One-Punch Man may be a parody anime that often leans into absurdity, but it also delivers incredible power scaling and an immersive world. The story primarily revolves around Saitama and Genos, cleverly satirizing common Shōnen anime tropes while maintaining an entertaining story.
However, this anime has grown beyond its initial comedic premise. Despite never taking itself too seriously, it has become a genuinely engaging series. Every character, including minor villains that Saitama defeats in a single punch, has a backstory that adds depth to the world.
Sage Centipede towers over its predecessors in both size and power (Photo: One Punch Man/Madhouse)These elements combine to create a story that, while humorous, remains undeniably compelling.
10. Sage Centipede – The Ultimate Form of the Centipede Monsters
Sage Centipede stands as the peak evolution of the centipede monster lineage, ranking among the largest creatures introduced in the series. Its sheer size makes vast terrains look insignificant, while its ability to cause destruction is nearly apocalyptic.
Before it appeared, its predecessors—Junior, Senior, and Elder Centipede—were defeated in separate battles with relative ease. Unlike Elder Centipede and others before it, Sage Centipede takes things to an entirely different level in terms of strength, durability, and combat capabilities.
Unlike most monsters, its sole purpose seems to be engaging Saitama, with its overwhelming power allowing it to reach the edges of space itself.
9. Evil Natural Water – One of the Few Beings to Endure Saitama’s Punch
Evil Natural Water ranks among the most unusual and disturbing monsters in the series. Lacking a conventional physical body, it exists as a sentient mass of water capable of absorbing the ocean, evolving into a Dragon-level threat.
Its liquid nature renders standard physical attacks ineffective, as there is no tangible form to damage. Surprisingly, Evil Natural Water is among the rare enemies to withstand a punch from Saitama, albeit briefly. While it was eventually destroyed, it took a more serious punch compared to many other foes.
8. Psychos and Orochi – A Fusion of Unmatched Power
The combination of Psychos and Orochi, the Monster King, creates one of the most terrifying threats in the Monster Association arc. On their own, they were already formidable—Psychos possessed the ability to level cities, while Orochi had monstrous physical strength that earned him the title of king.
By merging, their abilities amplify to near-divine proportions, making them a nearly unstoppable force. This fusion forces even the strongest heroes, including Tatsumaki, to exert themselves beyond their normal limits in battle.
7. Tatsumaki – The Most Powerful Esper
Tatsumaki ranks as the strongest esper, wielding telekinetic abilities that allow her to manipulate anything from small debris to entire city districts. Her raw power is unmatched, but her precision is equally impressive, as she can simultaneously crush enemies and shield allies.
Though she often comes across as arrogant, Tatsumaki has a deep sense of duty, particularly toward her younger sister, Fubuki. However, the gap in strength between them is vast. Her presence in the series serves as a reminder of what it means to possess power while maintaining an unyielding sense of responsibility.
6. Boros – The Galactic Conqueror
Boros remains one of the most memorable villains in One-Punch Man. A warlord from a distant planet, he has spent his life conquering civilizations, searching for an opponent who can match his strength.
Despite being overpowered by Saitama during their encounter, Boros stands out as one of the few characters who endured more than one of his punches. His endless pursuit of a real challenge mirrors Saitama’s internal struggle, making him one of the most compelling antagonists in the series.
5. Blast – The Mysterious S-Class Rank 1 Hero
Blast holds the highest rank in the S-Class, with his reputation alone striking awe and curiosity among heroes and villains alike. His power and intelligence set him apart, though he operates in a way that makes him seem almost mythical.
Rarely making public appearances, Blast engages in battles beyond the comprehension of most. His encounters with cosmic-level dangers suggest that his responsibilities extend far beyond what the Hero Association usually deals with, further adding to the mystery surrounding his true strength.
4. Empty Void – The Ninja Village’s Elusive Leader
Empty Void is the enigmatic figure at the helm of the Ninja Village, an organization known for training some of the deadliest assassins. While not much is revealed about his past, his influence is evident through the sheer skill of those he has trained, including Speed-o’-Sound Sonic.
His power is not just limited to combat; his leadership and ability to mold elite warriors make him a formidable presence. Though his appearances in the series are limited, his reputation alone suggests that he is a force to be reckoned with.
3. Garou – The Hero Hunter Transformed by God
Garou is a character who exists in the gray area between heroism and villainy. Originally a martial arts prodigy trained by Bang, he later rejects conventional ideals and declares war on the very concept of heroes. To him, the hero system is flawed, and his actions serve as an attempt to expose these weaknesses.
Evil Natural Water defies the rules with its fluid and eerie form (Photo: One Punch Man/Madhouse)After receiving divine power from God, Garou evolves into something beyond human limitations. This transformation turns him into a being capable of challenging even Saitama. His journey is one of the most gripping in the series, making him one of its most dynamic characters.
2. God – The Ultimate Evil Behind the Scenes
God is a sinister presence that exists beyond human understanding. Unlike conventional villains, he does not engage in physical confrontations but instead operates through manipulation, offering power to those desperate enough to accept it.
His influence is evident throughout the series, fueling chaos and conflict. Whether by granting Garou divine strength or subtly shaping major events, God’s power remains a looming threat. As the series continues, his role appears to be expanding, hinting that he may become Saitama’s greatest challenge.
1. Saitama – The Man Who Needs Only One Punch
Saitama is the embodiment of overwhelming strength, possessing the ability to defeat any opponent with a single punch. His power places him leagues above every other character, making him an invincible force. However, this strength is both a blessing and a burden.
While he can eliminate any threat effortlessly, the lack of real challenges has left him disillusioned. Saitama’s role in the series extends beyond being an unbeatable hero; his existence serves as a critique of traditional hero stories, questioning whether unlimited power truly leads to fulfillment.
From everything seen so far, no one has been able to match him, and it remains uncertain if anyone ever will.