Gods Among Mortals: The Best Anime with Overpowered Main Characters, Ranked for 2025

In the vast world of anime, there are protagonists who start weak and grow stronger through hard work, and then there are those who are simply built differently. The “overpowered main character” (OP MC) has become a staple of modern anime, particularly in the ever-popular Isekai genre. These characters often possess abilities so immense that they can defeat any foe with minimal effort, leaving the audience in awe of their sheer dominance. However, the best series in this category don’t rely solely on their protagonist’s strength; they use it to explore comedy, deconstruct the power fantasy, or build a world around a character who is a force of nature. As new series continue to push the boundaries of this trope in 2025, here is a definitive ranking of the best anime featuring an OP MC.

This list is based on a combination of factors: the creativity of the protagonist’s powers, the quality of the storytelling and animation, and how well the series uses the OP MC trope to its advantage. We’re looking for shows that are more than just a power fantasy; they’re genuinely entertaining experiences.

S-Tier: The Titans of the Genre

These shows are the gold standard for OP MC anime. They masterfully use the overpowered protagonist as a vehicle for brilliant storytelling, humor, or world-building, making them more than just simple power fantasies.

• One-Punch Man: The definitive OP MC anime. Saitama’s power is the central joke of the series, and the narrative revolves around his existential ennui from being able to defeat any enemy with a single punch. The comedy is top-notch, the side characters are incredibly well-developed, and the animation is a spectacle to behold. It is a brilliant deconstruction of the shonen genre.
• Mob Psycho 100: From the same creator as One-Punch Man, this series follows Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama, a powerful psychic who wants nothing more than to live a normal life. His immense power is tied to his emotional state, and the series uses this to tell a beautiful and heartfelt story about self-acceptance, friendship, and finding one’s place in the world. The animation by Studio Bones is some of the best in the industry.
• That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: Rimuru Tempest is a perfect example of an OP MC in the Isekai genre done right. He starts as a weak slime but quickly gains a multitude of overpowered abilities. However, the show’s focus is less on his fighting and more on his ambition to build a safe and prosperous nation for all races. It’s a compelling fantasy story with a protagonist who uses his power to unite rather than dominate.

A-Tier: The Powerhouse Contenders

These anime are excellent and have incredibly strong protagonists. They might not be as innovative as the S-Tier shows, but they deliver on the promise of an exciting and satisfying power fantasy.

• Overlord: Ainz Ooal Gown, a powerful lich from a virtual reality game, finds himself transported to a new world with all of his abilities. The series is a fantastic dark fantasy with a great blend of action, strategy, and world-building. Ainz’s intelligence and overwhelming power make him a force to be reckoned with, and watching his interactions with the denizens of his new world is a treat.
• The Misfit of Demon King Academy: Anos Voldigoad is so overpowered that he can defeat his enemies with a single heartbeat or a mere gesture. This series leans into its absurd premise with a protagonist who is both arrogant and surprisingly kind. It is a highly entertaining show that provides a pure, unadulterated power fantasy with a charismatic lead.
• Solo Leveling: The most recent hit to take the genre by storm. Sung Jinwoo starts as “the weakest hunter of all mankind” but quickly becomes the most powerful being on the planet through a unique leveling system. The series is pure hype, with stunning animation and a satisfying progression that makes you feel every step of Jinwoo’s meteoric rise to power.

B-Tier: The Notable Classics and Comedies

These shows are still worth watching, either for their historical significance or for a unique spin on the OP MC trope. They may have some flaws, but their protagonists are undeniably memorable.

• The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.: This is a gag comedy series where the protagonist, Saiki Kusuo, is so powerful that he can literally do anything. The show’s humor comes from his attempts to live a normal life despite his god-like abilities, and his constant interactions with the eccentric people around him. It is a fantastic show for a quick laugh.
• The Irregular at Magic High School: Tatsuya Shiba is a walking cheat code in a world of magic. His abilities are so broken that he is considered a “flaw” in his school’s system, and the show’s pleasure comes from watching him effortlessly outsmart and outmatch his opponents. It is a solid action series for fans of a more strategic OP MC.

In conclusion, the overpowered main character archetype has evolved from a simple power fantasy into a diverse genre that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a good laugh, a thrilling action sequence, or a deep exploration of a character’s psyche, the best OP MC anime prove that having too much power is anything but boring.