RELATED: Best Anime Short Films, Ranked
There’s a lot of anime out there that’s adorable and heartwarming with a profound message, it’s just not the stuff that fans screencap for the shock value. Some entire anime studios have perfected the accessible yet mature side of the anime world, and there’s plenty to choose from when it’s time for family movie night.
6 Astro-Boy (1983-1992)
There’s a reason that this character’s popularity extends well beyond the anime series that most fans saw back in the ’80s. On the surface, it was a fun adventure story about a boy who was part robot but also human. Like all kid’s anime, however, a few mature themes are hiding behind the adorable characters.
Remember that part of Astro-boy’s origin story involves the tragic death of Dr. Tenma’s son Tobio, who suggested to his father that the robot should be in the shape of a child before an accident takes his life. Think of this as not only an introduction to a whole new genre, Mecha, along with a modern retelling of both Pinnochia and Frankenstein, and what looks like a wholesome show designed for children takes on a whole other dimension.
5 Porco Rosso (1992)
At a glance, it’s a beautiful adventure story that takes place in the sublime Medditaerean paradise of Southern France in the early 20th century. For those of us paying attention, however, the hints at the main character’s dark past, along with his grim declaration, “I’d rather be a pig than a fascist” reminds the audience that this is a story about wartime.
RELATED: Games to Play If You Like Studio Ghibli Films
World War I might have been pre-Nazi, but Fascism was already creeping into every corner of Europe. Even the Bohemian Coast wasn’t safe, and Porco Rosso was one of the few mysterious figures who seemed to see the writing on the wall.
4 The Garden Of Words (2013)
This is a short anime film about shoes, skipping work or school, and ambient rain sounds that help a person fall asleep. In an interesting twist, this movie inspired a manga and a serial novel, which usually happens in reverse when it comes to anime.
The story in The Garden Of Words revolves around complex characters. It tells their story honestly but doesn’t judge them, although it does acknowledge the reality that each of them needs to make some tough decisions. There comes a time when everyone has to choose between their career, their education, and the person they love, and that’s what this wholesome anime is really about.
3 My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
The story opens with sisters Mei and Sasuke enjoying a ride through the verdant countryside. It’s hard to imagine any profound lessons or mature themes in one of the most “kawaii” movies ever made, but there’s plenty here to digest for those who would prefer to consume some profound wisdom.
RELATED: Anime That Show The Beauty Of Nature
My Neighbor Totoro was way ahead of its time when it came to the joys of rural living, the importance of environmentalism, and spiritual awareness. The third act has some real tension behind it when Mei, the younger sister, goes missing and the whole community bands together to find her.
2 Tiger & Bunny (2011, 2022)
Tiger & Bunny is an interesting anime for a whole host of reasons, and the setting of a parallel universe where superheroes are a normal thing is one of them. Kotetsu, better known by his pseudonym of Wild Tiger, is the idealistic half of a superhero team that also consists of the younger and more cynical Barnaby Brooks, aka, Bunny. The main characters are more like a famous sports team than superheroes, carrying their sponsors’ colors and fighting criminals.
When it comes to defeating bad guys, however, Tiger and Bunny represent two different opinions on the subject, and their views are symbolic of how this show portrays two rival concepts of superheroes. Tiger fights for morals and justice, and part of his motivation is creating a better world for his daughter. His struggles as a single parent are one of the main themes of the show. Barnaby, on the other hand, sees fighting crime as a means to further his career and if they stop a few crimes in the process, it’s just gravy.
1 Princess Jellyfish (2010)
Tsukimi Kurashita lives in an apartment building populated entirely by women with a common interest and in this case anime and anything related to the genre. The message about resilience and compassion in the face of intolerance, gentrification, and gender identity shines through the intense drama that always comes with personal relationships.
Several characters are featured in this miniseries, but Tsukimi is the main character and the plot and story follow her character arc. The title is a reference to a memorable experience she had with her mother as a child, and part of the series is about how Tsukimi deals with her mother’s passing.
MORE: Wholesome Anime That Will Put A Smile On Your Face
