Top 10 Anime Kids Who Grew Up To Be Badasses

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we are counting down our picks for the Top 10 Anime Kids Who Grew Into Badasses.

For this list, we’ll be looking at established child characters in anime who at some point or another levelled up, both in age and in awesomeness!

Think we missed a child prodigy? Let us know in the comments!

“Fist of the North Star” (1984-88)

Given Kenshiro’s status as a one man killing machine, the various side characters he met over the course of his wasteland wanderings seemed to barely warrant attention. At least Bat, who despite being relegated as a hype man, had some level of character to him during his tenure as Ken’s sidekick. Turns out that age not only caused him to have one of the biggest growth spurts we have ever seen, but also turned him into a decent fighter. Sure, he’s no Hokuto Shinken master but at least he can now hold his own.

“Megalobox” (2018-)

When we first met this ringside tyke, he was part of Team Nowhere’s trio, helping out Joe and the Coach whenever possible. Unfortunately, death has a way of making kids grow up too quickly and act way too rashly. Following on from Nanbu’s death and Joe’s spiral into addiction, Sachio was left to pick up the pieces. Now a teen with a major chip on his shoulder, he spends his days as an underground Megalo boxer, throwing himself head first into danger, now embittered towards Joe and everything they used to stand for.

“Duel Masters” franchise (2002-)

Isn’t there some unspoken rule that says main characters trapped inside card game anime can’t age? Back when we first saw this guy, he was summoning dragons, winning tournaments and using the heart of the cards to defeat nefarious organisations. We figured that was the end of it, but nope, apparently a sequel series happened, one that brought back Shobu with even bigger hair, new threads, and even an eyepatch! Dude’s rocking that retro edgelord vibes and we are here for it!

“One Piece” (1999-)

While Luffy is off pushing himself ever closer to becoming the Pirate King, the bespectacled marine he saved all those episodes ago has been going on a journey all his own. Famed for his cowardice, it looked like Coby was destined to be a lackey for the rest of his days. Evidently, all that time in studying the Rokushiki and working under Garp paid off, since with every subsequent appearance, Coby has shown to become bigger, broader and packing way more of a punch. Thankfully, his good heart has remained unchanged, meaning there’s still some hope left for the marines!

“JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” (2012-13)

There must be something in those Joestar genes, because the rate at which it’s protagonists grow is borderline lunacy. Starting off as an average lad with a suitable build for his age, by the time Jonathan turned twenty he was about the size of two grown men put together. Sure, he maintained the form of a perfect gentleman all throughout, but that didn’t make him any less of a brickhouse. Between those shoulders and that chin it’s a wonder that Dio didn’t lose sooner, and that’s without mentioning his mastery over Hamon!

“Vinland Saga” (2019)

Vengeance is a hell of a motivator, enough to take a naïve boy uninitiated in the art of war, and turn him into a warrior willing to abandon his own humanity just to land that all-important kill. Following the death of his father, Thorfinn became consumed with rage. Forgetting all of Thors’ teachings, he instead dedicated himself to becoming a proficient killer both on and off the battlefield, all in the vain hope he can one day kill Askeladd. His transformation is truly tragic, but damn if his body count isn’t impressive!

“Attack on Titan” (2013-)

While the argument could certainly be made that Eren has always been a badass, what with him being able to transform into a Titan while barely in his adolescence, he could still be a bit of a brat. Obviously, it takes a bit of a mental toll watching your mother get eaten alive, but he still fell prey to many childish antics. Then the Final Season rolled in, and Eren fully embraced his status amongst the Royal Order of Chads. You haven’t seen savagery until you’ve seen Eren answer Marley’s declaration of war.

“Mobile Suit Gundam AGE” (2011-12)

Ain’t that just the way of things? While he still made for a decent character during his own generational arc, Asemu really came into his own while sharing the spotlight with his son. Going from angsty youth to a cocky space pirate with a slick Mobile Suit to match, Asemu’s adult years were bar far the most captivating part of a lackluster third act, easily outshining his own kid every step of the way.

“Gurren Lagann” (2007)

To be fair to the young digger, it seemed like it was going to be impossible for him to ever stand on equal footing with the charismatic Kamina. And then unfortunately he passed on. In the wake of Kamina’s untimely demise, Simon not only stepped up to the plate, but went through such an impressive character arc as a result that by the time they were at war with the Anti-Spiral, he was pretty much on par with Kamina’s greatness.

“Dragon Ball” franchise (1986-)

Even when he was wiping out the entirety of the Red Ribbon Army and ripping a new hole through the Demon King, Goku in his youth was still just a chubby bundle of sunshine who remained adorable even at his angriest. However, when he reached the pinnacle of Saiyan maturity, it became a whole other story. Time has only continued to turn Goku into an even bigger beast. Between Super Saiyan and Ultra Instinct, the man has protected the multiverse from destruction numerous times, and chances are he’s only going to continue to find more ways to become the most unstoppable force in all existence.