Best Shonen Anime With Underdog Protagonists Who Rise To Power

Underdogs rising to power is a common trope in Shōnen anime and though there are multiple series depicting these situations where seemingly weak younglings charge at larger-than-life foes, a few selected series have become the top of the genre for various reasons.

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Be it for their relatable characters, the great depictions of friendship, or because of the quality of the storytelling, these series are a level above every other in the genre. This list spotlights the best shonen Anime with Underdog Protagonists who rise to power.

8 My Hero Academia

The Story Of A Young Man Relentlessly Pursuing His Dream

The story of how Deku, who always dreamed of being a hero, gathered the courage and forged his will through constant strife is undoubtedly inspiring. Even though the ending of the series had a poor reception from the fans, the series has a great deal of significance for the Shonen culture.

With memorable characters, endearing friendship moments, and a clear message: no matter what you do, if you don't stray from the right path, and you trust those who you can call friends, everything is going to be okay.

7 Black Clover

A Boy With No Magic Becomes One Of The Strongest Magic Knights

Black Clover is another great example of an underdog main character becoming a big deal on its own accord. From the boy who could never wield magic, to the strongest Magic Knight of the Black Bulls, and protector of the Clover Kingdom, Asta's journey has been a wild ride.

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Thankfully, he always had great friends to accompany him through all the dangers, double-crosses, and twists of the plot that Yūki Tabata had prepared for him. His is a path that was always filled with hardship, but one worth watching for fans of the Shonen genre.

6 Naruto

An Orphan, Shunned And Despised By Everyone, Becomes A Hero

Is Naruto the perfect Shounen? Some say yes, some say no; but there's no doubt that this series is a perfect example of an underdog becoming top-dog through and through. From its humble beginnings as an outcast Chūnin to becoming Hokage (in Boruto) fans have witnessed Naruto's growth and it was a significant one.

Few other characters in this anime can flaunt about ending a bloody war between ninja clans, coming unscathed, and even moping the floor with some of the most dangerous beings who threaten to destroy their world. And all that without losing sight of what he is: a good friend, and a kindhearted and humanitarian person, always smiling despite the weight of sorrow.

5 Saint Seiya

The Most Underestimated Protectors Of Justice Challenge The Gods

The legend of Seiya and the Bronce Saints is the stuff of myths: shunned by the very organization that trained them, accused of betrayal, and overcoming traitorous (and powerful) beings, as well as reincarnated Gods in a struggle to protect their beloved Athena and the bonds they forged in battle.

Despite their weakness, grit, and will on hand, they fight for the greater good. No matter if those in front of them are the Patriarch, the Ruler of the Ocean, or the very God of the Underworld. The perfect underdog story for those who love romantic fantasy shōnen from a classic era.

4 Demon Slayer

The Journey Of Two Siblings, Survivors Of A Terrible Tragedy

Kimetsu no Yaiba or Demon Slayer, is one of those series that start with a tragedy, and the non-stop ripple effect this unleashes changes everything. A boy and a girl, siblings surviving a demon attack: one marked to become a demon, the other, destined to slay them all.

And yet, despite them both being underdogs and facing bigger-than-life challenges, they manage to overcome everything, staying united till the bitter end. It is an inspiring tale, with lots of bittersweet moments, and some wholesome respites of hope in the middle.

3 Haikyuu!!

A Small Framed Boy Who Dreamed Of Flying Sky High

Sports anime is quite intense, and more so if it is a Shonen series about an underdog small boy trying to reach out for the stars, like what fans will see in Haikyuu!! A series with high-quality storytelling: a coming of age inside an 'overcoming the adversity' trope, with relatable characters and memorable friendship moments.

This story about a boy founding his own volleyball club and overcoming his shortcomings despite everyone telling him he was 'not suitable' for the sport he loved is a gripping and inspiring tale of passion and sportsmanship.

2 Blue Lock

An Underestimated Player Becomes A Top Striker

Ages ago, when Captain Tsubasa became one of the best anime of all time, no one ever thought that there would be yet another great tale about football players overcoming adversity together. Until Blue Lock entered the field, and things changed drastically.

The story of Yoichi Isagi is an absolutely thrilling tale of self-discovery, and passion, with a protagonist who never surrenders, not even in the lows of life. Giving it his all with every breathing second he has, pummeling the ball with unyielding resolution, and stopping only when victory is declared by the referee's whistle.

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