As part of the 21st century, we've seen a lot of shōnen anime over the years. But do you know what they all have in common? The main protagonist seems like a complete idiot! Goku, Naruto, Ichigo, Luffy—they're all incredibly admirable and strong, but none of them are intellectual prodigies.

And in today's article, we'll take a look at some of the best anime with genius main characters who run the show relying on their intellect and clever instincts. So, without further ado, let's get started.

10. No Game No Life – Sora & Shiro

No Game No Life follows the NEET duo of Sora and Shiro, who have become incredibly popular in the gaming community. games because of their extraordinary gaming skills. They are known to be unbeatable, and after being impressed by their talent, an otherworldly god summons them to his world, Disboard.

As soon as they enter their world, Sora and Shiro realize it's a real-life game world, where stealing, war, and killing are forbidden, and all problems and conflicts are resolved through high-stakes games. This strange new world gives the two a new purpose in life—to vanquish all who cross their path and become the new gods of this world!

9. Hyouka – Hotarou Oreki

High school freshman Hotarou Oreki certainly has a powerful brain, but he doesn't like using it.

All he wants is to lead a dull life while conserving as much energy as possible, which means not worrying about things that don't concern him. Unfortunately, his peaceful days come to an end when he meets the curious and persistent Eru Chitanda.

She wants him to join the Classics Club and help solve mysteries. He doesn't want to, but he also can't refuse.

Driven by Chitanda's insatiable curiosity, Hotarou uses the natural talents he has been avoiding to solve the trivial yet intriguing mysteries that permeate his daily life.

8. Moriarty the Patriot – Sherlock Holmes

Moriarty the Patriot is a mystery manga series written by Ryōsuke Takeuchi and illustrated by Hikaru Miyoshi.

The series is based on Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes novels and received an anime adaptation by Production I.G. The anime tells the story of the genius Sherlock Holmes from the perspective of his antagonist.

This anime with a brilliant main character is set in the late 19th century and follows the story of an ordinary nobleman, William James Moriarty.

With his brothers by his side, he seeks to completely overturn the unjust society that dominates British culture, even if it means ending lives to get there.

7. Classroom Of The Elite – Ayanokouji Kiyotaka

The story follows the lives of students at the prestigious Tokyo Metropolitan Nutrition Advanced High Schools, who are granted remarkable freedom—only if they can earn, exchange, or save enough points to climb the rankings!

Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, a seemingly normal guy from Class D, doesn't pay much attention to his school life.

But behind his calm personality lie powerful people-reading skills and a sharp strategic mind.

Genius Ayanokouji is the kind of guy who deliberately gets an average grade just to divert attention from him, otherwise, if he so chooses, he could be the best in the entire school. Although he seems somewhat socially awkward, he is undoubtedly one of the smartest anime characters.

6. Irregular At Magic High School – Tatsuya Shiba

The story of Irregular at Magic Highschool is based on a web novel and takes place in an alternate history where magic is polished through technology.

Tatsuya Shiba originally became a student at First High School as Weed. Because the genius Tatsuya scored poorly on his entrance exam, he was deemed magically inept and was initially placed in the 'Second Class.'

This leads others to underestimate him, but they are all abruptly proven wrong after discovering that Tatsuya is stupidly strong.

In reality, he was born a skilled magician, excelling in several abilities, including Decomposition, Regrowth, and Elemental Vision. He possesses unique magical abilities that surpass almost all others. He also excels in ninjutsu and specializes in combat and assassination.

5. Detective Conan – Shinichi Kudou

Detective Conan, also called Case Closed in the English version, is one of the most popular 90s anime with a genius main character known for his brainstorming case-solving techniques implemented by a high school student, the genius Shinichi Kudou.

He is an excellent detective who uses his intellect to solve every challenging case he faces.

However, one day, Shinichi becomes involved in a drug ring where he is administered an unknown substance. The next day, he wakes up as a seven-year-old boy! To track down the men who did this to him, he assumes a new name—Conan Edogawa—and secretly solves the biggest mystery of his life.

4. Steins;Gate – Rintaro Okabe

Steins;Gate is the most popular science fiction anime based on the single theme of time manipulation. The story's complex timeline takes viewers into a world of confusion and shock, and it's not to everyone's taste.

The main protagonist, Rintaro Okabe, and his friends are amateur scientists who spend their free time inventing whatever comes to mind.

One day, they create a machine called a Phone Microwave that sends emails to the past. This causes changes in the past and present that they couldn't foresee. With the help of this discovery, they attempt to bring back the dead neuroscientist, Kurisu Makise, by altering the timeline, which will occupy all of Rintaro's brain cells.

3. Death Note – Light Yagami

Death Note is top notch dark fantasy anime show performed by the duo Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata.

There are few anime with genius main characters, but Death Note is the most popular. It follows the fascinating story of a high school student, Light Yagami the genius, who gets his hands on a notebook that gives him the power to eliminate anyone.

Aware of the terrible divine power that has fallen into his hands, Light – under the pseudonym “Kira” – follows his twisted sense of justice with the ultimate goal of cleansing the world of all evildoers.

To execute his master plan without being caught by the genius detective L, Light uses every ounce of his creativity and intelligence that could surprise anyone.

2. Dr. Stone – Senku Ishigami

A mysterious phenomenon causes the entire world to be encased in stone for thousands of years. However, instead of despairing, teenage science genius Senku Ishigami begins reinventing as many scientific advances as he can to revive the rest of humanity.

He is considered a scientific prodigy and is a kind of walking encyclopedia.

Give him any situation, and he'll come out on top. Starting life over again in a world transformed into the Stone Age and turning statues back into humans is no joke, but using his intellect, Senku made it possible. He's not physically strong, but he's a mental genius.

1. Code Geass – Lelouch Lamperouge

Code Geass follows the story of high school student Lelouch Lamperouge who finds himself in possession of a supernatural power called “Geass”.

Obsessed with the idea of revolutionizing the Royal Empire of Britannia, Lelouch vows to liberate Japan and create a new world that would be better for everyone.

Using high-powered mechs, his Geass mind-control power, and his own intelligence, the genius main character Lelouch does whatever it takes to overcome his opposition.

However, it doesn't take long for Lelouch's moral compass to shift. In his quest for absolute power, he makes his own sister part of the collateral damage. This doesn't make him a compelling character, but it also makes him one of the best antiheroes.

Which of the following anime with a genius main character is your favorite? Feel free to comment and recommend any other anime like the ones listed above. Also, don't forget to share this article with your otaku friends.