Top 10 Anime Series where Main Character is Outshined

Usually, anime is built around the main character and follows his path of conflict and resolution. Supporting characters are also thrown in to drive the story forward and to flash out the protagonist’s character. 

But sometimes, those side characters unintentionally become more famous than the main character, thus totally stealing his overall aura and presence. Today, we brought some anime where others outshine the main character. 

10. My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia | Source: Fandom

My Hero Academia is a story about Izuku Midoriya and his rigorous journey to become the greatest hero, so he is expected to be the prime focus of the plot. But that is not the case; as the series progressed, fans became more interested in supporting characters like Todoroki and Bakugo.

Further, the series boasts a diverse range of characters, each with their own subplots and motives, working its magic that stole the limelight from Midoriya.

9. Bungo Stray Dogs

Bungo Stray Dogs
Bungo Stray Dogs | Source: Fandom

The anime’s main character may be Atsushi, but Dazai stole fans’ hearts. Bungo Stray Dogs follows the story of Atsushi Nakajima as he joins the Armed Detective Agency and fights the threats with his supernatural powers with others.

Dazai is an eccentric member of the same organization who recruits Atsushi. He is also a former executive of Port Mafia with extraordinary powers. His playful personality and secret motives had fans convinced that there are more hidden layers to him, so that is why they’re more curious about his story than others.

8. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood | Source: Fandom

Fullmetal Alchemist:Brotherhood revolves around Elric Brothers, who are on a quest to regain their bodies after a failed transmutation. The series itself highlights the main character’s significance by giving them more screen time, fights, and an elaborate backstory.

But despite being a supporting character with only necessary character information, Roy Mustang had managed to outshine the Elric brothers. Fans often seemed more invested in his subplot to overthrow the government and become Fuhrer.

7. Hunter x Hunter

Hunter x Hunter
Hunter x Hunter | Source: Fandom

Hunter x Hunter anime may be about Gon, but it is Killua’s smug personality and presence that often takes center stage. The anime follows the adventure of the protagonist, Gon Freecss, as he aims to become a hunter and find his father.

There is no doubt that Gon is a good hero who perfectly fits the Shonen Anime’s protagonist standards. But Killua’s compelling assassination backstory, and his mature mindset overshadows Gon more than intended.

6. Fate Series

Fate
Fate Series | Source: Fandom

If you are familiar with the Fate series, no doubt you have heard about Saber. She is one of the most popular faces of the Fate series, even suppressing the protagonist, Shirou Emiya.

Although the anime focuses on Shirou as he participates in the Holy Grail War, it is the series heroines and other characters like Gilgamesh that garner more views. In between such fascinating character writings, Shirou’s portrayal somehow fails to create the hype.

5. Tokyo Revengers

Tokyo Revengers
Tokyo Revengers | Source: Fandom

This delinquent anime follows 26-year-old Takemichi Hanagaki’s desperate pursuits to save his ex-girlfriend and alter future events. Viewers had expected Takemichi to showcase an intriguing side apart from being a hero. But that didn’t happen, and instead, his popularity was stolen by side characters like Mikey and Draken.

Mikey and Draken are both the founding members of the Tokyo Manji gang. They have an insane fighting ability and are fearsome among the other members. They perfectly fit the viewer’s expectations with their charisma and style.

4. Chainsaw Man

Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man | Source: Fandom

How can one expect the protagonist to shine in a series dominated by powerful female characters? Denji in Chainsaw Man is undoubtedly an interesting character who constantly breaks the typical protagonist stereotypes.  

But his glory, from the first episode itself, is stolen by the enigmatic antagonist Makima. When it’s not her, it shifts towards the other characters like Power, a fiery blood fiend, and Aki, a composed devil hunter.

3. Future Diary

Future Diary
Future Diary | Source: Fandom

Yuno Gasai is a force to be reckoned with, and her character in the Future Diary anime definitely proves that. Even after so many years after the anime’s run, fans still remember the series as the most popularized Yandere of all time.

The anime was supposed to be about Yukiteru Amane, who was suddenly forced into a deadly survival game. Instead, the viewers unexpectedly fell in love with the psychotic love interest of Yukiteru, who would go to any length to protect him

2. Death Note

Death Note
Death Note | Source: Fandom

One thing that kept fans engrossed in this anime was definitely the battle of wits between Light and L. L. Lawliet was a top-class detective who had sworn to unravel the true mystery of Kira and mysterious murders. He was so intriguing with his intellect and quirky behavior that he became the love at first sight for many fans.

In a short time, he had suppressed Light’s popularity and even had fans rooting for his success. Even today, Death Note is still remembered for his character.

1. Jujutsu Kaisen

Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen | Source: Fandom

The first thing that comes to mind after hearing Jujutsu Kaisen is an image of the white hair, blue-eyed sensei, Gojo Satoru, even though the plot is about Yuji Itadori, who trains to become Jujutsu Sorcerer after becoming a host to a vile sorcerer.

Gojo’s handsome features and his god-like powers have put him in the spotlight more than Yuji, who is just learning about his abilities. Other than Gojo, other supporting characters had managed to win fan’s hearts, thus downplaying Yuji’s role.

So, these are the anime series where the main character’s spotlight got stolen. If you have any more recommendations, you can always express them in the comment section. 

Epic Dope Staff

Epic Dope Staff

Our talented team of Freelance writers - Always on the lookout - pour their energies into a wide range of topics bringing to our audience what they crave - fun up-to-date news, reviews, fan theories and much much more.

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