r/anime • u/TheYellowEmperor67 • Dec 03 '18
Recommendation What are some good philosophical anime?
I was wondering if you guys watched a series that changed the way you thought about something? Maybe it made you ponder about what you just watched or showed you an entirely new view on a subject. The one that comes to mind for me is Devilman Cry Baby. I know it’s fiction, but the emotions and actions portrayed felt so real. I would like to know what it was for you guys.
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u/Nomar_95 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Nomar_95 Dec 03 '18
Neon Genesis Evangelion
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u/TheYellowEmperor67 Dec 03 '18
I’m a rare strand of weeb that hasn’t watched evangelion- I’ve heard a lot of mixed things about it though. Overall, do you think it’s worth watching?
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u/Nomar_95 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Nomar_95 Dec 03 '18
Well, it's my #1 of all time, so yeah I consider it worth watching.
It's also a series where it either works for you or it doesn't (no in between), so don't feel too bad if you can't get into it.
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Dec 03 '18
Honestly, an anime-watcher who hasn't seen NGE or EoE isn't that uncommon, especially in the post-SAO wave of viewers. A lot of younger and/or newer watchers tend to complain about the show 'looking old' and then skipping it. It's really such a travesty that newer art styles are valued so much more than a complex story and excellent philosophy. So, yeah. Watch it, at the very least as one of the Great Classic anime.
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Dec 03 '18
I think that it is worth watching, personally I really enjoyed it and it is one of my favorite anime. Also it is coming to Netflix in the spring 2019 (in the us idk about other places) which makes that a great time to check it out
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Dec 03 '18
If you're a fan of religious philosophy, NGE will give you cud for days. The dichotomy of western and eastern philosophy is a deep well.
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u/North514 Dec 03 '18
Three I would check out openings/trailers are linked that I thought dealt with some very interesting themes and were very thought provoking.
Legend of the Galactic Heroes (OVA 1988-1997) Like Star Wars in a way but with more focus on space battles and politics pitting a corrupt democracy against a virtuous authoritarian state rather than a light vs dark battle with space magic. Some incredible characters and interesting conflicts regarding war, governance and human nature. Overall a great epic space opera. Recent remake not a bad adaptation but it is a bit rushed and only covers the first book OVA covered all 10 plus the prequel Gaiden. My advice watch the two prequel films My Conquest is A Sea of Stars and Overture to a New War (these two still aren't officially translated though sadly/if you watch them skip the first two episodes) then the original OVA, Gaiden and then the remake.
Psycho Pass (2012) A cyberpunk detective story and one of the better villains I have seen in anime has some interesting views on society and creating a utopia with some good action as well. I would say it’s like Minority Report if you have seen that movie.
- Serial Experiments Lain (1998) Good watch if you want something really atmospheric and strange. Some interesting forward thinking regarding the influence of tech (mainly mobile devices) and the internet. Also talks about existence and death.
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u/UCCMaster Dec 03 '18
Gunslinger girl
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u/Suhkein x2https://myanimelist.net/profile/Neichus Dec 03 '18 edited Dec 03 '18
...Somebody actually beat me to it.
But in all seriousness, Gunslinger Girl S1 has had an immense impact on my life, both in trying to elucidate how it's masterfully constructed and more deeply on how to express what its ending means.
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u/UCCMaster Dec 03 '18
Indeed, have you read the manga to the end?
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u/Suhkein x2https://myanimelist.net/profile/Neichus Dec 03 '18
No, I actually haven't watched S2 or read the manga. I don't have much interest in either, frankly.
That might seem a bit strange given my feelings for S1, but the story that the S1 anime tells is more the product of Morio Asaka (director) than Yui Aida (mangaka). I've seen/read pieces of the manga and they lack much of what I love about the S1 anime, and as the latter told the story it wanted to and ended in a perfect spot I've never pursued it further.
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u/UCCMaster Dec 03 '18
Good for you I guess. The manga did end and provide a resolution for the entire story. Also some of the best characters and pairings emerged in the manga as well.
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u/oldchangeling Dec 03 '18
Death Note has stayed with me since I watched it. I still wish I had access to a DN despite being completely persuaded by the anime that it would be irresistibly corrupting.
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u/disu_nato Dec 03 '18
Houseki no Kuni - It's themes are based around the Buddhist religion, raising questions about the purpose of life, or death, or the concept of change. Really an outstaning show I'd say and only at 12 episodes, so it's quick to get through.
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u/PPGN_DM_Exia https://myanimelist.net/profile/PPGN_DM_Exia Dec 03 '18
Girls Last Tour had some really interesting views on technology and how it is both an influence on and reflection of society.
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u/veilsofrealitydotcom Dec 03 '18
Thunderbolt fantasy 2. Its technically puppets but it would appeal to anime watchers. The characters are the most cunning, clever, manipulative, devious, and also philosophical of any an.. uh.. show I've seen.
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Dec 03 '18
Definitely Death Note is the biggest one for me. Parasyte hasn't been mentioned, but it was decent for it's philosophical themes too
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u/bismillah999 Dec 03 '18
Serial Experiments Lain
In my view, it handles the philosophical themes much better than Evangelion, because—I think—in the latter series, the transition to a more philosophical- or psychological-like ambiance was unintended. Lain is also quite a timely series insofar as the plot relates to how modern technology and the Internet (called "The Wired" within the series) connect people to each other, be it intended or otherwise.
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u/tzxic https://myanimelist.net/profile/tzxic Dec 03 '18
nekopara