The Most Popular Superpowers in Anime, from Energy Beam to Super Intelligence

most popular anime powers of all time gojo satoru
Credit: Akutami Gege / Shueisha / Jujutsu Kaisen Production Committee


most popular anime powers of all time gojo satoru
Credit: Akutami Gege / Shueisha / Jujutsu Kaisen Production Committee

In the vast and imaginative world of anime, superpowers add an electrifying layer of excitement to every battle and quest for justice. From elemental manipulation to mundane abilities that defined entire genres, here are the 11 most popular superpowers in anime history.

  1. Energy Beam

    Energy beams are a staple in action-packed anime series, where characters usually concentrate their energy to fire beams from their hands, eyes, or other parts of the body.

    Like other anime powers on this list, the mechanics behind energy beams vary depending on the series and the context.

    Usually, characters who can use energy beams harness internal energy sources such as ki, chakra, or mana. They also need to focus and concentrate their energy to build up their power and fire it at full force.

    Here are the most popular anime characters who can fire energy beams:

    1. Megumin from KonoSuba
    2. Son Goku from Dragon Ball
    3. Rin Tohsaka from Fate/stay night
    4. Kazuma Sato from KonoSuba
    5. Vegeta from Dragon Ball
    6. Rias Gremory from High School DxD
  2. Flight

    Flight power works in different ways. Some characters can levitate, others have wings in fantasy anime, and some have propulsion or jet packs, particularly in sci-fi anime, that enable them to fly.

    It is a versatile anime power that allows characters to explore and rule the boundless skies. These characters, who can fly, also end up fighting aerial battles that add excitement and spectacle to the scenes.

    Here are the most popular anime characters who can fly:

    1. Shinobu Oshino from Monogatari
    2. Yuuki Asuna from Sword Art Online
    3. Son Goku from Dragon Ball
    4. Izuku Midoriya from My Hero Academia
    5. Rimuru Tempest from That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
    6. Natsu Dragneel from Fairy Tail
  3. Teleportation

    Teleportation is commonly used as a quick escape from danger, a strategic maneuver in warfare, or for exploration.

    It operates differently based on the user and the anime they are in. Some characters can teleport by manipulating space and energy, while others can use their magical abilities to travel between parallel realms.

    Despite its utility, teleportation has limitations in that characters cannot teleport beyond specific distances or undiscovered territories.

    Here are the most popular anime characters who can teleport:

    1. Satoru Gojo from Jujutsu Kaisen
    2. Yato from Noragami
    3. Alucard from Hellsing
    4. Son Goku from Dragon Ball
    5. Trafalgar Law from One Piece
    6. Kazuma Sato from KonoSuba
  4. Super Intelligence

    The power of super intelligence relies on the remarkable mental abilities of the characters. It far surpasses a normal human’s cognitive functions and also works in different ways.

    Some of the characters have enhanced brain functions, while others can credit their superior intelligence to genetic mutations, technological improvements, or training and experience.

    Super intelligence does not always imply that a character is intelligent; it can also allude to their unusual ability to deduce information that would appear foreign in the real world.

    Like teleportation, superintelligence may have downsides that influence emotional intelligence, ethics, morals, and even social interactions.

    Here are the most popular anime characters who have super intelligence:

    1. L Lawliet from Death Note
    2. Light Yagami from Death Note
    3. Kiyotaka Ayanokoji from Classroom of the Elite
    4. Frieren from Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
    5. Katsuki Bakugo from My Hero Academia
    6. Senku Ishigami from Dr. Stone
    7. Koro-sensei from Assassination Classroom
  5. Healing

    Having rapid healing powers can make an anime character near-immortal, so long as their healing powers can keep up with the damage they receive.

    It is one of the most useful anime powers on this list, where characters can mend their wounds, cure diseases, and restore their vitality like nothing happened.

    Most of the time, healing powers can be attributed to a character’s mystical or spiritual energy.

    Others, on the other hand, have regenerative abilities as a result of their accelerated cell, tissue, or even muscle regeneration.

    Here are the most popular anime characters who can heal others or themselves:

    1. Satoru Gojo from Jujutsu Kaisen
    2. Ken Kaneki from Tokyo Ghoul
    3. Rem from Re:Zero
    4. Shinobu Oshino from Monogatari
    5. Koyomi Araragi from Monogatari
    6. Kurapika from Hunter x Hunter
    7. Frieren from Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
    8. Gon Freecss from Hunter x Hunter
    9. Kazuma Sato from KonoSuba
    10. Rias Gremory from High School DxD
  6. Fire

    Those who have elemental affinities and magical talents often possess the power to manipulate fire.

    It is a common and classic ability that a lot of popular anime characters have, allowing them to generate and control flames for offense and defense.

    While having fire powers can be achieved through pyrokinesis, some characters also get their flame abilities from magic spells and incantations.

    It may be an explosive ability, but it also has drawbacks. Flame users may be weak to water-based attacks that can extinguish their skills and humble them in the process.

    Here are the most popular anime characters who can manipulate fire:

    1. Itachi Uchiha from Naruto
    2. Megumin from KonoSuba
    3. Roy Mustang from Fullmetal Alchemist
    4. Yuno Gasai from Future Diary
    5. Shoto Todoroki from My Hero Academia
    6. Rimuru Tempest from That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
    7. Frieren from Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
    8. Katsuki Bakugo from My Hero Academia
    9. Natsu Dragneel from Fairy Tail
    10. Kazuma Sato from KonoSuba
  7. Super Senses

    Enhanced perception and extrasensory perception are two common explanations for a character's super sensing abilities.

    Their five senses are amplified, and in some circumstances, they have powers that go beyond them.

    This anime power allows a character to perceive their environment with amazing clarity, giving them enhanced senses much beyond those of ordinary humans.

    To balance the story in anime, supersenses have limitations, such as psychological impacts, hypersensitivity, and so on.

    Here are the most popular anime characters who have heightened senses:

    1. Shinobu Oshino from Monogatari
    2. Koyomi Araragi from Monogatari
    3. Jotaro Kujo from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
    4. Izuku Midoriya from My Hero Academia
    5. Tanjiro Kamado from Demon Slayer
    6. Shigeo Kageyama from Mob Psycho 100
    7. Rimuru Tempest from That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
    8. Frieren from Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
    9. Natsu Dragneel from Fairy Tail
    10. Gon Freecss from Hunter x Hunter
    11. Kazuma Sato from KonoSuba
    12. Koro-sensei from Assassination Classroom
  8. Shape-shifting

    Anime characters who can transform or shape-shift offer a dynamic and visually striking scene to viewers.

    It adds excitement and intrigue to their character, showcasing the boundless creativity of the creators and the production committee.

    As usual, shape-shifting works in different ways. Some can alter their physical forms and appearance, while others can alter their abilities when necessary.

    Shape-shifting can be achieved in different ways as well. Some characters can use magic and elemental transformation spells, while others can force the transformation out of their innate powers.

    Here are the most popular anime characters who can shape-shift at will:

    1. Naruto Uzumaki from Naruto
    2. Eren Yeager from Attack on Titan
    3. Ken Kaneki from Tokyo Ghoul
    4. Rem from Re:Zero
    5. Ichigo Kurosaki from Bleach
    6. Shinobu Oshino from Monogatari
    7. Koyomi Araragi from Monogatari
    8. Alucard from Hellsing
    9. Holo from Spice and Wolf
    10. Rimuru Tempest from That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
    11. Gon Freecss from Hunter x Hunter
    12. Nico Robin from One Piece
    13. Armin Arlert from Attack on Titan
  9. Endurance

    The power of endurance refers to the ability of the anime characters to sustain prolonged physical or mental exertion, withstand pain, and persevere in the face of adversity.

    These powers enable characters to push their limits, endure extreme conditions, and recover from injuries more quickly than ordinary humans.

    Their endurance can also be attributed to their heightened stamina, pain tolerance, mental resilience, regenerative abilities, and, of course, training and discipline.

    Here are the most popular anime characters who have incredible endurance:

    1. Killua Zoldyck from Hunter x Hunter
    2. Guts from Berserk
    3. Gintoki Sakata from Gintama
    4. Eren Yeager from Attack on Titan
    5. Itachi Uchiha from Naruto
    6. Satoru Gojo from Jujutsu Kaisen
    7. Ken Kaneki from Tokyo Ghoul
    8. Kakashi Hatake from Naruto
    9. Kazuto Kirigaya from Sword Art Online
    10. Hisoka Morow from Hunter x Hunter
    11. Ichigo Kurosaki from Bleach
    12. Sanji from One Piece
    13. Yuno Gasai from Future Diary
    14. Sasuke Uchiha from Naruto
    15. Alucard from Hellsing
    16. Son Goku from Dragon Ball
    17. Jotaro Kujo from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
    18. Shoto Todoroki from My Hero Academia
    19. Izuku Midoriya from My Hero Academia
    20. Tanjiro Kamado from Demon Slayer
    21. Kurapika from Hunter x Hunter
    22. Katsuki Bakugo from My Hero Academia
    23. Natsu Dragneel from Fairy Tail
    24. Sebastian Michaelis from Black Butler
    25. Gon Freecss from Hunter x Hunter
    26. Nico Robin from One Piece
    27. Trafalgar Law from One Piece
    28. Armin Arlert from Attack on Titan
    29. Vegeta from Dragon Ball
  10. Speed

    Many anime characters can move at incredible speeds, dodge strikes, and arrive at their destinations in the blink of an eye, almost as if they were teleporting.

    Anime characters such as Goku and Vegeta move and battle with tremendous speed, but their coordination never falters.

    They have increased muscle strength, allowing them to perform rapid movements, abrupt turns, and quick changes in direction.

    In certain circumstances, these anime characters travel faster than light, making the viewing experience even more exhilarating!

    Here are the most popular anime characters who are as fast as lightning:

    1. Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece
    2. Roronoa Zoro from One Piece
    3. Killua Zoldyck from Hunter x Hunter
    4. Naruto Uzumaki from Naruto
    5. Itachi Uchiha from Naruto
    6. Satoru Gojo from Jujutsu Kaisen
    7. Ken Kaneki from Tokyo Ghoul
    8. Saitama from One-Punch Man
    9. Kakashi Hatake from Naruto
    10. Hisoka Morow from Hunter x Hunter
    11. Ichigo Kurosaki from Bleach
    12. Kamina from Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
    13. Shinobu Oshino from Monogatari
    14. Saber from Fate/Zero
    15. Sanji from One Piece
    16. Yuuki Asuna from Sword Art Online
    17. Yuno Gasai from Future Diary
    18. Sasuke Uchiha from Naruto
    19. Koyomi Araragi from Monogatari
    20. Alucard from Hellsing
    21. Son Goku from Dragon Ball
    22. Jotaro Kujo from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
    23. Shoto Todoroki from My Hero Academia
    24. Izuku Midoriya from My Hero Academia
    25. Tanjiro Kamado from Demon Slayer
    26. Frieren from Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
    27. Katsuki Bakugo from My Hero Academia
    28. Natsu Dragneel from Fairy Tail
    29. Sebastian Michaelis from Black Butler
    30. Nico Robin from One Piece
    31. Trafalgar Law from One Piece
    32. Vegeta from Dragon Ball
    33. Koro-sensei from Assassination Classroom
  11. Strength

    The power of strength takes the top spot on our list since almost all popular anime characters exhibit extraordinary physical prowess that enables them to perform feats of immense strength and withstand powerful attacks.

    Strength can also manifest in various forms, from superhuman strength derived from natural abilities to augmented strength through supernatural means, depending on the characters.

    What is certain is that strength is a necessary power that anime characters should have to perform heroic feats of valor, fight formidable opponents, and showcase their incredible might, increasing their overall appeal to viewers in the process.

    Here are the most popular anime characters who have immense strength:

    1. Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece
    2. Roronoa Zoro from One Piece
    3. Killua Zoldyck from Hunter x Hunter
    4. Naruto Uzumaki from Naruto
    5. Guts from Berserk
    6. Gintoki Sakata from Gintama
    7. Eren Yeager from Attack on Titan
    8. Itachi Uchiha from Naruto
    9. Satoru Gojo from Jujutsu Kaisen
    10. Ken Kaneki from Tokyo Ghoul
    11. Saitama from One-Punch Man
    12. Kakashi Hatake from Naruto
    13. Rem from Re:Zero
    14. Joseph Joestar from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
    15. Hisoka Morow from Hunter x Hunter
    16. Ichigo Kurosaki from Bleach
    17. Kamina from Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
    18. Shinobu Oshino from Monogatari
    19. Saber from Fate/Zero
    20. Sanji from One Piece
    21. Yuno Gasai from Future Diary
    22. Sasuke Uchiha from Naruto
    23. Alucard from Hellsing
    24. Son Goku from Dragon Ball
    25. Jotaro Kujo from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
    26. Izuku Midoriya from My Hero Academia
    27. Tanjiro Kamado from Demon Slayer
    28. Rin Tohsaka from Fate/stay night
    29. Kurapika from Hunter x Hunter
    30. Rimuru Tempest from That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
    31. Frieren from Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
    32. Katsuki Bakugo from My Hero Academia
    33. Natsu Dragneel from Fairy Tail
    34. Sebastian Michaelis from Black Butler
    35. Gon Freecss from Hunter x Hunter
    36. Nico Robin from One Piece
    37. Trafalgar Law from One Piece
    38. Armin Arlert from Attack on Titan
    39. Vegeta from Dragon Ball
    40. Koro-sensei from Assassination Classroom
    41. Subaru Natsuki from Re:Zero

To create this piece, Epicstream's anime team gathered the most popular anime characters of all time from MyAnimeList and documented their unique abilities.

We came up with 30 relevant tags to categorize the characters' abilities such as strength, flight, shape-shifting, and teleportation, to name a few.

The results revealed 11 of the most popular superpowers in anime history, as seen below:

most popular anime powers of all time graphic
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