Do you enjoy the kind of anime where the protagonist starts out weak, underestimated by everyone, but suddenly unlocks incredible power and becomes the center of attention? Then this post is for you! We've selected the 10 best anime with protagonists who go from zero to hero in record time.
10. World Break
- Grade BAD: 6.75
- Year: 2015
- Studio: Diomedéa
- Episodes: 12
At first, World Break seems like another generic school anime, with a dull protagonist somewhat unaware of his own potential. However, it only takes a few minutes of screen time for us to discover that Moroha Haimura carries memories from past lives—and with them, absurd abilities that put him ahead of everyone else.
Thus, despite his unassuming appearance, Moroha soon reveals himself to be an unbeatable warrior, capable of taking down enemies others can't even touch. And more than that: his evolution is so rapid that it feels like he just needed a little push to become the strongest in the room... or the world.
09. Campione
- Grade BAD: 6.90
- Year: 2012
- Studio: Diomedéa
- Episodes: 13
Godou Kusanagi was an ordinary boy—so ordinary that it's hard to believe he would become a "Campione," or god-slayer. But ironically, it's precisely his lack of pretension that makes him the perfect hero when he accidentally defeats a god and inherits his powers.
Suddenly, Godou finds himself surrounded by magic, mystical battles, and a legion of powerful (and dangerous) girls. Moreover, his strength doesn't just grow rapidly—it explodes. And while he tries to maintain some semblance of normalcy, the supernatural world demands more of him than ever. Fortunately, he learns to master this new role with surprising agility.
08. Devilman Crybaby
- Grade BAD: 7.74
- Year: 2018
- Studio: Science SARU
- Episodes: 10
Akira Fudo begins as the typical fragile, shy, and gentle protagonist—too much so. However, the story takes a brutal turn when he merges with a demon, becoming the "Devilman." From that moment on, the contrast between his delicate appearance and monstrous strength becomes one of the narrative's most striking aspects.
However, what truly sets Devilman Crybaby from the other anime on this list is not only Akira's physical transformation, but also his emotional evolution. Just like his body, his mind is forced to grow rapidly, facing horrors and losses at a pace as intense as his newfound strength.
07. Inuyashiki
- Grade BAD: 7.63
- Year: 2017
- Studio: MAPPA
- Episodes: 11
Ichiro Inuyashiki is an elderly, sick man, ignored by his own family, and seemingly on the brink of death. But everything changes after a bizarre accident with alien technology that transforms his body into a super-advanced weapon. Overnight, the man no one noticed becomes practically indestructible.
Furthermore, the speed with which he learns to use his new powers contrasts with his gentle nature—he chooses to save lives, not destroy them. And it's precisely this choice that accelerates his evolution as a hero, even when the world around him is about to collapse.
06. Houseki no Kuni
- Grade BAD: 8.39
- Year: 2017
- Studio: Orange
- Episodes: 12
Phos is fragile in every sense: physically breakable, emotionally immature, and practically useless on the battlefield. But over time—and especially through great loss—the character undergoes a profound transformation, both in strength and purpose.
Thus, Phos's growth isn't just driven by determination, but also by pain. With each new part replaced in her body, she becomes stronger… and further from her former self. And despite Houseki no Kuni , it's this dark and rapid evolution that captivates the viewer.
Weak Protagonists Who Quickly Become Strong – Top 5
05. Tsugumomo
- MAL Rating : 7.03 (Season 1)
- Year: 2017
- Studio: Zero-G
- Episodes: 12
Kazuya is your typical school comedy protagonist: a bit dull, unlucky, and constantly in embarrassing situations. But everything changes when he meets Kiriha, a tsukumogami (object spirit) who awakens his dormant powers. Suddenly, what seemed like a normal slice-of-life drama turns into a rollercoaster of supernatural action.
Although Kazuya wasn't born strong, his growth is fueled by his bond with Kiriha and the dangers that surround him. Furthermore, he learns to fight surprisingly quickly, becoming essential in battles—all without losing the comic tone of the series.
04. Boku no Hero Academia
- MAL Rating : 7.83 (Season 1)
- Year: 2016
- Studio: Bones
- Episodes: 13
Izuku Midoriya begins the series as the ultimate symbol of powerlessness: a Quirkless boy in a world where almost everyone has powers. But his destiny changes when he receives the power of All Might, the greatest hero of all time. From that point on, his evolution is dizzying.
Despite his unprepared body, Midoriya compensates with intelligence, study, and sheer determination. Thus, even though his power comes "on a silver platter," his growth as a hero is achieved through genuine effort. And the speed with which he adapts makes his journey even more exciting.
Weak Protagonists Who Quickly Become Strong – Top 3
03. Parasyte
- Grade BAD: 8.32
- Year: 2014-2015
- Studio: Madhouse
- Episodes: 24
Shinichi Izumi was an ordinary student until an alien parasite tries to take over his brain and fails—it lodges itself in his hand. In the episodes, his life is thrown into chaos. However, what begins as a forced relationship turns into a deadly and powerful partnership.
As the parasite, called Migi, transforms him, Shinichi changes drastically, both physically and emotionally. Furthermore, his evolution in combat and his coldness in decision-making come so quickly that even those who know him find him strange. He's the same... but he's not the same anymore.
02. Ground Leveling
- MAL Rating : 8.24 (Season 1)
- Year: 2024
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Episodes: 12
Sung Jin-Woo is, quite literally, the weakest hunter in the world. Fragile, constantly injured, and despised by everyone, he seems doomed to mediocrity. However, after a mysterious event in a dungeon, he gains access to a unique system that allows him to evolve exponentially.
Unlike many protagonists, Jin-Woo doesn't have to wait for episodes to become a monster in combat—it happens almost immediately. And as he levels up, the world around him can no longer keep up. Thus, the weak become the nightmare of the strong.
01. Dungeon Ni Deai
- MAL Rating : 7.53 (Season 1)
- Year: 2015
- Studio: JCStaff
- Episodes: 13
Bell Cranel is a novice adventurer with grand dreams but virtually no skills. His fortunes change when he meets the goddess Hestia, who supports him from the start. And more than that: Bell possesses a rare ability that allows him to evolve at an incredible rate whenever he faces challenges.
For those who've watched the anime, Bell quickly levels up, earns respect (and romantic attention), and begins facing enemies that would make any other adventurer tremble. However, it's his innocent courage that most accelerates his growth—he never waits to be ready, he just acts.
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