As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the vast and diverse world of anime, I must say that these series have left quite an impact – both positive and negative – on me and countless others. Each one offers a unique blend of storytelling, artistry, and emotional depth that can captivate audiences across the globe.
One characteristic that has consistently defined and praised anime is its remarkable ability to explore the intricacies and extremes of human experiences through innovative storytelling. Regardless if it’s a grand historical narrative or a thought-provoking sci-fi adventure, anime fearlessly delves into uncharted realms and tackles challenging and non-traditional subjects.
But with great creative freedom comes great controversies, and history is testament to the fact that some of the most popular anime series of all time have been subject to intense controversies, debates, and even raging opinions among fans and casual newcomers alike. It could be a shocking plot twist, a morally corrupt protagonist, the inclusion of explicit content, or simply an altered ending. But these anime titles have managed to stir controversy around what’s palatable and not palatable in the process of being gloriously memorable. For more reasons than one.
It’s important to acknowledge that the debates surrounding anime aren’t always simple disputes. Instead, they serve as evidence of the immense power of this storytelling medium to provoke thought, challenge our perspectives, question moral standards, and push against societal norms, often leading us to highlight them, debate them, and ponder over them, even when they make us uneasy. This list features the “giants” of anime, as well as hidden treasures, all sharing a common trait – they’ve all ignited passionate controversy.
10 Berserk
Berserk transports audiences on an intense odyssey through a grim fantasy realm, following the solitary mercenary Guts as he traverses a landscape tainted by bloodshed, treachery, and inexplicable might. He ultimately discovers a sense of camaraderie within the Band of the Hawk, but when their enigmatic leader, Griffith, turns against him, the two engage in a dramatic struggle of honor and sorrow.
Intense Violence and Dark Themes
As a passionate movie reviewer, I must say that “Berserk” is an exceptional and faithful adaptation of Kentaro Miura’s renowned manga. It fearlessly immerses you into its grim world, where violence is unending, and the human mind is systematically dismantled. This adaptation does not shy away from any aspect, be it psychological terror or graphic violence. However, it has stirred controversy due to its portrayal of women’s mistreatment, sparking discussions about censorship. Yet, amidst the debates, “Berserk” continues to stand out as a significant and boundary-pushing work in the genre, pushing the envelope of what is acceptable in storytelling.
9 School Days
In a setting that appears ordinary, like any typical high school, this anime unfolds around the complex and tumultuous relationship among students Makoto Itou, Kotonoha Katsura, and Sekai Saionji. The love triangle commences when Makoto is smitten with Kotonoha and recruits Sekai to get nearer to her. However, as events unfold, Makoto becomes entangled in a net of deceit and manipulation.
Twisted Tale of Teenagehood
School Days is known for its unique storyline, further enhanced by unexpected turns of events and characters that are far from ordinary. This anime has earned a notorious name due to these elements. In the end, Makoto meets a tragic demise at the hands of Sekai, who claims she’s carrying his child and then calls Kotonoha to deliver Makoto’s severed head. However, their relationship proves lethal as Sekai’s throat is subsequently slit with a dōzuki. These dark relationships, boundary-pushing actions, and the shockingly intense finale have sparked numerous debates and controversies among viewers.
8 Oshi No Ko
2023 saw the debut of the captivating anime series, Oshi no Ko, which is based on a manga penned by Aka Akasaka and illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari. This story revolves around a renowned figure, Ai Hoshino, and her physician, Gorou Amemiya, who meet an untimely end and are reborn as twins – Aqua and Ruby. The twins retain recollections of their previous lives, and in their pursuit to unveil the mystery surrounding Ai’s demise, they delve into the dangerous realm of show business.
Offers a Glimpse into the Entertainment Industry
Although Oshi no Ko might appear harmless at first glance, its deep dive into the complexities and harsh impacts of fame, power dynamics, and manipulation within the entertainment world is quite intense. It reflects real-world issues and delves into topics like depression and cyberbullying, which can be distressing for some viewers. Despite the series’ contentious nature, it was incredibly popular in 2023, ranking among the top anime of that year.
7 Death Note
The story of Death Note starts off with an intriguing concept – a brilliant high school student named Light Yagami discovers a mysterious book that lets him kill people by writing their names in it. Enthused by this newfound power, he decides to eliminate crime from the world. However, a detective known as “L” is determined to capture him, leading to an intense game of cat and mouse between the two.
Examines the Corrupting Nature of Power
It’s no secret that the anime series “Death Note” is both widely adored and incredibly engrossing for its viewers, making it a popular recommendation among fans. However, upon its debut, this show stirred up quite a bit of controversy due to its lead character who operates in morally gray areas and raises complex ethical dilemmas. While the content itself isn’t inherently problematic, the way the series tackles the blurred lines between right and wrong, the nature of justice, and the ramifications of assuming God-like powers sparked numerous discussions and even encouraged some younger viewers to mimic Light’s habit of carrying a notebook containing specific names.
6 Elfen Lied
In the story of Elfen Lied, the primary character is Lucy, who’s uniquely a genetically altered human species called a ‘Diclonius.’ For her entire existence, she endured inhumane treatment at a research facility. Upon breaking free, she employs her lethal telekinetic power to wage a battle against her oppressors and seeks retribution. As Lucy’s past and present intertwine, we witness her developing intricate connections with humans and individuals similar to herself.
Depicts the Dark Side of Trauma
Elfen Lied” is bold in its inclusion of intense violence and mature themes. Similar to other series, it delves into the psychological turmoil experienced by its main character, revealing how her past has left her morally ambiguous. This, along with other controversial aspects, has sparked much debate. The show also depicts Lucy as a lethal weapon, capable of dismembering and beheading people without a second thought. It’s difficult to stomach, but the series has still garnered a passionate fanbase.
5 Bunny Drop
Presented as a charming, everyday-life anime, Bunny Drop offers a genuinely touching storyline. It centers around Daikichi, a 30-year-old bachelor enjoying city life, whose peaceful existence is disrupted when he learns about his grandfather’s demise and attends the funeral at their family home. During this visit, he uncovers an unexpected secret: his grandfather had a six-year-old illegitimate daughter named Rin who has been abandoned by the rest of the family. With no other options, Rin is placed under Daikichi’s care, leading him on an unexpected journey.
Betrays Fans With its Controversial Ending
At first glance, “Bunny Drop” delves into the struggles of parenthood and the concept of a makeshift family as Daikichi and Rin adjust to their shared living situation, ultimately reshaping their lives. However, what infuriated fans was the introduction of a new ending that hints at a questionable relationship between the now mature sixteen-year-old Rin and the middle-aged forty-year-old Daikichi. This unexpected turn in the plot was not only problematic but also deeply disturbing, leaving fans feeling disillusioned with the series.
4 Interspecies Reviewers
One intriguing anime series that leaves fans worldwide debating whether or not to give it a try is called “Interspecies Reviewers“. This show is a mix of fantasy and comedy, set in a realm where various species such as fairies and elves live together. The story follows a team of explorers who venture across the land, inspecting and critiquing brothels and companions that cater to all manner of supernatural beings.
Combines Humor and Eroticism
The anime’s graphic sexual scenes and exploration of mature subjects sparked debates and censorships. Some streaming platforms even pulled it from their lineup after a few episodes were aired, eventually leading to the series being canceled prematurely. Both critics and fans questioned if there were any limits to adult content in mainstream anime. However, the show’s humorous and sexually open nature drew many viewers, although most deemed it inappropriate overall.
3 Happy Sugar Life
Happy Sugar Life: The story revolves around Satou Matsuzaka, a seemingly innocent high school girl who has had multiple relationships with boys, yet struggles to find genuine affection. A serendipitous meeting with a young girl named Shio Koube brings her the joy she’s been seeking. However, Satou finds herself taking extreme and disquieting measures to ensure Shio remains in her life.
Bold but Disturbing
In a unique blend of colors and chilling storytelling, Happy Sugar Life pushes the boundaries of what is considered toxic love. Classified as psychological horror, the series doesn’t shy away from depicting Satou’s increasingly violent behavior and his alarming obsession with Shio. While it has garnered some appreciation for its portrayal of mental illness, many viewers have expressed concerns about its handling of these sensitive topics, labeling it as exploitative and reckless.
2 Made in Abyss
In the anime titled “Made in Abyss“, the main character, the “Abyss,” is a massive chasm deep within the Earth, rumored to be inhabited by enigmatic creatures. The depths remain unknown, as only the White Whistles, who braved the dangerous descent but never resurfaced, are said to have knowledge of it. Eager to discover her missing mother, a renowned White Whistle named Lyza the Annihilator, Riko embarks on an adventure alongside a robotic companion named Reg, venturing into the Abyss together.
Innocent Art Style Contradicted by Grim Undertones
The animated series, “Made in Abyss,” is visually captivating and filled with intriguing layers, unusual creatures, and a central mystery that keeps viewers hooked. However, the imaginative world-building can’t mask its graphic violence and unsettling themes. One contentious issue surrounding the show emerged when K-pop idol Choi Soobin from TXT endorsed it to fans, who were displeased due to its depiction of sexual abuse towards children.
1 Attack on Titan
In this world where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to gigantic humanoid creatures known as Titans, the beloved anime series Attack on Titan unfolds. The remnants of mankind live in fortified walls for protection. Join Eren Jaeger, Mikasa Ackerman, and Armin Arlert on their quest for vengeance against these fearsome Titans while uncovering the secrets behind their world turning into a battleground.
Glorifies Violence, Warfare and Survival
It’s understandable for such a widely acclaimed show like “Attack on Titan” to generate debate due to its explosive popularity. Known for its captivating narrative, rich mythology, top-notch animation, and shocking plot developments, the series doesn’t shy away from graphic depictions of violence and political themes related to warfare. This provocative content has sparked discussions among fans, some interpreting it as a symbolic reflection of human nature and historical events like the Holocaust. Additionally, the anime’s ending was criticized for leaving Eren’s story unresolved in a satisfactory manner, leading to further controversy.
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2024-11-12 04:02