At first glance – this question seems backwards. Because MOST people seem to hate anime.
The criticisms, stereotypes and accusations over the years are proof of that fact.
But as for anime fans like myself, there’s a GOOD reason why we love anime so much. And why we enjoy it more than any other form of entertainment.
I won’t waste your time with babble and chit-chat.
So…
Let’s get into the reasons why.
Why Do People Like Anime? It Comes Down To This:
1. Because it has the BEST fan-service
You think I’m joking, but I’m being deadly serious. Fan service, even though I’m not a fan, is a big part of the industry.
All of the biggest anime shows have it (One Piece, etc).
And when it’s done right, even I can enjoy it. You can’t beat the “good” looks of an anime character.
Realistic films don’t stand a chance because anime characters are flawless.
2. Because it’s philosophical and DEEP
Anime shows like Death Note tell a dark story of HOW people behave with too much power.
The concepts of justice get twisted, and people bend reality to their will in order to feel “secure” or “important” in the world.
At the expense of others.
And Death Note isn’t the only deep series that paints a realistic picture. Or even a philosophical one.
Psycho Pass is another anime that shows off its “philosophical” elements with finesse.
Related: 37 Of The Darkest Anime Quotes
3. Because it’s DIFFERENT by “design”
Anime characters have some of the craziest, wildest designs you’ll ever see in the entertainment world.
Some designs defy physics, others defy reality itself. And others are so breath-taking it’ll blow you away.
That’s why anime is so compelling and fun to watch.
4. It’s so emotional and relatable
Clannad is an anime known to hit you where it hurts. Because it’s so true to life, unfair, cruel but realistic and relatable.
Violet Evergarden is another anime that’s stacked full of emotions. And there’s at least one character you can relate to. No matter what struggles you’ve gone through in life.
Many anime are like that.
5. Because the MAIDS cuteness is over 9000!
It’s hard to argue with 2 cute maids who are as flawless as Rem and Ram (not literally).
Seriously. It’s enough of a reason to watch anime at all.
6. Because the characters are UNREALISTICALLY perfect
Take a look at these characters from the sports anime: Free! It’s ridiculous how flawless they are.
No man can achieve that in real life, especially without destroying themselves with artificial drugs and whatever else.
People want the impossible, that’s what makes anime characters attractive.
7. Because it’s COLORFUL
New Game, 18IF, No Game No Life…
There are tons of colorful anime shows that look SO good, it’s hard to turn your eyes away from the screen. 😉
Relevant: 17 Of The Most Aesthetically Pleasing Anime
8. Because it’s beautiful
- The Ancient Magus Bride.
- Violet Evergarden.
- How To Raise A Boring Girlfriend.
- The Garden Of Words.
These are just a “few” examples of anime that are gorgeous, dazzling and unreal for their animation, visuals and design quality.
9. Because the storytelling is out of this world
Code Geass tells the brilliant story of Japan being taken over by “the Britannian empire”, and everything that stems from that point.
Death Note tells the story of a teenager who gains too much power, and a bloated ego that destroys him in the end.
When anime gets serious, the storytelling is something else.
10. The “action” is too good to be compared
Realistic films have their limits. They can only do so much with a “real life” person as far as effects and tricks.
Anime doesn’t have that drawback. That’s why the action sequences and scenes keep you holding onto your seat.
And the visuals that go with it? It’s on a whole other level.
11. Anime has comedy no “realistic” film could ever pull off
Comedy shows are great. And yes – they are funny. But there’s a limit to how funny it gets.
Anime is an “art”, so it’s not held back by realism. It’s limited only by imagination.
Hence why shows like:
- Gintama.
- The Disastrous Life Of Saiki K.
- My Bride Is A Mermaid.
- Kono Subarashii.
And others are so stupidly funny.
Read: 12 Of The Funniest Rom Com Anime That Are English Dubbed
12. The facial expressions are just ridiculous
The images speak for themselves!
13. The music is special
Anime music by definition is Japanese. And as we know – Japanese music isn’t global like “western” music.
And that’s exactly why anime music is so special and distinctive. You can’t find anything like it.
That’s why we love anime!
14. The characters are “badass”
- Revy Rebecca.
- Koko Hekmatyar.
- Mikoto Misaka.
They’re “only” a handful of anime characters with a level of bad-assery no other film can match.
15. We all love a “hero of justice” which anime is the BEST at doing
Shirou Emiya is a perplexing example.
He’s the kind of flawed character who strives to be a hero of justice, even if he’s sometimes contradictory in his actions.
But that’s what we LOVE about anime hero’s. They do their best, even if they’re not perfect. And it’s different to what you see in western media.
16. Because it helps you “take a break” from reality
Anime by definition is another world. It’s fiction. And some anime fans use it as a means to “get away” from their day to day lives.
The struggles. Problems. Or even to have a “holiday” from the things they’re used to doing everyday.
It’s different for everyone.
17. Because it’s weird and different
Let’s be honest – anime is UNIQUE. No other form of animation or entertainment is comparable in “general”.
Everything about it, from the designs, how its made, produced, the stories and strange characters gives it a distinctive feeling.
And a lot of fans who watch it relate because they’re different as well.
18. Because it stirs your imagination
Anime is ridiculous. It’s so creative and imaginative that it’s hard not to be influenced by it in some way.
It gets you thinking about ideas you would never have thought of beforehand. And that’s thanks to anime’s imaginative plots stories, designs and everything else.
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In a nutshell: there are plenty of reasons why people like anime.
Most of them are tied to it being different to other forms of entertainment.
Recommended:
10 Types Of Anime Art Styles Commonly Seen In Popular Shows
12 Of The Greatest Anime About Japanese Culture That Will Keep You Entertained
