The 10 Most Overrated Anime MCs of All Time, Ranked (2025)

Anime has a remarkable way of producing iconic protagonists who capture audiences' hearts and imaginations. These main characters often define their series, serving as the emotional and narrative core of the story. However, popularity doesn’t always equal perfection. Many beloved anime protagonists, despite their fame, struggle to deliver meaningful growth or compelling depth when scrutinized more closely. Over time, some of these characters haven’t aged as well as their initial acclaim suggests.

What makes a great main character truly stand out is a balance of personality, development and emotional complexity. Yet, some of anime’s most well-known leads fall short. Whether it’s an over reliance on tropes, arcs with no stakes or flaws amplified by modern sensibilities, these protagonists often rely on the strength of their respective series rather than their own merits.

10 Saitama in One Punch Man

There’s a Narrative Bind in Making One Joke the Show’s Entire Premise

Saitama of One Punch Man is undeniably one of anime’s most unique protagonists, but his status as a fan favorite can feel overblown. His overwhelming power — a joke that is ultimately the show's premise — sets the tone for its hilarious subversion of shonen tropes. But the nature of his abilities also limits his character. Unlike typical shōnen protagonists, who grow through battles and power-ups, Saitama’s arc is about his internal struggles: boredom, existential crisis and a search for purpose.

Much of the show’s forward momentum depends on other characters, like Genos or the Hero Association, whose struggles feel more traditionally shōnen. Saitama remains stagnant — unbeatable and unchallenged, but stagnant nonetheless — which can make him more of a comedic plot device than a dynamic lead. His charm and humor are undeniable, but his invincibility makes him overrated regardless of its role in the plot.

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One Punch Man

TV-PG

Animation

Action

Comedy

The story of Saitama, a hero that does it just for fun & can defeat his enemies with a single punch.

Release Date

October 5, 2015

Cast

Makoto Furukawa, Kaito Ishikawa, Zach Aguilar, Robbie Daymond

Main Genre

Anime

Seasons

2

Studio

Madhouse

Creator

One

9 Midoriya in My Hero Academia

Deku’s Story Isn’t Bad, but It Doesn’t Stand Out

Embodying the classic “zero to hero” narrative so familiar in shōnen anime, Izuku Midoriya, or Deku is a well-loved main character. While there’s nothing inherently problematic with his hero journey, it’s hard to argue that his development offers a huge amount of originality. His path to mastering All Might’s powers is serviceable but predictable, lacking the unique twists or complexities that make other anime protagonists stand out. This formulaic progression leaves him feeling comparatively flat.

What makes Deku’s limitations more apparent is the vibrancy of MHA's supporting cast. Characters like Bakugo and Todoroki show far more compelling growth and internal conflict, often overshadowing Midoriya in both strength and popularity. As the story progresses, his emotional earnestness risks becoming repetitive and his strength as a main character feels more dubious. Over time, Midoriya may not hold up as a truly memorable main character.

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My Hero Academia

Action

Superhero

Animation

Izuku has dreamt of being a hero all his life—a lofty goal for anyone, but especially challenging for a kid with no superpowers. That’s right, in a world where eighty percent of the population has some kind of super-powered “quirk,” Izuku was unlucky enough to be born completely normal. But that’s not enough to stop him from enrolling in one of the world’s most prestigious hero academies.

Release Date

April 3, 2016

Cast

Aoi Yuki, Ayane Sakura, Christopher R. Sabat, Yûki Kaji, Nobuhiko Okamoto, Luci Christian, David Matranga, Justin Briner, Kenta Miyake, Clifford Chapin, Daiki Yamashita

Rating

Seasons

7

Website

https://www.funimation.com/shows/my-hero-academia/

Franchise

My Hero Academia

Characters By

Kohei Horikoshi

See Also

Overrated vs. Underrated: Common Beliefs We Get Wrong“Overrated” is overrated: there’s nothing wrong with liking popular thingsOverrated vs. Underrated: Common Beliefs We Get WrongThings that are Overrated: Examining Trends and Phenomena – Keeswan

Distributor

FUNimation Entertainment

Main Characters

Tsuyu Asui, Katsuki Bakugo, Ochaco Uraraka, Izuku Midoriya, Shoto Todoroki, All Might

Production Company

Bones

Story By

Kōhei Horikoshi, Yōsuke Kuroda

Number of Episodes

113

Streaming Service(s)

Hulu, Crunchyroll

8 Natsu Dragneel in Fairy Tail

He Burns Bright but Lacks Longevity

The fiery protagonist of Fairy Tail was a staple of 2010s anime fandoms, but Natsu Dragneel's popularity feels somewhat undeserved. Like many shōnen leads, he checks all the standard boxes: immense power, unwavering loyalty to his friends and a determination to overcome any obstacle. Yet, in a crowded genre of dynamic protagonists, Natsu doesn’t do much to distinguish himself beyond the basics.

A major issue lies in his lack of a compelling personality. While other shōnen leads rely on charm or emotional depth to win over audiences, Natsu remains relatively one-note. He doesn’t significantly grow or develop throughout the series, leaving his character arc flat. He lacks a unique edge, and without a transformative journey, he struggles to stand out in the shōnen landscape.

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Fairy Tail

TV-14

Action

Adventure

Animation

Lucy, an aspiring Celestial Wizard, becomes a friend and ally to powerful wizards Natsu, Gray, and Erza, who are part of the (in)famous wizard guild, Fairy Tail.

Release Date

October 12, 2009

Creator(s)

Hiro Mashima, Masashi Sogo

Cast

Cherami Leigh, Todd Haberkorn, Tia Lynn Ballard, Colleen Clinkenbeard, Newton Pittman, Brittney Karbowski, Monical Rial, Brina Palencia

Main Genre

Action

Seasons

9

Writers

Hiro Mashima, Masashi Sogo

Streaming Service(s)

Hulu

Franchise(s)

Fairy Tail

Directors

Shinji Ishihira

7 Jotaro in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure

He’s Too Cool for His Own Good

Jotaro Kujo, the stoic protagonist of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders, is undeniably cool, but his standing as one of the series’ most beloved JoJos feels a bit overhyped. Throughout Part 3, he often takes a backseat to characters like Polnareff, who experiences far more growth and emotional depth over the arc. Jotaro’s defining traits — his composure and raw power — serve him well in battle, but they don’t make for a dynamic lead.

Interestingly, Jotaro shines more as a supporting character in Diamond is Unbreakable, where his maturity and experience enhance the story without requiring him to dominate the narrative. If his legacy rested solely on Stardust Crusaders, he would rank as one of the least compelling JoJos. While he’s far from a poor character, his main-character energy feels muted in the part where it matters most.

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JoJo's Bizarre Adventure

TV-14

Action

Adventure

Fantasy

Supernatural

Release Date

October 6, 2012

Creator(s)

Hirohiko Araki

Cast

Kazuyuki Okitsu, Tomokazu Sugita, Daisuke Ono, Unshou Ishizuka, Takehito Koyasu

Main Genre

Action

Seasons

6

Writers

Yasuko Kobayashi

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu

Franchise(s)

Jojo's Bizarre Adventure

Directors

Naokatsu Tsuda

Showrunner

Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu

Character(s)

Jonathan Joestar, Joseph Joestar, Jotaro Kujo

6 Naruto in Naruto

The Shōnen Icon Goes From Underdog To Overpowered

Naruto Uzumaki is one of the most iconic anime protagonists, but his legacy as a shōnen legend has become overstated over time. Starting as a scrappy underdog with a dream to become Hokage, he embodied perseverance and resilience, winning over audiences with his relatable struggles. However, as his journey progressed, the charm of his humble beginnings gave way to overpowered abilities and heavy reliance on plot armor.

While his story undeniably inspired a generation of anime fans, Naruto's relatability diminished as his powers and status grew. The qualities that made him compelling — a sense of vulnerability and a determination to prove himself — became overshadowed by increasingly grandiose battles and world-saving feats. Compared to newer, more nuanced protagonists, Naruto now reads as less dynamic and more like a product of his time.

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Naruto

TV-PG

Action

Adventure

Naruto Uzumaki, a mischievous adolescent ninja, struggles as he searches for recognition and dreams of becoming the Hokage, the village's leader and strongest ninja.

See Also

10 reasons why AI may be overrated

Release Date

September 10, 2002

Cast

Junko Takeuchi, Maile Flanagan, Kate Higgins

Main Genre

Anime

Seasons

1

Creator

Masashi Kishimoto

Production Company

Pierrot, Staralis Film Company

Number of Episodes

220

5 Lelouch Lamperouge in Code Geass

A Strategist Limited by the Script

Often celebrated as one of anime’s most brilliant masterminds, Lelouch Lamperouge's fandom reputation doesn’t hold up well under scrutiny. While the show’s mix of moral dilemmas and larger-than-life characters is undeniably fun, the writing often lacks the necessary sophistication to convincingly portray a genius protagonist. Lelouch’s strategic victories frequently rely on contrived scenarios that highlight the limits of the author’s research or experience, rather than Lelouch’s supposed intellect.

Lelouch’s character arc is also disappointingly static. He undergoes an abrupt transformation in the very first episode upon gaining his Geass and from there, his personality and motivations remain largely unchanged. Unlike more dynamic main characters, his lack of meaningful growth makes his journey feel less compelling, even within the show’s dramatic and chaotic framework.

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Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

TV-14

Action

After being given a mysterious power to control others, an outcast prince becomes the masked leader of the rebellion against an all-powerful empire.

Release Date

October 6, 2006

Creator(s)

Gorō Taniguchi, Ichirō Ōkouchi

Cast

Johnny Yong Bosch, Yuri Lowenthal, Kate Higgins, Karen Strassman, Rebecca Forstadt, Amy Kincaid, Kim Mai Guest, Julie Ann Taylor

Main Genre

Action

Seasons

2

Studio

Writers

Ichirō Ōkouchi

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll

Franchise(s)

Code Geass

Directors

Gorō Taniguchi

4 Eren Jaeger in Attack on Titan

Turning the Protagonist Evil is a Move that Often Falls Flat

Eren Jaeger is undeniably a complex and well-written character, but his status as one of anime’s greatest protagonists is often exaggerated. Attack on Titan delivers masterful storytelling and character development, yet Eren’s evolution from an idealistic boy to a morally ambiguous figure isn’t as compelling as fans often claim. His descent into disillusionment is crucial to the plot, but it also makes him increasingly unlikable, even before his drastic personality shift.

Fans often mistake Eren’s complexity for greatness, overlooking his selfishness and the catastrophic consequences of his choices. His role in the Rumbling, annihilating 80% of humanity, is frequently minimized or justified by supporters. While Eren is a powerful symbol of resistance, his actions and personality fall short. His fame owes more to AOT’s brilliance than his own merits as a protagonist.

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Attack On Titan

TV-MA

Animation

Adventure

Action

After his hometown is destroyed and his mother is killed, young Eren Jaeger vows to cleanse the earth of the giant humanoid Titans that have brought humanity to the brink of extinction in Attack on Titan.

Release Date

April 7, 2013

Cast

Matthew Mercer, Josh Grelle, Hiroshi Kamiya, Shiori Mikami, Jerry Jewell, Kishô Taniyama, Jessica Calvello, Masahiko Tanaka, Yui Ishikawa, Romi Park, Robert McCollum, Tomohisa Hashizume, Hiro Shimono, Trina Nishimura

Main Genre

Action

Seasons

4

Studio

Wit Studio, MAPPA

Franchise

Attack on Titan

Characters By

Hajime Isayama

Creator

Hajime Isayama

Distributor

Adult Swim (Toonami)

Main Characters

Armin Arlert, Mikasa Ackerman, Eren Jaeger

Production Company

Wit Studio, MAPPA

Story By

Hajime Isayama

Number of Episodes

94

Streaming Service(s)

Hulu, Crunchyroll, Adult Swim

Japanese Title

Shingeki no Kyojin

Based On

Manga

MyAnimeList Score

8.55 (Season 1)

3 Goku in Dragonball Z

The Saiyan Who Stopped Growing

Often hailed as the ultimate anime hero, Goku, his immense strength and upbeat personality have made him a cultural icon. Early in the Dragon Ball series, his character experiences genuine growth, evolving from a naive child into a skilled and determined warrior. However, as the franchise progresses, Goku’s development stalls. He remains endearingly childish but also frustratingly selfish, often prioritizing fighting over his responsibilities.

While Goku’s unwavering enthusiasm and charm are key to his popularity, they don’t make him immune to criticism. His singular focus on battle often overshadows deeper character dynamics, leaving little room for emotional growth or complexity. Though he’s undeniably lovable, his flaws and the stagnation of his character arc show that even legends aren’t perfect.

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8

10

Dragon Ball Z

TV-PG

Action

Adventure

Sci-Fi

Comedy

Super Power

Fantasy

Martial Arts

Shounen

With the help of the powerful Dragonballs, a team of fighters led by the saiyan warrior Goku defend the planet earth from extraterrestrial enemies.

Release Date

April 26, 1989

Creator(s)

Akira Toriyama

Cast

Masako Nozawa, Ryou Horikawa, Hiromi Tsuru, Hiroko Emori, Shigeru Chiba, Naoko Watanabe, Mayumi Tanaka, Naoki Tatsuta, Yukimasa Kishino

Main Genre

Action

Seasons

9

Studio

Creator

Writers

Akira Toriyama, Takao Koyama

Number of Episodes

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll

Franchise(s)

Dragon Ball

Directors

Daisuke Nishio

2 Kirito in Sword Art Online

Cool, Capable … and Kind of Boring

Kirito from Sword Art Online occupies a curious spot in anime discourse — he’s widely loved and frequently critiqued. His overpowered nature, while a staple of his character, often undercuts the tension of the series. For instance, in Gun Gale Online, he becomes the game’s best player using a weapon ill-suited for combat after a brief tutorial. Moments like this make the stakes feel inflated rather than truly gripping.

While Kirito shows flashes of growth in Alicization, his development ultimately reverts to his usual self post-War of the Underworld. His lack of depth compared to more dynamic protagonists leaves his character arc stagnant. Though undeniably popular, Kirito’s overpowered tendencies and limited evolution make him one of the most overrated heroes in anime.

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Sword Art Online

TV-14

Animation

Action

Adventure

In the year 2022, thousands of people get trapped in a new virtual MMORPG and the lone wolf player, Kirito, works to escape.

Release Date

July 8, 2012

Creator(s)

Reki Kawahara

Cast

Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Haruka Tomatsu, Ayana Taketatsu, Miyuki Sawashiro, Ai Kayano

Main Genre

Animation

Seasons

4

Production Company

Number of Episodes

1 Light Yagami in Death Note

A “Mastermind” With Too Many Missteps

Light Yagami is often hailed as a genius, but a closer rewatch of Death Note reveals a character who’s more ego-driven than brilliant. The show frames him as an intellectual prodigy through academic achievements and dramatic revelations of his actions to evade capture, but many of his decisions are impulsive and reckless. Hacking his father’s computer, killing the fake L on TV, and joining the investigation team were unnecessary risks fueled by his need to "win" against L.

Ultimately, Light’s arrogance is his undoing. His childish need to prove his superiority blinds him to the flaws in his own grandiose plans, leading to his downfall. Moreover, the show’s premise has aged poorly; as societal views on justice evolve, Light’s vigilante actions against prisoners are less compelling and more disturbingly egotistical, diminishing his appeal as a protagonist.

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Death Note

TV-14

Animation

Crime

Drama

Release Date

October 4, 2006

Cast

Mamoru Miyano, Brad Swaile, Vincent Tong, Ryō Naitō, Trevor Devall

Main Genre

Animation

Seasons

1

Studio

Madhouse

Creator

Tsugumi Ohba

Number of Episodes

37

Streaming Service(s)

Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Peacock, The Roku Channel, Hoopla, Pluto TV, Tubi

Based On

Manga

MyAnimeList Score

8.62