There is no shortage of action and plot twists that are driven by the heroic protagonists of anime and their valiant support, showcasing fantastical events and the culmination of conflicts between opposing forces. However, not everyone in anime is conditioned to go above and beyond for a cause.
Admittedly, some anime are content to focus on small stakes scenarios and slice-of-life drama, but even the busiest series have their share of bored and lazy individuals who enjoy nothing more than completely moving out of the way of drama.
9 Saitama Is Over The Whole Hero Routine (One-Punch Man)
One-Punch Man is a hilarious anime series that effortlessly lampoons the superhero and shonen genres while also faithfully embracing their exaggerated tropes. The main joy of the series is how it subverts typical superhero expectations with a lead character, Saitama, who staggers through life bored because no opponent is never enough of a challenge for him.
Saitama's strength has conditioned him into a steady place of complacency, where he has more motivation and interest in winning a video game battle than square off against enraged monster threats.
8 Sakata Gintoki Is A Master Slacker Who’s Already Jaded Over Life (Gintama)
Gintama’s Sakata Gintoki exudes a constantly juvenile and laid-back attitude, and, even though he’s only in his twenties, he’s already adopted a very disaffected and cynical perspective on the world.
Gintoki has a legendary history as the White Yaksha, and he’s able to defend the planet when necessary, but, ideally, he’d just lay around and read issues of Shonen Jump. Even though Gintoki runs an “odd jobs” business, he seems frustrated whenever clients actually show up, and he sleepwalks through assignments. Gintoki is at his happiest when he’s up to nothing at all.
7 Saiki Kusuo Strives For A Quiet Life That’s Free Of Expectations (The Disastrous Life Of Saiki K.)
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. is a glorious gag anime that works as well as it does because its psychically gifted main character uses his powers to remain anonymous and avoid attention. It’s an entertaining twist on someone who uses their abilities to better their lives, and Saiki K. hates being in the spotlight or being at the beck and call of his friends.
Saiki Kusuo has very simple pleasures and, while he’s bored by school and most of the exciting obstacles that life throws at him, he does find joy in delicious coffee jelly.
6 Shota Aizawa Seems Put Out By Most Obligations (My Hero Academia)
My Hero Academia has a staggering cast that’s made up of dozens of diverse heroes and villains, coving a whole spectrum of personalities. Shota “Eraser Head” Aizawa is a respected Pro Hero and a popular teacher at U.A. High, but he’s also someone who closes himself off and seems utterly exhausted by most of life.
Aizawa’s monotone delivery, desire to sleep, and the lack of enthusiasm that he generates in social situations paint the picture of a hero who just has better things on his mind.
5 Shikamaru Nara Shirks Responsibility And Work (Naruto)
Naruto is one of the most celebrated shonen series of all time, and it's been able to find such success because of its many lovable characters. Shikamaru Nara openly describes himself as a coward, and he's certainly a character who will put more effort into avoiding work than to actually do it.
Shikamaru is driven by laziness and boredom, but a razor-sharp intellect and unflappable moral compass are what force him to step up in battle. He can't overcome his values, but he still seems uninterested in the way of the ninja and what's expected of them.
4 Gabriel Becomes Quickly Uninterested In Humanity’s Problems (Gabriel Dropout)
Many anime series have fun with their unusual takes on concepts like deities and holy beings, with these entities often getting pushed into humorous scenarios meant to accentuate comedy.
Gabriel Dropout looks at Gabriel Tenma White, who is sent to Earth to help guide humans towards fulfillment. She quickly becomes obsessed with video games and loses all other ambitions. Nothing else is able to match Gabriel’s satisfaction with gaming. Even then, she’s grown somewhat passive to the repetitive nature of some of her favorite titles.
3 Yuno Keeps His Cards Close To His Chest And Has A Calm Demeanor (Black Clover)
Black Clover has worked hard to grow into a satisfying shonen series that's heavy in magic and fantasy elements. There are many determined and deadly mages in the Black Clover universe, but Yuno stands out as an intriguing counterpoint to Asta.
Yuno is strong, but he comes across as emotionless and bored at most times and never really speaks his mind unless he's confronted. Yuno often feels detached from the rest of his guild, but that shouldn't be confused with a lack of passion towards his interest in being Magic Emperor and his rivalry with Asta.
2 Legato Bluesummers Is Driven To Adopt A Passive, Ambivalent Nature (Trigun)
Trigun holds up as one of the better action anime to come out of the ‘90s, largely because of its ambitious action sequences and the challenging morality that’s present in the series’ conflicted protagonist, Vash the Stampede.
Vash faces dangerous outlaws, but the final half of the series is driven by Legato Bluesummers, the leader of the Gung-Ho-Guns, who all attempt to eliminate Vash. Legato possesses powerful psychic abilities, which have pushed him into a dull, emotionless existence. Legato is exhausted by humanity. He’s determined to carry out his mission but seems passionless in the pursuit.
1 Ichimatsu Is The Most Disinterested Of The Matsuno Sextuplets (Osomatsu-san)
Admittedly, all six of Osomatsu-san’s Matsuno siblings would be suitable candidates due to how they’ve embraced their NEET natures. The Matsuno sextuplets seem to actively struggle when they attempt to broaden their horizons and integrate themselves into society, whether it’s because they don’t fit in or just have no interest in the endeavor.
There’s a passive nature to all the sextuplets, but Ichimatsu has a constant look of boredom plastered on his face. He struggles to keep his head up in normal conversations, and his passion for the lazy nature of cats speaks to his perpetual boredom.
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