What falls under anime?

"Anime" refers to a style of animation that originated in Japan but has since become popular worldwide. It encompasses a broad range of genres, themes, and formats, and it includes not just animated series, but also films, OVAs (Original Video Animations), and even manga (Japanese comics or graphic novels). The key element that defines anime is its distinctive animation style, which often features vibrant colors, exaggerated facial expressions, and detailed character designs.

Here’s what generally falls under the umbrella of "anime":

1. Anime Series

• TV Shows: These are episodic shows that air on TV or streaming platforms. They can range from a few episodes to hundreds of episodes, depending on the series.
  • Examples: Naruto, One Piece, Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia.
• Genres: Anime series span a wide variety of genres, such as action, romance, fantasy, slice-of-life, horror, drama, science fiction, etc.
  • Popular genres include:
    • Shounen: Targeted primarily at young male audiences (e.g., Dragon Ball, Bleach).
    • Shoujo: Aimed at young female audiences (e.g., Sailor Moon, Fruits Basket).
    • Seinen: Targeted at adult male audiences, often darker or more mature in content (e.g., Berserk, Ghost in the Shell).
    • Josei: Targeted at adult female audiences, usually with more mature, realistic themes (e.g., Nana, Paradise Kiss).

2. Anime Films

• Movies: Anime films are standalone movies or movie adaptations of anime series. They can be of any genre and may vary from highly artistic, thought-provoking films to mainstream action-packed blockbusters.
  • Examples: Spirited Away, Your Name, My Neighbor Totoro, Akira.
• Studio Ghibli Films: A special category of anime films produced by Studio Ghibli, known for their breathtaking animation and deep storytelling (e.g., Princess Mononoke, Howl's Moving Castle).

3. OVAs (Original Video Animations)

• OVAs are anime released directly to home video rather than airing on television. They often have higher production quality and can be shorter than traditional TV episodes.
  • Examples: Hellsing Ultimate, Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth, Cowboy Bebop: The Movie.

4. Manga

• Manga refers to Japanese comic books or graphic novels that are often adapted into anime. It’s a huge part of the anime ecosystem and many anime shows are based on manga series.
  • Examples: Naruto, Attack on Titan, Tokyo Ghoul.
• Manga is typically published in weekly or monthly magazines and is then compiled into volumes. It covers all kinds of genres, including those similar to anime (action, romance, fantasy, horror).

5. Light Novels

• These are written works that are often illustrated and serve as the source material for many anime series. They are typically aimed at young adult readers and feature a combination of text and illustrations.
  • Examples: Sword Art Online, Re:Zero, The Rising of the Shield Hero.

6. Anime Shorts

• These are typically brief anime episodes that may be experimental or artistic in nature. They may be aired as part of larger anthologies or as standalone pieces.
  • Examples: Short Peace, Me!Me!Me!.

7. Anime Music Videos (AMVs)

• AMVs are fan-made videos that combine anime clips with music, often creatively edited to fit the song’s mood or lyrics. These are popular in the anime fan community.

8. Anime Adaptations of Other Media

• Video Games to Anime: Many popular video games have been adapted into anime series, either as direct adaptations or as expansions of the original game's world and story.
  • Examples: Persona 5: The Animation, Castlevania.
• Light Novels to Anime: Anime adaptations of light novels have become very popular in recent years, bringing stories from novels into animated formats.
  • Examples: The Irregular at Magic High School, No Game No Life.

9. Anime-influenced Works (Western)

• Some non-Japanese animated shows or graphic novels are heavily influenced by anime in terms of art style, storytelling, or cultural elements.
  • Examples: Avatar: The Last Airbender (American animated series with a very anime-inspired art style), The Boondocks.

10. Doujinshi (Fan-made Manga)

• Doujinshi refers to self-published manga, often created by fans of existing anime or manga franchises. These works are not officially licensed but can range from parodies to serious art.
  • Examples: These are typically fan works and may not be as widely distributed, but they contribute to the broader anime culture.

11. Anime Music and Soundtracks

• Music is an integral part of anime. Many anime have iconic soundtracks, theme songs, and opening/ending tracks. The music and soundtracks are often highly praised and are released as albums.
  • Examples: The music of Cowboy Bebop, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Attack on Titan.

Key Characteristics of Anime:

• Art Style: Anime typically features vibrant, colorful artwork and exaggerated facial expressions. Characters often have large eyes, spiky hair, and dramatic visual storytelling techniques.
• Themes: Anime can cover a wide range of themes, from lighthearted comedy to deep philosophical questions, with strong emotional and character-driven stories.
• Cultural Influence: Many anime incorporate Japanese culture, traditions, and social issues, offering a window into Japan’s society.
• Voice Acting (Seiyuu): Japanese voice actors (seiyuu) bring the characters to life, with many anime characters gaining iconic voices that resonate with fans.

Where to Watch Anime:

• Streaming Platforms:
  • Crunchyroll: Specializes in anime streaming with a vast catalog.
  • Funimation: Known for its dubbed anime content.
  • Netflix: Offers a growing selection of anime, including exclusives.
  • Hulu: Offers a wide variety of anime.
  • YouTube: Some official channels post anime episodes (though often limited).

Would you like any recommendations for anime to watch, or more information about any of the categories listed?