Anime heroes often act as the audience's point of view characters, fulfilling the viewers' bravest self-indulgent fantasies. An archetype of a hero is someone the audience would want to look up to — a tenacious, determined, and strong-willed figure. These types of anime heroes earn the respect and admiration of the fans, inspiring them to strive for greatness.
Yet, some characters land far from this compelling ideal, comprised of more flaws than virtues. These types of heroes stray from their valiant archetype. While some pity these unfortunate characters for their lack of admirable qualities, their silly shortcomings make them prime targets for roasting.
10 There's Nothing Heroic In The Lazy Samurai Gintoki Sakata
Gintama
Gintama's indolent protagonist Gintoki Sakata is a man of few virtues. Despite being a decade older than most shonen heroes, he's unemployed, manipulative, and dangerously addicted to gambling and alcohol. At least the lazy samurai is hilariously self-aware of his countless shortcomings.
Gintoki's vices become the source of countless gags, and even his teen apprentices act more mature and reasonable than their irresponsible mentor. No matter how fun it is to roast Gintoki, he remains the show's beloved hero by getting himself together in dire situations.
9 Atsushi Nakajima Is Too Boring To Be A Protagonist
Bungou Stray Dogs
Being overshadowed by the much more compelling side characters in your own show is the unfortunate fate of Bungou Stray Dogs' hero Atsushi Nakajima. Not only is Atsushi's ability to turn into a tiger one of the least creative in the entire series, but his stiff, spineless attitude makes him a lame hero even outside of action scenes.
Unfortunately for Atsushi, the show's cast is full of vibrant and multifaceted characters that surpass him in every way. Fans would rather follow them instead of the series' designated hero.
8 Tatsuhiro Satou's World Of Illusions Is Even Scarier Than The Reality He Runs Away From
Welcome To The N.H.K.
The entire plot of Welcome to the N.H.K. revolves around unraveling how much of a loser its hero, Tatsuhiro Satou, really is — and it's not hard to see why Satou failed to succeed in life. This 22-year-old college dropout spent almost four years of his life as a NEET.
In fact, Satou never leaves his apartment and exists in a fantasy world of conspiracy theories. Finding a job or a worthwhile hobby is not something Satou genuinely considers as he's too terrified to step out of his shell into the world.
7 Haruhi Is A Narcissistic Nuisance With Too Much Power
The Melancholy Of Haruhi Suzumiya
Characters with less self-awareness than the titular protagonist of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya are hard to come by. Clever and effortlessly talented in almost anything, Haruhi stomps her potential by acting arrogant, hot-headed, and selfish all the time.
Haruhi's competitive, narcissistic personality drives most of the show's conflicts, and her disregard for other people can be extremely irritating. Despite the fabric of reality literally morphing to cater to Haruhi's needs, she remains dissatisfied with everything and everyone, pathetically incapable of sticking to her decisions.
6 Boruto Fails To Live Up To His Dad's Glory Both In The Series & The Real World
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
Naruto Uzumaki was a role model for an entire generation of shonen fans, fighting for his dream through countless hardships. Boruto: Naruto Next Generations was supposed to be just as inspiring as its predecessor. Unfortunately, the son of the legendary hero lacks the admirable qualities that made his father an incredible protagonist.
Naruto was an ostracized underdog struggling to earn the respect of others. Boruto is a spoiled brat who fails to live up to his dad's glory despite his talents and the support his status gives him.
5 Tomoko Fails To Overcome Her Social Anxiety Time & Time Again
WataMote
WataMote's unfortunate heroine Tomoko is specifically designed to be as roastable as possible. The entire series is dedicated to placing this painfully socially inept girl into the most cringeworthy, awkward scenarios imaginable. Tomoko starts her first year of high school, hoping to make friends and find a boyfriend.
Unfortunately, Tomoko needs to gain at least rudimentary social skills before she becomes the social butterfly she imagines herself to be. This task proves too difficult for her, and it's hard to even pity someone so laughably helpless.
4 Yukiteru Amano Can't Make A Single Decision Without Throwing A Tantrum
Future Diary
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Such a high-stakes show as Future Diary would benefit from a resourceful, quick-witted hero who stands a chance navigating a death game with the world's future at stake. Unfortunately, Yukiteru Amano is none of those things. Instead of proactively leading his story, Yukiteru hides behind Yuno and cries every time his safety is compromised.
Indecisive and emotionally unstable, Yukiteru doesn't grow as a hero throughout the series, never learning any lessons and refusing to mature. His behavior irritates viewers at first, but by the end of the show, his patheticness just becomes funny.
3 Ciel Phantomhive Overestimates His Intelligence & Independence
Black Butler
Despite presenting himself as an adolescent strategic genius, Black Butler's Ciel Phantomhive is nothing more than a spoiled kid accustomed to luxury. Without the help of his demonic butler Sebastian Michaelis, Ciel would be unable to even dress himself, let alone serve as the Queen's Watchdog or avenge his family.
Brought up as an aristocrat, Ciel can't survive without countless servants, even if he postures as the head of the household. In fact, it's funny to see someone so childish and arrogant act so high and mighty.
2 Umaru Is A Spoiled Brat Who Takes Advantage Of Her Brother
Himouto! Umaru-Chan
The internet loves making fun of the Himouto! Umaru-chan titular protagonist. Even those who can't tolerate Umaru's childish antics love to turn their hatred into snarky comments about the character's patheticness. A perfect student in her "outdoor mode," Umaru turns into an insufferable slob behind closed doors.
Instead of helping her brother around the house or taking basic care of herself, Umaru lays around playing video games and throws tantrums if something doesn't go her way. Irritating at best, Umaru can be pitied for never growing out of her selfish childishness.
1 Shinji Is Commonly Dismissed As A Crybaby
Neon Genesis Evangelion
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The notorious Neon Genesis Evangelion protagonist Shinji Ikari was designed as a flawed, complex character who deconstructs common mecha archetypes. Yet, it didn't save him from becoming the butt of countless jokes. It's easy to roast Shinji for his inability to stand up for himself and his lack of backbone.
Shinji's weak mentality and helplessness are some of his core characteristics. No matter how fun it is to bully Shinji for being childish and pathetic, most fans still recognize the teen as an exceptionally well-written hero.