In the realm of anime, there is a captivating narrative archetype that has spellbound viewers for years – anime where weak MC becomes strong by defying the odds and evolving into a formidable being. These shows offer a gratifying and inspiring experience as fans witness the journey of characters who start off with humble beginnings.

From “Vinland Saga” to “My Hero Academia” and beyond, the anime landscape is filled with stories that explore the theme of personal growth and inner strength. And, in today’s article, we’ll take a look at some of the best anime where the protagonists rise above and harness their true potential.

10. Yona Of The Dawn – Yona

Shōjo anime by Studio Pierrot is a pretty rare sight as they are mostly involved in battle shōnen shows. Yona of the Dawn is one of its kind which follows princess Yona and her coming-of-age story as she transforms from a pampered princess to a badass warrior.

Based on the medieval era, the anime tracks the journey of Yona gathering allies and becoming a better fighter so she can reclaim her throne and become the true leader she was always meant to be. This epic low-fantasy classic story of a princess in a perilous power struggle is a must-watch.

9. Arifureta – Hajime Nagumo

Arifureta is a dark and gritty isekai anime series known for its violence, gore, and harem themes. The story explores the journey of high-schooler Hajime Nagumo, an average otaku who is weak and cowardly at the beginning, but gradually becomes stronger and more confident.

When he’s transported to a fantasy world with the rest of his class, all of his classmates get powerful magical abilities, while Hajime gains the useless ability to transmute. Using his basic skills, Hajime vows to escape the dungeon and become stronger in the process.

8. Guilty Crown – Shu Ouma

Guilty Crown is a post-apocalyptic themed story set in 2039, ten years after the “Lost Christmas” incident, when a deadly virus spread across Japan and led to the country being placed under the control of draconian rule of a global government organization called the GHQ.

The series follows Shu Ouma, a weakling and self-centered teenager who one day gains the ability to extract “Voids,” the physical manifestations of people’s souls. Then, he joins the resistance group Funeral Parlor in their fight to liberate Japan from its cruel oppressors.

7. My Hero Academia – Izuku Midoriya

The superhero anime series, My Hero Academia is home to one of the brightest and hard-working protagonists who doesn’t stop chasing his dream of becoming a hero despite the early barriers in his life. It’s one of the handful of anime series with a well-written protagonist and an intricate storyline.

Set in a world where superpowers (called “Quirks”) have become commonplace, Izuku Midoriya is born without any sort of powers but still dreams of becoming a superhero himself. One day, he is scouted by Japan’s greatest hero All Might who trains him to be the next heir to “One For All”.

6. Gurren Lagann – Simon

Coming from the creators of “Neon Genesis Evangelion”, Gurren Lagann is an original anime series centered around the themes of self-discovery and mecha. The series follows Simon, a shy and extremely withdrawn boy who is initially afraid to stand up for himself, but eventually turns into a badass leader by the end.

Taking place in a fictional future where mankind is forced to live under the rule of the Spiral King, two friends, Simon and Kamina, become the symbols of rebellion. They pilot a giant mecha called Gurren Lagann and fight their way to the surface, where they unite with other humans to liberate the planet.

5. Hajime no Ippo – Ippo Makunoichi

Hajime no Ippo is a critically acclaimed boxing-themed sports anime by Madhouse. The series follows high school student, Ippo Makunoichi’s journey from a victim of bullying to a professional boxing champion. Along the way, he faces a variety of challenges, both in the ring and out.

Following brief training under a rising boxer,
Ippo takes his first steps in the boxing ring facing a series of challenging opponents, each more powerful than the last. With his resilient body and ferocious fighting spirit, the kind young man seeks to take on the world to become the greatest of all time.

4. Tokyo Ghoul – Ken Kaneki

Tokyo Ghoul is one of the best dark shōnen anime by Studio Pierrot to be ever made. The series not just features a well-written protagonist like Ken Kaneki, who was once a mild-mannered student but eventually turned into the strongest being, but it also doesn’t hold back in exploring the gore and brutality.

With a mix of grungy aesthetics, engaging action sequences, and metal tracks the anime follows Ken Kaneki who struggles to cope with his new life as a half-ghoul after being subjected to an experiment involving the organ transplantation of a human-eating ghoul into him!

3. Dororo – Hyakkimaru

Set in the Sengoku period of Japan, Dororo features one of the saddest backstories in anime. The anime tells the story of a young ronin, Hyakkimaru who’s born without limbs, eyes, ears, nose, and skin cause of the pact his greedy father made with the demons in exchange for the prosperity of his land.

The worst part? He’s left to die in the wilderness as a newborn. Deprived of a normal life, Hyakkimaru grows up in pain and agony living a gray life. Determined to reclaim his body parts, he ventures on a mission to kill all the demons while learning the true meaning of humanity and what it means to be whole.

2. Rising Of The Shield Hero – Naofumi Iwatani

When Naofumi was summoned to a parallel world, he was designated to serve as one of the “Four Cardinal Heroes”. However, unlike the other heroes who are given powerful weapons and the respect of the people, Naofumi is instead given the title of Shield Hero, which is considered to be the weakest of all.

He’s soon ridiculed and discriminated against for his lack of offensive capabilities and false accusations of sexual assault. With no one to turn to, Naofumi sets out to prove his worth as the Shield Hero and clear his name. Rising of the Shield Hero is one of its kind and a must-watch revenge anime with a thrilling story.

1. Vinland Saga – Thorfinn

Vinland Saga is a well-crafted anime series that’s sure to please the fanatics of the action, drama, and historical fiction genres. The series has all it takes to be called the greatest venture story ever told, including thought-provoking themes, characters, engaging battles, and breathtaking animation.

The story combines a dramatization of King Cnut the Great’s historical rise to power with a revenge plot centered on the historical explorer Thorfinn, the son of a murdered ex-warrior who serves under a group of mercenaries responsible for the deed. The story progresses through several story arcs beyond this, eventually culminating in an expedition to “Vinland”.

Which one of the following anime where weak MC becomes strong is your favorite? Feel free to comment down your thoughts and make sure to recommend some other anime like the ones listed above, also don’t forget to share this article with your fellow otaku friends.

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