The Top 20 Good Zero To Hero Anime Series to Watch

by Mohsin Lag May 15, 2019, 4:55 am 418 Views 1 Comment

The Best Zero To Hero Japanese Anime Tv Shows

Zero to hero anime series is a sub-genre that refers to those anime where the mc is weak but later gets so strong and op. This kind of anime series usually depicts the story of a weak main character who will start to train, and harness his abilities and skills in order to turn into an overpowered hero respected by everyone.

We hope you will enjoy this heroic anime list and find what you were looking for within the anime series that follows the zero-hero theme.

Let the Countdown of The 20 Great Zero To Hero Anime Series Begin!

Here We Go!

20. The Twelve Kingdoms

Episodes: 45
Studio: Pierrot
Anime Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Magic, Supernatural

The Twelve Kingdoms is a classic Japanese manga and anime that revolves around the zero to hero anime sub-genre. The story focuses on Youko Nakajima who has only ever wanted to be normal.

Also she does what she is asked, gets good grades, and even helps her classmates whenever she can. But because of her red hair, she has never fit in.

With her pushover attitude, Youko lets classmates take advantage of her, so she has nobody she can really call a friend. But on an otherwise ordinary day, a man who claims to be from another world barges into Youko’s classroom and bows before her.

This elegant blond-haired man, Keiki, claims that Youko is his master and belongs on the throne of his kingdom. However, their first meeting is cut short as Keiki has been followed by otherworldly beasts called Yuma.

He is able to escape with Youko into his own realm, but two other classmates—Ikuya Asano and Yuka Sugimoto—are caught up in the madness as well. Unfortunately, their troubles have only just begun, as the Youma attack leaves them separated from Keiki. Alone in this strange new land, these ordinary students must learn to fend for themselves or die.

19. Tiger and Bunny

Episodes:25
Studio: Sunrise
Anime Genres: Action, Mystery, Comedy, Super Power

There are already various anime tv series that belong to the zero-to-hero anime list, but Tiger and Bunny are one of the best them. In Stern Bild City, those with special abilities are called “NEXT,” and can use their powers for good or bad.

A unique organized group of NEXT appears regularly on Hero TV, where they chase down evildoers to bring limelight to their sponsors and earn Hero Points. Also in the hopes of becoming the next “King of Heroes.”

Kotetsu T. Kaburagi, known as “Wild Tiger,” is a veteran hero whose performance has been dwindling as of late, partially due to his inability to cooperate with other heroes.

After a disappointing season in which most of the other heroes far outperformed Tiger, he is paired up with a brand new hero who identifies himself by his real name—Barnaby Brooks Jr.

Barnaby, nicknamed “Bunny” by his frivolous new partner, quickly makes it clear that the two could not be more different. Though they mix as well as oil and water, Tiger and Bunny must learn to work together, both for the sake of their careers and to face the looming threats within Stern Bild.

18. Eyeshield 21

Episodes: 145
Studio: Gallop
Anime Genres: Action, Sports, Comedy, Shounen

Here is one of the greatest sports anime series of all time, Eyeshield 21 is one of those unique Japanese anime and manga series that all otakus must check out. The story follows Sena, who is like any other shy kid starting high school; he’s just trying to survive. Constantly bullied, he’s accustomed to running away.

Surviving high school is about to become a lot more difficult after Hiruma, captain of the school’s American football team. Witnesses Sena’s incredible agility and speed during an escape from some bullies. Hiruma schemes to make Sena the running back of his school team.

The Devil Bats, hoping that it will turn around the squad’s fortunes from being the laughingstock of Japan’s high school leagues to title contender. To protect his precious star player from rivaling recruiters. And he enlists Sena as “team secretary,” giving him a visored helmet and the nickname “Eyeshield 21” to hide his identity.

The Devilbats will look to make their way to the Christmas Bowl, an annual tournament attends by the best football teams in Japan. With “Eyeshield 21” leading the way. Will they be able to win the Christmas Bowl? Will Sena be able to transform from a timid, undersized freshman to an all-star player? Put on your pads and helmet to find out!

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17. Heroman

Episodes: 26
Studio: Bones
Anime Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Shounen

you will absolutely love this shounen action anime tv show, that follows Joey, who is an orphan living with his grandmother in Center City on the West Coast of the United States of America. Joey, like any other boy his age, is interested in robots and gadgets and dreams about owning a particular toy robot called a Heybo.

Heybos have very advanced mechanisms and controls but with great mechanisms comes a greater price. The robot is too expensive for Joey, whose only source of income is a part-time job at a restaurant and he needs that money to help support himself and his grandmother.

One day, when Joey is on his way home from school, he is passed by a couple of bullies who are playing around with a Heybo.

Then the bullies manage to get the robot run over by a car and Joey retrieves the wreckage from a trash can. Once home, Joey fixes the robot and names it Heroman.

Later that night, a thunderstorm results in Heroman getting wet and, improbably, struck by lightning. The result is amazing, Heroman grows massive in size, gets emblazoned with the colors of the American flag, and responds to Joey’s commands!

At the same time in space, an alien race called the Skrugg is preparing for an invasion of Earth. Now it’s up to Joey and Heroman to save Earth!

16. Charlotte

Episodes: 13
Studio: P.A Works
Anime Genres: Drama, School, Super Power

Charlotte is that kind of Anime that you will never regret watching, and as soon as you finished it you’ll ask for more! So this superpower school anime and manga series follow Yuu Otosaka, who appears to be just another charming and intelligent teenager.

He has a secret; the ability to slip into people’s minds and fully control their bodies for five seconds at a time. Additionally, Yuu has been using this skill for years to gain the highest grades, which allowed him to enter a prestigious high school.

When the enigmatic Nao Tomori catches Yuu using his power, she coerces him and his sister Ayumi into transferring to Hoshinoumi Academy. A school for students with supernatural abilities.

The student council of the school, led by Nao, is tasked with secretly tracking down adolescents who abuse their powers. There where Yuu is forced to join the student council.

They face formidable challenges that bring him closer to the shocking truth that his own, seemingly incomplete ability, might be more powerful than he could have ever imagined.

An original story from Jun Maeda, creator of Angel Beats and Clannad. Charlotte explores the supernatural lives of these teenagers and the price they must pay for being special.

15. Fate Stay Night

Episodes: 49 / Three Seasons
Studio: Deen
Anime Genres: Action, Supernatural, Magic, Romance, Fantasy

While talking about zero to hero anime tv shows, it means certainly Fate Stay Night will come out, as this Japanese anime series is considered one the best action and magic anime of all time. More to read about this good anime series in the following summary.

After a mysterious inferno kills his family, Shirou is saved and adopted by Kiritsugu Emiya, who teaches him the ways of magic and justice. One night, years after Kiritsugu’s death, Shirou is cleaning at school, when he finds himself caught in the middle of a deadly encounter between two superhumans known as Servants.

During his attempt to escape, the boy is caught by one of the Servants and receives a life-threatening injury. Miraculously, he survives, but the same Servant returns to finish what he started. In desperation, Shirou summons a Servant of his own, a knight named Saber.

The two must now participate in the Fifth Holy Grail War, a battle royale of seven Servants. The mages who summoned them, with the grand prize being none other than the omnipotent Holy Grail itself.

Fate/stay night follows Shirou as he struggles to find the fine line between a hero and a killer. Then, his ideals are clashing with the harsh reality around him. Will the boy become a hero like his foster father, or die trying?

Check Also: The 22 Best Action Anime 2019 you Need to Watch

14. Akame ga kill

Episodes: 24
Studio: White Fox
Anime Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Drama, Shounen

Akami Ga Kill aired in 2014 and since then we are still waiting for the 2nd season of this adventure fantasy anime series to come out.

The story highlights the Night Raid; which is the covert assassination branch of the Revolutionary Army. An uprising assembled to overthrow Prime Minister Honest

Whose avarice and greed for power have led him to take advantage of the child emperor’s inexperience. Without a strong and benevolent leader, the rest of the nation is left to drown in poverty. Strife, and ruin.

Though the Night Raid members are all experienced killers.

They understand that taking lives is far from commendable and that they will likely face retribution as they mercilessly eliminate anyone who stands in the revolution’s way.

This merry band of assassins’ newest member is Tatsumi, a naive boy from a remote village who had embarked on a journey to help his impoverished hometown. And was won over by not only Night Raid’s ideals, but also their resolve.

Akame ga Kill! follows Tatsumi as he fights the Empire and comes face-to-face with powerful weapons, and enemy assassins that make him challenge his own morals and values, and ultimately, what it truly means to be an assassin with a cause.

13. Tokyo Ghoul

Episodes: 12
Studio: Pierrot
Anime Genres: Action, Mystery, Horror, Psychological, Supernatural, Drama, Seinen

No doubt that Tokyo Ghoul is one of the best anime and manga series of all time that all anime fans should watch. This horror action anime focuses on the Kind Mc Ken Kaneki who will turn into an overpowered Ghoul.

Years Later, he has finally come to accept the monstrous, flesh-craving part of himself that he has feared and despised for so long. After escaping captivity and torture, The Anime Main character Kaneki joins Aogiri Tree—the very militant ghoul organization that had abducted him. And leading his friends to question his true motive and loyalty.

As tension between the government and the ghouls continues to rise. The Commission of Counter Ghoul, the government’s specialized anti-ghoul agency, has intensified its efforts to completely purge Tokyo of ghouls. This threatens the transient peace of Kaneki’s friends and former comrades—the ghouls at the Anteiku coffee shop. Aware of the dangerous situation, Kaneki faces several battles that put his precious fleeting humanity on the line.

12. Highschool DXD

Episodes: 12
Studio: TNK
Anime Genres: Comedy, Demons, Ecchi, Harem, Romance, School

Here is your first choice to watch if you are into harem and ecchi anime series, along with having an overpowered main character. Highschool DxD follows the High school student Issei Hyoudou, who is your run-of-the-mill pervert who does nothing productive with his life. Peeping on women and dreaming of having his own harem one day.

Things seem to be looking up for Issei when a beautiful girl asks him out on a date. Although, she turns out to be a fallen angel who brutally kills him! However, he gets a second chance at life when beautiful senior student Rias Gremory, who is a top-class devil.

Revives him as her servant, recruiting Issei into the ranks of the school’s Occult Research club. Slowly adjusting to his new life, Issei must train and fight in order to survive in the violent world of angels and devils. Each new adventure leads to many hilarious moments with his new comrades. All the while keeping his new life a secret from his friends and family in High School DxD!

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11. Code Geass

Episodes: 25
Studio: Sunrise
Anime Genres: Action, Drama, Mecha, Military, School, Sci-Fi, Super Power

One of the most loved anime in history is Code Geass, and if you are into anime with good characters who became villains or bad guys later, then code Geass anime tv show will quench your thirst.

In the year 2010, the Holy Empire of Britannia is establishing itself as a dominant military nation. Starting with the conquest of Japan. Renamed Area 11 after its swift defeat, Japan has seen significant resistance against these tyrants in an attempt to regain independence.

Lelouch Lamperouge, a Britannian student, unfortunately, finds himself caught in a crossfire between the Britannian and the Area 11 rebel armed forces. He is able to escape, thanks to the timely appearance of a mysterious girl named C.C.

Who bestows upon him Geass, the “Power of Kings.” Realizing the vast potential of his newfound “power of absolute obedience,”. Lelouch embarks upon a perilous journey as the masked vigilante known as Zero. Leading a merciless onslaught against Britannia in order to get revenge once and for all.

10. Danmachi

Episodes: 12
Studio: J.C.Staff
Anime Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

And again Danmachi is one of the best zero to hero anime shows, that can be enjoyable to watch or recommend to your friends, wanna snick a peek at this awesome Japanese anime series just read the details below.

The gods have made guilds where adventurers can test their mettle. These guilds, known as “Familia,” grant adventurers the chance to explore, gather, hunt, or simply enjoy themselves.

Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka Gaiden: Sword Oratoria begins in Orario, the lively city of adventures. The Sword Princess, Ais Wallenstein, and the novice mage, Lefiya Viridis, are members of the Loki Familia, who are experts at monster hunting.

With the rest of their group, they journey to the tower of Babel in hopes of exploring the dungeon underneath. Home to powerful monsters, the dungeon will fulfill Ais’s desire to master her sword skills. While bringing Lefiya closer to her dream of succeeding Riveria Ljos Alf, vice-captain of the Loki Familia, as the most powerful mage in the land.

9. Yuyu Hakusho

Episodes: 112
Studio: Pierrot
Anime Genres: Action, Comedy, Demons, Supernatural, Martial Arts, Shounen

Yuyu Hakusho is a great classic anime, and as they say, it’s old But gold, from the author of Hunter X Hunter, Yuyu Hakushi is a martial arts supernatural anime series that focuses on Yuusuke Urameshi, a 14-year-old delinquent with a dim future, who will get a miraculous chance to turn it all around when he throws himself in front of a moving car to save a young boy.

His ultimate sacrifice is so out of character that the authorities of the spirit realm are not yet prepared to let him pass on. Koenma, the heir to the throne of the spirit realm, offers Yuusuke an opportunity to regain his life through the completion of a series of tasks.

With the guidance of the death god Botan, he is to thwart evil presences on Earth as a Spirit Detective. To help him on his venture, Yuusuke enlists ex-rival Kazuma Kuwabara, and two demons, Hiei and Kurama, who have criminal pasts. Together, they train and battle against enemies who would threaten humanity’s very existence.

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8. Hunter X Hunter

Episodes: 148
Studio: Madhouse
Anime Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Shounen, Super Power

Hunter x Hunter is one of the greatest Japanese anime shows ever, this masterpiece is a must-see anime because it has all the great elements that a good anime has to offer be it epic anime fights, epic soundtracks, the anime characters’ development, and the unique story. and so on…

This adventure super power anime and manga series is set in a world where Hunters exist to perform all manner of dangerous tasks like capturing criminals and bravely searching for lost treasures in uncharted territories.

Twelve-year-old Gon Freecss is determined to become the best Hunter possible in hopes of finding his father. A Hunter himself who had long ago abandoned him. However, Gon soon realizes the path to achieving his goals is far more challenging than he could have ever imagined.

Along the way to becoming an official Hunter. Gon became friends with the lively doctor-in-training Leorio, vengeful Kurapika, and rebellious ex-assassin Killua. To attain their own goals and desires, together the four of them take the Hunter Exam, notorious for its low success rate and high probability of death.

Throughout their journey, Gon and his friends embark on an adventure that puts them through many hardships and struggles. They will meet a plethora of monsters, creatures, and characters—all while learning what being a Hunter truly means.

7. Hajime No Ippo

Episodes: 25
Studio: Madhouse, MAPPA
Anime Genres: Comedy, Sports, Drama, Shounen

This is the ultimate best sports anime series I have ever watched, it focuses on the Japanese Featherweight Champion Makunouchi Ippo has defended his title belt once more with the help of his devastating signature move: the Dempsey Roll.

However, new challenges are rising up left and right, claiming to have an answer for the move responsible for crushing his opponents. Will Ippo be able to step up to the challenge, or will the weight of his pride destroy him before he finds out just what it means to be strong? Meanwhile, fellow Kamogawa Gym mate Aoki Masaru is just a hop, skip, and a Frog Punch away from claiming his own belt, ready to take on the Japanese Lightweight Champion!

Hajime no Ippo: Rising continues Ippo’s quest to become stronger, featuring the same cast of loveable dimwits from Kamogawa Gym. As they put their bodies and hearts on the line to make their way in the harsh world of professional boxing. With a will of iron, Ippo steps into the ring once again!

6. Gurren Lagann

Episodes: 27
Studio: Gainax
Anime Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Mecha, Sci-Fi

Ayayay…. here is an anime tv show that offers the best scenes of action, comedy, and even drama those are essential parts of this great mecha anime that surely deserves to be watched not only by anime fans but all people around the world.

Gurren Lagann is a zero to hero anime that depicts the story of Simon and Kamina who were born and raised in a deep, underground village, hidden from the fabled surface.

Kamina is a free-spirited loose cannon bent on making a name for himself, while Simon is a timid young boy with no real aspirations. One day while excavating the earth, Simon stumbles upon a mysterious object that turns out to be the ignition key to an ancient artifact of war, which the duo dubs Lagann.

Using their new weapon, Simon and Kamina fend off a surprise attack from the surface with the help of Yoko Littner. A hot-blooded redhead wielding a massive gun wanders the world above. In the aftermath of the battle, the sky is now in plain view, prompting Simon and Kamina to set off on a journey alongside Yoko to explore the wastelands of the surface.

Soon, they join the fight against the “Beastmen,” humanoid creatures that terrorize the remnants of humanity in powerful robots called “Gunmen.” Although they face some challenges and setbacks, the trio bravely fights these new enemies alongside other survivors to reclaim the surface, while slowly unraveling a galaxy-sized mystery.

5. One Punch Man

Episodes: 12
Studio: Madhouse
Anime Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Comedy, Parody, Super Power, Supernatural, Seinen

One punch Man is the highest ranked anime of all time, this parody Japanese anime and manga series will make you laugh, cry, and gets motivated to train and work on yourself especially when you will know the story of The seemingly ordinary and unimpressive Saitama who has a rather unique hobby: being a hero.

In order to pursue his childhood dream, he trained relentlessly for three years—and lost all of his hair in the process. Now, Saitama is incredibly powerful, so much so that no enemy is able to defeat him in battle. In fact, all it takes to defeat evildoers with just one punch has led to an unexpected problem—he is no longer able to enjoy the thrill of battling and has become quite bored.

This all changes with the arrival of Genos, a 19-year-old cyborg, who wishes to be Saitama’s disciple after seeing what he is capable of. Genos proposes that the two join the Hero Association in order to become certified heroes that will be recognized for their positive contributions to society. Saitama was shocked that no one knows who he is, quickly agrees.

One-Punch Man is an action-comedy anime that follows an eccentric individual who longs to fight strong enemies that can hopefully give him the excitement he once felt. Then just maybe, he’ll become popular in the process.

Check Also: Top 10 Anime Where MC Starts Off Weak And Becomes OP

4. Naruto Shippuden

Episodes: 500
Studio: Pierrot
Anime Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Super Power, Martial Arts, Shounen

Naruto manga and anime series is one of the most popular heroic anime that the whole world knows about, it became one of those anime that is related to or a trademark for the Japanese culture.

The story of this zero to hero anime follows Naruto Uzumaki, a stupid naive kid who was just an orphaned unwanted character, who after a long journey, made it to the top and became an ultimate hero in shape.

Moments prior to Naruto Uzumaki’s birth, a huge demon known as the Kyuubi, the Nine-Tailed Fox, attacked Konohagakure, the Hidden Leaf Village, and wreaked havoc. In order to put an end to the Kyuubi’s rampage. The leader of the village, the Fourth Hokage, sacrifice his life and sealed the monstrous beast inside the newborn Naruto.

Now, Naruto is a hyperactive and knuckle-headed ninja still living in Konohagakure. Shunned because of the Kyuubi inside him. Naruto struggles to find his place in the village, while his burning desire to become the Hokage of Konohagakure. Leads him not only to some great new friends but also to some deadly foes.

3. Kenichi The Mightiest Disciple

Episodes: 50
Studio: TMS Entertainment
Anime Genres: Action, Comedy, Martial Arts, School, Shounen

Here is another good heroic anime that deals with the subject of getting bullied at school, this is a great anime that will eventually motivate you to join a martial arts club or at least learn how to never give up.

This martial arts school anime depicts the story of the “Weak Legs” Kenichi Shirahama, who would rather spend his time reading self-improvement books than fighting. However, when he finally works up the courage to become strong and join his school’s karate club. He is coerced into fighting a bullying upperclassman who is intent on getting him kicked out of the club.

He is about to give it all up until he falls for his mysterious new classmate, Miu Furinji. In order to face this challenge, he undergoes rigorous training at the dojo she lives at, Ryouzanpaku. Some initial training by the masters allows him to defeat his upperclassman.

However, his fighting prowess brings him to the attention of the powerful gang of delinquents, Ragnarok. Wishing to protect the things he loves and is determined to have the strength to face the increasing adversity. He must learn various martial arts from the dojo’s resident masters, taking Karate, Muay Thai, and Ju-Jitsu. And also Chinese Martial Arts and combining them to create his own fighting style!

2. Boku no Hero Academia

Episodes: 88 / Four Seasons
Studio: Bones
Anime Genres: Action, Comedy, School, Shounen, Super Power

A good zero to hero anime means Boku no hero academia, without any doubt it is a great heroic anime tv show to watch because you learn the meaning of being weak and living in a world where only the strong fit.

So to know more Read the following anime summary. The appearance of “quirks,” newly discovered superpowers, has been steadily increasing over the years.

With 80 percent of humanity possessing various abilities from manipulation of elements to shapeshifting. This leaves the remainder of the world completely powerless, and Izuku Midoriya is one such individual.

Since he was a child, the ambitious middle schooler wanted nothing more than to be a hero. Izuku’s unfair fate leaves him admiring heroes and taking notes on them whenever he can. But it seems that his persistence has borne some fruit: Izuku meets the number one hero and his personal idol, All Might.

All Might’s quirk is a unique ability that can be inherited, and he has chosen Izuku to be his successor! Enduring many months of grueling training, Izuku enrolls in UA High, a prestigious high school famous for its excellent hero training program. And this year’s freshmen look especially promising. With his bizarre but talented classmates and the looming threat of a villainous organization, Izuku will soon learn what it really means to be a hero.

Check Also: Anime Similar to Tokyo Ghoul

1. Katekyo Hitman Reborn

Episodes: 203
Studio: Artland
Anime Genres: Action, Comedy, Shounen, Super Power

Frankly, Katekyo Hitman Reborn is an underrated heroic anime series, that only a few know about, it’s sad to see such a masterpiece didn’t get the attention it deserves, that’s why I decided to make this superpower anime in the first place in this list of zero to hero anime series.

There is no putting it lightly—Tsunayoshi Sawada is just no good. He is clumsy, talentless, and desperately in love with the school idol Kyouko Sasagawa, a girl so completely out of his league. Dubbed “Loser Tsuna” by his classmates, he seems to be the very personification of failure in the guise of a middle-schooler.

Tsuna’s boring life takes an extraordinary twist when he encounters the mysterious Reborn, who happens to be a hitman… Shockingly, a baby! Sent from the strongest Mafia family in Italy, Reborn is assigned the daunting mission.

Which is preparing the dull middle schooler to succeed the ninth boss of the notorious Vongola family, who is on the brink of retirement. The dull boy has a grueling road ahead, but with the help of his new criminal affiliates and his peculiar home tutor, perhaps even Loser Tsuna can achieve greatness.

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Written by Mohsin Lag

I'm Mohsin the founder of Bakabuzz.com and Bakabuzz channel on Youtube. We, the BakaBuzz Editorial Team, are true fans of anime, gaming, and manga. We enjoy watching, discussing, and diving into the world of Japanese entertainment. As fellow fans, we share recommendations on what to watch, play, or read. Our goal is to bring our expertise and knowledge to fans like you, creating a space where we can all explore the exciting realms of Japanese anime, manga, and gaming together.
All our topics are carefully reviewed by Mohsin, the owner and author behind Bakabuzz's articles on anime, manga, and gaming, boasting 20 years of experience.