10 Underrated Anime Villains Like Nakime from Demon Slayer

Nakime, who controls the whole Infinity Castle in Demon Slayer
Nakime, who controls the whole Infinity Castle in Demon Slayer (Studio Ufotable)

Just like the quiet demon who plays the biwa, many anime have hidden gems—underrated anime villains like Nakime who don't get enough credit. They all share similar traits of subtle menace, strategic intelligence, and understated power. These characters are the image of the same mystifying qualities that make Nakime’s sight in Demon Slayer. Her sophisticated reality-warping abilities and a creepy calmness that puts her apart from other demons.


1. Kugo Ginjo (Bleach)

Ginjo's Fulbringer appearance (Image Source: Studio Pierrot)
Ginjo's Fulbringer appearance (Image Source: Studio Pierrot)

Kugo Ginjo isn’t the most talked-about Bleach villain, but his story runs deeper than most fans realize. He represents the perfect example of anime villains like Nakime, who operate from the shadows with calculated precision. His role as the first substitute Soul Reaper turned antagonist showcases a character driven by deep-seated betrayal.

Despite his short arc, Ginjo’s philosophical motives and tragic past make him stand out. His calm demeanor, mixed with bursts of fierce power, makes him quietly dangerous. Just like Nakime, he never needs to scream to leave you unnerved.


2. Chrollo Lucilfer (Hunter x Hunter)

Chrollo Lucilfer, the enigmatic Copy Cat (Image Source: Studio Madhouse)
Chrollo Lucilfer, the enigmatic Copy Cat (Image Source: Studio Madhouse)

Chrollo Lucilfer from Hunter x Hunter manifests the cerebral villain archetype that makes anime villains like Nakime so effective in their understated menace. Chrollo, who runs the Phantom Troupe, can copy and use other people’s Nen powers, making him extremely dangerous. He rarely fights head-on but always pulls the strings from the back.

Chrollo leads from behind the scenes, just like Nakime, acting as the brains of his group. His presence is quiet but pivotal. Both characters share a gratitude for careful planning and the psychological aspects of warfare.


3. Dante (Fullmetal Alchemist)

Dante as seen in Fullmetal Alchemist (Image Source: Studio Bones)
Dante as seen in Fullmetal Alchemist (Image Source: Studio Bones)

In the first Fullmetal Alchemist anime, Dante hides her true evil behind a calm and graceful front. She exemplifies how anime villains like Nakime deceive with charm while plotting in the dark. This ancient homunculus spent centuries running events from behind the scenes.

She controls the Homunculi with ease, and her knowledge of alchemy gives her a cold, quiet power. Like Nakime's control over the Infinity Castle in Demon Slayer, Dante's influence spreads across entire nations and generations. Both characters excel at creating detailed schemes that unfold over extended periods.


4. Mad Pierrot (Cowboy Bebop)

Mad Pierrot's first appearance in the series (Image Source: Studio Sunrise)
Mad Pierrot's first appearance in the series (Image Source: Studio Sunrise)

Cowboy Bebop’s Mad Pierrot is a haunting blend of innocence and violence, wrapping terror in a childlike shell. He fits seamlessly among anime villains like Nakime. This experimental subject turned serial killer possesses an impenetrable barrier and superhuman abilities.

Mad Pierrot’s one appearance in Cowboy Bebop is unforgettable—his insane mind and machine-like body make the episode terrifying. Even though he’s only in one episode, he leaves a strong impression.


5. Hidan (Naruto)

Hidan a member of Akatsuki (Image Source: Studio Pierrot)
Hidan a member of Akatsuki (Image Source: Studio Pierrot)

Hidan from Naruto Shippuden exemplifies how anime villains like Nakime can be both devotee and utterly ruthless in their methods. As a member of the Akatsuki organization, his twisted rituals and sadistic joy echo the same unsettling aura Nakime carries in Demon Slayer—cold, distant, and lethal.

The connection between Hidan and Nakime from Demon Slayer lies in their unwavering loyalty to their respective masters and causes. Both characters serve higher powers with absolute dedication. Hidan may not be the final boss, but his presence in Naruto hits hard and lasts.


6. Shogo Makishima (Psycho-Pass)

The undetectable presence of Shogo (Image Source: Production I.G.)
The undetectable presence of Shogo (Image Source: Production I.G.)

Shogo Makishima from Psycho-Pass portrays the intellectual growth of anime villains like Nakime, fusing criminal genius with deep philosophical convictions about human nature and society. His immunity to the Sibyl System's psychological scans makes him uniquely unsafe in a world governed by technological surveillance. Makishima has the ability to rouse others to commit crimes while remaining psychologically invisible.

He believes in free will, even if it leads to chaos. His soft-spoken nature and literary flair make him uniquely dangerous. Like Nakime, Makishima proves that you don’t need to be loud to be powerful—you just need to be sharp.


7. Akio Ohtori (Revolutionary Girl Utena)

Akio, the chairperson of Ohtori Academy (Image Source: Studio J.C. Staff)
Akio, the chairperson of Ohtori Academy (Image Source: Studio J.C. Staff)

Akio Ohtori from Revolutionary Girl Utena stands among the most psychologically tricky anime villains, like Nakime. His role as both a mentor figure and a corrupting influence creates a character who performs via psychological manipulation rather than physical force. He twists emotions and blurs reality with ease.

Though he operates behind the scenes, Akio controls everything. He stays behind the scenes, twisting things with charm and mystery, much like Nakime’s quiet but creepy power.


8. Bankotsu (InuYasha)

Bankotsu's character appearance in the series (Studio Sunrise)
Bankotsu's character appearance in the series (Studio Sunrise)

Bankotsu from InuYasha represents the charismatic leader archetype among anime villains like Nakime, combining tactical brilliance with unwavering loyalty to his companions. As the leader of the Band of Seven, this resurrected mercenary possesses both the giant halberd Banryu and the strategic mind needed to outmaneuver more powerful opponents.

He prefers to fight strong opponents and upholds his own code. His quiet confidence and deadly Banryu blade make him a standout. Bankotsu doesn’t need theatrics—his presence is enough to make others take him seriously.


9. The Major (Hellsing Ultimate)

The Major's dictatorship (Image Source: Studio Satelight)
The Major's dictatorship (Image Source: Studio Satelight)

The Major from Hellsing Ultimate epitomizes the calculating nature that defines anime villains like Nakime. He orchestrated a massive war for the simple love of conflict itself. This artificial being leads the Millennium organization with a combination of military precision and philosophical dedication to the concept of warfare.

With a permanent smile and calm demeanor, the Major stages destruction on a global scale. His calm cruelty is what makes him a villain worth remembering.


10. Griffith (Berserk)

Griffith as seen in the series (Image Source: Studio 4°C)
Griffith as seen in the series (Image Source: Studio 4°C)

Griffith from Berserk represents the ultimate transformation that connects him with anime villains like Nakime through his evolution from human to something far more terrible. His sacrifice of the Band of the Hawk to become Femto is something out of the box.

He never raises his voice, yet his actions echo louder than any war cry. His strategic genius and calm exterior make him a chilling villain. Griffith is the embodiment of quiet, absolute control—just like Nakime, but on a much grander scale.

The concluding remark is that not all villains scream for attention. Some anime villains like Nakime from Demon Slayer lurk in shadows, speak softly, but carry immense influence. These underrated antagonists bring depth, strategy, and a quiet menace that lingers far longer than loud, explosive foes.

Edited by Zainab Shaikh