Mental health is a complex and often delicate topic that has historically been overlooked or stigmatized in mainstream media.
However, as society becomes more open to discussing mental wellness, anime has emerged as a powerful medium to explore these issues thoughtfully.
By including characters who experience mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, these shows offer meaningful stories that resonate with viewers, whether to raise awareness or connect with those who can relate.
Even in anime with fantastical or otherworldly settings, the portrayal of mental health remains impactful.
These series often depict characters grappling with the weight of responsibility, isolation, or traumatic pasts, allowing them to explore the emotional depth and complexity of these struggles.
Through their stories, viewers witness the harsh realities of mental health issues, as well as the courage and resilience required to confront and overcome them.
Ultimately, anime serves as an effective platform for addressing mental health, offering both representation and understanding.
Whether through somber storylines or subtle messaging, these shows bring important conversations to the forefront, helping to reduce stigma and foster empathy.
In doing so, they not only entertain but also provide valuable insights into the varied experiences of mental wellness.
1) A Silent Voice
A Silent Voice is a deeply emotional film that explores the themes of bullying, cruelty, and the severe impact they can have on someone’s life, including leading some to consider suicide.
The story centers on Shoya, a middle school student who, along with others, bullied a deaf classmate named Shoko.
After being blamed and shunned for the bullying, Shoya faces a difficult journey of dealing with guilt, shame, and anxiety when he enters high school.
The film is especially significant because it tackles the serious issue of bullying, which is a widespread problem in Japan and globally.
It shows how young people can become entangled in social dynamics and judgment, leading to profound consequences.
A Silent Voice (Kyoto Animation)
As Shoya deals with his past actions and their effects on others, his feelings of self-loathing and depression intensify.
Despite the heavy themes, A Silent Voice offers moments of apology, repentance, and forgiveness.
It demonstrates that while the consequences of bullying can be severe, there are opportunities for growth and change.
Through its careful treatment of these themes, the film provides hope that even the most challenging situations can lead to personal development and healing.
2) Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion attracts viewers with its mix of psychological themes and mecha sci-fi elements, but it also profoundly impacts them with its exploration of childhood trauma, self-loathing, and depression.
When the series first aired in 1995, it was groundbreaking because mental health issues were not as widely discussed or understood as they are today.
The main character, Shinji, faces immense emotional struggles while handles a dystopian world as a mecha pilot.
His journey highlights the heavy burden of balancing personal mental health with societal expectations, revealing how depression, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy can deeply affect someone, especially at a young age.
Neon Genesis Evangelion (Gainax & Tatsunoko Production)
The series provides a powerful look at depression, showing how it can take hold and affect one’s life.
Through Shinji’s experiences, viewers gain a better understanding of mental health issues and the importance of addressing them.
Neon Genesis Evangelion opens up conversations about these challenges and encourages greater awareness and empathy towards mental health.
3) Death Parade
Death Parade explores deep moral questions, focusing on the complex nature of human emotions and the quest to understand each other.
The anime explores these intense themes through striking visuals and an episodic structure, delving into concepts of judgment, redemption, and the more shadowy aspects of human nature.
Rather than offering simple or happy resolutions, it takes an honest approach to difficult emotions, making the viewer reflect on the burdens people carry.
Through the stories of different characters, Death Parade becomes a powerful exploration of pain and suffering.
Death Parade (MADHOUSE)
Each episode reveals individual circumstances, showing how emotions like depression and despair can manifest in unique ways.
The series connects these experiences with universal feelings, making the characters’ struggles both relatable and deeply moving, despite their varied backgrounds and life choices.
The anime uses games and judgment to depict mental struggles, often leaning towards a cynical view of life’s challenges.
It doesn’t shy away from topics like suicide and death, but rather embraces them as central to its story.
Death Parade captures the complexity of mental health issues, offering a sincere portrayal of the battles people face and the emotional weight of their decisions.
4) Bocchi the Rock
Bocchi the Rock! centers on Hitori Bocchi Gotou, a high school student with severe social anxiety who dreams of becoming a rock musician.
Despite her shy and introverted nature, Bocchi joins a band called Kessoku Band and starts a journey of personal growth and building friendships.
The series highlights her struggle to overcome her anxiety while pursuing her dream of performing in front of others, set against the vibrant backdrop of the music scene.
The anime is heartwarming as it shows Bocchi’s efforts to face her fears and become more independent, even though she naturally tends to shy away from social situations.
Bocchi the Rock (CloverWorks)
It presents a realistic portrayal of anxiety, making it clear that isolation is not something to be celebrated, even though the show often uses humor.
This approach allows viewers to connect with Bocchi’s challenges and triumphs on a personal level.
Bocchi the Rock! has recently gained more attention through a series of compilation movies, which have helped boost its popularity.
The anime continues to resonate with audiences by addressing the common struggle of overcoming mental obstacles while striving to achieve one’s dreams, making it a relatable and endearing watch.
5) Fruits Basket
Fruits Basket is a touching and beautiful shojo anime that deals with various mental health issues like anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and depression.
The story follows several magical characters, each with their own complex backstories, showing how trauma and isolation impact their lives.
These struggles shape their future, illustrating how deeply personal experiences affect their well-being. Each character in the series carries their own unique past and emotional burdens, even though they share the same family name.
Fruits Basket (Studio DEEN)
Their individual experiences with trauma and their personal relationships reveal how differently they cope with their challenges.
The anime blends moments of love and humor with its darker themes, such as suicidal thoughts, jealousy, and violence, creating a nuanced portrayal of mental health.
Fruits Basket uses its characters’ struggles to highlight the importance of compassion and understanding.
By addressing difficult topics and showing the impact of past traumas, the series encourages viewers to approach themselves and others with kindness, aiming for recovery and happiness despite life’s hardships.
6) Welcome to the NHK
Welcome to the N.H.K. mixes humor with a serious look at the life of a shut-in. The main character, Tatsuhiro, struggles with severe social anxiety, causing him to avoid leaving his house.
His agoraphobia, or fear of being in situations where he might panic or feel embarrassed, severely impacts his social life and daily routines.
The story takes a turn when Tatsuhiro meets Misaki Nakahara, who tries to help him break free from his unhealthy habits.
Welcome to the NHK (GONZO)
While the anime includes comedic moments and interactions, it also addresses the darker side of social anxiety, showing how it can become a serious and harmful issue if not addressed.
The anime reflects the reality of social anxiety, which many people experience to different extents.
By presenting Tatsuhiro’s challenges, Welcome to the N.H.K. resonates with viewers who deal with similar issues, offering both an engaging story and a insight into the struggles faced by those with social anxiety.
7) Perfect Blue
Perfect Blue is a gripping psychological thriller by Satoshi Kon that explores themes of instability and fear. The film follows Mima Kirigoe, a pop star who decides to switch her career to acting.
This major change is met with resistance from some fans, and when a series of murders starts happening around her, Mima’s stress and anxiety spiral out of control, making it hard for her to distinguish between reality and illusion.
The film skillfully mixes fantasy and reality, focusing on Mima’s struggle with a fan’s obsession and her own deteriorating mental state.
Perfect Blue (MADHOUSE)
As she deals with increasing stress, fear, and trauma, her sense of identity becomes fragmented, leading to shocking and dramatic events.
This portrayal of dissociative identity disorder is both intense and compelling, reflecting her internal battle as her grip on reality weakens.
Perfect Blue also illustrates how mental health issues can become more severe under public scrutiny.
The film highlights how being in the spotlight can strip away privacy and individuality, amplifying personal struggles and making them more visible to the world.
It serves as a powerful example of how fame and pressure can impact mental well-being.
8) March Comes in Like a Lion
March Comes in Like a Lion is a touching drama about Kiriyama Rei, a high school student who is also a professional shogi player.
Living alone, Rei uses shogi to distance himself from others, interacting mainly with people from his shogi hall.
The series explores how depression can lead to isolation, showing how Rei’s avoidance and dissociation keep him from engaging with life fully.
Although the anime doesn’t explicitly discuss mental illness, it powerfully portrays the growing darkness that comes from feeling alone and insecure.
March Comes in Like a Lion (Shaft)
It shows how anxiety and depression can build up and become overwhelming without support or connections with caring individuals.
Rei’s struggle with perfectionism and self-criticism highlights the impact of these feelings on his mental well-being.
The series effectively illustrates the importance of self-compassion and finding support through unexpected encounters.
By showing Rei’s journey from isolation to self-acceptance, March Comes in Like a Lion offers a meaningful look at the challenges of mental health and the importance of reaching out and understanding oneself.
9) Orange
Orange is a realistic anime that explores themes of depression and suicidal thoughts, focusing on how these issues affect both individuals and those around them who might struggle to offer support.
The series examines the impact of actions and attitudes, the potential for change, and the hidden burdens people carry.
It uses a unique, time-twisting premise, but the emotional struggles it portrays are very real. In the story, the main characters receive letters from their future selves, urging them to prevent their friend Kakeru from ending his life.
Orange (Telecom Animation Film)
The anime shows various perspectives, depicting the severe depression and internal battles that lead Kakeru to consider suicide.
It highlights the challenges of dealing with such deep emotional pain and the struggle to find hope and help.
Orange provides a raw and honest look at the effects of depression, illustrating the profound impact it can have on individuals and their relationships.
Despite its fantastical elements, the series offers a sincere exploration of mental health issues and the importance of support and understanding.
10) Banana Fish
Banana Fish is a powerful series that deals with heavy topics like childhood trauma, sexual assault, depression, and PTSD.
The story follows Eiji Okamura, a kind-hearted young man from Japan who travels to the U.S. and meets Ash Lynx, a gang member trying to escape from a life of abuse and crime.
Their relationship highlights how encouragement and support from others can help people find happiness and make positive changes, even when facing their toughest challenges.
Banana Fish (MAPPA)
Ash endures a series of terrible situations where he is exploited and mistreated, showing how some people are forced to prioritize survival over their well-being.
The series illustrates the harsh reality that not everyone has access to the resources needed to heal from mental illness and trauma, making their struggles even more severe.
Though Banana Fish contains dark and triggering content, it moves viewers with its portrayal of deep connections formed in dire circumstances.
The anime presents a raw and emotional look at the impact of trauma and the difficult journey toward recovery, leaving a lasting impression on those who watch it.
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The results of the Top 3 “Best Quirk Ranking” from the My Hero Academia World Hero Popularity Poll were recently revealed, and the fan reaction was anything but unanimous approval.
In fact, to say that not everyone was happy with the results would be an understatement.
The top three Quirks that emerged victorious in the poll were Shoto Todoroki’s Half-Hot, Half-Cold Quirk at third place, Izuku Midoriya’s One For All coming in second, and Katsuki Bakugo’s Explosion Quirk claiming the top spot.
However, the fanbase didn’t universally celebrate Bakugo’s victory. Instead, it sparked a significant debate within the My Hero Academia community.
Katsuki Bakugo (Crunchyroll)
According to many fans, the series features a vast range of Quirks that are more unique and intriguing than the top three, particularly Bakugo’s Explosion.
This has led to questions about whether Bakugo’s win was truly due to the merit of his Quirk or if it was simply a reflection of his immense popularity as a character.
Bakugo Winning My Hero Academia’s “Best Quirk” Title Sparks Controversy Among Fans
Within the wide and different cast of My Hero Academia, Katsuki Bakugo undoubtedly stands out as one of the most popular and well-liked characters.
His popularity isn’t without reason Bakugo’s character arc throughout the series has been complex and compelling.
His Explosion Quirk, while seemingly simple at first glance, has been used in highly creative and dynamic ways.
Moreover, his character is morally intricate, with a tough exterior that masks a deep care for his friends.
Katsuki Bakugo And All Might (Crunchyroll)
Yet, despite Bakugo’s popularity, his victory in the Top 3 “Best Quirk Ranking” has left many fans questioning whether he truly deserves the title of having the “Best Quirk.”
The Explosion Quirk allows Bakugo to create powerful explosions from the nitroglycerin-like sweat secreted from the palms of his hands.
While it may sound straightforward, Bakugo has managed to extend the range and effectiveness of his Quirk far beyond its basic concept.
For instance, Bakugo has developed a unique set of abilities and powerful attacks derived from his Explosion Quirk.
These include techniques like the Stun Grenade, Howitzer Impact, AP Shot, and Cluster Bomb, among others.
His ability to innovate with his Quirk is impressive, but does it make his Quirk the best in the series? This is the question that many fans are grappling with.
Debate Among Fans: Is Bakugo’s Explosion Truly the Best?
The reveal of Bakugo’s win in the “Best Quirk” category didn’t sit well with a significant portion of the fanbase.
While there’s no denying that Bakugo’s Explosion is a versatile and powerful Quirk, many fans argue that it doesn’t necessarily make it the best Quirk in the series.
The My Hero Academia universe is filled with a many array of Quirks, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages.
Katsuki Bakugo Using Explosion (Crunchyroll)
Fans quickly pointed out that there are several other Quirks in the series that they believe outshine Bakugo’s Explosion in terms of creativity, versatility, and sheer power.
The question, then, is whether Bakugo’s victory in the Best Quirk Ranking was due to the inherent qualities of his Quirk or if it was simply a result of his overwhelming popularity as a character.
Fans Voice Their Displeasure
As one might expect, the reaction from the My Hero Academia fanbase was mixed, with many expressing frustration over Bakugo’s consistent dominance in polls.
Some fans went so far as to list a range of Quirks they believed were superior to Bakugo’s Explosion, questioning the legitimacy of his victory in the Best Quirk Ranking.
One fan voiced their confusion, saying, “Mind control? Spawning Any Item? Cloning Others? Super Intelligence? Copying Quirks? Like what are we talking about bro.” Another fan expressed their disbelief by saying, “Bakugou fans are just doing tricks on it atp. no way explosion is over ofa.” Yet another disgruntled fan lamented, “What’s the point of even doing these polls if they’re always going to choose based on how attractive the character is? And THAT same goddamn character is always going to be at the top?”
Let me preface this: I DO like Bakugo’s quirk and the way he utilizes it ….but how the hell do you see THIS and think “Explosion” is better https://t.co/00xngtGTE0 pic.twitter.com/i9fl3hhqvi — ZheroG (Gearshift Edition ⚙️🚗) (@glennster2363) August 21, 2024
There’s a sense that the polls have become predictable and that the same characters particularly Bakugo keep coming out on top, regardless of whether they truly deserve it.
Case Against the Top 3 Quirks
Interestingly, some fans argued that none of the top three Quirks in the Best Quirk Ranking truly deserved their positions.
In addition to questioning Bakugo’s Explosion, they also cast doubt on the inclusion of Todoroki’s Half-Hot, Half-Cold and Midoriya’s One For All in the top three.
These fans believe that there are other Quirks in the My Hero Academia universe that are more deserving of recognition.
One fan bluntly stated, “None of those should be top 3, it’s just a popularity ranking lmao.” Another fan echoed this sentiment, saying, “Bakugo is really taking the fun out of these polls, man.” A third fan chimed in with a resigned tone, “Is it really even a shock that Bakugo is first? I mean, dude wins every time.”
Bakugo From My Hero Academia (Bones)
Many fans feel that the Best Quirk Ranking, in particular, has become more of a popularity contest than a genuine assessment of the Quirks’ merits.
This has led to a growing sense of disillusionment with the polls, as fans feel that their favorite characters and Quirks are being overlooked in favor of the most popular characters.
Alternative Quirks Fans Believe Are Better
According to the fans, there are several Quirks in the My Hero Academia series that are far more deserving of the title of “Best Quirk” than Bakugo’s Explosion.
For example, Izuku Midoriya’s One For All is a Quirk with immense potential and a rich history, passed down from one hero to the next.
Its ability to stockpile power and transfer it to others makes it one of the most formidable Quirks in the series.
Another Quirk that fans believe is more deserving of the title is Hitoshi Shinso’s Brainwashing.
This Quirk allows Shinso to control the actions of anyone who responds to his voice, making it incredibly powerful in both combat and strategic situations.
Despite its limitations, Brainwashing is a Quirk with a lot of potential, and many fans feel it deserves more recognition.
Mirio Togata Katsuki Bakugo (Crunchyroll)
Momo Yaoyorozu’s Creation Quirk is another fan-favorite that often gets overlooked.
Creation allows Momo to produce any non-living object from her body, as long as she understands its molecular structure.
This Quirk is not only versatile but also requires a high level of intelligence and creativity to use effectively.
Fans appreciate the ingenuity that Momo brings to the battlefield with her Creation Quirk and believe it deserves a spot among the best.
Neito Monoma’s Copy Quirk is another strong contender. Copy allows Monoma to temporarily replicate the Quirk of anyone he touches, making him a wild card in any battle.
While it has its limitations such as the time constraint and the fact that Monoma can only copy one Quirk at a time Copy is still an incredibly powerful and versatile ability.
Fans argue that Monoma’s Quirk is more deserving of the top spot than Bakugo’s Explosion, as it has the potential to adapt to any situation.
Complexity of Ranking Quirks
The debate over Bakugo’s victory in the Best Quirk Ranking highlights the complexity of trying to rank Quirks in a series as different as My Hero Academia .
Each Quirk has its own strengths and weaknesses, and what makes a Quirk “the best” is often subjective.
Some fans might prioritize raw power, while others might value versatility, creativity, or strategic potential.
Bakugo’s Explosion Quirk is undoubtedly powerful and versatile, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best Quirk in the series.
Hawks And Endeavor From My Hero Academia (Crunchyroll)
For many fans, the best Quirk should be one that is unique, adaptable, and capable of turning the tide of battle in unexpected ways.
This is why Quirks like One For All, Brainwashing, Creation, and Copy are often mentioned as potential candidates for the top spot.
Role of Popularity in the Polls
One of the main criticisms of Bakugo’s victory is that it was more a result of his popularity as a character than the actual merits of his Quirk.
Bakugo is a character who has resonated with many fans due to his complex personality, character development, and dynamic fighting style.
However, this popularity can sometimes overshadow other characters and Quirks that might be more deserving of recognition.
The My Hero Academia World Hero Popularity Polls are, by nature, influenced by the fans’ preferences, and this can sometimes lead to results that don’t necessarily reflect the true quality of the characters or Quirks being ranked.
I mean was this ranking just popularity or actually saying which is stronger? — Zer0 (@Zer0_sums) August 21, 2024
While it’s understandable that popular characters like Bakugo would perform well in these polls, it’s also important to consider the impact this has on the final perception of the series.
When the same characters and Quirks consistently dominate the polls, it can create a sense of monotony and predictability.
Fans who prefer other characters or Quirks might feel discouraged from participating in the polls, leading to a less different range of opinions being represented.
This can ultimately affect the way the series is perceived by both fans and newcomers.
Enhancing Polls: More Criteria for Quirks
As My Hero Academia continues to grow in popularity, it’s likely that the debates over the results of the series’ various polls will continue as well.
Fans are passionate about their favorite characters and Quirks, and these discussions are a natural part of any fandom.
However, it’s also important for the polls to evolve in a way that reflects the variety of opinions within the fanbase.
One potential solution could be to introduce different categories or criteria for ranking Quirks.
For example, instead of a single “Best Quirk” category, the polls could include categories for the most powerful, most versatile, most creative, or most unique Quirk.
All For One And All Might (Crunchyroll)
This would allow a wider range of Quirks to be recognized and appreciated, rather than just the most popular ones.
Additionally, the polls could be conducted in a way that encourages more thoughtful and nuanced voting.
For example, fans could be asked to consider specific criteria when casting their votes, such as the Quirk’s potential in battle, its strategic value, or its final impact on the story.
This could lead to more types and interesting results, as fans would be encouraged to think more critically about their choices.
Ongoing Debate Over My Hero Academia’s Best Quirk
The controversy surrounding Bakugo’s victory in the My Hero Academia World Hero Popularity Poll is a testament to the passion and dedication of the series’ fanbase.
While not everyone agrees with the results, the discussions that have emerged from this debate highlight the richness and complexity of the My Hero Academia universe.
Bakugo’s Explosion Quirk is undoubtedly a powerful and versatile ability, but whether it truly deserves the title of “Best Quirk” is a matter of personal opinion.
My Hero Academia (Bones)
As the series continues to evolve and introduce new characters and Quirks, it’s likely that these debates will continue, with fans passionately defending their favorites.
Ultimately, the beauty of My Hero Academia lies in its variance. The series offers a wide range of characters and Quirks, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
Whether you prefer the raw power of One For All, the strategic potential of Brainwashing, the creativity of Creation, or the adaptability of Copy, there’s something in My Hero Academia for everyone.
And that, perhaps, is the true “Best Quirk” of the series the ability to bring together fans from all walks of life in a shared love for the world of heroes.
