Isekai anime continues to dominate the genre landscape, captivating audiences with tales of otherworldly adventures. Despite the popularity of many series, some of the protagonists in these stories often leave fans exasperated. Whether due to their poor decision-making, naïveté, or morally ambiguous behavior, these characters make for an entertaining, albeit sometimes aggravating, viewing experience. Here’s a look at eight good isekai anime with protagonists who might make you cringe as often as you cheer.
1. Rimuru Tempest – That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
Since its debut in 2018, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime has become a standout in the isekai genre. At the heart of the series is Rimuru, an everyman reincarnated as a slime monster who rises to become a Demon Lord and ruler of his own nation. Rimuru’s charm and positivity are key to the anime’s success, but his flaws can be frustrating. He often shows excessive forgiveness, turning former enemies into allies, which sometimes backfires. His overly diplomatic approach can lead to unnecessary complications, and when he does unleash his power, he tends to go to extremes, as seen when he mercilessly eliminated thousands of soldiers.
2. Kazuma Satou – Konosuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!
Konosuba deconstructs traditional isekai tropes with its protagonist, Kazuma. Unlike the noble heroes of similar stories, Kazuma is lazy, selfish, and prone to morally questionable behavior, which is mostly played for laughs. While his flaws are entertaining in small doses, they become irritating over time, especially given his limited character growth. Despite occasional moments of sincerity, Kazuma’s perverted and hypocritical tendencies often overshadow his more redeeming qualities, testing the patience of even the most devoted fans.
3. Subaru Natsuki – Re– Starting Life in Another World
Subaru from Re is intentionally written to be a flawed and frustrating character. His frequent rash decisions and heroic yet misguided actions lead to serious consequences, such as those seen during the royal selection arc. However, Subaru’s struggles are made relatable due to the immense psychological toll of his time-resetting powers, which he cannot explain to others. His gradual growth and self-awareness make his journey compelling, even if his early immaturity and naiveté can be hard to watch.
4. Kirito – Sword Art Online
Kirito, the protagonist of Sword Art Online, is both celebrated and criticized. While his bravery and combat skills have earned him many fans, his overpowered abilities and near-invincibility sap tension from key story moments. Critics argue that Kirito’s effortless success and plot armor make him a “Marty Stu,” a term for a male character who is implausibly perfect. Attempts to add depth to his character, like his self-proclaimed status as a “Beater,” often come off as cringeworthy. Though likable to some, his lack of genuine struggle or vulnerability can make him frustrating to follow.
5. Ainz Ooal Gown – Overlord
Ainz Ooal Gown from Overlord presents a morally complex yet infuriating journey. Initially a standard isekai protagonist with immense power, Ainz’s descent into villainy, driven by misunderstandings and misguided efforts to impress his NPC followers, can feel avoidable and tragic. As he commits increasingly dark acts, his mental weakness and ethical compromises make for a fascinating but often difficult character to root for. Watching him devolve into one of the world’s most menacing figures is both compelling and exasperating.
6. Rudeus Greyrat – Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
Rudeus from Mushoku Tensei is a highly divisive figure in the anime world. Although he grows up as a talented mage in a fantasy world, he struggles to overcome his most troubling character flaw: a pervasive perversion that carries over from his past life. His interactions with female characters, particularly younger ones, range from unsettling to outright creepy, overshadowing his significant character growth and positive traits, like loyalty and intelligence. Despite his genuine attempts at self-improvement, Rudeus’s inability to fully move past his old ways remains a source of frustration.
7. Naofumi Iwatani – The Rising of the Shield Hero
Naofumi’s journey in The Rising of the Shield Hero is marked by bitterness and cynicism, stemming from a false accusation early in the story. This accusation transforms the once-charming student into a deeply distrusting hero, and his harsh treatment of companions, like Raphtalia, can be hard to justify. While his attitude improves over time, his reluctance to trust and tendency to act harshly linger, making his development slow and difficult to watch. The show’s exploration of trauma is compelling, but Naofumi’s behavior often leaves viewers divided.
8. Cid Kagenou – The Eminence in Shadow
Cid from The Eminence in Shadow is an over-the-top isekai protagonist who revels in delusions of grandeur. With his incredible abilities and exaggerated sense of importance, Cid leads the Shadow Garden organization in a way that oscillates between entertaining and exhausting. His lack of emotional intelligence and self-awareness leads to cringe-worthy moments, and his character often feels underdeveloped. While his antics are amusing at times, his personality defects and reliance on luck make him an intentionally frustrating character.
These protagonists may drive fans to frustration, but their flaws often play a crucial role in the storytelling. Whether you love or loathe them, these characters highlight the diverse and often complex landscape of isekai anime.
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