Stories about the underdog are rarely met with disdain. Anime, in particular, excels at portraying this narrative, often featuring characters who begin as unassuming or even pitiful, only to later demonstrate extraordinary abilities.
Underdog tales usually don’t get people mad. Anime does a great job of telling these stories, presenting characters who start out weak but end up incredibly strong.
These transformations capture us deeply because they touch upon our longings to surpass obstacles and attain greatness, even when it seems unlikely. Discovering resilience within vulnerability is the essence of human spirit, yet amplified, it becomes an exhilarating burst of dopamine.
In the world of anime, some series skillfully blend a compelling journey of character growth with an engaging power progression. These stories feature protagonists that don’t only become stronger but also wiser, more confident, and discover their true purpose.
8. My Hero Academia
Born Powerless in a Super World
In a world where nearly everyone has extraordinary talents known as “Quirks,” Izuku Midoriya was born without any special abilities. Yet he never gave up on his ambition to become a hero, much like his idol All Might. He diligently observed other heroes and their unique skills from afar.
In a world where 8 out of 10 people have extraordinary powers called “Quirks,” Izuku Midoriya was the unlucky one who was born without any abilities at all. Still, he never let this significant disadvantage deter him from his dream of becoming a hero, just like All Might. He spent his time closely watching other heroes and their unique skills.
The dynamics shift significantly when Deku’s heroic essence is recognized by All Might, leading him to bestow upon Deku the incredibly potent Quirk known as One For All. At first, Deku struggles to manage this immense ability, causing his own bones to fracture whenever he unleashes it.
Over time, he undergoes rigorous training that’s tough on the spirit, receives guidance from experienced heroes, and engages in numerous fights against evil forces. Gradually, he gains control over growing portions of his power.
Essentially, Deku transitions from a timid, powerless child who merely jotted down hero stories, to being among the most powerful students at UA High.
7. Solo Leveling
The World’s Weakest Hunter
Initially, Sung Jinwoo is at the very depths of the hunter community, with an E-rank barely sufficient for navigating the simplest dungeons. Struggling to make ends meet by taking on perilous tasks that offer meager returns, he’s derisively known as “the weakest hunter in the world” by his fellow hunters who view him as a burden rather than an asset.
Following an almost fatal encounter within a puzzling pair of dungeons, Jinwoo is granted an unprecedented chance to transform into a Player, equipped with a user-friendly interface similar to a game, enabling him to advance levels by completing tasks and slaying monsters.
As I level up, I’m not just getting better; I’m rapidly amplifying my power by grinding, and smartly using my game’s system. Eventually, I even learn to summon a phalanx of shadow soldiers from the foes I’ve overpowered.
Witnessing him systematically progress from battling minor adversaries to overpowering national-scale threats, all while retaining the resilient spirit that saw him through his toughest times, is quite an exhilarating spectacle worth experiencing.
6. Black Clover
Magic-less in a Kingdom of Mages
In a realm where magic reigns supreme, Asta was born devoid of any innate magical abilities. Unlike his peers who naturally conjure magical powers, he remains unable to ignite even the faintest ember of magic.
In spite of what appears to be an overwhelming obstacle, Asta manages to overcome it by means of intense physical exercise, doing countless push-ups every day, all while keeping his ambition alive: to one day attain the title of Wizard King.
His luck transforms when he obtains an ancient book, known as a five-leaf clover grimoire, which holds Anti-Magic swords. At first glance, these seem worthless, but they unexpectedly possess a unique power particularly effective in his magic-drenched surroundings.
Over time, Asta honed his skills by rigorous sword-wielding practice and numerous fights as a member of the Black Bulls, eventually becoming proficient in harnessing his extraordinary, demonic abilities.
5. Naruto
The Village Outcast
Initially, Naruto Uzumaki is portrayed as a mischievous orphan who faces rejection from the entire village due to unintentionally harboring the Nine-Tailed Fox demon that previously wreaked havoc on their settlement. Academically, he’s at the bottom of his class and finds it challenging to grasp even fundamental ninja skills. However, Naruto makes up for this with an indomitable spirit and his iconic phrase: “I won’t ever quit! You can count on that!” (dattebayo).
Naruto initially relies on the Shadow Clone Jutsu and careful chakra management for his development. This growth is fostered through intense training under mentors like Jiraiya, as well as by creating strong connections with his teammates. Over time, he also learns to tame and utilize the enormous power of the Nine-Tails.
His fierce competition with the inherently talented Sasuke motivates him to create techniques such as the Rasengan and, in time, achieve the mastery of Sage Mode.
4. Gurren Lagann
The Digger Who Pierced the Heavens
As a shy tunnel-dweller residing in an underground community, I find myself overshadowed by my charismatic “blood brother” Kamina who consistently motivates me to embrace my inner strength. With scant confidence and seemingly destined only for excavation tasks, I initially lean heavily on Kamina for guidance and bravery.
In a significant turn of events, Simon uncovers the Core Drill and the compact mech known as Lagann buried beneath the ground. Following the startling demise of Kamina, Simon descends into a profound melancholy. Yet, he eventually rises up from his sorrow, displaying a renewed determination and leadership skills.
He becomes adept at wielding Spiral Power, a force that embodies the energy of evolution and the indomitable will to fight, in order to operate progressively stronger mechanical suits as he faces intensifying dangers.
3. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
From Lowest Monster to Demon Lord
Following his demise in our realm, Satoru Mikami is reborn as a slime, which is known as one of the weakest creatures in its new fantasy world. At first sight, he appears to be on track for an unremarkable life, given his initial state of blindness, deafness, and limited ability to absorb items, all while residing in a potentially perilous environment.
As a fan, I’d rephrase that as follows: When he acquires the exceptional talents known as “Predator” and “Great Sage,” my character is granted an extraordinary ability to dissect and adopt the skills of whatever he devours.
Following the friendship with the mighty dragon Veldora, Rimuru swiftly amasses an array of remarkable abilities as he constructs a nation anew by employing shrewd diplomacy and logical reasoning.
2. The Rising of the Shield Hero
From Hero to Villain and Back
Called to another realm as the Shield Hero, Naofumi Iwatani encounters an initial catastrophic event when his ally deceives him, fraudulently charges him with misconduct, and swipes all of his belongings.
Without wealth, companionship, or a bride, and lacking the ability to defend himself with weapons, he grew resentful and mistrusting, earning contempt across the entire realm.
Or, more colloquially:
With no money, friends, or wife, and unable to fight back, he became sour-tempered and suspicious while being looked down upon everywhere in the kingdom.
Under necessity, Naofumi honed his skills in unusual methods, particularly focusing on defensive tactics, craftsmanship, and alchemy. He also developed a strong bond with his unconventional allies, such as Raphtalia and Filo.
He unveils multiple defensive forms, each boasting unique powers, ultimately conquering the formidable Cursed Series, driven by his fury and indignation.
1. Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest
Class Weakling to Dimensional Terror
1st Version: Hajime Nagumo, a high school student, finds himself transported into a magical realm alongside his peers. However, unlike his friends who have been granted formidable combat abilities, he is given the relatively feeble “Synergist” transmutation skill. Already ostracized and tormented, his life takes a turn for the worse when one of his classmates, driven by envy, betrays him, leading to Hajime falling into a chasm teeming with monsters.
2nd Version: High schooler Hajime Nagumo steps into a mystical world alongside his classmates, but instead of the powerful combat skills they’ve received, he gets the rather modest “Synergist” transmutation ability. Being a social outcast and frequent target of bullying, things go from bad to worse when a malicious classmate’s deceit results in Hajime tumbling into a pit filled with monstrous creatures.
3rd Version: High school student Hajime Nagumo gets swept up into a fantastical world together with his schoolmates. Unlike them, who are bestowed with mighty battle skills, he is left with the unimpressive “Synergist” transmutation power. Already shunned and mistreated, his life spirals downward when a vindictive classmate’s treachery causes him to plummet into a pit inhabited by terrifying beasts.
4th Version: Hajime Nagumo, a high school student, is transported to a magical realm along with his peers. Unlike them who have been blessed with potent combat abilities, he gets the underwhelming “Synergist” transmutation skill. Already marginalized and bullied, things take a turn for the worse when a spiteful classmate’s deceit leads him to stumble into a chasm inhabited by grotesque monsters.
5th Version: In a fantasy world, high school student Hajime Nagumo joins his classmates. Unlike them who gain powerful fighting skills, he receives the insignificant “Synergist” transmutation skill. Already victimized and isolated, his life takes a turn for the worse when an envious classmate’s betrayal results in him falling into a pit filled with monstrous creatures.
6th Version: Hajime Nagumo, a high school student, finds himself in a magical realm alongside his peers. Unlike them who are granted powerful combat skills, he is saddled with the unremarkable “Synergist” transmutation ability. Already ostracized and tormented, things take a turn for the worse when a malicious classmate’s deceit leads him to plunge into a chasm filled with hideous monsters.
7th Version: Hajime Nagumo, a high school student, enters a magical world alongside his peers. Unlike them who are given impressive battle skills, he is left with the mediocre “Synergist” transmutation skill. Already mistreated and bullied, things take a turn for the worse when an envious classmate’s betrayal results in him tumbling into a pit filled with monstrous creatures.
8th Version: Hajime Nagumo, a high school student, is whisked away to a magical world together with his peers. Unlike them who are gifted with powerful combat abilities, he is given the middling “Synergist” transmutation skill. Already marginalized and tormented, things take a turn for the worse when a vindictive classmate’s deceit leads him to stumble into a chasm inhabited by grotesque monsters.
9th Version: High school student Hajime Nagumo is transported into a magical realm along with his peers. However, unlike them who are given powerful battle skills, he receives the unimpressive “Synergist” transmutation skill. Already shunned and victimized, things take a turn for the worse when an envious classmate’s betrayal causes him to plummet into a pit filled with monstrous creatures.
10th Version: Hajime Nagumo, a high school student, is transported into a fantastical world together with his peers. Unlike them who are given impressive combat skills, he receives the unremarkable “Synergist” transmutation skill. Already ostracized and tormented, things take a turn for the worse when a malicious classmate’s deceit leads him to tumble into a chasm filled with monstrous creatures.
In a life-threatening situation where he almost perished and lost an arm, Hajime adopts a harsh demeanor to survive at all costs, which involves devouring monsters for their powerful traits. This gruesome journey metamorphoses him from the school’s weakest link into a white-haired, fiery-eyed gunslinger with extraordinary abilities and an unforgiving mindset.
With vampire princess Yue and later more companions by his side, Hajime ultimately evolves from a vulnerable figure into the sole source of hope in a world dominated by unfair power dynamics.
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2025-04-17 14:10