One of the best aspects of watching anime is that anything is possible; superpowers, demons, or even being transported into a different world. While the wilder possibilities are endless, one of the more overlooked (and mundane) advantages anime has over live-action is its hilarious range of facial expressions.
It's an anime staple to have overly exaggerated facial features whenever a character is expressing an emotion that deeply moves them. This unique feature is a great way to express a character's personality visually, allowing them to show off completely different sides to them; whether it be a funny face to express immense fear or a comedic grimace to display their disgust. Here are some of the most hilariously expressive characters in anime.
8 Zenitsu Agatsuma (Demon Slayer)
The world of Demon Slayer may be a dark and grim place, but trust Zenitsu to keep things light-hearted and fun every now and then. Tanjiro has a lot on his plate being the protagonist, so it's a great burden off his shoulders having Zenitsu be in charge of comedic relief.
While Tanjiro may make his own fair share of hilarious expressions, nothing comes close to the faces his blonde buddy pulls off. Zenitsu is famous for his over-the-top reactions and highly animated faces. Whether it be his reaction to seeing a cute girl, sulking about his problems, or crying about dying to a hoard of demons, Zenitsu will always be the one to get rid of some of the heavy tension in any scene he's in.
7 Senku Ishigami (Dr. Stone)
Senku is the main protagonist of the Dr. Stone series. While he may be an incredibly talented young scientist, it doesn't stop him from having his own goofy moments. While Senku often tries to keep a calm and cool demeanor, like that of a typical "genius" type, he can't help but let his emotions get the best of him and force him to break his otherwise perfect poker face.
It just goes to show that not every brilliant scientist is a stone-cold (no pun intended), emotionless type!
6 Eikichi Onizuka (Great Teacher Onizuka)
Eikichi is the notoriously unprofessional teacher at Holy Forest Academy. His history as a former member of a biker gang (referred to as "bosozuku" subculture in Japan) and cheating his way through college made him less than qualified for his job, but that didn't stop him from being well-received by his students.
Eikichi isn't shy to show off his carefree side, even on the job, and often gets in trouble with both staff/faculty members and his own students. Eikichi is the star of Great Teacher Onizuka and makes sure to keep audiences laughing at his hilarious expressions, ensuring no one else can steal his spotlight.
5 Izuku Midoriya/Deku (My Hero Academia)
Deku is known to be a big ball of sunshine, always smiling and staying positive. However, even My Hero Academia's courageous hero in training has his moments of losing his cool (and making it obvious). Deku has a wide range of hilariously expressive faces; from the adorably goofy faces he made from his childhood flashbacks to his famous All Might imitation.
Deku may be trying his best to be known as a powerful and brave pro hero but in the end, his carefree and goofy side always seems to get the best of him. Hopefully once Deku makes it to the top, he manages to develop a good poker face.
4 Jiraiya (Naruto)
Jiraiya may be an incredibly powerful ninja, but it's worth noting that in Konoha Village, he has a bit of a mixed reputation. Although it's understandable to assume that the powerful ninja that was trained by the Third Hokage himself would be highly respected across the nation, in reality, Jiraiya struggles to gain the respect of his own students!
There's a reason why Naruto's Jiraiya is often referred to as the "Pervy Sage". In the end, Jiraiya's shameless skirt-chasing tendencies get the best of him and end up giving fans some of the most hilarious expressions in the entire series. Who could forget the face Jiraiya made the first time he saw Naruto's Sexy Jutsu?
3 Monkey D. Luffy (One Piece)
Luffy (also known as Straw Hat Luffy or simply just Straw Hat) is the iconic protagonist of One Piece. While he may be the incredibly powerful captain (and founder) of the Straw Hat Pirates, one would wonder how such a goofball like himself could ever get in such a position of power.
Luffy is a typical shounen anime protagonist in the sense that behind his hilarious expressions, carefree spirit, and simplemindedness is a fearless and capable leader. Luffy is a perfect example of why one shouldn't judge a book by its cover.
2 Takehito Morokuzu/Gakuto (Prison School)
Takehito Morokuzu may be better known by his nickname, Gakuto. Prison School's protagonist Kiyoshi may be rather expressive himself, but there's no beating Gakuto when it comes to being the most animated. Gakuto's gotten some of the most hilarious (and at times, the most terrifying) close-ups in the entire series, just to add to the drama of whatever expression he's conveying.
akuto's over-the-top facial expressions are even funnier once audiences realize exactly how mundane the things he is so serious about are.
Prison life may be rough on the boys but to Gakuto, a date with a cute girl is the most important thing in the world!
1 Saitama (One Punch Man)
Although One Punch Man's Saitama may have a rather simple design most of the time, every now and then, Saitama gets down to business and puts on a serious face. However, at other times, Saitama pulls off some of the most hilariously exaggerated expressions that make it rather difficult for the audience to take him seriously!
Saitama is by far one of the expressive anime characters out there; he can go from dead serious to a dazed egg in a matter of seconds, and back again. Each of Saitama's signature looks contrast one another so much, it can leave audiences with a bit of whiplash.
There are many faces of Saitama and fans love every single one of them.