In the
anime universe, not everything depends on a good story. Sometimes, a cast of charismatic, complex, or endearing characters can single-handedly lift an entire series. There are productions that, despite a chaotic, predictable, or downright incoherent narrative, manage to stay afloat thanks to the magnetism of their protagonists. This is especially true in anime that take creative risks without successfully executing them. And yet, against all odds, those characters connect emotionally with the audience and become the main reason to keep watching.
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When the characters shine brighter than the story
Anime often strives to tell a grand story but gets lost along the way. Some start strong and fall apart midway; others simply never find a clear direction. Whether through over-ambition, over-reliance on repetitive tropes, or trying to tackle too many themes at once, these titles fail to build a solid narrative.
However, thanks to their protagonists and the development of genuine relationships, these anime series managed to win over fans. Here are 10 examples where the characters do all the hard work the story couldn't sustain.
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Anime: Overlord
Overlord offers a story about power, morality, and reinvention in a fantasy world. However, the narrative execution falls short. The pacing is slow, with long political segments and fights devoid of real tension, as
Ainz, its protagonist, is nearly invincible. What saves this series from oblivion is its cast. Ainz, though all-powerful, remains tethered to his humanity, and the Guardians who surround him bring charisma, comedy, and dynamism. Their exaggerated personalities and bonds give the anime a life that the plot alone can't sustain.
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Kami-sama no Inai Nichiyoubi (Sunday Without God)
With a fascinating story. God has abandoned the world and death has ceased to exist this anime starts off strong and moving. The story of
Ai, a young gravedigger tasked with laying the living dead to rest, blends tenderness, drama, and mystery. However, the plot soon becomes erratic, jumping between aimless arcs and losing coherence. Even so, Ai's emotional journey and the characters she encounters along the way maintain a powerful human core that connects with the viewer, even when the plot dissolves.
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Anime: Re:Creators
Re:Creators starts with a brilliant idea: fictional characters invade the real world and confront their creators. It sounds epic, but in practice, the story gets lost in long, philosophical dialogues that slow down the action. The narrative fails to build an effective emotional progression, despite having a lot of potential. Fortunately, the cast makes up for it.
Altair is an antagonist steeped in tragedy and purpose, while
Selestia and
Meteora represent conflicting ideals with great depth. Their interactions shape a drama that's more interesting than the plot itself.
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Anime: Hundred
Hundred is a typical school action anime with harem elements, monsters, and special powers. The story is predictable, follows the genre's clichés, and offers no notable plot twists. However, it surprises with a cast that, although trapped in a generic narrative, offers well-developed relationships.
Emilia and
Claire, in particular, bring nuances of vulnerability, leadership, and emotion that stand out. Their bond with protagonist
Hayato brings life to an otherwise completely forgettable story.
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Kyoukai no Kanata (Beyond the Boundary)
Visually impeccable,
Beyond the Boundary dazzles with brilliant battles and a unique art style. But beyond its appearance, the story struggles to find a balance between supernatural romance, drama, and action. Some revelations feel rushed, and others are so abstract as to be confusing. Still,
Mirai and
Akihito form a pairing that exudes authenticity. Her clumsiness, her emotional burden, and their connection offer heartfelt moments that overshadow the script's flaws. The supporting cast also brings warmth and depth.
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Anime: Cross Ange
Few series are as chaotic as
Cross Ange. It mixes mecha, parallel dimensions, extreme violence, and social commentary that borders on the grotesque. The first episodes are difficult to digest and seem directionless. But amid the disaster, character development emerges.
Ange, the protagonist, evolves from arrogance to become a resilient and empathetic leader. Her transformation and the bonds she forms with other characters bring with them an unexpected emotional intensity. Even though the story is chaotic, its characters manage to move you.
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Darling in the Franxx
This anime started off with promise: teenagers piloting mechas while exploring love and identity in a crumbling world. However, halfway through, the story spirals out of control. It introduces alien enemies without context and rushes through major events without preparation. Despite this, the bond between
Hiro and
Zero Two remains at the heart of the story. Their relationship, marked by sacrifice and redemption, remains one of the most memorable in modern anime. The rest of Squad 13 also provides a heartfelt camaraderie that sustains the wobbly narrative.
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Anime: K: Project
K is a visually stunning work, featuring supernatural clans and intricate mythology. Unfortunately, the script doesn't keep up. The story is confusing from the start and lacks clear explanations. Events unfold without sufficient context, leaving the viewer more lost than intrigued. However, the characters stand out for their design, charisma, and emotional ties. The leaders of each clan and their interactions manage to generate interest and empathy, even when the story's stakes are unclear.
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Black Rock Shooter
With a stylized and dark approach,
Black★Rock Shooter alternates between everyday school drama and a world of symbolic and surreal combat. The problem is that the two planes rarely connect coherently, which creates confusion. But the visual appeal and the emotional weight of its characters manage to overcome this disconnect. The protagonist conveys intense emotions with barely any words, and her confrontations, more symbolic than logical, awaken an emotional interest that the narrative alone fails to justify.
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Guilty Crown
Guilty Crown seemed to have it all: Spectacular animation, stunning music, and a powerful concept about special powers and rebellion. But its story quickly unravels with forced twists, abrupt changes of loyalties, and a lack of coherence. Despite this,
Shu, its protagonist, and characters like
Inori and
Gai manage to hold the audience's attention. Their internal struggles, though uneven, resonate emotionally with the audience. The cast brings to life a series that, without them, would not have made it past the pilot episode.
These
animes didn't go down in history for their scripts, but for the emotions their characters were able to convey. When a story falters, a well-crafted character can become the emotional anchor that keeps everything afloat. And these ten titles are proof that, sometimes, the most valuable thing about a series isn't what it tells, but who experiences it.
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