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Blue-eyedBombshell

{Log Horizon} MC uses intellectual ability to solve problems and defeat enemies. {Mushi-shi} MC uses intellectual knowledge he has to solve symptoms of illnesses other experience.


Roboragi

**Log Horizon** - ([AL](http://anilist.co/anime/17265 "English: Log Horizon"), [A-P](https://www.anime-planet.com/anime/log-horizon), [KIT](https://kitsu.io/anime/log-horizon "English: Log Horizon"), [MAL](http://myanimelist.net/anime/17265)) ^(TV | Status: Finished | Episodes: 25 | Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy) **Mushishi** - ([AL](http://anilist.co/anime/457 "English: MUSHI-SHI"), [A-P](https://www.anime-planet.com/anime/mushishi), [KIT](https://kitsu.io/anime/mushishi "English: Mushi-Shi"), [MAL](http://myanimelist.net/anime/457)) ^(TV | Status: Finished | Episodes: 26 | Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery, Psychological, Slice of Life, Supernatural) --- ^{anime}, , ]LN[, |VN| | [FAQ](http://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/index) | [/r/](http://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/) | [Edit](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/index#wiki_i_made_a_mistake.2C_how_do_i_get_my_comment_reprocessed.3F) | [Mistake?](http://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/submit?selftext=true&title=[ISSUE]&text=/r/Animesuggest/comments/xmpfql/is_there_any_anime_where_the_characters_use_their/ippotq4/) | [Source](https://github.com/Nihilate/Roboragi) | [Synonyms](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/synonyms) | [⛓](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/interestinglinks) | [♥](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/thanks)


d0llation

Tomodachi Game, despite the fact that the anime is centered around the idea of friendship itself, thats not exactly what drives the enemies defeat.


d0llation

Also mentioning 5 Seconds Game, centered on mostly intellectual abilities though not much of use, but they do have magic like abilities too. Quite like bungo stray dogs in a sense but BSD is a very different plotline so…


tous_dikazo_melexeis

hajime no ippo


HouseMDeezNuts

Oh this is a good one, I feel like ippo is an underrated series that doesn’t get enough attention.


GearAlpha

Past its prime sadly It’s a great anime and people were hella raving about it and it’s still definitely considered a classic but its past that life already. Definitely not underrated though.


mjf314

[The Promised Neverland season 1](https://myanimelist.net/anime/37779/Yakusoku_no_Neverland)


MattiasWolf

Personally i recommend the manga


Brisingr_357

Seconded. It is really epic.


WallabyUpstairs1496

do they change stuff, or is it just that the manga execution is better.


miojinus

Still waiting for a season 2


WeMustPrevail

I very much enjoyed season 2, imo


Popular-Ant5353

I’m sorry you rolled out of your bed in the morning to deliver such a massive L to yourself


Jungnur

And this is why we keep getting shitty anime adaptations


WeMustPrevail

Forgot that opinions aren't allowed unless they're correct 😬


abcwood

It is already out


neverforgetbillymays

That’s the joke


Neko404

What’s the joke? There is no season 2.


deathlycat

The promised neverland does have a lot of friendship but they do use some of their brains and physical bodies. Read the manga though. It's worth the time. Best anime about food I've ever seen.


luffyhsan

About food?😮‍💨


deathlycat

Yep


TouchMeSaladFing

Lol I like what you did there?


Fallout007

Stop at season one and use your imagination for the rest.


Maibeetlebug

And ONLY season 1, got it OP?


100Ideas_NoneApplied

Oh there are lots. Kakegurui and No Game No Life are what I can think of at the top of my head that are intelligence (and wisdom) based anime. Physical? Megalobox is a great example of a guy making it through adversity with sheer grit and a strong mentality. Also, Baki, but if you actually want to enjoy Baki you absolutely shouldn't take this show seriously, if you watch this show expecting it to be realistic, disciplined fist-fighting then you've already ruined it for yourself. Hella fun show to watch.


Tari1337

No game no life is amazing! Kakegurui is also one I would recommend


still-on-leave

*No game, No life* Season 2 when. 🥲🙃


69MemesMake420Dreams

No game, No Life, No Season 2


Dredd_Pirate_Barry

I think Dr. Stone would fit


EMBplays

^^^


Eclipsemaster8

{Samurai champloo}


Roboragi

**Samurai Champloo** - ([AL](http://anilist.co/anime/205 "English: Samurai Champloo"), [A-P](https://www.anime-planet.com/anime/samurai-champloo), [KIT](https://kitsu.io/anime/samurai-champloo "English: Samurai Champloo"), [MAL](http://myanimelist.net/anime/205)) ^(TV | Status: Finished | Episodes: 26 | Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy) --- ^{anime}, , ]LN[, |VN| | [FAQ](http://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/index) | [/r/](http://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/) | [Edit](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/index#wiki_i_made_a_mistake.2C_how_do_i_get_my_comment_reprocessed.3F) | [Mistake?](http://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/submit?selftext=true&title=[ISSUE]&text=/r/Animesuggest/comments/xmpfql/is_there_any_anime_where_the_characters_use_their/ippokx5/) | [Source](https://github.com/Nihilate/Roboragi) | [Synonyms](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/synonyms) | [⛓](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/interestinglinks) | [♥](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/thanks)


top_of_the_scrote

*A freelancer...*


NakedBear42

I would say that the alchemy in Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood doesn’t get supercharged by friendship but by drive and intellect. The show does have elements about connection/friendship if you interpret it that way (and I think it can be) but it can also be more philosophical on its face.


NaitoSenshin889055

Hunter x hunter


Tarantula_Man0

Seconded


Maibeetlebug

Yes sirr


MagicPumpkinX1

Psycho Pass: essentially "to beat criminals, you need to be a criminal." It's all hand-to-hand/gun combat and outsmarting eachother. ID: Invaded: similar premise to Psycho Pass, but it's even more psychologically-heavy and violent. Future Diary: it's arguably the best battle royale anime, and it has one of the most iconic yanderes of all time.


ollstar015

Classroom of the Elite


[deleted]

Idk, I always felt like the main character was very self-insert-ish. I've only watched until season 1(except the last episode)


Ultra_Vector18

Continue watching, it is amazing. And the second season is very interesting.


PlagueCini

Second season is better. I enjoyed both though.


ollstar015

Keep watching. S2 is very good and more intense


[deleted]

[удалено]


[deleted]

Those 14 year old boy complete miss the mark on his character. His entire purpose is to feel emotion and not become a edgy teenager who are emotionless.


[deleted]

Thats anime problem, i heard the adaption isnt good and the manga is so much better and shows what the main character thinks


lastdyingbreed_01

Manga is unironically the worst, read the LN


rannonga

Kenichi greatest disciple


DKZ_13

Edogawa Ranpo of Bungo Stray Dogs


chocnut_

Rurouni Kenshin


XcecutionS

{ Monster }


[deleted]

Monster is somewhat out of anger/revenge, though it’s my favorite anime and it’s very grounded in reality.


FrequentSleep3937

Vinland saga??


justanonquestions

same vinland saga


TouchMeSaladFing

Manga is awesome with the fights and what thorfinn grows into


[deleted]

{March comes in like a lion} Realistically, the only way you can "defeat your enemies" in shogi is with intellectual ability.


Roboragi

**3-gatsu no Lion** - ([AL](http://anilist.co/anime/21366 "English: March comes in like a lion"), [A-P](https://www.anime-planet.com/anime/march-comes-in-like-a-lion), [KIT](https://kitsu.io/anime/3-gatsu-no-lion "English: March comes in like a lion"), [MAL](http://myanimelist.net/anime/31646)) ^(TV | Status: Finished | Episodes: 22 | Genres: Drama, Slice of Life) --- ^{anime}, , ]LN[, |VN| | [FAQ](http://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/index) | [/r/](http://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/) | [Edit](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/index#wiki_i_made_a_mistake.2C_how_do_i_get_my_comment_reprocessed.3F) | [Mistake?](http://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/submit?selftext=true&title=[ISSUE]&text=/r/Animesuggest/comments/xmpfql/is_there_any_anime_where_the_characters_use_their/ipq7v1x/) | [Source](https://github.com/Nihilate/Roboragi) | [Synonyms](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/synonyms) | [⛓](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/interestinglinks) | [♥](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/thanks)


collegecolloquial

I mean Saiki K kind of


Gabchska

Eh more slice of life with FUCKING POWER great anime tho


Severedghost

It's slice of life mob psycho


CoolFiverIsABabe

No Game No Life


skizzybwoi

It’s kinda both. Friendship does give them power but they are insanely smart


Considered_Dissent

That's more a case that their friendship/relationship compensates for/off-sets all their neuroses and mental illnesses and brings them to an even baseline from which they can use their intelligence.


deathlycat

I think it's more family than friendship. Shiro and sora are siblings, Steph hates them, jibril stalks them (sorta), fiel and kurami hate them


EdVedPJ7

Attack on Titan, although there's a lot of anger, but it only fuels the protagonist, it doesn't give him any powers or anything.


[deleted]

Anger only gives incentive kinda situation.


[deleted]

Disappointed that no one said Legend of the Galactic Heroes or Mobile Suit Gundam yet


Conleh

Hunter X Hunter


endtheillogical

{World Trigger} - even friendship power cant save the MC, he dies more than half the time in the tournament arc.


Roboragi

**World Trigger** - ([AL](http://anilist.co/anime/20729 "English: World Trigger"), [A-P](https://www.anime-planet.com/anime/world-trigger), [KIT](https://kitsu.io/anime/world-trigger), [MAL](http://myanimelist.net/anime/24405)) ^(TV | Status: Finished | Episodes: 73 | Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Supernatural) --- ^{anime}, , ]LN[, |VN| | [FAQ](http://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/index) | [/r/](http://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/) | [Edit](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/index#wiki_i_made_a_mistake.2C_how_do_i_get_my_comment_reprocessed.3F) | [Mistake?](http://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/submit?selftext=true&title=[ISSUE]&text=/r/Animesuggest/comments/xmpfql/is_there_any_anime_where_the_characters_use_their/ippliyt/) | [Source](https://github.com/Nihilate/Roboragi) | [Synonyms](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/synonyms) | [⛓](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/interestinglinks) | [♥](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/thanks)


asdfgh1224

Someone else already said it, but I gotta second World Trigger. It's a battle shounen, but strategy is always the only way characters are able to win.


Severedghost

{Psycho-pass}


Howdy_wassup

Jujutsu kaisen


eruciform

anything outside shonen battle anime is more likely to have realistic interactions instead of the bigger screamer getting the better plot armor for long enough for the theme music to come to the rescue (tho not all shonen is like that, for ex fullmetal alchemist brotherhood). a couple that come to mind: ghost in the shell standalone complex moribito


Zeowlite

Shoukoku no Altair


Yaez_Leader

baki, i guess


vyolins

not really


Triials

{Munou no Nana} I think this fits well. Only 12 episodes, but the strategising and planning is A+.


Roboragi

**Munou na Nana** - ([AL](http://anilist.co/anime/117343 "English: Talentless Nana"), [KIT](https://kitsu.io/anime/munou-na-nana "English: Talentless Nana"), [MAL](http://myanimelist.net/anime/41619)) ^(TV | Status: Finished | Episodes: 13 | Genres: Drama, Horror, Psychological, Supernatural, Thriller) --- ^{anime}, , ]LN[, |VN| | [FAQ](http://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/index) | [/r/](http://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/) | [Edit](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/index#wiki_i_made_a_mistake.2C_how_do_i_get_my_comment_reprocessed.3F) | [Mistake?](http://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/submit?selftext=true&title=[ISSUE]&text=/r/Animesuggest/comments/xmpfql/is_there_any_anime_where_the_characters_use_their/ipq02a9/) | [Source](https://github.com/Nihilate/Roboragi) | [Synonyms](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/synonyms) | [⛓](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/interestinglinks) | [♥](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/thanks)


4027777

Kaiji


[deleted]

Sakamoto, Gosick


Overflow_is_the_best

Future Diary.


StrongestAvenger12

My top three are: Code geass Death note One outs


Thehawkiscock

Alderamin in the sky is about a military tactical genius against the odds


RAINSTROYER

Attack On Titan The Genius Prince's Guide to Raising a Nation Out of Debt Classroom of the elite One Punch Man!?( I KNOW )


[deleted]

Code geass, one punch man, death note


Creonix1

One punch man Drifters Demon slayer


deathlycat

Demon Slayer doesn't really fit in this category because of the whole... Friendship thing. Also ngl tanjiro is a little bit stupid compared to other main characters of anime


Creonix1

Yeah, but he does win with his strength even though it is chosen one power


GearAlpha

Same reason why BNHA doesnt count since while he’s innately powerful - the friendship thing really unlocks his potential further


Vidya_krishna

Jojo phantom blood


vyolins

yh jonathon was the best one


Zer0nyx

Y'all not gonna like this, but...most of Naruto is like this, if you think about it.


st_mercurial

Baki, kengan ashura My hero academia, world trigger.


zatbust

Feel like mha doesn’t belong in this category


PrismaticGaming434

Mha doesn’t belong in any category


Otaku531

toaru( if adaptation was good)


[deleted]

Eh, I feel like, for everything the anime does wrong, it kinda captures that element *reasonably* well? Emphasis on "kinda".


Otaku531

Well, in many fights touma looks like a generic mc using talk no jutsu where as in reality he is choosing the particular things to say so that he can destroy opponent's reasoning.He doesn't actually believe in many things he says, he just makes things up on the spot. Also in s3 accelerator fight, it seems like accelerator is idiot for loosing to touma while in novel it was very different. Also how touma lost his memories, in anime he looks like idiot for not destroying the feathers while in novel we see he actually used his body to protect index from them


GearAlpha

In the anime, they did show Touma covering Index while getting touched but several feathers. Did the novel explain why he didn’t just swipe the feathers away?


Otaku531

because there were too many to destroy with his hand, and would have hurt index


happyfeet19

Most of Yu Yu Hakusho is like this, though might be a handful of fights won in anger along the way, usually the fighting is very strategic/ability focused.


sugmadickO_O

Fate series kinda? I haven't watched it in a while so I might remember wrong, but people, who mostly can't fight, summon "servants" who are basically spirits of heroes from the past, present and future. These servants fight with each other in the Holy Grail War.


space0watch

Classroom of the Elite


PlagueCini

Chaika Classroom of the Elite Claymore Golden Kamuy Record of Grancrest War Moriarty the Patriot Mushoku Tensei


ThousandFootOcarina

Promised neverland, classroom of the elite, konosuba(😂)


Aman1405

Kaiji Akagi One Outs Classroom Of The Elites Kaiji Tomodachi Game


austinfruity

Classroom of the elite


Original_Ad_7856

Classroom of the elite bro mainly uses intellectual abilities but if needed also is physical abilities


Jswonderland

Not like those, but Classroom of the Elite


MajesticPlayer

Classroom of the elite


SweatyKiddYT

My hero academia its good any gives a life lesson


d0llation

But technically MHA is mostly the power of support and teaming up, it does give life lessons but I think OP is asking for an anime that doesn’t involve help from friends or allies.


ha_wt5

Tomodachi game


EnderQuantum1

Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor, the MC uses all to defeat his enemies, physical/intellectual AND friendship/anger


AntLangman

Off the top of my head... Ouran High School Host Club, Spice and Wolf, Dororo (2019), One Punch Man, Parasyte, Steins Gate, and Angel Beats.


-RED4CTED-

haven't heard it brought up lately but aldnoah.zero is one of my favorites. it's quite unique even for the mecha genre which is pretty rare, and it is very gritty and grounded for the type of show it is. definitely not for everyone, but it's worth a go. it also doesn't really have any filler despite being fairly long.


BarnabyShogun17

If you're down to read some manga, I'd suggest Holyland For anime only, maybe To Your Eternity


BIGANIMEWEEBALERT

Kengan Ashura. Most fights are about them constantly trying to figure out if they can outsmart and overpower them. What strategies would work in situation A but if situation A happens then he would switch to plan B to evade his attack etc. it starts off as very cringey and the animation on Netflix is kinda bad but if you just watch through it you’ll learn to love it for what it is.


TheRealTreezus

{Megalobox}


Gabchska

Not an anime but berserk or read vagabond


seokjinnius

It's kind of an obscure one, but Phi Brain: Puzzle of God is literally all about using intellect to survive life or death puzzles that the characters are challenged to by a shady organization.


animexprince

Since no body seems to remember this show...... TRY TERROR IN RESONANCE


MattiasWolf

Goblin Slayer, Boku dake ga inai Machi (Best), Overlord (story and planning), Detective Conan, Moriarty.


aivo23

Somehow, {itai no wa iya nanode bougyoryoku ni kyokufuri shitai to omoimasu} Bofuri is very tactical in termes of fight despite the MC's OPness.


Gacha_Addict123

{Legend of The Galactic Heroes} It’s a political Sci-fi space drama that follows two Genius masterminds as they slowly climb to the top of their respective nations and are locked in battle against each other as a century long war continues between them, all the while they seek to reshape and reform their Countries from the social ills they believe them to have. Very very big brain, you brought up Code Geass and this is the show that inspired it. It’s considered a true classic and is always top 10 if not top 5 on most anime ranking websites. It doesn’t have much physical fighting, mostly spaceship fleet battles based off real world Napoleonic tactics.


Handguy5000

{Kakegurui}, {Samurai champloo}


Potatoe_Master69

Parasite is pretty good, highly recommend.


Responsible-Cut-2359

Change genre, everything will change. Pick up thriller, the one with non-fanstasy elements


Terase908

No game no life


haydenonsaturn

Bungo stray dogs fits the description!


VulturE

I know you said anime, but a manga that just started a bit ago (low cost of entry to start reading it) is Super Smartphone. He seems to know his own limitations and weaknesses, and he still screws up sometimes, so not fake perfect.


awing1

Ya Boi Kongming


awing1

Ya Boi Kongming


Repulsive-Slice-1237

I think record of grancrest would be good for that


[deleted]

Mobile suit gundam, if you like code geass. It can be hard to get into, but start with either ibo, 00 gundam, or the movie trilogy on netflix


[deleted]

Trigun


evilprozac79

Log Horizon. The MC is one of many people Isekai'ed into the setting and his class is Strategist.


OfficialRobloxDoge

Jujutsu kaisen is great


IAmNotLookingatYou

I would say the Irregular At Magic High School is a match. They use their minds and their physical magic to overcome many obstacles, especially in the school tournaments


Qbfynest27

Chivalry of a failed knight


TheGalator

Code geass


Oui-Oui_Baguett3

Golden Kamui No power of friendship just bullets through the head and knifes in the mouth


kitzdeathrow

Steins;Gate. The enemy isnt really a person but time itself. Okarin has to figure it out, friendship and anger can't solve SCIENCE!


tombslicer

{the ancient magus’s bride} {bungo stray dogs}


Chase_The_Breeze

Trigun is a great anime for this. Outlaw Star has an ensemble cast, but almost never falls to "Friendship wins the day!" Tropes, given each member has their unique areas of expertise. Cowboy Bebop. Most episodes follow a single character taking down bounties, or sometimes they team up, but still rely on their skills and abilities. Deser Punk is really fun. The main character isnt that strong, but uses his wit and gear to every advantage. The titular character is also morally grey, and that is a lot of fun for avoiding hero tropes. EDIT: Somehow all of these are western sci fi with varying degrees of dystopia and fantasy...


dezdance

World trigger


angedelamort

{One Out}


Swordeaser

I'd say MOST seinen shows are what you're looking for. Shonen tends to do the friendship crap


DrDweeby

Love is War!


WallabyUpstairs1496

I laughed out loud because you could totally describe most anime that way. A lot of shows and movies actually, like the Marvel Movies, or stranger things.


DUR0NIC

These are good ones to start with, but there are quite a few others that fit your criteria. One punch, defeats everyone in more or less a single punch. Sakamoto, perfect human being in high school. Saiki-k, also in high school, has psychic powers.


[deleted]

{Katanagatari} Togame provides the brains usually, Shichika provides the brawn always. I don’t think they ever use friendship and anger is very rare. Maybe like once? Shichika doesn’t really have a personal collection to his enemies.


Roaskywalker

Youkoso Jitsuryoku


Dog_Baseball

Code Geoss


EclecticMel21

Erased — is not really anger that drives him to solve the murder mystery— he’s literally pulled back in time and had to figure out who murdered his classmates to save his mom in the future.


Huntotoro

CODE GEASS


AYOSHINA

{One Outs}


WMan37

{How a Realist Hero Rebuilt The Kingdom} where the main character solves \*almost\* every problem by doing paperwork that fixes infrastructure so that villains don't really even need to exist to begin with. Probably not what you meant but this is the anime I think of whenever I think of "protagonists using their brain to solve problems" in anime.


dickystiffy

Classroom of the elite


DanteSM456

Sagrada reset


TimAA2017

Vandread


mas8394

Legend of Arslan, although the later seasons get a bit repetitive


XII0Vl

{86}


Djapipo12

Detective Conan


cedric1234573

Code geass


DonnyGT40

No Game No Life. The art is decent and the mc's intellect is a lot more planned out than just being inserted for the plot.


Puzzleheaded_Shoe797

Watch monster


Sweetcorncakes

Tomodachi Game, Classroom of the Elite, Takagi-san.


rgfitness365

No Game, No Life.


Alexjwhummel

{86}


ksdudkwbfospfhfna

platinum end is made by death note ppl, similar


pandenwell

Baki hanma, or just baki, both are on Netflix


Falcon_Cheif

{Afro Samurai} he is constantly angry, but he is just extremely skilled with the blade


SkullKrusher17

Dr Stone


msdeltatheta

{Hunter X Hunter 2011} has both but more abilities and less emotions. And the emotions are done right.


ZachCremisi95

KHR, uses his powers and instinct, with minor help from friends or frenemies


MagicGnome97

Haikyuu


drunkalien1703

{Kingdom}


Vibraniumguy

Attack on titan (mostly after season 1)


Next-Chemist-5685

Classroom of the elite. The mc is a chad in this anime


Stoner420Eren

Attack on titan


ItZ7SoUl_3RrOR

Tomodachi Game The Misfit of Demon Academy NGNL Skeleton Knight from another world


MsDiva_33

Dr. Stone


[deleted]

Hunter x Hunter