Welcome, otaku and weebs, and in between dweebs! We’re back with another Top 10 list. Now, we at Weeb’s Life have talked extensively about overpowered main characters. You may have seen two such lists, 10 Overpowered Anime Protagonists and 15 Anime Where the Main Character is Insanely Overpowered.
I guess there’s just something in the water because I’m here with another list, this time focusing on overpowered main characters with a softer side. For every OP MC that’s bent on becoming the best or surpassing their limits, there’s another OP MC who just wants to be left alone or doesn’t realize how strong they actually are.
It’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing scenario where the greatest hero/threat may be sitting right next to you in class. Without further ado, here are the Top 10 Anime Where the Main Character Pretends to Be Weak but Overpowered.
Table of Contents
- NOBLESSE
- TRIGUN
- LEGEND OF THE LEGENDARY HEROES
- DIDN’T I SAY TO MAKE MY ABILITIES AVERAGE IN THE NEXT LIFE?!
- SUPPOSE A KID FROM THE LAST DUNGEON BOONIES MOVED TO A STARTER TOWN
- THE SAINT’S MAGIC POWER IS OMNIPOTENT
- THE DEVIL IS A PART-TIMER
- JUNI TAISEN: ZODIAC WAR
- THE ANCIENT MAGUS’ BRIDE
- TO YOUR ETERNITY
NOBLESSE
Let’s start with a little wild card. His name is Cadis Etrama di Raizel or just Rai, and he is the Noblesse. Having been revived in the modern world, he stays hidden from those who would abuse his blood and power by integrating himself into high school.
This is an OP MC who hides out of necessity, but the funny thing is, there’s no real indication of his real strength.
He’s at least powerful enough to recruit followers and draw the ire of certain groups, but for the most part, he just sits there looking disinterested.
He doesn’t have much of a personality either, which can be funny, but most of the weight is carried by the supporting cast. It’s a good-looking series and, at the very least, it always feels like Rai is in control.
TRIGUN
Here’s a classic for ya. On an alien world that’s a blend of dystopian cyberpunk and spaghetti Western, Vash the Stampede is just trying to get by. Unfortunately, he’s saddled with the biggest bounty ever seen, despite the fact that he’s never killed, anyone.
What makes Vash an interesting OP MC is that he doesn’t believe in killing others and only shoots to disarm or incapacitate. That doesn’t mean he’s bad with a gun. He’s arguably the best sharpshooter out there.
He’d avoid all conflict if he could help it and comes across as a lovable goofball, but when he gets serious, there’s nothing that can stop him.
If you’re in the mood for wacky hijinks, entertaining shootouts, a deep narrative, and don’t mind the classic aesthetic, give this show a watch.
LEGEND OF THE LEGENDARY HEROES
Here’s an OP MC so powerful, his very existence poses a threat to all mankind. Ryner Lute was born with the Alpha Stigma, a curse branded in his eyes that grants him total magical power. He can replicate any magical incantation and destroy anything he touches.
In an effort to establish peace, and as part of self-imposed penance, he searches the world for the relics of the Legendary Hero. Most of the time, Ryner likes to act like a lazy lay-about, but that’s only because he knows how much death and suffering his power can create.
He would prefer to nap all day, but the warring kingdoms and dark political machinations leave little time for relaxation.
He constantly struggles with what it means to have power and whether or not he can allow himself to live. It’s a slow burn with a lot of intertwining threads, but enjoyable, nonetheless.
DIDN’T I SAY TO MAKE MY ABILITIES AVERAGE IN THE NEXT LIFE?!
What’s an OP MC without an Isekai story to accompany it? Misato Kurihara is reborn into a new world where she asks the gods to make her abilities average.
As the reborn Adele, her wish is granted. Her abilities are the average of the strongest and weakest magical creatures, which still places her far and beyond a regular human’s magical power. From there, she attends school, forms a party with her classmates, and the four of them go on wild adventures.
Adele’s attempts at hiding her power and trying to live a normal life often end hilariously.
It doesn’t take long for people to start noticing her immense power, but for the most part, her new friends don’t seem to mind it. It’s a very warm slice-of-life series with plenty of moe goodness.
SUPPOSE A KID FROM THE LAST DUNGEON BOONIES MOVED TO A STARTER TOWN
The title says it all. Lloyd is just your average boy who dreams of becoming like the noble knights he’s read about in books. Nothing’s stopping him, as he is leagues above any of the other candidates in terms of strength, speed, and magical ability.
The charm of this series comes from the fact that Lloyd has a skewed sense of strength since everyone in his home village is on par or above his level.
Thus, crises and enemies that would be disastrous to the average human are little more than daily chores for Lloyd. This show is all about the slapstick and Lloyd constantly misreading the situation.
He’s not necessarily hiding his strength or pretending to be weak, he’s just not aware of how stilted his perspective is. And the series milks that for all it’s worth.
THE SAINT’S MAGIC POWER IS OMNIPOTENT
Now for a more wholesome and gentler OP MC. Sei is transported to another world during a ritual to summon the Saint, an individual of great magic power.
Unfortunately, another girl was summoned at the same time, and she is chosen as the Saint. Sei’s not too bothered and occupies her time learning about magic and alchemy.
Her power does awaken, stronger than any Saint before her, but Sei just wants to make potions in peace. For the most part, Sei is very mellow and easy-going about the whole ordeal.
It’s nice to have a series that takes its time to grow genuine relationships between the characters, and there’s no shortage of attractive men here. Her power is omnipotent, but nothing can hold a candle to the power of love
THE DEVIL IS A PART-TIMER
Now for a classic Reverse-Isekai Comedy. When the Demon Lord Satan is losing the fight, he and his general escape to modern-day Tokyo.
In an attempt to reclaim his power and climb the social ladder, Satan takes a job at McRonald’s. Hilarity ensues. Here’s another example of an OP MC hiding his power to blend in with society.
Not only is he a fish out of water, not only does he have to get used to having little magical power, but he also has to deal with former allies and enemies hunting him down.
Couple that with his genuine enthusiasm and drive for his part-time job, and the jokes write themselves. It’s a surprisingly well-written show and, arguably, was a trailblazer for the modern isekai boom.
JUNI TAISEN: ZODIAC WAR
This anime will be discussed since that’s the only way to talk about this particular OP MC. Every twelve years, a battle royale is held between twelve warriors styled after the Chinese Zodiac.
The winner must collect the poison jewels in each of the other entrants to receive one all-powerful wish. Again, there be SPOILERS ahead. The OP MC who hides his powers in this show is the warrior of the Rat. Each of the fighters has some kind of specialty or physical prowess and the Rat has the ability to return to a save point in the past.
He lives through hundreds of thousands of realities to make sure he comes out on top. It’s not an outright offensive technique, but he uses it to form alliances, redo mistakes, and give himself the best odds of victory.
If that’s not overpowered, I don’t know what is.
THE ANCIENT MAGUS’ BRIDE
This show is about more than just an OP MC, but I think the premise qualifies it for this list. Chise is what’s called a ” Sleigh Beggy “, A human born with an almost infinite well of magic inside her.
There is no shortage of mages and alchemists who would love to dissect her or siphon her power.
One mage, However, would rather find a way to make her live longer while teaching her the best uses for her inherent abilities.
Chise has to be careful about how she uses magic, not just because people would abuse it, but also because it could literally tear her apart.
Her kind rarely enjoys long lives, but with the help of her mentor Elias, and the new people she meets, there may come a day when she no longer has to hide. This show, in my opinion, is a must-watch and looks beautiful to boot.
TO YOUR ETERNITY
Last but not least, a currently airing show, and one with a lot of promise. What happens when an orb with infinite life and the ability to recreate anything it touches is cast into the human world?
That’s the driving question of this show and it sets in motion a huge story. Eventually, this orb takes human form and learns what it means to live and die. Without much knowledge about its own abilities, it follows and stays beside those it takes interest in.
It’s very much a child, mentally, thus why it appears weak and doesn’t take full advantage of its abilities. But this show isn’t about huge power levels or being the strongest.
It explores what it means to be human, warts and all, and how death gives meaning to life. It’s a unique show, to say the least, but it’s very much worth your time.
Thanks for reading our article. Hopefully, this list has shed some light on a few lesser-known shows, but if you enjoy overpowered main characters, these should add a little spice to your watchlists
For more OP MCs, I point you back to the two articles above and Top 10 Chinese Anime with Overpowered Main Characters if you’re really feeling adventurous. If we forgot one of your favorites, let us know in the comments below. While you’re here, take a look at some of our other articles. We post Top 10s, news pieces, and other topics for every kind of fan. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates.
As always, have fun, stay safe, and get your WEEB ON!
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blog!