The school days — a chapter of life filled with adventures and unforgettable memories. Anime, in its unique way, also loves to explore this theme. But they often throw in a transfer student who’s secretly overpowered.
These characters seem ordinary but emerge as the cream of the crop. They start off incognito, but soon enough, they’re the talk of the school.
In this article, we prepare a list of some of the best anime where the main character is an overpowered transfer student. So, let’s get started.
13. Trinity Seven (2014)
Imagine a world where your hometown vanishes. That’s what happened to Arata Kasuga. But Arata had a magical grimoire, and he was able to restore it artificially.
Enter Lilith Asami, a mysterious figure with a life-altering offer for Arata. Now, he has to choose to give up the grimoire or face death. Being the rebel, Arata says, “Nah, how ’bout I enroll in the Royal Biblia Academy instead?”
Arata joins the academy and teams up with six other magic wielders, forming the Trinity Seven. And their mission is to save his hometown and bring back his dear friend.
12. Wise Man’s Grandchild (2019)
Merlin Wolford is the legendary sage of yesteryear. Now, he is leading a life dedicated to caring for an orphan named Shin. Shin is a reincarnated soul in a world brimming with action and magic.
Merlin, the wise old mentor, tried to teach Shin the magical ropes, but alas, magic wasn’t Shin’s strong suit. So what’s a fledgling sorcerer to do? Enroll in a magic academy, of course.
This fantasy anime packs a punch with an exciting story and magic system. It’s a binge-worthy anime. It has comedy, action, fantasy, and an OP kid protagonist.
11. Chrome Shelled Regios (2009)
Welcome to a post-apocalyptic world swarming with deadly creatures. Where humanity’s last hope resides in colossal mobile cities known as Regios. Inside the Academy City of Zuellni, students are the front line of defense. They wield special weapons to safeguard their haven.
Now, meet Layfon Alseif, a transfer student who wants to escape his turbulent past. But his secrets don’t stay hidden for long. The Student Council President and the skilled Nina both know about his extraordinary abilities. Nina, captain of the 17th Military Arts Platoon, sees Layfon as her secret weapon. Overall, Chrome Shelled Regios serves up a good anime where the MC is an OP transfer student like no other.
10. The Irregular at Magic High School (2014)
Tatsuya and Miyuki, brother and sister, enter a prestigious magical academy together. Miyuki lands among the elite, while Tatsuya lands in the second-class group. But Tatsuya’s got talents, and he’s secretly a powerhouse.
Related: Top 15 Greatest Magic Anime Recommendations You’ll Ever See!
He’s concealing his true powers for some unknown reason. At first, people peg him as weak, but they will be in for a shock. This anime is a spicy mix of characters, a plot that’ll keep you on the edge, and a little bit of suspense.
Plus, it won’t eat up your whole day; it’s short, and you can binge-watch it. If you’re new to the whole “anime with OP MC” scene, this one’s the perfect choice for you.
9. The Fruit of Grisaia (2014)
Next on our list is “The Fruit of Grisaia,” a top-tier anime where the MC is an overpowered transfer student. Yuuji Kazami, our protagonist, enters a school filled with troubled girls, dreaming of an ordinary high school life. But Mihama Academy is anything but ordinary.
With just a principal and five students (all girls), Yuuji starts unraveling their unique personalities. As they bond, he discovers their hidden, painful pasts that are concealed from the world. These girls are like fallen fruits, disconnected from the tree of normalcy. Can Yuuji be their savior and help them heal?
8. Kakegurui (2017)
A posh prep school that transforms into a full-fledged gambling battleground after the sun goes down. That’s “Kakegurui” for you—Hyakkaou Academy, where the elite students rule the day. But when night falls, it’s all about high-stakes gambling.
Yumeko Jabami is the new kid on the block. She may look innocent but don’t be fooled. Yumeko has a wild side; she lives for the thrill of gambling. And you know what? Gambling here isn’t an extracurricular activity; it’s part of the curriculum. Kakegurui” is a thrilling anime. It takes the art of gambling to a whole new level in the context of student life.
7. Noblesse (2020)
Raizel, who looks young but is actually over 800 years old, wakes up from an 820-year slumber and decides to enroll in a school. At first, it’s all about Raizel adapting to the modern world. He is trying to bridge that generation gap and wrap his head around all these newfangled gadgets.
Related: 10 Best Free Manhwa/Webtoons and Where You Can Read Them
But trouble brews when his fellow ancient beings catch wind of his awakening. If that’s not enough, Raizel is knee-deep in solving his friend’s problems, adding even more drama to the mix. And when Rai’s backstory unfolds, it’s like an explosion of entertainment.
6. Charlotte (2015)
Yuu Otosaka is a top student with an extraordinary gift. He can hijack other people’s bodies temporarily. It’s been his secret ace for acing exams and securing a spot in a fancy high school. But then came Nao Tomori, the Hoshinoumi Academy’s student council president, and his life did a 180.
Now, Yuu’s on the council. He assists them in hunting down fellow students who are misusing their supernatural talents. Along the way, he discovers that his own powers are way more epic than he ever thought possible.
5. World Trigger (2014)
World Trigger is a mind-bending sci-fi anime featuring the classic transfer student trope. Mikado City is under siege by otherworldly invaders known as ‘Neighbors.’ And the Border Defense Agency is the last line of defense. They wield mysterious weapons called “Triggers.”
Yuma Kuga is the enigmatic white-haired newbie, and Osamu Mikumo is a C-class border trainee. Osamu becomes Yuma’s guide to the Mikado City maze. But Yuma’s not your ordinary transfer student. He’s a humanoid Neighbor, and he has some serious skills.
4. The Misfit of Demon King Academy (2020)
Anos Voldigoad is the ultimate overpowered transfer student in the anime universe. He was the boogeyman of the Mythical Age, a true Demon King of Tyranny. But he got tired of all the death and chaos.
So, he hits the reincarnation jackpot, which lands him in a peaceful future era where magic users hit the books. He casually strolls into the Demon King Academy, run by his less-than-impressive descendant.
Ready yourself for laughs and adventures as you rub shoulders with the most powerful demons in “TMDKA.” It’s the best anime where the MC is an OP transfer student, and you won’t want to miss it.
3. Classroom of the Elite (2017)
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka is an unassuming transfer student in “Classroom of the Elite.” But don’t be fooled by his lazy facade; he’s secretly one of the sharpest minds in anime. With top-notch grades, he’s a shoo-in for Advanced Nurturing High School.
Related: 13 Nostalgic High School Anime That Are Extremely Good!
Ayanokoji is a master of disguise, hiding his genius from everyone. He’s not just a bookworm; he’s a people-whisperer, pulling the strings from behind the scenes. The story kicks off as he enters this prestigious school, which boasts a 100% student success rate. And things take a dark and twisty turn.
2. Food Wars (2015)
This is an anime that serves up a whole different kind of battle, and it’s not your typical overpowered MC story. Our main character, Soma Yukihira, goes to an elite culinary school, aiming to outcook his old man.
Soma’s got a knack for simple yet mind-blowing cooking. And it ruffles some feathers, especially with the culinary genius Erina Nakiri. He’s the underdog, facing ridicule and culinary giants. Can Soma cook up a storm and prove them all wrong?
This isn’t your typical OP MC with brute strength. It’s about being the best in your own way and shaking up perceptions.
1. Jujutsu Kaisen (2020)
Jujutsu Kaisen is a sensation that’s been making waves since its 2020 anime debut. Created by Gege Akutami and brought to life by Studio MAPPA. It’s a juggernaut in the new-gen animanga scene.
The story starts off with Yuji Itadori. He ends up at Jujutsu Tech after an unusual snack choice – a finger from the powerful cursed spirit, Ryomen Sukuna. This creepy finger grants him access to Sukuna’s powers, but it’s a double-edged sword.
Yuji is in a race to find all of Sukuna’s fingers and put the evil spirit down for good. He’s got a squad backing him up, including Megumi, Nobara, and the invincible Gojo Satoru.
Final Thoughts
Anime transfer students bring an extra layer of excitement to school-themed shows. Their unique and powerful personalities captivate fans. These top anime series are a must-see if you’re into anime where the MC is an OP transfer student.
So, what do you think of these recommendations, and what’s your favorite anime? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
