15 Best Anime With Overpowered Main Characters
The term "overpowered" takes on a foreboding connotation when applied to the lead character of any narrative. After all, delving into the tale of a protagonist who has already achieved the pinnacle of their abilities might appear uninteresting at first glance. However, the best anime with overpowered main charactersmanages to captivate their audience through the deployment of outrageous escapades or the introduction of insurmountable challenges that naturally evoke support and empathy for the heroes.
Attack On Titan
Attack On Titan: Trailer
As the highly acclaimed saga of Attack on Titan approaches its much-anticipated conclusion, the climactic events of its final season take on a harrowing significance, reshaping the essence of its characters in a truly chilling manner. The anime intricately weaves the tale of humanity's desperate struggle against the colossal and malevolent Titans, making it all the more astonishing when Eren Jaeger himself uncovers his ability to transform into one of these formidable creatures.
In this narrative, the boundaries between humanity and monstrosity progressively blur, leading to a profound sense of unease. As the story unfolds, Eren's possession of cataclysmic power becomes evident.
Through the assimilation of other Titan shifters, Eren gains access to their unique capabilities, ultimately culminating in his transformation into the formidable Founding Titan. This transformation triggers an event known as the Rumbling, propelling the world towards an impending catastrophe of unimaginable proportions.
Kakegurui
Kakegurui | Trailer [HD] | Netflix
Kakegurui thrives without resorting to physical confrontations or displays of brute strength. Instead, the power dynamics within the prestigious Hyakkaou Private Academy hinge on an intricate system centered around gambling, serving as a means to establish authority over the marginalized. Within the school's walls, a majority of students exhibit erratic tendencies, placing more value on the exhilaration of games of chance than their own personal welfare.
When Yumeko Jabami enters the realm of Hyakkaou, she is immediately immersed in the world of these meticulously rigged competitions. Remarkably, Yumeko consistently emerges victorious in every game she engages in, defying even the most stacked odds against her. It is during these high-stakes confrontations that Yumeko's larger-than-life persona truly comes to the forefront, showcasing the pinnacle of Kakegurui's storytelling prowess.
Hunter X Hunter
Hunter X Hunter Set 1- Official Extended Trailer
Hunter x Hunter often doesn't receive the same level of recognition as its counterparts in the battle shonen genre, such as Dragon Ball, Naruto, or One Piece. However, it stands out for its remarkable consistency, setting it apart as a rarity among lengthy anime by avoiding unnecessary filler content.
At the heart of the series is Gon Freecss, whose unassuming aspirations revolve around reuniting with his absent hunter father. Little does he know that this quest will immerse him in a world of perilous allies and adversaries.
Gon's youthful innocence frequently leads others to underestimate him, but his journey unfolds to reveal a character capable of achieving remarkable feats. Hunter x Hunter masterfully charts Gon's evolution into an exceptionally powerful central figure, a progression so organic that his accomplishments never come across as contrived or unjust.
Trigun
Trigun - Opening HD
The action-packed anime Trigun, which gained popularity in the '90s, showcases a protagonist who embodies both an aura of captivating coolness and unparalleled might. Vash the Stampede, a fabled outlaw and gunslinger, stands marked by an almost humorously exorbitant bounty on his head. Despite his formidable skillset, Vash's true yearning lies in the pursuit of pacifism, and he harbors a deep aversion to resorting to violence.
In moments of intense stress, Vash's suppressed inner arsenal of potent weaponry emerges, each one more cataclysmic than the last. Among these, his Angel Arms stands as the most apocalyptic force at his disposal. However, the 2023 Trigun Stampede reboot takes a novel approach to Vash's abilities.
In this revamped iteration, Vash no longer possesses the Angel Arms featured in the original series. Instead, he wields a power altogether distinct: the ability to conjure a black hole of unfathomable destructiveness, pushing the boundaries of his potency even further.
Haven't You Heard? I'm Sakamoto
【Animation】Haven't you heard I'm Sakamoto (Trailer)【English subtitles】
"Haven't You Heard? I'm Sakamoto" diverges from the norm of overpowering leads typically found in battle shonen anime, opting for uproarious comedy instead. The series ingeniously explores the notion of prowess within an innovative framework. When the enigmatic Sakamoto transfers to a new high school, he ushers in a comedic whirlwind by excelling in every conceivable aspect.
Sakamoto's uncanny perfection breeds envy among his peers, leading them to orchestrate various schemes to trip him up. However, Sakamoto consistently defies their efforts, always emerging unscathed and managing to transform erstwhile adversaries into newfound friends.
In the anime's closing episode, a semblance of explanation for Sakamoto's impeccable achievements is presented. Nonetheless, even without a definitive answer, he remains an engaging and indomitable central character, enriching the show's narrative with his unparalleled charm and invincibility.
One-Punch Man
One Punch Man Official Trailer
One-Punch Man seamlessly functions as both an exaggerated satire of the superhero and shonen genres, while simultaneously reveling in their established conventions. At the center of this amusing interplay is Saitama, a superhero whose weariness stems from his unerring ability to vanquish adversaries with a single, effortlessly delivered punch.
The show's charm lies in its adept exploration of Saitama's discontent and his quest to find a foe capable of providing him with a genuine challenge. Amidst a world inundated with superhuman feats and cataclysmic monster incursions, Saitama stands out, effortlessly surpassing even the most potent of his superpowered contemporaries. What adds an extra layer of comedic flair is Saitama's unpretentious demeanor, visually portrayed through his unassuming character design and understated costume, which makes his overwhelming might all the more amusingly incongruous.
The Disastrous Life Of Saiki K.
The Disastrous Life of Saiki k. Complete Season 1 - Official Trailer
At times, the greatest strength one can possess is the ability to savor moments of solitude and tranquility. This notion holds especially true for Saiki Kusuo, who finds solace in The Disastrous Life of Saiki K., a shonen comedic series. Saiki stands as a psychic whose abilities would rival even the renowned Charles Xavier. However, in a fascinating twist, he predominantly employs these remarkable powers to evade the limelight and sidestep any form of attention.
Unlike conventional desires for fame and wealth, Saiki Kusuo's unparalleled ESP capabilities emerge more as a burden than a privilege. The humor inherent to Saiki K. derives from the simple joys that propel its formidable central character. Through his preference for life's unpretentious pleasures, the show's comedic dynamics come to life, resulting in a unique and captivating narrative.
Dragon Ball
Dragon Ball Super: Broly Movie Trailer (English Dub Reveal) Exclusive - Comic Con 2018
Goku, the enduring protagonist of the Dragon Ball series, offers a fascinating exploration of powerscaling dynamics. Often, a formidable antagonist emerges who surpasses Goku in power. Nevertheless, it's through unyielding determination and an unbreakable spirit that Goku consistently shatters his own limits, accessing previously unattainable levels of strength.
Goku's journey spans from his days as a remarkably gifted, overpowered child to his maturation into an adult who has ascended even beyond the realms of deities in Dragon Ball Super. Regardless of the instances where Goku finds himself outmatched in terms of power, there remains an unwavering assurance - not solely from others, but also from Goku himself - that he will invariably rise to the occasion, defying all odds and securing victory.
Sword Art Online (Kazuto “Kirito” Kirigaya)
Sword Art Online - Official Trailer
Sword Art Online occupies a polarizing space within its reputation, yet it stands as a definitive MMORPG isekai anime of its era. The series adheres to the quintessential dichotomy of good versus evil in the context of a virtual fantasy realm, offering a narrative that might seem conventionally structured. However, its distinguishing feature arises from the protagonist, Kazuto Kirigaya, better known by his virtual persona, "Kirito."
Through unwavering dedication, Kirito has forged a formidable path, ascending to levels of expertise that render him virtually unrecognizable in the virtual world of Sword Art Online. His dominance reaches such an extent that he effortlessly outstrips the capabilities of other denizens within the realm.
The anime, being set within a virtual MMORPG, ingeniously navigates the trope of overpowering main characters often found in such settings. In doing so, Sword Art Online employs this trope to create a delightful and intriguing subversion, adding a layer of playfulness to its narrative fabric.
Code Geass (Lelouch Lamperouge)
Code Geass English Trailer
Code Geass emerges as a meticulously calculated mecha anime, unfolding akin to a high-stakes game of chess, rather than a conventional struggle for liberty. The series introduces Lelouch Lamperouge, an extraordinarily distinct central figure who deftly straddles the line between protagonist and anti-hero, particularly as he becomes increasingly entangled in his newly acquired "power of absolute obedience."
Lelouch adeptly wields his mesmerizing capacity to command, instigating a rebellion against the formidable Britannian Empire through his mecha army. Unlike the typical narrative where the protagonist's abilities are questioned, Code Geass opts to immerse the audience in the certainty of Lelouch's influence.
Instead, it expertly cultivates suspense by posing the question of whether Lelouch will succumb to the allure of power, potentially losing himself in the process. This nuanced exploration of his character and the potential corruption adds an intriguing layer to the series' tapestry of suspense and tension.
Mob Psycho 100 (Shigeo "Mob" Kageyama)
Mob Psycho 100 Trailer
In Mob Psycho 100, Shigeo Kageyama, affectionately known as Mob, stands as a captivating enigma due to his conscious efforts to sidestep the extensive potential of his extraordinary abilities. As a natural esper, Mob boasts psychic talents that possess the capability to wreak havoc on a global scale if unleashed to their fullest extent.
Despite this prodigious prowess, Mob resolutely endeavors to suppress his psychic inclinations. The narrative employs a recurring counter, providing the audience with insight into the level of Mob's unleashed psychic potential when he becomes enraged.
Across three seasons, the overpowered nature of the protagonist takes center stage, propelling viewers through a remarkable journey. Through this, the series thoughtfully deconstructs Mob's intricate relationship with his unparalleled power, delving into the nuanced nuances of his journey.
The God Of High School (Jin Mori)
The God of High School | WEBTOON
Enthusiastic fans of The God of High School anime are presently limited to a solitary season showcasing Jin Mori's exceptional martial prowess. However, those who have delved into the source material manhwa have borne witness to Jin Mori's transcendent evolution, wherein he claims his rightful mantle as Sun Wukong, the Supreme God. In the anime's outset, Jin Mori is introduced as an effervescent teenager, blissfully unaware of the profound legacy of power that courses through his being.
Even within this pristine state of existence, Jin Mori decisively dismantles his competitors in the titular God of High School tournament, firmly establishing himself as a contender crafted from sterner, mightier qualities. A tangible sense of inevitability lingers, foretelling Jin Mori's destined path toward eminence and his ultimate ascent to victory.
My Hero Academia (Izuku Midoriya)
My Hero Academia - Season 1 - English Trailer [HD]
In My Hero Academia, Izuku Midoriya boldly declares from the very first episode that the narrative will chronicle his path to becoming the world's preeminent hero. The inception of Midoriya's journey portrays him as a Quirkless child, brimming with potential yet having much to discover. Over time, he undergoes a remarkable transformation, emerging as the successor to All Might and the bearer of the revered One For All Quirk.
Midoriya's innate strength is an ever-present anchor, manifesting when needed most. As the series progresses into its sixth season, Midoriya attains a newfound level of capability by tapping into the Quirks of the ancestral One For All vestiges. This evolution propels him to a juncture where he adeptly cycles through an array of diverse powers, adroitly adapting to any given situation that arises.
Black Clover (Asta)
Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King | Official Trailer | Netflix
Black Clover embarks on a gradual journey to discover its identity, ultimately blossoming into a riveting fusion of shonen and fantasy genres across its 170 episodes. A parallel ascent to greatness is also perceptible in the show's central character, Asta, whose initial portrayal presents a formidable challenge due to his overwhelming intensity.
Within Black Clover's fantastical realm, the majority of warriors wield diverse forms of magic. Asta, however, distinguishes himself as an exceptional entity through his possession of anti-magic, a trait surpassing the scope of all other encountered magical abilities. This anti-magic endowment endows Asta with a distinctiveness that sets him apart, a fact further accentuated by its innate supremacy over conventional magical practices.
Notably, Asta's journey is graced with the prospect of mastering this potentially cataclysmic power. As he navigates the intricacies of perfecting this exceptional skill, a looming sense of world-altering potential hovers, mirroring the astonishing evolution of both character and narrative that defines Black Clover's captivating narrative arc.
Overlord (Ainz Ooal Gown)
Overlord - Trailer
In the self-aware isekai MMORPG anime Overlord, Ainz Ooal Gown reigns as a figure of such overwhelming might that it approaches the realm of satire. Within the dominion of Overlord, Ainz stands as the ultimate authority, commanding a vast arsenal of capabilities that includes the summoning of angels and demons, coupled with an inexhaustible array of elemental skills.
While an ordinary Level 100 player would be well-versed in 300 spells - a substantial repertoire by any measure - Ainz's mastery of "Dark Wisdom" enables him to transcend these confines, raising his spell count to an astounding 718. This extravagant accumulation of spells serves as a testament to his unparalleled power, establishing a sense of invincibility that underscores the seemingly insurmountable challenge of facing this indomitable force.
Conclusion
The best anime with overpowered main characters gives viewers a peek into a world where the distinction between human and superhuman talents is hazy, where powers defy limitations, and where epic-scale struggles are played out. These tales ring true as a testament to our fascination with the remarkable and serve as a timely reminder that despite overwhelming power, it is character nuance, character development, and the subtle nuances of their journeys that truly capture our hearts and minds.
