5 Best Anime Where Weak Characters Become Powerhouses

Watching a character grow from fragile or overlooked to someone powerful and respected is one of the most rewarding parts of anime. These journeys aren’t about instant victories, they’re about effort, failure, and the will to keep moving forward. 

From underdogs training to become heroes, to misfits unlocking their hidden potential, these stories highlight determination and transformation. If you enjoy rooting for characters who start at the bottom but rise to greatness, here are five of the best anime with unforgettable weak-to-strong arcs, ranked by popularity.

5. Black Clover

Asta begins life without magic in a world where magical power decides social rank. Orphaned alongside Yuno, his gifted rival, Asta dreams of becoming the Wizard King. While everyone mocks his lack of mana, he earns a rare five-leaf grimoire containing an anti-magic sword. 

Joining the Black Bulls squad, Asta trains endlessly, compensating for his weakness with sheer effort and unshakable drive. Each battle, from dungeon raids to fights against the Eye of the Midnight Sun, showcases his steady rise. Black Clover thrives on Asta’s refusal to stay powerless.

4. Naruto

Born shunned as the vessel for the Nine-Tails fox, Naruto Uzumaki starts off as the village prankster of Konoha. With clumsy ninjutsu and no family, he dreams of earning respect by becoming Hokage. Through determination and the teachings of mentors like Kakashi and Jiraiya, Naruto gradually refines his abilities. 

From learning the Rasengan to mastering Sage Mode, he evolves into a hero who defends his comrades and even the entire shinobi world. Naruto is the ultimate tale of an underdog transforming into one of anime’s most beloved champions.

3. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Tanjiro Kamado starts as a gentle boy selling charcoal in the mountains until demons slaughter his family, leaving his sister Nezuko transformed. Determined to protect her and avenge his family, he joins the Demon Slayer Corps. 

At first, Tanjiro struggles with sword forms and breathing techniques. But through harsh training with Urokodaki and fierce battles against demons like Rui of the Lower Moon, his skills sharpen. Combining Water Breathing, Hinokami Kagura, and relentless willpower, Tanjiro steadily rises in strength. Demon Slayer thrives on his journey of resilience and growth.

2. My Hero Academia

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Izuku Midoriya, born without a Quirk, idolizes the mighty hero All Might. Considered hopeless in a world where powers are the norm, he’s suddenly chosen as All Might’s successor, inheriting One For All. His body can’t handle its full power initially, causing injuries every time he uses it. 

Through tireless training at U.A. High and alongside classmates like Bakugo and Todoroki, Izuku gradually learns control. From struggling with Full Cowl to unlocking Shoot Style, his journey is packed with trials. My Hero Academia shines in showcasing true hero growth.

1. Dragon Ball

When Dragon Ball begins, Goku is just a wild child with a tail and surprising strength, unaware of his true Saiyan origins. Trained by Master Roshi and challenged by martial artists like Tien and Krillin, Goku constantly faces opponents far stronger than himself. 

His battles in the World Martial Arts Tournaments push him to new limits, while his later confrontations with Piccolo demonstrate his rapid growth. Each fight forces him to learn, adapt, and surpass expectations. Dragon Ball laid the foundation for anime heroes who rise from humble beginnings.