20 Anime Quotes that Hit Hard

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Anime has captivated millions of fans worldwide across generations, whether through enduring series like One Piece, Gatchaman, and Naruto, or standalone masterpieces like Grave of the Fireflies, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Whisper of the Heart. According to Headphones Addict, anime ranks as the third most sought-after entertainment genre globally, trailing only crime shows and sitcoms. Surveys indicate that over 30% of American adults are devoted anime enthusiasts. Given these statistics, it’s unsurprising that the intricate narratives, compelling themes, and memorable characters of anime, particularly in the slice-of-life and epic fantasy subgenres, resonate deeply with viewers. Below are quotes from various anime, spanning from Higurashi: When They Cry to Attack on Titan to Fairy Tail, that encapsulate the profound impact these stories have on audiences.

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20 Anime Quotes that Hit Hard

“Friends are nothing more than the people whom you spend the fun, yet meaningless times with. When those times get rough, they aren’t there to support you.” — Rena Ryuugu, Higurashi: When They Cry (2006)

The Higurashi: When They Cry series is a chilling and supernatural thriller set in the 1980s in the village of Hinamizawa. It explores themes of time loops, curses, bio-research, strained family relationships, and complex friendships. The story revolves around a mysterious parasite that induces paranoia, delusion, and homicidal rage in the villagers, including Rena Ryuugu, a 13-year-old girl with a penchant for finding beauty in discarded items. Despite her sweet and caring nature, Rena, like others affected by the virus, can succumb to bouts of rage when threatened.

Relating this to a broader context, Rena’s character symbolizes the experience of teenagers and young adults who face disillusionment when confronted with the hypocrisy of opportunistic peers. At this delicate age, friendships often prove to be fickle and heart-wrenching, mirroring Rena’s struggles in the unsettling world of Higurashi: When They Cry.

“There are angry ghosts all around us – dead from wars, sickness, starvation – and nobody cares. So, you say you’re under a curse? So what? So is the whole damn world.” — Jigo, Princess Mononoke (1997)

Princess Mononoke, a film crafted by Hayao Miyazaki and brought to life by Studio Ghibli, is a captivating blend of period and fantasy themes with a strong focus on environmentalism and the Shinto religion. In the English version, Jigo, a cunning martial artist and monk, is voiced by Billy Bob Thornton. He accompanies Ashitaka, a cursed young prince, on their journey.

The term “mononoke” in Japanese refers to a shapeshifter that takes control of humans, leaving a path of suffering and death in its wake.

This quote serves as a poignant reminder that amidst the personal challenges, emotional struggles, and societal injustices individuals encounter daily, it’s essential to acknowledge that the world is fraught with even greater catastrophes. It doesn’t diminish the significance of personal issues, but rather emphasizes the universality of life’s trials. By considering the broader perspective, one may find solace and perspective in understanding that no one is exempt from facing adversity.

“Don’t you think dreams and the internet are similar? They’re both areas where the repressed conscious mind vents.” — Paprika, Paprika (2006)

Satoshi Kon’s Paprika, a highly praised sci-fi psychological thriller, introduces the DC Mini—a device enabling users to delve into others’ dreams. Dr. Atsuko Chiba, using it covertly on her patients, assumes the dream persona Paprika. This mirrors the psychoanalytic belief that dreams unveil hidden desires and fears, suggesting that individuals often adopt bolder online alter-egos to explore their imaginations and psyche without the challenges of real-life confrontation. This draws parallels between the dream world in Paprika and the online realm, where people can comfortably express facets of themselves they might conceal in reality.

“If you never listen to anyone, you can’t give proper advice.” — Monk Momoaki, The Boy and the Beast (2015)

The film “The Boy and the Beast,” directed and written by Mamoru Hosoda, revolves around Ren, a nine-year-old boy, who hesitantly becomes the apprentice of the lazy warrior beast Kumatetsu in the Beast Kingdom. Their journey involves mutual learning, with Monk Momoaki serving as a valuable mentor providing essential insights.

The quote emphasizes that individuals driven by a strong desire for success often overlook valuable learning experiences, choosing to bypass obstacles rather than understanding from them. Such individuals may indulge in self-praise and ignore well-intentioned advice from those who care about them. The essence of the message lies in the importance of humility and the willingness to listen to others. True leadership and qualification to lead come from embracing the learning process and being open to the wisdom shared by others.

“The future is not a straight line. It is filled with many crossroads. There must be a future that we can choose for ourselves.” — Kiyoko, Akira (1988)

In Akira, directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, the character Kiyoko, a government test subject with telekinetic and precognitive abilities, serves as a wise and kind woman. Despite being haunted by visions, she understands that these glimpses of the future are not set in stone. Kiyoko recognizes the power of choice in shaping destiny. When individuals reach a crossroads, their decisions influence their journey, and the possibility of taking a different path always exists. She emphasizes the importance of unity, suggesting that by joining forces, people can overcome their oppressors and create change in the dystopian, military-controlled future depicted in the animation.

“There’s no future for people who worship the future, yet forget the past.” — Shun Kazama, From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)

Directed by Goro Miyazaki and co-written by Hayao Miyazaki and Keiko Niwa, “From Up on Poppy Hill” is situated in 1963 and revolves around Umi Matsuzaki, a 16-year-old student residing in a boarding school. Umi and her friends embark on a mission to preserve their cherished historical clubhouse from demolition. Shun Kazama, the school newspaper president and an aspiring poet, serves as Umi’s romantic interest in this narrative.

This quote emphasizes the importance of preserving old structures with historical and sentimental significance, as well as architectural value, in the face of modernization and urban development. Shun and others argue for the renovation of these buildings instead of their demolition, highlighting the belief that pursuing profit and progress should not come at the expense of erasing the past.

“The nice thing about being old is you’ve got nothing much to lose.” — Old Sophie, Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

In the midst of a kingdom torn apart by war, Hayao Miyazaki’s “Howl’s Moving Castle” follows the story of Sophie, a young hat maker cursed with an elderly body by a vengeful witch. With the aid of Howl, a troubled wizard residing in a magical walking castle, Sophie navigates the challenges of her transformed existence.

The resonance of this quote lies in Sophie’s attempt to find solace in the notion that growing old may bring certain advantages, especially in a world marred by conflict. In a society where the ravages of war have left scars on individuals who have lived through full and tumultuous lives—filled with struggles in their work and the pain of losing loved ones—Sophie contemplates that perhaps, in the face of such hardships, there is a quiet acceptance of aging and a peaceful waiting for the inevitable embrace of old age and death.

“Take root in the ground. Live in harmony with the wind. Plant your seeds in the winter. And rejoice with the birds at the coming of spring. No matter how many weapons you have, no matter how great your technology might be, the world cannot live without love.” — Sheeta, Castle in the Sky (1986)

This quote reflects on the theme of greed and opportunism in “Castle in the Sky.” It suggests that some individuals, driven by their desire for wealth and opportunities, become so consumed by these pursuits that they lose sight of the simple joys of life. The message emphasizes the importance of appreciating the small wonders of nature and finding delight in the cyclical beauty of the seasons. It implies that those blinded by greed may miss out on the fundamental and sustaining aspects of life that nature provides.

“If we all reacted the same way, we’d be predictable, and there’s always more than one way to view a situation. What’s true for the group is also true for the individual. It’s simple: overspecialize, and you breed in weakness. It’s slow death.” — Major Motoko Kusanagi, Ghost in the Shell (1995)

In the neo-noir cyberpunk thriller Ghost in the Shell, Major Motoko Kusanagi, portrayed by Mimi Woods, serves as the main protagonist and holds the position of second-in-command in Public Security’s Section 9, set in a cybernetic-dominated Japan.

The major is characterized as contemplative, moody, and intense, questioning whether any semblance of a soul remains within her cybernetic body. Despite her uncertainty about her own humanity, she is resolute in the belief that the success of her missions relies on her ability to be both elusive and unpredictable. By maintaining an air of mystery and unpredictability, she renders herself immune to control and difficult to defeat, emphasizing the importance of strategic ambiguity in achieving her objectives.

“Why do fireflies have to die so soon?” — Setsuko, Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

Grave of the Fireflies, acclaimed for its poignant portrayal of the hardships faced by two orphaned siblings during World War II, is often regarded as one of the most emotionally powerful films. The story revolves around Seita, a 14-year-old boy, and his 4-year-old sister, Setsuko, as they confront injustice, hunger, disease, and the devastation of firebombing.

In a particularly touching moment, Seita strives to provide for Setsuko, ensuring her comfort and safety. A memorable scene unfolds when Setsuko, having enjoyed the light of fireflies the previous night, is dismayed to discover their lifeless state. At her tender age, she reflects on the ephemeral nature of beauty and life, haunted by the memory of losing her mother. In a poignant inquiry, Setsuko questions why both the enchanting wonders of nature and beloved individuals have to leave so soon. This becomes a heartbreaking foreshadowing, as Setsuko herself later succumbs to the tragic consequences of malnutrition. The film underscores the tragic reality that, in political conflicts, it is often the innocent who bear the brunt of the consequences.

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“To rise above monsters, we have to abandon our humanity. What we fight, we become.” — Armin Arlert, Attack on Titan (2013 – 2023)

Voiced by Jessie James Grelle in the English dub, Armin Arlert undergoes significant character development in Attack on Titan, set within a cluster of cities protected by colossal walls to fend off massive humanoid creatures known as Titans.

The quote captures Armin’s pivotal moment when urging his friend Eren to confront a female Titan, later revealed to be Annie, the object of Armin’s affections. Armin contends that, in the harsh and relentless reality they face, sometimes sacrifices must be made for the greater good. He argues that combating a formidable foe like Annie requires using a similarly powerful force – in this case, Eren transforming into a Titan. The essence lies in confronting adversity with equal strength in a world marked by cruelty and unforgiving circumstances.

“I’m not sure if I’m searching for a person or a place, or if I’m just searching for a job.” — Taki Tachibana, Your Name (2016)

In Makoto Shinkai’s Your Name., a fantasy romance unfolds as two teenagers, Taki Tachibana from Tokyo and Mitsuha Miyamizu from the countryside, experience sporadic body-swapping. This phenomenon becomes a unique opportunity for them to navigate the challenges of adolescence and offer mutual support. Despite facing personal dissatisfaction, their connection grows beyond the extraordinary circumstance, evolving into genuine feelings for each other. Despite being separated by the complexities of space and time, their eventual reunion reinforces the idea that true connections endure, suggesting that destiny has a way of bringing destined individuals back together.

“Never turn your back on family, even when they hurt you. And if you remember nothing else, remember to find time to eat together as a family. Even when times are rough; especially when times are rough.” — Sakae Jinnouchi, Summer Wars (2009)

In the film “Summer Wars,” directed by Mamoru Hosoda, the plot revolves around Kenji Koiso, a math prodigy, who joins Natsuki Shinohara in pretending to be her fiancé at her great-grandmother Sakae Jinnouchi’s 90th birthday celebration. The Jinnouchi family, with a lineage traced back to a prominent samurai clan deeply involved in political conflicts, emphasizes the significance of family values and communal meals, particularly during challenging times, as highlighted by Sakae.

“It’s not dying that frightens us. It’s living without ever having done our best.” – The Elder, Castlevania (2017 – 2021)

In Netflix’s Castlevania, a dark medieval fantasy centered around the last surviving member of the disgraced Belmont family, the Elder, voiced by Tony Amendola, serves as the compassionate leader of the Speakers. This group of peaceful scholars, persecuted by the Church, navigates a world threatened by Dracula’s minions and allies. Released on July 7, 2017, the show features a cast including Richard Armitage, James Callis, Malcolm McDowell, Bill Nighy, and Marsha Thomason.

The quote suggests that the Elder symbolizes individuals who confront life and mortality with dignity and honor, refusing to inflict harm on others. However, they are willing to fight fiercely, even to the death, for the greater good. The essence of the message is to invest one’s power and abilities wholeheartedly in the pursuit of noble goals, emphasizing the importance of taking decisive action rather than regretting inaction later on.

“Love is like a mirror that reflects your bad side. Especially when it’s unrequited, you get envious, jealous, prejudiced, and resentful. You have to face all sorts of emotions, but there’s no reason to find that shameful.” — Margery Daw, Shakugan No Shana II (2007 – 2008)

This quote suggests that unrequited love can evoke intense emotions such as despair, anger, and a desire for revenge. It acknowledges that people cannot control when or how they fall in love, and therefore, there’s no reason to feel ashamed about having feelings for someone, even if those feelings are not reciprocated.

“Those who stand at the top determine what’s wrong and what’s right. Whoever wins this war becomes justice!” — Donquixote Doflamingo, One Piece (1999 – Present)

A flamboyantly attired pirate captain known as Donquixote Doflamingo plays a significant antagonistic role in the enduring and beloved One Piece series. He exudes arrogance and melodrama, displaying a fondness for extravagant outfits. In a manner reminiscent of certain real-life politicians and warlords, Doflamingo adheres to the ideology that strength dictates authority, subscribing to the notion that winners shape history. He not only believes that the powerful control the destiny of the weak but also assert their influence over the definitions of morality and justice, positioning himself among this formidable group.

“You’ll only realize that you truly love someone if they have already caused you enormous pain. Your enemies can never hurt you the way your loved ones can. It’s the people close to your heart that can give you the most piercing wound.” — Kenshin Himura, Rurouni Kenshin (1996 – 1998)

In the backdrop of feudal Japan, Rurouni Kenshin unfolds the tale of Kenshin Himura, a repentant assassin who, accompanied by newfound companions, wields his reverse-blade sword to protect the vulnerable. This narrative reflects the notion that embracing new relationships in a demanding and unforgiving world can bring emotional and social fulfillment, akin to yielding a double-edged sword—providing comfort yet rendering one susceptible to heartache.

“When you hit the point of no return, that’s the moment it truly becomes a journey. If you can still turn back, it’s not really a journey.” — Hinata Miyake, A Place Further than the Universe (2018)

In the anime “A Place Further than the Universe,” Hinata Miyake aspires to overcome her fears and embark on a journey to Antarctica with two other girls before pursuing her dream of taking college entrance exams. This storyline reflects a broader truth applicable to personal, professional, or social contexts: true emotional transformation necessitates stepping out of your comfort zone, embracing new challenges, and shedding old memories, attitudes, and habits that constrain your personal growth. In essence, the quote suggests that meaningful change requires the courage to face the unknown and break free from limiting aspects of your past self.

“War will never cease to exist. Reasons can be thought up after the fact. Human nature pursues strife. Religion, ideology, resources, land, spite, love, or just because. No matter how pathetic the reason, it’s enough to start a war.” — Pain, Naruto: Shippuden (2007 – 2017)

Centered around a dynamic teenage ninja, the renowned shonen anime Naruto: Shippuden introduces a multifaceted antagonist known as Pain. Hailing from the Uzumaki clan and orphaned by war, he assembles a formidable group of mercenaries to gather the tailed beasts and unleash them upon the world.

The significance of this quote lies in the idea that humans often find numerous excuses to quarrel, and minor disputes can escalate into significant conflicts at a national or regional level. The motivations behind these conflicts, whether rooted in greed or religion, become inconsequential; the ultimate drive is the establishment of dominance.

“The loneliest people are the kindest. The saddest people smile the brightest. The most damaged people are the wisest. All because they don’t wish to see anyone else suffer the way they did.” — Jellal Fernandes, Fairy Tail (2009 – 2019)

At the forefront of this compilation is a beloved line from Fairy Tail, a narrative immersed in a realm teeming with spirits, demons, and guilds of wizards embodying both virtue and vice. Jellal Fernandes, a sorcerer shrouded in darkness, possessing a tumultuous history and a repertoire of magical skills, is on a quest for redemption.

The Significance of This Utterance Individuals who have traversed the depths of profound suffering tend to possess a heightened perceptiveness, enabling them to empathize with others irrespective of the circumstances. Just because they outwardly exude composure doesn’t negate the fact that they grapple with haunting memories, bereavement, and melancholy beneath the surface.

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