Looking for anime where the main character rises above their humble beginnings? Look no further! In this article, we’re diving into the top 13 best anime where the MC is poor. These captivating series take us on a thrilling ride, following protagonists who start from the bottom and strive for greatness.
From battling supernatural forces to overcoming societal barriers, these underdog heroes prove that wealth doesn’t define their strength. Get ready to be inspired by their resilience, determination, and the incredible journeys they undertake. So, grab a seat and join us as we explore these amazing anime where the MC’s humble origins lead to extraordinary adventures!
The Devil Is a Part-Timer!
In the anime “The Devil Is a Part-Timer!”, the main character, Satan, is initially a powerful Demon Lord who aims to conquer the land of Ente Isla with his demon armies. However, his plans are thwarted by the hero Emilia, and he is forced to escape through a dimensional portal to the human world. Upon arriving in modern-day Tokyo, Satan loses his magical abilities and becomes powerless.
To survive in the human world, Satan adopts the name Sadao Maou and starts working at a local fast-food restaurant called MgRonald’s. Despite his grand ambitions of conquering Ente Isla, Satan now finds himself struggling to make ends meet and survive as a regular human. He discovers that mundane tasks like part-time work, household chores, and paying the rent are challenges he must face in his new reality.
Driven by his desire for power and success, Satan sets his sights on climbing the corporate ladder at MgRonald’s and becoming the ruler of Earth. Through a humorous lens, “The Devil Is a Part-Timer!” presents the daily struggles and absurdities of everyday life as experienced by a once-mighty demon lord who is now forced to navigate the mundane world of work and responsibilities. The series showcases Satan’s hilarious endeavors to balance his job, household duties, and his ultimate goal of returning to Ente Isla and completing his conquest.
Tokyo Godfathers
In Tokyo Godfathers, Hana, Gin, and Miyuki find themselves in a dire situation as they scavenge through piles of garbage on Christmas Eve. The trio, all of whom are poor, stumble upon an abandoned baby amidst the freezing winter night. Overwhelmed with compassion, Hana feels a deep maternal instinct and becomes determined to locate the baby’s biological mother to seek answers. They name the baby Kiyoko, symbolizing her purity and innocence. Their quest is fueled by the discovery of a mysterious key and a single note left alongside the infant.
However, their plans take an unexpected turn as they become entangled in a series of extraordinary events. Tokyo Godfathers chronicles the incredible journey of Hana, Gin, and Miyuki as they stand united through thick and thin, in the hopes of not only reuniting Kiyoko with her true home but also finding their own Christmas miracle.
Amidst the backdrop of Tokyo’s bustling streets, this heartwarming anime showcases the trio’s resilience and unwavering determination in the face of adversity. Tokyo Godfathers is a tale of compassion, friendship, and the power of miracles, as these unlikely heroes embark on a life-changing adventure to bring hope and happiness to those in need.
Baka & Test – Summon the Beasts
n “Baka & Test – Summon the Beasts,” Akihisa Yoshii ends up in Fumizuki Academy’s lowest-ranked class, F class. The school uses a unique system that divides students based on test scores, with A class being the best and F class being the worst.
F class has the worst facilities, including broken furniture and outdated equipment. Akihisa’s friend Yuuji Sakamoto and the brilliant Mizuki Himeji also end up in F class due to unforeseen circumstances. Unhappy with their situation, the F class students, led by Yuuji, decide to challenge the higher-ranked classes.
Using the school’s Examinations Summon Battle system, students can summon fantasy characters based on their test scores for battles. F class aims to defeat the higher-ranked classes and claim their privileges. The anime follows their comedic struggles and determination as they try to overcome their poor status.
Will F class succeed and prove their worth, or will they fall short of expectations? “Baka & Test – Summon the Beasts” is an entertaining and action-packed series that showcases the underdog students’ journey in a competitive school setting.
Barefoot Gen
“Barefoot Gen” is set in 1945 during the peak of World War II. The story revolves around a young boy named Gen Nakaoka, who lives in Hiroshima, Japan. Despite being poor and facing the hardships of wartime scarcity, Gen remains bold and free-spirited. He and his family cling to hope, believing that the war will soon come to an end, and that their city will be spared from the destruction inflicted by the US forces.
Little do they know that their lives are about to be irreversibly altered. The imminent dropping of the US atomic bomb, codenamed “Little Boy,” is set to unleash a cataclysmic event that will forever change Japanese society. As the devastating consequences of the bomb unfold, Gen and his family find themselves thrust into a world of unimaginable tragedy and hardship.
“Barefoot Gen” is a powerful and poignant anime that depicts the struggles and resilience of a poor young boy and his family amidst the chaos of war. It explores themes of survival, hope, and the devastating impact of the atomic bomb on the lives of ordinary people. Through Gen’s perspective, viewers witness the horrors of war and the enduring human spirit that refuses to be crushed, even in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Binbou Shimai Monogatari
Binbou Shimai Monogatari tells the story of two sisters, Kyou and Asu Yamada, who are left to fend for themselves after the death of their mother and their father’s overwhelming debts. Despite their financial struggles, the sisters manage to find solace in their small apartment, which provides them with a roof over their heads.
In order to make ends meet, the older sister, Kyou, takes on multiple part-time jobs, all while ensuring that both she and her younger sister can continue their studies. Their lives may be filled with hardships, but they are not entirely devoid of happiness. Surrounded by good-hearted and kind individuals, Kyou and Asu find support in the people they meet along their journey.
However, the true strength of Binbou Shimai Monogatari lies in the unbreakable bond between the two sisters. No matter the pain, trials, or arguments they face, Kyou and Asu’s love for each other remains unwavering. This heartwarming anime highlights their resilience and reminds us that even in the face of adversity, family bonds can provide strength and comfort.
Akagi
In the world of mahjong, where fortunes are won and lost, Nangou finds himself drowning in a sea of debt, owing a staggering three million yen. With no way out, he makes a risky decision to stake his life on a high-stakes game against the ruthless mafia. But as the game progresses, Nangou’s situation becomes more dire, and his chances of winning slip away.
In the midst of his despair, a young fugitive named Shigeru Akagi bursts into the game parlor. With nothing to lose, Nangou passes the game on to Akagi, imparting some knowledge of the rules. The mafia watches with smug confidence as Akagi takes his seat at the table. However, they soon realize that they are facing an extraordinary opponent.
Akagi possesses an uncanny talent for gambling and a fearless demeanor that defies death itself. With each move, he outwits his adversaries, leaving them in awe of his skills. His presence and audacity turn the game on its head, captivating everyone in the room. Little do they know that Akagi’s name is destined to be etched into the annals of gambling history.
In the intense world of mahjong, where desperation and survival are intertwined, Akagi rises from the depths of poverty to become a legend. This gripping anime explores the relentless pursuit of victory, the strategic complexities of the game, and the enigmatic nature of its main character, as he defies all odds and establishes himself as an unstoppable force in the world of gambling.
Welcome to the NHK
Welcome to the N.H.K. is a psychological dramedy that revolves around the life of Tatsuhiro Satou, a 22-year-old college dropout who has become a hikikomori, isolating himself from society for nearly four years. He strongly believes in a conspiracy theory that blames the Nihon Hikikomori Kyokai (NHK), a secret organization, for his NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) status and perpetuating the spread of hikikomori culture.
In his quest to break free from the clutches of the NHK and overcome self-imposed isolation, Tatsuhiro faces numerous challenges. He struggles with leaving his apartment and finding employment, desperate to reenter the world outside. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters the enigmatic Misaki Nakahara. This encounter holds the potential for a positive change in Tatsuhiro’s life, but it also forces him to confront his deepest fear—society itself.
Welcome to the N.H.K. delves into Tatsuhiro’s journey as he battles his inner demons and endeavors to find his place in the world. Through its thought-provoking narrative, the anime explores themes of isolation, conspiracy, personal growth, and the struggles faced by individuals who feel marginalized by society.
Hayate the Combat Butler
In the anime “Hayate the Combat Butler!!,” the main character, Hayate Ayasaki, starts off as a poor boy. Despite his unfortunate circumstances, Hayate works tirelessly as a butler for the wealthy Sanzenin family while also attending Hakuou Academy. He not only takes care of his young mistress, Nagi, but also faces the challenges of balancing his duties and studying the demanding school curriculum.
Hayate’s life is far from calm as he unintentionally becomes a magnet for attention from various girls. While Nagi remains unaware of her growing affection for him, Hayate also unintentionally attracts other girls. One of them is Ayumu Nishizawa, an ordinary friend from Hayate’s past, and the other is Hinagiku Katsura, the dedicated student council president at Hakuou Academy.
As Ayumu and Hinagiku both struggle with their feelings for Hayate, his already complicated life becomes even more entangled. The anime follows Hayate as he navigates his responsibilities, handles the romantic interests of the girls around him, and tries to overcome the constant challenges that life throws his way. Despite his initial poverty, Hayate’s story showcases his determination and resilience in the face of adversity.
Fruits basket
In Fruits Basket, the main character Tooru is a 16-year-old girl who becomes homeless after losing her mother in an accident. She moves in with her grandfather temporarily, but his home undergoes renovations, leaving her with no place to stay. Instead of burdening her friends or facing criticism from her family, Tooru decides to secretly live in a tent in the woods.
One fateful night, a landslide destroys her tent, leaving her stranded. Luckily, she is found by Yuki Souma, the popular “prince” of her school, and his cousin Shigure Souma, a famous author. They offer Tooru a place to stay until her grandfather’s house is ready.
However, Tooru soon discovers a secret about the Souma family: they are cursed. When hugged by someone of the opposite gender, they transform into animals from the Chinese zodiac. This curse holds a dark history and is no laughing matter. As Tooru gets to know more members of the Souma family, she must navigate this unusual situation while uncovering the truth behind their curse.
Fruits Basket tells a heartwarming story of Tooru’s journey as she meets various zodiac members and builds connections with them. Her kind and resilient nature will be tested as she confronts the secrets and challenges that lie within the Souma household.
Hajime no Ippo
Hajime no Ippo follows the story of Ippo Makunouchi, a teenager who comes from a poor background. He helps his mother run a fishing boat rental business while enduring constant bullying due to his timid nature and exhausting work schedule.
One day, Ippo is saved from a violent attack by Mamoru Takamura, an aspiring boxer. Impressed by Ippo’s hidden strength, Takamura brings him to the Kamogawa Boxing Gym for recovery. There, Ippo encounters other boxers, Masaru Aoki and Tatsuya Kimura, who are amazed by his natural power developed from physical labor.
Under Takamura’s guidance, Ippo engages in a practice match against skilled boxer Ichirou Miyata, sparking a rivalry. With Genji Kamogawa as his coach, Ippo begins his boxing career, facing increasingly tough opponents. Through victories, defeats, and dedicated training, he strives to become a great boxer.
Hajime no Ippo portrays the inspiring journey of a kind-hearted young man as he overcomes poverty and fights his way through the boxing world, driven by his unwavering spirit and physical prowess.
Tokyo ESP
Rinka Urushiba is a hardworking waitress in Tokyo, struggling to support her unemployed father. One day, she witnesses something extraordinary—a flying penguin. This encounter leads her to discover a world of strange phenomena, including flying goldfish. Rinka soon realizes that she possesses an incredible power: the ability to phase her body through solid objects.
Despite her reservations, Rinka embraces her newfound powers and becomes Tokyo’s hero, known as the “White Girl.” With her friend Kyoutarou, who has the power of teleportation, by her side, she fights against other espers who misuse their abilities.
Tokyo ESP is a thrilling anime that follows Rinka’s journey from a poor waitress to a courageous esper. As she battles dangerous adversaries and protects the city, she unravels the mysteries surrounding Tokyo’s supernatural realm. Get ready for an action-packed adventure filled with suspense, supernatural abilities, and a determined heroine fighting against all odds.
Tatami Galaxy
“The Tatami Galaxy” follows the story of a poor college student during his time at university. The main character, a lonely third-year student, spends his days trying to break up couples on campus with his only friend, Ozu. However, his encounters take a surprising turn when he meets a peculiar man claiming to be a god of matrimony at a ramen stand. This encounter leads the student to reflect on his past two years and his unfulfilled desires.
Determined to make the most of his remaining college life, the student sets his sights on asking out Akashi, an introverted but kind-hearted underclassman. Unfortunately, his lack of follow-through fills him with regret, triggering a bizarre twist of events. Suddenly, he is transported back in time to the beginning of his college years, given a second chance to shape his life differently.
“The Tatami Galaxy” is a surreal and artistic anime that delves into the mind of its protagonist. With its mind-bending narrative, the series explores themes of friendship, love, and the pursuit of an idealized campus life. Join the main character as he navigates through this unconventional tale, hoping to make genuine connections and experience the vibrant college experience he always yearned for.
Nobody’s Boy Remi
In Nobody’s Boy Remi, the story revolves around a young boy named Remi who leads a simple and joyful life with his mother in the peaceful French countryside. However, his life takes a dramatic turn when his long-lost father returns and, driven by desperation for money, reveals that Remi is not his biological child. To make matters worse, his father sells him off, shattering Remi’s heart.
Left without a home or family, Remi finds himself in the company of Vitalis, a wandering musician, and his group of talented animal performers. Together, they embark on a captivating journey across the country, seeking to uncover the truth about Remi’s true origins and locate his real parents. Throughout their adventures, Remi and his newfound companions experience the harsh realities of life, discovering the importance of friendship, resilience, and the pursuit of happiness.
Nobody’s Boy Remi is a deeply touching anime that explores the themes of friendship, loss, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams. It portrays Remi’s struggle as he confronts the challenges of being poor and the emotional turmoil of being separated from his loved ones. The series beautifully captures the essence of Remi’s journey, showcasing the transformative power of human connections and the indomitable spirit of the young protagonist.
Zetman
Zetman is an anime series featuring Jin Kanzaki as the main protagonist. Jin’s story begins in poverty, growing up on the streets. He has a rugged appearance with messy hair and worn-out clothes, but as he grows older, he starts to improve his situation.
The plot of Zetman revolves around a face-off between two rival heroes: ZET and ALPHAS. These heroes are Jin and Kouga Amagi, respectively. Jin possesses a unique ability that allows him to transform into a powerful superhuman known as ZET. In contrast, Kouga comes from a wealthy background and fights using advanced technology as ALPHAS.
The story explores the origins of Jin and Kouga and how their paths intersect. They join forces to protect humanity against monstrous abominations called Players. Interestingly, the Players are created by the Amagi Corp., a company founded by Kouga’s grandfather, Mitsugai Amagi, adding a twist to the narrative.
As the series progresses, Jin undergoes personal growth and development. Despite his initial impoverished appearance, he evolves both physically and emotionally. Zetman combines action, suspense, and moral dilemmas as the characters strive to protect humanity while uncovering dark secrets.
Overall, Zetman offers a captivating storyline with intense action sequences and a focus on the main character’s journey from poverty to becoming a powerful superhuman.