Updated May 11, 2024 by testing

People love observing a smart and intelligent MC that can solve any problem by using his high intellect or wisdom. They can keep us on the edge of our seats. I mean, don’t tell me you did not bite your nails furiously every time Light Yagami was almost caught.

These MCs of anime stories have surpassed the intellectual limits of human beings and have turned into beings of supreme knowledge. The detailed storylines portraying genius characters always steal the attention of the viewers with their unparalleled smartness.

These main characters, either good or bad, have some real-life strategies that may prove to be very useful. So today, we are going to give anime suggestions where MC is Genius/Smart/Intelligent. Without any further ado, let’s get right into it.

 

26. Aldnoah.Zero

Genius Level	Storyline	Character Development	Animation	Total
5/10	5/10	5/10	5/10	20/40

Human beings ended up dividing into two races when people found a way to reach and settle on Mars. Naturally, the people on Mars hated people on Earth and thus, started a cruel war with them for their land. I hope Elon Musk saw this anime before proceeding with his mission to Mars.

Inaho Kaizuka was a high school student with an unusually calm composure and attitude. He was an orphan living a peaceful life with his sister (Yuki Kaizuka). Inaho and other students were drafted into military training when war broke out.

He met Asseylum Vers Allusia, the princess of Mars presumed to be dead due to an assassination. Inaho must make rational decisions to save the people of both planets. What will this deadly mission cost him?

 

25. ID: Invaded

Genius Level	Storyline	Character Development	Animation	Total
5/10	5/10	6/10	6/10	22/40

The rate of serial killings was increasing at an alarming rate in Tokyo. An advanced system called Mizuhanome System helped in cracking down on murders. However, a few people were able to handle this new system.

Akihito Narihisago was a man known as a great detective because of his analyzing skills. He became a part of Kura, a group of detectives with the mysterious ability to handle the Mizuhanome System.

The virtual world produced by the system was a complex one full of unexplored possibilities. Akihito may end up discovering the reason behind his stay at Kura and the most tragic truth of his entire life.

 

24. K-Project

Genius Level	Storyline	Character Development	Animation	Total
6/10	5/10	5/10	6/10	22/40

People with supreme powers inhabit the city of Tokyo known as Kings. The power of Kings protects the people under their domain and thus maintains peace in the city. However, the fate of the world began to crumble when a war between Kings started.

Mikoto Suou was a young man with the ability to control flames. He was known as the Red King of the Homura clan. He had a responsible personality with great intellect. Mikoto’s clan was famous for members having a deep bond with each other.

Tatara Totsuka was a cheerful member of the Homura clan. However, a mysterious man murdered him that enraged Mikoto and his clan. This rage may disturb the fragile peace of the city.

 

23. Handa-Kun

Genius Level	Storyline	Character Development	Animation	Total
6/10	6/10	6/10	5/10	23/40

People interpret popularity as a cool thing which might be true, but for some people, it may be a curse. A talented high school student was facing problems because he misunderstood his fame.

Sei Handa was a young man with admirable calligraphy skills. His artistic imagination enabled him to produce beautiful calligraphies. His fellows began to treat him like a celebrity that caused trouble for him.

He decided to distance himself from fame, but things didn’t go as he imagined. More people begin to crash into Hanada as his fans. With this crazy situation ongoing, What will be Hanada’s course of action?

 

22. How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom

Genius Level	Storyline	Character Development	Animation	Total
6/10	6/10	6/10	6/10	24/40

Life has been unfair to a young university student as all of his family members have met their demise, leaving him alone in this world. However, a miraculous event led him to another opportunity in life.

Kazuya Souma was a genius young man preparing for his university life despite living a lonely life. He was summoned to the Elfrieden Kingdom as a hero to save the declining prosperity of the kingdom.

This new world might become Souma’s new precious home, but can he save a kingdom from debts despite being a realist? The fate of the Elfrieden Kingdom was resting on the unusual realistic hero.

 

21. Great Pretender

Genius Level	Storyline	Character Development	Animation	Total
7/10	6/10	5/10	7/10	25/40

In the bright city of Japan, a dark side dwells where outcasts live by stealing from other people. These people live each day in constant fear of the police and the law. What else would they be expecting?

Makoto Edamura was a man living a rotten life as a thief. He had manipulating skills that enabled him to scam the most intelligent people. Makoto had no sense of pride, but his skills as a swindler allowed him to survive in this cruel world.

He met Laurent Thierry, a foreign man with unparalleled skills as a con artist or in simple words a pretender. Makoto finds himself entangled in a mess created by Laurent. To make him pay back, He pursued him all the way to America.

Makoto might have to play all of his cards as a challenging moment is waiting for him.

 

20. Record of Grancrest War

Genius Level	Storyline	Character Development	Animation	Total
7/10	6/10	7/10	6/10	26/40

Set in a world where dark energy called chaos disrupted the peace of kingdoms leading to ceaseless war between countries. All lords fight each other to obtain more lands and dominance.

Theo Cornaro was a rogue warrior who was wandering the continent of Atlatan, hoping to discover power and resources to save his hometown (Sistina) from the chaos. He had bright ideas and intellect. Theo even managed to gain a crest of lord despite not having a domain and noble lineage.

He met Siluca Meletes, a young mage on her way to the royal palace, to sign a contract with the duke of the castle. Siluca ended up forming a contract with him. Now, Theo must walk the tragic path of a lord to save his people and followers.

 

19. Blast of Tempest

Genius Level	Storyline	Character Development	Animation	Total
7/10	7/10	7/10	6/10	27/40

Since the emergence of trees with massive magical powers, the world has been in a dire situation as the number of victims of these powers is increasing day by day.

Yoshina Takigawa was a young student living a miserable life after the tragic murder of his girlfriend. He was a smart individual with great strategic skills. He met Mahiro Fuwa, a handsome guy who had been a friend of Yoshino since primary school.

Mahiro came back to his hometown after the murder of his sister with magical powers borrowed from a mage. Yoshino ended up accompanying him on his mission of finding the murderer of his beloved sister. Will they be able to avenge the murders of their beloved ones?

 

18. Kaguya-Sama: Love is War

Genius Level	Storyline	Character Development	Animation	Total
5/10	8/10	8/10	6/10	27/40

According to ordinary people, confessing your love first is considered a good thing, but things were different for the two most talented students of the country’s most prestigious academy. Miyuki Shirogane was a young man with worn-out expressions on his face. He acquired the scholarship of the most famous academy in the country (Shuchiin Academy) through his insane hard work and intelligence.

He met Kaguya Shinomiya, a prodigy from the noble family of Shinomiya. Miyuki became the president of the student council, with Kaguya as vice president. Both of them begin to have feelings for each other but fail to confess because of their pride. Can Miyuki and Kaguya enjoy the perks of high school romance with such ego?

 

17. Monster

Genius Level	Storyline	Character Development	Animation	Total
7/10	7/10	7/10	7/10	28/40

In this world, people always consider the actions of kindness a good thing, but sometimes a single action of kindness can lead to horrific outcomes in the future. Kenzou Tenma was a genius doctor with a background in professional neuron surgeries. He was once forced to leave a patient in an emergency to save the life of a nobleman, which led him to question his very ideals and conscience. I would’ve flipped a coin in pure Harvey Dent manner.

After some time, Kenzou finds himself again in such a situation. This time he decided to save the life of Johan Liebert, a criminal over the life of a mayor. However, this action of kindness came to haunt him as he discovered that John had killed numerous people. Now, Kenzou must right his wrongs, for better or worse.

 

16. Level E

Genius Level	Storyline	Character Development	Animation	Total
7/10	8/10	5/10	8/10	28/40

Humans considered themselves to be the only intelligent creatures in the universe, but that was not true as aliens with advanced technology and knowledge exist in the universe, even on Earth.

Baka KI El Dogra (Sounds like a distant cousin of Superman) was an alien from a faraway planet who ended up living on Earth after his ship crash-landed on the planet. (Yes, he does sound like Superman’s fifth cousin). He was a genius individual with advanced knowledge of everything. However, Baka wasn’t interested in using his intellect for useful purposes.

He met Yukitaka Tsutsui, a young student with a passion for basketball. Tsutsui was known as the young basketball prodigy because of his impressive skills in the game. Baka was living in the room, which was originally the room for Tsutsui.

With this situation in place, what will be the fate of Tsutsui and those around the Baka Prince?

 

15. Saga of Tanya the Evil

Genius Level	Storyline	Character Development	Animation	Total
7/10	8/10	8/10	7/10	30/40

The life of an ordinary Japanese man changed when he died in an accident, only to be reincarnated in a war-ravaged world as a little girl because of his harsh actions against a powerful God.

Tanya Degurechaff was a young orphan girl struggling in life because of the harsh war situation in Europe. The soul of the Japanese man was reincarnated in the body of Tanya as a punishment.

She joined the military to put her evil–strategic mind into use. Tanya climbed up the ranks of the Military pretty fast to prove his power and pride to the God who punished her. Tanya might destroy the whole world through her powers just to satisfy her ego and beliefs.

 

14. No Game No Life

Genius Level	Storyline	Character Development	Animation	Total
8/10	8/10	7/10	7/10	30/40

In this era of life where video games are more popular than anything, anyone struggles to become a popular gamer. However, becoming a top gamer is not easy as it sounds because the most rewarding games require high intellect and skills.

Sora was a young man known for being obsessed with games since childhood. Shiro was the step-sister of Sora and his fellow game partner. They were both known as the undefeatable duo with the name Blank in the gaming world.

They met Tet, a god of games in another world. Tet took them to his world and challenged them for an ultimate game with the title of God at stake. Sora and Shiro must use their respective skills and abilities to conquer this world of games.

 

13. Banana Fish

Genius Level	Storyline	Character Development	Animation	Total
6/10	9/10	8/10	8/10	31/40

The bright street of New York City hides the darkness that lurks behind the bloody streets of this city. The most dreadful crimes are executed behind these streets, and Mafia gangs rule the city from the shadows.

Aslan Jade Callenreese was a teenager with blonde hair. He ran away from his hometown and settled in New York as the adopted son of Dino Golzine, the godfather of Mafia gangs.

He was renamed Ash Lynx by his foster father. Ash was a genius individual who managed to acquire various skills by obeying the orders of Dino. He discovered a strange drug known as Banana Fish (It is actually a real fish, guys) and started rebelling against his cruel father. Ash may fall into a deep mess of the Mafia underworld with no way back. Will he be able to handle all the cruelty?

 

12. Moriarty the Patriot

 

Genius Level	Storyline	Character Development	Animation	Total
8/10	7/10	8/10	8/10	31/40

In the past, the great known countries like Britain Empire were prosperous and known in the whole world, but only noble people were treated fairly by a corrupt system running in the empire. The people at the bottom level of the food chain were treated like slaves.

William James Moriarty was a noble living a calm life as the second son of the Moriarty household. He was a genius with a strategic mind. William had a goal to destroy the pathetic system of the empire for the betterment of the world.

Albert James Moriarty was the first son of the household. He shared the same ideals as William and his other brother (Louis). The trio of brothers set out to destroy the corrupt system strategically while dealing with the resistance from nobles.

 

11. Psycho-Pass

Genius Level	Storyline	Character Development	Animation	Total
8/10	8/10	8/10	8/10	32/40

The advancement in technology led to the discovery of a judging system known as the Sibyl System. The system allows the inspectors to arrest people with evil actions in mind. With this system, the crime rate decreased drastically in Japan.

Shinya Kougami was a middle-aged man with qualified detective skills. He had high crime thoughts that were captured by the Sibyl System. However, the top officials granted him an exception because of his useful talent in the investigation team.

He met Akane Tsunemori, a young talented girl who joined the investigation team to uphold her justice ideals, but the very system of Sibyl might have gone far from corruption. The series follows the investigation done by this duo while discovering a bitter truth about the justice of this world.

 

10. Ghost in the Shell

Genius Level	Storyline	Character Development	Animation	Total
8/10	9/10	8/10	8/10	33/40

Set in a future world of Japan where technology has evolved insanely, and most of the world runs through the use of robots. The advancement in technology allowed people to replace their body parts with cyber parts leading to an era of cybernetics. Yeah, this whole franchise is the Blade Runner of the anime world.

Motoko Kusanagi was a lady in charge of criminal matters in the robotic city. She had a fully cybernetic body that helped her in investigations. Motoko was promoted to the rank of Major in the section 9 investigation department because of her high intellectual knowledge.

The increasing rate of cybercrime, like the hacking of robots, was increasing in the city of Niihama. A man known as Puppet Master was the root of these crimes. Motoko must find Puppet Master to save the city while discovering more about her body and origin.

 

9. Black Butler

Genius Level	Storyline	Character Development	Animation	Total
9/10	8/10	9/10	8/10	34/40

Set in the Victorian era of England, where a noble family was known for the production of toys across the country. The family suffered a tragic end even though they worked for the Queen behind the shadows.

Ciel Phantomhive was a young heir of the prestigious Phantomive Family. His family met their demise when a fire was set on their house, killing everyone. Ciel somehow survived the fire only to be sold as a slave.

Ciel suffered unimaginable torture by mysterious people during his days as a slave. He ended up forming a contract with a devil and summoned him. The devil was named Sebastian Michaelis by Ciel. He claimed back his former rank and wealth with the help of the devil. Now, Ciel wants only one thing: revenge against his oppressors.

 

8. Alderamin on the Sky

Genius Level	Storyline	Character Development	Animation	Total
9/10	9/10	9/10	8/10	35/40

The outbreak of war between the two most powerful Empires of the world engulfed the life and careers of countless people. Youngsters were forced to join the military to help their respective Empires in this ridiculous war.

Ikta Solork was a young man who loved taking naps everywhere. Pretty relatable. Even though he was lazy, his intelligence and knowledge about science were brilliant. He joined the army of the Katjvarna Empire with his childhood friend, Yatorishino Igsem.

On their way to the capital, a storm swept away their ship. They found themselves in enemy territory. Ikta devises a plan and saves the captured princess of the empire. The emperor awarded them with the title of Imperial Knights.

Now, Solork must say goodbye to his peaceful life as the war is becoming intense day by day.

 

7. Dr. Stone

Genius Level	Storyline	Character Development	Animation	Total
10/10	8/10	8/10	10/10	36/40

The people of the whole world turned into stones when a green light enveloped the entire Earth leaving everything petrified. Several million years later, a young man finally breaks free from petrification.

Senkuu was a young high school student obsessed with science and knowledge. He studied the thousand-year research of mankind’s revolution and started working to increase the advancement of civilization.

After breaking free from the petrification, Senkuu finds the world in a dire situation as all of the buildings, technology have been destroyed because of petrification.

Senkuu must use his knowledge of science to rebuild the world from scratch while discovering the reason behind the petrification.

 

6. Terror in Resonance

Genius Level	Storyline	Character Development	Animation	Total
9/10	9/10	9/10	9/10	36/40

The peaceful country of Japan was thrown into chaos with the continuous acts of terrorism by a mysterious group known as the Sphinx. Nine was a teenager with a strategic calm mind. He was a member of Sphinx with his friend, Twelve, an energetic guy skilled in making bombs and technical stuff. They were the only members of Sphinx.

Although Sphinx was perceived as a terrorist group, not a single person died because of their bombings, as they give away a riddle before the bombing. By solving these riddles police and detectives were able to stop the disaster from happening. The real objective behind the actions of Nine and Twelve might be too depressing for the whole world to hear.

 

5. Haven’t You Heard? I’m Sakamoto

Genius Level	Storyline	Character Development	Animation	Total
10/10	9/10	9/10	9/10	37/40

There are many talented and genius students in the world, but one Japanese student exceeded the very limits of intelligence as he solves all of his problems in a professional and cool manner.

Sakamoto was a young teenager who recently started his high school career. He became famous from the first day because of his intelligence and cool demeanor. Few male students began to resent Sakamoto but ended up becoming his followers after witnessing his excellence.

The series follows the daily life of Sakamoto as he solves the problems of his fellows in a calculated manner leaving everyone in awe.

 

4. Steins; Gate

Genius Level	Storyline	Character Development	Animation	Total
10/10	10/10	7/10	10/10	37/40

Scientists are always considered mad because normal people can’t comprehend the logic behind their actions. However, all the technology and advancement in this world have become possible because of these eccentric beings.

Rintarou Okabe was a young individual who loved to play with things and the logic of science. He had a small lab where he invented strange things together with his friends. However, they haven’t yet made a useful and award-winning gadget which was the goal of Okabe.

The life of this mad scientist changed when he accidentally made a machine that could control the future by sending messages in the past. Although it is a big achievement, the price for playing with time might be far more than Okabe ever imagined.

 

3. Classroom of the Elite

Genius Level	Storyline	Character Development	Animation	Total
10/10	10/10	9/10	10/10	39/40

In Japan, a futuristic academy existed with all the facilities the students ever demanded. However, life in this academy might not be the same for everyone. Kiyotaka Ayanokouji was a young student of Class D with an aloof personality. He had extreme level strategic and scheming skills that were revealed whenever the class reputation was in trouble.

He met Suzune Horikita, a student who considered herself a prodigy despite being assigned to Class D. Through a series of events, Ayanokouji ended up helping her and his classmates in reaching the top class (A) of the school. The real objectives of Ayanokouji might lie far more than a mere class A.

 

2. The Promised Neverland

Genius Level	Storyline	Character Development	Animation	Total
10/10	10/10	10/10	10/10	40/40

Set in a world where young orphans were raised separately in a far-away orphanage surrounded by forest. These children were given a number and class according to their intellect and abilities.

Emma was a young energetic kid living in the Grace Field Orphanage with other children. She had a kind personality and always treated other orphans like her siblings. She was the top student with great adaptive skills.

Ray and Norman were the friends of Emma. They were living a quiet peaceful life with each other, but things changed when the reality of this orphanage took away their genuine smile for eternity. What will be the truth of this unusual Orphanage?

 

1. Detective Conan

Genius Level	Storyline	Character Development	Animation	Total
10/10	10/10	10/10	10/10	40/40

In Japan, a genius student lived who loved solving cases and mysteries, but a mishap at a case site changed his life, leaving him in a sorry state with no way back to his former life.

Kudou Shinichi was a genius teenager known for his detective skills. He was enjoying the prime of his youth until two criminals used a mysterious drug on him, turning him into a small kid.

He decided to continue his investigation of various crimes hoping to catch the culprits that left him in this sorry state. However, the roots of these criminals and their mystery might be deeper than Kudou ever imagined.

 

Conclusion

So this was our list of the most intelligent MCs across various anime. We hope you like watching these anime if you haven’t already. Their intellect might numb your mind a little.