Do you enjoy the kind of anime where the protagonist starts out weak, underestimated by everyone, but suddenly unlocks an absurd power and becomes the center of attention? Then this post is for you! We've compiled a list of the 10 best anime with protagonists who go from zero to hero in record time.
5 best anime with a strong hero
10. World Break
- Bad note: 6.75
- Year: 2015
- Studio: Diomedéa
- Episodes: 12
At first, World Break seems like just another generic school anime, with a bland protagonist somewhat oblivious to his own potential. However, it only takes a few minutes on screen 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 quickly reveals himself to be an unbeatable warrior, capable of taking down enemies that others can't even touch. And more than that: his evolution is so rapid that it feels like he only needed a little push to become the strongest in the room… or the world.
9. Champion
- Bad note: 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 is precisely his lack of ambition that makes him the perfect hero when, by accident, he defeats a god and inherits his powers.
Suddenly, Godou finds himself surrounded by magic, mystical battles, and a legion of powerful (and dangerous) girls. Furthermore, his strength doesn't just grow rapidly—it explodes. And while he tries to maintain some semblance of normalcy, the supernatural world demands more from him than ever before. Fortunately, he learns to master this new role with surprising agility.
08. Devilman Crybaby
- Bad note: 7.74
- Year: 2018
- Studio: Science SARU
- Episodes: 10
Akira Fudo begins as the typical fragile, shy, and gentle protagonist—perhaps too much so. However, the story takes a brutal turn when he merges with a demon, becoming "Devilman." From then on, the contrast between his delicate appearance and monstrous strength becomes one of the most striking aspects of the narrative.
However, what truly sets Devilman Crybaby from the other anime on this list is not just 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
- Bad note: 7.63
- Year: 2017
- Studio: MAPPA
- Episodes: 11
Ichiro Inuyashiki is an elderly, sick man, ignored by his own family, and seemingly on the verge of death. But everything changes after a bizarre accident involving alien technology that transforms his body into a super-advanced weapon. Overnight, the man no one noticed becomes virtually 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 is precisely this choice that accelerates his evolution as a hero, even when the world around him is about to collapse.
06. Houseki no Kuni
- Bad note: 8.39
- Year: 2017
- Studio: Orange
- Episodes: 12
Phos is fragile in every way: physically breakable, emotionally immature, and practically useless on the battlefield. But, with time—and especially with great losses—the character undergoes a profound transformation, both in strength and purpose.
Thus, Phos's growth is driven not only by determination, but also by pain. With each new part replaced in her body, she becomes stronger… and further from who she once was. And despite the visual beauty of Houseki no Kuni , it is this dark and rapid evolution that captivates the viewer.
5 best anime with a strong hero
05. Tsugumomo
- MAL rating : 7.03 (Season 1)
- Year: 2017
- Studio: Zero-G
- Episodes: 12
Kazuya is the typical school comedy protagonist: somewhat awkward, 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 any slice-of-life story 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 with surprising speed, becoming essential in battles—all without losing the comedic tone of the work.
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 helplessness: a boy without a Quirk 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 then on, his evolution is dizzying.
Despite his body not being prepared, Midoriya compensates with intelligence, study, and sheer determination. Thus, even though his power comes "on a silver platter," his growth as a hero is earned through real effort. And the speed with which he adapts makes his journey even more exciting.
Weak protagonists who quickly become strong – Top 3
03. Parasyte
- Bad note: 8.32
- Year: 2014-2015
- Studio: Madhouse
- Episodes: 24
Shinichi Izumi was an ordinary student until an alien parasite tried to take over his brain and failed—lodging itself in his hand instead. In the episodes, his life descends into chaos. However, what begins as a forced relationship transforms 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 are surprised. He is the same… but he is no longer the same.
02. Solo 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. Frail, constantly injured, and despised by everyone, he seems condemned 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 need to wait episodes to become a combat monster—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 luck changes 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 absurd speed whenever he faces challenges.
Thus, for those who watched the anime episodes, Bell quickly levels up, earns respect (and romantic attention), and begins to face enemies that would leave any other adventurer trembling. However, it is his innocent courage that most accelerates his growth—he never waits to be ready, he just acts.
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