October 16 is Boss’s Day. The observance was first proposed in the United States in 1958 on the same date, with the aim of improving relationships between managers and their subordinates.
When anime and game fans hear “boss,” many likely think of a powerful enemy standing in the protagonist’s way. The final boss in particular can dominate a story with overwhelming strength and presence—sometimes becoming even more popular than the hero.
AnimeAnime! conducted its “Who comes to mind when you think of a ‘last boss’ character?” reader survey for another year. From October 2 to October 9, 2026, 172 people responded. The gender split was nearly even. About 35 percent were 19 or younger, and about 25 percent were in their 30s.
This year’s results include a tie at second place.
First Place: Kibutsuji Muzan from Kimetsu no Yaiba
Kibutsuji Muzan took first place with about 15 percent of the vote, marking his fourth consecutive year at the top.
In Kimetsu no Yaiba, Kibutsuji Muzan is the progenitor of demons, having become the first demon more than 1,000 years ago. He attacked Kamado Tanjirou’s family and is the one who turned Tanjirou’s sister Nezuko into a demon.
Readers praised him for remaining the last boss throughout the story. Comments included, “The story begins with him killing Tanjirou’s family, and no other mastermind appears later. He was consistently the last boss from beginning to end. Without him, the story would not begin,” and “From the moment he appeared before Tanjirou early on, I felt an overwhelming sense of fear.”
Others found his transformations unsettling: “It’s eerie how he can freely change age and gender, from a gentleman in modern Taisho-era Western clothing to the forms of children and women, blending into human society.” Another comment focused on his ruthlessness: “He is a symbol of terror who will dispose of even his subordinates without mercy. He’s not just strong; his attachment to life is abnormal, and a last boss who struggles that desperately felt fresh.”
Second Place Tie: Koopa, Zoma, and Fyodor D.
Second place was shared by Koopa from Super Mario Bros., Zoma from Dragon Quest III: Soshite Densetsu e…, and Fyodor D. from Bungou Stray Dogs. Three characters tied at the same rank.
Koopa from Super Mario Bros.
Koopa kidnaps Princess Peach and threatens the peace of the Mushroom Kingdom as Mario’s nemesis. In this year’s film The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, he also stands as a last boss. One comment expressed excitement over the fierce battle: “I thought they had formed a temporary truce and become allies with Mario and the others, but then… The last boss battle teaming up with Koopa Jr. was full of impact!”
Zoma from Dragon Quest III: Soshite Densetsu e…
Zoma is the true mastermind whose existence is revealed after the defeat of Demon King Baramos. Readers looked back on the intense fight. “He was the first last boss I struggled against when I was in middle school. I listened to the Zoma battle BGM, ‘Yuusha no Chousen,’ while being wiped out over and over,” one wrote. Another recalled, “I still remember the consecutive battles before fighting Zoma, including King Hydra, Baramos Bros., and Baramos Zombie.”
Fyodor D. from Bungou Stray Dogs
Fyodor D. is the leader of the underground thieves known as Rats in the House of the Dead. He is the mastermind who has manipulated many incidents from behind the scenes. Readers said, “His brain is so sharp he can manipulate all creation in the palm of his hand. His schemes control the entire state of battle and bend everything to his will—truly a last boss. And on top of that, he’s handsome and has a great voice!” Another commented, “He was pulling all the strings, such as trying to make the Armed Detective Agency and the Port Mafia crush each other.” The intellectual last boss who toys with his enemies through clever schemes made the ranking.
Other Comments
All For One from Boku no Hero Academia
For All For One, a reader wrote, “Ootsuka Akio’s deep, weighty voice is perfect for a last boss. From his final line, ‘If you aren’t here, I’m no good!!!,’ you can tell that he was not a demon king but a lonely human.”
DIO from JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken
DIO drew comments about his time-manipulating ability and terrifying regeneration: “He was so strong I thought it was unfair. He had overwhelming charisma, and even the way he met an unsightly defeat at the end made him a wonderful last boss.”
Eren Yeager from Shingeki no Kyojin
One reader said of Eren Yeager, “At first he was an ordinary boy who vowed revenge against the Titans, but as the story progressed, he began to give off the aura of a last boss. I also respect Kaji Yuuki’s acting ability for portraying that transformation alone from the character’s boyhood.”
Yhwach from BLEACH
For Yhwach, a comment noted, “With the power of The Almighty, he can see all futures and even alter his own death—an absurdly powerful last boss. I couldn’t take my eyes off the final battle with Ichigo, wondering how they could possibly defeat an opponent like this.” Votes also came in for the title just before its final episode.
The survey brought together last bosses with overwhelming power. Many reader comments mentioned voice acting and lines, showing that “voice” is also an important element in enhancing their terror and appeal.
Top 10 Ranking
“Who comes to mind when you think of a ‘last boss’ character?”
- 1st: Kibutsuji Muzan — Kimetsu no Yaiba
- 2nd: Koopa — Super Mario Bros.
- 2nd: Zoma — Dragon Quest III: Soshite Densetsu e…
- 2nd: Fyodor D. — Bungou Stray Dogs
- 5th: Utsuro — Gintama
- 5th: DIO — JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken
- 7th: Yhwach — BLEACH
- 7th: Remilia Scarlet — Touhou Koumakyou
- 9th: Eren Yeager — Shingeki no Kyojin
- 9th: Ganondorf — Zelda no Densetsu
- 9th: Loz — FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN
- 9th: Walpurgis Night — Mahou Shoujo Madoka☆Magica
(Survey period: October 2–9, 2026)
This survey is part of an awareness study into readers’ current interest in anime works and characters. The results are not intended to rank any character or work as superior or inferior. The article hopes to serve as an opportunity to discover new works and characters and to deepen understanding and interest.
