Anime has had a significant influence on the lives of recent generations.
Particularly through long-running franchises like Naruto and One Piece, which have stood among the "Big Three" anime for at least two decades. They hold an important place in the childhood of anime fans worldwide, not just because of their thrilling ninja wars and pirate adventures. Beyond providing a temporary escape from reality, anime can offer some of the most inspiring quotes in the world.
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Anime is a form of entertainment that features characters just as deep and meaningful as those in blockbuster films like The Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones. These characters can impart lessons of love, trust, and endurance that leave lasting memories through beautifully crafted phrases.
Updated on February 22, 2025, by Mayra Garcia: Anime is a genre that can be controversial at times, but it is also one of the most profound forms of media. Some series, even unintentionally, offer viewers valuable nuggets of wisdom. These quotes have, of course, become iconic. This list has been updated to include even more incredible anime quotes that will remain forever etched in the hearts of fans, while adhering to CBR's current publication standards.
20. "Don't be sorry. I have no regrets...
Wizardmon, Digimon
During their battle to save the Digital World, the DigiDestined make many friends, but unfortunately, they also lose others. At the height of the fight against Myotismon, after Gatomon reveals her loyalty to the villain, Myotismon strikes her with a fatal blow. However, Wizardmon steps in and takes the hit instead. He utters this phrase before dying:
"Don't be sorry. I have no regrets. If I hadn’t met you, my life would have had no meaning. I’m happy we’re friends."
Digimon, like many other shōnen series, places a strong emphasis on friendship. This quote is immediately impactful, even though it involves a secondary character. Similar to Wizardmon and Gatomon, Digimon showcases many other emotionally charged friendships, giving special significance to these relationships and encouraging viewers to value them.
19. "There is no future for those who worship the future..."
Shun Kazama, From Up on Poppy Hill
From Up on Poppy Hill reflects on post-World War II Japan and how the country responded amidst the chaos of war and the subsequent growth. After the tragedy, the nation looked toward the future in search of hope. The film critiques those who chose to focus on the future instead of delving into the past.
"There is no future for those who worship the future but forget the past."
Shun's quote is straightforward yet powerful. It highlights Studio Ghibli's historical awareness, while also reminding fans that its films are timeless classics because they resonate with other eras and personal experiences. That an animated film can have such a profound grasp on reality is truly remarkable.
18. "No matter how complicated things get..."
Eren Yeager, Attack on Titan
One of Attack on Titan's strengths lies in the brutal way the series develops its characters. Eren starts out as an optimistic young man. Idealistic, he is driven by a desire for revenge. However, over time, he becomes a more responsible and aware individual, as he is when he delivers this inspiring quote while working with the Survey Corps. Of course, his journey doesn’t end there.
"No matter how complicated things get, you can always find the best solution."
Slowly but surely, the circumstances of his world harden Eren, forcing him to transition from a stereotypical shōnen hero to a morally ambiguous anti-hero, eventually becoming a true villain. This quote is a clear reminder of the significant changes Eren undergoes throughout the series. It reflects a blind optimism that the later version of Eren would never have experienced. Yet, the early version of the character, obsessed with wiping out all Titans at any cost, wouldn’t have grasped it either.
17. "Why do fireflies have to die so soon?"
Setsuko, Grave of the Fireflies
Grave of the Fireflies is undeniably one of the saddest Ghibli animated films of all time. It tells the heartbreaking story of two siblings whose lives were destroyed by the Pacific War. In their struggle to survive, Seita and Setsuko use fireflies to light up their shelter, but they die by morning. Setsuko, only 4 years old, can’t help but think about these short-lived creatures.
"Why do fireflies have to die so soon?"
Without context, Setsuko's line sounds like an innocent question about the world. After all, she’s just a child, still learning. But anyone who has seen Grave of the Fireflies knows the truth. It’s an allegory for themselves and all the death surrounding them, and her innocent phrasing only amplifies the pain of the siblings' final fate.
16. "I now see that the circumstances of a person's birth are irrelevant..."
Mewtwo, Pokémon: The First Movie
Mewtwo generates a psychic energy ball in Pokémon.
Image via OLM, Inc.
"I now understand that the circumstances of one's birth matter little. It's what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are."
Even after nine generations of Pokémon, Mewtwo remains one of the most iconic Pokémon in the franchise, especially due to his debut in Pokémon: The First Movie. This film explores his battle against Team Rocket and his struggle to find his identity when he discovers that he is an individual who has gained consciousness. Pokémon: The First Movie ends with a realization: no matter your origins, what matters is making the right choices in life.
This inspiring quote is probably the most iconic from the movie and the franchise. By accepting his origins, Mewtwo is finally able to free himself from the suffering life has inflicted on him and become a hero. Anime, and particularly shōnen, has always had a motivational aspect that sets it apart from other media. This incredible quote had no place in a children's movie, yet it’s precisely what explains Pokémon's success. The franchise doesn’t shy away from moments of intense emotion.
15. "I finally understand what 'I love you' means."
Violet, Violet Evergarden
Violet is a war orphan who lost the most important person in her life during a traumatic battle that cost her both arms. Afterwards, she spends much of her series writing letters and adapting to a life without war. With each mission where she translates her clients' experiences and emotions into words, Violet develops empathy in her quest to understand what "I love you" truly means.
"I finally understand what 'I love you' means."
Love, in its entirety, carries a subjective meaning that varies from person to person. When Violet says these words, their significance comes more from the context of her story. She, like the audience, realizes that love is something that can be expressed in a thousand words, yet never fully defined. This powerful quote perfectly illustrates why Violet Evergarden is a must-watch for any anime fan.
14. "A person can change the moment they decide to change."
Haruhi Fujioka, Ouran High School Host Club
Haruhi, from Ouran High School Host Club, has proven to be an incredibly insightful person, despite her painful ignorance of her own feelings, and knows how to see through appearances. Without being completely naive, she still believes in the good in others and doesn’t hesitate to encourage them to be the best version of themselves.
"A person can change the moment they decide to change."
The simple desire to become a better version of oneself is already a start. It’s a small step on what could be a long journey, but it’s still a step in the right direction. The important thing is not to be discouraged by the current situation, but rather to look back, acknowledge the progress already made, and keep moving forward.
13. "People die when they are killed."
Shirou Emiya, Fate/stay night
In Fate/stay night, Shirou Emiya simply wanted to follow in the footsteps of his adoptive father, whom he viewed as a great hero. Although every heroic moment is ruined by this absurd turn of events, this line remains one of the most meme-worthy anime quotes in history (right after Light Yagami's "Just according to keikaku").
"People die when they are killed."
However, the quote contributes to Shirou's heroism when put into context. At the moment he says it, he is relinquishing Avalon, the sheath of Excalibur, which granted him the ability to heal even the most fatal wounds. He returns it to Saber, symbolically accepting the fate that awaits him, including death.
12. "The only ones who should kill..."
Lelouch vi Britannia, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
"The only ones who should kill are those who are ready to be killed."
Code Geass is heavily focused on war, and the main character, Lelouch, is no stranger to the devastation it causes. He lost his mother at a very young age and, shortly after, was exiled to a country ravaged by violence. When he swore to destroy Britannia, the Empire responsible for all his suffering, he knew what it might cost him.
Despite all his efforts to achieve his goals, Lelouch believes in justice. His words describe war as a mere act of mass murder justified by one's cause. That’s why he believes that only those willing to die for what they seek should be allowed to wage it, because the price to pay is high.
11. "A heart is a heavy burden."
Sophie, Howl's Moving Castle
In Howl's Moving Castle, Howl gives his heart to Calcifer to save his life and strengthen his magical powers. This triggers a curse that gradually drains Howl of his humanity. Fortunately, Sophie understands what needs to be done to free him from the same fate as the Wicked Witch of the Waste: return his heart to its rightful place.
"A heart is a heavy burden."
After regaining his heart, Howl immediately recognizes the painful weight in his chest, to which Sophie responds with the same sentiment as before. Having a heart and the ability to feel is a heavy burden. Yet, it is also what makes a person human. And Howl's story beautifully demonstrates this.
10. "Knowing what it feels like to be in pain..."
Jiraiya, Naruto
Jiraiya was one of Naruto’s most influential mentors. His moral values were undoubtedly questionable when he was first introduced. However, his true goodness became clear when it was revealed that he had spent three years of his life helping a trio of orphans become strong enough to fend for themselves.
"Knowing what it feels like to be in pain is exactly why we try to be kind to others."
Jiraiya experienced and witnessed much suffering in his later years, and his words highlight the importance of empathy. The world has never been gentle with anyone; once we realize this, it becomes crucial to offer love and warmth to others instead of contributing to the cycle of apathy and despair. This is just one of many lessons Naruto hides amid his good-natured jokes and epic battles.
9. "The scars you can't see are the hardest to heal."
Nao Tomori, Charlotte
Nao from Charlotte had trust issues due to past events that broke her older brother's heart and soul. He had suffered at the hands of scientists while others lied to him and kept him in the dark, preventing him from fully trusting others. However, over time, she learned to trust the people around her.
"The scars you can't see are the hardest to heal."
Emotional wounds are invisible, but just as real as a cut that leaves a person bleeding. However, unlike a physical injury, healing from an emotional wound isn’t just about putting on a bandage and calling it done. It takes not only time, but also courage and effort to recover from the trauma left by pain. And it’s a process that can take years.
8."What's the point of dreams if all you do is work?"
Tamaki Suoh, Ouran High School Host Club
"What's the point of dreaming if all you do is work? Life isn't just about studying, you know."
Tamaki, from Ouran High School Host Club, is a hilarious and dramatic character who often views the world through an optimistic lens. Yet, he remains remarkably insightful and cares deeply for those around him. He acknowledges Haruhi's hardworking nature but fears that she might miss out on the wonders that life has to offer outside of her efforts to be the best version of herself.
There's nothing wrong with doing your best to achieve a goal. But too often, we forget that chasing our dreams doesn’t necessarily have to be constant work, day after day. Life is meant to be savored; it’s important to stop, acknowledge the progress you've made, and celebrate the present moment.
7. "You can't change your fate. However, you can face it."
Salut-sama, Princess Mononoke
The Wise Woman of Ashitaka’s village makes him understand that the path he has taken after accidentally killing a god (even if cursed) is inevitable. But she reveals that he can do more than just wait for the curse in his arm to consume him entirely. By choosing this path, he ends up righting the wrongs caused by humans and saving an ancient forest, thus saving himself.
"You can't change your fate. However, you can face it."
Death is an inevitable certainty in life, but it’s a waste to lament it and wait for the inevitable. What matters is that, when life comes to an end, what did it look like until then? Was it worth spending time on this earth, or was it just years spent merely existing?
6. "Sometimes, you need a bit of daydreaming to keep going."
Misato Katsuragi, Neon Genesis Evangelion
Misato is, surprisingly, one of the wisest characters in Neon Genesis Evangelion, despite her behavior suggesting the contrary. She may be young, but she is still an adult who has experienced the ups and downs of life. She offers a profound lesson for surviving: sometimes, life needs a little bit of wild optimism. In a world as corrupted as the one shown in this series, it’s truly radical.
"Sometimes, you need a bit of wishful thinking to keep going."
It's easy to be positive when everything seems to be going perfectly. However, when a violent storm turns calm waters into an endless sea of conflict, it’s important to keep believing that the sun is still shining, even when there seems to be nothing but darkness for miles around.
5. "Hard work is meaningless for those who don't believe in themselves."
Naruto Uzumaki, Naruto
Naruto started out as a child rejected and despised by his village, without even knowing the true reason why. However, despite the anger and rejection from others, he never stopped believing in his ability to become Hokage. Throughout the series, he never gave up on improving as a shinobi, and his efforts eventually paid off.
"Hard work is meaningless for those who don't believe in themselves."
The series Naruto focuses on hard work to achieve a dream, as illustrated by the efforts of nearly all the main characters. But Naruto himself emphasizes that working hard without the belief that a desired goal will eventually be achieved is just work. It's like watering a seed and hoping for a tree, without ever giving it the sunlight it needs to grow.
4. "The world is not perfect, but it's there for us..."
Roy Mustang, Fullmetal Alchemist
Nothing is perfect. The world is not perfect, but it’s here for us, doing its best. That’s what makes it so beautiful.
Fullmetal Alchemist presents a cruel world populated by imperfect individuals, many of whom are well-meaning despite their flaws. Roy himself is an example of a morally questionable character, hardened by his experiences during the Ishvalan war. He’s seen corruption grow and committed his own atrocities, even though he desired to help others with the alchemy he used to kill.
Roy’s statement that the world is still beautiful despite everything he has done and witnessed is an incredibly poignant moment. This quote reminds the viewer that, despite the horrors and tragedies, life has so much beauty and happiness to offer if we learn to appreciate the goodness that exists in it. For a series like Fullmetal Alchemist, full of sad stories, this contrast is striking.
3. "It’s not death that scares us..."
The Elder, Castlevania
The grandfather of Sypha, simply called "The Elder," is a noble who wants to do everything he can to save people, even if it puts him in danger. His feelings are sincere and inspiring. In fact, the protagonist of Castlevania, Trevor Belmont, finally emerges from his self-pity and becomes the hero he was meant to be thanks to the Elder’s words.
"It’s not death that scares us, it’s living without ever having done our best."
The Elder speaks a powerful truth: living without effort isn’t truly living; it’s merely existing. Just surviving isn’t life, because there are far worse things than death, and despite its bleakness, life holds things worth living for. Otherwise, it would be a waste.
2. "If you don’t take risks, you can’t create a future."
Monkey D. Luffy, One Piece
Luffy from One Piece doesn’t hesitate to chase his desires, always rushing headfirst into danger with a smile, as if he’s having the time of his life. This is how his journey as the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates began: he saved Zoro (who would later become his right-hand man) from Captain Morgan. He’s a character who believes in freedom and the pursuit of his dreams, and nothing, not even fear, will stop him.
"If you don’t take risks, you can’t create a future."
Playing it safe always seems like the easy option, and it’s natural to fear rejection and failure. But Luffy’s sentiment rings true: moving toward a specific goal requires taking risks. Otherwise, the only outcome is stagnation. It’s a hard truth, but a motivating one.
1. "The night may seem endless right now..."
Suzume, Suzume no Tojimari
Suzume spent much of her life in the shadow of her mother’s memory, searching for the missing pieces of her childhood. However, during her journey with Sōta, she realizes that, for the first time since the tragedy that struck her, she is finally living. She comes to understand that she has found love and happiness even after losing someone who meant so much to her.
"The night may seem endless right now, but I promise you, the morning will come."
This quote encapsulates the essence of hope. Suzume’s journey is a reminder that even in the darkest times, hope remains. The pain of loss or hardship can feel like it will last forever, but eventually, light and renewal come.
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