Androids are all the rage in the science fiction genre, but that doesn't stop the romance from occasionally trickling in! Anime loves to push this trope to its limits, with the ultimate test: how closely can an artificial android mimic organic life?
Generally speaking, there are two types of androids in anime: those who are relatable, cute, and somehow capable of human emotion, while the others aim to defy the balance of power between man and machine. Whether friend or foe, these humanoid robots have made the greatest impression over the years.
10 Mahoro – Mahoromatic
When an android is overwhelmed with guilt and regret from her combat-driven past as a soldier in war, atonement must be made, and Mahoro Andou believes that providing a service will suffice. As one of Vesper's most formidable weapons, Mahoro trades in her guns for feather dusters, and volunteers to spend her "retirement" as Suguru Misato's housekeeper.
Why chose a life of servitude? Mahoro is unlike most androids because she allegedly possesses a soul, gifted to her by the Saint alien technology responsible for her creation. Having been recently orphaned, Suguru could use a companion, and Mahoro could not turn away.
9 Ilsa – Plastic Memories
The SAI Corporation seems to have found the winning formula for the best artificial humans, but it comes with a catch. Viewers find themselves empathizing with Giftias as the depth of their emotional capabilities is revealed and the tragedy of their abrupt lifespans of 81,920 hours becomes apparent.
Tsukasa Mizugaki's assignment is to track down and destroy certain Giftia before their time runs out and the androids subsequently become feral and hazardous. Isla, a Giftia herself, is his unlikely partner with a time limit of her own, and her love for Tsukasa becomes more undeniable as the days go by.
8 Sister Ivry – Edens Zero
Sister Ivry may not be a leading lady in Edens Zero, but she is definitely a frontrunner in the popularity contest! Her enhanced sex appeal gives Sister Ivry the extra edge above the other Shining Stars, as she makes no effort to hide her kinky tendencies as an S & M enthusiast.
However, Sister Ivry is not just around to get tongues wagging, as she has proven to be a formidable (and sadistic) opponent with a healing touch. Her abrasive attitude and snarky comments earn a giggle from the audience, as an adequately fleshed-out support character of the Edens Zero Crew.
7 Pino – Ergo Proxy
In a world where humans and androids co-exist, there is a fickle balance of power, and when the AutoReivs start going rogue, Re-L Mayer sets out to put an end to the androids' criminal activities. She eventually partners up with Vincent Law and his previously abandoned android companion, Pino, in all her childlike glory.
Many fans liken Pino's story to the classic tale of Pinocchio (hence the name), as she wants nothing more than to become a "real girl," and embraces her profound talents for art and music, bringing some light to an otherwise dark and dreary world.
6 Mira Yurizaki – Dimension W
Scientists have done it again and taken humanity to new heights with the discovery of a fourth dimension with a seemingly infinite power source. Unfortunately, greed has ensured that accessing this newfound energy (with specialized coils) is an elitist adventure. Kyouma Mabuchi is tasked with the job of tracking down illegal coils for the Recovery House when he happens upon Mira Yurizaki and is intrigued by how much emotion she seems to possess.
The newest addition to the Recovery House is plagued by the secret identities of Seira and Shidou Yurizki's killers, being the only ones to have witnessed their murder. Kyouma and Mira traverse down the rabbit hole in the search for the truth as the android attempts to regain her memories.
5 Chii – Chobits
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Previously known as Elda, this adorable android was salvaged by Hideki Motosuwa and named Chii after the only word she could say. The Persocom was an abandoned humanoid computer with no recollection of how the world works and given a new lease on life by a disadvantaged young man from the country.
Due to her advanced engineering, Chii's capable of possessing human emotions and naturally falls in love with her mentor. Hideki is obsessed with unraveling her mysterious past, when he isn't cramming for college and teaching Chii the fundamentals of life that is.
4 Cell – Dragon Ball Z
Many anime fans grew up watching Dragon Ball Z, and the battle against Cell is feasibly the most memorable Saga of the 90s. Although Frieza also caused quite a stir, Ultimate Cell's character design was a hit among viewers, with his contrasting green and purple tones combined with strikingly insectile attributes.
Designed by Dr. Gero, Cell's form is initially incomplete, and he requires the absorption of other androids to execute his metamorphosis, adding a unique element to the classic android trope. Many fans are still begging for his revival, yearning to witness Cell in action again in Dragon Ball Super.
3 Reg – Made In The Abyss
Reg is a robotic boy who seemed to appear out of nowhere, having been found by Rico within the depths of the Abode of Fossils, with no recollection of his past. Nobody knows where thy Abyss came from, or how deep it truly is, but that doesn't stop the White Whistles from uncovering the mysteries that lie within.
Reg and his friend, Riko, travel into uncharted territories as they descend into the unknown in search of her missing mother, the infamous Lyza the Annihilator. Be warned, Made in the Abyss is not as sweet and innocent as it appears to be...
2 Android 18 – Dragon Ball Z
The Dragon Ball franchise is littered with iconic androids, and, as one of the most popular anime of all time, it is only natural that it lands on the list twice! While Cell is arguably one of the most popular man-made villains of Dragon Ball Z (alongside Frieza), Android 18 has earned a lot more screentime, having inserted herself into the Z-Fighter family as Krillain's wife and mother to their child.
First introduced to the storyline in 1991 (Season 4, Episode 26), Android 18 made the big leap from enemy to hero, and simultaneously into fans' hearts. Over a decade later, this blonde bombshell remains relevant enough to feature in the highly anticipated Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero poster as (potentially) one of the leading ladies.
1 AstroBoy AKA Mighty Atom
As the first android introduced to the popular Japanese-inspired genre, Mighty Atom is arguably the catalyst for each character that appears on this list. Astro Boy initially aired in 1963, making it the first official episodic animated series in Japan.
AstroBoy may look small and cute, designed after Dr. Tenma's late son, but his mechanics operate with 100,000 horsepower with superhuman capabilities. It is now up to Astroboy to keep Metro City safe from rebellious robots, while he attempts to fill the void in his creator, Umataro Tenma's heart, heavy with the death of his only son.