While the terminology used to describe a character with commendable skills and surface-level issues has changed over time, these types of main characters can still be found in media, including anime. It's easy to assume that any character who has everything go right for them is bland or difficult to relate to, but this depends entirely on how the series frames the protagonist's perpetual winning streak.
Some shows strive for self-aware comedy, some for satire, and others for an upbeat and inspirational story to escape from the crueler realities of life. On the other hand, there are anime that don't put in the effort to circumvent the bland characters that arise when the writing is a little too convenient. While anime protagonists coming out on top is a fairly common trope, each instance fits the description differently.
10 Josuke Gets The Happiest Ending Out Of The JoJos (JoJo's Bizzare Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable)
Jojo's Bizarre Adventure may be known for its goofy characters and even goofier fight scenes, but nearly every season ends with at least a few of its heroes buried six feet under. Diamond is Unbreakable, the fourth part of the series, ends differently for its protagonist, Josuke Higashikata.
Instead of fighting to save the world from big villains with life-altering schemes, Josuke and his friends fight to save their small town of Morioh from a local murderer, who, while scary, is no DIO. Very few side characters die, and every member of the main group survives the ordeal unharmed. Considering this show's track record, things turn out well for Josuke.
9 Donyatsu Is 50% Donut, 50% Cat, And 100% Happy (Donyatsu)
Donyatsu's premise relies on a darker truth: humanity has declined and cities are now inhabited by pastry animals. The show is comprised of twelve short episodes, making it possible to watch the entire series in a matter of minutes, but nothing seems to go too wrong the entire time.
Sans the sour attitude of Donyatsu's ally, Bagel, all the hero has to worry about in this short series is what fun adventures he'll get into next. Everything runs ironically smoothly for the hero considering the fact these cute antics take place in front of a desolate wasteland.
8 Yuri Achieves His Dreams (Yuri!!! On Ice)
It wouldn't be fair to say that Yuri On Ice's Yuri Katsuki is the type of protagonist who doesn't face any obstacles. In fact, the series starts off when Yuri feels at his lowest. That being said, his life turns up and everything he hopes for comes true throughout this upbeat and motivational series.
After Yuri blows his shot at becoming a top ice skater, his biggest inspiration, Victor Nikiforov, flies to Japan after seeing a video of Yuri skating. With Victor as his trainer, everything Yuri once deemed a dream becomes his reality.
7 Lina Always Comes Out On Top (Slayers)
A gem of '90s anime, Slayers is known for its headstrong and dependable protagonist, Lina Inverse. At the start of the series, Lina is a young teen but is already renowned for being a powerful sorceress. On top of her own immense skills and power, Lina gathers quite a few allies throughout the story.
Considering how much content exists for Slayers, Lina's success is about as predictable as it is enjoyable. After she saves the day and comes out on top the first few times without a hitch, fans get the idea that she's the type of hero who doesn't need to worry about failure.
6 Hikari's Biggest Fear Is Being Stuck In Second Place (Special A)
Special A may have its fair share of shojo melodrama, but most struggles that these teens face can be solved by the end of an episode or are objectively minor issues to have. After all, the premise of the show is that seven rich and highly-educated students receive special treatment from their school for being the best of the best.
If the viewer can overlook the questionable ranking system the school has in place, the biggest fear that the protagonist Hikari Hanazono has is that she wants to rise from the ranks of second place and beat Kei Takishima. Other than being slightly less skilled than her friend, nothing is too difficult for Hikari (except maybe cooking).
5 Ho-kago Tea Time Brings The Band's Fun To College (K-ON!)
Most slice-of-life or shojo anime have a shelf life, considering there are only so many years that the main characters will attend high school. That being said, a few series have followed their characters into the daunting world of college.
Conveniently, the protagonists of K-ON! all end up at the same college after graduation, meaning they get to stay with their friends and keep up with their band for another few years. This anime never leans too far into sadder themes, but this continuation into college is a bit unrealistic. No fans are complaining, though!
4 Ichiko Sakura Is A Girl With Excess Fortune (Good Luck Girl!)
It would be an overstatement to say that Good Luck Girl! contains a plot that has garnered even a decently sized audience. In fact, anyone who watches this 13-episode anime would probably be underwhelmed by its predictable plot, but there are audiences who prefer knowing the general direction of a story.
The series follows Ichiko Sakura, whose entire character is centered around the extra fortune she attracts, hence the name of the anime. While she still endures obstacles and enemies, Ichiko's good luck usually means she is slated to come out on top of whatever life throws at her.
3 It's An Easy Adventure For Touya Mochizuki (In Another World With My Smartphone)
In Another World With My Smart Phone adds to the long list of isekai anime that's come out in recent years. This show doesn't stray far from the typical tropes that come with a plot of this nature. While the protagonist Touya Mochizuki technically dies at the series' start, every plot point that ensues works in his favor.
Touya not only has multiple girls fawning over him at every waking moment, but he also discovers his natural talent for magic. Despite being a well-known anime, most fans dislike how easily everything comes to the hero, wishing a new spin could be placed on the character's personality.
2 Saitama Is Purposefully Overpowered (One-Punch Man)
One-Punch Man acts as a satire of shonen anime, meaning that Saitama being an overpowered protagonist who can defeat any foe he comes across is done purposefully and for comedic sake. That being said, while viewers see the irony in Saitama's indestructible power, the other characters are amazed by the sheer force behind his attacks.
Throughout the series, there is no enemy that this hero's powerful punch cannot defeat, and Saitama rarely gets injured and never loses. Considering being overpowered is the entire point of Saitama's role in One-Punch Man, it's safe to say that things always work in his favor.
1 Sakamoto's Story Relies On His Perfect Life (Haven't You Heard? I'm Sakamoto)
When the protagonist's main shtick is being the coolest guy in school with virtually no faults, the plot can either be really funny or really boring. Luckily, most fans think that Sakamoto's perfect nature is used favorably in Haven't You Heard? I'm Sakamoto rather than making the plot of this comedy dull.
Due to the series' self-awareness, Sakamoto's ability to succeed no matter what doesn't feel cheap like in other shows with overpowered protagonists. After all, two series can have the same faults, but if one is viewed through a satirical lens, then its humorous impact usually comes out on top.