10 Anime Where the Underdog Triumphs More Satisfyingly Than Naruto
They may not all be able to summon giant toads or have a tailed beast within them, but these characters remind us that sometimes, the best special power is simply never giving up.
1. Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple (MyAnimeList Score: 8.05)
Here's an anime that perfectly marries comedy, martial arts, and the quintessential underdog spirit. Meet Kenichi, our every-day, bullied teenager who soon finds himself under the tutelage of multiple martial arts masters, each more eccentric than the last. The 'weakest kid in school' goes through a rigorous training regimen (and we mean, working on a construction site with your bare hands rigorous), slowly rising through the ranks and facing increasingly powerful opponents. Unlike Naruto, who had Kurama and lineage on his side, Kenichi's only 'special power' is pure hard work and determination.
2. Baby Steps (MyAnimeList Score: 7.80)
Moving from martial arts dojos to the tennis court, Baby Steps offers an underdog story that serves up some serious competition for Naruto. Eiichirou Maruo, or 'Ei-chan,' is your stereotypical bookworm with no athletic abilities whatsoever. After a chance encounter with tennis, he decides to take it up, not knowing he was serving himself into a world of intense competition. Ei-chan's meticulous nature and analytical mind, combined with his willingness to work sweat-drippingly hard, make for a satisfying watch as he improves match by match.
3. Uchuu Kyoudai (Space Brothers) (MyAnimeList Score: 8.49)
Space Brothers gives us the underdog in the form of a thirty-something man, Mutta Nanba, who gets fired from his job and then decides to become... an astronaut. Now, how's that for a career shift? What's more, his younger brother Hibito has already made it to NASA. The series does an exceptional job of depicting Mutta's struggle, his will to catch up to his brother, and the late-blooming spirit of following one's dream. In comparison to Naruto's fast-paced ninja world, Space Brothers' grounded and mature storytelling provides a refreshing take on the underdog narrative.
4. Hikaru no Go (MyAnimeList Score: 8.08)
What if I told you one of the most satisfying underdog stories revolves around an ancient board game? Well, Hikaru no Go does just that. Hikaru Shindo, our young protagonist, stumbles upon a Go board inhabited by the spirit of a Heian-era Go master. Initially indifferent to the game, Hikaru's interest piques after a competitive encounter with Go prodigy, Akira Toya. What follows is a journey filled with personal growth, fierce competition, and a deep appreciation for the game of Go. The thrill of watching Hikaru climb from absolute novice to high-level player is nothing short of satisfying.
5. Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor (MyAnimeList Score: 8.27)
The high stakes, nail-biting world of Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor is, quite frankly, not for the soft-hearted. Forget about the camaraderie and clear-cut morals of Naruto's universe, because Kaiji's world is about gambling, debt, and survival. Kaiji Itou, a shiftless young man, finds himself in a monstrous debt and has to navigate a series of increasingly perilous gambling games to stay alive. What sets Kaiji apart is his ability to think on his feet and adapt. The intense atmosphere and Kaiji's desperate victories make his underdog triumph feel raw, real, and incredibly satisfying (if you can stomach to watch it to the end.)
6. Silver Spoon (MyAnimeList Score: 8.09)
Imagine going from a high-pressure academic setting to a vocational agricultural school. That's what Yuugo Hachiken, a city boy at heart, does in Silver Spoon. What starts as a means to escape the rigorous academic expectations of city schools, quickly turns into a life-changing experience for Hachiken as he navigates the world of agriculture. Amidst learning about farming, caring for animals, and understanding where food comes from, Hachiken discovers his own strength and resilience. Unlike Naruto, who always knew he wanted to be Hokage, Hachiken's triumph lies in discovering his path.
7. Hajime no Ippo (MyAnimeList Score: 8.76)
Straight from the farming fields, we jump into the intense, high-adrenaline world of boxing with Hajime no Ippo. Ippo Makunouchi, a shy high school student, spends most of his time helping his mother with their fishing business. However, a chance encounter with a boxing champion ignites a fire within him, leading him down the path of professional boxing. Each match is a thrilling showcase of endurance, strategy, and spirit as Ippo punches his way to the top. His journey is so engaging, it might even have you shadow boxing in your living room.
8. Chihayafuru (MyAnimeList Score: 8.18)
Chihayafuru is an anime that revolves around the traditional Japanese card game, Karuta. While the concept might not sound thrilling at first, Chihaya Ayase, our determined protagonist, makes it so. Driven by the dream of becoming the best female Karuta player in Japan, she forms a club at her high school and rallies her friends to join her. What makes this underdog story stand out is Chihaya's journey, which is not about becoming the best overnight, but continuously striving and improving.
9. Sket Dance (MyAnimeList Score: 8.21)
This anime offers us not one, but three underdogs to root for! Sket Dance features the hilarious exploits of the 'Sket-Dan,' a high school club dedicated to helping others with their problems. Comprising the hyperactive leader Bossun, straightforward and brash Himeko, and the data-crunching tech genius Switch, this underdog trio tackles everything from detective work to emotional support. The joy in Sket Dance is watching these self-proclaimed 'heroes of the outcasts' help their fellow students while overcoming their own past traumas.
10. Kingdom (MyAnimeList Score: 7.93)
Kingdom wraps up our list with a grand-scale, historical underdog tale. The anime follows the story of Li Xin, an orphaned slave boy who dreams of becoming the 'Great General of the Heavens.' Set in the Warring States period of ancient China, Kingdom beautifully portrays Xin's rise through the military ranks amidst political intrigue and epic battles. What sets Kingdom apart is its focus on both the personal growth of Xin and the larger political landscape of the warring states, providing a broad scope for Xin's underdog triumph.