Based on the manga of the same name, Netflix's Beastars is a drama-heavy mystery anime surrounding the lives of the anthropomorphic animal students at Cherryton Academy. A population full of likable animal characters is a sure way to win some attention and admiration of a fanbase, especially when they have so many human emotions, story arcs, and emotional developments.
That all being said, the cast is rounded out by a whole host of likable mains and supports outside of the poster pairing of Legoshi and Haru. With such a wide variety of characters, students, and species, it's hard to pick just one or two.
The Mayor
The Mayor of Cherryton might not appear very frequently in the series, but to say he's an uninteresting character would be utterly false. In fact, the Mayor might just be an ideal reflection of the species-based prejudices and conflict that circulates throughout the series.
In order to maintain his office and a good public image with his voters, the lion has had his mane shorn, his fangs dulled, and his eyes made more prey-like in order to dissolve any sign of intimidation. In a vocation where the deck is inherently stacked against him, it's quite shocking to know what this character has done for the good of his office and by extension the community.
Rokume
One of the newest cast members to be included in the show's second season, Rokume (or Six-Eyes) is Cherryton Academy's serpentine security officer. Hired shortly after Tem's murder in the first episode, this enormous and eerie reptilian creature is one creature many fans can't believe is one of the good guys.
Rokume acts as the catalyst that pushes Legoshi to take up his vigilante-esque mission to find the murderer and protect the school's herbivore population. Through her cryptic guiding, she's able to make a diligent, yet amateur, detective out of the otherwise quiet and pensive wolf.
Pina
There's a reason Pina was picked to be Louis's replacement after he left Cherryton Academy at the beginning of season 2. Beneath that charming, handsome, and bright-eyed exterior is essentially Louis 2.0, but lacking the class, elegance, or depth.
The sheep fits the mold Louis left behind, but while he definitely fills the role - including the cliched pretty-boy stereotype - as leading actor material he's terribly shallow, obnoxious, and self-centered. Essentially, a foil for the deer lacking all the qualities that made him a fan favorite, he definitely makes for interesting plot development.
Collot and Voss
They might not say much, but these two background characters need their own spinoff series where they have their own adventures. Collot is a gigantic white sheepdog and Voss is a pint-size fennec fox, yet one is hardly ever seen without the other. The friendship between the two unlikely animals is one that definitely deserves to be explored.
The image of Voss either riding on his friend's shoulder like Rocket and Groot or Collot somehow carrying the smaller fox on their way to class is one of the most frequent scenes noticed throughout the series. Watching them work and live together in this adorable dynamic is certainly worth a mention on the list.
Haru
Haru is the leading lady of the anime with a sweet and cuddly exterior, but a reputation for doing what rabbits do best and breaking a few hearts in the process. While Haru does have reasons for doing what she does in terms of her promiscuity, she does toe the line between lovable and tolerable more than a few times, especially during her relationship with Legoshi.
What makes Haru such an interesting and likable character is her undeniable consistency. She is the lapine incarnation of the phrase "to thine own self be true," as she maintains her proud individuality across the series. Though, like all well-rounded characters, she does develop just as much as the other leads.
Juno
Juno is the textbook definition of the wide-eyed optimist. An artsy, bubbly canine with a taste for the more artsy things in life, the she-wolf is one of the most likable members of the cast. While she's certainly charming and cheerful, she's also a gal who knows how to get what she wants. Even Louis had to keep an eye on her.
Louis isn't the only contender for the Beastar title in the series, as Juno also has high hopes to help make a name for herself and her carnivorous kind. Looking to spin the species narrative to shed a better light on meat-eaters, her intentions are certainly noble even if her methods can be quite intimidating at times.
Gohin
Sometimes it seems like Gohin belongs in a more action-packed anime. A scarred panda medic who wields bamboo-fueled weaponry definitely sounds like something out of a tournament-fighter kind of deal than a slice-of-life/murder mystery. Joking aside, there's no denying that the big guy isn't one of the most thorough mentors around.
Pandas might be vegetarian and typically docile, but they're still bears at the end of the day. In a world where carnivores are considered ravenous beasts with little control, it's deliciously ironic to see an herbivore that can match that ferocity.
Louis
Louis is a golden standard by which all anime heartthrobs should be judged, complete with his own sexy saxophone music anytime he enters the room. However, behind that play-to-win facade is a deer that's positively terrified of failure and willing to do anything to pull himself to the top of the food chain, whether that's as a Beastar or the leader of a leonine mafia.
Although he's originally written as Legosi's rival and competition for Haru's affections, Louis evolves into a complex and more dynamic character than just a pretty face. Those bright eyes of his have seen the absolute horrors of the world he lives in, and he's prepared to fight tooth and claw to get to a place above it all.
Legoshi
Legoshi's saga is one that grips the hearts of every Beastars fan. Not only does Legoshi struggle with prejudices associated with his species, but he has his own internal battle against himself and his predatory urges. This might be due to his thoughtful nature, or it might be just due to his tremendous heart.
A common theme seen in werewolf movies is trying to combat the beast within, Legoshi's character arc takes that a step further by incorporating a social and environmental aspect to it as well. He's thinking about who he might hurt, the ramifications of his actions, and how it will affect his friendships, relationships, and how to protect them.
Jack
Legoshi's labrador best friend is an absolute MVP. Not only is he the shining light in a weary world in this show, but he is as loyal and understanding as they come. Despite his friend's occasionally antisocial tendencies, moods, and internal turmoil, Jack is always there with a smile and a hand on his shoulder.
While he might have the tendency to have a heart bigger than his head (like most happy animated dogs), that's only part of his lovable nature. Jack is the tried-and-true companion that anyone would be happy to call their friend, which is what makes him one of the most popular characters in the series.