The 35 Best Anime With An Underdog Story, Ranked By Fans

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Gurren Lagann focus on a timid, underground dweller who believes in himself only through his friend's encouragement, eventually leading a rebellion against overwhelming forces. The anime underscores themes of growth and self-belief in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

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Yusuke Urameshi starts as a delinquent with a troubled life who unexpectedly becomes a "Spirit Detective" after a noble act of sacrifice. His journey from an outcast to a hero, dealing with supernatural threats, highlights his impressive transformation and perseverance.

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Bell Cranel starts as an inexperienced adventurer with minimal skills and slowly climbs the ranks through courage and dedication. His determination to grow stronger despite numerous challenges characterizes a classic underdog tale.

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Naruto Uzumaki's journey from an ostracized, talentless kid to a respected ninja underscores the value of hard work and believing in oneself. The strong emphasis on themes of friendship and unwavering ambition makes the underdog story resonate deeply.

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Asta's journey from a magic-less boy in a world where magic is everything to aiming to become the Wizard King showcases an inspiring tale of perseverance and self-belief. The anime blends fantasy elements with a strong underdog theme, making his gritty rise compelling.

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Subaru Natsuki's repetitive struggle to survive and protect his friends in a fantastical world where he starts with no special powers delineates a profound underdog narrative. His journey emphasizes resilience and learning from failure to ultimately triumph.

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Naofumi Iwatani starts with the weakest role as the Shield Hero and faces betrayal and adversity, yet he gradually proves his worth through resilience and strategic ingenuity. His journey highlights the strength of overcoming severe hardships and unfair treatment.

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This popular shonen excels in showing how a powerless boy in a super-powered world overcomes immense odds to become a hero, highlighting the importance of determination and grit. The diverse cast of characters each facing their own challenges adds depth to the underdog narrative.

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Known as one of the best sports anime of all time, Haikyu!! showcases how Hinata, despite his short stature, aspires to be a top volleyball player, defying expectations through relentless practice and teamwork. The series is praised for its realistic portrayal of the hard work and camaraderie that drives success in sports.

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Tanjiro Kamado’s path from a humble, normal boy to a formidable demon slayer highlights a classic underdog story fueled by love and determination. His relentless quest to save his sister against overwhelming odds forms the emotional core of the series.

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Initially perceived as a comedic tale, Reborn! evolves into a gripping saga where a seemingly ordinary and inept boy, must grow into a strong mafia leader. His transformation, fueled by personal growth and determination, forms the core of its underdog appeal.

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Ikki Kurogane, derided as the "Worst One" for his supposedly low magical abilities, works tirelessly to become a skilled knight through sheer hard work and dedication. His determination to surpass expectations despite his initial ranking makes for a compelling underdog story.

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Ichigo Kurosaki starts off as an ordinary high school student who unexpectedly inherits the powers of a Soul Reaper, thrusting him into battles against formidable foes. The series traces his rise as he gains strength and purpose through perseverance and determination.

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Iruma Suzuki, an ordinary human boy, finds himself in a demon school where he must navigate challenges and hide his true identity. His journey of adaptation and eventual triumph in this hostile environment embodies the classic underdog arc.

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Yukihira Soma's entry into an elite culinary school, despite his humble background from a small diner, presents a classic underdog story. The series explores how his creativity and relentless practice enable him to compete with more privileged peers.

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A seemingly talentless girl among superpowered peers relies on her wits and strategic mind to survive and achieve her goals. Her struggle to outsmart her more powerful classmates positions her as a unique underdog in a high-stakes battle of intellect.

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In a school of superpowered students, a seemingly talentless girl named Nana is secretly tasked with eliminating them to protect humanity.

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Hajime no Ippo explores Ippo Makunouchi's rise from a bullied teenager to a boxing champion, driven by perseverance and hard-earned skill rather than natural talent. Its detailed focus on the sport's physical and mental demands grounds the underdog story in realism.

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Kenichi Shirahama is a bullied high school student who decides to turn his life around by training in martial arts at the Ryozanpaku dojo. His climb from being the weakest to a skilled fighter, thanks to relentless training and perseverance, defines the underdog narrative.

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World Trigger focuses on an outcast with exceptional combat skills, teaming up with a weak but determined trainee, to fend off alien invasions. Their contrasting abilities and shared growth underscore the underdog elements amidst a rich sci-fi setting.

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Kuroko's Basketball follows Tetsuya Kuroko, an unassuming player with a unique playstyle, as he helps an underdog basketball team rise to prominence. His story emphasizes the power of teamwork and strategy over raw talent.

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Slam Dunk focuses on a delinquent with no prior basketball experience, joins his high school team and works hard to improve and contribute. His growth from a novice to a key player highlights the importance of persistence and learning from setbacks.

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Gon Freecss sets out to become a Hunter in search of his father, starting from a point of relatively modest abilities. The series portrays his growth and the challenges he overcomes with

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Big Windup! follows Ren Mihashi, a pitcher with low self-esteem due to past failures, as he joins a new baseball team and gradually builds confidence and skill. His journey showcases the power of perseverance and teamwork in overcoming personal doubts and expectations.

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Noragami revolves around Yato, a minor god struggling to gain recognition and followers, depicting his numerous efforts to elevate his status. His persistence and the development of his unlikely friendships paint a picture of how even the overlooked can strive to achieve greatness.

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The series follows Bojji, a deaf and smaller-than-average prince, as he strives to prove his worth and become a great king despite his apparent weaknesses. His heartwarming and determined journey against the prejudices he faces marks a strong underdog narrative.

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Sena Kobayakawa’s transformation from a shy, bullied teenager to a key player in his school's American football team highlights the underdog spirit. His natural speed, initially unnoticed, becomes a crucial asset, emphasizing that hidden talents can lead to success.

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This anime follows a diligent student with no athletic background who dives into the world of tennis and steadily improves through rigorous practice and analytical approach. His journey underscores the theme of how methodical hard work can overcome initial shortcomings.

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A meticulous high school student channels his focus and dedication into learning and mastering the game of tennis.

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Sakamichi Onoda, an otaku with no background in sports, discovers his hidden talent for cycling and develops it through relentless effort and passion. His rise from obscurity to becoming a competitive cyclist highlights his journey as an underdog.

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Saito Hiraga, an ordinary Japanese teenager, is summoned to a magical world where he is treated as a commoner amongst nobles. His struggle to prove his worth and adapt to this new environment while supporting his master showcases the tenacity typical of an underdog narrative.

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A determined aspiring fashion model and a financially struggling fashion designer team up to pursue their dreams in the competitive world of fashion.

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An underground fighter with no proper registration, enters the world of professional Megalo Boxing and fights his way to the top despite starting from nothing. His battle against the odds and the elite captures the essence of an underdog striving for glory.

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