Anime tropes are full of clichés, annoyances, and sometimes, unnecessary things that pop up too often.
I talked about that here a little bit: Some Of The Most Overused Anime Cliches We Have To Deal With
But not all anime tropes (or tropes in general) are bad. Or inherently bad for that matter.
Some are legit and never go out of style, no matter how much we see them.
Let’s talk about it.
The Best Anime Tropes:
1. I-I-It’s not like I’m doing it for you, BAKA!
Sometimes a character is so embarrassed they try to explain their way out of their “positive” action.
Sometimes it’s
We see a variation of this trope so many times in anime. It never goes out of style and never will.
2. How Tsundere’s react when complimented
Tsundere’s always have the same typical reaction when you compliment them.
- Blushing
- Red face
- Exaggerated reaction.
And so on. Usually to an extreme degree that makes the character all the more “cute”.
It’s a trope that never gets old and doesn’t bother anyone.
Related: If You’re Looking For Anime Tsundere’s, Here Are 22+ Of The Best!
3. The “Yandere” trope
Anime characters who are over protective, a danger to themselves and a danger to others. But are simultaneously romantic when they need to be.
Yandere’s and the trope that follows them has been in style for years at this point. It’s one of the most popular.
As long as they don’t abuse the trope and characters aren’t the same, I see this trope standing the test of time.
Related: 15+ Of The Greatest Yandere Anime Characters Fans Shouldn’t Miss
4. The happy-go-lucky character
You don’t always have these characters, but many anime have them. Some are
These characters are cheery to a fault and never seem to be phased by anything or anyone.
In some ways it’s realistic, but the way it’s exaggerated makes this trope the way it is. And it’s one that never gets old.
5. Stars in your eyes
When an anime character is over the moon, in the moment, and so excited they could die from the adrenaline. This is a common trope.
We see it from anime boys,
This trope captures how he feel in the moment when we’re too excited for our own good.
6. Ditzy face
The cliché “ditzy” face is usually seen with female anime characters. But you do see it from male characters as well.
It represents a person who’s silly, carefree, sometimes clumsy and a little too easy going.
The “ditzy” face is seen when a character makes a mistake or wants to be a little cheeky.
7. The exaggerated “Mu-ha-ha-ha”
One anime that comes to mind is Engaged To The Unidentified. Benio-Sama has this evil laugh down to an art.
It’s usually seen when an anime character gains an advantage over someone, or when they discover something mind opening.
Or it’s used to show an anime character’s arrogance or dominance over another.
Surprisingly it’s not an irritating cliché at all. But a funny one.
Relevant: 16 Of The Most Eccentric Female Anime Characters
8. Cute head pats
Anime characters getting patted on the head is a source of calm and serenity. It’s one of the most wholesome tropes in the industry.
Sometimes it’s used in a way that can be considered fan service. But the
And then there’s moments where it’s used as a sign of love and affection. It’s a trope that’ll never die.
Related: 12 Of The CUTEST Anime Shows That Will Warm Your Heart
9. The overly apologetic character
Hitori Bocchi reminds me of this trope. She’s a teenager with social anxiety. And yet she makes it her mission to make friends to grow stronger.
When she feels like she’s in trouble or she did something wrong, she apologizes to the extreme.
Many characters are like this. It’s a trope that isn’t tailored to one gender.
10. Banging your head off the wall
One example is Inuzuka from Romeo X Juliet. He’s seen banging his head off a wall in the beginning. So much so you’d expect blood to be dripping from his head.
Kuroko Shirai does this too in Railgun. Except she bangs her head off the table in frustration.
That’s what this trope is. It’s about when you’re angry as F or so frustrated that you “feel” like banging your head of a wall.
11. Saying “thank you” to the point of insanity
Arigato (thank you) is a common trope you see in anime. And it’s one that reflects Japanese culture to a degree.
Anime obviously exaggerates it beyond belief though. And characters are usually seen blushing or embarrassed when saying thank you.
Similar to head pats, it can be
Related: The Fascination Of Anime Lap Pillows, And Why Fans Love It
12. The cold Dandere character
Dandere’s by their nature are cold hearted, aloof, and distance themselves from other people. That’s how they’re perceived.
Homura Akemi is one of those characters. She’s a tough nut to crack and doesn’t show her “good” side to almost anyone.
Underneath that barrier though is a misunderstood girl who’s warmer than she appears.
This trope is one of the most welcome there is. It’s relatable as well.
Read: 22 Anime Danderes Who Will Give You The Silent Treatment
13. Crying face
Anime characters crying, usually when it’s not that serious is another trope that’s more hilarious than annoying.
There are times when it gets out of hand (Zenitsu from
The way it’s dramatized in stupid, dumb situations is what makes this trope appealing.
14. Squeezing a characters cheeks when annoyed
You see this trope play out in:
- Konosuba
- Love Chuunibyou & Other Delusions.
- K-On
And so many more anime. The comedy genre is chock full of it.
When an anime character is annoyed, it’s sometimes followed by this trope.
15. ONII-CHAN
The famous “ONII-CHAN” never goes out of style. It’s usually followed by a character sparkling, doing their best to appear or be “innocent”.
Sometimes it’s used in a way to show a sisters appreciation for their older brother.
Either way – this trope ain’t going nowhere.
17 Cute Anime Girls Who Will Kill You With Their Charm
16. NANIII?
The famous “NANI”, translation for WHAT??
When a character is in shock or surprised by something, this is the typical reaction. And the words are dragged out to make it more ridiculous.
Gamers, Railgun, and many many anime take advantage of this trope.
What other anime tropes never get old?
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