Attack On Titan: Reasons It Ranks Among The Greatest Anime Ever

Attack on Titan has revolutionized the anime landscape, captivating audiences since its inception. From the very first episode, viewers are drawn into a world where the boundaries of belief and sacrifice are tested. This series compellingly illustrates the lengths humanity will go to for its convictions.
With its shocking plot twists, memorable characters, and unparalleled intensity, Attack on Titan stands as a defining pillar of anime excellence. If you’re yet to embark on this journey, prepare for an extraordinary adventure that transcends traditional storytelling and immerses you in a realm of unparalleled complexity.
10 A Masterclass in Perspective Manipulation
The Truth Depends on Who Is Telling It
The narrative of Attack on Titan constantly challenges your perceptions and prompts you to reevaluate what you believe to be true. Initially, titans represent the ultimate threat, shattering the lives of characters like Mikasa, Eren, and Armin. Yet, as the story unfolds, our alignment shifts dramatically as we delve into the motivations of enemies such as Reiner and Zeke.
This complex portrayal blurs the lines between heroism and villainy, compelling viewers to reconsider their viewpoints with every development. The series is a masterclass in narrative depth and moral ambiguity, making it an unforgettable journey.
9 No Character Has Plot Armor
No One Is Safe
One of the most striking aspects of Attack on Titan is the absence of plot armor. Characters face real stakes without the safety net typically found in anime. The harsh realities of war are authentically portrayed, and death isn’t reserved for the expendable.
Moments that resonate, like Eren’s heart-wrenching loss or Sasha’s shocking end, remind us that in this universe, even beloved characters can meet tragic fates. Thus, the series consistently maintains a sense of urgency and realism throughout its storyline.
8 Breaking the Mold of Traditional Anime Protagonists
It Reinvents the Hero’s Journey, Then Dismantles It
Eren Jaeger begins as a quintessential hero, fueled by rage against the titans. However, as his journey progresses, Attack on Titan shatters the archetypal hero narrative. The deeper he descends into vengeance, the more complex his character becomes, ultimately leading viewers to question whether he embodies salvation or destruction.
This innovative approach to storytelling sets Attack on Titan apart from other anime, where successful protagonists often conform to familiar tropes. Here, the transformation of Eren reflects a more profound commentary on the nature of heroism itself.
7 Every Episode Moves the Story Forward
No Filler Arcs
This series is remarkable for its commitment to progressive storytelling. Unlike many lengthy anime, Attack on Titan avoids filler arcs and unnecessary tangents. Each episode is crucial to the overarching narrative, seamlessly weaving crucial character developments and thematic content into the plot.
Even the slower segments, such as political intrigue and character flashbacks, enhance the storyline rather than detract from it, ensuring the momentum never falters from the opening scene to the final breathtaking climax.
6 The Utilization of Female Characters
Another area where Attack on Titan excels is its portrayal of female characters. The series avoids relegating women to secondary roles, instead granting them significant agency and depth. Examples like Mikasa Ackerman and Historia Reiss exemplify strong women who influence the narrative profoundly.
Supporting female characters, including Annie Leonhart and Hange Zoë, each possess rich backstories and essential contributions to the unfolding story, reinforcing that their roles are not mere afterthoughts but integral to the success of the plot.
5 Great Soundtrack
A Score That Elevates Every Moment
The soundtrack of Attack on Titan, crafted by Hiroyuki Sawano, is an emotional powerhouse that encapsulates the turmoil of its world. Each score resonates with the viewer, evoking the weight of impending tragedy and conflict.
This composition acts not merely as background music but as a narrative device that elevates each scene, capturing the audience’s emotions and deepening their connection to the storyline.
4 Great Character Development
No One Stays the Same
Character development in Attack on Titan feels natural and compelling. The central figures, such as Levi, Mikasa, and Eren, evolve significantly due to the traumatic events they endure. Every character, from main to supporting roles, undergoes transformative experiences that reflect the harsh realities of their world.
Each progression feels authentic, emphasizing how the brutal environment of war alters personal identities and relationships, rendering them profoundly relatable to the viewer.
3 It Made Freedom Look Like a Curse
The Dark Side of Freedom
While freedom stands as a prominent theme in the series, the characters’ pursuit of it unveils a darker aspect. Eren’s willingness to obliterate nations for his vision of freedom questions the true nature of liberation versus oppression.
In its portrayal, Attack on Titan suggests that the quest for freedom may lead one down a path filled with dire consequences, painting it as both aspirational and burdening—a duality rarely explored in conventional narratives.
2 It Forces You to Question the Morality of Good and Evil
No Side Is Truly Innocent
Initially, titans appear as faceless monsters, but as the narrative progresses, they evolve into complex characters with rich backstories. The series challenges the viewer to grapple with moral complexities, blurring the lines between hero and villain.
Eren’s transformation into the very evil he once fought against prompts profound ethical questions: Can genocide ever be justified? By exploring these intricacies, Attack on Titan keeps the audience engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue about morality and consequence.
1 An Ending That Leaves You Thinking for Years
The Finale that Sparks Endless Debate
Unlike many series, the conclusion of Attack on Titan doesn’t allow for easy closure. Its ending resonates deeply, leaving audiences with lingering questions and challenges to their understanding of character motivations and overarching themes.
Was Eren a hero or a villain? Did he perpetuate the cycle of hate? The conclusion spurs ongoing discussions and debates, cementing the series’ lasting impact on its viewers and solidifying its place in anime history.
Ultimately, Attack on Titan is a richly layered narrative that goes beyond entertainment; it is a haunting exploration of freedom, morality, and the human condition that will continue to resonate for years to come.
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