10 Times These Anime Characters Proved Why They Were The Lead

10. Simon Stops Running (Gurren Lagann)

For half the show, Simon's cool bro, Kamina, utterly overshadows him. However, everything changes when he finally gets over his crippling sense of loss and proudly announces to the heavens, "I am Simon the Digger." Poking his drill up towards the stars, he gives up his attempts to follow in his idol's footsteps and accepts his fate. It is an epic, spine-chilling scene where a scared little boy turns into the hero of multiple galaxies.

9. Mob Chooses Kindness (Mob Psycho 100)

Shigeo Kageyama may have enough psychic power to blow the city apart, but his true main character moments are when he decides not to abuse them. At the height of the brutal fight against Mogami, where reality is twisted to make Mob lose his mind, the teen chooses empathy over utter destruction and spares another soul. It proves he is not the protagonist just because he has immense powers, but also because nothing can break his moral compass.

8. Eren Tells Ymir She is Free (Attack on Titan)

Whereas Zeke tries to pull off a complicated scheme using the powers of the king, Eren takes care of all the lore constraints by sheer willpower. In the surreal wasteland of the Paths, he does not even listen to the instructions of a deity and simply gives an ancient spirit, Ymir, an emotional hug. It is a dark, breathtaking scene where he gives her freedom she did not have in thousands of years, rewriting the stakes of the story once and for all.

7. Gintoki Defends the Shinsengumi (Gintama)

Gintoki Sakata is an absolute failure when it comes to responsibility, since he spends most of the story being a penniless comedic character who can barely pay his rent. But as soon as the plot thickens and requires him to save some people, the legendary "White Yaksha" comes back with incredible speed. Seeing Gintoki block the executioner's blow, saving the very policemen that constantly chase him, brings pure joy. The sudden transition from comedy to blood-chilling samurai skills makes the viewer understand who truly runs the show.

6. Lelouch Commands the World (Code Geass)

Lelouch orchestrated the entire plot of this show like a perfect chess game, but his masterpiece is executing the Zero Requiem. By setting up an elaborate stage play where he plays the ultimate villain so that his alter-ego would assassinate him, Lelouch unites humanity in mutual hatred. It feels incredibly gratifying watching him descend from the steps, grinning as if nothing happened, as everyone cheers in support of his death. This protagonist outplays literally everyone else in his world.

5. Frieren Reminds Aura Who She Is (Frieren: Beyond Journey's End)

The Guillotine, Aura, thinks she got the advantage with her scales of obedience and severely underestimates Frieren. However, once the elf stops suppressing her mana and opens up the overwhelming aura of magical power that she has accumulated over centuries, the atmosphere of the fight completely changes. With total indifference, she says one chilling sentence: "Aura, kill yourself." It is the cold-blooded flex reminding us that Frieren is more than just a quiet traveler.

4. Naruto Arrives in Sage Mode (Naruto Shippuden)

After everything the Hidden Leaf Village suffered and all the ninjas being defeated, only one person could save the day: Naruto. Out of nowhere, a cloud of smoke dissolves and reveals Naruto wearing a red cloak and standing proudly atop an enormous toad. Everything changes in just one panel, with the presence of such confidence and power oozing out from his very outstanding aura. He quickly crushes the mechanical pain into pieces, proving that he grew up from being an obnoxious orphan into the village's savior.

3. Edward Elric’s Final Trade (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)

When confronting Truth at the gates of alchemy for the last time, Edward decides not to try any clever tricks and gives away his power to restore his brother's body. Instead, he laughs and happily gives away his right of ever practicing it again because. In the end, alchemy was nothing more than a tool which prevented him from seeing the truth. The maniacal grin from Truth when understanding that Ed beat the entire system is incredibly pleasing. It is an epic finale which proves that the lead is stronger than his obsession.

2. Luffy Punches a Celestial Dragon (One Piece)

Before this fight, the show established Celestial Dragons as holy creatures that nobody was supposed to mess with. In fact, their offense could lead to a whole apocalypse happening. But when a noble fires upon one of his friends, Luffy decides to disregard politics altogether. As the colors of the animation disappear, leaving only black ink, the viewers see the protagonist walking up calmly and delivering a punch capable of breaking a jaw. It is an unforgettable fight where Luffy proves that he does not give a damn about anyone except his crew members.

1. Goku Goes Super Saiyan (Dragon Ball Z)

The blueprint for all transformations that came after, Goku transforming into Super Saiyan is still the best in existence. Being shocked to see his beloved Krillin turned to ashes by Frieza, Goku's compassion disappears, replaced by ancient rage. Lightning starts cracking, and the rocks rise in the air as the protagonist goes Super Saiyan, giving an enormous flash of golden hair. Declaring himself the greatest warrior, Goku proves that he is not just the protagonist but a cultural phenomenon that redefined anime history.