Summary
Not everyanimeMVP starts off as a heroic fighter or prodigy. Some of the most beloved characters begin their journey as the class clown, comic relief, or quirky oddball of the group. When they show up on the screen, it’s primarily to make us laugh, until such a moment when the story takes a turn. Suddenly, these walking punchlines reveal hidden strength, sharp instincts, or deeply moving resolve.
Whether it’s an unexpected moment in battle, emotional maturity in a crisis, or simply showing up when no one else could, these characters go from party jesters to scene-stealing heroes.
10Denki Kaminari
My Hero Academia
Kaminari starts off as the goofball of Class 1-A, constantly frying his brain from overusing his Quirk and turning into a babbling idiot. He’s dim-witted at times and often provides the silliest moments in an episode. However, when push comes to shove, Denki proves he’s more than a walking generator.
Plenty of fights show his bravery and how his quirk can save, not only himself, but his fellow classmates from harm. He shows his training by masterfully handling his quirk and creatively using it against enemies—showing that he’s not just comic relief, but a true hero in the making.
9Team Rocket
Pokémon
Team Rocket’s Jesse, James, and Meowth are iconic for their theatrical entrances, outlandish disguises, and failure-prone antics. Time and time again, they end up in the most outrageous situations, most of the time of their own doing, with them blasting them off afterward.
Behind the laughs are moments of unexpected heart and loyalty. They’ve risked their lives to help Pokemon in need and even aided Ash and his friends when it really mattered. While they may be petty criminals, their hearts of gold shine through in many moments, especially when it comes to the bonds they share together.
8Arataka Reigen
Mob Psycho 100
Reigen is introduced as a con artist with a gift for drama, selling fake exorcisms and spouting nonsense spiritual advice. He’s manipulative, overconfident, and often a one-man comedy act. At first, he comes off as a sleazy mentor who takes advantage of Mob, but his funny antics make him seem quite harmless.
Later on, it is seen how Reigen genuinely cares for Mob and how he wants him to grow.What makes him an MVPhowever, is his own growth as a person and how he is able to reach Mob in a way that he’s always needed.
7Chika Fujiwara
Kaguya-sama: Love Is War
Chika is a chaotic whirlwind in the refined world of Shuchiin Academy. Her musical outbursts, mischief-making, and meme-worthy antics constantly derail the main couple’s love games. She’s the unpredictable wild card no one can control, which makes for some of the funniest moments in the show.
That said, behind her comic flair masks serious talent and heart. Time and time again, she brings sunshine to the dark depths of the hearts of her co-council members. She also shows her actual capabilities when she teaches Shirogane all sorts of skills and helps the group when they’re in a pinch.
6Riki Nendou
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.
With his square jaw, booming voice, and not-so-bright ideas, Nendou is a living punchline. He’s so dense that even psychic Saiki can’t read his mind—making him the only person Saiki can’t predict. Yet this unshakable gentle giant turns out to be one of the most sincere and loyal friends in the series.
His honesty, fearlessness, and emotional intuition often stabilize chaotic situations. Despite being a source of constant frustration for Saiki, Nendou repeatedly proves he’d do anything for his friends. His loyalty and unexpected emotional weight make him a true hidden gem in Saiki’s life.
Death Note
Matsuda is the rookie detective among intellectual titans like L and Light. In the dark world of the show, his naivety and nervous energy make him the team’s comic relief, often stumbling over operations or acting impulsively.What he lacks in skill and wit, he makes up for with his humanity and boldness. He fails to shine in a game where mental prowess is king, but his conviction is what ultimately saves the day in the end. In an unpredictable move, he is the one who finally puts a stop to Kira’s reign, saving Near and his fellow officers.
Demon Slayer
Zenitsu is the screeching cowardof the Demon Slayer Corps. He’s terrified of danger, faints at the slightest threat, and constantly cries or begs others to save him. But when unconscious or cornered, a different Zenitsu emerges—one with razor-sharp focus and speed. His mastery of his skills can allow him to defeat demons in the blink of an eye.While he serves up a lot of comic relief, it’s this side of his that makes his ability to show up when it matters that much more weighty.
3Tsukishima Kei
Haikyuu!!
Tsuki is snarky, sarcastic, and too cool to care—often deflating teammates with deadpan comments. Early on, he’s more of a smart-mouthed realist than a passionate player, used to inject dry humor into tense scenes. That said, he proves to be formidable on the court with his ability to read his opponents and his blocking ability.
It’s during a match with Shiratorizawa where he finds his passion that proves that he is actually more than a quick-witted tongue on the court. It’s seen how his growth as both a player and a person wins his team the game.
Hunter x Hunter
Leorio is loud, dramatic, and materialistic—a student with no visible powers who often plays the clown. He’s the group’s comedic foil, shouting more than he fights.Eventually, his passion for helping others and his determination make him unforgettable. During the election arc, Leorio stuns everyone by punching Ging, Gon’s elusive father, on live TV. His sincerity rallies the entire Hunter Association behind him. While he may not be the one we turn to for help in a fight, his heart makes him an MVP in his own right.
1Aoi Todo
Jujutsu Kaisen
Todo is introduced as a muscled maniac with a bizarre obsession with idols and a flair for melodrama. His weird questions and bromance with Itadori are played for peak comedy. But when a school event turns deadly, Todo proves that he can shift gears fast and redirect his wild energy to winning crucial battles.
He becomes one of Itadori’s greatest allies, teaching him to control Black Flash and fight in sync with tactical brilliance. His technique, combined with his battlefield awareness, shows that he is not only a powerhouse, but a strategist.
