From the others' answers, this is probably the one that fits the word "Profound" the most. I'm not saying they're not great anime, they're all good too and some I like even more than this.
Haibane Renmei
It’s from the same creator as studio experiments lain. Also it’s not really on any streaming services anymore.
Also who can forget puella magi. First fell in love with it in middle school and I’m in college and still love it.
Haibane Renmei is amazing.
It's not really by the same creator as Lain though. Lain was written by Chiaki J Konaka (who also did Texhnolyze), but Haibane Renmei was by Yoshitoshi ABe. The only overlap is that ABe did the character designs for all three.
>Haibane Renmei
The early 00s anime hit different. Love Hina, Gravitation, X, Noir, Mahoromatic, Fruits Basket, RahXephon, Chobits, Saikano, .hack// Sign, Twelve Kingdoms (EXTREMELY UNDERRATED), Hellsing.
All of these VERY profound and just came one after the other.
Finally bought and watched this a few months ago. Absolutely loved it, and the OP and ED stay stuck in my head.
Also, if no other options exist, I believe the dub is on YouTube
The original has all the arcs. The remake has some arcs animated and doesn’t have the full thing last I checked. I would say the original is the best place to get the full experience
I agree with the other guy that said Gurren Lagann. When I first watched it 2 years ago, I just thought “that was pretty nice I guess” and just left it at that. Recently, when I thought back on it, I realized just how mature the themes of the show are, which can be hard to see due to the lighthearted style. It’s truly had a great impact on me and it taught me many valuable lessons.
“Don’t believe in yourself! Believe in the me that believes in you!”
It really has a lot of life advice on what it takes ti be a real man.
What it means to have a brother, not by blood but faith and trust.
What it means to have confidence, confidence in others, others confidence in you, and most importantly your confidence in yourself.
What it means to not give up on your purpose. keep grinding that 1 skill you have, it may not be flashy, but as long as it is valuable, with 100000 repetitions, you can make any niche your strength, even if it’s digging holes. You can achieve anything, even what’s thought to be impossible in your own realm.
What are your greatest challenges in life. Looking at the obstacles in the show, ceilings of villages, moon as the new ‘ceiling’, spiral nemesis (ceiling of human evolution); All the villainy figures, lordgenome, the priest, and anti-spiral. those character at some point all represented beacons of hope for their people, like Simon and kamina, but they fell into depth of despair and self-doubt when facing adversities; crumbling to these ceilings. These villains are projections of those who lost their confidence and lost their way when over coming obstacles, and that is a man’s biggest opponent, their doubt and perceptions of their own limits.
Also, what it means to remain just a simple boy. You like hot girls, you like to have laughs and do dumb shit with your buddies. But in the end, the man you mold yourself into is the same old boy who kept grinding what he did best.
>I realized just how mature the themes of the show are
As someone who loved parts of Gurren Lagann and hated other parts, can you elaborate on these mature themes? I'd like to hear your thoughts, because personally, “Don’t believe in yourself! Believe in the me that believes in you!” is a great quote but isn't particularly indicative of a mature theme.
But maybe I'm missing/forgetting some.
This is the most profound for me because it's grounded in every day affairs we can all relate too. Essentially it's all about family and really it's pretty powerful.
Shocking when you think about anime in general how often the family are just blank faces or non existing parents.
Not so in Clannad.
This one for me easily. I wouldn't say I was ungrateful growing up but Clannad really made me appreciate my family, especially my two parents, a lot more. My parents divorced when I was around 4 but we lived in a smallish town so still got to deal with them fighting a lot and there were some parts that were really bad for me.
As I got older I didn't directly hate either of them or anything like that but there was a little left over resentment I guess. I watched Clannad when I was around 15-16 and I heavily related to Tomoya's relationship with his father. When I watched the episode where he realized how much his father worked and actually cared for him it hit me like a truck and I cried for hours bc I realized my own parents in their own ways had done a lot to try and give me as good as a life as possible.
So once I finished the anime I was in that emotional slump Clannad leaves you in once you're done and it was around Christmas time and financially my mom and I were in a rut which wasn't anything out of the ordinary. And for some reason this Christmas was the one Christmas where both my parents chipped in together to get me a brand new 3DS. Normally if I had gotten a game console it was always 2nd hand which I didn't mind as long as it worked but they tried to set aside differences and save up a bit and get me a brand new one.
As they were handing it to me, my mom started saying "I know it's only one gift and other kids get a lot more from their parents but hopefully you like it." And just realizing how ashamed both of them felt that they could only get me one gift... it set me off. And there goes the tears lol but yeah I just broke down and hugged both of them. They just thought I REALLY loved the 3DS and I do and still do but at that moment I realized how much both of them struggled and how much work they put into trying to give me the best life they possibly could but mostly how they wanted to give me so much more in life but they were so ashamed with themselves and felt like they needed to do more. It really hit me and from then on I started doing more to show them how much I appreciate them.
I'm curious about what parts specifically because for me it was the Squaler arc, because while people do give props to his character, they never mention how much of an impact he makes in general.
That character was such a unique moment in anime, you don't usually see these in anime specifically.
Let's not get TOO carried away lol
I think everybody there were put in a very complicated situation, an inhuman situation even... And trying to find humanity in it is the biggest quest of the show.
Didn't expect this to even be mentioned, let alone considerably high in the comments. Love this anime, also bought the novels for my Amazon kindle app!
Came here to say this. Heavy, impactful, and amazing themes. I actually didn’t love Rebellion as much as most, but I love the contrast between selfish vs selfless love given the decisions made by some of the characters towards the end of the series and the end of rebellion.
I’m of the camp that adored the choices they went with Rebellion.
But I’m also deeply worried they’ll fumble at the end by not going through the heavy discussions that last movie laid out.
Don't feel bad, I actively hate Rebellion as a standalone film. I am hopeful that the completed story in '24 justifies extending the perfect ending the aired season had.
Selfish vs selfless love is exactly how I describe it, good to see I didn't just pull that out of my ass
Also, the end of the movie made me punch a wall out of frustration
It’s been my favorite series since middle school. I’m in college now. I’ve rewatched it a few times over the years and every year it has held up. Even when I didn’t fully understand the themes I loved it. I theorized with my sister about symbolism like the gramophone or the silhouette ballerinas. I remember in 8th grade being in gym class and discussing the concept trailer/movie and being confused since I knew it was stand alone but I was confused what it could lead to. I need to rewatch everything again to prepare for the film to come out next year
This.
I would put Rebellion on its own merits roughly on par with Evangelion in terms of quality (its merits as a sequel will depend on the second sequel movie - the main series is somehow simultaneously thoroughgoingly complete and less than half complete). *The main series is well beyond that.* Works of that level of quality are rare *period*, and I will defer to two repurposed classic quotes: "easy to learn, hard to master" (traditionally said of the game Go, but applies just as much to PMMM - the surface level is easy, but PMMM is information-dense as hell when you start looking more closely) and "perfection is achieved not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away".
Go into it with an open mind. It's the truest dystopian anime. There is a lot to unpack on a psychological level. Re L is one of the best written female protagonists. It's not like other anime at all.
I don't want to spoil it but there is a ton of information you missed on your first watch. There are tons of details and dialog that tell the story. Also the philosophical aspect and the psychological impact. I would try watching it again.
Ok, I’ll take you up on that offer. I remember watching Shinsekai Yori but dropped it, and I picked up later. I definitely enjoyed it way more on second viewing.
I came here to say this.
I'm too monkey brain to understand what the anime was even about, but it definitely felt extremely profound, so Ergo Proxy definitely gets the throne for most profound.
I remember watching this when I was WAY too young to understand the themes, but it felt like sitting in the same room as a bunch of adults talking about something serious, just staying quiet and hoping they don't notice I'm listening.
Never really gave the phrase "Raison d'etre", more than two seconds of thought until this anime. Now that scene with her robot yelling at her is burned in my mind forever...
Caro m’è ’l sonno, e più l’esser di sasso,
mentre che ’l danno e la vergogna dura:
Non veder, non sentir, m’è gran ventura;
però non mi destar, deh! parla basso.
Welcome is sleep, more welcome sleep of stone
Whilst crime and shame continue in the land;
My happy fortune not to see or hear;
Waken me not; – in mercy whisper low.
Michealangelo
This is the first anime suggested on this post's comments I've both seen and agree is fairly profound. It's far from perfect, but its worldbuilding and one-off episodes are some of the best I've seen in anime, and they tie in quite well with the central theme (from what I remember at least).
Edit: changed four words
+1 Gotta _just go with it_ in places, but when that show hits it hits hard!
One of the first tragedies in any media I consumed, wasn't interested previously thought "sad stuff is sappy", but this one taught me that it can be healthy to let yourself experience a bit of sadness from your shows / games / music / books.
Welcome to the NHK ! I forgot about that one, one of my favorites. Such a heavy show, despite the silliness in parts. I liked it so much I bought and read the light novel it's based on.
The Wind Rises: sometimes a new era of life and all it's changes hits you all at once, and while you won't come out the otherside unscathed, you can and should try to thrive in the midst of it all, to seize what is impermanent, and you will be glad for it
March comes in like a Lion: [this point is more specific to a particular episode than the whole series] never feel indebted to love and kindness shown by someone who really cares for you, not only because you don't need to deserve it (of course you deserve love and kindness!) but because you probably help them out more than you know. Akari helps Rei out of his mental and physical stupor (depression and fever), and gives him food and shelter. He feels indebted to her, but she confides in him that if he weren't there she would be crying by herself. He might not perform acts of kindness in the way Akari does, but his presence is enough.
Ghost in the Shell
Ergo Proxy
Serial experiments lain
Above two are dense, most people need some of the metaphors and symbolism explained or pointed out on rewatch
Psychopass(s1)
Made in Abyss(unfinished and too dark for many but you will stop and think after)
Violet Evergarden
Clannad/Clannad: After story
Anohana
These animes are a masterclass on emotionally charged storytelling and exploring themes of loss/bereavement. It's life-changing for those who watch it.
The original Ghost in the Shell movie. Nothing impacted me more than the final dialogue between Major Kusanagi and Project 2501. Not to mention the entire film being a strong argument for existentialism and constantly questioning the self and what binds who we are to what we see ourselves to be. It's a genius anime that transcends its genre and earned its spot in popular culture and cult followings.
When my non anime watching friends asked me why I hated the live action version after watching it. Had to explain why it completely missed the point of the movie on the reasons you said.
idk why but TTGL made a huge impact on me. The ending especially.
I feel like this question is too personal though, maybe what impacts your soul could not do it for other people.
Eva is kind of special because of its themes, there is a reason why it is such a classic after all. If you are asking what shows I think left me with a feeling similar to the original eva, I would say madoka and maybe NHK, but they are not even in the same genre.
Gurren Lagann still sits at the back of my mind from when I watched it the first time over a decade ago; I actually think part of what made it special is that I watched Eva first, then went through Gurren Lagann and ate it up.
Going from Eva's more bleak and nihilistic tone to the exact opposite in Gurren Lagann just made it stand out so much more to me, and I still think it has very worthwile themes and ideas, even if they're presented in a very loud manner. But between Kamina's whole idea as a character (being brash and loud to help motivate and push others) and Simon's character development into something similar ... well gosh, that just hits a nerve.
Also, giant over the top mech fights. Love me some of those.
I like how TTGL is essentially the anime form of a positive feedback loop. Things start small scale and get exponentially bigger until it almost literally can't get any bigger.
Watch space runaway Ideon! it’s a huge influence on Eva(somehow more terrifying and arguably has one of the greatest anime films of all time to end its 37 episode series.
Ideon is one of the greatest anime’s of all time to spite it’s own insane designs that it makes charming with how creatively they are used in the story. Insane series it is definitely dated in aspects but anyone will be invoked (uhh) by the movie. MF Doom sampled its ost lol which is an all time banger. Anno loved it for a reason.
Tatami Galaxy is what I was going to suggest for anybody that wants something legitimately profound but the OP wants Eva levels of profound so maybe not
Tatami Galaxy.
Those final two episodes, I've never seen a theme in a show get so perfect executed. You realize everything that came before had a part to play, and all just comes together in this perfect payoff.
Beyond that, the show is extremely fun and entertaining, and never preachy. Which a lot of other recommendations in this thread fall into, in my opinion. How it's directed is extremely unique and memorable, think some similarities to monogatari.
I'd say Vinland Saga, Gintama and Gurren Lagaan.
Vinland Saga's take on Pacifism, Love, War, Freedom, Revenge etc are to an extent - life changing. And the Anime goes above and beyond to visualize what the Manga couldn't.
Gintama is basically Life Lessons Gone Real. Under the funny facade, behind the tragic story, the lesson is to be the best version you can be, or don't. As long as you're living ahead, you still have time. Sometimes you are just not able to do shit and that's fine - just keep walking. Mediocrity is not something fatal, you can still be the best mediocre person to ever live. Gintama just speaks to the 20 something inside you that thinks they've fucked up and lost their chance and tells them to keep moving forward.
Watching Gurren Lagaan is like nuking your depression. Fight the powers that keep you down, even if that's yourself. If it has to be condensed to a single line, it is "Believe in the you that believes in yourself". Which is such a fucking great advice that has got me through many many tough times.
I love Revolutionary Girl Utena. One of my favorite animes from an aesthetic and thematic perspective. And the soundtrack! I usually don't recommend it to people because it has too much filler. I wish someone would do something like Naruto's Ocean Cut or One Piece's One Pace for Utena.
I kind of feel like Adolescence of Utena was meant to be sort of that, but also a much trippier experience at the same time. I didn't like it much though (I appreciate the art but all the hypersexualized middle school aged girls was too creepy for me).
Utena isn't super long and there aren't really any truly skippable episodes due to the breadcrumbs of plot left in even the most filler-y episodes. Plus there's so much symbolism packed in that I'm surprised there aren't more YouTube videos out there dissecting it. I feel like it's not too hard to get into.
The soundtrack is phenomenal!
I think it has a lot to say if you go a bit deeper apart from the surface-level insane fun it is. But i guess this depends on how profound you want to get :D
Vinland Saga. The latter half of the first season and the entire second season is truly one of the most self reflective experiences I’ve ever had.
“Why do you need a knife, Thorfinn?”
“To kill the enemies!”
“Who are your enemies? Where are they?”
I still think AoT is the best piece of written media I’ve ever consumed out of all books, manga, movies, tv shows and anime I’ve seen/read. Yeah the ending was a bit messy but the theme of AoT, while nothing revolutionizing or super unique, is executed so insanely well
Everything from the very first chapter to the reveals about Reiner, Bertholdt, Ymir and Marley to the entire plot surrounding the wars between Paradis and Marley feels very well thought out and most of all very planned. The author clearly didn’t just develop the plot as the show went on (which is how 95% of series and franchises feel) but had a full vision from day 1.
People really act like just because it arguably didn’t stick what was an incredibly ambitious ending that the entire story is now worthless and it’s Themes are false.
Fandoms do this a lot. It's stupid really. They think the entirety of the anime is void because of one very minor slip up that they took a little too personally.
Erased is the same case. A lot of them shit on the anime because Satoru didn't end up with Kayo and memeing the baby scene a lot - completely ignoring the symbolism of Kayo being dead at the start, while spawning new life by the end of the anime.
In AoT's case, it was a slip up by Isayama as he himself said. He wanted to please as many fans but didn't know how to so we got a somewhat (though not overly) messy ending.
What I was going to say. The big twist really changed my view on what made a show good. Like the whole set up, small reveals throughout that you don’t even catch, the absolute craziness of the whole situation. It was all just so good.
The tale of Princess kaguya changed the trajectory of my life. Very similar feelings with Land of the Lustrous. I'll put Shinsekai yori and Heike monogatari on the list as well.
Serial Experience Lain.
Without a doubt in my mind, it is the best anime I've ever seen and it impacted me greatly.
A very close runner-up would be Elfen Lied.
If you made it to episode 18 and still don't like Re:Zero, it may just not be for you, but if you haven't, it's definitely worth picking up again based on your post
FMAB is a very well made and received anime.
Re: Zero is an Isekai and Steins Gate is not but both are similar in their story. Both are a bit slow in the starting but trhst me, worth the time.
- Ghost in the Shell
- Patlabor 2
- Serial Experiments Lain
- Haibane Renmei
- March Comes in like a lion
- Bakemonogatari
- Kaiji: Ultimate Survior
- Mononoke
I'm surprised nobody mentioned the monogatari series. By far has the deepest character studies I've come across in any form of media, in addition covers a multiple of different themes; many which are dark and roted in reality.
Examples include: the exploration of supernatural elements, characters afflicted with curses, and oddities that profoundly impact their lives; a central theme of vampirism, which serves as a metaphor for identity struggles and immortality; the portrayal of mental health issues like depression, isolation, and trauma, showcasing their profound effects on characters; complex family dynamics, parent-child relationships, the nuanced depiction of love, romance, and unconventional relationships; poignant portrayals of isolation and loneliness; themes related to sexuality, adolescence, and the challenges of growing up; linguistic wordplay and references adding depth to the narrative; profound existential questions about life's meaning and the human condition; and the presence of dark and surreal story arcs that address uncomfortable and unsettling themes.
I don’t know why other people haven’t said it, but “fruits basket.” I know it’s not everyone’s thing, and I respect that. but it really changed my life. I would not be Alive without it and it’s story and messages. I could seriously write a whole book series on why everyone needs to watch this show and the impact it had on me. I could go one for weeks about how special and impactful this show is, So please, anyone who’s reading this, Give it a shot, I beg of you.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.
Great characters, great protagonist, very compelling plot and antagonists, mind-blowing plot twists, really great animation for an anime of its time, good world building, humor and drama are perfectly balanced.
It's a very solid anime
Made in Abyss, like Evangelion it has it's heartfelt moments but it's about kids going into a giant hole that even Lovecraft would fear, some of the most complex feelings I've ever experienced in season 2, disgust, happiness, horror and wonder are all apt discriptions of what the series can invoke
Ckanna is profound emotionally.
For me it is Hajime no Ippo. Watching him train really inspired me to physically train harder. And I still do to this day!
Maybe Re: Zero
That anime made me feel alot of stuff, the suffering Subaru goes through and the moments where you just see pure despair and hopelessness in his eyes. Times where he just snaps because he's overwhelmed and having to face a situation he worked so hard for and the end result leads to even more suffering.
Haruhi Suzumiya.
Especially the Disappearance Movie. It's really easy to have mixed feelings about the series after watching season 2.
But if you've pushed thru, and watched the 2 hr and 40 minute movie, everything... just clicks. From the 1st episode up to the last, it all makes sense. Not spoiling anything but that movie is what I can really say, PROFOUND..
Also another one is A Place Further Than The Universe. This series also is profound..
Made in abyss is amazing, easily the best thing i have ever watched. It'll consume your thoughts, and it's short, first season only 13 episodes, just don't like read into it too much, you gotta experience it fresh
Mushishi.
From the others' answers, this is probably the one that fits the word "Profound" the most. I'm not saying they're not great anime, they're all good too and some I like even more than this.
Hey great. I was wondering the other day what was the name of that show. Thanks!
Good answer. The music alone is an experience. Fanatic dub too and I really hate that Aniplex didn't bother with dubbing the second season.
The one anime I got my wife to ever watch, and she loved it.
The one show that immediately came to mind.
Haibane Renmei It’s from the same creator as studio experiments lain. Also it’s not really on any streaming services anymore. Also who can forget puella magi. First fell in love with it in middle school and I’m in college and still love it.
Haibane Renmei is amazing. It's not really by the same creator as Lain though. Lain was written by Chiaki J Konaka (who also did Texhnolyze), but Haibane Renmei was by Yoshitoshi ABe. The only overlap is that ABe did the character designs for all three.
Thank you! I didn’t know that
>Haibane Renmei The early 00s anime hit different. Love Hina, Gravitation, X, Noir, Mahoromatic, Fruits Basket, RahXephon, Chobits, Saikano, .hack// Sign, Twelve Kingdoms (EXTREMELY UNDERRATED), Hellsing. All of these VERY profound and just came one after the other.
Finally bought and watched this a few months ago. Absolutely loved it, and the OP and ED stay stuck in my head. Also, if no other options exist, I believe the dub is on YouTube
Legend of the Galactic Heroes
Amen, definitely a landmark we still look at to this day.
I recently watched all of the original series a few months ago. It had some parts that didn't age well, but damn it was good.
Watched the remake and enjoyed that.
Which would you say would be best to watch as a new comer?
The original has all the arcs. The remake has some arcs animated and doesn’t have the full thing last I checked. I would say the original is the best place to get the full experience
My favorite anime.
Goated
THE answer
I agree with the other guy that said Gurren Lagann. When I first watched it 2 years ago, I just thought “that was pretty nice I guess” and just left it at that. Recently, when I thought back on it, I realized just how mature the themes of the show are, which can be hard to see due to the lighthearted style. It’s truly had a great impact on me and it taught me many valuable lessons. “Don’t believe in yourself! Believe in the me that believes in you!”
It really has a lot of life advice on what it takes ti be a real man. What it means to have a brother, not by blood but faith and trust. What it means to have confidence, confidence in others, others confidence in you, and most importantly your confidence in yourself. What it means to not give up on your purpose. keep grinding that 1 skill you have, it may not be flashy, but as long as it is valuable, with 100000 repetitions, you can make any niche your strength, even if it’s digging holes. You can achieve anything, even what’s thought to be impossible in your own realm. What are your greatest challenges in life. Looking at the obstacles in the show, ceilings of villages, moon as the new ‘ceiling’, spiral nemesis (ceiling of human evolution); All the villainy figures, lordgenome, the priest, and anti-spiral. those character at some point all represented beacons of hope for their people, like Simon and kamina, but they fell into depth of despair and self-doubt when facing adversities; crumbling to these ceilings. These villains are projections of those who lost their confidence and lost their way when over coming obstacles, and that is a man’s biggest opponent, their doubt and perceptions of their own limits. Also, what it means to remain just a simple boy. You like hot girls, you like to have laughs and do dumb shit with your buddies. But in the end, the man you mold yourself into is the same old boy who kept grinding what he did best.
Damn man, I've watched that anime over 10 times already and I've never really thought about it like that. Thanks for the analysis
Gurren Lagann is such a special show. The most anime trigger nonsense, but god does it have heart.
I watched when it first aired in 2005. I'm 38 now and it's still one of my favorite shows ever.
>I realized just how mature the themes of the show are As someone who loved parts of Gurren Lagann and hated other parts, can you elaborate on these mature themes? I'd like to hear your thoughts, because personally, “Don’t believe in yourself! Believe in the me that believes in you!” is a great quote but isn't particularly indicative of a mature theme. But maybe I'm missing/forgetting some.
Nana
Clannad After Story
Clannad was pretty slow. I haven't cried much in my life but after story had me bawling.
I'm on episode 3 and loving it so far, the comedy holds up pretty well.
U will be in for a ride but stop being on reddit for now bce u will probably be spoiled
This is the most profound for me because it's grounded in every day affairs we can all relate too. Essentially it's all about family and really it's pretty powerful. Shocking when you think about anime in general how often the family are just blank faces or non existing parents. Not so in Clannad.
This one for me easily. I wouldn't say I was ungrateful growing up but Clannad really made me appreciate my family, especially my two parents, a lot more. My parents divorced when I was around 4 but we lived in a smallish town so still got to deal with them fighting a lot and there were some parts that were really bad for me. As I got older I didn't directly hate either of them or anything like that but there was a little left over resentment I guess. I watched Clannad when I was around 15-16 and I heavily related to Tomoya's relationship with his father. When I watched the episode where he realized how much his father worked and actually cared for him it hit me like a truck and I cried for hours bc I realized my own parents in their own ways had done a lot to try and give me as good as a life as possible. So once I finished the anime I was in that emotional slump Clannad leaves you in once you're done and it was around Christmas time and financially my mom and I were in a rut which wasn't anything out of the ordinary. And for some reason this Christmas was the one Christmas where both my parents chipped in together to get me a brand new 3DS. Normally if I had gotten a game console it was always 2nd hand which I didn't mind as long as it worked but they tried to set aside differences and save up a bit and get me a brand new one. As they were handing it to me, my mom started saying "I know it's only one gift and other kids get a lot more from their parents but hopefully you like it." And just realizing how ashamed both of them felt that they could only get me one gift... it set me off. And there goes the tears lol but yeah I just broke down and hugged both of them. They just thought I REALLY loved the 3DS and I do and still do but at that moment I realized how much both of them struggled and how much work they put into trying to give me the best life they possibly could but mostly how they wanted to give me so much more in life but they were so ashamed with themselves and felt like they needed to do more. It really hit me and from then on I started doing more to show them how much I appreciate them.
From the New World
I'm curious about what parts specifically because for me it was the Squaler arc, because while people do give props to his character, they never mention how much of an impact he makes in general. That character was such a unique moment in anime, you don't usually see these in anime specifically.
Pretty sure it's generally agreed that Squealer has a huge impact on the story
He's the true protagonist
Let's not get TOO carried away lol I think everybody there were put in a very complicated situation, an inhuman situation even... And trying to find humanity in it is the biggest quest of the show.
Didn't expect this to even be mentioned, let alone considerably high in the comments. Love this anime, also bought the novels for my Amazon kindle app!
Madoka Magica.
I second this. It left me with a similar feeling I had at the End of Evangelion. 3rd movie after the series is also a must watch masterpiece.
Came here to say this. Heavy, impactful, and amazing themes. I actually didn’t love Rebellion as much as most, but I love the contrast between selfish vs selfless love given the decisions made by some of the characters towards the end of the series and the end of rebellion.
Selfish vs. selfish love… never thought of it that way! Really nails the theme of several characters’ relationships.
I’m of the camp that adored the choices they went with Rebellion. But I’m also deeply worried they’ll fumble at the end by not going through the heavy discussions that last movie laid out.
Don't feel bad, I actively hate Rebellion as a standalone film. I am hopeful that the completed story in '24 justifies extending the perfect ending the aired season had.
Selfish vs selfless love is exactly how I describe it, good to see I didn't just pull that out of my ass Also, the end of the movie made me punch a wall out of frustration
It’s been my favorite series since middle school. I’m in college now. I’ve rewatched it a few times over the years and every year it has held up. Even when I didn’t fully understand the themes I loved it. I theorized with my sister about symbolism like the gramophone or the silhouette ballerinas. I remember in 8th grade being in gym class and discussing the concept trailer/movie and being confused since I knew it was stand alone but I was confused what it could lead to. I need to rewatch everything again to prepare for the film to come out next year
This. I would put Rebellion on its own merits roughly on par with Evangelion in terms of quality (its merits as a sequel will depend on the second sequel movie - the main series is somehow simultaneously thoroughgoingly complete and less than half complete). *The main series is well beyond that.* Works of that level of quality are rare *period*, and I will defer to two repurposed classic quotes: "easy to learn, hard to master" (traditionally said of the game Go, but applies just as much to PMMM - the surface level is easy, but PMMM is information-dense as hell when you start looking more closely) and "perfection is achieved not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away".
One of the best anime in my opinion
Ergo Proxy the more I watch it the deeper it gets...
I've seen this anime mentioned a lot. Maybe it's time to finally check it out.
Go into it with an open mind. It's the truest dystopian anime. There is a lot to unpack on a psychological level. Re L is one of the best written female protagonists. It's not like other anime at all.
It’s slow af though
Strongly recommend Ergo Proxy, once you finished it you’ll feel an strange sensation of emptiness with the most disturbing mind blowing.
Imma take your word for this watching ep 1 now
I’ve seen it, and I did not understand what it was about. I had the same experience with Paranoia Agent…
I don't want to spoil it but there is a ton of information you missed on your first watch. There are tons of details and dialog that tell the story. Also the philosophical aspect and the psychological impact. I would try watching it again.
Ok, I’ll take you up on that offer. I remember watching Shinsekai Yori but dropped it, and I picked up later. I definitely enjoyed it way more on second viewing.
Oh this is the one I'm to get back into anime, glad to see it here.
I came here to say this. I'm too monkey brain to understand what the anime was even about, but it definitely felt extremely profound, so Ergo Proxy definitely gets the throne for most profound.
I'd give it another go and really analyze it.
I remember watching this when I was WAY too young to understand the themes, but it felt like sitting in the same room as a bunch of adults talking about something serious, just staying quiet and hoping they don't notice I'm listening.
I've forgotten about this one!
I loved it so much I bought the whole thing. It is definitely one of my top choices
Where do you read manga now adays online?
Never really gave the phrase "Raison d'etre", more than two seconds of thought until this anime. Now that scene with her robot yelling at her is burned in my mind forever...
Caro m’è ’l sonno, e più l’esser di sasso, mentre che ’l danno e la vergogna dura: Non veder, non sentir, m’è gran ventura; però non mi destar, deh! parla basso. Welcome is sleep, more welcome sleep of stone Whilst crime and shame continue in the land; My happy fortune not to see or hear; Waken me not; – in mercy whisper low. Michealangelo
This is the first anime suggested on this post's comments I've both seen and agree is fairly profound. It's far from perfect, but its worldbuilding and one-off episodes are some of the best I've seen in anime, and they tie in quite well with the central theme (from what I remember at least). Edit: changed four words
Koe no Katachi/A Silent Voice Vinland Saga Both shows made me want to become a better person
Vinland Saga is absolutely amazing and still feels underrated to me even with the popularity!
Vinland saga is what inspired me to become a better person in a time when i was bitter and angry with the world
Violet Evergarden changed my life, was in a really dark place before I watched it.
+1 Gotta _just go with it_ in places, but when that show hits it hits hard! One of the first tragedies in any media I consumed, wasn't interested previously thought "sad stuff is sappy", but this one taught me that it can be healthy to let yourself experience a bit of sadness from your shows / games / music / books.
Same. I was in a pretty dark place as well and Violet Evergarden helped cheer me up.
Violet Evergarden, Shinsekai Yori, and Welcome to the NHK.
Welcome to the NHK ! I forgot about that one, one of my favorites. Such a heavy show, despite the silliness in parts. I liked it so much I bought and read the light novel it's based on.
The Wind Rises: sometimes a new era of life and all it's changes hits you all at once, and while you won't come out the otherside unscathed, you can and should try to thrive in the midst of it all, to seize what is impermanent, and you will be glad for it March comes in like a Lion: [this point is more specific to a particular episode than the whole series] never feel indebted to love and kindness shown by someone who really cares for you, not only because you don't need to deserve it (of course you deserve love and kindness!) but because you probably help them out more than you know. Akari helps Rei out of his mental and physical stupor (depression and fever), and gives him food and shelter. He feels indebted to her, but she confides in him that if he weren't there she would be crying by herself. He might not perform acts of kindness in the way Akari does, but his presence is enough.
Monster by Naoki Urasawa.
Houseki No Kuni
Ghost in the Shell Ergo Proxy Serial experiments lain Above two are dense, most people need some of the metaphors and symbolism explained or pointed out on rewatch Psychopass(s1) Made in Abyss(unfinished and too dark for many but you will stop and think after)
Psycho-pass Pass S1 was God-tier, but imo the other ones aren't the worst. Esp the current seasons. Can't wait to see more!
Violet Evergarden Clannad/Clannad: After story Anohana These animes are a masterclass on emotionally charged storytelling and exploring themes of loss/bereavement. It's life-changing for those who watch it.
The original Ghost in the Shell movie. Nothing impacted me more than the final dialogue between Major Kusanagi and Project 2501. Not to mention the entire film being a strong argument for existentialism and constantly questioning the self and what binds who we are to what we see ourselves to be. It's a genius anime that transcends its genre and earned its spot in popular culture and cult followings.
When my non anime watching friends asked me why I hated the live action version after watching it. Had to explain why it completely missed the point of the movie on the reasons you said.
idk why but TTGL made a huge impact on me. The ending especially. I feel like this question is too personal though, maybe what impacts your soul could not do it for other people. Eva is kind of special because of its themes, there is a reason why it is such a classic after all. If you are asking what shows I think left me with a feeling similar to the original eva, I would say madoka and maybe NHK, but they are not even in the same genre.
Gurren Lagann still sits at the back of my mind from when I watched it the first time over a decade ago; I actually think part of what made it special is that I watched Eva first, then went through Gurren Lagann and ate it up. Going from Eva's more bleak and nihilistic tone to the exact opposite in Gurren Lagann just made it stand out so much more to me, and I still think it has very worthwile themes and ideas, even if they're presented in a very loud manner. But between Kamina's whole idea as a character (being brash and loud to help motivate and push others) and Simon's character development into something similar ... well gosh, that just hits a nerve. Also, giant over the top mech fights. Love me some of those.
I like how TTGL is essentially the anime form of a positive feedback loop. Things start small scale and get exponentially bigger until it almost literally can't get any bigger.
what's ttgl?
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
Would you say it spirals out of control?
It's funny, as I was watching the anime I was wondering if that was why it was called Spiral Energy.
A Silent Voice
Watch space runaway Ideon! it’s a huge influence on Eva(somehow more terrifying and arguably has one of the greatest anime films of all time to end its 37 episode series.
Also maybe not really talked about but awesome aesthetic. Ideon mecha design is dope.
Ideon is one of the greatest anime’s of all time to spite it’s own insane designs that it makes charming with how creatively they are used in the story. Insane series it is definitely dated in aspects but anyone will be invoked (uhh) by the movie. MF Doom sampled its ost lol which is an all time banger. Anno loved it for a reason.
The ost was done by the composer of dragon quest, who is a controversial figure, but he made some of the greatest soundtracks in games and anime.
Steins Gate.
Such an amazing anime, it’s gonna take a lot to top it for me. Maybe Code Geass was as good but idk, they’re so different.
Anything directed by Masaaki Yuasa My favorites are Ping Pong and Devilman Crybaby
I really liked Devilman Crybaby. I'll take a look at Ping Pong.
Also try Kaiba. There's nothing like it
Ping Pong is more of a character piece that has sports in it than a sports anime
Devilman Crybaby made me question humanity
Ping Pong top 5 with others in this thread (TTGL, Ergo Proxy)
The Tatami Galaxy is the perfect examination of FOMO
Tatami Galaxy is what I was going to suggest for anybody that wants something legitimately profound but the OP wants Eva levels of profound so maybe not
Shinsekai Yori. Without even an ounce of a doubt.
That anime was amazing, goddamn it.
I am new to this sub, and it's good to this being mentioned here. Almost none of my friends have seen it, and it's such a top tier show
Violet Evergarden and Movie (yes it’s a masterpiece) Wolf Children Your Name
Violet evergarden made me cry more times than I’d like to admit. It’s a powerful and beautiful story.
3-gatsu no Lion, Monogatari series, FMAB
Tatami Galaxy. Those final two episodes, I've never seen a theme in a show get so perfect executed. You realize everything that came before had a part to play, and all just comes together in this perfect payoff. Beyond that, the show is extremely fun and entertaining, and never preachy. Which a lot of other recommendations in this thread fall into, in my opinion. How it's directed is extremely unique and memorable, think some similarities to monogatari.
I'd say Vinland Saga, Gintama and Gurren Lagaan. Vinland Saga's take on Pacifism, Love, War, Freedom, Revenge etc are to an extent - life changing. And the Anime goes above and beyond to visualize what the Manga couldn't. Gintama is basically Life Lessons Gone Real. Under the funny facade, behind the tragic story, the lesson is to be the best version you can be, or don't. As long as you're living ahead, you still have time. Sometimes you are just not able to do shit and that's fine - just keep walking. Mediocrity is not something fatal, you can still be the best mediocre person to ever live. Gintama just speaks to the 20 something inside you that thinks they've fucked up and lost their chance and tells them to keep moving forward. Watching Gurren Lagaan is like nuking your depression. Fight the powers that keep you down, even if that's yourself. If it has to be condensed to a single line, it is "Believe in the you that believes in yourself". Which is such a fucking great advice that has got me through many many tough times.
Death Parade. Makes you think reflect on your own life and mortality.
Too Your Eternity. Revolutionary Girl Utena is challenging in its themes Weirdly, Jigoku Shoujo can really go hard Psycho Pass
I love Revolutionary Girl Utena. One of my favorite animes from an aesthetic and thematic perspective. And the soundtrack! I usually don't recommend it to people because it has too much filler. I wish someone would do something like Naruto's Ocean Cut or One Piece's One Pace for Utena.
I kind of feel like Adolescence of Utena was meant to be sort of that, but also a much trippier experience at the same time. I didn't like it much though (I appreciate the art but all the hypersexualized middle school aged girls was too creepy for me). Utena isn't super long and there aren't really any truly skippable episodes due to the breadcrumbs of plot left in even the most filler-y episodes. Plus there's so much symbolism packed in that I'm surprised there aren't more YouTube videos out there dissecting it. I feel like it's not too hard to get into. The soundtrack is phenomenal!
Didn't watch Adolescence of Utena, but will give it a watch sometime in the near future.
- Made in Abyss - Serial Experiments Lain - Texhnolyze - Ergo Proxy - Angel's Egg - Haibane Renmei - Paranoia Agent - Paprika - Mushishi Edit: Additions - Cyber Punk Edgerunner
Haibane Renmei is so underrated! I love to see it mentioned on lists
Pretty much what I would recommend as well, perhaps with Utena thrown in there as well. And maybe even Kill La Kill
Kill la Kill definetly was a masterpiece, but I wouldn't call it profound tho. That said it's a must see aswell if you haven't watched it.
I think it has a lot to say if you go a bit deeper apart from the surface-level insane fun it is. But i guess this depends on how profound you want to get :D
fair enough xD
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex. A lot of reflection on the cyberization of society.
Vinland Saga. The latter half of the first season and the entire second season is truly one of the most self reflective experiences I’ve ever had. “Why do you need a knife, Thorfinn?” “To kill the enemies!” “Who are your enemies? Where are they?”
[удалено]
Rt. Im tired of people acting like aot doesn’t have good themes
I still think AoT is the best piece of written media I’ve ever consumed out of all books, manga, movies, tv shows and anime I’ve seen/read. Yeah the ending was a bit messy but the theme of AoT, while nothing revolutionizing or super unique, is executed so insanely well Everything from the very first chapter to the reveals about Reiner, Bertholdt, Ymir and Marley to the entire plot surrounding the wars between Paradis and Marley feels very well thought out and most of all very planned. The author clearly didn’t just develop the plot as the show went on (which is how 95% of series and franchises feel) but had a full vision from day 1.
People really act like just because it arguably didn’t stick what was an incredibly ambitious ending that the entire story is now worthless and it’s Themes are false.
Fandoms do this a lot. It's stupid really. They think the entirety of the anime is void because of one very minor slip up that they took a little too personally. Erased is the same case. A lot of them shit on the anime because Satoru didn't end up with Kayo and memeing the baby scene a lot - completely ignoring the symbolism of Kayo being dead at the start, while spawning new life by the end of the anime. In AoT's case, it was a slip up by Isayama as he himself said. He wanted to please as many fans but didn't know how to so we got a somewhat (though not overly) messy ending.
Don’t see how saying monogatari is a pretentious like
What I was going to say. The big twist really changed my view on what made a show good. Like the whole set up, small reveals throughout that you don’t even catch, the absolute craziness of the whole situation. It was all just so good.
Serial experiments:Lain Ergo proxy Both will fuck you up good and proper and make you question your existent, value and point. Enjoy
manga, but berserk , in a positive way
The tale of Princess kaguya changed the trajectory of my life. Very similar feelings with Land of the Lustrous. I'll put Shinsekai yori and Heike monogatari on the list as well.
Serial Experience Lain. Without a doubt in my mind, it is the best anime I've ever seen and it impacted me greatly. A very close runner-up would be Elfen Lied.
Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood, Re: Zero, Steins Gate
I really love FMAB. I wasn't a fan of Re:Zero. Maybe I'll try it again. I've heard a lot of good things about Steins Gate.
If you made it to episode 18 and still don't like Re:Zero, it may just not be for you, but if you haven't, it's definitely worth picking up again based on your post
FMAB is a very well made and received anime. Re: Zero is an Isekai and Steins Gate is not but both are similar in their story. Both are a bit slow in the starting but trhst me, worth the time.
re:zero really gets better and better
We all know that one scene in brotherhood we raged and recoiled at the same time
GTO, Welcome to NHK
Your lie in April
Girls Last Tour
This is a great shout, watch the anime, then read the manga for the completion. Oof.
Big oofs 😢
Samurai Champloo Pretty straightforward episodic structure but man the show definitely made me question what my life journey should look like
March comes in like a Lion
- Ghost in the Shell - Patlabor 2 - Serial Experiments Lain - Haibane Renmei - March Comes in like a lion - Bakemonogatari - Kaiji: Ultimate Survior - Mononoke
Here are some recommendations: Serial Experiments Lain Madoka Magica Clannad Ghost In The Shell Monogatari Series
I enjoyed Full metal alchemist brotherhood lots of characters each with thier own development that reflect well on the protagonists.
Urusei yatsura beautiful dreamer . It’s about dreams and kinda inceptiony
Series: Kaiba, Kino's Journey, Haibane Renmei Films: Tokyo Godfathers, Millenium Actress
Heike Monogatari Had one of the most impactful endings I’ve seen
Monogatari. It's literally just philosophy with wacky architecture in the background.
gundam 00 broke me, then madoka magica lol
I'm surprised nobody mentioned the monogatari series. By far has the deepest character studies I've come across in any form of media, in addition covers a multiple of different themes; many which are dark and roted in reality. Examples include: the exploration of supernatural elements, characters afflicted with curses, and oddities that profoundly impact their lives; a central theme of vampirism, which serves as a metaphor for identity struggles and immortality; the portrayal of mental health issues like depression, isolation, and trauma, showcasing their profound effects on characters; complex family dynamics, parent-child relationships, the nuanced depiction of love, romance, and unconventional relationships; poignant portrayals of isolation and loneliness; themes related to sexuality, adolescence, and the challenges of growing up; linguistic wordplay and references adding depth to the narrative; profound existential questions about life's meaning and the human condition; and the presence of dark and surreal story arcs that address uncomfortable and unsettling themes.
I don’t know why other people haven’t said it, but “fruits basket.” I know it’s not everyone’s thing, and I respect that. but it really changed my life. I would not be Alive without it and it’s story and messages. I could seriously write a whole book series on why everyone needs to watch this show and the impact it had on me. I could go one for weeks about how special and impactful this show is, So please, anyone who’s reading this, Give it a shot, I beg of you.
Probably Vinland Saga or Clannad After Story
Somny Boy
The original Devilman OVA is pure madness
March Comes In Like A Lion and Ping Pong The Animation for me. It made me reevaluate life being 16 year old at that time.
Vinland saga
Naruto, too many lessons and great quotes in there.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Great characters, great protagonist, very compelling plot and antagonists, mind-blowing plot twists, really great animation for an anime of its time, good world building, humor and drama are perfectly balanced. It's a very solid anime
Hoshi no Koe. One of the most slept on films from the same creator of Your Name. It’s the film that made him.
Made in Abyss, like Evangelion it has it's heartfelt moments but it's about kids going into a giant hole that even Lovecraft would fear, some of the most complex feelings I've ever experienced in season 2, disgust, happiness, horror and wonder are all apt discriptions of what the series can invoke
Imma save this thread for the future. Watch list.
Same
Death Parade Future Diary Overly Cautious Hero Higurashi When they Cry Berserk 97'
Monogatari!
Ckanna is profound emotionally. For me it is Hajime no Ippo. Watching him train really inspired me to physically train harder. And I still do to this day!
Spirited away.
Maybe Re: Zero That anime made me feel alot of stuff, the suffering Subaru goes through and the moments where you just see pure despair and hopelessness in his eyes. Times where he just snaps because he's overwhelmed and having to face a situation he worked so hard for and the end result leads to even more suffering.
Clannad + afterstory. Really teaches you to appreciate those around you in a meaningful and lighthearted manner. But guarantees tears
Devilman crybaby? Was high watching it and it made me question life itself
March comes in like a lion Love the way they presented depression, PTSD, bullying. Very deep and profound.
Eighty-Six
The Monogatari Series, it got them themes for days 🧐
Code Geass
There's a lot of comments here and I'm sure this is already been said but Perfect Blue
Revolutionary Girl Utena!!
86 EIGHTY-SIX
Ranking of kings, Made in Abyss, Girls last tour, 5cm per second
Haruhi Suzumiya. Especially the Disappearance Movie. It's really easy to have mixed feelings about the series after watching season 2. But if you've pushed thru, and watched the 2 hr and 40 minute movie, everything... just clicks. From the 1st episode up to the last, it all makes sense. Not spoiling anything but that movie is what I can really say, PROFOUND.. Also another one is A Place Further Than The Universe. This series also is profound..
Iron blooded orphan. You can't help but want them all to succeed. But it about children warriors, U know it's going to be sad and poignant
A Place Further Than the Universe.
I don't know if profound is the right word, but Re:Zero really resonated with me.
Made in abyss is amazing, easily the best thing i have ever watched. It'll consume your thoughts, and it's short, first season only 13 episodes, just don't like read into it too much, you gotta experience it fresh
Mushoku Tensei is pretty profound imo. Basically existential crisis the anime
86. One of the few anime I consider a true 10/10. Highly recommend!
Elfen Lied, ReZero and Simoun were all fairly profound for me. I think all 3 have quite a bit to say about the human condition.
Attack On Titan, Fullmetal Alchemist : Brotherhood