Top 10 Anime Where a Loser MC Gets Overpowered
Anime is known for its wide variety of protagonists, and one of the most popular tropes is the transformation of a weak or “loser” character into an unstoppable, overpowered (OP) force. This character arc often takes the protagonist from being a nobody to wielding unimaginable power, often surprising those around them—and themselves. In this article, we’ll dive into 10 anime where the main character (MC) goes from zero to hero, exploring their journeys, challenges, and how they ultimately become OP.
1. I Parry Everything
This lesser-known anime focuses on an unlikely hero who specializes in an unusual skill: parrying. The MC, seemingly a nobody with no real combat abilities, finds himself caught in dangerous situations. However, his seemingly insignificant skill turns out to be an absolute game-changer. In I Parry Everything, the protagonist can block, deflect, and neutralize any attack. His growth from a weak, overlooked figure to someone who can defend against anything is both humorous and awe-inspiring. His OP nature is not due to brute strength, but rather his unrivaled ability to counter every move his enemies make.
2. Ben-To
Ben-To takes a more comedic and creative approach to the overpowered MC trope. Here, the protagonist, Yo Sato, is an ordinary high school student who stumbles into a bizarre, high-stakes world where people battle for discounted bento boxes at the local convenience store. Initially, Sato is a weak, inexperienced fighter who gets knocked around easily. However, he quickly learns the ropes and develops into a fierce combatant in these wild, food-centered brawls. Though the premise is unusual, the transformation of Sato from a loser to a dominant fighter who can hold his own in this strange world is one of the highlights of the series.
3. Heroman
Heroman takes us to the world of Joey, a typical underdog living in America who’s far from the image of a powerful hero. Joey’s life changes when he discovers Heroman, a powerful robot that only he can control. What makes Joey’s story compelling is how he grows from being an average kid into the only person capable of stopping alien invasions and saving the world. With Heroman by his side, Joey becomes a key player in global defense. Despite starting out as a “nobody,” Joey’s rise to power showcases how an ordinary individual can become extraordinary with the right partnership.
4. Black Summoner
Black Summoner follows the protagonist, Kelvin, who begins as a seemingly forgettable individual but later discovers he possesses the powers of a summoner. This genre-blending anime incorporates action, fantasy, and adventure, and Kelvin’s journey from obscurity to one of the most powerful summoners in existence is thrilling. Throughout the series, Kelvin constantly improves his skills, summoning increasingly powerful creatures and developing his combat abilities. His transformation into an overpowered force is central to the plot, making Black Summoner a must-watch for fans of OP MCs.
5. The Hidden Dungeon Only I Can Enter
Noir Stardia, the MC of The Hidden Dungeon Only I Can Enter, starts as the third son of a poor noble family, with no real prospects for success. However, his luck changes when he gains access to a hidden dungeon filled with powerful secrets. Noir’s character development is dramatic, as he not only trains in the dungeon but also discovers abilities that allow him to gain experience and power rapidly. His overpowered skills are kept secret from those around him, making for interesting dynamics as he goes from a low-status individual to someone capable of defeating enemies far above his original level.
6. Unwanted Undead Adventurer
Unwanted Undead Adventurer follows the story of Rentt Faina, an adventurer who initially struggles to make a name for himself. His life changes drastically when he dies during an adventure and is resurrected as an undead creature. Instead of being doomed to a life of mediocrity (or death), Rentt embarks on a journey to regain his humanity and grows stronger with each challenge. Over time, Rentt’s experiences as an undead warrior turn him into a powerful figure. His transformation from a weak adventurer into an unstoppable undead force is one of the most unique takes on the overpowered MC trope.
7. Yozakura Family
In Yozakura Family, Taiyo Asano is a shy, weak high school student with no special abilities. However, after being drawn into the powerful and dangerous Yozakura family of spies, Taiyo undergoes intense training and is forced to develop incredible combat skills to protect himself and those he loves. Taiyo’s transformation from an awkward teen to a skilled fighter capable of taking on professional assassins is impressive. His growth mirrors many classic stories of the underdog who rises to meet impossible challenges, and his newfound powers make him a formidable member of the Yozakura family.
8. Guilty Crown
In Guilty Crown, Shu Ouma is a timid, socially awkward student who unexpectedly gains a mysterious power known as “The Power of Kings.” This power allows him to extract weapons from other people’s hearts, giving him the potential to become one of the most overpowered characters in the series. However, Shu’s journey to becoming OP isn’t without its challenges—he must face inner conflicts, betrayal, and the responsibilities that come with his newfound abilities. Guilty Crown is a great example of an anime where the MC is thrust into greatness and struggles to adapt to his immense power.
9. Assassination Classroom
Assassination Classroom takes a unique spin on the overpowered MC narrative by focusing on an entire class of students, particularly Nagisa Shiota. Initially weak and timid, Nagisa, like his classmates, is tasked with assassinating their powerful, alien teacher, Koro-sensei. Through rigorous training, Nagisa goes from being a quiet underachiever to one of the most skilled assassins in the class. His transformation is gradual but incredibly satisfying, as he becomes confident in his abilities and plays a key role in many of the class’s missions.
10. Black Clover
Finally, Black Clover tells the story of Asta, a boy born without magic in a world where magic is everything. Despite his lack of magical abilities, Asta makes up for it with sheer determination, physical strength, and an anti-magic sword that allows him to negate any magical attacks. Asta’s journey from being the lowest-ranked character to one of the strongest knights in the Clover Kingdom is nothing short of spectacular. His character arc highlights the importance of hard work, resilience, and believing in oneself, making him one of the most inspiring overpowered protagonists in anime.
In conclusion, these anime showcase the thrilling journeys of characters who start as weak or unremarkable, only to rise to overwhelming power. Whether it’s through hard work, training, or unlocking hidden abilities, these MCs show that even the most unlikely individuals can become legends in their own right. If you’re a fan of watching underdogs become OP, these anime are sure to keep you hooked.