In each anime series there is a balance between heroes, rivals and secondary characters that contribute something essential to the plot. However, there are cases in which, due to poor script decisions or lack of development, certain characters end up being dead weight within their own stories. The comparison with Sakura Haruno of naruto has become almost a standard when talking about underutilized characters: someone with potential, but no real impact.
Some of these characters have unique abilities or tragic stories, but their participation ends up being so limited that they barely influence important events. Whether due to their lack of prominence, their constant defeats or their merely decorative function, they all share the same destiny: to disappoint viewers who expected more from them.
10. Yamcha – Dragon Ball
Few characters have been as much an object of ridicule as Yamcha in dragon ball. When he was introduced, he emerged as a worthy rival for Goku, with agile techniques and a charismatic personality. But as the years passed, its relevance completely collapsed. His defeat at the hands of a simple Saibaman in “Dragon Ball Z” marked the beginning of his fall.
From that moment on, Yamcha went from being a warrior with potential to becoming a running joke within the fandom. Not even his training or his bond with Bulma could save him from oblivion. Today, his name is associated more with the phrase “useless death” than with his time as a fighter.
9. Shinobu Kocho – Kimetsu no Yaiba
Within the Hashira of Kimetsu no Yaiba, Shinobu Kocho He stands out for his intelligence and mastery of poisons, but not for his effectiveness in combat. While her role as a healer and strategist is useful, her impact on the main story is limited. His confrontation with Dressagethe demon of higher rank Two, showed his physical shortcomings compared to other hunters.
Shinobu ends up being absorbed by her enemy, letting her sacrifice serve as a catalyst for others' revenge. While her legacy is not without value, her potential as a warrior is never realized, leaving her as one of the most underutilized Hashira of the group.
8. Renji Abarai – Bleach
Renji Abarai has been present since the first bars of bleachbut it has rarely shined. Despite being a Soul Reaper with a Bankai impressive, their losing record speaks for itself. Every time he faces a relevant enemy, he ends up being easily defeated or serving only as a minor obstacle.
Even when he gains a new form of his Bankai, Soo ZabimaruRenji falls inglorious again during the Thousand Year War. His role as eternal “second” in the narrative condemns him to be remembered more for his perseverance than for his achievements.
7. Hinata Hyuga – Naruto
Hinata Hyuga belongs to one of the most powerful clans in narutobearer of Byakugan and trained in advanced Jūken techniques. However, their abilities are rarely used to their full potential. His participation in important battles is minimal, and his development as a kunoichi is overshadowed by his romantic role with Naruto.
Hinata's narrative potential, as an heir to an important lineage and a symbol of determination, ends up diluted. Neither her emotional strength nor her combats manage to position her as a decisive figure. Paradoxically, many fans consider her even less relevant than Sakura herself.
6. Leorio Paladiknight – Hunter x Hunter
Within the leading group of Hunter x Hunter, Leorio He is without a doubt the most human. His kindness and loyalty are unquestionable, but his contribution in combat is almost zero. In a world where enemies manipulate the Nen With deadly precision, Leorio is limited to being a spectator of the great confrontations.
His most remembered moment is not related to his power, but rather to his emotional confrontation against Ging Freecss. Although he is endearing as a support figure, Leorio lacks the weight necessary to stand out among his companions, making him more of a companion than a renowned hunter.
5. Lucy Heartfilia – Fairy Tail
Lucy Heartfilia represents one of the most notorious cases of waste in Fairy Tail. His ability to summon celestial spirits It makes her a versatile magician, but the narrative constantly reduces her role to comedic or fan service situations. Her lack of physical power and dependence on stronger allies relegate her to a secondary role in crucial moments.
Although it evolves with the acquisition of the Star Dressesnever manages to establish himself as an essential combatant of the guild. Lucy is a clear example of how a female protagonist can get caught between symbolism and superficiality.
4. Armin Arlert – Shingeki no Kyojin
After the death of Erwin Smith, Armin becomes the new bearer of the Colossal Titan. In theory, this decision should represent the beginning of a new strategic era. In practice, however, Armin rarely uses his power decisively. His intelligence, although notable, cannot compensate for his passivity or his constant doubts.
The character suffers from narrative indecision: neither a brilliant strategist nor an action hero, his figure is diluted compared to others. Many fans still debate whether Erwin would have been a more suitable choice to lead the future of humanity.
3. Hawks – My Hero Academia
Introduced as one of the most charismatic and promising heroes of My Hero Academia, Hawks It symbolized the moral ambiguity of the heroic system. However, the story wastes that duality and reduces him to a functional character who disappears between the major conflicts. His background with Public Safety Commission It is barely explored.
After losing his quirkHawks becomes a symbolic figure, but without practical relevance. What could have been a character of enormous depth ends up being another example of lost potential within the universe of heroes.
2. Reigen Arataka – Mob Psycho 100
Reigen He is one of the most charismatic characters in modern anime, but also one of the most useless in terms of power. In a world where psychics define the hierarchy, Reigen is a fake with no real skills who takes advantage of mob to maintain your business. Still, his lack of power makes him the necessary human foil in a story dominated by the supernatural.
Paradoxically, his uselessness is also his greatest strength: Reigen embodies vulnerability, empathy, and common sense in the face of the madness of power. Although he cannot fight, his moral role saves him from being completely expendable.
1. Subaru Natsuki – Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu
Despite being the protagonist, Subaru Natsuki He is perceived by many as one of the most frustrating characters in modern anime. His ability to Return for Death It gives him a constant second chance, but his impulsive and emotional nature leads him to repeat mistakes over and over again. Its development, although constant, advances with exasperating slowness.
Subaru's problem is not his lack of power, but his inability to use it wisely. He is a character that symbolizes human obstinacy, but also the desperation of continuous failure. Although he evolves over time, his place in this ranking is undeniable: even with all the opportunities in the world, Subaru remains a tragically ineffective hero.
These ten characters prove that not all anime heroes manage to live up to their potential. Some were victims of the script; others, simple instruments within larger stories. In any case, they all share the same destiny: to be remembered as the most useless in their universes. What character would you add to this list?
