Fromepic mecha battlesto heartwarming romances, one thing is for certain: anime clichés hold an indomitable charm that keeps fans coming back for more. Regardless of the genre or setting, you can rest assured that every anime you watch will have at least one of these making an appearance.
RELATED:Best Anime Series For People Who Hate Anime
There are many positive and beloved tropes that have withstood the test of time and fans genuinely like. From the power of friendship touncovering hidden potential, the list has it all.
10Mysterious Characters
This recurring theme in anime introducesenigmatic characterswho conceal their identities behindmasks or disguises, leaving viewers intrigued about their motives and backgrounds. Often, they possessextraordinary skills or powers, and their allure lies in the shroud of secrecy that surrounds them.
As the story progresses, the revelation of their identity becomes asignificant plotpoint, adding more suspense and excitement. Sometimes, however, these characters simply hide their faces for no serious reason, likeKakashifromNaruto.
9Shonen Protagonists Always Eating
Shōnen protagonistsoften showcase ahuge appetite, earning them a cherished spot among fans. They’re frequently indulging inhearty meals, with ramen and large cuts of meat as recurring favorites. Food, in general, plays a significant role in anime, with characters likeDenjifromChainsaw Mansavoring oftennewfound deliciousness.
This delightful trope transcends also shōnen anime, as seen inSailor Moon.Usagiis portrayed as a huge foodie, adding depth and humor to her character.
8Adorable Mascots
Cute mascotsin anime effortlessly steal our hearts with theirundeniable adorableness. FromPikachu, Ash’s iconic sidekick, to Straw Hat’s doctor,Chopper, these animal characters exude charm.
With their unique abilities and usually pure personalities, they have become some of the most beloved figures in the anime world, leaving a lasting impression on viewers of all ages.
7Main Character Always Sits By The Window
School settingsoften prevail in anime, and the main protagonist, frequently a transfer student, is almost destined to beseated by the window.The iconic scenes of them gazing outside, have become a cherished cliché.
RELATED:Best Anime Worlds, Ranked
While this trope sees exceptions likeDekuinMy Hero Academia, the window seat continues to make an appearance in many series, representing the character’s desire to explore beyond the confines of the classroom.
6Comic Relief Characters
Regardless of the series' theme, acharacter designated for humoris always at hand, providing a much-needed break, especially indramatic and melancholic anime. Often, these figures take on the role of the protagonist’s best friend, injecting laughter through exaggerated expressions and actions.
TakeInosukefromDemon Slayer, whose wild andshort-tempered personalityhumorously clashes with Zenitsu, offering delightful comedic moments. Comic relief characters are essential instriking a balancebetween emotional intensity and lighter moments.
5Beach Or Filler Episodes
Filler episodes, a double-edged sword in the anime world, evoke mixed feelings among fans. While one or two fillers can provide a glimpse intocharacters' everyday lives, excessive use, as seen inNaruto, can become irksome.
Nevertheless, fillers offer a delightful respite, especially in emotionally charged anime, presenting simple slice-of-life moments where characters take awell-deserved break. Often sprinkled with humor,beach episodes stand as a classic example, giving writers the freedom to goof around.
4Gender Guessing
In numerous series, characters withambiguous genderskeep fans guessing. Some remain shrouded in mystery, sparking debates among enthusiasts. Others likeAttack on Titan’sHange, reveal theirnon-binaryidentity, challenging conventional norms.
Iconic figures likeHideyoshifromBaka and Testfurther blur the lines of gender conformity, whileKinofromKino’s Journeyadds to the fascination. This captivating trope not only reflects the diversity of identities but also encourages discussions about gender representation.
3Power Of Friendship Always Wins
Thepower of friendshipstands as a mighty force in the world of anime that often turns the tide in favor of the hero. Even in moments of defeat, the protagonist is reminded of theirunwavering comrades, which ignites a powerful change within them.
RELATED:Fairy Tail: Best Story Arcs, Ranked
Withpassionate speecheson friendship, they gain somehownewfound strength, either through healing or power-ups, to vanquish their foe. While this trope creates thrilling and emotional scenes, it requires careful execution to maintain its impact.
2Shouting Attacks' Names
Another common sight for characters, especially in shonen series, is toboldly announce their attack namesbefore unleashing them upon their opponents. While such practice would be impractical in reality, this trope adds athrillingand charismatic flair to the battles on screen.
Somecomedic anime poke funat this cliché, but for fans, it’s an undeniable joy to witness. One memorable instance for many would be shouting alongside Gohan during the iconicKamehameha, channeling their energy to grant him more power.
1Crazy Hairstyles
In the vibrant world of anime, especially inthe shonen genre,wild and eccentric hairstyleshave become an iconic trademark ofprotagonistsand other important characters. One anime series that epitomizes this trend is none other thanYu-Gi-Oh!, where every protagonist boasts an unmistakably outlandish hairdo.
These gravity-defying hairdos may often be the target of playful fan mockery, but they undeniably serve a crucial purpose. Not only do they make the characters easily recognizable but also establish a striking andunforgettableappearance.
