategic acumen, makes him nearly unstoppable. Madara's vision for a perfect world, while twisted, is backed by his overwhelming strength and determination. In any other series, where the protagonists might not have had the same level of power or the backing of legendary figures, Madara's plan to cast the world into an eternal illusion would have likely succeeded. His ability to manipulate events from behind the scenes, combined with his sheer combat prowess, ensures that Madara would have been a force to be reckoned with in any universe.

Cell (Dragon Ball Z)
Image Courtesy: Dragon Ball Z- IMDb

Cell is the ultimate creation of Dr. Gero, designed to be the perfect fighter by combining the DNA of the strongest warriors in the Dragon Ball Z universe. His ability to absorb other beings to increase his power, coupled with his strategic mind, makes him a terrifying opponent. In a world where the heroes weren't as powerful or as determined as Goku and his friends, Cell's plan to achieve his perfect form and dominate the universe would have easily come to pass. His adaptability and relentless pursuit of power make him a villain who could have effortlessly taken over any other series, crushing any opposition in his path.

Naraku (Inuyasha)
Image Courtesy: Inuyasha- IMDb

Naraku is a master of deception and manipulation, constantly evolving and adapting to outmanoeuvre his enemies in the Inuyasha series. His ability to create powerful incarnations of himself and his near-immortality make him an incredibly difficult foe to defeat. Naraku's cunning allows him to exploit the weaknesses of others, turning allies against each other and prolonging his survival. In any other series, where the heroes might not have had the same level of determination or mystical support, Naraku's schemes would have likely succeeded, allowing him to achieve his goals of power and revenge. His ability to remain one step ahead of his enemies at all times makes him a villain who could have easily triumphed in a different narrative.

DIO (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders)
Image Courtesy: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders- IMDb

DIO is one of the most iconic villains in anime, with his quest for power and immortality driving much of the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure series. His Stand, The World, grants him the ability to stop time, making him nearly invincible in combat. DIO's charisma and ruthlessness allow him to bend others to his will, and his desire to rule the world is matched only by his cruelty. In any other series, where the protagonists might not have had the unique abilities of the Joestar family, DIO's reign of terror would have gone unchallenged. His overwhelming power and cunning make him a villain who could have easily conquered any other world he set his sights on.

Father (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)
Image Courtesy: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood- Official Website

Father is the central antagonist of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, and his plan to achieve godhood by sacrificing an entire nation showcases his ruthless ambition. His ability to create and control powerful homunculi, combined with his vast knowledge of alchemy, makes him nearly unstoppable. In any other series, where the heroes might not have had the same level of understanding of alchemy or the same level of support, Father's plan to transcend humanity would have likely succeeded. His cold, calculating nature, and his willingness to go to any lengths to achieve his goals make him a villain who could have easily won in a different story.

Sosuke Aizen (Bleach)
Image Courtesy: Bleach- IMDb

Sosuke Aizen is the epitome of a master manipulator, orchestrating events in the Bleach universe long before his true nature is revealed. His intelligence, combined with his near-limitless power after merging with the Hōgyoku, makes him one of the most formidable villains in anime. Aizen's ability to control others through his illusions and his unmatched combat skills would have allowed him to dominate in any other series. In a world where the heroes weren't as powerful or as resourceful as Ichigo and his allies, Aizen's plan to overthrow the Soul Society and reshape the world in his image would have undoubtedly succeeded, making him a villain who could have easily won in a different narrative.

The Anti-Spiral (Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann)
Image Courtesy: Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann- IMDb

The Anti-Spiral is the ultimate antagonist of Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, representing the cosmic forces that seek to prevent the evolution of spiral beings. Their power is so vast that they can manipulate reality itself, creating nearly insurmountable challenges for the heroes. In any other series, where the protagonists might not have had the indomitable willpower of Team Gurren, the Anti-Spiral's plan to maintain universal stability by preventing spiral beings from reaching their full potential would have succeeded. Their overwhelming power and determination to maintain the status quo make the Anti-Spiral a villain who could have easily emerged victorious in any other story.