Famous Japanese directorHayao Miyazakihas demonstrated that anime can work as a mirror of the human soul. Through his masterful works like Spirited Away, Miyazaki showed us how anime could reflect society and offer valuable lessons to viewers.
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Each anime character carries a message, and even themost malevolent villainshold lessons to be learned, whether it’s the consequences of choices or the significance of redemption. However, while some shows successfully deliver impactful lessons through powerful storytelling, many fall short due to poor execution. So, here are some of the very best ones you need to watch!
10Made In Abyss
Despite its chibi-like art style, the anime has one of the darkest themes.Made In Abysshighlights the consequences of crossing the line of curiosity. Perhaps, Bondrewd is the most tragic figure in the story, as he was drawn to the abyss like a moth to a flame.
He didn’t hesitate to conduct unethical experiments on countless test subjects to unravel its secrets. His obsession made him acold-heartedshell. Ironically, Bondrewd was searching for life’s meaning at the bottom of the abyss when the answer was right in front of him all along.
9Record Of Ragnarok
InRecord Of Ragnarok, Adam demonstrates that one doesn’t need a reason to fight for their loved one. While othershonen animeheroes likeLuffy,Naruto, andTanjirohave shown us the power of heart, it is Adam, the father of humanity, who truly leaves fans breathless with admiration. The story presents a world where Gods seek to wipe out humanity through a series of brutal duels.
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And yet, with such overwhelming odds, Adam emerges as a shining example of what it truly means to be human. Despite being banished from Heaven, Adam fought not out of hatred or vengeance but for something far noble – the love for his children. In the face of death, Adam stood tall against the might of Zeus, never wavering, never surrendering.
8Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
Right after its release in 2011, Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day instantly became a fan favorite. The story explores the impact of losing someone close and how it affects the people left behind. Years after Menma’s death, Jinta and his childhood friends, Super Peace Busters, struggle to deal with her loss. However, one summer, Jinta meets her long-gone friend again.
She cannot pass on to the afterlife as she has an unfulfilled wish. Jinta reunites the Super Peace Busters to bring peace to her spirit. And ultimately, they reflect on their past experiences with Menma and rediscover the strength of their bonds. The idea of memories surpassing death is powerful, as it shows that even after someone’s death, their impact on our lives can still be felt.
7Samurai Champloo
Pursuing a goal may not be the sole purpose of life, and this lesson is perfectly captured in Samurai Champloo. The series starts with three odd characters stuck with each other: Fuu, Mugen, and Jin. Despite their differences, the boys help Fuu find a Samurai who smells of sunflowers (an inherently scentless flower).
As they travel across Edo-era Japan, the trio learns life-changing lessons that transform them. Jin lets go of his strict moral code, Mugen values forging genuine connections, and Fuu realizes that finding the samurai isn’t the end. Life’s journey is indefinite and unpredictable, much like the quest to find a man who smells of sunflowers.
Everyone has a hidden side to them, and Odd Taxi brings out this aspect in a unique way. At first glance, many of its characters seem harmless and as normal as one can be. But as we dive deep into the story, we discover an additional layer to their persona. This theme of a hidden side is reinforced through animal symbolism.
Each character is represented by an animal that contrasts a character’s outward appearance and inner self. A seemingly harmless and innocent cat, for example, is eventually revealed to be the true culprit behind a girl’s murder. Likewise, a hippo who appears intimidating and dangerous is exposed to be timid.
5Death Note
Intelligencedoes not always equate to good moral values, but Light Yagami fromDeath Noterealized it too late. In the story, Light sets out to erase all the evil from the face of the earth. But in this pursuit, he takes advantage of many. He doesn’t hesitate to kill innocent people to achieve a bigger purpose. Light considers his actions noble, but his methods are clearly unethical.
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Throughout the story, Light becomes increasingly consumed by his power and control. In the end, Light’s actions catch up with him, and his opponents eventually defeat him. He realizes that his pursuit of a utopian world has come at too high a cost and that he has become a criminal himself.
4Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Soma
In Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma, we see many examples of how collaboration leads to innovation. Whether it’s Soma and his rivals teaming up to impress the cooking judges or chefs from different culinary backgrounds collaborating to create something special, the message is clear: diversity and teamwork can spark creativity.
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Shows like Haikyuu!! AndBlue Lockare also popular for teaching that teamwork is not just a nice-to-have but a key ingredient for success. But Food Wars is in its own league, where even rivals put their differences aside and work together to create unique dishes that will wow their customers.
3Violet Evergarden
Words hold emotions, and sometimes, only with the help of others can we comprehend their true meaning. This rings especially true for Violet Evergarden, a ghostwriter who aspires to unravel her tangled heart through letters.
She may not fully understand love, but she still takes the time to connect emotionally with her clients and hear their stories. For Violet, each letter is a love note to the past, a chance to relive the moments with someone who meant the world to her. Through her own experiences and those of others, Violet unlocks the emotions hidden within the phrase “I love you.”
In today’s consumer-driven society, where media and pop culture often promotes the idea that wealth is the key to happiness,Clannadoffers a refreshing counterpoint. While money can certainly make life easier, Clannad encourages us to cherish life’s beauty and simple pleasures.
Tomoya provides a powerful illustration of this philosophy. He found happiness in the ordinary moments he shared with Nagisa, even when they were living in a run-down rented apartment. It’s the joy of raising his daughter Ushio well, playing baseball with her, strolling through sunflower fields amidst the loud buzz of cicadas, and staying by Nagisa’s side that truly puts the biggest smile on Tomoya’s face.
1Great Teacher Onizuka
Onizuka, a former delinquent, is a true rival to Dewey from the classic movie “School of Rock.” Both of them teach their students more than just textbooks. From day one at the school, Onizuka goes above and beyond to help each student with their personal struggles, even when they initially hated him.
For instance, he uplifts Tomoko’s self-esteem and teaches her how to stand up to bullies. He also teaches Noboru to stay true to himself and not care about what others think. Lastly, Onizuka takes responsibility for Miyabi’s wrongdoings. His final lesson inspires everyone to look inward and see the best in themselves and others.
