If there’s one thing anime is well-known for, it’s overpowered protagonists. This time-old trend has been around since anime’s earliest beginnings, and it’s only become more prominent as the years have gone by. The shonen demographic especially is famous for starring young, enthusiastic heroes with powers far beyond comprehension.
Anime fans often have mixed feelings when it comes to overpowered main heroes. But while not all of these larger-than-life characters are appreciated, some have gone down in history as the best of all time. Even with their godlike strength and abilities, the best overpowered protagonists still manage to feel relatable, capturing fans’ hearts with their charm, personality, and compelling stories.
10 Best Goku Fights in the Dragon Ball Z Movies, Ranked
50 Strongest Anime Characters Of All Time, Ranked
Anime is full of strong characters, but some – like Goku, All Might, and Luffy – stand out as some of the most powerful anime characters.
10Azusa Aizawa Becomes Virtually Invincible After Killing Weak Slime Monsters For Hundreds Of Years
I’ve Been Killing Slimes For 300 Years & Maxed Out My Level
Special Abilities:
Immortality
Magic Mastery
Superhuman Strength/Durability/Reflexes
Just as the title suggests, I’ve Been Killing Slimes‘ Azusa Aizawa gained her incredible strength all thanks to killing harmless slime monsters over the course of several hundred years. After literally working herself to death in her first life, Azusa decides to spend her new immortal life living in peace and tranquility, tending to her small farm and killing a few slimes here and there. But after 300 years of this, she soon discovers she’s become stronger than anyone else.
What makes Azusa such a great protagonist is that despite her immense power, she’s still bound and determined to live a carefree and happy life in the countryside. While most overpowered heroes use their abilities to fight evil, go on perilous quests, and save the day, Azusa just wants to enjoy herself with her friends. Her overpowered status is merely the icing on the cake, as far as she’s concerned.
I’ve Been Killing Slimes For 300 Years And Maxed Out My Level
TV-14ComedyActionAdventure
Azusa Aizawa, a 27 years old woman, died on work site due to overworking. She has the possibility to reincarnate, and so she plans to live a chilling and calm life. But will she be able to be relaxed?
Release DateApril 10, 2021CastSayaka Senbongi , Azumi Waki , Yukari Tamura , Skyler Davenport , Tara Sands , Cristina ValenzuelaMain GenreAnimeSeasons1StudioRevorootCreatorKisetsu MoritaNumber of Episodes129Kusuo Saiki Just Wants To Live An Average Life, Despite His Abilities
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.
Special Abilities:
Telekinesis
Clairvoyance
Astral Projection
2:15
20 Best Anime With An Overpowered Main Character
Some satisfying anime feature exciting and OP main characters, like Vash from Trigun, Mob from Mob Psycho 100, and Saiki Kusuo from Saiki K.
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. is a beloved gag comedy series that parodies popular shonen tropes, most notably the concept of an all-power protagonist with an arsenal of abilities at their disposal. The series follows the everyday adventures of titular hero Kusuo Saiki, a high school student gifted with extraordinary psychic abilities. But while there’s almost nothing he can’t do, Saiki just wants to live a normal life without the hassle of special powers.
Completely uninterested in using his power to gain fame or notoriety of any kind, Saiki normally only uses his incredible abilities to avoid the spotlight, often with hilarious results. He could have it all if he really wanted, but instead, he’d rather experience a quiet life in the background. Saiki’s story is a refreshing take on the overpowered protagonist trope, and his humble character makes him both relatable and charming.
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.
TV-14FantasyComedy
Saiki Kusuo is a powerful psychic who hates attracting attention, yet he is surrounded by colorful characters who always find a way to remove him from his everyday life.
Release DateJuly 4, 2016CastHiroshi Kamiya , Daisuke Ono , Nobunaga ShimazakiMain GenreAnimationSeasons3 SeasonsStudioJ.C. StaffCreatorMichiko YokoteProducerSayako Matsumura, Takashi Umemoto, Tomoya NegishiProduction CompanyShogakukanNumber of Episodes146 Episodes8Sung Jin-Woo Finds A Way To Level Up His Strength
Solo Leveling
Special Abilities:
Shadow Extraction
Stealth
Bloodlust
Like many other overpowered protagonists in anime, Solo Leveling‘s Sung Jin-woo doesn’t start out strong. In fact, he’s an E-rank hunter, viewed by his peers as the weakest among them. But while he begins as an underdog, he quickly becomes the strong hunter of all time. After a near-death experience, Jin-woo gains a mysterious ability that allows him to “level up” his strength. In doing so, he rises through the ranks and soon becomes a formidable warrior.
Even when he’s weak, Jin-woo shows an amazing amount of courage. Though he’s got little to no power at the start, he still enters dungeons and takes on missions, knowing full well that he could die in the process. His persistence and bravery eventually pay off in the best way possible, as Jin-woo soon finds himself in command of an unstoppable legion of undead hunters. With unspeakable power at his fingertips, not even death can defeat him now.
Solo Leveling
AnimeActionAdventure810
In a world of gifted hunters and monsters, a weak hunter Sung Jin-Woo gains extraordinary powers through a mysterious program, leading him to become one of the strongest hunters and conquering even the strongest dungeons.
Release DateJanuary 7, 2024CastAleks Le , Taito BanMain GenreActionSeasons1StudioA-1 PicturesCreatorChugongWritersNoboru KimuraStreaming Service(s)Crunchyroll7Shigeo Kageyama’s Psychic Powers Make Him A Force To Be Reckoned With
Mob Psycho 100
Special Abilities:
Telekinesis
Astral Projection
Mind Control Resistance
In Mob Psycho 100, titular protagonist Shigeo — otherwise known as Mob — appears unassuming and even weak at first glance. However, he’s actually got some of the most impressive psychic powers anyone has ever seen. His abilities are so great that he sees them as more of a danger than anything, often opting to suppress them any chance he gets.
From telekinesis to telepathy to astral projection, Mob can do it all. But unlike most overpowered heroes who love to flaunt their stuff, he normally keeps these abilities on the down low. That isn’t to say he never uses them, though. When trouble shows up, he’ll rise to the occasion and use his powers to protect those around him. Shy, socially awkward, and unendingly kind, Shigeo Kageyama is adored by fans not only for his strength but also for his endearing personality.
Mob Psycho 100
TV-14Action
A psychic middle school boy tries to live a normal life and keep his growing powers under control, even though he constantly gets into trouble.
Release DateJuly 12, 2016Creator(s)ONECastKyle McCarley , Jason Liebrecht , Chris Niosi , Michael Sorich , Max Mittelman , Erik Scott , Kimerer , Casey Mongillo , Cherami LeighMain GenreActionSeasons3StudioBonesCreatorOneWritersHiroshi SekoNumber of Episodes37 + 2 OVAsStreaming Service(s)CrunchyrollFranchise(s)Mob Psycho 100DirectorsYuzuru Tachikawa , Takahiro Hasui6Frieren Has Been A Powerful Mage For Over A Thousand Years
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Special Abilities:
Magic Mastery
Mana Concealing
High Intellect
Most overpowered anime protagonists build their strength over time throughout their series. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End subverts this theme by introducing a protagonist who has already gained incredible power and defeated the main villain. Titular heroine Frieren is one of the strongest mages in the world, having studied magic for over a thousand years. As an elf, she has an exceptionally long life, which has given her the opportunity to gain more knowledge and power than just about anyone.
Though Frieren’s abilities are amazing, what truly makes her such a beloved protagonist is her compelling story. Far from the typical overpowered hero, Frieren has already achieved greatness and has the experience to prove it. Thus, the series focuses on her inner thoughts and feelings instead, following her as she journeys to learn more about humans and appreciate those around her.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
TV-14AnimeAdventureDrama
An elf and her friends defeat a demon king in a great war. But the war is over, and the elf must search for a new way of life.
Release DateSeptember 29, 2023CastAtsumi Tanezaki , Kana Ichinose , Mallorie Rodak , Jill HarrisMain GenreAnimeSeasons1CreatorTsukasa Abe, Kanehito YamadaProduction CompanyAniplex, Dentsu, Madhouse, Shogakukan, TOHO animation, Toho5Rimuru Tempest Uses His Newfound Form To His Advantage
That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime
Special Abilities:
Regeneration
Mimicry
Shapeshifting
25 Most Powerful Isekai Anime Characters, Ranked
Isekai characters like Dr. Stone’s Senku Ishigami and SAO’s Kirito are extremely overpowered, making them fearsome forces in their new worlds.
With its silly yet straightforward title, viewers know exactly what they’re in for with That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. The series stars an overworked office employee who meets an untimely demise, only to be reborn in a magical world as a slime monster. In most cases, slimes are the bottom of the barrel when it comes to power, but not for Rimuru Tempest. He uses his powers of mimicry and absorption to his advantage, gaining new abilities through each defeated foe.
Along with this simple yet useful skill, Rimuru proves to be a master at befriending powerful allies. Through charm and charisma, Rimuru gains a slew of loyal friends and subjects who aid him on his quest and only further his ever-growing power. Exhibiting some of the very best traits of the classic OP hero, Rimuru is adored by fans for his strength, resourcefulness, and genuine personality.
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
TV-PGAction-Adventure
Average 37-year-old Minami Satoru dies and is reincarnated as the most unremarkable creature imaginable-a slime.
Release DateOctober 2, 2018CastMiho Okasaki , Megumi Toyoguchi , Mao Ichimichi , Makoto FurukawaMain GenreAnimeSeasons2StudioEight BitCreatorFuseSequelThe Slime DiariesNumber of Episodes484Saitama Can Take Out An Enemy With Just One Hit
One-Punch Man
Special Abilities:
Serious Punch
Enhanced Leap
Shockwave Generation
Much like Mob Psycho 100, ONE’s One-Punch Man is a satire series that pokes fun at the typical tropes found within the shonen genre. Similarly, series protagonist Saitama is a parody of the demographic’s well-known overpowered heroes. After enduring three grueling years of training to become a hero, Saitama finds he’s stronger than anyone else. In fact, he’s so strong that he can take out any opponent in only one hit. Unfortunately for him, this takes all the fun out of being a hero, so now it’s more or less become a chore.
Saitama may be a caricature of an overused archetype, but that doesn’t make him any less amazing. In fact, he’s become one of the greatest OP protagonists in all of anime. Fans fell in love with his refreshing take on the all-powerful hero story. While he still blows audiences away with his incredible strength, his nonchalant attitude to each battle is nothing short of hilarious and makes for a fun twist.
One-Punch Man (2015)
TV-PGAnimeActionComedy
The story of Saitama, a hero that does it just for fun & can defeat his enemies with a single punch.
Release DateOctober 5, 2015CastMakoto Furukawa , Kaito Ishikawa , Max Mittelman , Zach Aguilar , Hiromichi Tezuka , Robbie Daymond , Kyle Hebert , Shôta YamamotoMain GenreAnimeSeasons23Luffy Earned His Strength Through Years Of Rigorous Training
One Piece
Special Abilities:
Gum-Gum Powers
Gear Techniques
Haki
Though Monkey D. Luffy is an iconic powerhouse of anime today, he didn’t start out that way. While he’s always been strong, at the start of One Piece, his power pales in comparison to what it is now. Throughout the series Luffy has undergone intense training as he’s developed his Gear technique, with mind blowing results. Thanks to his hard work and dedication, he’s gone from a strong protagonist to an unstoppable force that can easily match some of anime’s greatest heroes in sheer power.
Luffy’s transformation over the years has kept fans hyped and begging for more, taking this simple pirate adventure story to the next level with some of the medium’s most thrilling fights. But what really makes Luffy such a wonderful protagonist isn’t his power, impressive as it is. At the end of the day, One Piece fans love this quirky hero for his kind heart and fun-loving nature.
One Piece (1999)
TV-14AnimationActionAdventure
Follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew in order to find the greatest treasure ever left by the legendary Pirate, Gold Roger. The famous mystery treasure named “One Piece”.
Release DateOctober 20, 1999Creator(s)Eiichiro OdaCastMayumi Tanaka , Akemi Okamura , Laurent Vernin , Tony Beck , Kazuya NakaiMain GenreAnimationSeasons1StudioToei AnimationCreatorEiichirô OdaProduction CompanyToei AnimationNumber of Episodes1K+Streaming Service(s)Crunchyroll , Hulu , Funimation , Adult Swim , Pluto TV , Netflix2Naruto Uzumaki Goes From A Scrappy Underdog To The World’s Greatest Shinobi
Naruto
.jpg)
Special Abilities:
Shadow Clone Jutsu
Rasengan
Nine-Tails Chakra
Every Jinchuriki Form Naruto Mastered, In Order of Appearance
As a Jinchuriki, Naruto has the power of a Tailed Beast. The Nine-Tails has several phases, and Naruto completes many modes throughout his journey.
There have been plenty of underdog stories throughout anime, but few are quite a famous as Naruto. Arguably one of shonen’s greatest titles, this beloved series follows the titular hero as he claws his way to the top and becomes the finest ninja the world has ever seen. When Naruto begins his journey, he starts out with practically nothing — no natural talent, no connections, and no formal training. However, this doesn’t stop him from giving it his all and fighting to achieve his dream of becoming Hokage.
As the series progresses, Naruto discovers more about himself and begins to tap into his Jinchuriki chakra. This allows him to unlock powers most could only dream of. Once he refines his power with discipline and training, Naruto quickly becomes one of the world’s strongest shinobi. To fans, his journey is an inspiration that reminds everyone to never give up and that hard work and determination really can pay off.
Naruto
Naruto Uzumaki, a mischievous adolescent ninja, struggles as he searches for recognition and dreams of becoming the Hokage, the village’s leader and strongest ninja.
Created byMasashi KishimotoFirst FilmNaruto the Movie: Ninja Clash In the Land of SnowLatest FilmBoruto: Naruto the MovieFirst TV ShowNarutoLatest TV ShowBorutoFirst Episode Air DateSeptember 21, 1999CastJunko Takeuchi , Maile Flanagan , Noriaki Sugiyama , Yuri Lowenthal , Chie Nakamura , Kazuhiko Inoue , Dave WittenbergSpin-offsBorutoTV Show(s)Naruto , Naruto: ShippudenVideo Game(s)Naruto Ninja Council 3 , Naruto: Rise Of A Ninja , Naruto: Path Of The Ninja , Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm , Naruto x Boruto: Ninja Voltage , Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja ImpactManga Release DateAugust 6, 2003Manga Volumes72GenreShonen , Anime , Manga , Action-Adventure1Goku Displays Almost Limitless Power That Few Can Match
Dragon Ball
Special Abilities:
Kamehameha
Spirit Bomb
Dragon Fist
The Dragon Ball franchise is full of larger-than-life heroes and villains alike, each with their own set of godlike powers. However, there’s no denying that protagonist Son Goku is the strongest — and most iconic — of them all. With strength that outclasses even the most formidable foes, Goku is the very epitome of an overpowered protagonist. He’s so strong that anime fans have debated for decades over which characters could defeat him, or if any are even capable of such a feat.
Though it’s hard to believe, Goku didn’t start out as the strongest Saiyan in the story. In fact, he was actually a bit of an underdog at the start. However, through years of dedicated training, he’s perfected his craft and powered up more than any other character out there. As a result, he’s reached legendary levels of strength and power that fans simply can’t get enough of. Dragon Ball fans love Goku for his seemingly endless power and his impressive triumphs throughout the franchise.
