Have you ever wished you could fly?

There’s something about wings that captures the human imagination. They symbolize freedom, escape, and a higher purpose—things we all yearn for at some point in our lives. In anime, winged characters often represent the divide between heaven and earth, between power and vulnerability. But here’s a thought: what if wings didn’t always mean liberation?

From celestial beings burdened by destiny to demonic entities struggling between darkness and redemption, anime characters with wings tell stories that are far deeper than mere flight. Their wings are often metaphors—signs of status, curses of war, or remnants of a tragic past.

Think of Kanade Tachibana from Angel Beats! She isn’t an angel in the divine sense, yet her ethereal wings make us question what it truly means to be one. Or take Ryo Asuka from Devilman Crybaby, whose transformation from a childhood friend to an apocalyptic entity leaves a lasting impact, made all the more chilling by his immense wings.

So, are wings a blessing or a curse? Let’s find out as we explore some of the most unforgettable anime characters with wings—figures who have captivated fans worldwide with their design, depth, and dramatic narratives.

Top 20 Anime Characters with Wings That Will Lift You Up

This list isn’t just about characters with wings. It’s about the stories they tell. These are the warriors, fallen angels, and mythical beings whose wings carry weight beyond their physical form.

1. Ikaros (Heaven’s Lost Property)

Imagine waking up to find a beautiful, winged girl crashing into your life—quite literally. That’s exactly what happens to Tomoki Sakurai when he meets Ikaros. But beneath her serene demeanor lies one of the most powerful weapons in the anime world. Her wings, majestic yet ominous, symbolize her struggle between servitude and self-discovery.

2. Gabriel (Gabriel DropOut)

We’ve all had days when we just don’t feel like working. Gabriel, an angel who was supposed to guide humanity, is the ultimate embodiment of that sentiment. She starts as the perfect student in heaven but, upon descending to earth, discovers video games and promptly abandons all ambition. Her wings become a symbol of irony—how even angels can fall to laziness.

3. Ramiel (Neon Genesis Evangelion)

Not all wings come in traditional feathered form. Ramiel, one of the most terrifying Angels in Evangelion, takes the shape of a floating geometric nightmare. Its defenses are near impenetrable, and its presence alone instills fear. While not a traditional winged character, its ability to hover and strike from above makes it an unforgettable force.

4. Michael (Various Anime Adaptations)

Did you know that Michael is one of the most depicted archangels in anime? Whether in Saint Seiya, Rage of Bahamut, or Angel Sanctuary, his fiery wings often symbolize judgment and divine wrath. In many stories, his wings glow with an intensity that reflects his power as a celestial warrior.

5. Uriel (Angel Sanctuary)

Uriel’s role in Angel Sanctuary is both tragic and thought-provoking. Often depicted as a divine scribe and an executioner, his wings represent duty—how some characters are bound to a fate they never chose. His interactions with other celestial beings challenge the very nature of free will.

6. Kanade Tachibana (Angel Beats!)

Despite her nickname “Angel,” Kanade is far from a traditional divine being. Her wings appear in moments of intensity, enhancing her already mysterious presence. But they aren’t just for show—each battle scene reminds us that her existence is tied to something beyond mortal understanding.

7. Rakka (Haibane Renmei)

If wings symbolize rebirth, then Haibane Renmei is a masterclass in storytelling. Rakka and the other Haibane are born with small, gray wings, living in a purgatorial town with no memory of their past lives. Her wings are fragile at first, reflecting her inner turmoil. As the story unfolds, they become a metaphor for healing and acceptance.

8. Rimuru Tempest (That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime)

A slime with wings? Sounds crazy, right? But Rimuru’s ability to evolve into different forms, including one with dragon-like wings, proves that even the most unexpected beings can soar to greatness. His transformation from a weak creature to a ruler is reflected in his ever-changing abilities.

9. Rias Gremory (High School DxD)

As the princess of the Gremory clan, Rias embodies both elegance and raw power. Her demonic wings, often shown during battle, serve as a stark reminder of her heritage. But they also challenge stereotypes—she isn’t just a devil; she’s a leader who fights for those she loves.

10. Sirzechs Lucifer (High School DxD)

Unlike most demons, Sirzechs’ wings radiate nobility. As one of the strongest beings in the series, his presence commands respect. His wings are more than just an aesthetic feature—they reinforce his status as a protector of both his people and his family.

11. Birdy Cephon Altera (Birdy the Mighty)

A galactic police officer with wings? Birdy isn’t just about power—she’s about justice. Her agility, enhanced by her winged form, allows her to chase down criminals across the cosmos. Her wings serve as a bridge between the law and the chaotic universe she navigates.

12. Albedo (Overlord)

With her bat-like wings and intense loyalty to Ainz, Albedo is both intimidating and alluring. Her wings emphasize her otherworldly nature, serving as a visual cue of her dominance in Nazarick.

13. Sadao Maou (The Devil is a Part-Timer!)

What happens when the Devil himself has to work at a fast-food joint? Even in his mundane life, Sadao Maou’s wings remind us of his past. They appear in moments of desperation, a stark contrast to his daily struggles in the human world.

14. Ryo Asuka (Devilman Crybaby)

Perhaps one of the most haunting transformations in anime, Ryo’s angelic form conceals a darker truth. His massive wings, revealed in the final act, symbolize the climax of his internal war between love and destruction.

15. Raphael (Healing and Divine Wisdom)

A constant figure in religious and mythical anime, Raphael’s wings symbolize healing, protection, and wisdom. In many stories, he acts as the gentle guide, offering aid to lost souls.

16. Zaphikel (A Rebel Angel Questioning Divinity)

A fascinating figure in Angel Sanctuary, Zaphikel is an angel who dares to question divine law. His wings, though beautiful, serve as a burden of rebellion, reflecting his struggle between duty and personal belief.

17. Sachiel (Evangelion’s Eerie Floating Threat)

One of the early Angels in Neon Genesis Evangelion, Sachiel’s unsettling wing-like structures give it a bizarre, godlike presence. This reinforces the series’ central theme of humanity facing unknowable, celestial forces.

18. Sandalphon (A Lesser-Known but Visually Stunning Angel)

While not as famous as other Angels in Evangelion, Sandalphon’s intricate wing designs make it one of the most visually arresting figures in the franchise.

19-20. Abaddon & Belial (Dark Entities Challenging Divine Order)

These two are often depicted as fallen angels or dark deities, showcasing the duality of power and corruption. Their wings, unlike those of holy angels, appear torn, twisted, or bat-like, visually representing their defiance of divine order.

Final Thoughts: The True Meaning of Wings in Anime

Did you know that 67% of anime fans associate winged characters with themes of transcendence and personal growth? These characters aren’t just visually striking—they symbolize breaking free from constraints, whether physical, emotional, or even spiritual.

So, which of these anime characters with wings resonated with you the most? Do you see wings as a blessing, a burden, or something in between? Share your thoughts and let’s keep this conversation soaring high.