10 Anime Characters Who Look Young But Are Surprisingly Older Than You Think

Anime Characters: Older Than They Appear

Anime frequently employs the intriguing trope of characters who appear much younger than their actual age. This concept introduces a rich layer of complexity, as characters seemingly in their twenties may actually have lived for centuries or even millennia. Such characters often possess immense wisdom and power, often approaching the world with a nonchalant attitude shaped by their extensive life experiences.

However, not all characters who maintain a youthful appearance do so for benign reasons. Characters like Muzan Kibutsuji from Demon Slayer illustrate a darker side to this trope, as they use their longevity to pursue personal ambitions, not hesitating to harm others in their quest for power.

10. Milim Nava – That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime

The Daughter of the World’s Creator is Thousands of Years Old

Milim Nava stands out as a vibrant character in That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. As the daughter of Veldanava (the creator of the world), she defies her ancient lineage with her youthful appearance, resembling a teenage girl despite being thousands of years old. Milim’s playful nature and carefree demeanor suggest a personality more aligned with her outward youth than her actual wisdom.

Her power is formidable; one of the strongest characters in the isekai genre, she wields Star Magic capable of obliterating mountain ranges, showcasing her unmatched strength in a world filled with magic-users.

9. Alucard – Hellsing Ultimate

The Strongest Character in Hellsing

Alucard is another powerful entity shrouded in mystery. While he seems composed and suave, standing at an impressive 6’6″, he is actually over 500 years old. He serves as the ultimate weapon for the Hellsing organization, yet his youthful appearances mislead those around him about his extensive age. In his normal form, he appears no older than a man in his thirties.

Regardless of his form, Alucard is a ruthless vampire who delights in battle, his true age hidden behind an extraordinary ability to alter his appearance.

8. All For One – My Hero Academia

A Villain That Spans Generations

All For One is a villain whose legacy spans generations, having existed long enough to witness multiple wielders of the Quirk designed to counter him. His deceptive appearance often masks the fact that he is over 300 years old. Initially introduced in a disguise under a large helmet, All For One continuously adjusts his form using a rejuvenating drug, allowing him to appear much younger than he is.

7. Kars – JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

The Leader of the Pillar Men

Kars, the ultimate antagonist of the Battle Tendency arc in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, presents another example of youthful deception. Though he appears to be in his early thirties, he is over 100,000 years old. As the leader of the Pillar Men, Kars has an insatiable ambition for immortality, striving to conquer sunlight and utterly dominate the planet.

6. Yuri Ha Zahad – Tower of God

One of the Strongest Princesses of Zahad

Yuri Ha Zahad is a significant character in Tower of God, renowned not only for her strength but also for her enduring popularity. Although she seems like a young woman in her twenties, she is, in reality, over 500 years old according to creator SIU. Her actions and demeanor often mirror those typical of her younger appearance, adding to her intricate character development.

5. Biscuit Krueger – Hunter x Hunter

Gon and Killua’s Trainer is Older Than She Looks

Biscuit Krueger, a character in Hunter x Hunter, often surprises viewers with her child-like appearance while in reality being in her late 50s. When she reveals her true form, she transforms into a muscular fighter, massively overshadowing her usual guise. Biscuit serves a crucial role in mentoring Gon and Killua, imparting valuable skills during the Greed Island arc.

4. Van Hohenheim – Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Immortality Isn’t Always as Good as It Seems

Van Hohenheim is a rare character who feels burdened by his immortality. Though he appears to be in his 30s or 40s, he is over 400 years old. His pursuit of mortality reflects a desire for connection and belonging with loved ones rather than an ambition for eternal life. By the series’ conclusion, he finds closure by relinquishing his immortality.

3. Muzan Kibutsuji – Demon Slayer

Muzan’s Been Alive for at Least 1,000 Years

As the most formidable demon featured in Demon Slayer, Muzan Kibutsuji has managed to remain hidden in plain sight for over 1,000 years. Despite various forms that include a small child and an attractive adult, his true age remains obscured. His character embodies a sinister yet captivating essence, setting him apart in the world of anime villains.

2. Majin Buu – Dragon Ball Z

Majin Buu Has Existed Since Time Immemorial

Majin Buu is one of the most ancient beings in the Dragon Ball franchise, said to have existed since before recorded time. Regardless of his transformations—Kid Buu, Super Buu, Evil Buu, and Good Buu—none reveal the true age of this primordial being. Once a menacing force, Buu’s current disposition is one of tranquility, choosing a much more peaceful life.

1. Freeze – Freeze: Beyond Journey’s End

The Mage of the Hero’s Party

In the critically acclaimed series Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Frieren emerges as a central character with much depth. Depicted as a youthful sorceress, she surprisingly surpasses a millennium in age. Her chronicling of human emotions highlights a quest for understanding between her and her mortal companions, adding a poignant twist to traditional fantasy narratives.

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