11 Anime Shows Where The Main Character Has A Secret They're Hiding

Not every anime is the same.

An anime like Flying Witch has characters with no secrets to hide from each other. Because that’s part of the plot.

It’s not necessary.

But with a genre like Shounen, you have shows like My Hero Academia. With main characters who carry the burden of their secrets to protect themselves or protect others.

Here are some of the best anime just like that!

Anime Where The MC Has A Secret They’re Hiding:

1. Classroom Of The Elite

By nature – Classroom Of The Elite is the type of anime where characters have plenty of secrets.

After all – almost everyone is in a “dog eat dog” environment, competing for the top spot and tons of money.

But the main character – Ayanokouji keeps to himself. And even reveals a slightly “darker” side to his personality that he’s hiding from others.

And then there’s Kikyou Kushida. One of the main female characters who threatens Ayanokouji because she’s terrified of having her secrets revealed.

It’s a dark slice of life series unlike anything you’ll ever watch, with its own style and feel.

2. Sword Art Online

In Sword Art Online, you could say the first season is filled with secrets. But only to a small degree.

Like how Kirito never shares what happens to the character: Sachi, and the pain he goes through.

Dealing with it alone.

Or how Yuuki Konno, one of the highlights of SAO season 2, has her own depressing secret she hides from everyone.

Choosing instead to throw a smile on her face, live life to the fullest in the virtual world, and enjoy herself.

As much as possible.

3. Shakugan No Shana

Yuji Sakai ends up in the worst predicament of his life: he discovers he’s actually dead.

But his spirit is still alive because of a magic tool.

And throughout all 3 seasons of Shakugan No Shana… he never reveals his secrets to anyone.

Not even his closest friends, with the exception of a few who are dragged into his world indirectly. By accident.

4. Witchblade

Masane Amaha is the main protagonist of the Witchblade series. Along with her daughter: Rihoko Amaha.

Both are on the run together, but there’s a deeper reason why they’re hunting Masane down.

As revealed in the first few episodes, Masane’s infected with the Witchblade. And throughout the series, even until the end, she never reveals it to her daughter.

And she hides it from everyone else, choosing to deal with it on her own (except for her boyfriend: Takiyama).

5. Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Madoka Magica is a classic example for more than one reason: almost every character has a secret they’re hiding.

Madoka Kaname, the main protagonist, is one of the few characters who “hides” her secret from parents and friends.

Or in the early stages of Madoka Magica – other people’s secrets. To keep them safe.

And then there’s Madoka Kaname.

She’s an introvert by nature, but life’s struggles have pushed her to be aloof, fiercely independent and secretive.

She’s so secretive she refuses to come out with the truth. Choosing instead to be vague and cryptic about what she’s trying to say.

And then we have Sayaka Miki. Another important magical girl in Madoka Magica.

Sayaka’s secret is one of the most painful from a romance point of view. She has a guy she loves, but she’s unable to do anything about it. So she says nothing.

The only person she confides in is Madoka Kaname.

Read: 9 Of The Most Meaningful Life Lessons From Madoka Magica

6. Blue Exorcist

Rin Okumura, the MC hesitates to let anyone in on his secrets. Because in normal circumstances, it would mean being killed for “what” he is.

How can you trust anyone with your secret if there’s a chance they’ll shun AND kill you for it?

This is true even for friends.

Rin knows it, so he says nothing. Until later when unexpected circumstances start to play out.

Relevant: 40+ Blue Exorcist Quotes That Will Trigger Your Emotions

7. Bleach

For at least 70% of the anime series, Ichigo Kurosaki manages to “hide his secret” from friends, family, and everyone in between.

The only obvious exception is the Soul Reapers and the Soul Society. Seeing as that’s the world he’s sucked into from the beginning.

It’s not until later that Ichigo’s secrets are caught red-handed by observant, suspicious characters like Tatsuki.

And even his younger sisters like Yuzu.

8. My Hero Academia

Izuku Midoriya is the first character with a secret he chooses to hide from everyone. And it’s a smart choice.

After all – his secret is connected to the world’s greatest hero: All Might. The man who gives Midoriya his power

Naturally, “Deku” is powerless. Born without a quirk unlike other characters. So hiding it makes sense.

And of course – All Might has his own dark secrets, too. His whole identity as a hero, reputation and fame depends on his secrets being kept hidden.

And it’s not just for the sake of reputation, but also for his own safety. As you come to see by time the 3rd season shows up.

9. School Rumble

Even a comedy series has characters who keep secrets from everyone.

Kenji Harima starts drawing Manga as a hobby. Only to discover his talents for it, which turns into a career for him.

Kenji is an ex-delinquent, so even though he’s changed his life around, nobody suspects a thing about his work as a Manga artist.

The only character he shares this with is Tenma’s sister: Yakumo . Who becomes Harima’s assistant.

10. Chrono Crusade

Rosette Christopher, a “sister” of the church, is an inspirational character who does everything she’s scared to do.

Without regrets or shame.

It helps that she’s rebellious, but there’s a hidden, deeper secret (and meaning) to why she’s so determined to fight for her beliefs.

Only a “select” few characters are aware of this, and the ending to this anime makes it all the more sadder to bear with.

11. Ef: A Tale Of Memories

Shindou Chihiro, the “cute” main character is too innocent to hurt anyone. Or have the “intention” to do so.

She’s a gentle character who’s understandably introverted and shy around others.

After all – she has a secret that’s best off being shared with nobody. Because it’s complicated, and there’s not much anyone can do to help her.

Similar to Kaori Miyazono from Your Lie In April.

Honorable Mentions: