6 Most Useless Anime Powers That Somehow Work

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Anime characters have incredibly diverse powers. Some are unbelievably strong – capable of destroying worlds or even controlling time. Others, though, are surprisingly weak and often seem pointless, leaving you to question how they even made it into the show.

I’m a total sucker for anime characters with seemingly pointless abilities! It’s refreshing because so much anime focuses on raw power, but it’s way more fun when someone has a totally ridiculous skill and still manages to be awesome. There’s just something incredibly satisfying about watching a real underdog defy expectations and win, even when their power should logically fail. Useless powers? Maybe. But endlessly entertaining? Definitely!

6. Stealing Panties (KonoSuba – Kazuma Satou)

Kazuma Satou, the main character in KonoSuba, has a special ability called “Steal” that allows him to take items from people. Though it should be helpful for grabbing weapons or treasure, he often accidentally steals underwear, leading to many embarrassing and awkward moments – and a reputation as a bit of a pervert. True to the show’s comedic style, this silly power surprisingly comes in handy multiple times. Whether it’s taking an enemy’s weapon, humiliating someone into giving up, or just creating a distraction, Kazuma’s “Steal” ability somehow manages to work when he really needs it to.

5. Bo-BoBo’s Nose Hair (Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo)

Even for anime, the concept of a hero battling villains using his nose hairs is pretty strange. In the show Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo, the main character actually fights with his incredibly flexible nose hairs, using them like whips to take down enemies. This power is so silly that it often catches opponents off guard, giving Bo-bobo an advantage. It’s such a bizarre fighting style that it’s almost brilliant.

Bo-bobo’s power works because his attacks are so random and unpredictable. Opponents are caught off guard by how bizarre his moves are, and he’s surprisingly effective with his nose hair-based techniques. Though it’s undeniably strange and silly, this power actually works well in a world where things don’t always make sense, showing that even ridiculous abilities can be powerful in the right situation.

4. The Power of Slime (That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime – Rimuru Tempest)

In the anime That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, the main character, Rimuru Tempest, is reborn as a slime – a seemingly weak and unhelpful form. Slimes are usually the most basic monsters in fantasy worlds and games, and Rimuru’s starting skills, like absorbing things and copying abilities, don’t immediately sound very powerful.

Rimuru’s unique skill of absorbing and learning from anything he consumes quickly becomes incredibly powerful. He evolves at an amazing rate, gaining new abilities from everything he eats, and eventually reaches god-like status. What begins as a seemingly weak reincarnation transforms into an overwhelming power, demonstrating that even the most humble beginnings can lead to dominance with the right approach.

3. The Ability to Explode Clothes (Kill la Kill)

In the anime Kill la Kill, Ryuko Matoi uses a scissor blade and a special uniform called Senketsu to destroy the clothing of her enemies. Though it seems bizarre, this ability is central to the story’s conflict. In this world, clothing is made with a powerful material called “Life Fibers,” so when Ryuko destroys an opponent’s outfit, she’s actually stripping them of their strength, making it a surprisingly effective fighting technique.

Despite how ridiculous this ability seems, the anime’s energetic style and deeper meanings make it work. The show tackles ideas about freedom and being yourself, transforming what could have been a silly joke into a surprisingly impactful story element. It’s still pretty funny, though, that Ryuko’s most powerful weapon is basically ruining someone’s outfit.

2. The Art of Running Away (Naruto – Might Guy’s Dynamic Exit)

Might Guy, a powerful hand-to-hand combatant from Naruto, has a rather unusual technique. Called the “Dynamic Exit,” it’s essentially a way for him to make a flashy escape, complete with backflips, super speed, and dramatic poses. Although it’s meant as a retreat, it’s so over-the-top that it often leaves opponents stunned.

This skill works so well because it messes with the enemy’s head. By the time they realize what’s happening, Guy has already moved on, and the resulting confusion often throws off their entire plan. It’s a surprisingly brilliant tactic – taking what might seem like a cowardly move and making it incredibly effective. And Guy’s unwavering confidence makes the whole thing believable every single time.

1. The Power of Luck (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure – Part 2: Joseph Joestar)

Joseph Joestar, the main character in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Battle Tendency, isn’t just strong or skilled with Hamon (Ripple energy). What really sets him apart is his incredible luck. Throughout the series, Joseph repeatedly escapes dangerous situations thanks to surprising coincidences, risky moves that somehow pay off, and clever, often ridiculous, strategies.

This power stands out because it’s incredibly clever. Joseph doesn’t just get lucky – he actively embraces his amazing fortune with bold confidence, even playfully mocking his opponents during fights. It’s a fantastic mix of humor and strength, which is why it’s number one on this list.

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2026-01-09 00:13