Bounty hunters in anime are a popular trope and can be found in various genres, from science fiction to fantasy.
These characters are typically portrayed as skilled fighters who track down and capture or kill criminals for a reward.
These characters are known for their impressive combat skills, unique abilities, and complex personalities.
Each brings its style to the bounty hunter archetype and has earned a dedicated following among anime fans.
There are many skilled bounty hunters in anime, but here are the of the best bounty hunters in anime:
1. Spike Spiegel from Cowboy Bebop
Spike Spiegel is one of the most iconic bounty hunters in anime and is the protagonist of the popular series Cowboy Bebop.
He is a former Red Dragon Crime Syndicate member who left the organization to become a bounty hunter.
He travels the galaxy with his crew aboard the spaceship Bebop, hunting down dangerous criminals for a reward. Spike is known for his laid-back attitude, quick wit, and dry humor.
Spike is a highly skilled fighter and is proficient in hand-to-hand combat, as well as the use of firearms.
He is also an experienced pilot and often uses his ship, the Swordfish II, in his bounty-hunting endeavors.
Spike is perceived among the anime fanbase as one of the best bounty hunters in anime.
Despite his tough exterior, Spike has a tragic past and often struggles with inner demons.
He has a complicated relationship with his former partner and love interest, Julia, and is haunted by memories of his time in the Red Dragon Crime Syndicate.
Spike’s relaxed demeanor and impressive combat skills have made him a beloved character in the anime community.
Cowboy Bebop is often cited as one of the most incredible anime series ever. Spike is one of the most excellent bounty hunters in anime.
2. Vash the Stampede from Trigun
Vash the Stampede is a legendary bounty hunter and the main protagonist of the anime and manga series Trigun.
He is known as the Humanoid Typhoon due to the destruction that seems to follow him wherever he goes.
Despite his fearsome reputation, Vash is a pacifist who avoids violence whenever possible.
Vash has a unique appearance: spiky blond hair, a long red coat, and a pair of silver guns he rarely uses.
He is swift and agile and can dodge bullets with ease. He is also a skilled hand-to-hand combatant capable of taking down opponents much more significant than himself.
Throughout the series, Vash’s past is slowly revealed, and it is revealed that he is an alien with immense power.
He is pursued by various factions who seek to capture or kill him for their purposes, and his bounty is a staggering 60 billion double dollars.
Despite his desire to avoid violence, Vash is forced to fight numerous times, often to protect those he cares about or prevent others from being harmed.
He is a complex and nuanced character, and his struggles with his morality and the nature of violence make him one of the most compelling bounty hunters in anime.
3. Jango from One Piece
Jango is a skilled bounty hunter in One Piece’s popular anime and manga series.
He is a former Marine officer who left the organization to become a freelance bounty hunter.
Jango possesses a unique power, the ability to hypnotize people with his music using his hypnosis-inducing guitar.
Jango is known for his agility and speed, which he uses to avoid attacks and capture his targets.
He is also a skilled fighter, using a pair of chakrams as his primary weapon.
Jango’s hypnotic powers are also helpful in combat, as he can confuse and disorient his opponents.
Throughout the series, Jango is seen working for various clients and attempting to capture members of the Straw Hat Pirates, the series’ main protagonists.
Despite his villainous role, Jango is somewhat comedic, often providing comic relief with his exaggerated expressions and antics.
Jango’s abilities and character have made him a fan favorite among One Piece fans, and he has appeared in numerous games and other media related to the series. Vash is one of the best bounty hunters in anime.
4. Koko Hekmatyar from Jormungand
Koko Hekmatyar is a skilled arms dealer and bounty hunter in the anime and manga series Jormungand.
She leads a group of international arms dealers known as HCLI, who also work as bounty hunters.
Koko is brilliant, cunning, and known for her ruthless arms-dealing and bounty-hunting tactics.
Koko is skilled in combat and often carries a customized FN Minimi light machine gun as her primary weapon.
She is also an expert in strategic planning and tactics, often using her intelligence and manipulation skills to outwit her opponents.
Throughout the series, Koko and her team are pursued by various governments and criminal organizations who seek to stop their arms-dealing activities and capture Koko for the large bounty on her head.
Despite the constant danger, Koko remains calm and collected and often smiles amid chaos.
Koko’s complex personality and unique skill set make her a fascinating character in the anime world.
She is a morally ambiguous character who is not afraid to use violence to achieve her goals.
Still, she also has a softer side that is occasionally shown in her interactions with her team.
5. Revy from Black Lagoon
Revy, whose real name is Rebecca Lee, is a skilled bounty hunter and gunfighter in the anime and manga series Black Lagoon.
She is a member of the Lagoon Company, a group of pirates and mercenaries who operate in the criminal underworld.
Revy is known for her brutal tactics and foul-mouthed personality. She is a skilled fighter and marksman and is often seen wielding a pair of customized Beretta 92FS handguns.
Her exceptional speed and accuracy with firearms have earned her a reputation as one of the deadliest gunfighters in the series.
Despite her violent tendencies, Revy is a complex character with a tragic past.
She grew up in poverty and was forced to become a child soldier, leading to her violent nature and hatred of authority.
Her experiences have left her emotionally scarred, and she struggles with alcoholism and self-destructive behavior.
Throughout the series, Revy and the Lagoon Company are pursued by various criminal organizations and government agencies who seek to stop their activities.
Despite the constant danger, Revy remains a fiercely loyal member of the Lagoon Company and is known for her unwavering determination and loyalty to her friends.
Revy’s complex personality and impressive combat skills have made her a fan favorite among Black Lagoon fans, and she has become an iconic character in the anime community. Koko is seen as one of the greatest bounty hunters in anime.
6. Jubei Kibagami from Ninja Scroll
Jubei Kibagami is the protagonist of the classic anime film Ninja Scroll. He is a wandering swordsman and ninja who performs various assignments as a bounty hunter.
Jubei is known for his exceptional swordsmanship and combat skills, as well as his cunning and resourcefulness.
Jubei’s backstory is gradually revealed throughout the film, as it is revealed that he was once a member of a powerful ninja clan that was betrayed and destroyed.
Jubei is the sole survivor of the family, and as a result, he is a solitary and somewhat cynical character.
Throughout the film, Jubei battles a group of ninjas attempting to overthrow the government and gain power.
He is aided by Kagero, a female ninja immune to poison, and the two develop a complex relationship throughout the film.
Jubei is a stoic and enigmatic character, and his quiet determination and skill have made him a fan favorite among anime fans.
His exploits as a bounty hunter have also been the subject of numerous spin-offs and adaptations. Jubei is one of the best bounty hunters in anime.
7. Gene Starwind from Outlaw Star
Gene Starwind is the main protagonist of the anime series Outlaw Star.
He is a skilled bounty hunter who runs a small business with his partner Jim Hawking. Gene is known for his expert marksmanship and his abilities as a pilot.
Gene is charismatic and confident but also has a strong sense of justice and morality.
He is willing to take on dangerous jobs as a bounty hunter, but he also has a soft spot for those who need help. Gene is one of the best bounty hunters in anime.
Throughout the series, Gene and his crew become embroiled in dangerous adventures as they search for the fabled Galactic Leyline.
Along the way, they encounter a variety of rivals and enemies, including other bounty hunters and members of various criminal organizations.
Gene’s loyalty to his friends and determination to uncover the secrets of the Galactic Leyline has made him a beloved character among anime fans.
His gun skill and fearless attitude have also made him a popular cosplay and fan art subject.
8. Guts from Berserk
Guts is the main protagonist of Berserk’s dark fantasy anime and manga series.
While not strictly a bounty hunter, Guts is a skilled warrior and mercenary who takes on various jobs to earn a living.
His reputation as a formidable fighter precedes him, and powerful nobles and wealthy individuals often hire him to undertake dangerous tasks.
Guts is known for his incredible strength and mastery of a massive sword, which he wields with deadly precision.
He is also highly skilled in hand-to-hand combat and is an experienced horseman. Guts is one of the recognized bounty hunters in anime.
Throughout the series, Guts faces various enemies, including demons and other supernatural creatures.
He is driven by a fierce determination to survive and protect those he cares about, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Guts is a complex and tortured character, haunted by his past and struggling with inner demons.
His unwavering determination and fierce loyalty to his friends have made him a beloved character among anime fans.
9. Train Heartnet from Black Cat
Train Heartnet is the protagonist of the anime and manga series Black Cat. He is a highly skilled bounty hunter working for a secret organization called Chronos.
The train is known as the Black Cat due to its cat-like agility and reputation as a professional assassin.
The train is a calm and collected character initially motivated solely by money and the thrill of the hunt.
However, throughout the series, he begins questioning his role as a bounty hunter and his loyalty to Chronos.
Train’s combat abilities are unmatched, and he is a master of both firearms and hand-to-hand combat.
He is also highly skilled in stealth and can move quickly and silently through any environment.
Despite his tough exterior, the train is a complex character who struggles with his past and his own identity.
This anime character is one of the intelligent bounty hunters in anime.
10. Kino from Kino’s Journey
Kino is the main character of the anime and light novel series Kino’s Journey.
While not a traditional bounty hunter, Kino is a skilled traveler who takes on various jobs and challenges to explore the world around her.
Kino is known for her exceptional marksmanship and ability to handle various weapons. She is also highly skilled in survival and can adapt to any environment.
Kino encounters various people and cultures throughout her travels, each with unique customs and traditions.
She often finds herself caught up in political intrigue and dangerous situations, but her resourcefulness and quick thinking allow her to survive and thrive.
Kino is a stoic and introspective character, and her experiences on her journey lead her to question her beliefs and values.
Her travels are a metaphor for the human experience, and her interactions with the people she meets serve as a commentary on society and the human condition.
11. Gon Freecss from Hunter X Hunter
Gon Freecss is the protagonist of the manga and anime series Hunter x Hunter.
He is a young, adventurous boy determined to find his absentee hunter father, Ging Freecss.
Despite his innocent and cheerful demeanor, Gon possesses incredible natural talent and immense potential for Nen, the series’ energy system.
Throughout the series, Gon undergoes tremendous physical and mental growth as he faces numerous challenges.
His unwavering loyalty and kindness make him friends along the way, forming strong bonds with fellow hunters, including Killua Zoldyck.
Gon’s journey focuses on becoming a hunter to uncover the mysteries of his father’s past and discover his true potential. Gon is one of the best bounty hunters in anime.
Gon’s defining characteristic is his indomitable spirit and relentless pursuit of his goals.
However, this unyielding determination sometimes leads him to disregard his actions’ consequences, reminding him of his youthful naivety.
12. Jigo from Princess Mononoke
Jigo is a complex and morally ambiguous character in the Studio Ghibli film “Princess Mononoke.
He is a wandering monk and a skilled mercenary who plays a significant role in the conflicts between the humans and the forest spirits.
Jigo initially appears as a seemingly benign and wise older man, but his true motives become more apparent as the story progresses.
He is driven by his greed and desire for personal gain, often prioritizing profit over the well-being of others or the natural world.
Jigo is willing to exploit both sides of the conflict, manipulating events and characters to further his agenda. Jigo is one of the deadliest bounty hunters in anime.
Despite his questionable ethics, Jigo showcases moments of pragmatism and a pragmatic understanding of the world.
He serves as a foil to the more romantic and steadfast protagonists, such as Ashitaka and San, highlighting the complexities of human nature.
13. Nagi from Tenchi Muyou!
Nagi is a captivating character in the anime and manga series Tenchi Muyou! Known as the Space Pirate Nagi.
She is a strong-willed and skilled bounty hunter determined to capture the notorious intergalactic criminal Ryoko.
With her striking red hair, fierce combat abilities, and relentless pursuit, Nagi commands attention whenever she appears on the screen. Nagi is one of the best female bounty hunters in anime.
Initially introduced as a villain, Nagi’s character undergoes significant development throughout the series.
As the story progresses, her motives and past are revealed, adding depth to her persona.
Despite her ruthless reputation, Nagi exhibits a complex mixture of loyalty, honor, and a sense of justice.
She possesses a code of conduct that, while sometimes at odds with her profession, showcases her multifaceted nature.
Furthermore, Nagi’s interactions with the main protagonist, Tenchi Masaki, bring out a softer side of her character.
Their dynamic evolves from initial adversaries to reluctant allies, showcasing moments of camaraderie and even hints of romantic tension.
14. Roy Revant from Solty Rei
Roy Revant is the protagonist of the anime seriesSolty Rei. As a former police officer turned bounty hunter in a post-apocalyptic world, Roy is a stoic and skilled individual with a tragic past.
He initially leads a solitary life, haunted by the loss of his family in a devastating citywide catastrophe known as the Blast Fall.
Roy’s life turns when he encounters Solty, an enigmatic young girl with extraordinary abilities.
Reluctantly, he becomes her guardian and mentor, gradually forming a father-daughter bond with her.
Roy’s tricky exterior cracks as the series progresses, revealing a compassionate and protective nature.
Throughout the story, Roy wrestles with his demons while striving to uncover the truth behind Solty’s origins and the mysteries surrounding the Blast Fall. Roy is one of the best bounty hunters in anime.
15. Saya Minatsuki from Black Cat
Minatsuki is a compelling character in the anime and manga series Black Cat. She is an alluring and mysterious young woman who works as a bounty hunter alongside the main protagonist, Train Heartnet.
Saya is known for her exceptional combat skills and ability to manipulate and control her blood, earning her the nickname Bloodhound. Says is one of the best female bounty hunters in anime.
Despite her enigmatic nature, Saya forms a close bond with Train, becoming his trusted partner and confidante.
She guides and supports Train throughout their adventures while harboring her secrets and tragic past.
Saya’s character is characterized by her stoicism, intelligence, and unwavering loyalty to those she cares about.
She possesses a calm and collected demeanor, but her moments of vulnerability and emotional depth further enrich her portrayal.
As the story progresses, Saya’s backstory and connection to Train’s past are gradually revealed, adding complexity to her character.
Her presence in Black Cat is a driving force in Train’s development and adds an element of intrigue and emotional depth to the narrative.
