10 anime characters who always lose in fights

Life can be quite challenging for certain anime characters, even those with remarkable abilities and unwavering determination. In the epic world of anime, where battles rage on and rivalries burn intensely, some anime characters find themselves constantly facing defeat, no matter how hard they strive.

Whether due to the story's predetermined plot or simply a cruel twist of fate, these characters have become iconic for their inability to emerge triumphant when it truly matters. From plucky underdogs to tragically flawed heroes, these resilient characters have won the hearts of countless fans by demonstrating the unbreakable spirit of perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Their journeys serve as a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of fate and the resilience of the human spirit, even in the fantastical realms of anime.

From Chad to Usopp: Here are 10 anime characters who always lose in fights

1) Mai Valentine (Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters)

Mai Valentine (Image via Toei Animation)

Mai Valentine was a skilled duelist in the Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters series. But she often lost her battles on the screen. She lost many times to the main anime characters like Yugi and Joey. Her losses were a big part of her story. Fans made jokes about how she could never win and her losing streak even became a key part of the plot.

Dartz used her frustration at losing to get her to join his group. Mai was a strong duelist with great skills, but her struggles to win added depth to her character. She was the underdog who kept trying hard but kept falling short. This anime character blended frustration and self-deprecating humor when she lost.

2) Guel Jeturk (Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury)

Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury, introduces fans to Guel Jeturk, a skilled pilot at his school. Guel was famous for winning many approved duels. But he felt unsure when he fought Suletta Mercury, the main anime character. Even though Guel was good at first, the anime character soon started losing more and more. Each loss showed that real fighting is very different from controlled duels.

Guel accidentally caused his father's death and barely won against other opponents. His struggles showed how hard it is to go from training to actual war. Guel's story not only showed how great Suletta is but also the challenges talented people face in the dangerous world of war.

3) Chad (Bleach)

Yasutora Sado, known as Chad, was Ichigo Kurosaki's loyal friend and companion in Bleach. With an impressive physical build and a unique Fullbring power enhancing his combat abilities, this anime character seemed like a formidable force. Yet, despite his potential, he faced defeat in nearly every battle throughout the series.

Although his Fullbring gave him an edge, he consistently fell short against more powerful opponents like Hollows and Arrancar. This recurring pattern served two crucial storytelling purposes. Firstly, it showcased the immense might of the adversaries the main characters faced, emphasizing the grand scale of their challenges.

Secondly, it highlighted Chad's role as a supporting character, underlining his importance in aiding and encouraging the more powerful anime characters, rather than emerging as a dominant force himself.

4) Rock Lee (Naruto)

Rock Lee from the Naruto series, couldn't use Ninjutsu or Genjutsu. Lee made up for that with his amazing strength and never-give-up attitude for Taijutsu, which is hand-to-hand combat. At first, this anime character seemed tough to beat as he overpowered Sasuke before the Chunin Exams began.

But as the story went on, enemies with different ninja skills often beat Lee, like Kimimaro and Gaara. This showed how hard it was for Lee to rely only on his physical power.

Even though he lost many times, Lee always inspired people. His drive and refusal to quit showed his unbreakable spirit. Lee's only using brute force made things difficult in a world with supernatural abilities.

His resilience and commitment to being a ninja made fans love him. Every loss only made Lee more determined to push himself harder. Fans admired and were inspired by Lee's character. He was a beloved anime character in the Naruto fandom.

5) Genos (One-Punch Man)

In One-Punch Man, Genos, the devoted pupil of the mighty Saitama, confronts continuous defeat despite showcasing impressive combat abilities as a top-tier hero. The battles he engages in reveal the overwhelming might of the formidable opponents they encounter.

Regardless of his unwavering efforts, Genos often finds himself reduced to mere pieces, only to be meticulously rebuilt and promptly sent back into the fray. These frequent losses underscore the immense threats the heroes must confront and accentuate Genos' relentless growth under the tutelage of Saitama, his mentor.

Despite the setbacks and challenges that befall him, this anime character remains resolute in his determination to improve, fueled by an ardent desire to safeguard others and prove himself worthy of Saitama's teachings.

6) Sailor Jupiter (Sailor Moon)

Sailor Jupiter (Image via Toei Animation)

The anime series Sailor Moon presented Sailor Jupiter, whose true name was Makoto Kino, as the physically mightiest of the Sailor Scouts. Although she demonstrated remarkable martial arts abilities, this anime character frequently found herself overpowered by new foes during battles. This recurring pattern served to showcase the formidable strength of their opponents.

Sailor Jupiter's tendency to be swiftly defeated allowed her teammates to take center stage and demonstrate their own strengths. While Makoto did achieve occasional solo triumphs, these were overshadowed by her numerous losses, underscoring the narrative's emphasis on the importance of teamwork and the enduring bonds of friendship among the Sailor Scouts.

7) Usopp (One Piece)

In the world of One Piece, Usopp is the lovable underdog of the Straw Hat Pirates crew. He is a talented sniper and inventor, but he is often outshone by his stronger crewmates like Luffy and Zoro. Usopp loses battles frequently, which highlights the power difference within the crew. But, it also adds humor to the show with this anime character's creative excuses for retreating.

These losses do not make Usopp seem weak, though. Instead, they show his journey of growth and bravery over time. As the story goes on, Usopp becomes more willing to face challenges head-on, even if he still falls short compared to his peers at times.

Fans love Usopp's character because he keeps trying his best despite facing overwhelming odds. His resilience and determination make him an endearing underdog in the series.

8) Reiner Braun (Attack on Titan)

The Attack on Titan story introduced Reiner as a reliable anime character in the 104th Training Corps. But it was later revealed that he was a spy and the Armored Titan. Though Reiner was a skilled soldier and one of the strongest Titan Shifters, he often lost many battles.

He lost fights both in his human form and as the Armored Titan. Reiner struggled to win battles, and this losing streak weighed heavily on him. His repeated failures made him feel hopeless and suicidal. After the time skip in Attack on Titan, Reiner was so burdened by his inability to win fights and complete missions that he nearly took his own life.

9) Ichika Orimura (Infinite Stratos)

In the world of Infinite Stratos, which was ruled by powerful women, one young man stood out. Ichika Orimura was the sole male pilot of the mighty mech suits called Infinite Stratos. Though he often faced defeat in battles at school and beyond, his story was about more than just losing. It was a tale of resilience, of finding one's place in a world that sees you as an outsider.

His female classmates excelled in piloting and shared deep bonds with their mechs. Ichika felt like a misfit, struggling to keep up. But through his setbacks, this anime character learned and grew. He forged meaningful connections with his peers and discovered his own inner strengths.

10) Amano Yukiteru (Future Diary)

The anime Future Diary follows Yukiteru Amano's journey in a deadly game. Despite having his Future Diary, he struggles due to his passive nature. He often needs help from his imaginary friend Deus. In contrast, other players take charge and act decisively. Yukiteru faces setbacks that reveal his dependence on outside aid.

Through this anime character's defeats, the show explores complex themes like power, control, and human behavior. It highlights the importance of self-reliance and the risks of relying on external assistance alone.

As Yukiteru confronts his weaknesses, he grows and learns to take control of his destiny. Although he suffers losses, his character development drives the narrative's examination of survival and personal agency.

Final thoughts

A lot of anime heroes are admired for their wins. But only some stand out for their drive in tough times. The anime characters in this list show spirit even after big letdowns. Though they have top skills and never give up, things still go wrong for them often. Their stories teach us that life brings many challenges for everyone.

Even the strongest of people will face setbacks at times. What matters most is how we respond to them. These anime characters' struggles have left a big mark in the anime world. They show that losing is just a small bump in the road., it is our inner strength and resolve that shape our path ahead.

Edited by Ahana Mukhopadhyay