When it comes to the best anime protagonists, Boruto Uzumaki from the Boruto series is probably one of the most controversial picks. After all, he is often criticized for his undeserved power, uneven character progression, and inability to stand out on his own. It’s easy to see why many fans hesitate to nominate him among the greats, feeling that he hasn’t yet proven himself worthy compared to others.
While Boruto Uzumaki is still growing into a truly memorable main character, there are many anime protagonists who are far superior to him in depth, personality, and the challenges they overcome to define their stories. These main characters have a tight grip on the fandom, leaving a lasting impact that Boruto’s protagonist is still striving to achieve.
Boruto: How The Writers Nerfed Naruto Uzumaki
Naruto Uzumaki was extremely nerfed in Boruto. Sasuke received similar treatment.
7 Izuku Midoriya
Izuku Midoriya is My Hero Academia’s most beloved anime protagonist. He is a source of inspiration among many who struggle with insecurities, making it easy to relate to his struggles. His kind and humble personality also makes him likable, and the same applies to his tireless determination to protect others, regardless of whether they are good or bad.
My Hero Academia Season 8 has already ended, but that final season proved how effective Deku is as an anime protagonist. He showed that underdogs could become true heroes, proving that the path to greatness is not inherited.
6 Naruto Uzumaki
Naruto Uzumaki could pass as a Hall of Famer when it comes to anime’s best protagonists of all time. He is irreplaceable, so it’s easy to understand why fans find it difficult to accept Boruto as his successor. Between the two Uzumakis, Naruto is far more compelling, and his underdog story is difficult to surpass. Not to mention, his fights are way more intense, with higher stakes.
In addition, fans witnessed how every power-up Naruto had was hard-earned through relentless training and overcoming impossible odds. Compared to Boruto, who was handed over OP techniques one after another with less struggle. In an attempt to overshadow Naruto, the series gave Boruto insane power-ups that often felt unearned.
5 Monkey D. Luffy
From the beginning of One Piece, Luffy already knew his ultimate goal. He badly wants to become the next Pirate King, and every adventure, battle, and challenge that comes his way is a step toward that massive dream. On the contrary, Boruto doesn’t have Luffy's clear vision, making it hard for fans to connect with his personal struggles and dreams.
Luffy can easily move his crew, as well as other characters, with his words and actions. Liking and following Luffy comes naturally, as his infectious optimism and longing for freedom inspire everyone around him to believe in his dream and give it their all.
4 Son Goku
Son Goku may be a simpleton and a musclehead, but he is widely celebrated as one of the legends. He is far more iconic and compelling than any other anime protagonist, including Boruto. While most fans usually see him fighting world-ending, universe-threatening, and even multiverse threats, all his fights matter. His transformations are iconic, and to this day, fans are excited to see more of his evolutions.
Now, Goku is set to return in the Dragon Ball Super: The Galactic Patrol anime, bringing back the epic battles, humor, and power that have made him a role model to countless fans around the world.
3 Eren Yeager
Eren Yeager of Attack on Titan received a shapeshifting power that allowed him to change the course of the world. While he may seem straightforward at the beginning of the story, his evolution into an overly complex protagonist gives him unrivaled depth compared to Boruto Uzumaki. Initially, revenge fuels Eren, but he goes on to become a symbol of freedom and destruction.
While Eren’s actions at the end of Attack on Titan remain a subject of discussion, many fans admire the sheer impact of his choices and the moral complexity he embodies. To protect his friends and erase the presence of the Titans once and for all, Eren made unpredictable choices that left many fans in awe of his conviction.
2 Gabimaru
Watching Gabimaru the Hollow fight for his life at the perilous island of Shinsenkyo is enough to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Each fight is intense, and losing means immediate death, something that Boruto rarely experiences in his own series.
The feeling of constant danger, as Gabimaru is being hunted not only by monsters but also by executioners and rival assassins, keeps the tension unbearably high. He doesn’t know who the ally or the foe is, as even those who seem trustworthy may have deadly intentions.
Gabimaru’s goal of returning to his wife alive and well makes his fights not just about survival but also about love and devotion. These emotions keep his humanity grounded, allowing the viewers to connect with him on a deeper level.
1 Rimuru Tempest
Rimuru Tempest is the main character of the popular isekai anime That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. Just like Boruto, Rimuru is an overpowered MC with the ability to devour any target to grow stronger than anyone else. However, Rimuru is far more compelling in the sense that he often uses his cleverness to come up with strategies to either defeat or befriend an opponent.
Instead of using his power head-on, Rimuru usually assesses problems, fights, or conflicts with creative solutions. He combines his power with intelligence, which is a stark contrast to Boruto’s impulsive and less calculated approach. Plus, Rimuru has a likable personality that makes it easy for everyone to trust him. His allies are also fully invested in his vision, showing how Rimuru inspires more loyalty and cooperation than Boruto.
- Release Date
- April 5, 2017
- Network
- TV Tokyo
