Stephen King's frightening boogeyman, Pennywise the Clown, has been preying on those with coulrophobia (fear of clowns) for the last 35 years. First introduced in the 1986 novel, It, portrayed by Tim Curry in the 1990 miniseries and Bill Skarsgard in the recent two-part remake, Pennywise is a shapeshifting ghoul with immense supernatural powers.
In addition to changing form, Pennywise's powers include telepathy, telekinesis, invisibility, psionics, weather control, teleportation, superhuman strength, speed, and durability, and the ability to conjure fear-inducing illusions. Here are the most formidable anime characters who could best Pennywise in a fight.
Isaac Netero - Hunter X Hunter
Despite his aging appearance, the former Chairman of the Hunter Association, Isaac Netero, is the most powerful character in all of Hunter X Hunter. With unfathomable strength that makes him nearly impervious, Isaac would use his immense speed, lightning-quick reflexes, and expert hand-to-hand combat to defeat Pennywise.
In addition to super stamina, agility, durability, and endurance, Isaac has a genius IQ and the ability to manipulate Nen, a parapsychological aura that he could use to counter Pennywise's illusions.
Jotaro Kujo - Jojo's Bizarre Adventure
As one of the mightiest anime characters of all time, Jotaro Kujo would easily defeat Pennywise with his indefensible Star Platinum standability. When using Star Platinum, Jotaro can freeze time and attack his enemies with devastating blows both from within and outside of the time stoppage.
With immense knowledge and intelligence, Jotaro could also outwit Pennywise by tricking and bluffing his way out of harm. Pennywise preys on fear, but Jotaro would be able to sense that and counter the clown's biggest strength with his unmatched psychological warfare.
Kageyama Shigeo - Mob Psycho 100
Also known as Mob, Kageyama Shigeo is the single-most omnipotent esper in the entire series. He would make an ideal match with Pennywise because he could use his immense psychic powers to neutralize the killer clown's trademark fear-mongering.
Moreover, Mob has the mental strength to kill an enemy with a single thought. This unparalleled power would prevent Pennywise from using fear to create illusions in Mob's mind and render him ineffective as a result. With the ability to astrally project and enter the minds of his enemies, Mob could defeat Pennywise without lifting a single finger.
Alucard - Hellsing Ultimate
Considered the most destructive weapon in the Hellsing Corporation, Alucard is an omnipotent, immortal manifestation of Dracula. Since he cannot be killed, he would destroy Pennywise with this wide array of supernatural skills.
The mightiest vampire alive has superhuman strength, speed, reflexes, endurance, and the ability to regenerate instantly, walk through solid objects, morph into a dark reddish mist to attack his enemies, consume and manipulate blood, absorb souls and channel their energy, and shapeshift into any object of his desire. He also possesses telepathy, telekinesis, hypnosis, and the ability to control the weather and defy gravity.
Eren Yeager - Attack On Titan
The main protagonist of Attack on Titan, Eren Yeager would make easy work of Pennywise with his unique skillset and superior fighting acumen. In addition to superhuman strength and speed, Eren can heal rapidly and regenerate body parts instantly.
But the main reason Eren would defeat Pennywise is his superior shapeshifting abilities. Eren can not only transform into a Titan 15-meters tall, but he also controls the Founding Titan power, which allows him to command an army of 50-foot-tall Titans to attack his enemies. Even if that fails to work, Eren can wield the mighty War Hammer Titan.
Aang - Avatar: The Last Airbender
As one of the rare few Avatars who can bend all five powerful elements - air, earth, energy, fire, and water - Aang would be a mighty foe for Pennywise to defeat. No matter where Pennywise chooses to attack the reincarnated spirit, Aang could counter by expertly harnessing the almighty natural forces.
Aang can also communicate with his past lives in order to gain advice and seek guidance to help him conquer his enemies. In addition to expert combat skills, Aang can also use his trademark glider staff to fend off assailants.
Inuyasha - Inuyasha
Living as a half-blooded warrior devoted to slaying demons, the extremely powerful Inuyasha would wield a slew of supernatural skills to take Pennywise down in short order.
Translated as "Dog Demon," Inuyasha is a near-indestructible force who can fly, time travel, heal rapidly, wield razor-sharp claws, turn his blood into hardened projectiles, and detect Pennywise's presence from a great distance. However, Inuyasha's greatest strength comes from his fireproof Robe of the Fire Rat, and his signature five-foot-long Tessaiga yokai sword, which can absorb demonic energy and use it against them.
Naruto Uzumaki - Naruto
One of the most celebrated anime characters of all time, Naruto Uzumaki would undoubtedly defeat Pennywise if the two crossed paths. The beloved ninja warrior can use such martial arts as ninjutsu and senjutsu, the former of which includes his signature Shadow Clone Technique.
The technique allows Naruto to create an army of shadow clones that he can use to fight his enemies. Naruto also has immense chakra powers that enable him to enter Sixth Paths Sage Mode and control the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox, which grants him unparalleled fighting powers.
Son Goku - Dragon Ball Super
Considered the most powerful warrior in the multiverse, Son Goku would handily defeat Pennywise in a tussle. Whether using his Rock, Scissors n' Paper technique, trademark blue-energy blasting Kamehameha move, Spirit Bomb, Dragon Fist, or Evil Contaminant Wave, Goku's supernatural powers exponentially outweigh Pennywise's.
Goku can also use Instant Transmission skills to detect ki from long distances and teleport to any destination. When that doesn't work, he can defeat Pennywise by tapping into his new Ultra Instinct power, which makes him unbeatable.
Saitama - One-Punch Man
Like his namesake suggests, Saitama aka One-Punch Man would take Pennywise out with a single death blow. As the single most powerful anime character of all time, he would ensure Pennywise never made it out of the first round.
In addition to his devastatingly fatal right hand, Saitama spent three years honing his indestructible physique. As such, he can sustain any strike without feeling much damage. Moreover, Saitama is aware that he is the strongest fighter around. Since Pennywise preys on fear, Saitama would have no reason to feel terrified.