Okay, let's be real. We all secretly love a good underdog story. But what about when the underdog is universally disliked? I'm talking about anime where the MC is hated by everyone. It’s a niche, but hear me out!
There's something oddly satisfying about watching a character struggle against, well, everyone. They're basically the anime equivalent of that one kid in school everyone picked on. Except, this kid has superpowers (probably).
The Appeal of the Unloved Hero
Why do we watch these shows? Is it schadenfreude? Maybe a little. But mostly, it's about the journey. Seeing them overcome obstacles despite constant negativity is strangely inspiring.
Think about it. These MCs have to be resourceful, resilient, and maybe a little bit crazy. They're not getting any help from anyone, so they have to figure things out on their own. That's some serious character development right there.
Examples (and maybe some *hot takes*)
Let's dive into some examples, shall we? I'm going to share some potentially unpopular opinions. Buckle up!
First up, we've got...well, you know who I mean. That angsty guy who's always brooding in the corner. *cough* ***Sasuke*** *cough*. Okay, okay, maybe he's not *universally* hated, but let's be honest, he pushed it sometimes!
He spends half the series making questionable decisions. And everyone is always enabling him. I rest my case.
Then there’s the kind of hated where the character does it to themselves! They might be powerful. They may even have good intentions. But their personality is so grating, it's no wonder no one likes them.
What about characters like that one who starts off as the worst! But they slowly redeem themselves! This makes viewers invest so much time watching them grow.
It's a slow burn. We end up rooting for them to prove everyone wrong.
Why We (Secretly) Root for Them
Even though everyone hates them, we're often on their side. Why? Because we see something in them that others don't. A spark of goodness, a hidden strength, a really cool power.
Maybe we even see a bit of ourselves in them. Who hasn't felt like an outcast at some point? Who hasn't felt misunderstood?
Or maybe, just maybe, we're just enjoying the drama. A character hated by everyone? What more could we ask?
"It's a guilty pleasure, I admit it."
These shows offer a unique viewing experience. They're a break from the typical hero's journey. They're a reminder that even when the whole world is against you, you can still come out on top.
So, next time you're looking for something to watch, give an anime where the MC is hated by everyone a try. You might just find your new favorite show. And you might just find yourself unexpectedly cheering for the underdog. Even if they kind of deserve the hate.
Don't judge me. We all have our questionable tastes.
