Tired of the same old super-powered heroes? Wanna see a regular dude (or dudette) level up to epic awesome? This list is for you! We scoured the anime multiverse to find the 26 best shows where the main characters go from weak to WOW. Expect incredible journeys, intense battles, and the ultimate underdog story – watching these guys go from zero to hero is pure hype. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready to witness some epic comebacks!
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26. Orient
Orient is basically the perfect anime if you love watching a total underdog become a total badass. This action-packed show follows Musashi, a regular 15-year-old stuck in a world overrun by creepy demon-things called Kishin.
At first, Musashi is just your average weakling against these Kishin. But don’t judge a book by its cover! As the story goes on, Musashi goes on a wild journey, turning from scaredy-cat to brave warrior.
What makes Orient cool is that it mixes history with fantasy in a crazy way. Think samurai on motorcycles fighting demons – awesome, right? Plus, they really show Musashi’s transformation perfectly, from zero to hero. Basically, it’s a slam dunk for our “Weak to Wow” anime list.
So, if you’re down for epic battles, a character who totally grows up, and a story about friendship and guts, then jump on board with Orient. Trust me, it’s a blast!
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
Think underdog hero with a cool power? That’s Haru Glory in a nutshell. The world’s a bit messed up thanks to some bad guys from way back, and now a new villainous crew called Demon Card is causing trouble. The good news? Haru becomes the Rave Master, inheriting these awesome Rave Stones that can stop them. The bad news? Gotta find all the Rave Stones scattered around the world, first!
Grab your popcorn for this fun ride! You’ll join Haru, his dog Plue (because everyone needs a good dog sidekick!), the fiery Ellie, and the mysterious Musica on a crazy adventure to find the Rave Stones and take down Demon Card. Watch Haru go from a determined but outmatched teen to a total hero – you won’t regret it!
23. Tokyo Ravens
Genres: Action, Comedy, Romance, Supernatural
- Episodes: 24
- Dub: Available
Tokyo Ravens is gonna blow your mind! It’s action-packed, hilarious, and has fight scenes that will knock your socks off.
Imagine this: you’re just a normal dude, Harutora, stuck in a fam with magical ghost hunters (onmyouji, fancy huh?). You may not have the coolest powers, but you promised your bestie Natsume you’d always protect her. Turns out, Natsume’s a super important heir with a past as dark as a goth’s closet, and some real jerks want to use her for evil.
No way, José! Harutora’s gotta keep his promise, so he dives headfirst into learning this onmyoudou stuff. Get ready for a wild ride of self-discovery, epic battles, and maybe even a sprinkle of romance (wink wink).
22. Spirit Chronicles
- Episodes: 11
- Dub: Available
Ever wished you could isekai yourself into an epic adventure? Like, college one minute, another world the next? That’s what happens to our boy Rio in “Spirit Chronicles.” Dude wakes up in another world with amnesia, but guess what? He’s got some crazy magic powers hidden inside! (Sweet compensation, right?)
Only thing is, Rio’s past is kinda messed up. Grew up rough, lost his mom – major bummer. Totally gets why he wants revenge, even if it’s not the best move. (Hey, we’ve all been there!) But Rio’s also got a good heart, and his magic skills are fire. Before you know it, he’s going from slums to swanky magic school for nobles! Think glow-up, but with spells instead of a skincare routine. This anime is gonna be your next obsession, trust me.
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
Next up, we have a classic in the “weak to OP” genre, My Hero Academia! In this world, superpowered individuals with “Quirks” are the norm. The dream job? Hero, naturally! And the ultimate hero school? U.A. High. But what if you’re part of the 20% born without a Quirk?
EnterIzuku Midoriya, our protagonist. Hero-obsessed Deku yearns to fight alongside the greats, but he’s completely Quirkless. Dejected but not defeated, a chance encounter with the legendary All Might throws his life into overdrive. Now, Deku has the opportunity to train under the guidance of the world’s best hero, but the path to wielding One for All, All Might’s quirk, won’t be easy. This is a must-watch for those who love underdog stories and the classic shonen “train and become the strongest” trope!
19. Tokyo Ghoul
Genres: Action, Drama, Horror, Mystery, Supernatural
- Episodes: 44
- Dub: Available
Not your average college grind! In Tokyo Ghoul, unassuming bookworm Ken Kaneki stumbles into a date with a ghoul, a flesh-eating creature that blends with human society. Things take a dark turn when Rize, his date, tries to devour him. Luckily (or unluckily?), Kaneki survives, but only after receiving an organ transplant from the ghoul herself.
This unwilling transformation turns Kaneki into a ghoul-human hybrid, forcing him to navigate a terrifying new world where he must fight to satisfy his monstrous hunger while clinging to his humanity. Buckle up for a bloody good time (and maybe some existential dread) as Kaneki grapples with his monstrous side and the CCG, a government agency dedicated to exterminating ghouls.
18. JUJUTSU KAISEN
Genres: Action, Supernatural
- Episodes: 24
- Dub: Available
Just your average high schooler, Yuuji Itadori liked to goof around with the Occult Club. But things take a wild turn when he swallows a cursed finger, becoming a vessel for the powerful Sukuna Ryoumen. Suddenly, he’s up against creepy Curses, creatures made from all the negativity people feel. Yuji’s gotta learn to deal with this whole new world, and fast!
That means trading in the clubroom for the mysterious Tokyo Prefectural Jujutsu High School. Here, Yuji goes from zero to hero, learning to be a Jujutsu sorcerer and fight off these wicked Curses. It’s an intense ride as Yuji trains, battles bad guys, and tries to control the crazy power that’s now part of him.
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
School drama snoozefest? Guilty Crown is like, BOOM! Action right outta the gate. Shu Ouma, your typical teen, gets his world rocked. Here’s the tea: Shu meets Inori, this crazy popular singer, but things get messed up fast when some shady government goons snatch her. Determined to be her hero, Shu follows this cryptic clue and trips over a secret rebellion fighting for freedom, whoa!
Things get cray cray, then PLOT TWIST! Trying to save Inori, Shu accidentally breaks this super strong weapon hidden inside her. But hold up! Shu gets this whack power to pull epic weapons outta people’s hearts. Talk about a power-up!
Guilty Crown is basically a wild ride with giant robot fights, a hot singer with a secret, and a regular dude who becomes a weapon-wielding badass. If you want an anime with action, mystery, and superpowers that are totally outta this world, 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
Think you’re a pro gamer? Fumiya Tomozaki might dominate the online realm of Attack Families (“Tackfam” to those in the know), but his offline life is a different story. Zero social skills and friendless, Fumiya sees high school as a rigged game. There’s some truth to that – unlike video games where practice and dedication are all you need, real life throws in curveballs like communication skills, genetics, and just plain luck. Fumiya might be right about the difficulty setting being cranked up to “ultrahard,” but that doesn’t mean the game is unbeatable. Enter Aoi Hinami, a popular classmate who secretly crushes Tackfam and, to Fumiya’s shock, is actually amazing at the game. Seeing Fumiya’s potential outside of Tackfam, Aoi offers to be his coach, but the game they’ll be tackling is the far more complex one: real life.
This hilarious and heartwarming series follows Fumiya’s journey from social scrub to…well, maybe not superstar, but definitely on his way to navigating the tricky social mechanics of high school (and maybe even making some friends along the way). It’s important to remember that while Fumiya’s story is inspiring, real-life success can be much tougher. Aoi’s guidance helps Fumiya overcome his social awkwardness, and the anime does a great job of showing the power of self-improvement and stepping outside your comfort zone. However, it’s worth noting that the series doesn’t delve too deeply into the impact of genetics and ingrained personality traits.
In real life, some people may find social navigation even more challenging due to factors like shyness, social anxiety, or even neurodivergence. These aren’t problems that can always be solved with a few tips and tricks. The anime’s lighthearted tone might make social progress seem easier than it is, and it’s important to remember that the difficulty setting for real-life social interactions can feel unfairly high for some.
13. Deadman Wonderland
Genres: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi, Supernatural
- Episodes: 12
- Dub: Available
Ganta’s day takes a horrific turn when a mysterious red man slaughters his entire class during a supposed fun field trip to a prison amusement park, Deadman Wonderland. Framed for the massacre, Ganta is sentenced to death and ironically thrown into the very prison he was meant to visit.
This isn’t your typical prison though. To survive, Ganta must participate in deadly games and win “Cast Points” to keep a collar on his neck from sealing his fate. In this brutal world, Ganta develops a mysterious power and navigates alliances to not only survive but also find the red culprit and prove his innocence. If you’re looking for an anime with a once-ordinary guy forced to become strong to survive a messed-up situation, Deadman Wonderland might be your pick.
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
Ooh, gotta add Bungo Stray Dogs to the watchlist! This anime sounds like a wild ride. Apparently, it follows this orphan named Atsushi who gets the boot from the orphanage (rough!). But hey, things are looking up – right after that, he stumbles upon a suicidal detective with a thing for the supernatural, Dazai. Turns out, Dazai’s on the case of the weird stuff happening around town, which, wouldn’t you know it, is exactly what poor Atsushi has been tangled up in.
One thing leads to another, and Atsushi finds himself recruited by Dazai’s detective agency. Here he is, surrounded by these mysterious co-workers who take on all the strange cases the police can’t touch. There’s also Dazai’s partner, Kunikida, who seems pretty interesting too. As Atsushi solves these bizarre cases with the team, he starts to uncover his own hidden powers. Bungo Stray Dogs sounds like a total transformation story – watching a down-on-his-luck orphan blossom into a confident member of a superpowered detective agency? Sign me up!
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
Next up on the “weak to wow” anime list: Blue Exorcist!
Rin Okumura seems like your average dude living in a monastery. Turns out, he’s actually the son of Satan, no big deal! Rin joins the exorcist squad and trains to kick some demon butt (gotta fight fire with…well, more fire?). This anime is all about Rin grappling with his crazy heritage and getting super powerful in the process. Expect tons of action, fantasy awesomeness, and a classic underdog story. If you dig the whole “weakling becomes a badass” trope, definitely check out Blue Exorcist!
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
Yokai by Night, Regular Dude by Day? Sign me up!
Meet Rikuo Nura, a middle schooler with a bit of a secret. By day, he’s your average classmate. But when the sun sets, Rikuo transforms into a full-fledged yokai! Living with his yokai grandpa (who’s a total badass, by the way), Rikuo just wants to be normal and help humans.
At first, he’s pretty weak and avoids his yokai side altogether. But guess what? You can’t outrun destiny forever! Rikuo eventually steps up and becomes the Third Heir of the Nura Clan. Talk about a glow-up! This anime is awesome for how it builds the world and its characters. You really see Rikuo grow from a powerless kid to a yokai force to be reckoned with.
Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan might be a bit underrated, but it’s a fantastic example of a weak-to-strong MC. It’s perfect for anyone who loves watching a character overcome their limitations and become a total badass!
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
Need a prince who gets his butt kicked before becoming a total boss? Look no further than “The Heroic Legend of Arslan”! Forget stuffy royals – this dude, Arslan, gets thrown from pampered prince to war refugee faster than you can say “treason.” Harsh, right?
But here’s the kicker: Arslan ain’t some chosen one. He starts clueless and weak, but that’s all part of his epic glow-up as he claws his way back to the throne. Think crazy challenges, brutal battles, and a prince who gets hardened by the whole ordeal – like a coming-of-age story with a battle axe.
This anime doesn’t shy away from showing Arslan getting wrecked. But the best part? He ALWAYS gets back up, stronger and way cooler. If you dig watching a character rise from the ashes and become a total badass, then “The Heroic Legend of Arslan” is your jam.
4. Attack On Titan
Genres: Action, Drama, Fantasy, Mystery
- Episodes: 75
- Dub: Available
Forget your classic hero who starts out, you know, good at everything. Eren Yeager in Attack on Titan? Dude’s a mess. Starts with his world crumbling around him, literally, and his mom getting eaten by a giant creepy naked dude. Not a vibe.
Consumed by rage (rightfully so, that was messed up), Eren swears to wipe all Titans off the planet. But here’s the thing: Eren’s about as strong as a wet noodle at the beginning. No magic powers, no fancy sword skills, nada.
That’s what makes his journey so awesome. Eren throws himself into training, pushing his limits like nobody’s business. And guess what? It pays off. Big time. We won’t spoil the surprise, but let’s just say Eren goes from “crying in the corner” to “one-man wrecking crew” real quick. If you dig seeing a character grind and then gain god-like powers? Attack on Titan is your jam.
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.
