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When discussing the technicalities of anime, storytelling stands out as the most crucial element. The creators have to ensure that they cover aspects such as emotion, worldbuilding, visuals, and characters. These contribute to what makes these series memorable and popular. Although sometimes, even the most well-written series use a little cheating in narrative to push the plot ahead.
The infamous phenomenon is known as plot armor. It is used to ensure that a character survives while facing certain death and usually does not have a logical reason. Characters survive simply because the story needs them to continue. Because they are essential to the plot, the story acts as their savior.
Plot armor tends to be infamous because it can break immersion. Fans want stakes, and when characters are repeatedly protected without consequences, it can cheapen the story. In this article, we will explore 10 infamous plot armor moments in the history of anime.
List of 10 most infamous plot armor moments in anime
1. Joseph Joestar: The man who outsmarted the afterlife
Joseph Joestar is probably the best trickster in the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure series. But in Stardust Crusaders, when he fought against Dio and died, it made fans feel really emotional. It was clear that he was no more, but later on, after Jotaro defeated Dio and just before the part ended, we were given a surprise.
Thanks to a blood transfusion and a bit of absurd JoJo logic, Joseph’s heart beats again. This is one of the most infamous plot armor moments in anime, not only because he literally resurrects, but because of how convenient and rushed it felt.
2. Deku: Bones break, but the plot bends
In the My Hero Academia anime, Deku has constantly broken parts of his body from either trying to master his inherited quirk or fighting against villains. Yet, the most infamous plot armor moment for Deku was when he fought against Chisaki and was almost put out of commission. Somehow, because of Eri, he managed to heal and finish the fight. While this reinforces his resolve and shows the cost of heroism, it also strains believability.
3. Shin Asakura: Plot armour constantly saving his life
Shin from Sakamoto Days is a psychic who can read others’ minds. He was once an assassin but then decided to partner up with Sakamoto and fight against the people he worked for. The most infamous plot armor moment for his character takes place when he manages to constantly dodge bullets. Another infamous event took place in the manga where he escaped death because of the tunnel effect. In moments like this, it feels like the stakes are selectively enforced for his character.
4. Monkey D. Luffy: Escaping Marineford by the skin of the storyline
When Luffy was determined to save his brother Ace from being executed, we knew it was going to be a difficult fight. Even after giving his best, Ace died. At this point, he was physically exhausted and emotionally broken after witnessing his brother die.
Realistically, he should’ve died, but with the help of many characters, it felt like the universe was not ready to let him go. The sheer number of life-saving assists makes this one of the most infamous — yet iconic — plot armor scenes in shonen anime.
5. Eren Yeager: Eaten by a Titan, but he’s fine
During the early episodes of Attack on Titan, Eren was eaten alive by a Titan. It was a brutal moment that made fans realize that no one is safe in their world. But moments later, it was revealed that he was alive and also had the power to transform into a Titan.
While it was clever in concept, it became an infamous plot armor moment because everyone was sure he could not survive being eaten alive. Eren’s later journey is full of real consequences. But this early resurrection-by-plot remains one of anime’s most famous fake-out survivals.
6. Natsu Dragneel: Protected by the flames of friendship
Fans of Fairy Tail know that the protagonist Natsu Dragneel has multiple infamous plot armor moments. It is because most of the time, this character survives because of the power of friendship.
The most infamous instance is during his battle against Zero. He pulls strength “from the bonds he shares with everyone” and transforms mid-fight into an unstoppable force. The plot literally refuses to let Natsu lose, making each battle feel less earned and more guaranteed.
7. Pikachu: Shocking wins out of nowhere
Pikachu, despite being adorable and iconic, is one of anime’s longest-running recipients of plot armor. One of the most infamous plot armor moments for Pikachu was his battle against Regice, where Ash ended up winning. There’s no logical scale here. Pikachu’s victories often ignore power scaling, depending more on narrative drama than actual ability.
8. Gon Freecss: Unlocking new powers whenever the script needs him to
Hunter x Hunter has delivered an almost perfect plot, and maybe whenever the creator has chosen to give a power-up to Gon when he is stuck, it is easier to point it out. His most infamous plot armor moment comes during the Chimera Ant arc.
Fueled by rage and grief, Gon forces himself into a one-time transformation. He gains adult strength and power so overwhelming that he defeats Neferpitou, an elite Chimera Ant.
9. Thorfinn: Surviving a Viking world on nothing but grit
Vinland Saga is harsh, gritty, and full of death. Yet, throughout the bloodshed, Thorfinn survives impossible scenarios — duels with seasoned killers, battlefield chaos, and slavery — often without major injury.
Moreover, he started his journey as a child who had to fend for himself. His most infamous plot armor moment was during his fight with Thorkell; there was a clear difference in power, and yet he managed to escape death.
10. Saitama: Too strong to ever be in real danger
Saitama’s entire premise in the One Punch Man anime is a parody of plot armor. He’s so strong that nothing can hurt him, and he defeats every enemy in a single punch. That’s the joke. But ironically, this makes him the most plot-armored character in anime. Nothing threatens him. Nothing challenges him. And while it’s hilarious, it also removes traditional tension from his scenes.
Final thoughts
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Plot armor is a narrative tool used by writers to keep the story progressing, especially when the stakes get too high. But when used poorly, it ends up looking forced and inorganic. And when this is witnessed by the audience, they tend to question the choice. These instances are a reminder to fans that even fictional heroes sometimes get a free pass.
But hey, that’s anime.
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