Updated May 12, 2024 by testing

Consistency, in general, is great but when it comes to our cherished fictional characters, who does not love a well-developed progress? In this case, these 24 Japanese animations contain dramatic growth where its main characters start as weak but drastically change to become formidable and overpowered as we proceed to the story’s climax. Be careful as you go on and about this article though, it might contain MCs with unwavering spirits.

 

ANIME WHERE THE PROTAGONIST WAS ORIGINALLY WEAK BUT BECAME STRONG (RECOMMENDATIONS)

 

24. Is it Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in the Dungeon?

Information
Title	Is it Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in the Dungeon?
Genre	Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
Studio	J.C Staff
Premiered	2015
Episode Count	13

Apparently, gods have too much time on their hands. They love entertainment so much to the point where they restrict their divine powers so that they can interact with mortals. Each god founded a Familia, a group of mortals who are tasked with slaying monsters. An underground labyrinth filled with monsters known as the “Dungeon” is guarded by squadrons of Adventurers from different Familias. 

Our MC, Bell Cranel, is only a novice Adventurer and is often typed as someone boring. But then, the gods take a liking to this boy and eventually give him the determination to become stronger.

 

23. Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash

Information
Title	Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash
Genre	Dark Fantasy, Isekai
Studio	A-1 Pictures
Premiered	2016
Episode Count	12

Suddenly waking up and finding yourself in a place you are not familiar with is simply no joke, especially when you have no memory of what happened and Haruhiro experienced exactly that. He wakes up in an unknown building and for some reason, it looks as if he is in the medieval era. He is confused, of course, who would not be, but it comforts him when he finds out that there are other people who woke up in the same state as he did. Strangely, they catch themselves saying terms that they cannot comprehend, even though they sound familiar with it.

Afterward, they are informed that in order to survive, they must enlist in the Reserve Army to protect the town from approaching monsters. Watch as our protagonist, with his company, turns from a confused rookie into an impressive tactician.

 

22. Ben-To

Information
Title	Ben-To
Genre	Action, Comedy, Gourmet
Studio	David Production
Premiered	2011
Episode Count	12

How far will you go for food? Our MC, You Satou, suddenly finds himself in a pinch when he simply reaches out for a bento for a discount which results in a brawl. 

Yes, you read that right, a rioting brawl, over a BENTO and he learns that in a hard way. Soon after, Sen Yarizui, invites him to the Half-Priced Food Lovers Club, so that he can quickly build himself for this type of food fight.

 

21. TIGER & BUNNY

Information
Title	TIGER & BUNNY
Genre	Adventure, Comedy, Superhero
Studio	Sunrise
Premiered	2011
Episode Count	25

Do animals such as a tiger and a bunny be able to work together? While that certainly raises a question, we must first look into Sternbild City. It is a city where people use their special abilities, and as superheroes, they intend to protect the place and its civilians as much as possible. These superheroes and their activities are documented in a reality show called, “Hero TV” and they can also acquire hero points which are tabulated to become the new “King of Heroes.” Pretty cool, right? Everything is documented nowadays anyways. 

This then leads us to our own ‘tiger and bunny’ tandem. The new superhero Barnaby Brooks Jr. has a broader point of view on being a superhero than the experienced Wild Tiger, who has always liked to work alone. Again, we go back to the question: do animals such as a tiger and a bunny be able to work together?

 

20. Strike the Blood

Information
Title	Strike the Blood
Genre	Action, Supernatural
Studio	Silver LINK., Connect
Premiered	2013
Episode Count	24

Its story introduces us to Itogami Island, a man-made island just south of Japan that has turned into a monster sanctuary. Kojo Akatsuki is believed to be the Fourth Progenitor, a powerful entity who is a threat to the balance of power among the three existing progenitors despite being only a high school student.

On the other hand, Yukina Himeragi is a sword shaman sent by an anti-terrorism agency meant to neutralize him, if things go south.

 

19. Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple

Information
Title	Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple
Genre	Adventure, Comedy, Martial Arts
Studio	TMS Entertainment
Premiered	2006
Episode Count	50

We can all agree that martial arts is a fine style of fighting as it is timeless just like it comes in many forms. Our titular MC, Kenichi, has only recently shown his curiosity in martial arts when he had enough of his bullies from school. Constantly getting picked on, he is now driven by his yearning to become stronger as he later befriends the transfer student, Miu Frinji. 

He is then introduced to Ryōzanpaku, a dojo where various martial arts are taught and is led by Miu’s grandfather, Hayato Frinji. Do not be fooled by the old man though, as he is known to be the strongest man alive. It is now up to you if you want to play a part in Kenichi’s journey as you may be one to witness him as the master of arts.

 

18. Stigma of the Wind

Information
Title	Stigma of the Wind
Genre	Action, Supernatural
Studio	Gonzo
Premiered	2007
Episode Count	24

Our MC, Kazuma Kannagi has an issue with this family simply because the family blindly prefers fire over wind. Allow me to explain.

Kazuma’s family banished him for not having the ability to harness the fire technique, something that the Kannagi family is known for. Four years later, he returns to the Kannagi as a master of the wind technique as a slap to their face. Shortly after his return, someone else who uses the wind technique kills numerous members of the family and even though Kazuma is innocent, he is still the one they point fingers at. It is now up to Kazuma to clear his name while he rises through the ranks.

 

17. Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest

Information
Title	Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest
Genre	Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Studio	asread., White Fox
Premiered	2019
Episode Count	13

Hajime Nagumo is torn. Not only because he is transported into another world with his classmates where they are forced to survive, but also because they are given amazing powers for combat except him. He is only blessed with a transmutation skill. It is like an awful draw at the lottery for him. Just how can he fight off monsters with that?

Things get worse when his classmates abandon him in an underground prison crawling with monsters, leaving him for dead, another awful draw. Until he finally has the resolve to make his way past them- luck may be on his side from now on.

 

16. The Rising of the Shield Hero

Information
Title	The Rising of the Shield Hero
Genre	Dark Fantasy, Isekai
Studio	Kinema Citrus, DR Movie
Premiered	2019
Episode Count	38 – present

As the title suggests, we get to be present in the rising of our MC named, Naofumi Iwatani. But before he became the shield hero, he was into playing games and reading manga. Suddenly, he is brought into an unfamiliar world and later learns that he is one of the four heroes entrusted to save that world.

Conveniently, the four heroes are granted weapons to fight. As for Naofumi, he is equipped with only a shield, which is underappreciated (If you ask us, we are very much thankful for the shield). It becomes worse when he is also charged with treason—which he is totally innocent of. Despite the stares as if he has a big scarlet letter on him, he has decided to become the most powerful hero and save the world.

 

15. Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Information
Title	Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Genre	Dark Fantasy, Magical Girl, Psychological Thriller
Studio	Shaft
Premiered	2011
Episode Count	12

Do not let their pretty outfits and shiny glitters fool you as they really want to be a magical girl and for a good cause! It starts when Madoka Kaname meets a magical familiar who takes the body of a cat named Kyubey, everything she knew about her typical middle school life is turned upside down. 

Kyuubey then presents her with a deal: in exchange for him granting any of her wishes, she will turn into a magical girl. However, a transfer student named Homura Akemi who turns out to be an actual magical girl, warns that everything is beyond what meets the eye.

Now, this is the moment where you decide if a black cat is indeed unlucky or not.

 

14. Big Windup!

Information
Title	Big Windup!
Genre	Sports
Studio	A-1 Pictures
Premiered	2007
Episode Count	38

Here is an anime where they are not only focusing on the physical stats of the MC but also their very own personal development. Ren Mihashi has extremely low self-esteem, believing that he is the cause why his baseball team loses their games. His peers think that he only got the position of being the ace because his grandfather was the owner of the school. From then on, he moves to Nishiura High School and drops the sports that he loves the most. 

But then, some people love us enough and convince us not to give up. Momoe, the school’s baseball coach, invites Ren accordingly. There, he grows with self-assurance along with strength and support from his family-like team.

 

13. Yona of the Dawn

Information
Title	Yona of the Dawn
Genre	Adventure, Epic Fantasy, Romance
Studio	Pierrot
Premiered	2014
Episode Count	24

While the other anime often label being overpowered as a measure of their overall physical attributes, Yona of the Dawn signifies the growth of the MC herself. The story revolves around our titular character, Yona, who lives a life of luxury being the only princess of the Kingdom of Kouka until her father, the emperor, is killed. She is then forced to flee from the palace with the help of her childhood friend and bodyguard, Hak.

Soon, realization dawns upon her as she ventures in the wild to survive. With the guidance of an ancient myth of the Crimson dragon king and the four warriors, she must become strong enough to take back her kingdom and return as the rightful heir. 

 

12. Hajime No Ippo

Information
Title	Hajime No Ippo
Genre	Action, Comedy, Sports
Studio	Madhouse
Premiered	2000
Episode Count	76

Now, this is an anime where it constantly asks us a question: how does it feel to be strong? We may be able to answer that by tagging along Makunouchi Ippo as he starts out as a demure and timid boy who gets bullied in school and is eventually saved from being battered by a boxer named Takamura.

From there, he makes the first step toward his fresh passion for boxing. Along the road, he runs across several people that help him become more motivated as he often comes into the aforementioned question above, slowly and surely arriving at the answer. 

 

11. Hitman Reborn

Information
Title	Hitman Reborn
Genre	Adventure, Comedy, Supernatural
Studio	Artland
Premiered	2006
Episode Count	203

Our MC, Tsunayoshi Sawada, simply nicknamed “Tsuna” is no good in school. He fails his grades and is not fond of sports. You can see how he is called “Loser Tsuna” by his schoolmates as they believe that he is the primary epitome of clumsiness.

When Tsuna encounters the puzzling Reborn, who also happens to be a hitman- and is literally a child, his daily life takes a rather unusual turn. I mean, a kid who is also a hitman? You would be fidgeting in your spot when you hear about it.

Apparently, Reborn, who has been dispatched from the most powerful Mafia family in Italy, has been given the challenging task of getting Tsuna ready to succeed the ninth boss of the infamous Vongola family, who is about to retire. The journey in front of the boy is indeed difficult but perhaps even this loser can be victorious with the aid of this odd mentor of his and cool allies.

 

10. One Punch Man

Information
Title	One Punch Man
Genre	Action, Comedy
Studio	Madhouse, J.C Staff
Premiered	2015
Episode Count	24

This anime features our MC, Saitama, who desperately wants to live his childhood dream and become a hero as he vigorously trained himself for three long years with a price to pay: he lost all of his hair. The results are rewarding though, as he is now able to defeat any enemy with just one punch! In which, we cannot deny it, is actually REALLY IMPRESSIVE.

To Saitama, however, all has become quite bleak to him. After all, as a result of no one being able to match his prowess, he is no longer able to enjoy and experience the excitement of fighting. So, it has been decided that he sets off on a mission as a member of the Hero Association, along with newfound friends and foes, to recapture the vital essence of battle and adventure. 

 

9. Dororo

Information
Title	Dororo
Genre	Action, Dark Fantasy, Historical Fantasy
Studio	MAPPA
Premiered	2019
Episode Count	24

If someone has your treasured possessions, may it be anything that has sentimental value to you, will you be diligent to retrieve them all? It seems that no one can surpass our MC, Hyakkimaru, in terms of perseverance. 

It starts off when Daigo Kagemitsu, an arrogant and pompous samurai lord rules over a crumbling nation in ancient Japan. He makes an agreement with 12 demons in an effort to expand his territory and power. It is granted but there is a cost, his first born son is to be born without limbs, nose, eyes, ears and even skin. But because of his mother, the gods preserved the baby’s heart and he lived as Hyakkimaru.

As he grows up, all Hyakkimaru has to do is to defeat the demons that made him a sacrificial lamb and with each kill, he regains a part of himself.

 

8. Tokyo Ghoul

Information
Title	Tokyo Ghoul
Genre	Dark Fantasy, Supernatural, Thriller
Studio	Pierrot
Premiered	2014
Episode Count	12

Can I tell you a story where a mediocre college student named Ken Kaneki was able to set up a date with a girl who is TOTALLY OUT OF HIS LEAGUE? However, it turns out that his date is actually a flesh-eating monster (Yeah, literally way out of his league). But wait, it gets worse as his encounter does not end there. When she attempts to devour his flesh at the end of their date, a freak construction accident leaves them both unconscious, managing to stop the predator’s scheme. 

Then, a mysterious doctor saves Ken’s life by transferring the girl’s organs before she passes away. Hold on, it still gets worse- Ken’s recovery goes normally by far until he realizes that regular foods disgust him and learns that the scent of human flesh is horrifyingly palatable to him.

 

7. Black Clover

Information
Title	Black Clover
Genre	Adventure, Fantasy
Studio	Pierrot
Premiered	2017
Episode Count	170

In the Clover Kingdom, everyone is born with the ability to harness magic. There, we meet Asta and Yuno, who were both orphaned and left at a church. During their childhood, they have become the best of friends with a similar ambition: to become the Wizard King, the strongest mage in the kingdom.

Despite being inseparable, there is a downright difference between the two of them. Yuno is a prodigy in magic, who excels in the control of it while Asta, cannot use it at all and he physically trains to manifest it in order to make up for what he lacks.

How would you feel if you live in a world where magic is a big deal and you just do not have it, not even an ounce of it? Join Asta and Yuno with their friendly rivalry where they both seek to become the next Wizard King.

 

6. Guilty Crown

Information
Title	Guilty Crown
Genre	Action, Dystopian, Thriller
Studio	Production I.G
Premiered	2011
Episode Count	22

Ever felt immense pressure that has been weighing down your shoulders? Shu Ouma can definitely relate to that. He lives in an alternate near-future Japan that is governed by the GHQ, an organization that operates under the jurisdiction of the United Nations when a biological hazard known as the Apocalypse Virus strikes the country and causes widespread chaos in what has been known as the Lost Christmas incident.

In this instance, Shu, an ordinary (but not for long) high school student finds himself suddenly getting involved with a resistance group revolting for Japan’s independence- right after he meets Inori Yuzuriha, a vocalist. Soon enough, he unintentionally obtains the Void Genome, a potent genetic weapon that gives him the ability to take the minds of enemies who have embodied in a physical form and use them as weapons.

In this way, it is highly likely that you relate to Shu with the similarity for carrying such a heavy burden- with the Void Genome though, not sooo much.

 

5. Parasyte: The Maxim

Information
Title	Parasyte -the maxim-
Genre	Body Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller
Studio	Madhouse
Premiered	2014
Episode Count	24

Parasites are either fascinating or terrifying creatures to observe in a lab. Wait until you hear about this though, you may lean towards the latter.

The series follows Shinichi Izumi, a totally ordinary high school boy. Until one night, worm-like aliens called Parasite invade Earth and begin to enter through humans’ ears and/or nostrils to take over their brains. Shinichi, on the other hand, happens to be wearing earphones when one Parasite starts to crawl into him. Unable to find an entry, the Parasite burrows into his right hand, names itself Migi, which means “right” in Japanese, and takes over Shinichi’s whole right arm.

Surprisingly, he and Migi are able to coexist with each others’ intellect and own personalities since Shinichi was able to prevent the Parasite from going further into his brain. With this recently established relationship, they start defending themselves against other roaming Parasites that come after them. Also, did we mention that Parasites loooooove feeding on human flesh? Yes, they do and Shinichi must defeat them with Migi’s help.

 

4. Vinland Saga

Information
Title	Vinland Saga
Genre	Adventure, Historical Fiction
Studio	Wit Studio, MAPPA
Premiered	2019
Episode Count	24 – present

If you are fond of Norse stories and mythologies then this anime is definitely for you. Other than that, something goes terribly wrong (No, it’s not the Trickster God Loki’s fault- but it could easily be) as it is a revenge story that stands apart from the rest. It tells the story of a young man named Thorfinn who vows to kill the one who was behind the murder of his father, a former Jomsvikings warrior, Thors. 

Interestingly, Thorfinn does not have to shed sweat and tears to hunt down his nemesis after all. It turns out that Thorfinn is actually going on a quest alongside the man who killed his father, Askeladd in an attempt to invite him to a battle where they can finally see themselves eye to eye.

 

3. Demon Slayer

Information
Title	Demon Slayer
Genre	Adventure, Dark Fantasy, Martial Arts
Studio	Ufotable
Premiered	2019
Episode Count	44 – present

It IS imperative to include this anime in this particular list and I kid you not. It follows the simple life of Tanjiro Kamado (or is it Kamaboko Gonpachiro? Or Monjiro? Or Tontaro? Or Shakariki Gengoro? Itadaki Tontaro? Oh, you’ll know it soon enough!), whose life was peaceful until his family was attacked by demons– only he and his sister, Nezuko, survived the ambush. But the crisis does not end there, as he later learns that his beloved sister is slowly turning into a demon herself.

Despite having little to no battle sense and zero experience in combat, Tanjiro decides to become a demon slayer without any hesitation to avenge his family and to preserve his sister’s remaining humanity against the odds.

 

2. My Hero Academia

Information
Title	My Hero Academia
Genre	Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
Studio	Bones
Premiered	2016
Episode Count	113 – present

I bet that when you were a kid, you had this specific power that you WANTED SO BADLY, may it be element-bending, flight, invisibility, and/or super strength- well in this world, you MAY have it (with a little uncertainty though).

Izuku “Deku” Midoriya lives in a reality where 80% of the world population has superpowers, and they call it simply as quirk/s. Soon enough, being a hero has become an accredited profession which Deku has been dreaming of as a kid. There is a teeny tiny obstacle though- actually, it is a big deal- he is born quirkless. No powers at all, nada. 

Eventually, the #1 Hero named All Might sees Deku’s potential and scouts him as his successor, personally training him as he helps him get into the UA Academy where students who aspire to become superheroes are polished into a fine member of society. The question still remains, how will Deku fit his overwhelming dream into his small, quirkless body?

 

1. Code Geass

Information
Title	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Genre	Action, Mecha, Military
Studio	Sunrise
Premiered	2006
Episode Count	25

This anime is packed with suspense where it has underlying allusions to the real world which  has a complex and interesting narrative just like its title. The story opens with the Empire of Britannia having invaded Japan with the aid of enormous robot weaponry known as Knightmare Frames. Lelouch Lamperouge, a Britannian residing in Japan, has made a promise to destroy Britannia to his Japanese friend, Suzaku. Years later, an enigmatic girl grants Lelouch the ability to use Geass, which compels anybody to obey any command.

When all is said and done, Lelouch appears to have it all, a highly intelligent individual with a charismatic demeanor. You definitely do not want to play a game of chess with him, which is his favorite- you would have a huge gamble to bet on. With such great power, it is now up to Lelouch how he will set things into motion: either to conquer a revolution or to scheme a rebellion.

 

Conclusion

That concludes our list featuring our MCs with an unmatched fortitude! It IS fun to watch their success and dramatic improvement but you can definitely take your time in checking them out one by one. After all, they did not become awesome in just a day. Nonetheless, never be afraid to be a witness of someone’s journey as it is a part of your journey as well. We confidently end this article to a close, until next time then!