Most Influential Japanese Anime Cartoons: Japanese anime has long been a global phenomenon, shaping not only the animation industry but also pop culture, fashion, and storytelling techniques worldwide. With a rich history spanning decades, certain anime titles have stood out for their groundbreaking contributions and influence. Here, we delve into some of the most influential anime that have left an indelible mark on the industry and beyond.

Astro Boy Most Influential Japanese Anime Cartoons — “Osamu_Tezuka “Astro Boy”” by sorarium is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

1. Astro Boy (1963)

Created by Osamu Tezuka, known as the “God of Manga,” Astro Boy (Tetsuwan Atom) was the first anime television series to gain widespread popularity. It pioneered the anime aesthetic with expressive characters, dynamic storytelling, and innovative animation techniques that became a standard in the industry. The series set the foundation for future sci-fi and action anime.

2. Mobile Suit Gundam (1979)

The mecha genre was forever changed with Mobile Suit Gundam. Unlike its predecessors, which depicted robots as mere tools of war, Gundam introduced the concept of realistic, military-grade mechs piloted by humans in a deeply political and morally complex narrative. The series spawned multiple sequels, spin-offs, and merchandise, becoming a cornerstone of mecha anime.

3. Akira (1988)

Katsuhiro Otomo’s Akira revolutionized the perception of anime in the West. With its detailed cyberpunk aesthetic, fluid animation, and dystopian themes, Akira showcased anime as a mature and serious storytelling medium. It influenced not only other anime but also Hollywood films like The Matrix and Blade Runner 2049.

4. Dragon Ball (1986) and Dragon Ball Z (1989)

Few anime have had as massive a cultural impact as Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z. Akira Toriyama’s saga popularized long-form shonen storytelling, epic battles, and transformation sequences. Its influence can be seen in later anime like Naruto, One Piece, and My Hero Academia.

5. Sailor Moon (1992)

Naoko Takeuchi’s Sailor Moon was a game-changer for the magical girl genre, blending action, friendship, and romance with strong female protagonists. It was one of the first anime to break into mainstream Western culture, inspiring countless adaptations and influencing the perception of female-led anime.

6. Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995)

A psychological deep dive into the human condition disguised as a mecha anime, Neon Genesis Evangelion redefined the genre by incorporating complex characters, existential dilemmas, and religious symbolism. Hideaki Anno’s work continues to influence anime creators and has sparked numerous debates and interpretations among fans.

7. Pokémon (1997)

More than just an anime, Pokémon is a global phenomenon that transcends generations. The franchise, originally a video game series, became an anime that introduced audiences worldwide to Japanese animation. Its impact on merchandising, pop culture, and global fandom remains unparalleled.

8. One Piece (1999 – Present)

With over 1,000 episodes and still ongoing, One Piece is one of the most successful and enduring anime series of all time. Eiichiro Oda’s masterpiece has revolutionized world-building, character development, and long-form storytelling, making it a pillar of the shonen genre.

9. Spirited Away (2001)

Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away brought Studio Ghibli to international fame, winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003. The film’s breathtaking animation, enchanting world, and profound themes of growth and resilience have made it a timeless classic.

10. Attack on Titan (2013 – 2023)

The recent global success of Attack on Titan has demonstrated anime’s ability to tell intense, high-stakes narratives that rival Western television dramas. With its gripping story, intricate political themes, and unpredictable plot twists, the series has captivated audiences worldwide and elevated anime’s reputation even further.

Final Thoughts about the Most Influential Japanese Anime Cartoons

Anime’s influence extends far beyond its Japanese roots, impacting global storytelling, animation, and popular culture. The titles listed above represent just a fraction of the anime that have shaped the industry and continue to inspire new generations of creators and fans alike. As anime evolves, its legacy only grows stronger, proving that these beloved series will remain cultural landmarks for years to come.

#1 Last Exile

Last Exile: Led by renowned director Koichi Chigira, Last Exile took place in the fictional world of Prester, where aerial vehicles dubbed as van ships were popular.

submitted by Joann McPike 22. December 2019, 02:18

#2 Cowboy Bebop

Cowboy Bebop: First shown in 1998, Cowboy Bebop is considered to be a Japanese animation masterpiece. It premiered in Japan in 1998 with a total of 26 episodes and was among the most influential anime shown in America because it tackled the philosophical concepts of existentialism, loneliness, and nihilism. It was also adapted into two manga series.

submitted by Joann McPike 22. December 2019, 02:11

#3 One Piece manga

One Piece is a manga series that was skillfully written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda. The first episode of this series was released on December 24, 1997, and was about a young man named Monkey D. Luffy, whose body turned into rubber after accidentally gobbling up a Devil’s Fruit. The story also revolved around the crew of pirates of Mr. Monkey Luffy called Straw Hat Pirates, who accompanied him as he explored the ocean in search of a treasure called One Piece.

submitted by Joann McPike 22. December 2019, 02:13

#4 Death Note

Death Note: One of the most mind-bending anime around, Death Note featured a high school student named Light Yagami who discovered a supernatural notebook dropped on earth by the god of death, Ryuk. This notebook granted its user the ability to kill anyone they could identify.

submitted by Joann McPike 22. December 2019, 02:16

#5 Planetes

Planetes is a Japanese hard science fiction manga created by Makoto Yukimura, Planetes was adapted from a television series broadcasted between 2003 and 2004. The story was about a team of space debris collectors that boarded the Toy Box debris ship in the year 2075 to prevent the destruction of Earth’s satellites.

submitted by Joe Rogan 24. December 2019, 02:15