Many people don't think of anime as thought-provoking. Perhaps they believe all anime are Japanese cartoons for children, or maybe they believe all anime are perverted like "hentai." Those are misconceptions. Believe or not, there are mature themes in anime, and anime can be deep as philosophy and classical literature. Here are some anime that will make you think.
FLCL (Fooly Cooly) - [フリクリ Furi Kuri]
Going through puberty is tough, and everyone has to go through it. Naota Nandaba is no exception. One day, a woman riding a Vespa scooter runs over Naota and hits him with her guitar. Every since that day, Naota's life had gotten a lot more crazier—robots grow out of his forehead, bass guitars wielded as baseball bats, and a space pirate—yes, you heard that right, space pirate!
In simpler words, "FLCL" is a coming of age story. Every character and object in the show symbolizes an aspect of maturing from eyebrows to soda to robots. At first glance, the plot seems to be all over the place and random, and nothing seems to make sense. The show is worth re-watching, and it takes a couple of re-watches to understand the show.
From the New World - [ 新世界より Shinsekai Yori]
A thousand years into the future in a fictional Japanese town named Kamisu 66, Saki Watanabe gains her powers at age twelve and joins her friends—Shun Aonuma, Mamoru Itou, Maria Akizuki, and Satoru Asahina at Sage Academy to master psychokinesis. "Shinsekai Yori" follows the story of Saki and her friends from childhood to adulthood as they discover their society is not the utopia it seems to be and the dirty secrets it holds. Perhaps psychokinesis is more of a curse than a gift.
"Shinsekai Yori" questions human nature and critiques society. The show hits every point for each concept it aims to deliver. All the ideas presented throughout every episode compile into a tragic conclusion. The amount of worldbuilding in this anime is phenomenal. The world of "Shinsekai Yori" is so different from ours that it is truly a whole new world.
Kino's Journey: the Beautiful World - [キノの旅 -the Beautiful World Kino no Tabi -the Beautiful World]
Kino and her talking motorcycle Hermes go on a journey through strange lands and nations with one rule—she cannot stay in one place for over three days. She believes three days is enough time to learn from a nation while allowing enough time left to travel to and learn from other nations. Kino and Hermes aim to learn how humanity works, why do humans act a certain way, and discover who they themselves are.
"Kino's Journey" is not a series with only one story; it is a series of short stories. Each story explores an aspect of society like communication, traditions, and moral correctness. The show is dark and ruthless in executing and explaining the truths of each nation, and never fails to be brutally honest.
Ping Pong the Animation - [ピンポン THE ANIMATION Pin Pon the Animation]
Yutaka Hoshino (Peco) and Makoto Tsukimoto (Smile) are two high school boys whose friendship is tied together by their mutual love for ping pong. Peco and Smile are both talented players of the Katase High School Table Tennis Club. Peco is arrogant and cocky about his ping pong skills, while Smile has very little motivation for the sport. Throughout the show, the two boys must compete in fierce ping pong matches.
"Ping Pong the Animation" is not only a sports anime, but also an anime about human relationships. The characters 'ping pong' off each other, and learn from each other. They become aware of their own flaws, and work to better themselves. Unlike other sports anime like the "Prince of Tennis or Free!" the antics and actions of each character of "Ping Pong the Animation" are more believable. Even the art style takes on a more realistic approach.
Monogatari (Series) - [物語 Story]
Koyomi Araragi had turned back into a human (mostly human with some aspects of vampirism to be exact) with the help of a peculiar man named Meme Oshino after a vampire attack. Ever since becoming a vampire, Araragi is plagued by meeting girls that have encountered the supernatural. He must help each girl deal with their supernatural oddities.
"Monogatari" is more than a harem show with shots of fanservice. It is a story about imperfect, broken characters with faults. Each character has a story to tell. Each character has their problems to solve. As each girl learn about themselves, Araragi also comes to a revelation about himself.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica - [魔法少女まどか☆マギカ Mahō Shōjo Madoka Magika]
Madoka Kaname is a cheerful fourteen-year-old girl who lives an ordinary life with family and friends until she stumbles upon a cat-fox-like creature named Kyuubey. Kyuubey offers to grant Madoka one wish, but there’s a twist! In return for her wish, she must become a magical girl to fight against evil witches. Sounds like your typical magical girl anime, right? Wrong!
Don’t get fooled by the cute character designs and posters! This anime was written by Gen Urobuchi who is known for his dark, nihilistic writing style, and plot twists full of despair. "Puella Magi Madoka Magica" puts its own spin on the magical girl genre, and deconstructs the genre. There’s a price for every wish. Be careful of what you wish for.
Neon Genesis Evangelion - [新世紀エヴァンゲリオン Shin Seiki Evangerion]
In an alternative timeline in 2015, mankind is endangered by Angels attacking planet Earth. The fate of humanity lies in the hands of three teenagers—Shinji Ikari, Rei Ayanami, and Asuka Langley Soryu. They must pilot Evangelions, giant robots made for the purpose of defeating the Angels in order to save the world. However, can Shinji handle the weight of being one of mankind’s defenders on his shoulders?
Most protagonists in an anime are eager to protect the world they live in, but not Shinji. "Neon Genesis Evangelion" takes on a more realistic approach to anime. Instead of throwing a determined, ready-to-fight protagonist into a robot, they threw Shinji—a scared, young boy into a robot. This anime delves into the characters’ minds, and explores raw emotions, pain, and human connections. Because of how deep and authentic "Neon Genesis Evangelion" is, the show is heralded as a masterpiece by many fans.
There are plenty wonderful anime I haven't seen yet. If there's an anime you believe is deep and philosophical that has been left out, leave a comment on what anime you believe should have been in this article.
