Anime with overpowered (OP) protagonists has always been a fan favorite, and when you mix that with a transfer student setting, the excitement skyrockets. Whether they’re reincarnated, hiding their true power, or simply underestimated, these MCs dominate their new schools and leave everyone in awe. Here are the top 10 anime where the main character is an OP transfer student!
1. Returner’s Magic Should Be Special
- Genres: Action, Fantasy, Magic, School, Adventure
- MC: Desir Arman
- Synopsis: After humanity is almost wiped out, Desir Arman is sent back in time to his days at Hebrion Academy. Now, armed with knowledge of the future, he must train his friends and rewrite history to save the world from destruction.
- Why You Must Watch: The time-travel twist adds a fresh layer to the OP transfer student trope, and Desir’s strategic mind makes every battle engaging.
2. Full Metal Panic!
- Genres: Action, Comedy, Mecha, Military, Romance, School
- MC: Sousuke Sagara
- Synopsis: Sousuke, a highly skilled soldier, is assigned to protect a high school girl who possesses classified knowledge. His military background and lack of social skills make for hilarious yet intense moments as he navigates school life while fighting off enemies.
- Why You Must Watch: It’s the perfect mix of action, comedy, and military drama, with an MC who’s both a tactical genius and hilariously awkward in school.
3. The Irregular at Magic High School
- Genres: Action, Supernatural, Magic, School, Sci-Fi
- MC: Tatsuya Shiba
- Synopsis: Tatsuya and his sister enroll in a prestigious magic high school, but while his sister is placed among the elites, he is categorized as “inferior.” However, his true abilities are far beyond what anyone expects.
- Why You Must Watch: Tatsuya is one of the most broken MCs ever, with insane abilities in combat, engineering, and magic nullification.
4. Wistoria: Wand and Sword
- Genres: Action, Fantasy, Magic, School, Adventure
- MC: Will Serfort
- Synopsis: In a world where magic is everything, Will enters a prestigious magic school despite lacking any magical abilities. However, he makes up for it with his unparalleled sword skills, shocking everyone around him.
- Why You Must Watch: A refreshing take on the magic school trope where a swordsman stands out among mages, making for intense battles and compelling character growth.
5. The Misfit of Demon King Academy
- Genres: Action, Fantasy, Magic, School
- MC: Anos Voldigoad
- Synopsis: Anos, the reincarnated Demon King, enrolls in the Demon King Academy only to find that history has been rewritten and his legacy forgotten. Despite being labeled a misfit, his overwhelming power makes him unstoppable.
- Why You Must Watch: Anos is one of the most entertainingly OP MCs ever, casually one-shotting enemies while maintaining a cool demeanor.
6. Wise Man’s Grandchild
- Genres: Action, Fantasy, Magic, Isekai, School
- MC: Shin Wolford
- Synopsis: Reincarnated into a magical world, Shin is raised by the legendary Sage, Merlin. However, his overpowered magic and lack of common sense make his school life chaotic and hilarious.
- Why You Must Watch: If you love OP protagonists with comedic elements, this anime is a must-watch.
7. Persona 5: The Animation
- Genres: Action, Supernatural, Mystery, School
- MC: Ren Amamiya (Joker)
- Synopsis: Transferring to Shujin Academy after a false criminal accusation, Ren awakens his Persona powers and forms the Phantom Thieves to fight injustice.
- Why You Must Watch: The stylish visuals, deep storytelling, and Ren’s silent but commanding presence make this a thrilling watch.
8. The Iceblade Sorcerer Shall Rule the World
- Genres: Action, Fantasy, Magic, School
- MC: Ray White
- Synopsis: Ray, the strongest sorcerer in the world, enrolls in a magic academy while hiding his true identity. Despite being looked down upon, he proves himself with overwhelming power.
- Why You Must Watch: A mix of mystery, power fantasy, and school drama makes this a fun and engaging series.
9. Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs
- Genres: Action, Comedy, Isekai, Mecha, School
- MC: Leon Fou Bartfort
- Synopsis: Leon is reincarnated into a brutal otome game world where only women hold power. Using his game knowledge, he manipulates the system to rise to the top.
- Why You Must Watch: A hilarious twist on the isekai genre where the MC is both an underdog and ridiculously overpowered.
10. The Strongest Sage with the Weakest Crest
- Genres: Action, Fantasy, Magic, School, Reincarnation
- MC: Mathias Hildesheimer
- Synopsis: In his past life, Mathias was the strongest sage but was born with a weak crest. Reincarnating in the future, he gains the crest he wanted and obliterates expectations at his new magic academy.
- Why You Must Watch: Mathias is an absolute powerhouse, and his journey of proving everyone wrong is satisfying to watch.
If you love anime where the main character dominates their school and leaves their peers in shock, these 10 series are a must-watch. Each one brings a unique twist to the OP transfer student trope, from reincarnated demon kings to soldiers out of place in high school. Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
