The anime world is filled with captivating stories, but few resonate as deeply as those of the underdog. These are characters who start at the bottom, often with seemingly insurmountable obstacles in their paths. Yet, through sheer grit, determination, and often a bit of luck, they rise to the occasion, proving everyone wrong. Here are ten of the best anime that celebrate the underdog spirit, where characters transform from weaklings to formidable forces.
1. Naruto: The Unpredictable Ninja
Naruto Uzumaki’s journey from a mischievous, ostracized orphan to a celebrated hero is one of anime’s most iconic underdog stories. As a child, he is ridiculed and dismissed as a failure, but Naruto’s unwavering determination to become Hokage fuels his relentless training and growth. The series also showcases other underdogs, such as Rock Lee, who relies purely on taijutsu, and Hinata Hyuga, who overcomes her shy nature to become a powerful ninja. The series emphasizes that hard work and belief in oneself can overcome limitations and achieve dreams.
2. My Hero Academia: Quirks and Courage
In a world where superpowers are commonplace, Izuku Midoriya is born without a Quirk, a crushing blow to his dream of becoming a hero. However, his unwavering dedication and selfless acts eventually earn him the legendary One For All Quirk. The anime is not just about Midoriya’s growth; it also highlights the underdog journeys of other students in Class 1-A, like Ochaco Uraraka, who fights to support her family and Shoto Todoroki, who struggles to overcome the trauma of his upbringing and family issues.
3. Hajime No Ippo: The Fighting Spirit Within
Ippo Makunouchi starts as a timid, bullied high school student. His life takes a turn when he discovers a passion for boxing. Through rigorous training and a never-give-up attitude, Ippo evolves from a complete novice to a powerful and skilled boxer. The series beautifully captures the essence of hard work and determination, showcasing the protagonist’s transformation as he develops a unique fighting style, all while earning the respect of his peers.
4. Slam Dunk: The Unlikely Basketball Star
Hanamichi Sakuragi is a delinquent with no basketball experience when he joins the Shohoku High School team, motivated by a crush. Sakuragi begins as an absolute novice but quickly evolves into a vital part of the team. His initial lack of skill, combined with his raw power, leads to many hilarious moments. But through dedication and relentless practice, he becomes a formidable force, showcasing a remarkable improvement throughout the series. The anime highlights that even the most unlikely of individuals can achieve greatness with perseverance.
5. Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple: From Zero to Hero
Kenichi Shirahama is a high school student constantly bullied and pushed around. Seeking to change, he stumbles into a dojo filled with eccentric martial arts masters. Under their grueling training, Kenichi transforms from a weakling into a formidable fighter, learning various styles and techniques. The series emphasizes the value of hard work over natural talent, as Kenichi overcomes his limitations through discipline and dedication.
6. Gurren Lagann: Defying the Odds
In a world where humans live in underground villages, Simon, a timid digger, discovers a powerful mecha. Alongside the charismatic Kamina, he embarks on a journey to the surface, facing constant challenges and battles against overwhelming odds. The series is a celebration of the underdog spirit, as Simon and his team continually defy expectations, growing stronger and pushing their limits to protect humanity.
7. Baby Steps: Strategy over Natural Talent
Eiichiro Maruo is a diligent student who decides to take up tennis to improve his fitness. Despite having no prior athletic experience, he quickly makes progress using his analytical skills and strategic thinking. Eiichiro compensates for his lack of natural talent by meticulously studying his opponents, breaking down their habits and weaknesses. The anime champions the idea that with smart work and dedication, even those who are less gifted can achieve great things.
8. One-Punch Man: The Underdog Beginnings
While Saitama is now known as the overpowered hero who defeats enemies with a single punch, the beginning of his journey was far from easy. The series shows his transformation from an ordinary, unemployed man who trained rigorously to achieve incredible strength, even if it came with its own unique set of problems. Despite being the strongest, his everyday life is full of mundane struggles and a longing for true challenges.
9. Tokyo Ghoul: The Half-Ghoul Struggle
Ken Kaneki starts as a normal college student whose life takes a drastic turn when he becomes a half-ghoul, a creature that needs to feed on humans. Forced to adapt to a world he doesn’t understand, he struggles between both ghoul and human societies. Kaneki’s journey is about accepting his dual nature and becoming a powerful force despite the prejudice and conflict he faces.
10. Made in Abyss: Innocence Lost and Perseverance
Riko, an orphaned girl, dreams of following in her mother’s footsteps to explore the depths of the Abyss, a vast and mysterious hole. Joined by a half-robot boy named Reg, they venture into the dangerous unknown. The seemingly innocent start of the story soon evolves into a dark and disturbing adventure that tests the limits of their resolve and highlights the brutal realities of their world, showcasing perseverance and courage in the face of immense challenges.
These anime demonstrate that the underdog spirit is alive and well in the world of animation. From ninjas striving to be the best, to ordinary people becoming heroes and athletes, these stories inspire and motivate viewers, showing that with hard work, determination, and a belief in oneself, even the most improbable of dreams can be achieved. These characters have resonated with audiences across the globe, reminding us that we can all overcome the odds and achieve the seemingly impossible, no matter our starting point.
