If you are a fan of anime, chances are you have come across stories where the protagonist starts off as a timid and powerless character, only to grow into becoming a powerful hero or an OP (overpowered) character. This character development is one of the exciting aspects of anime and has viewers hooked.
Related: 10 Best Anime Where MC is Fragile and Frail
In this article, we bring to you animes where weak MC becomes strong or goes from ‘Weak to OP’. We have included popular titles to underrated gems such. These series offer unique narratives, excellent character growth, and action-packed scenes that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
So gear up and get ready for some adrenaline-filled moments as we delve into 26 anime that showcase that sometimes all it takes is determination and hard work for even the weakest characters to become overpowered heroes!
26. Orient
Looking for an anime where the main character goes from zero to hero? Then “Orient” is definitely for you! It’s like a wild mix of samurai, demons, and friendship, all set in an awesome fantasy version of ancient Japan.
Our main guy, Musashi, dreams of becoming a super strong samurai warrior (called a Bushi) and kicking out the demon overlords who are ruling Japan. Even though everyone thinks samurai are outdated losers, Musashi convinces his best friend to join him on this epic quest.
Musashi starts out as a weak nobody, but through hard work and determination, he unlocks special powers and makes powerful allies. It’s a classic underdog story where the hero overcomes all odds to get super strong (OP).
Here’s what makes “Orient” great for fans of the “weak to OP” genre:
Musashi’s journey: We get to see the entire transformation, from powerless miner to demon-fighting badass.
Cool power-up system: Unlocking hidden abilities is a big part of the fun!
Great friendships: Musashi’s crew helps him grow stronger and achieve his goals.
25. Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple
Genres: Action, Comedy
- Episodes: 50
- Dub: Available
Ever feel like a total pushover? Want to be a hero instead? “Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple” is your story!
Meet Kenichi, a high schooler who gets bullied for being a weakling. Everything changes when he meets Miu, a super strong new classmate who’s a martial arts whiz. She drags (okay, maybe inspires) Kenichi to join her crazy martial arts family, the Ryōzanpaku dojo.
There, Kenichi starts training under a whole bunch of awesome masters, each with their own unique fighting style. From wimpy to warrior, Kenichi’s transformation is epic! He faces tons of challenges, battling a gang called Ragnarok and then an even tougher group, Yomi.
This anime is all about overcoming your limits and getting super strong (OP!). Kenichi isn’t just building muscles, he’s building courage and figuring out what it means to be a true fighter. It’s a story about friendship, dedication, and the power to achieve anything you set your mind to. Plus, there’s tons of action and laughs to keep things exciting.
24. Rave Master
- Episodes: 51
- Dub: Available
Calling all adventure seekers! Buckle up for “Rave Master,” the story of Haru Glory, a regular dude who becomes the Rave Master – basically a chosen one with a super important mission.
Here’s the deal: the world needs saving from the villainous Demon Card organization. Their plan? Use a magic rock called the Rave Stone for evil! But Haru’s gotta find the five missing pieces of this rock first, kind of like a super high-stakes scavenger hunt.
Along the way, Haru makes awesome friends who help him fight bad guys, overcome challenges, and unravel the mysteries of the Rave Stone. They even face off against some seriously creepy villains, including a shadow organization and a power-hungry lady named Lucia. Things get wild when a mythical creature and another dimension get thrown into the mix!
This anime is perfect if you love watching a hero grow stronger. Haru starts clueless, but with every battle and adventure, he becomes the Rave Master he was meant to be.
23. Tokyo Ravens
Genres: Action, Comedy, Romance, Supernatural
- Episodes: 24
- Dub: Available
Calling all shounen fans! Buckle up for Tokyo Ravens, an anime overflowing with action, laughs, and epic fights.
Meet Harutora, a regular dude in a family of super powered spiritualists (called onmyouji). He might not be the most talented one, but he promised his best friend, Natsume, to always protect her. Turns out, Natsume’s a super important heir with a mysterious past, and some bad guys want to use her for, well, bad things.
Harutora won’t let that happen! He throws himself into learning the secrets of onmyoudou to keep his promise. This wild ride of self-discovery is full of twists, hilarious moments, and battles that’ll have you on the edge of your seat.
22. Spirit Chronicles
- Episodes: 11
- Dub: Available
Calling all fans of “Inuyasha” and “The Rising of the Shield Hero”! If you love epic isekai adventures where the underdog gets revenge and unlocks incredible powers, then “Spirit Chronicles” is your next anime obsession.
Imagine this: you’re Haruto, a college student chilling in his dorm room. Suddenly, boom! Car accident, lights out. When you wake up, you’re in another world, but there’s a twist – you’re a kid named Rio, and his memories are all mixed up with yours. Talk about a confusing start!
The good news? Rio has some seriously cool magic potential. The bad news? He grew up rough in the slums, and his mom’s death is a wound that won’t heal. But Rio’s not one to back down. He vows revenge and starts honing his magic skills. (Side note: revenge isn’t always the answer, but hey, we’ve all been there.)
Rio’s kindness and impressive magic catch the eye of some important people, and next thing you know, he’s snagged a spot at a prestigious academy for magic-wielding nobles! It’s like going from rags to riches, but with spellbooks instead of gold.
21. Black Clover
Genres: Action, Comedy, Fantasy
- Episodes: 170
- Dub: Available
You got magic dreams but no magic powers? Don’t sweat it! Black Clover is the story of Asta, a young orphan who trains his body super hard to make up for his complete lack of magic. His best bud, Yuno, is a magic prodigy who can whip up whirlwinds like nobody’s business.
These two friendly rivals both want to become the Wizard King, the kingdom’s second-in-command! When they turn 15, they take a shot at getting grimoires, magic books that boost your wizarding skills. Yuno gets a super-standard grimoire, but Asta scores a one-of-a-kind five-leaf clover with a mysterious devil buddy who uses anti-magic and some sweet elven swords!
Black Clover is all about friendship, competition, and proving that even without magic, you can achieve your wildest dreams. It’s perfect if you’re looking for an inspiring adventure with a whole lot of yelling (because Asta never stops yelling).
20. My Hero Academia
Genres: Action, Comedy
- Episodes: 138
- Dub: Available
Ever feel like you were born under a bad luck comet? Same, dude. Meet Izuku Midoriya, a total underdog in a world where everyone’s got superpowers (called Quirks) except him. But Izuku isn’t giving up on his dream of becoming a hero – he’s a total superhero nerd, studying all these super cool Quirks and heroes.
Then, BAM! Talk about a plot twist. Izuku bumps into his idol, the legendary All Might, the number one hero himself. And guess what? All Might decides to, like, totally adopt him as his successor and give him his super powerful Quirk – One for All! #blessed
Now Izuku’s rocking this awesome power, but being a hero is more than just throwing punches. He’s gotta train hard, get into the most prestigious hero school – UA High – and, oh yeah, deal with villains who want to cause some major chaos.
My Hero Academia is all about Izuku’s journey to become the ultimate hero. He faces tough challenges, figures out his own unique way to use his Quirk, and learns the true meaning of heroism (hint: it involves a lot of selflessness). It’s like watching a scrawny underdog transform into a super cool hero, with epic battles and awesome friendships along the way.
19. Tokyo Ghoul
Genres: Action, Drama, Horror, Mystery, Supernatural
- Episodes: 44
- Dub: Available
Imagine if your average college study session turned into a nightmare date with a ghoul – a monster that eats humans! That’s exactly what happens to Ken Kaneki in Tokyo Ghoul. After a close encounter with a ghoul named Rize, Kaneki’s life gets flipped upside down. He wakes up part human, part ghoul, trapped in a world he never knew existed.
Tokyo Ghoul isn’t your typical monster mash. It dives deep into the struggle Kaneki faces – how to hold onto his humanity when he craves flesh and is hunted by ghoul-slaying government agents. The atmosphere is dark and suspenseful, keeping you on the edge of your seat. Plus, the characters are fantastic, especially Kaneki as he grapples with his monstrous side.
While the story can rush at times, and some characters deserved more development, Tokyo Ghoul is a thrilling ride. It forces you to question what it means to be human and leaves you wanting more. So, if you’re looking for an anime with action, horror, and a complex protagonist, Tokyo Ghoul is definitely worth checking out.
18. JUJUTSU KAISEN
Genres: Action, Supernatural
- Episodes: 24
- Dub: Available
Hold onto your hats, shonen fans! Jujutsu Kaisen is here to blow you away with its dark, action-packed story of a regular dude turned demon-powered warrior.
Meet Yuji, your average high schooler who chills with his Occult Club buddies. But his life flips upside down when he stumbles upon a cursed finger – big mistake! Turns out, it belonged to a supervillain demon named Sukuna, and now Yuji’s got some of his demonic power chilling inside him. Awesome, right? Not exactly.
Suddenly, Yuji’s gotta deal with creepy monsters called Curses that want to wreck humanity. To fight fire with fire (or maybe demon with demon?), he enrolls in a special Jujutsu High School to become a sorcerer and learn how to control these newfound powers.
Jujutsu Kaisen throws you headfirst into a world of epic battles against monstrous spirits. The story moves fast, so buckle up! While some characters deserve more backstory, the animation is killer, and watching Yuji grow into this demon-fighting badass is totally worth the ride. If you love dark fantasy with a healthy dose of action, Jujutsu Kaisen is a must-watch!
17. Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi
- Episodes: 27
- Dub: Available
Drill your way to excitement with Gurren Lagann! This mecha anime isn’t your typical robot showdown. It’s the story of Simon, a shy but kindhearted boy trapped underground with his whole village. Life isn’t exactly sunshine and rainbows, but everything changes when Simon unearths a giant drill key!
Turns out, this key unlocks Lagann, a legendary fighting machine. With his boisterous pal Kamina by his side, Simon blasts his way to the surface and joins the fight against the Beastmen, a race of monstrous surface dwellers.
Simon’s a total underdog at first, but piloting Lagann ignites a spark of courage within him. As he battles the Beastmen, Simon grows stronger, braver, and learns to believe in himself. He inspires everyone around him to reach for the impossible and fight for their dreams. Gurren Lagann is a wild ride filled with action, epic robot battles, and the power of friendship that will drill its way into your heart!
16. Guilty Crown
Genres: Action, Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi
- Episodes: 22
- Dub: Available
Forget boring high school anime! Guilty Crown throws you right into the action with Shu Ouma, a regular teen whose world gets flipped upside down. Here’s the deal: Shu meets Inori, a super popular singer, but things get dark fast when she’s snatched by a shadowy government group. Determined to save her, Shu follows a mysterious lead and stumbles into a hidden rebellion fighting for freedom!
Just as things get intense, a crazy twist happens. A powerful weapon hidden inside Inori gets smashed when Shu tries to save her. But wait, there’s more! Shu ends up with a strange ability to pull out incredible weapons from people’s hearts. Talk about a power-up!
Guilty Crown is a wild ride with mecha battles, a hot singer with a secret, and a regular guy who becomes a weapon-wielding hero. If you want an anime with action, intrigue, and a unique twist on superpowers, Guilty Crown is definitely worth checking out.
15. THE HIDDEN DUNGEON ONLY I CAN ENTER
Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Ecchi
- Episodes: 12
- Dub: Available
Ever feel like you were dealt a bad hand in life? Well, Noir Stardia can definitely relate. This third son of a minor noble has the social status of a pebble, but hey, at least he has a super-powered brain! The only catch? Using it gives him migraine attacks that would make a troll cry uncle.
Things take a turn for the awesome when his childhood friend, Emma Brightness (who has a cure for those headaches, by the way!), offers him a sweet job. But Noir has his sights set on bigger things – like becoming a legendary adventurer! That’s when he stumbles upon a hidden dungeon (talk about rare finds!) and meets Olivia Servant, a powerful adventurer who’s been stuck there for ages. Score! To thank him for freeing her (sort of), Olivia grants Noir three super-strong skills.
Now, with his newfound knowledge, powerful skills, and a cure for his headaches, Noir sets his sights on the prestigious Hero Academy. Talk about going from zero to hero – this underdog’s about to take the world by storm (with hopefully fewer migraines in the process). If you’re looking for an anime with a quirky protagonist, a cool magic system, and a fun adventure, then “The Hidden Dungeon Only I Can Enter” is your jam!
14. Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki
Genres: Drama, Romance
- Episodes: 12
- Dub: Not mentioned
Forget everything you think you know about high school popularity! “Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki” flips the script on social status.
Tomozaki sees high school as a rigged game, with winners and losers predetermined. Enter Aoi Hinami, the queen bee of popularity, who surprisingly takes Tomozaki under her wing. But here’s the twist: Aoi wants to teach Tomozaki how to play the game, not break it.
This anime dives deep into the unspoken rules of high school society. Aoi becomes Tomozaki’s guide, showing him how to navigate the social hierarchy and achieve success on its terms.
But is that all there is to life? “Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki” challenges you to think critically. Is conforming to expectations the only way to win? The anime explores the dark side of social climbing, the pressure to fit in, and the toll it takes on individuality.
13. Deadman Wonderland
Genres: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi, Supernatural
- Episodes: 12
- Dub: Available
Imagine chilling in class one day, then BAM! Your entire school trip gets wiped out, and you’re blamed for it. That’s the crazy nightmare Ganta finds himself in with Deadman Wonderland.
Except, this isn’t your average prison. Deadman Wonderland is a messed-up amusement park where convicts fight for their lives in deadly games. Talk about a brutal way to do your time!
Ganta, totally innocent (of course!), gets stuck with a special collar that injects poison unless he participates in these sick games. But he’s not giving up without a fight. He’s determined to find the real Red Man who caused all this chaos and clear his name.
Deadman Wonderland is a nonstop thrill ride with action, mystery, and some seriously messed-up situations. But it’s not all violence. Ganta also forms some unexpected friendships along the way, proving that even in the darkest places, a little hope can still shine through. Buckle up for this one, it’s a wild ride!
12. Parasyte
Genres: Action, Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi
- Episodes: 24
- Dub: Available
Forget boring alien invasion stories! “Parasyte” throws a wild curveball at the whole genre. Meet Shinichi, your average teenager – except for the giant alien parasite now attached to his hand! It’s a freaky situation, but instead of taking over Shinichi’s brain, they become an unlikely duo named Shinichi and Migi (right hand in Japanese, clever huh?).
Here’s the twist: Migi needs Shinichi to survive, and vice versa. So, instead of chowing down on classmates, they team up to fight other, way more monstrous parasites. It’s a whole “enemies become allies” situation, but way more intense.
“Parasyte” isn’t just about cool alien fights (although there are plenty of those). It’s a deep dive into what it means to be human, the struggle for survival, and the bond between the most unexpected of partners. Shinichi goes from a regular dude to a parasite-fighting badass, but the real transformation is how he grapples with his new reality and the complex relationship with Migi.
11. Bungo Stray Dogs
Genres: Action, Comedy, Mystery, Supernatural
- Episodes: 37
- Dub: Available
Bungo Stray Dogs follows the journey of Atsushi Nakajima, an orphan who is suddenly kicked out of the orphanage due to a series of mysterious events that he seems to be unaware of. While wandering the city in hunger, Atsushi rescues a man named Osamu Dazai from drowning, who happens to be a supernatural detective investigating the same mysterious incidents that Atsushi has been experiencing.
As a result of their encounter, Atsushi is roped into joining Dazai’s firm of supernatural investigators, where he teams up with a group of enigmatic co-workers to take on cases that are too bizarre for the police to handle. Along with Dazai’s partner, Doppo Kunikida, the team solves various odd cases, all while Atsushi begins to discover his own supernatural powers and strengths. Bungo Stray Dogs is a thrilling ride that showcases the transformation of a seemingly weak and helpless orphan into a powerful and confident member of a supernatural detective agency.
10. TO YOUR ETERNITY
Genres: Adventure, Drama, Supernatural
Despite being immortal, mc was extremely weak at the start. The mysterious immortal being is called simply “the Orb” was sent to Earth with no emotions, sensations, or sense of self or identity. This creature has the power to take on the form of people who make an indelible impression on it.
It begins as a white orb, then transforms into a rock, and finally into a dying polar wolf. The creature, disguised as the Wolf, encounters a white-haired boy living alone, who misidentifies it as his dead pet, Joan. When the boy dies from a major wound, the wolf adopts his form as its default form from that point forward.
9. Blue Exorcist
- Episodes: 62
- Dub: Available
Rin Okumura, a seemingly ordinary boy living at the Southern Cross Boys’ Monastery discovers that he is the son of Satan. He joins the True Cross Order as an exorcist and attend the True Cross Academy for special exorcist training. The series follows Rin’s journey as he struggles with his powers and identity as the son of Satan, and becomes stronger over time. This anime is a perfect example of a weak MC who becomes strong as the story progresses. The series is filled with action and fantasy elements and is a thrilling watch for those who enjoy the genre of anime where weak MC becomes strong.
8. Fire Force
Genres: Action, Supernatural
Shinra Kusakabe is a third-generation pyrokinetic youth who gained the nickname “Devil’s Footprints” for his ability to ignite his feet at will and was ostracized as a child for the fire that killed his mother and younger brother Sho 12 years ago.
He joins Special Fire Force Company 8, which features other pyrokinetic who dedicated themselves to ending the Infernal attacks for good while investigating Companies 1 through 7 for potential corruption in their ranks. Shinra begins to learn that the fire that killed his mother was a cover for Sho to be taken by the White Clad, a doomsday cult behind the Infernal attacks with agents within the facets of the Tokyo Empire.
7. Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan
- Episodes: 48
- Dub: Not mentioned
Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan follows the story of Rikuo Nura, a seemingly ordinary boy who transforms into a powerful yokai at night. Living with his yokai grandfather and surrounded by supernatural beings, Rikuo strives to avoid his destiny as a yokai and instead helps humans.
Initially a weak and reluctant protagonist, Rikuo gradually embraces his yokai bloodline and takes on the role of the Third Head of the Nura Clan. As the series progresses, we witness his incredible growth and increasing abilities. From a normal, powerless kid, Rikuo becomes a force to be reckoned with.
This anime excels in world-building and character development, creating a captivating narrative. Despite being underrated, Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan stands out as a prime example of an MC’s transformation from weakness to strength. It’s a must-watch for fans who crave stories where the main character rises above their limitations to become something extraordinary.
6. Big Windup!
Genres: Comedy, Sports
- Episodes: 40
- Dub: Available
“Big Windup!” traces the evolution of Ren Mihashi from an anxious, insecure youth to a talented baseball player. Initially plagued by bad performances and criticism during middle school, Mihashi joins Nishiura High School’s baseball team and gains confidence due to his supportive friends and skilled catcher Takaya Abe. With renewed vigor, Mihashi rises to become a vital member of the team after overcoming initial struggles.
In “Big Windup!”, I admired how relatable Mihashi’s character development was and enjoyed watching him flourish alongside his teammates. Although the series could benefit from stronger pacing and deeper exploration of secondary characters, it remains a compelling choice for fans seeking emotional growth and engaging sports scenes. Recommended viewing for enthusiasts of uplifting coming-of-age narratives.
5. THE HEROIC LEGEND OF ARSLAN
on’t worry, prince fans! “The Heroic Legend of Arslan” isn’t your typical royal snoozefest. This anime throws Arslan, a sheltered prince, into the fire when his kingdom gets rocked by betrayal. Talk about a rude awakening!
But here’s the twist: Arslan isn’t some born hero. He starts out naive and weak, but that all changes as he fights to reclaim his throne. Through crazy challenges and epic battles, Arslan transforms into a courageous leader, hardened by his experiences.
Think of it like a coming-of- age story on steroids. This anime isn’t afraid to show Arslan getting knocked down, but it’s all about how he gets back up, stronger and wiser. If you love watching a character rise from the ashes and become a total badass, then “The Heroic Legend of Arslan” is definitely worth checking out.
4. Attack On Titan
Genres: Action, Drama, Fantasy, Mystery
- Episodes: 75
- Dub: Available
Eren’s story in “Attack on Titan” isn’t your typical hero’s journey. Sure, it starts with a tragic event – the monstrous Titans breach the wall and devour his mother right before his eyes. Filled with rage and a thirst for revenge, Eren dedicates his life to wiping these creatures off the face of the Earth.
But Eren isn’t some naturally gifted soldier. He starts out weak, powerless against the towering Titans. That’s what makes his journey so compelling. Eren pushes himself to the limit, trains relentlessly, and eventually unlocks a hidden power that changes everything.
We won’t spoil what that power is, but let’s just say Eren goes from scared kid to force to be reckoned with. If you enjoy watching a character overcome immense obstacles and achieve god-like abilities, then “Attack on Titan” will definitely deliver.
3. Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy
- Episodes: 12
- Dub: Available
While Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy starts off with Makoto Misumi being dumped on another planet and rejected by the big cheese of a goddess (harsh!), this isn’t your typical hero’s journey. Forget the hero title – Makoto decides to forge his own path!
Instead of moping about rejection, Makoto builds something awesome: a multicultural utopia where everyone gets along! Sure, there’s discrimination and battles to overcome, but Makoto’s got a secret weapon – he’s actually super powerful in this new world. We’re talking next-level abilities that make him a force to be reckoned with.
So, ditch the damsel-in-distress hero trope. Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy is about building a dream, overcoming prejudice, and unleashing some unexpected power along the way.
2. UQ Holder!
Ever wished you could cheat death and get super strong? Well, that’s exactly what happens to Tōta Konoe in the anime “UQ Holder!” One minute he’s facing a bounty hunter, the next he’s waking up immortal thanks to his crazy-powerful guardian!
This ain’t your typical vampire story though. Tōta joins a secret club for immortals called UQ Holder, where he starts to master his newfound powers. It’s a total transformation – from weak human to kickass immortal!
“UQ Holder!” is packed with action and fantasy as Tōta journeys to a futuristic Tokyo, unlocks his unique abilities, and trains alongside other immortals. If you love watching a character go from zero to hero, this anime is a must-watch!
1. Ranking of Kings
- Episodes: 23
- Dub: Available
Ranking of Kings isn’t your typical prince story. Here, we meet Bojji, a deaf and underestimated prince considered unfit to rule. But Bojji’s got a big heart and even bigger dreams – he wants to be the greatest king ever!
Despite the doubt surrounding him, Bojji isn’t giving up. Enter Kage, a mysterious shadow warrior who becomes Bojji’s unlikely friend and understands him in a way no one else can. Together, this mismatched duo takes on the world, facing all sorts of adventures and challenges along the way.
Ranking of Kings is all about defying expectations. It’s a heartwarming story that shows how true friendship and unwavering determination can help anyone, even an underdog prince, rise to the occasion. While the anime doesn’t focus on Bojji gaining overwhelming power, his journey of overcoming obstacles and proving his strength makes for a compelling watch.