8 Anime MCs Better Than Luffy

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I’m a huge fan of Monkey D. Luffy, the main character in One Piece! He’s always right in the thick of things, you know? Every story arc revolves around him, and it’s awesome to watch him take on new villains to protect people. Plus, he’s constantly getting stronger – it’s so satisfying to see him level up and overcome challenges!

Luffy is a fantastic and compelling main character, often considered a perfect protagonist. However, several other anime leads are just as strong, and some might even be better. Here’s a look at those characters who rival or surpass Monkey D. Luffy.

The post contains spoilers for various anime.

8. Naruto Uzumaki

Naruto Uzumaki is the main character in Masashi Kishimoto’s popular anime, Naruto. Even though the series finished a while ago, Naruto remains incredibly popular with fans. Many viewers connect with him because he overcame significant challenges and never gave up.

Even though Naruto grew up in a world that valued strength, he showed that peace could be achieved through communication. He always tried to talk things out with his opponents, hoping to find a solution before fighting. This approach, combined with his abilities, makes him a more compelling main character than Luffy.

7. Frieren

Image via Madhouse.

Frieren is the main character in Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. Being an elf, she outlives humans, and her extensive travels have made her incredibly skilled. She’s a master of magic, capable of both powerful demon-slaying spells and more lighthearted tricks, like seeing through clothing.

Frieren stands out from characters like Luffy because of her perspective, shaped by over a thousand years of experience. This long life has given her a deep understanding of the world, allowing her to consistently make sound choices. Beyond that, Frieren simply possesses a greater natural talent than Luffy.

6. Guts

Image via Dark Horse.

Guts is a hugely popular anime character known for his incredible strength and resilience. Living in a monster-filled world, he’s fought tirelessly to stay alive. He spent years training with the legendary Dragon Slayer sword, which allowed him to become a powerful warrior capable of defeating any foe.

Guts is renowned for his incredible strength, but his personal development is equally impressive. Despite facing immense hardship, he persevered and never lost hope. His story is truly inspiring, showing us that even in the darkest times, things can improve.

5. Edward Elric

Image via studio Bones.

Edward Elric is the central figure in Fullmetal Alchemist, a highly praised anime series. Following their mother’s death, Edward and his brother Alphonse attempted a dangerous act with lasting consequences. As the older brother, Edward took on the majority of the responsibility and hardship.

Edward Elric is a more strategic fighter than Luffy, consistently using his intelligence to win battles. Unlike Luffy, he doesn’t need to rely on temporary power boosts to defeat his opponents.

4. Sakata Gintoki

Many fans consider Sakata Gintoki to be one of the greatest protagonists ever created. Even after watching only a little of Gintama, it’s clear he’s far from a typical hero. While he’s certainly powerful, that isn’t the main reason he’s such a compelling main character.

Gintoki is a more mature hero compared to many young protagonists. He’s unpredictable – one moment he’s acting silly, and the next he’s offering surprisingly insightful advice. He’s a good speaker, and his guidance is usually solid.

3. Thorfinn

It’s hard to make a character like Thorfinn memorable when so many stories focus on powerful heroes, but he manages to do just that. For a long time, Thorfinn was consumed by a desire for revenge after his father’s death, and this obsession overshadowed everything else. When he finally lost his chance to avenge his father, his world fell apart.

Thorfinn made a positive change by leaving behind his violent past. His story shows us that there are better solutions than fighting.

2. Onizuka

Onizuka remains a popular character long after his anime finished airing. What makes him so beloved isn’t any special power, but his incredible determination and refusal to give up.

Because he was once an outcast himself, Onizuka understands what it’s like to struggle and feels empathy for others facing similar hardships. He consistently uses his experiences to help people conquer their personal challenges throughout the series.

1. Jotaro Kujo

Jotaro Kujo is one of the few characters in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure to show up in more than one story. However, the Jotaro we see in Part 3 isn’t very complex – he’s a fairly straightforward character, so he doesn’t really stand out as a well-developed one.

Jotaro developed into a more well-rounded character as the story progressed. He became kinder and more willing to help others. Notably, in the sixth part of the series, we see a softer side of Jotaro as a father, adding depth to his personality.

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2026-01-23 21:43