10 Bravest Protagonists In Isekai Anime, Ranked

What is bravery? Many can agree that it is the ability to confront fear, uncertainty, or danger with courage and determination. It’s about pushing past one’s comfort zone and taking action even when doing so can cause fear.

The idea of brave characters in isekai anime is something that has been explored over and over again, with the main characters facing down the worst things their new, unpredictable world can throw at them and coming out on top. The isekai genre is home to a plethora of brave protagonists, but some are arguably braver than others.

10 Minoru Kagenou (The Eminence In Shadow)

Showcased Bravery By Fighting Crime Without Having Powers

Many fans may be surprised (and for good reason) to learn why Cid can be referred to as brave, but it makes a lot of sense when one considers that he has been training and fighting criminals long before he became the Eminence in Shadow.

In his previous world, he was a crime fighter who saved people, going up against multiple enemies at once and putting himself in considerable danger. It takes an incredible amount of bravery to even attempt the things he did without having powers at his disposal.

9 Hajime Nagumo (Arifureta)

Faces Unimaginable Horrors But Never Succumbs To Despair

Arifureta’s main character has gone through his fair share of hardships. Unlike his classmates, who have access to powerful magical abilities, Hajime is stuck with the mundane skill of alchemy.

Betrayed and thrown into the depths of a dungeon, he faces unimaginable horrors. Yet, he doesn’t succumb to despair or even back down in the face of them. Instead, he delves deeper into the hellish world he was thrown into, desperate to make sure he survives even just another moment, despite his weak abilities and constitution.

8 Polka Shinoyama – The Corpse God (Dead Mount Death Play)

Refuses To Let Bad Things Happen To His Friends

Polka Shinomiya is a seemingly normal kid, but that’s only so long as one doesn’t stare too hard. In reality, his body is not his own; it was taken by the Corpse God, a necromancer from another world, after Polka was killed by an assassin.

The Corpse God has only one goal, which is to live a peaceful life, but time and time again, he has shown that he cannot just sit back and let bad things happen to his friends. This makes him brave, even if not in the conventional sense that fans may be used to from similar characters. He is willing to sacrifice his peaceful life in order to protect others.

7 Naofumi Iwatani (The Rising Of The Shield Hero)

Ridiculed By The World But Chooses To Remain A Hero

Naofumi Iwatani is the protagonist of The Rising of the Shield Hero. Initially an ordinary Japanese college student, he is summoned to another world to become one of the Four Cardinal Heroes. Unlike the other heroes who receive powerful offensive weapons, Naofumi is equipped with a shield, leading to initial disdain and prejudice from the kingdom, for which he is almost killed.

He loses his naivety and becomes disillusioned with the world. But despite all that, he chooses not to be a villain. Instead, he reluctantly protects the innocent despite his initial hate for the world, highlighting the bravery he carries with him.

6 Makoto Misumi (Moonlit Fantasy)

Abandoned By The Goddess But Makes The Best Of His Life

Makoto is summoned to a fantasy world by a goddess, only to have his hopes dashed when he is deemed to be “ugly.” Banished to a desolate wasteland, he begins a solitary existence. Possessing an innate ability to understand all languages except for human, he starts to unravel the mysteries of this new world while holding a hidden resentment.

He puts his problems aside to help his friends, regardless of his personal feelings, which he has trouble expressing. However, once his friends are in danger, he jumps headfirst to save them, not showing any concern for his well-being.

5 Seiya Ryuuguuin (Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered But Overly Cautious)

A Brave Hero Who Does Not Take Any Chances

Seiya Ryuuguuin is the main character of The Hero Is Overpowered but Overly Cautious. Unlike the typical reckless hero, Seiya is the epitome of caution. Summoned to another world to defeat the Demon Lord, he approaches his task with meticulous planning and an almost obsessive level of preparation.

Despite his over-the-top caution, Seiya is undeniably powerful. His training regimen grants him incredible strength, agility, and magical abilities. However, his true strength lies in his ability to anticipate danger and develop strategies to counter it. Being as capable as he is, it makes sense why Seiya is so brave.

4 Tanya Degurechaff (Saga Of Tanya The Evil)

The One Who Stood Against God

Tanya Degurechaff is a far cry from the typical isekai protagonist. She’s not cool or edgy; she’s just plain evil. Reborn as a young girl in an alternate reality after a fateful encounter with a self-proclaimed “Being X,” she’s a ruthless individual with a keen intellect and a survivalist mentality, trying to fight against all the odds stacked against her.

Despite her young appearance, Tanya is a cold, calculating individual. Her lack of empathy and willingness to sacrifice others for her benefit make her a complex and morally ambiguous character. Still, there’s a certain charm to her cynical outlook and her ability to see through the facade of others. On top of that, she is also seen as an incredibly brave individual, a trait that strikes fear in the hearts of both her allies and enemies.

3 Rudeus Greyrat (Jobless Reincarnation)

From NEET To Powerful Mage

Rudeus, prior to his reincarnation, is a 34-year-old NEET who dies in a tragic accident and is reborn in a magical world as Rudeus Greyrat. With his memories intact, he’s determined to live a life without regrets. Despite his initial shortcomings, most of which are influenced by his past life and the trauma he faced, he gradually develops into a capable and compassionate individual.

Even in his past, the moment that led to him being transported there was the fact that he tried to stop an accident. This was a rare act of bravery from his old self, acting as the spark that lit up the road to his new future. Since then, he has hit many highs and lows, and he always comes out smiling and ready to face the world, with his bravery shining forward for everyone to see.

2 Kirigaya Kazuto – Kirito (Sword Art Online)

The Black Swordsman Who Never Backs Down

Kirito doesn’t need a lot of introduction to most isekai and even anime fans at large. He is easily one of the most iconic shonen protagonists to exist, and for good reason. Initially a solitary figure, Kirito is often misunderstood due to his mysterious demeanor.

However, beneath his cool exterior lies a compassionate and loyal individual. His unwavering determination to clear the game and save his trapped companions becomes the driving force behind his actions, showcasing just how brave of an individual he really is.

1 Natsuki Subaru (Re:Zero)

A Man Who Regularly Smiles In The Face Of Death

Just an ordinary young man, Subaru finds himself transported to a fantastical realm where he quickly learns the harsh reality of survival. Subaru’s unique ability, “Return by Death,” allows him to rewind time upon death, retaining his memories of previous timelines. While this power seems like a gift, it’s a double-edged sword; each death brings immense psychological trauma, and the constant cycle of despair and hope can be emotionally draining.

Despite his extraordinary ability, Subaru is far from a typical hero. He’s often cowardly, impulsive, and prone to making mistakes. However, his deep-rooted desire to protect those he cares about drives him to overcome his fears and face adversity. He has faced hundreds, if not thousands, of loops and has reached his breaking point multiple times, but he will always be ready to save those in need, knowing fully well that he will probably die.