Japanese anime captivates fans worldwide with its riveting stories and stunning artwork. Among the many iconic elements, certain characters with uniquely designed eyes have left a lasting impression. These captivating eyes often garner high levels of discussion and become popular choices in the cosplay community. By analyzing discussions from Reddit, Google Trends, MyAnimeList rankings, and cosplay data, we’ve identified the top 7 most popular anime eyes for 2024. Can you recognize them all? This article delves into their impact, from their portrayal in anime to their popularity in the cosplay realm. If you're seeking cosplay inspiration, you might find this article particularly useful.
Top 7: The Geass (Code Geass)
In Code Geass, Lelouch Lamperouge wields the Geass, an ability granted through his striking eyes adorned with a red, bird-like sigil. Lelouch's Geass grants him the power of absolute obedience, making anyone who meets his gaze follow his commands. These eyes are a visual representation of control, rebellion, and the heavy burden of power. The aesthetic beauty of the Geass, paired with its moral complexities, renders it one of the most compelling eye designs in anime. The Geass doesn't just captivate through appearance; it weaves itself into the core conflicts and ethical dilemmas of the series.
Thanks to new movies and various OVA projects, Lelouch's popularity has remained moderately high, consistently occupying a spot within the top 19 on MyAnimeList’s best anime list, though he no longer appears on Google Trends. The Geass’s distinctive design, symbolizing kingship and conquest, along with Lelouch's iconic gestures and laughter, ensure that he still holds a place in the cosplay community, where his character occasionally makes an appearance.
Top 6: Sharingan (Naruto)
When discussing iconic anime eyes, the Sharingan from Naruto inevitably takes center stage. Possessed by members of the Uchiha clan, the Sharingan evolves from a simple two-tomoe design into the complex Mangekyo Sharingan, each form bearing distinct abilities. These crimson eyes allow users to read movements, copy techniques, and cast potent genjutsu. Characters like Sasuke and Itachi Uchiha are synonymous with these eyes, which symbolize not only immense power but also a tragic lineage marked by betrayal and sacrifice. The visual allure combined with its lore-rich background makes the Sharingan unforgettable.
Other special eyes in Naruto, such as the Byakugan and Rinnegan, also spark debates among fans about which is the strongest. However, the Sharingan stands out due to its portrayal through popular characters like Sasuke and Itachi, maintaining its prominence over the years. Sharingan contacts have become a staple in cosplay, and you're bound to see cosplayers donning these eyes at any convention. While it may not be the hottest trend this year, it remains one of the longest-lasting iconic anime eyes.
Top 5: The Mystic Eyes of Death Perception (Tsukihime & Kara no Kyōkai)
Shiki Ryougi and Shiki Tohno’s Mystic Eyes of Death Perception stand out due to their haunting and mesmerizing qualities. These eyes enable their bearers to see lines of mortality and sever them, effectively bringing death to anything. When activated, their eyes change color dramatically, highlighting the eerie beauty of this supernatural gift. The concept of seeing and controlling life and death adds depth and intrigue to their characters. It's a chilling reminder of the fragility of life, beautifully embodied in their piercing gazes.
Despite having no new anime adaptations and primarily existing in visual novels (GALGAME), Tsukihime lacks the widespread recognition of its successor, the Fate series. However, the announcement of a remake game in 2023 reignited interest in the franchise, bringing the legendary Mystic Eyes back into the spotlight. These eyes, capable of perceiving death itself, are unique across the ACG landscape, earning them a deserved spot on this list.
Top 4: Makima’s Eyes (Chainsaw Man)
As we approach the top 4, we encounter characters with unparalleled popularity, dominating both cosplay and fan discussions. One such character is Makima from Chainsaw Man. As a high-ranking Public Safety Devil Hunter, Makima’s eyes immediately set her apart. With their unique concentric ring pattern, her eyes are not only visually striking but also deeply symbolic of her mysterious and manipulative nature. They suggest that nothing escapes her scrutiny, always staying steps ahead of others. These eyes play a crucial role in her character design and the story's overall narrative.
Unlike other eyes mentioned so far, Makima’s eyes do not grant her special abilities. However, they symbolize her immense power and authority. Even the strongest devils and devil hunters fear and obey her gaze. Her eyes constantly remind us of her position at the top of the food chain in Chainsaw Man. They exude confidence and dominance, perfectly matching someone with her terrifying capabilities.
The ongoing Chainsaw Man manga and the new protagonist Asa Mitaka, who has similar concentric ring eyes when possessed by the War Devil Yoru, hint at some connection between them. This makes Asa another highly discussed character, second only to Makima. With the upcoming season of the Chainsaw Man anime, Makima’s popularity is expected to rise even further.
In the realm of Chainsaw Man cosplay, Makima and Asa are undoubtedly top choices. Their unique eye designs, combined with their androgynous yet slightly seductive appearances, have inspired numerous high-quality cosplays. Specialized Makima contacts have also emerged, catering to those looking to capture her essence perfectly.
Top 3: Ai Hoshino’s Eyes (Oshi no Ko)
In the captivating and emotionally charged world of Oshi no Ko, Ai Hoshino stands out as a character whose eyes convey profound depth and complexity. Ai Hoshino’s eyes are uniquely designed with stars in their irises, giving them an enchanting and almost otherworldly appearance. This starry-eyed look symbolizes her status as an idol—a beacon of hope, dreams, and beauty for her fans. The stars in her eyes represent the aspirations and adoration of those who look up to her, making her appear almost celestial. However, these same stars can also be seen as cages, trapping her within the expectations and demands of the entertainment industry.
As an idol caught between the glamorous veneer of fame and the shadows of her past, Ai’s eyes play a crucial role in expressing her duality. They serve as windows to her soul and powerful storytelling tools, reflecting her internal struggles and external pressures.
Oshi no Ko was a phenomenal hit upon release and continues to be a popular choice in the cosplay scene. Ai Hoshino’s starry eyes and idol attire fulfill many girls' dreams of becoming an idol themselves. Consequently, Ai Hoshino contact lenses are among the current top sellers.
Top 2: Satoru Gojo’s Six Eyes (Jujutsu Kaisen)
Satoru Gojo’s Six Eyes are characterized by their stunning, crystalline blue appearance, often concealed behind his signature blindfold or dark sunglasses. When revealed, these eyes are mesmerizing, exuding an otherworldly glow that immediately sets him apart. Their beauty is striking yet intimidating, much like Gojo himself.
The Six Eyes are more than just visually appealing; they are the source of some of Gojo’s most formidable abilities. These eyes allow him to use the Limitless Cursed Technique with extraordinary precision, manipulating space at an atomic level. With the Six Eyes, Gojo can perceive and process information at superhuman speeds, enabling him to predict and counter his opponents' moves effortlessly. This ability to manipulate space and perceive cursed energy in its purest form elevates Gojo’s combat skills, making him almost invincible. The eyes grant him perfect energy management, allowing him to use his techniques without exhausting his reserves. In essence, the Six Eyes make Gojo a living embodiment of perfection in the realm of jujutsu sorcery.
Because of Gojo's handsome appearance and invincible character setting, he has attracted a large number of fans. His popularity has remained high since the anime premiered and was reignited recently due to controversies related to Gojo in the latest manga chapters. He consistently ranks among the top three in Google Trends for cosplay. The most challenging part of cosplaying Gojo is undoubtedly replicating his stunning blue Six Eyes. Fortunately, the latest Gojo contacts can perfectly replicate his Six Eyes, so fans should act quickly.
Top 1: Nezuko/Douma (Demon Slayer)
In the visually stunning and emotionally rich world of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, eyes play a pivotal role in conveying the essence of characters. Two standout examples are Nezuko Kamado, the resilient demon-turned-protector, and Douma, one of the Twelve Kizuki known for his chilling demeanor. Their eyes are not only strikingly beautiful but also deeply symbolic of their individual journeys and personalities.
Nezuko’s pink eyes are unique and distinguishing, setting her apart from other demons and even her allies. Usually, her large, cute pink eyes show affection towards Tanjiro, displaying her adorable side. During battles, they transform into cat-like pink eyes, symbolizing her unyielding spirit and determination to protect her loved ones despite being a demon. This duality makes her character highly attractive and resonant, earning her love from many fans.
Douma, the Upper Rank Two of the Twelve Kizuki, has eyes that perfectly reflect his cold and unsettling nature. His multicolored irises—an eerie blend of blue and purple, marked with the Upper Rank symbol—are in stark contrast to Nezuko’s warm and resilient eyes. Douma’s eyes emit an aura of death and emptiness. Their vivid, unnatural colors and symmetrical patterns create an artificial beauty, distinguishing him from other Upper Rank demons and reflecting his deceptive charm. The dark circles around his eyes can be seen as metaphors for his layers of manipulation and cruelty. They symbolize his ability to deceive and control others, akin to a predator luring its prey. Perhaps because of Douma’s handsome and malevolent persona, he gained numerous female fans despite his brief appearance in the anime.
With the broadcast of the Demon Slayer anime, each episode causes a sensation, and the film "Demon Slayer: Mugen Train" achieved the second-highest box office in Japan's animation history, demonstrating its dominance in the anime world. I grouped Nezuko and Douma together because they both come from Demon Slayer and have remarkably striking eyes. If I had to choose, Nezuko would win in cosplay popularity, while Douma’s eye design is superior. However, I believe Douma’s popularity will continue to rise with the anime’s progress. If you're interested in portraying the adorable Nezuko, these Nezuko cosplay contact lenses are perfect for you.
In anime, eyes are more than just artistic choices; they serve as significant storytelling tools. They convey deep emotions, hint at hidden powers, and often act as windows to the characters’ souls. Whether it’s the tragic brilliance of the Sharingan or the starry eyes of Ai Hoshino, these eyes enrich the narrative and provide enduring imagery that resonates with fans long after the episodes end.
If your favorite anime eyes are not mentioned in this article, don’t worry. Hopefully, it encourages you to take a moment to appreciate the artistry and thought behind these captivating gazes the next time you watch your favorite anime. Or, when cosplaying, try to select suitable contact lenses to capture the character’s essence through their eyes. If so, then this article has achieved its purpose.
