10 Critically Acclaimed Anime That Are Actually Pretentious

Certain anime become known for their intelligence and originality, attracting viewers who want to see something truly special. This is natural, as audiences are always eager for fresh, high-quality content in a market often filled with similar shows.

I’m a huge anime fan, and what really grabs me are the shows that aren’t afraid to get complicated – stories with real depth and characters you can really sink your teeth into. Sometimes, they push boundaries with mature or even shocking content, and honestly, while it can be effective, it often feels like they’re just trying too hard to be edgy. It ends up feeling a little pretentious, and I just want to be entertained, you know? It’s disappointing when a show prioritizes being ‘different’ over being genuinely good.

In Steins;Gate, Scientific Terms Replace Actual Depth

I’ve been watching Steins;Gate, and it’s a really interesting sci-fi anime about time travel. What’s impressive is how well it balances serious, dramatic scenes with funny, lighter moments. The creators clearly put a lot of thought into the science behind the story, and that’s a big reason why so many people consider it a masterpiece. However, I can see why some people might struggle with it – the beginning is quite slow, and a lot of new viewers seem to give up after just a few episodes.

Beyond that, confusing plot points and overly technical language can make the story feel less enjoyable, sometimes turning it into something more like a dense research paper. While Steins;Gate is still a very good and thrilling story, its interesting premise initially hides some weaknesses in the writing that become noticeable as the story progresses.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’s Beauty Can’t Hide Its Slow Storytelling

This is a truly beautiful series that takes a unique approach to fantasy storytelling. Instead of the typical hero’s journey to defeat a dark lord, Frieren starts after the battle is already won. It also tells the story through the eyes of an elf, one of the hero’s companions. And, instead of just focusing on action, the anime explores her feelings and how the long passage of time affects her.

While Frieren is praised for its thoughtful approach and slow, deliberate pace – qualities meant to highlight the story’s complexity – this can sometimes make it feel drawn out. Some viewers might consider its themes innovative, but ultimately, the show explores familiar concepts like the challenges and consequences of living forever.

Neon Genesis Evangelion Lets Fans Explain What It Never Actually Said

Neon Genesis Evangelion is widely considered a groundbreaking anime that fundamentally changed the mecha genre. It moved beyond simple action by adding complex psychological exploration to its storytelling. However, its protagonist, Shinji, is also known as one of the most controversial main characters in anime history.

Beyond the many criticisms surrounding the character of Shinji Ikari, the deep meanings fans attribute to Neon Genesis Evangelion are often debatable, as they largely stem from fan speculation. While the creators clearly drew inspiration from various philosophical and religious ideas when building the show’s world, it’s possible these meanings are being overemphasized now. Similarly, the series’ ending is often praised as brilliant, but many viewers found it confusing and unsatisfying.

Attack on Titan Treats Genocide as a Plot Device

Attack on Titan explores complex themes like freedom, independence, and the devastating effects of war. Through Eren, a flawed main character, the story examines the darker sides of human nature and the dangers of prejudice. While the anime tackles these issues, it often relies on shocking deaths and unexpected plot twists, suggesting that intense trauma automatically makes for compelling storytelling.

The show also presents conflicting ideas and a repeating pattern of violence, ultimately concluding with widespread destruction caused by Eren. This weakens the show’s anti-war message, as Eren’s actions, though framed as a pursuit of freedom, seem distorted. While some viewers might see Eren’s choices as unavoidable, they primarily function as a way to create a shocking and dramatic ending.

In Death Note, Every Character Is Too Smart for Their Own Good

Death Note is famous for its incredibly intelligent characters. The protagonist, Light Yagami, begins as a gifted student but quickly evolves into a cunning manipulator who drives the plot forward. A major draw of the series is the intense battle of wits between Light and L, the detective determined to stop him.

Despite all the clever plans and intense mental battles, the story often relies on luck or convenient coincidences to move forward. This makes the constant back-and-forth feel repetitive, as the show consistently focuses on these high-stakes moments. Ultimately, the anime, much like its main character Light, overestimates its own intelligence.

Re:Zero’s Endless Deaths Lose Their Emotional Impact

Many fans consider Re:Zero to be one of the best isekai (another world) anime because it avoids common problems with the genre. Unlike some shows, the main character isn’t overwhelmingly powerful and always successful, and it prioritizes story over unnecessary fanservice. Still, it does use familiar tropes – like Subaru attracting a group of potential romantic interests and seemingly being protected by fate – which some viewers interpret as deliberate storytelling choices.

Subaru, the main character, often complains and brags, despite mostly succeeding due to a skill he didn’t earn. The show attempts to explore the emotional impact of Subaru repeatedly witnessing the deaths of those he cares about, but this becomes less impactful because characters always return.

To Your Eternity’s Tragedy Formula Gets Old Fast

The story immediately stands out by featuring a unique protagonist – not a human or animal, but a being from another world. This hero, named Fushi, is sent to live among humans, observe their behavior, and battle unknown foes. Through Fushi’s eyes, the story sharply criticizes humanity’s flawed and easily broken moral compass, revealing how quickly people can turn to cruelty.

While To Your Eternity effectively explores its ideas, the ways it does so become predictable over time. Once viewers realize new characters will inevitably meet tragic ends, the impact lessens. This repetition, intended to create sadness, ultimately makes the story feel less meaningful and more foreseeable.

One Piece Fans Cope Harder Than They Enjoy the Story

Many fans and critics consider this anime to be one of the best ever created, appreciating its detailed world, memorable characters, and long-running story. However, its incredible length can also be intimidating, preventing some people from even beginning to watch it.

Dedicated One Piece fans often say the show really hits its stride after 100 or even 500 episodes, but that doesn’t really make sense. If something needs that much time to become enjoyable, it’s probably not worth the long wait. Many fans are very proud of One Piece, but a lot of that enthusiasm seems like they’re trying to justify sticking with it rather than true enjoyment.

Ergo Proxy Drowns in Its Mysterious Aesthetic

Ergo Proxy is a visually impressive anime set in a futuristic, yet depressing, world. The story is packed with mysteries involving humans, robots, and other artificial life forms, all linked together. While it attempts to explore deep philosophical ideas and uses a lot of symbolism, the result often feels confusing and doesn’t quite come together.

Ergo Proxy aims for depth and tries to explore complex ideas, but it often gets bogged down in its own complicated story. While the show relies on its dark, stylish visuals and a tough, direct character in Re-l, removing those elements leaves a series with a slow pace and an overload of information that doesn’t quite come together to create a satisfying or impactful story.

FLCL Asks Fans to Conflate Confusion and Brilliance

FLCL is a completely over-the-top anime that immediately throws you into chaos. While it starts as a story about a boy named Naota growing up, it quickly gets incredibly strange and doesn’t make a lot of sense, even by the end of the first episode. The show is also visually striking, with bright colors and over-the-top animation that can be a lot to take in for new viewers.

The show uses quick, frequent scene changes to be different, but this can make it confusing to watch. FLCL seems to suggest that every scene has a hidden meaning, and implies viewers who don’t understand are simply not intelligent enough—rather than acknowledging the show’s unclear narrative. While it’s a creatively ambitious series, it’s also become a bit overhyped.

2025-11-24 21:14