Anime where the main character is secretly overpowered at school
Discover the best anime series where the protagonist possesses immense power but chooses to live a normal school life. These shows offer a unique blend of action, comedy, and slice-of-life elements.



The 'secretly overpowered protagonist in school' is a beloved anime trope for a reason. It taps into a universal fantasy: having extraordinary abilities while navigating the seemingly ordinary world of high school.
This setup creates fantastic dramatic tension. Will their secret be exposed? How do they handle threats when they can't go all out? It allows for moments of wish fulfillment as the main character effortlessly overcomes challenges that stump everyone else, often with comedic timing or surprising ease.
From magic academies to battle schools and even just regular high schools, this niche explores various genres. Whether it's a battle shonen where the hero holds back their true Quirk, a fantasy series where a demon lord attends human classes, or a comedy where a psychic just wants a normal day, the core appeal lies in the delightful contrast between the mundane setting and the protagonist's hidden, immense capabilities. It's a formula that consistently delivers entertaining stories.
9. The Testament of Sister New Devil (2015)
The Testament of Sister New Devil features Basara Toujou, a high school student whose life is turned upside down when his father brings home two beautiful stepsisters who are actually a succubus and a demon. Basara isn't initially presented as hiding his identity, but he possesses latent powers tied to his past as a hero that make him exceptionally strong and capable of fighting against demons and other supernatural threats. He attends school, but the focus quickly shifts to the supernatural battles and harem elements rather than him concealing his strength in a school setting. His power becomes known to those around him fairly early as he has to protect his new family.

8. Tokyo Ravens (2013)
Tokyo Ravens takes place in a world where Onmyodo (Japanese occultism) is a recognized practice. Harutora Tsuchimikado comes from a branch family but seems to have no magical talent, living a normal life. He attends an Onmyo academy. However, Harutora carries a significant, hidden destiny and power tied to his lineage, which is gradually revealed throughout the series. While he starts out appearing weak and unskilled in magic compared to his peers, his true identity and potential make him a central figure in a larger conflict. The show blends supernatural action, school life, and elements of fate and prophecy as Harutora steps onto the path of becoming an Onmyoji and uncovers the secrets of his past.

7. The Asterisk War (2015)
In The Asterisk War, Ayato Amagiri transfers to Seidokan Academy, one of six schools in the city of Asterisk where students with special powers (Genestella) compete in duels called 'Festas'. Ayato possesses significant strength but initially holds back his full power due to a promise he made, leading others to underestimate him early on. While his identity isn't hidden, the true extent of his abilities and the reasons for his restraint are secrets that unfold throughout the series. The show features plenty of action-packed battles as Ayato partners with the powerful Julis and navigates the competitive world of the Festas and the political intrigue surrounding the schools.

6. Chivalry of a Failed Knight (2015)
Chivalry of a Failed Knight centers on Ikki Kurogane, a student at Hagun Academy, a school for Magic Knights who manifest their souls as weapons. Despite coming from a prestigious lineage, Ikki is labeled the 'Worst One' or 'Failed Knight' because his magical power is practically non-existent. However, what he lacks in magic, he makes up for with unparalleled swordsmanship and physical technique, making him incredibly powerful in actual combat despite his low magical rank. He doesn't hide his skill, rather it's initially overlooked and underestimated by the system and his peers, forcing him to constantly prove himself through duels and competitions against magically gifted students. It's an underdog story where the protagonist's unique strength is initially hidden in plain sight due to a flawed ranking system.

5. My Hero Academia (2016)
My Hero Academia introduces us to Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without a Quirk (superpower) in a world full of heroes. His life changes when the legendary hero All Might chooses him as his successor, bestowing upon him the incredible power of One For All. Izuku enrolls in the prestigious U.A. High School to train as a hero. While he doesn't exactly hide his power, he initially struggles immensely to control it, making it appear less potent than it is, and the true nature and origin of One For All are a closely guarded secret shared only with All Might and a few trusted individuals. The journey is about his growth, learning to master immense power, and navigating the challenges of hero school while keeping the secret of his Quirk's lineage.

4. Charlotte (2015)
Charlotte follows Yu Otosaka, a seemingly normal high school student who discovers he has the ability to possess other people's bodies for five seconds. He initially uses this power selfishly to cheat on tests and gain advantages. However, he's soon exposed by Nao Tomori and forced to transfer to Hoshinoumi Academy, a school for students with similar supernatural abilities. Yu's power isn't initially presented as 'the strongest', but it evolves in significant ways, and he must learn to use it to help others while also concealing its true nature and potential dangers from those who would exploit it. The series blends school life with sci-fi elements and emotional drama as Yu and his companions uncover the truth behind their powers and the organization hunting them.

3. The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. (2016)
Prepare for laughs with The Disastrous Life of Saiki K., where the 'strongest' protagonist is a psychic who just wants a normal life! Kusuo Saiki was born with a staggering array of psychic powers, from telepathy and telekinesis to teleportation and mind control. The catch? He finds his powers incredibly annoying and desperately tries to conceal them from his eccentric family and bizarre classmates at PK Academy to avoid attracting attention. The humor comes from his constant struggle to maintain his 'normal' facade while inevitably having to use his powers in the most ridiculous ways to get out of awkward situations or deal with the absurd personalities around him. It's a rapid-fire gag comedy that hilariously plays on the hidden power trope, making Saiki's everyday life anything but ordinary.

2. Classroom of the Elite (2017)
Classroom of the Elite is a masterclass in psychological strategy wrapped in a high school setting. Ayanokoji Kiyotaka enters Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School, an institution designed to produce future elites. Despite scoring perfectly on the entrance exam, he's placed in the lowest-ranked Class D and seems utterly average, quiet, and unassuming. However, beneath this facade lies a mind of unparalleled analytical ability and a chillingly pragmatic approach to achieving objectives. Ayanokoji deliberately avoids standing out, manipulating events and people from behind the scenes to improve his class's standing, all while keeping his own extraordinary capabilities and mysterious past hidden. The tension comes from watching him navigate complex social dynamics and competitive challenges, always one step ahead, revealing just enough of his true nature to keep you guessing.

1. The Irregular at Magic High School (2014)
The Irregular at Magic High School throws you into a world where magic is a technology, and schools train the next generation of magic users. Our protagonist, Tatsuya Shiba, enrolls at First High School but is unfairly labeled a 'Weed' due to his low practical magic score, despite possessing technical skills and combat prowess that are off the charts. He's secretly one of the most formidable individuals on the planet, a fact he and his sister, Miyuki, carefully conceal while navigating the rigid social hierarchy of the school. The series is a fascinating blend of action, sci-fi, and political intrigue, constantly showcasing Tatsuya's overwhelming power and strategic genius as he effortlessly dismantles threats and exposes the flaws in the magic system everyone else relies on. It's incredibly satisfying to watch him operate from the shadows, pulling strings and protecting those he cares about, all while maintaining the facade of being just an 'irregular'.
