Top 10 Pathetic Anime Rivals (ft. Todd Haberkorn)
For this list, we'll be looking at the characters in amine that like to think of themselves as equals to their so-called rival, when in truth they were nothing more than a footnote to their respective protagonist.
These guys are most certainly not rising up to the challenge. Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we are counting down our picks for the Top 10 Lamest Anime Rivals.
For this list, we’ll be looking at the characters in amine that like to think of themselves as equals to their so-called rival, when in truth they were nothing more than a footnote to their respective protagonist.
#10: Gina Boyd
“How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift?” (2019)
While her beauty and strength can’t be denied, this Russian muscle machine is the furthest thing from a competent rival. This is mostly due to the fact she chose Hibiki of all people to pit herself against. Sure, Hibiki might have an innate strength to her, but most of the time she’s just a slob obsessed with getting her dream beach body, when she’s not lazing around and snacking. As such, Gina’s quest to emulate and overcome her tanned target probably isn’t going to turn out the way she hoped.
#9: Shinji Matou
“Fate” series (2006-)
Hey, any chance we get to highlight this guy’s various humiliations, we’re going to take. Not only is he the scum of the earth due to the abuse he’s inflicted on his sister, but as Shirou’s rival and a Master competing in the Fifth Holy Grail War – he just sucks! Every time he’s handed the reigns and has a chance to show what he’s made of, he’s instantly wrecked and turns into a spineless coward who will do anything to escape harm. Maybe Shirou should just put him out of his misery, would make life a lot better for everyone involved!
#8: Takumi Aldini
“Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma” (2015-)
Don’t get us wrong, we love the Italian swagger this guy exudes whenever he steps into the kitchen. However, as Soma’s rival? Cavalo! He’s got a terrible track record, not only in culinary battles against the dynamic red head, but just overall. The Shokugeki’s he’s undertaken at the Autumn Election serving as a prime example thanks to his devastating loss, while Soma just continued on to greater heights. Hate to break it to you mio fratello, but by this point we wouldn’t be surprised if Soma had confused you with one of his cheerleaders.
#7: Dr Gel
“Space Dandy” (2014)
It’s sad to say, but with the amount of hilarious casualties this genius primate has suffered over the course of the series, we really can’t consider this guy a villain, he’s just too much fun! Of course, this means as a rival he’s just as pathetic, chasing Dandy all over the galaxy, only to end up outwitted or dismantled by the episode’s end. Points for persistence and his dapper sense of style, but he really should have pursued another career. Right after he ungags and returns the head of the Statue of Liberty.
#6: Speed o’ Sound Sonic
“One Punch Man” (2015-)
Saitama’s rival? Tough break man, if you had taken those insane legs and blinding speed over to the shounen series next door, you would have excelled as an anti-hero that all would fear and respect. Instead, here you are serving as the strongest hero’s accidental punching bag. Don’t get us wrong, the results are oh so entertaining, but on the scale of potential rivals that Saitama has encountered in his life, the world’s fastest shinobi doesn’t even come close to measuring up. At least wait until Garou has left the building!
#5: Andy
“Cowboy Bebop” (1998-99)
If Spike is the slickest bounty hunter in the galaxy, then Andy is…not. Adorned with the most traditional cowboy getup imaginable, horse included, this lone star walks and talks like he came out of the most clichés of spaghetti westerns, and somehow always manages to mess up Spike’s day. Don’t get us wrong, he doesn’t have a patch on anime’s coolest cat, and yet his obnoxious timing and crazy getup is…peculiarly endearing. Spike may not view him as a fellow bounty hunter, but he sure as hell won’t be able to forget about him anytime soon.
#4: Harley
“Pokemon” series (1997-)
That’s right, it’s not even one of Ash’s rivals. We’re going straight to the bottom of the barrel and focusing on one of May’s… who likes to dress up like a cactus. His fascination for all things Cacturne aside, Harley’s constant presence proved to be more of a thorn in our sides as opposed to a crafty foe we could invest ourselves in. He pulled out every trick in the book to try and discredit and defeat May across various Pokemon Contests, sometimes to ludicrous degrees, all because she said his cookies were less than perfect. Seriously?!
#3: Motoyasu Kitamura
“The Rising of the Shield Hero” (2019)
Ah yes, the infamous Spear Hero, the only guy to get transported to another world, gain incredible prestige and power, and somehow end up as the biggest tool in the kingdom’s history. Thinking himself chivalrous while in actuality coming across as pathetically perverted, Motoyasu was easily ensnared by Myne’s lies, becoming something of a hateful gag character who we couldn’t wait to see get kicked in the nuts by a giant chicken again and again. You would have thought after Myne’s deception was revealed he’d be a changed man but, nope, as long as he’s got ladies clinging to him, Chad Spearman is happy to keep on being his same old stupid self.
#2: Jerid Messa
“Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam” (1985-86)
Aww, look at him. Just because he’s blonde and had a rough time of it he thinks he’s got a shot at becoming the new Char. Yeah, no chance. While it’s true both Jerid and Kamille acted as parallels as the battle between the AEUG and Titan forces raged on, the former didn’t so much grow into a compelling character as he did flounder and fail at every turn. To the point where he was just an annoying space fly you wanted to get squashed…which eventually happened when Kamille sent his ass hurtling into an exploding ship.
#1: Yunyun
“KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on this Wonderful World” (2016-17)
This…is just tragic. While all she wants is to rise above Megumin and get herself a solid circle of friends, the future head of the Crimson Demon Clan’s overwhelming anxiety has pretty much quashed any chance of people respecting her as a powerful sorceress with any kind of authority. Oh sure, she’s sweet as pie and will always help out those in need, but her inability to cope in any kind of social situation has left her as rival in name only. Pretty sure Megumin regards those giant frogs as bigger rivals than this poor puffball.