21 Short but Powerful Anime Characters (Guys & Girls)

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These characters may be small, but they’re definitely mighty!

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IN THIS ARTICLE

1 Vegeta (Dragon Ball Z)

2 Levi Ackerman (Attack on Titan)

3 Thorfinn (Vinland Saga)

4 Tatsumaki (One-Punch Man)

5 Himura Kenshin (Rurouni Kenshin)

6 Edward Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist)

7 Asta (Black Clover)

8 Frieren (Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End)

9 Hiei (Yu Yu Hakusho)

10 Shinobu Kocho (Demon Slayer)

11 Hinata Shoyo (Haikyu!!)

12 Meliodas (The Seven Deadly Sins)

13 Rebecca (Cyberpunk: Edgerunners)

14 Toshiro Hitsugaya (Bleach)

15 Tetsuya Kuroko (Kuroko’s Basketball)

16 Bojji (Ranking of Kings)

17 Rukia (Bleach)

18 Gabimaru (Hell’s Paradise)

19 Taiga Aisaka (Toradora!)

20 Ryota Miyagi (Slam Dunk/The First Slam Dunk)

21 Konata Izumi (Lucky Star)

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Co-authored by Dr. Applesauce and Devin McSween

Last Updated: September 1, 2026 Fact Checked

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Anime is full of strong and powerful characters with intimidating presences…but did you know many of them are actually shorter than average height? Whether you’re a short king (or queen) or just curious about some of the shortest anime characters out there, we’ve compiled a list of the smallest anime guys and girls to grace the screen. Keep reading to learn more about anime’s most compact warriors and feistiest personalities!

The Best Short Characters in Anime

There are lots of male and female anime characters who are below average height. Some of the most powerful include Vegeta (Dragon Ball Z), Levi Ackerman (Attack on Titan), Thorfinn (Vinland Saga), Tatsumaki (One-Punch Man), Edward Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist), Asta (Black Clover), and Shinobu Kocho (Demon Slayer).

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1

Vegeta (Dragon Ball Z)

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1. 
   Height: 5’4.5” (164 cm) The Saiyan Prince may be one of the shortest characters in Dragon Ball Z, but he’s undoubtedly one of the strongest! Vegeta’s smaller size definitely doesn’t hold him back, as he’s introduced as a serious threat capable of taking down Goku and co. And while he does end up on the good side, his arrogance, temper, and deep need to be the best still make him an intimidating figure.

   • Age: 30s
   • Birthday: Unknown
   • Honorable mention: Krillin, the strongest martial artist on Earth and key member of the Dragon Team, stands at only 5’0” (153 cm)!
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2

Levi Ackerman (Attack on Titan)

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1. 
   Height: 5’3” (160 cm) Captain Levi is well known as the strongest soldier in the Survey Corps, the military branch devoted to fighting the giant, man-eating Titans. So, his short stature and rather scrawny appearance definitely don’t hinder his strength—both physically and mentally. Levi is seriously tough, fast, and agile (and he holds the title of most Titan kills), as well as an intelligent and empathetic leader.

   • Age: 30s
   • Birthday: December 25

3

Thorfinn (Vinland Saga)

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1. 
   Height: 5’0” (153 cm) Thorfinn is the short but tough protagonist of this popular revenge anime series. He begins as a young boy driven to kill his father’s murderer, Askeladd, joining the man’s mercenary forces and becoming a powerful Viking warrior. However, Thorfinn is forced to reckon with the damage he causes along the way, and has a compelling arc of embracing peace and empathy.

   • While much of Thorfinn’s story takes place when he’s a teen and young adult, he doesn’t grow much. By the end of the series, he’s in his 20s and stands at a slightly taller 5’1” (155 cm).
   • Age: 18
   • Birthday: February 3
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4

Tatsumaki (One-Punch Man)

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1. 
   Height: 4’7” (140 cm) While the green-haired Tatsumaki is renowned as the Tornado of Terror and one of the strongest heroes in the series, she’s perhaps better known for her tiny stature. Despite being 28 years old, Tatsumaki is often confused for a little girl…much to her annoyance. That just gives her more to prove on the battlefield, though. Tatsumaki is extremely arrogant and intimidating, which, given her immense telekinetic abilities, we can’t really blame her for.

   • Note: Tatsumaki’s height hasn’t been confirmed by One-Punch Man creator ONE. However, fans on the r/OnePunchMan subreddit have gathered convincing evidence that she’s around 4’7” (140 cm).
   • Age: 28
   • Birthday: Unknown (though some sites list it as May 16)

5

Himura Kenshin (Rurouni Kenshin)

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1. 
   Height: 5’2” (158 cm) Himura is the protagonist of this classic anime series, and while he may be short, he’s seriously tough. Despite his unassuming appearance and soft-spoken personality, he’s one of the strongest swordsmen and assassins during Japan’s Meiji era. However, after causing so much violence, he decides to wander the country in the name of peace, vowing not to kill again and to protect others from harm.

   • Age: 28
   • Birthday: June 20
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6

Edward Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist)

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1. 
   Height: 4’10.5” (149 cm) Edward is the protagonist of Fullmetal Alchemist/Brotherhood, and he is just a teeny tiny bit sensitive about his size. If anyone teases him about his height or dares call him “small,” he will blow up and resort to name-calling or violence. And that’s something you definitely don’t want, because Ed is a very skilled fighter and prodigious alchemist!

   • Luckily for Ed, he does hit puberty and grow throughout the series, eventually becoming taller than Winry Rockbell, who stands at around 5’2” (157.5 cm). Many fans on Reddit speculate he’s around 5’5” (165 cm) by the end.
   • Age: 15
   • Birthday: Unknown

7

Asta (Black Clover)

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1. 
   Height: 5’1” (155 cm) Asta is the protagonist of Black Clover, and while he may have a lot going against him, including his lack of magic and short stature, that definitely doesn’t keep him down. He believes he can become the Wizard King, training physically until he’s super strong and fast, anime expert Dr. Applesauce explains. And his dedication is rewarded, as he gets a powerful black clover grimoire that allows him to wield anti-magic.

   • While Asta begins the series at 15, he ends the manga at 20 years old and is still only around 5’3” (160 cm). According to fans on Reddit, the manga author wants to keep Asta short!
   • Age: 15
   • Birthday: October 4
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8

Frieren (Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End)

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1. 
   Height: 4’11” (150 cm) Frieren may look like a petite young woman, but this 1,000-year-old elf is actually one of the strongest mages in the series! She’s renowned for slaying the most demons in history, and was a part of the great Hero Party that defeated the Demon King. Despite her immense power, Frieren considers herself a normal, easy-going girl (though she can be quite childish at times).

   • Age: 1,000+
   • Birthday: Unknown

9

Hiei (Yu Yu Hakusho)

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1. 
   Height: 4’10” (148 cm) Hiei may be small, but he’s certainly mighty. He’s a powerful fire demon who initially causes trouble for Yusuke, almost killing him. However, Yusuke manages to beat Hiei, so he ends up joining the Spirit Detective’s team. So, while Hiei is ruthless and brutal, he does have an honorable side.

   • Hiei does grow during the anime/manga, but he’s still only around 5’3” (160 cm) by the end of the series.
   • Age: Unknown, but likely around 100 (though he appears around 14 years old)
   • Birthday: November 21
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10

Shinobu Kocho (Demon Slayer)

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1. 
   Height: 4’11.5” (151 cm) Sure, Shinobu may look short and sweet, but this insect Hashira is not one you want to mess with. Her size does not impact her ability to wield a sword and take down demons with her poison. And she’s actually not as calm and cheerful as she appears. Shinobu is fueled by rage and a deep desire for revenge, as demons killed her sister, Kanae.

   • Age: 18
   • Birthday: February 24

11

Hinata Shoyo (Haikyu!!)

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1. 
   Height: 5’4” (163 cm) Shoyo is the protagonist of this volleyball anime, and his height is definitely a big part of his character! He’s not put off by his shortness and is instead motivated to become a great player because of it, just like his idol, the Small Giant. Shoyo is certainly someone to admire, too: he’s tenacious and resilient, while still being fun-loving and caring.

   • Age: 15
   • Birthday: June 21
   • Honorable mention: Shoyo’s teammate, Yu Nishinoya, is actually the shortest on the team at 5’2.5” (159 cm). Like Shoyo, Yu is extremely skilled and focused on the court…but goofy and excitable off of it.
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12

Meliodas (The Seven Deadly Sins)

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1. 
   Height: 5’0” (152 cm) Meliodas is one of the main characters in this fantasy series and the leader of the titular Seven Deadly Sins Knights. As such, he’s incredibly powerful, so don’t underestimate him because of his height! Meliodas is physically strong and an expert swordsman (and surprisingly very ripped), and also possesses destructive demon powers, like generating flames.

   • Age: 3,262 (though he appears around 14 years old)
   • Birthday: July 25

13

Rebecca (Cyberpunk: Edgerunners)

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1. 
   Height: 4’11” to 5’1” (150-155 cm) Rebecca is one of the main characters in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners who’s known for her shortness, as well as being a force to be reckoned with. She’s one of the main muscle for the Edgerunners mercenary group, who’s seriously skilled with firearms. Rebecca is a bit chaotic and unpredictable, but she’s extremely loyal to her crew.

   • Note: Rebecca doesn’t have a confirmed height by the creators, but fans on Reddit have put together compelling evidence that she’s somewhere around 4’11” to 5’1” (150-155 cm).
   • Age: 20
   • Birthday: Unknown
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14

Toshiro Hitsugaya (Bleach)

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1. 
   Height: 4’4.5” (134 cm) Toshiro’s spot on this list is a bit of a technicality, as he is a child who appears around 10, so it’s natural that he’s pretty short. But, given his incredible power and skills, he’s deserving of a shout-out. The boy is a serious prodigy, who’s a Captain in Soul Society’s military and possesses the strongest ice-type Zanpakuto. So, don’t underestimate him!

   • Bleach spoilers: It’s revealed that when Toshiro releases his Bankai, he can age himself up into his adult form. And when he’s an adult, he’s much taller at around 6’0” (183 cm). So, Toshiro will grow!
   • Age: Unknown
   • Birthday: December 20

15

Tetsuya Kuroko (Kuroko’s Basketball)

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1. 
   Height: 5’1” (155 cm) Tetsuya is the main character of this basketball anime, and his small size actually gives him a serious advantage! Combined with his slight frame and unassuming personality, Tetsuya is nearly invisible on the court, allowing him to make passes and steals unnoticed. This makes him a huge support for his team and helps them win, which is good because while Tetsuya is mostly calm, he hates to lose.

   • Tetsuya does gain some height throughout the series and ends up around 5’6” (168 cm), which may be average, but is pretty short for a basketball player!
   • Age: 16
   • Birthday: January 31
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16

Bojji (Ranking of Kings)

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1. 
   Height: 3’0” (91 cm) Prince Bojji is the small but mighty protagonist of Ranking of Kings. While his parents are giants, Bojji was born unusually small. That, combined with him being deaf and unable to speak, leads his family and kingdom to believe he’s unsuited to rule. Bojji is actually very intelligent, resilient, and caring, though, and becomes a powerful fighter due to his speed and sword skills.

   • Note: Bojji doesn’t have an official, confirmed height. However, given his size compared to other characters, fans speculate he’s around 3’0” (91 cm) tall.
   • Age: Unknown, but likely around 14
   • Birthday: Unknown

17

Rukia (Bleach)

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1. 
   Height: 4’8.7” (144 cm) Rukia is one of the smallest main characters from Bleach, but don’t let that fool you! This Soul Reaper is an expert swordswoman, Kido user, and ice Zanpakuto wielder. Along with her intelligence and pragmatism, it’s no surprise that she rises through the ranks in Soul Society’s military and eventually becomes a Captain.

   • Age: ~150 (though she appears about 16 years old)
   • Birthday: January 14
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18

Gabimaru (Hell’s Paradise)

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1. 
   Height: 4’11” (150 cm) Gabimaru is the protagonist of Hell’s Paradise, and while he’s only 16, he’s pretty short. Don’t be fooled by his size and youth, though: Gabimaru is a ninja prodigy and ruthless assassin with many deaths under his belt. However, after falling in love with his wife, Yui, he just wants to live a peaceful life…which is why he accepts a dangerous mission to earn his freedom. So, you could reduce Gabimaru down to a short king and a wife guy.

   • Age: 16
   • Birthday: January 8

19

Taiga Aisaka (Toradora!)

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1. 
   Height: 4’8.5” (143.5 cm) Taiga is well-known for her short height and her equally short temper. She’s nicknamed the “Palmtop Tiger” for her cute size and her aggressive and biting personality. While she can be rude and harsh, she does have a sweet and caring side that ends up attracting her crush’s friend, Ryuji Takasu (Toradora is a rom-com anime, after all!).

   • Age: 17
   • Birthday: July 27
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20

Ryota Miyagi (Slam Dunk/The First Slam Dunk)

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1. 
   Height: 5’6” (168 cm) Ryota may be the tallest on this list, but because he’s a basketball player, he’s actually pretty short! While he was initially taunted for his size, he proves that talent and determination have nothing to do with height. Ryota is super fast and easily fakes out his opponents, earning him the status as Captain of the team and one of the best point guards in the area.

   • Age: 17
   • Birthday: July 31

21

Konata Izumi (Lucky Star)

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1. 
   Height: 4’8” (142 cm) Konata is the star of this slice-of-life anime series, who is pretty tiny for being a 17-year-old high schooler. While she might not be powerful in a physical sense (though she is athletic), she does have a strong personality! Her short size matches her playful, mischievous nature, as she loves to tease and prank her friends. She’s also a big fan of anime, manga, and video games, which we think makes her pretty relatable.

   • Konata does grow as she gets older, and by the time she’s in her 30s, she stands at 5’1.8” (157 cm)...so she’s still pretty short!
   • Age: 17
   • Birthday: May 28
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