If you’ve spent any time in the anime world, you’ve probably come across the term “trap,” one of the community’s most iconic (and sometimes controversial) tropes.
A “trap” refers to male characters who look, act, or carry themselves so convincingly feminine that they could easily be mistaken for girls.
They charm even the most seasoned otakus with their cuteness, style, and personality, often making fans fall for them before realizing their true gender.
Those anime characters will make us think “Smash” even before knowing their gender, leaving us questioning reality.
Whether they’re playfully bending gender norms or just being their adorable selves, these characters always leave a lasting impression.
What is a Trap Character?
In anime, a trap character is a male character who’s designed to look or behave in ways that’s traditionally associated with female characters.
They’re often mistaken for girls at first glance, but their charm goes far beyond appearances.
These characters blur gender lines in ways that are fun, surprising, and sometimes even thought-provoking.
They often trick both other characters and even us as viewers into believing they’re girls at first.
You might have heard the saying: “Sometimes it takes a real man to become the best girl.” This line became a popular meme in the anime community, and even spread outside of it.
The idea is that a trap doesn’t just imitate femininity, they embody it so well that they can outshine even the “real” girls.

While the term “trap” is widely used in anime fandom (though it’s kind of old term), it can also be controversial because it may reinforce stereotypes or misrepresent LGBTQ+ identities.
Many fans prefer terms like “femboy” or simply refer to the character by name. Personally, I see a distinction:
- A trap is any male character who presents in a highly feminine way, often to the point of fooling others into thinking they’re a girl.
- A femboy is a male character who openly embraces a feminine style and appearance, without hiding their gender.
In other words, a femboy can be a trap, but not every trap is a femboy.
The term has evolved over time and sometimes carries negative connotations, since it implies “tricking” others about gender.
For this post, though, we’re focusing on the anime trope itself and keeping things fun, respectful and lighthearted.
How Do I Rank Anime Traps?
Ranking anime traps is no easy task, but it’s definitely a fun challenge! Here are the key criteria I considered when putting this list together:
- Convincing Femininity: How well does the character pull off their feminine persona? From appearance to mannerisms, top-tier traps are all about attention to detail.
- Character Depth: The best traps aren’t just about looks. Their personality, backstory, and role in the narrative matter just as much.
- Iconic Moments: Do they have unforgettable scenes that left an impact on the audience? Bonus point if their big reveal stunned viewers.
- Style and Charm: A little fabulousness goes a long way. Whether it’s wardrobe, confidence, or humor, style is key.
With these factors in mind, let’s dive into the list of best anime traps who’ve captured fans’ hearts!
Best Anime Trap Characters
Here’s the best anime trap characters:
- Astolfo (Fate/Apocrypha)
- Saika Totsuka (My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU)
- Felix Argyle (Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World)
- Hideyoshi Kinoshita (Baka & Test: Summon the Beasts)
- Chitose Amano (My Dress-Up Darling)
- Gasper Vladi (High School DxD)
- Luka Urushibara (Steins;Gate)
- Hideri Kanzaki (Blend S)
- Nagisa Shiota (Assassination Classroom)
- Yoshio Kobayashi (Rampo Kitan: Game of Laplace)
- Megumu Touzokuyama (If Her Flag Breaks)
- Arikawa Hime (Himegoto)
- Rimuru Tempest (That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime)
- Kirito (Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online)
- Haku (Naruto)
- Kojuro Shuri (Masamune-kun’s Revenge)
- Asuramaru (Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign)
- Hasuta (Nyaruko: Crawling With Love!)
- Ritsu Sohma (Fruits Basket)
- Makoto Hanaoka (Senpai is an Otokonoko)
- Chihiro Fujisaki (Danganronpa: The Animation)
- Hacka Doll No.3 (Hacka Doll The Animation)
- Yuuta Sasaki (Kemeko Deluxe!)
- Midare Toushirou (Touken Ranbu – Hanamaru)
- Ana Gram (Phi Brain: Puzzle of God)
- Kouha Ren (Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic)
- Nagihiko Fujisaki (Shugo Chara!)
- Youta Tsunashi (Punch Line)
- Pico (Boku no Pico)
1Astolfo (Fate/Apocrypha)

Astolfo is easily one of the most iconic trap characters in anime history. Astolfo is often considered the face of the “anime trap” trope itself.
With his pink hair, adorable outfits, and endlessly bubbly personality, Astolfo embodies everything fans love about this archetype.
His outfits are pure chef’s kiss. It’s stylish, playful, and full of charm. He’s confident in who he is and refuses to let gender norms define him.
Another bonus: as one of the main characters in Fate/Apocrypha, he enjoys plenty of screen time, giving fans countless chances to fall in love with him.
And if you’re still not convinced he deserves the #1 spot? Watch Fate/Apocrypha! Astolfo will win you over.
2Saika Totsuka (My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU)

Saika, the so-called “Prince” of the tennis club in Oregairu, is an expert at stealing hearts. He radiates pure angelic trap energy, making him the ultimate wholesome trap character.
This soft-spoken, gentle boy is often mistaken for a girl thanks to his delicate features and shy personality. He’s kind, athletic, and so pure that you almost feel guilty for being charmed by him.
Even the protagonist Hachiman can’t help but swoon over him. And honestly, every scene that has Saika feels like a serotonin boost.
3Felix Argyle (Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World)

“Call me Ferris, nya~!” If you’ve seen Re:Zero, chances are you’ve already been captivated by Felix Argyle, or better known as Ferris.
He has a detailed backstory that explains his feminine persona, but what really matters here is how effortlessly he pulls it off.
Regardless of the reason, Ferris is undeniably a cutie and a strong contender for this trap list.
He combines a playful, cat-like attitude with deep loyalty to his master. His frilly outfit and signature cat ears are the perfect finishing touch to his irresistible charm.
And as if that weren’t enough, Ferris is also an incredible healer on the battlefield. Felix is the ultimate mix of cute and capable.
4Hideyoshi Kinoshita (Baka & Test: Summon the Beasts)

Hideyoshi is the ultimate “trap” who broke the mold so completely that his classmates in Baka & Test gave him a brand-new gender: “Hideyoshi.”
That’s right. He’s so pretty, so convincingly cute, that calling him just a “boy” or “girl” felt too limiting.
Between the wardrobe-change gags and his priceless reactions to all the teasing, Hideyoshi cemented himself as one of the most iconic and beloved trap characters in anime.
Simply put, Hideyoshi isn’t just a character, he’s a category all by himself.
5Chitose Amano (My Dress-Up Darling)

Some of you might disagree, but he definitely “traps” many people the first time he appears on screen.
Amano Chitose may not be as widely recognized as some other “trap” icons, but he’s definitely a hidden gem in the archetype.
With his feminine features, soft mannerisms, and effortless charm, Chitose embodies that perfect blend of elegance and cuteness that fans of this trope can’t get enough of.
His look is spot-on: stylish, refined, and beautifully put together, making it easy to mistake him for an actual girl at first glance.
That polish, combined with his graceful personality, makes him stand out in every scene he’s in. And don’t forget the effort he puts into dressing up, it’s definitely worth noting.
While he doesn’t get as much spotlight as the leads, his appearances are memorable, leaving a strong impression on fans who appreciate the beauty and allure of anime traps.
6Gasper Vladi (High School DxD)

Ah yes, the classic ecchi anime High School DxD. It’s an anime filled with all the fanservice you’d expect: busty girls, flat-chested girls, and one very unexpected trap character.
Gasper Vladi is the shy vampiric trap that brings an adorable mix of shyness, comedy, and charm to the chaos of High School DxD.
Though he prefers to stay out of the spotlight, his feminine looks and timid personality make him unforgettable.
Fun fact: He even admits he enjoys wearing women’s clothing simply because he finds it adorable.
A cute, shy vampire with a moe fang. Who could possibly resist that?
7Luka Urushibara (Steins;Gate)

Luka Urushibara is one of the most iconic trap characters in anime history. Fans might recall the famous scene where Okabe bluntly reveals to others that Luka is actually a boy. Yes, that meme.
With his feminine looks and gentle, reserved nature, Luka is the very picture of elegance, so much so that nearly everyone in Steins;Gate assumes he’s a girl.
Beyond appearances, Luka’s journey of self-discovery adds genuine depth to his character, making him more than just an elegant figure.
(Minor spoiler ahead for Steins;Gate.) In an alternate timeline, Luka is actually a girl. It’s a twist that adds even more complexity to his (her?) role in the story.
8Hideri Kanzaki (Blend S)

Hideri is the embodiment of “I’m cute, and I know it.” He dreams of becoming an idol and lives for the spotlight, which leads him to take a job at the café.
With his frilly outfits and love for all things adorable, Hideri is the very picture of moe.
In Blend S, his mischievous personality and talent for switching between bubbly cuteness and deadpan humor make him an unforgettable addition to the trap roster.
9Nagisa Shiota (Assassination Classroom)

Nagisa is the very definition of a bishounen character. But when he crossdresses, he shows just how easily his looks can deceive both characters in the story and the audience watching him.
With his petite frame and flowing blue pigtails, Nagisa’s feminine appearance isn’t just for style, it’s part of what makes him such an effective assassin (Assassin might do this kind of thing you know).
In Assassination Classroom, one of the most surprising moments is when he flawlessly disguises himself as a girl, leaving everyone stunned.
10Yoshio Kobayashi (Rampo Kitan: Game of Laplace)

Yoshio Kobayashi is a detective’s assistant with a quick wit and an effortlessly stylish edge. His androgynous appearance fits seamlessly with the mysterious atmosphere of Rampo Kitan: Game of Laplace.
His nonchalant attitude toward gender norms and his overall “whatever” vibe make him a standout trap with a unique edge.
Honestly, he’s so convincing that many fans wondered why he wasn’t written as a girl from the start.
11Megumu Touzokuyama (If Her Flag Breaks)

With his delicate looks and gentle personality, Megumu from If Her Flag Breaks embodies the classic anime trap archetype.
From his soft voice to his graceful mannerisms, everything about him blurs the line between boy and girl in the most charming way possible.
Additionally, his charm and sweet personality often play into comedic or surprising moments, which are common traits for trap characters.
Add in his sweet, wholesome energy. How can you not like him?
12Arikawa Hime (Himegoto)

Arikawa Hime didn’t choose the trap life, the trap life chose him. Forced into cross-dressing by unusual circumstances, Hime embraces the role so well that his beauty easily rivals any of the girls in Himegoto.
In Himegoto, his feminine charm is so convincing that it even leads to a near-kidnapping incident.
With his pink hair, maid outfits, and constant blushing, Hime has more than earned his place in the anime trap hall of fame.
13Rimuru Tempest (That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime)

Rimuru might not fit the traditional trap archetype, since he was a man before reincarnation and now belongs to a genderless slime race. But his androgynous human form earns him a place on this list.
Rimuru isn’t just a trap, he’s also a slime and one of the strongest isekai protagonists. His human form blends delicate features, soft charm, and a gender-neutral beauty that rivals any character on this list.
14Kirito (Sword Art Online Alternatives: Gun Gale Online)

Kirito is, without a doubt, a guy. But when he takes on a feminine avatar during the Gun Gale Online arc, the anime fandom goes wild.
Sleek, charming, and every bit as deadly in battle, “Girl-Kirito” became an instant fan favorite.
Even though it was only temporary, Girl-Kirito’s mix of cuteness, combat skills, and unique charm left such an impression that many fans still wish she had her own spinoff.
15Haku (Naruto)

Haku from Naruto is one of the earliest and most iconic trap characters, leaving fans second-guessing their assumptions back in the day.
His soft voice, graceful movements, and delicate appearance made it easy to mistake him for a kunoichi.
Honestly, it feels like Kishimoto designed a beautiful kunoichi and only later decided to make him a boy.
16Kojuro Shuri (Masamune-kun’s Revenge)

Kojuro, Masamune’s loyal sidekick, stands out as a trap who radiates elegance and sophistication. His refined demeanor and feminine looks could easily make you mistake him for a storybook princess.
Kojuro’s soft personality, delicate features, and signature ponytail all add to the illusion, often leading to humorous moments that fit perfectly into the trap archetype.
Fun fact: many of his classmates ship him with Masamune. And honestly, it’s hard not to see why.
17Asuramaru (Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign)

Vampires and elegance go hand in hand, and Asuramaru from Seraph of the End is one of the best examples.
Asuramaru has androgynous and delicate features that will leave you mesmerized, despite being a male demon.
I’m not sure if I should refer to him as a vampire or a demon. Well, he was (formerly) a vampire before becoming a demon weapon.
18Hasuta (Nyaruko: Crawling With Love!)

Hasuta, the adorable alien boy from another dimension in Haiyore! Nyaruko-san, can rival any anime girl when it comes to sheer cuteness.
His shy demeanor and occasional blush only enhance his charm.
But beneath that angelic smile lies an eldritch being of cosmic-level power, making Hasuta both irresistibly cute and terrifyingly dangerous. Or should I say dangerously cute?
19Ritsu Sohma (Fruits Basket)

Ritsu Sohma is a character from Fruits Basket who embraces femininity with grace. From his long hair to his traditional kimonos, Ritsu’s aesthetic is all about elegance and softness.
While he cross-dresses to ease his anxiety, it is clear that his style choices are just as much about self-expression as they are about coping mechanisms.
20Makoto Hanaoka (Senpai is an Otokonoko)

Makoto Hanaoka from Senpai is an Otokonoko is one of the freshest additions to the world of anime traps.
With their long blonde wig, schoolgirl uniform, and natural love for all things feminine, Makoto turns heads the moment they walk into the classroom.
Having cross-dressed since middle school, Makoto has learned to brush off the stares and whispers, fully embracing the style that feels right for them. It’s the confidence that earned him to this list.
21Chihiro Fujisaki (Danganronpa: The Animation)

With his shy demeanor and gentle voice, Chihiro Fujisaki from Danganronpa quickly wins over fans with his sweetness and charm.
His story, however, is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, reminding us that appearances often hide deeper truths.
So, don’t like him too much, or you are going to regret it.
22Hacka Doll No.3 (Hacka Doll The Animation)

Quirky, lazy, and irresistibly cute, Hacka Doll No.3 steals the spotlight in Hacka Doll.
With messy-yet-interesting fashion choices and a carefree attitude, No.3 embodies charm while casually bending gender expectations, and looking fabulous while doing it.
23Yuuta Sasaki (Kemeko Deluxe!)

Yuuta Sasaki might not intentionally aim to look like a girl (or is he?), but the results are undeniably adorable.
With his petite frame, delicate features, and a knack for comedic wardrobe mishaps, Yuuta Sasaki proves that even unintentional traps can be utterly charming.
Effortlessly blending humor with cuteness, Yuuta is as entertaining as he is adorable.
24Midare Toushirou (Touken Ranbu – Hanamaru)

Midare Toushirou is a sword spirit who is as beautiful as the sakura in full bloom, but he is actually a boy.
With blond hair, a playful personality, and a battle dress that complements his delicate looks, Midare is impossible to overlook.
That reason alone is sufficient to include him in this list. However, don’t be deceived by his delicate appearance, he’s a sword, and swords are made for battle!
25Ana Gram (Phi Brain: Puzzle of God)

Ana Gram, the puzzle-solving prodigy of Phi Brain: Puzzle of God, combines delicate looks with an eccentric personality that sets him apart.
His soft voice and cheerful mannerisms contrast beautifully with his sharp intellect, making him a unique character among anime traps.
26Kouha Ren (Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic)

While Kouha Ren appears lean as an androgynous young boy, you can mistake him as a girl.
As a royal, he effortlessly pulls off elaborate outfits and fabulous hairstyles, showcasing elegance few can match.
It was the dress, the androgynous look, and his delicate body that earned him a well-deserved spot on this list.
27Nagihiko Fujisaki (Shugo Chara!)

Fujisaki is a trap character with 2 identities: as a boy named Nagihiko and as a girl named Nadeshiko.
Forced to adopt a female persona for the sake of playing female roles in Japanese dance, his dual identity brings both comedy and touching emotional depth to the series.
28Youta Tsunashi (Punch Line)

Youta’s cross-dressing antics in Punch Line are both hilarious and adorable. While the comedy is front and center, his disguise also reveals a surprisingly gentle and introspective side to his character.
29Pico (Boku no Pico)

As an honorable mention, Pico from Boku no Pico is hard to ignore.
While the mention of Boku no Pico might stir up a mix of emotions (and a need to clear your browser history), Pico’s undeniable cuteness earns him a spot on this list.
His playful and innocent looks contrast with the series’ unique reputation (you know). Let’s leave it at that.
Why We Love Anime Traps
Oh, you don’t? I guess it is just me then (I mean for the love of the game).
At their best, anime traps aren’t just about appearances. They’re about individuality, charm, and the creativity that makes anime so fun to watch.
They make us laugh, they surprise us, and sometimes, they even tug at our hearts.
Whether they are used for comedy, drama, or just to add a touch of silliness, these characters never fail to keep us coming back for more.
So, did we miss your favorite anime trap? Well, you can share your thoughts with me (don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone), and let’s gush over these fabulous boys together!