10 Most Blatant Cases of Plot Armor in Anime but We Still Tolerate

Anime has given us unforgettable characters, jaw-dropping battles, and heartbreaking moments. But if you’ve watched enough series, you’ve likely noticed a recurring phenomenon: certain characters seem practically unkillable, no matter how dire the situation. Fans jokingly call this plot armor—a narrative shield protecting characters from death or defeat, even when logic says otherwise.

While a little plot armor is common in storytelling, some anime characters wear it so obviously that it becomes part of their identity. In this deep dive, we’ll explore the most blatant examples of plot armor in anime, from shōnen heroes who refuse to die to beloved protagonists shielded by popularity, narrative necessity, or sheer absurdity.

What Exactly Is Plot Armor?

Before diving into examples, let’s clarify what “plot armor” means. The term describes moments when a character survives, wins, or escapes a situation not because of strategy, power, or luck—but because the story needs them alive. In other words, the narrative bends reality for the sake of keeping them around.

Plot armor can take many forms:

• A hero miraculously survives an explosion that wipes out everyone else.

• The protagonist wins a battle despite facing overwhelming odds, often without a logical explanation.

• Antagonists spare the hero when they should deliver a finishing blow.

It doesn’t always ruin the story—sometimes fans even enjoy these miraculous survivals. But when it’s too obvious, it can break immersion and spark endless debates in fandoms.

Naruto Uzumaki (Naruto & Naruto Shippuden)

When it comes to shōnen anime, Naruto is practically the poster child of plot armor. From his earliest missions as a Genin, Naruto consistently throws himself into danger that should have ended his journey prematurely. Yet, thanks to his unbreakable will and narrative importance, he emerges alive time after time.

Examples of his plot armor:

• Facing Haku and Zabuza early on, Naruto survives battles far beyond his skill level.

• During his fights against Pain and Obito, Naruto should have perished multiple times. Instead, allies arrive at the last second, or his Nine-Tails chakra mysteriously kicks in at just the right moment.

• In the Fourth Great Ninja War, when Madara and Kaguya enter the battlefield, Naruto’s survival feels less like strategy and more like destiny.

Naruto’s armor is blatant because he embodies the series’ entire theme: the underdog who never gives up. His survival is essential to drive home the message, even if it sometimes defies all logic.

Ichigo Kurosaki (Bleach)

Ichigo’s journey from ordinary high school student to Soul Reaper powerhouse is iconic. But let’s be honest—Ichigo has so much plot armor he might as well wear it as a Bankai.

Throughout Bleach, Ichigo constantly discovers new hidden powers at just the right time:

• During the Byakuya fight, he suddenly masters Bankai in record time.

• Against Ulquiorra, he essentially dies, only to resurrect in a Vasto Lorde form.

• In the Thousand-Year Blood War arc, every revelation about Ichigo’s lineage conveniently explains his ability to survive impossible battles.

Fans joke that Ichigo doesn’t really train—he simply unlocks new plot devices whenever the story requires him to overcome the next villain.

Eren Yeager (Attack on Titan)

Attack on Titan is known for its brutal willingness to kill off characters, but Eren stands as a glaring exception—at least until later seasons.

From the very first arc, when Eren is literally eaten by a Titan, it looked like his story ended. Yet he miraculously returns as the Attack Titan’s wielder. This set the tone for his continued survival, no matter how many impossible battles he faced.

Eren’s plot armor isn’t just about physical survival—it’s also narrative. The entire story hinges on his fate, so even when his comrades fall left and right, Eren remains untouched until the series needs his downfall for the climax. His survival through dozens of hopeless encounters makes his armor stand out in a show otherwise known for shocking deaths.

Goku (Dragon Ball Franchise)

Goku may be one of the most beloved anime protagonists of all time, but he’s also infamous for wearing the thickest plot armor in anime history.

Yes, he has technically died—several times—but in Dragon Ball, death is more of an inconvenience than a permanent consequence. Thanks to the Dragon Balls, resurrection is always around the corner. On top of that, Goku constantly unlocks new forms and abilities precisely when he needs them most:

• Super Saiyan transformation against Frieza.

• Super Saiyan 3 against Majin Buu.

• Ultra Instinct during the Tournament of Power.

Each time, the narrative ensures Goku rises to the occasion, even when others fall. While his determination and training are factors, it’s clear that his survival and victories are narrative necessities—he is the heart of Dragon Ball.

Luffy (One Piece)

Monkey D. Luffy is fearless, reckless, and absurdly durable—but his survival often stretches beyond suspension of disbelief.

Consider the moments:

• He is poisoned by Magellan in Impel Down, but survives thanks to Ivankov’s miracle hormones.

• He takes on powerful foes like Crocodile, Doflamingo, Katakuri, and Kaido, often being pushed to the brink of death, only to pull off an impossible comeback.

• His Gear transformations frequently appear right when he needs them most, as though the story gifts him upgrades for survival.

Of course, this is part of One Piece’s charm—Luffy’s indomitable will is central to the story. But fans agree that no pirate could realistically endure half the punishment Luffy has taken and still keep smiling.

Kirito (Sword Art Online)

If anime characters could shop for plot armor, Kirito would be the VIP customer. From the very beginning of Sword Art Online, Kirito is practically untouchable.

Highlights of his armor include:

• Surviving boss battles that wipe out entire raid parties, even when he fights solo.

• Facing Heathcliff, the game’s creator, and surviving thanks to sheer willpower.

• In later arcs, Kirito’s status as the “Black Swordsman” ensures that no matter how strong the opponent, he always finds a way to win.

Kirito’s armor is so strong that it has become a meme within the anime community, with fans jokingly calling him “Jesus-kun” for his miraculous survivals and almost divine luck.

Yusuke Urameshi (Yu Yu Hakusho)

Yusuke starts his story by dying in the first episode—but after that, his plot armor kicks in hard. As the Spirit Detective, Yusuke constantly faces enemies who should completely outclass him. Yet somehow, he always finds a way to rise above them.

From awakening new powers mid-battle to surviving fights against demon lords, Yusuke’s plot armor ensures that he remains the ultimate underdog champion. While fans adore him for his personality and grit, it’s undeniable that his survivals often feel more like narrative decisions than logical outcomes.

Ash Ketchum (Pokémon)

Ash Ketchum has traveled through countless regions, faced hundreds of powerful trainers, and even encountered legendary Pokémon—yet he somehow survives every perilous situation.

Think about it:

• He regularly stands in front of attacks from Pokémon capable of leveling mountains, yet walks away with minor scratches.

• He befriends legendary beings like Ho-Oh, Lugia, and Latias, escaping encounters that should overwhelm an ordinary trainer.

• Despite repeated failures in Pokémon Leagues, Ash’s journey always continues, making him a permanent fixture of the franchise.

Ash’s plot armor is tied to his role as the eternal protagonist of Pokémon. Fans often joke that he’s immortal, destined to remain a 10-year-old adventurer forever.

Natsu Dragneel (Fairy Tail)

Fairy Tail has a reputation for protecting its main characters, but Natsu Dragneel’s plot armor is especially blatant.

Every time the guild faces overwhelming odds, Natsu powers up thanks to the bonds of friendship and manages to defeat enemies who should logically destroy him. From defeating Laxus to taking down Zeref’s forces, Natsu’s victories often rely less on strategy and more on emotional determination granted narrative power.

While fans enjoy Fairy Tail’s focus on friendship and love, even they admit that the guild members—especially Natsu—are practically unkillable.

Light Yagami (Death Note)

At first glance, Light Yagami doesn’t seem like a candidate for plot armor—after all, Death Note is a psychological thriller where intelligence, not survival, is key. Yet Light benefits from narrative shielding throughout most of the series.

Consider how many close calls he escapes:

• He manages to stay ahead of L, the world’s greatest detective, for years.

• He successfully manipulates dozens of characters without being caught.

• Even when under constant surveillance, Light finds loopholes to use the Death Note.

While his eventual downfall strips him of protection, Light’s ability to evade capture for so long feels less like realism and more like plot armor designed to stretch the cat-and-mouse game.

Why We Tolerate Plot Armor

If plot armor is so obvious, why do fans accept it? The truth is, plot armor isn’t always a bad thing. Stories need protagonists, and sometimes a miraculous survival keeps the narrative alive.

• Emotional investment: We don’t want our favorite heroes to die prematurely.

• Thematic consistency: Characters like Naruto and Luffy represent ideals—hope, freedom, perseverance. Their survival reinforces those themes.

• Entertainment value: Watching characters pull off impossible victories is thrilling, even if unrealistic.

However, when plot armor becomes too blatant, it risks damaging immersion. A story must balance protection with real stakes, or else battles feel meaningless.

Conclusion

From Naruto’s Nine-Tails miracles to Kirito’s solo heroics, anime is filled with characters shielded by the invisible force of plot armor. Sometimes it’s subtle, sometimes it’s glaringly obvious, but it’s always a part of storytelling.

Fans may joke about these unkillable heroes, but deep down, plot armor keeps the characters we love alive long enough to inspire us. Whether it’s Goku unlocking another transformation, Luffy smiling through impossible pain, or Ash surviving yet another legendary encounter, plot armor is part of what makes anime so uniquely entertaining.