James Bond is the most successful spy franchise in history. With movies spanning over fifty years, 007 has quickly become a household name synonymous with high stakes missions, fast cars, and shaken martinis. Arguably the franchise’s most adored aspect are its villains.
They have many defining characteristics to continuously entice audiences, such as complex arms dealing enterprises, intentions to cause war, and infamously treacherous underground lairs. Interestingly, several anime characters could pose a fitting antagonist for James Bond – they perfectly match these archetypes and would like place on Bond’s radar.
10/10 Vicious Was The Leader Of The Syndicate
Cowboy Bebop
Vicious was Cowboy Bebop‘s main antagonist. After usurping its elders, he became the leader of a notorious crime syndicate and planned to expand his influence even further. Considering that Vicious primarily fights with a sword, he has both the motives and eccentricity to make a suitable Bond villain.
Unlike Spike, 007 would likely manage to avoid capture by infiltrating his compound and assassinating him, rather than raiding it outright. Ultimately, Bond’s discretion provides his saving grace.
9/10 Charles Was A Determined Imperialist
Code Geass
Charles was the ruler of Britannia and the main antagonist in Code Geass. His imperial plans spanned the entire world, making him a warlord that Bond couldn’t ignore. While Bond might not have a Geass of his own to counter Charles with, he is more than capable of avoiding eye contact.
Since Q would have informed him of the villain’s nature beforehand, he’d be at a significantly better position than Lelouch upon their first meeting. Bond’s best chance of surviving the Britannian empire is by obtaining a Nightmare or Geass of his own.
8/10 DIO Has Henchmen Across The Globe
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
DIO from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has an excellent foundation for a compelling Bond villain. He has a secret lair, a haughty attitude, an evil scheme that involves heaven itself, and henchmen across the globe to keep Bond’s quest interesting.
The vampire’s servants are so loyal to them that it strongly resembles the SPECTRE organization.
This means that Bond would have to choose his approach carefully, especially if infiltrating one of DIO’s many gatherings with his servants. Nonetheless, Bond would tip the scales back in his favor if he procures a Stand arrow since his willpower is extraordinary.
7/10 Crocodile Tried To Overthrow A Kingdom
One Piece
An argument could be reasonably made that One Piece‘s Crocodile was inspired by a Bond villain. He has everything the franchise could hope for, from a sinister codename to plans for acquiring a super weapon.
What makes Crocodile an exceptional prospect is that he has an underground lair complete with massive creatures. It would provide the perfect setup for him to capture Bond, monologue about how he will use a bomb to destroy Alabasta, and leave before his opponent has actually been killed. Considering his weakness to water, it’s also surprisingly possible for Bond to take him down.
6/10 Bond Would Expose Bradley’s Corruption Plot
Fullmetal Alchemist
Fullmetal Alchemist‘s King Bradley was the leader of Amestris, meaning that he has a significant political advantage over Bond. The agent would likely need to go rogue in order to take him down, though he has fortunately shown an aptitude for placing moral responsibility over legal duty.
Bradley meets many of the standards for a traditional Bond villain. He has a grand ambition, legions of loyal henchmen, and even a cool eyepatch to accentuate how villainous he really is.
5/10 Gato Was A Crime Kingpin Who Sabotaged Nations
Naruto
As the most realistic antagonist of the Naruto universe, Gato would be a great rival for Bond. His criminal enterprise makes attacking other nations a priority for him, which would incur the agent’s attention. Additionally, Gato follows the classic Bond trope of having a powerful bodyguard, as seen through Zabuza.
Since Bond doesn’t have any jutsu, his best plan would be to avoid the mercenary altogether and target his master. The second Gato dies, Zabuza would lose interest since he’s no longer being paid for his work.
4/10 Willy Tybur Was An Influential Marleyan Aristocrat
Attack On Titan
Willy Tybur was Marley’s shadowy leader in Attack On Titan. Despite being an Eldian, he pulled the strings from the shadows, making him responsible for many of the nation’s wars.
Soft-spoken and charismatic, Willy and Bond would likely have a cordial relationship when meeting one another. Regardless, that wouldn’t negate the threat that Willy poses to Britain through his army of Eldians and titan shifters, meaning that he’d need to be eliminated at the earliest opportunity. The longer Willy lives, the more time he has to turn everyone to his side.
3/10 Amon Was The Leader Of A Dangerous Terrorist Group
Legend Of Korra
While Bond typically makes enemies with warlords and arms dealers, he isn’t above fighting terrorists either. Legend Of Korra’s Amon would make for a perfect villain, as he seeks political gain through violence and coercion.
Between Amon’s alias, legions of darkly-clad followers, and brilliant martial arts, he would make a fantastic super villain for the spy to overcome. However, Bond would need to catch Amon off-guard, as he may fall victim to bloodbending otherwise.
2/10 Light Nostrande Was An Influential Member Of The Yorknew Crime Families
Hunter X Hunter
Light Nostrade was one of the most influential members of Hunter X Hunter’s Yorknew Crime Families. He recruited a legion of diverse bodyguards in order to protect him. Baise may prove Bond’s greatest obstacle, as he has frequently been caught off-guard by femme fatales.
Additionally, the Yorknew Black Market auction would be a great opportunity for Bond to collect information on Nostrade. By compiling a list of the illicit goods, he’d have a better estimation of what the crime families were behind. Now that the Phantom Troupe has eliminated the Shadow Beasts, nothing remains to protect Nostrade from facing justice.
1/10 Re-Destro Is An Industry Tycoon Secretly Planning To Overthrow Society
My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia‘s Re-Destro is a glove fit when it comes to Bond tropes. Although a wealthy business tycoon, he has ties to a criminal organization that seeks to violently overthrow a nation.
Further, Re-Destro’s Meta Liberation Front provides Bond with a wide assortment of treacherous but manageable villains for him to defeat throughout his mission. Like Willy, Bond would need to watch his step around Re-Destro since he’d need to substantiate claims about his guilt before attacking him.