Some heroes are born great, others rise when the world needs them most. If you’re an anime fan who loves watching a main character (MC) defy the odds and save the entire world, then you’re in for a treat. These anime don’t just give you action—they deliver emotional stakes, incredible growth, and moments that stick with you long after the credits roll.
Let’s dive into 10 must-watch anime where the MC literally saves the world, ranked from impressive to legendary!
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10. The Faraway Paladin
Ever wondered what it’d be like to be raised by undead guardians in a forgotten land? That’s exactly what Will, the MC of The Faraway Paladin, goes through.
Born in a ruined city, raised by a skeleton, ghost, and mummy, Will grows up isolated—but not without purpose. As he matures, he embraces the divine calling to venture out and protect the land from encroaching evil. What makes this story shine is Will’s inner conflict—he doesn’t just want to be a warrior, he wants to live righteously.
Though quieter and more introspective than other entries on this list, The Faraway Paladin still packs a punch. Will’s self-sacrifice, unwavering resolve, and divine mission make him a subtle but strong contender among world-saving MCs.
9. The Rising of the Shield Hero
From falsely accused to fiercely determined—Naofumi Iwatani is the perfect example of an MC who gets knocked down but rises stronger.
Summoned to a fantasy world alongside other “Heroes,” Naofumi is quickly betrayed and framed. But instead of giving in, he turns his pain into power. He doesn’t wield a sword or magic—just a shield—but with it, he learns to protect others like no one else.
Naofumi’s world is teetering on destruction from waves of monstrous invasions, and despite being hated and misunderstood, he steps up. He may not smile often, but his determination to save the kingdom—whether they deserve it or not—is what makes him truly heroic.
8. A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special
Imagine surviving the apocalypse… only to go back in time and do it all over again. That’s the grim reality for Desir Arman.
In a world of magic and dungeons, Desir is one of the few survivors of a catastrophic event. When given a second chance—returning to his past self—he seizes it with one goal: to change the future and prevent the end of the world.
What’s compelling here isn’t just the flashy spells or dungeon raids—it’s Desir’s growth and determination. He’s not alone this time, and he’s willing to risk everything to protect those he couldn’t save the first time. It’s a gripping mix of strategy, emotion, and redemption.
7. The Beginning After the End
Take a powerful king, kill him, reincarnate him into a fantasy world—and you get Arthur Leywin.
Arthur’s past life gave him wisdom, but his new life gives him magic, dragons, and destiny. He starts small, learning as a child, but as he grows, so does the danger. A hidden war brews beneath the surface, and Arthur becomes a key figure in what could either save or doom his world.
What sets this apart is the blend of slice-of-life and high-stakes fantasy. Arthur isn’t just a badass with magic—he’s a son, a brother, a student. His human side makes his journey to protect the world all the more powerful.
6. Dragon Ball
You didn’t think we’d leave Goku off this list, did you?
The poster child of shonen anime, Goku has saved Earth (and other planets!) more times than we can count. From facing down tyrants like Frieza to literal gods of destruction, Goku’s unwavering spirit and love of battle are what keep the universe spinning.
Yes, Dragon Ball has its over-the-top moments (who can forget the ten-episode power-ups?), but at its heart is a simple truth: Goku fights because he loves his friends and wants to keep them safe. He’s goofy, often naive, but when the stakes are sky-high? He’s the hero everyone relies on.
5. Gurren Lagann
“Believe in the you that believes in yourself!” That line alone defines Simon, the unlikely savior of the universe in Gurren Lagann.
This anime starts underground—literally. Humanity is forced to live below the surface, controlled by an oppressive regime. But Simon, guided by his late brother’s dream and a giant mecha, bursts through the surface and sparks a revolution.
As the story scales from caves to galaxies, so does Simon’s resolve. His journey from shy boy to cosmic hero is a wild, emotional ride. And the finale? It’s a tearjerker and cheer-out-loud moment all in one.
4. The Familiar of Zero
What starts as a comedic harem anime quickly evolves into a full-blown war epic.
Saito Hiraga, a regular Japanese teenager, is accidentally summoned into a magical world as the “familiar” of Louise, a tsundere noble girl. At first, he’s the butt of every joke. But soon, Saito’s bravery and sense of justice put him on the front lines of a kingdom-threatening war.
Armed with modern weapons and a courageous heart, he becomes a key player in saving the realm. He’s a knight without a title, a foreigner who becomes the world’s greatest protector.
3. Solo Leveling
Jinwoo Sung starts at rock bottom—literally the weakest hunter in a monster-infested world.
But after a mysterious event, he gains a unique system that lets him level up like a game character. He goes from cannon fodder to unstoppable warrior, cleaning dungeons and facing off against god-like enemies. Eventually, he becomes the one standing between Earth and annihilation.
What’s amazing is watching his evolution—both in strength and character. Solo Leveling doesn’t just deliver epic fights; it’s a power fantasy done right, with real stakes and emotion. Jinwoo isn’t just fighting monsters—he’s carrying the fate of humanity on his shoulders.
2. Neon Genesis Evangelion
This isn’t your typical world-saving story. Shinji Ikari doesn’t want to be a hero—but he doesn’t have a choice.
Thrown into a war against monstrous beings called Angels, Shinji pilots a giant mecha under immense psychological and emotional stress. The fate of humanity hinges on a group of traumatized teenagers—how messed up is that?
Evangelion is deep, dark, and symbolic. It questions what it means to exist, to connect, and to fight. Shinji’s battles are as much internal as external. By the end, you realize: sometimes, saving the world means saving yourself first.
1. Naruto
From zero to Hokage, Naruto Uzumaki is the embodiment of never giving up.
He starts as a loud-mouthed prankster, hated and feared by his village. But deep down, Naruto just wants to be accepted—and protect the people he loves. Over the years, he trains, fights, forgives, and brings peace to a world torn by war.
He stops world wars, defeats ancient evils, and even talks down the villains instead of killing them. He saves not just the physical world, but its soul.
Naruto’s journey isn’t just inspiring—it’s unforgettable. He’s not the strongest because of his powers; he’s the strongest because of his heart.
Conclusion
There’s just something magical about watching an underdog rise up, challenge fate, and save the world. These anime deliver on that fantasy and so much more—epic fights, personal struggles, and unforgettable heroes. Whether it’s Naruto’s unwavering will or Jinwoo’s relentless grind, these MCs remind us of the power of hope, courage, and determination.
So, what are you waiting for? If you haven’t watched some of these yet, now’s the perfect time to start your own binge-worthy journey. After all, the world isn’t going to save itself!
