Emperors still rule the many kingdoms of anime, with specific stories proving that an anime doesn’t have to be set in a fantasy realm just to have an emperor on the throne. As with emperors in most other stories, emperors in anime are often relegated to the sidelines, with protagonists often taking the roles of adventurers or agents tasked to do the empire’s bidding.

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However, particular anime set themselves apart with emperors that offer a more dynamic role to the story. Be it through their wisdom or surprising role as the series’ eventual villain, these emperors have become some of the more interesting characters in their respective anime.

10 Ryuuki Shi

Even Those In Power Can Change For The Better

In The Story of Saiunkoku, protagonist Shurei Hong is a teacher in a temple school whose real dream is to have a post in the government. Despite the position being forbidden to women, the imperial court makes an exception for her talents as she’s “hired” as a consort to Ryuuki Shi, the politically disinterested current Emperor of Saiunkoku.

Throughout the anime, Ryuuki Shi's advances are constantly rejected by Kou. However, his interactions with Kou eventually influence Ryuuki Shi to be more invested not just in court politics but also in leading his people. Despite their comedic interactions and Ryuuki Shi's predictable behavioral adjustment, an emperor showing they can change their ways gives constituents hope that it shouldn't take a rebellion or new leadership for a meaningful change.

9 Jircniv Rune Farlord El-Nix

Can Detect The Slightest Hint Of Betrayal

Notable in the Overlord universe and the YGGDRASIL MMO for purging his empire of nobility, the Bloody Emperor Jircniv Rune Farlord El-Nix of the Baharuth Empire is notable for his calm demeanor with a flair for courtly politics. Given his ambition, Jircniv was a natural enemy of the Sorcerer Kingdom’s King Ainz Ooal Gown. The Sorcerer King's display of power, who is also the world's most powerful magician, eventually forces Jircniv to bend the knee and become his vassal.

Despite this position, Jircniv's scenes still show him possessing an undiminished vigor for politics. Such was his skill in political intrigue that Jircniv could detect the slightest hint of betrayal from his staff, as well as a fine-tuned psycho-political compass that he could detect enchantment magic simply because things "didn't feel right." Unlike other anime emperors, having such a natural instinct for these "errors" make Jircniv a force to reckon with.

8 The Emperor

Naivete Can Be Strength

When the Akame Ga Kill anime reveals that its Empire's leader is a mere child, fans may already know that someone else is running the wheels. Such is the case with The Emperor, whose naive self is taken advantage of by Prime Minister Honest. Given the manipulations of the Prime Minister and the Emperor's own ignorance, their actions motivated the creation of the Revolutionary Army who eventually defeated them and had the Emperor publicly executed.

However, beneath The Emperor's naïveté was an honest boy who genuinely wanted the good of his own people. He's constantly shown trying to help others, and the Emperor accepted his fate resolutely with the understanding that he didn't have the strength to become the leader he wanted to be. With his last words, he requested others to work hard to reverse the damage he had done and to never repeat the same mistake - a genuine goodness not seen in other anime emperors usually focused on politicking for their own goals.

7 Hotohori

Possessing A Willingness To Go To The Frontlines

It’s not often that an emperor takes the frontlines for the sake of his empire, but such was the case of Hotohori of Konan as one of the Suzaku Seven in Fushigi Yuugi. Despite being a narcissist and on top of being a skilled swordsman, Hotohori is a loner with a kind heart. Having heard of tales about the Priestess of Suzaku and convinced she would heal his loneliness, he fell in love with Miaka before they even met.

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Even after being crowned emperor at 14, Hotohori managed to tend to his country’s needs. What perhaps makes Hotohori impressive as an anime emperor is the level of character development associated with someone of his stature. Moreover, being able to accompany Miaka and leave his country at the hands of his statesmen with no worry of rebellions implies a deep level of trust between Hotohori and his officials.

6 Molt Sol Augustus

Gate: Thus The JSDF Fought There

When a massive gate opens in Tokyo and summons an army of medieval knights and monsters, off-duty JSDF officer Youji Itami is thrust into the forefront of Japan's defensive response. Leading the charge from the other dimension is the Empire's Emperor Molt Sol Augustus, whose desire to extend his territory is ignited as soon as the gate opens on their end. When his son Zorzal eventually dethrones him to launch a desperate war against Japan, Molt joins the JSDF to stop his child.

Being raised in royalty, Molt is stoic, intelligent, and cunning - possessing the means to control his temperament if it meant the betterment of the empire. In turn, Molt can keep his composure in surprising moments (such as the sight of firearms) to ensure others can't read his moves and only takes measures with full intent. Unlike his son Zorzal and other anime emperors, Molt shows maturity in leadership in acknowledging defeat and even going up against his own blood for the sake of the empire and his people.

5 Atem

Sealed Himself And An Apocalyptic Threat To Protect His People

Throughout the Yu-Gi-Oh! series, Yugi Mutou and Yami Yugi spent time with their friends playing card games with the fate of the world at stake. Towards the last few arcs of the series, Yami Yugi discovers that he was once Atem, a Pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. While Egypt is not technically classified as an “empire,” Egyptologists consider the Pharaohs of Egypt as the direct counterparts of the Emperors of Rome, especially in their role as intermediaries to gods.

Despite being a young ruler, Atem showcased kindness and compassion to both his subordinates became fiercely loyal to him. Even Priest Seto tributed Atem with the Tablet of Lost Memories that depicted the Egyptian Gods. This act of reverence is due to Atem's final act: sealing himself and the all-powerful Zorc Necrophades inside the Millennium Puzzle to avoid Egypt's destruction.

4 Iskandar

Established The World's Largest Empire

Also known as Alexander the Great, the King of Kings, Iskandar of the Fate franchise became quite the iconic member of the Rider Class after his heartwarming appearance in Fate/Zero. Ever the boastful but honorable King of Kings, Iskandar accompanied the uptight Artoria, King of Knights, and the vain Gilgamesh, the King of Heroes. As evidenced by his Noble Phantasm, Ionioi Hetairoi, Iskandar’s prowess in combat and leadership had soldiers follow him even to the afterlife.

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While documents often refer to his lands as an “empire,” semantics only stop Iskandar from being a true emperor, as the title is often reserved for those who ruled the Roman Empire. Being a reflection of the real-life Alexander, Iskandar of Fate also established the world’s largest kingdom prior to his death. Such was his historical achievement that the Holy Grail deemed him worthy of being summoned as a Heroic Spirit.

3 Zeref Dragneel

Both An Evil Wizard And An Adored Emperor

Among Fairy Tail characters, Zeref Dragneel is known by two names: the Black Wizard, and Emperor Spriggan. It’s precisely due to the conflicting accounts surrounding Zeref that made him quite an interesting character. Moreover, the realization of Zeref being Fairy Tail’s central antagonist summons intrigue, as Zeref is portrayed to be fair and laid back just as much as he can be merciless and cruel.

As the Black Wizard, Zeref was infamous for causing the deaths of hundreds of people and the birthing of demons as he plunged the current world into chaos. However, as Emperor Spriggan, Zeref was notable for unifying the warring guilds of Alakitasia and forming the peaceful Alvarez Empire, which adored him. Understanding his actions and Natsu's task in defeating him is a focal point in Fairy Tail, making Zeref one of the more involved emperors in an anime series.

2 Monkey D. Luffy

Earned His Place Through Notoriety And Love Of People

It’s unsurprising that One Piece protagonist Monkey D. Luffy would become one of the Four Emperors, especially when the series started with his proclamation of one day becoming the Pirate King. However, compared to sterner and more domineering figures such as Whitebeard, Blackbeard, and Big Mom, Luffy’s ascension is a much-deserved title due to his impact on the people around him.

Tucked behind Luffy’s rather ludicrous bounty is a list of countless people he’s helped throughout the Straw-Hat’s adventures. This makes his renown as an Emperor even more justifiable given his natural charisma and child-like charm. Unlike previous Emperors who had tendencies of autonomy and short fuses, Luffy and his ties to the current Emperors hint towards more interesting encounters in the series.

1 Lelouch Vi Britannia

Became The World's Greatest Evil To Purge Evil

While much of Code Geass occurs during the Black Rebellion against the Holy Britannian Empire, Lelouch vi Britannia becomes impressive as an emperor, not during his stint but rather in the lead-up to his assumption of the throne. The journey begins when exiled Lelouch’s desire for revenge is motivated by his acquisition of the Power of Absolute Obedience, a nigh-unstoppable hypnotic power. Through this ability, Lelouch creates the Zero persona and forms an uprising against his father the Emperor.

Cool costumes and mecha fights aside, Lelouch’s pursuit of being emperor ties directly to his wish of giving Nunnally, his frail and blind sister, a better world. Going on the philosophical, Lelouch’s unorthodox plans involve creating a heroic figure through the Zero identity, “absorbing” the world’s hatred through a dictatorial regime, and having his best friend Suzaku become Zero to kill him and “remove” the global cycle of anger.

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