Nostalgia plays a strong role in biased opinions and makes it easier for fans to turn a blind eye to questionable themes. For manyanimefans, theshows that shaped their early years typically have an exemption from any scrutiny. However, as beloved as these series are, they can’t all hold up against time, and if they were released today, they likely wouldn’t have gotten as much traction.
There are plenty of themes, tropes, and even characters that no longer sit right in a modern context. Despite that, emotional attachment runs deep, andthere’s a certain magic to these series that viewers can’t help but love. While many of these anime would not hold up with modern sensibilities, they’re ingrained in the hearts of many fans. They are not above critiques, but they’re not going anywhere either.
Vampire Knightis a supernatural dark fantasy romance, and for many fans, that’s what makes it unforgettable.The series' aesthetic is peak gothic fantasy, with dark uniforms, moody atmospheres, and, of course,brooding vampiresthat catch every fangirl’s attention. Yuki, Zero, and Kaname’s tangled love triangle was the blueprint for an entire generation of shipping wars, and it was hard not to feel a little thrill rewatching their story unfold.
However, the series is also loaded with red flags. The romanticization of toxic behavior is off the charts and has stalker-like obsession and questionable consent that is often brushed off in the name of passion. To top it all off, the central plot hinges onan extremely uncomfortable sibling relationship twistthat only gets more unsettling the deeper you dig into it. Still, for many,Vampire Knightis a guilty pleasure, flaws and all.
D. Gray-mancarved out a special placefor itself in the mid-2000s witha mix of gothic horror and shōnen action. Allen Walker’s journey as an exorcist fighting Akuma with a cursed arm and a tragic past is precisely what hooked fans. With the right amount of angst and heroism,D. Gray-manfelt fresh despite being emotionally heavy.
D. Gray-Mandid make quite a few questionable narrative choices. The pacing often spiraled into confusion as characters disappeared and reappeared without warning, and theseries' handling of trauma was exploitative rather than empathetic. The uncomfortable use of real-world religious imagery and cultural symbols came off as either careless or a tactless form of appropriation.
Crayon Shin-chanis a comedic staple in Japan and has been for decades. Shin-chan is always up tobizarre antics and makes inappropriate comments, paired with frequent moonings. It’s safe to say that he’s both a menace and a legend all at once. Beneath the absurdity of it all, the series has a surprising amount of heart through itsportrayal of everyday family life, even if it comes across as odd at times amid the butt jokes and adult references.
All that said,Crayon Shin-chanhasn’t exactly aged with grace.A lot of its humor leans too heavily on stereotypes, gender norms, and sexual innuendos that wouldn’t slide as well if it were created today. While its irreverent tone was part of its appeal, much of it simply wouldn’t fly in the modern sphere.
WhenSword Art Onlinefirst premiered, it received widespread acclaim and quickly rose in popularity. The central plotrevolves around players who become trapped in a deadly video gameand must defeat it in order to survive. It was cinematic, and the protagonist had a cool edge, making him an instant fan favorite.
Yet,as SAO continued, not only did it start to lose its edge, but its problematic themes became increasingly difficult to ignore. The story often sidelined powerful female characters,reducing them to damsels in distressand, much too often, at the center of unwanted sexual advances. While the series started off strong, its repeated themes undercut its story and made it uncomfortable to watch.
Black Butlermakesa strong first impression with its gothic Victorian aesthetic, morally gray characters, and a tone that shifts from murder mystery to dark comedy with ease. Sebastian Michaelis, the demon butler at the center of the series, quickly caught fire and became an icon. As for Ciel Phantomhive, the young earl’s brooding attitude and sophistication felt so grown-up to many younger viewers. The show’s inclusion of elements from the occult, mystery, and revenge played into what made the series so popular.
Despite its popularity,Black Butlerhas a fair share of problematic themes at its center. The boundaries between Ciel and Sebastian’s interactions are often blurred andlaced with scenes that have suggestive undertones that raise eyebrowsnow in ways that were less frequently discussed in the past. Still, the series has an allure that is difficult to resist, and even after many years, itcontinues to receive stunning adaptations, making it a guilty pleasure for many fans.
Love Hinahit all the right notes for early 2000s rom-com anime fans. The series mixes slapstick humor with a likable yetextremely dense protagonist and a harem of quirky, lovable girlsvying for his affection. The series follows Keitaro as he strives to get into Tokyo University and often balances heartwarming moments with embarrassing situations. For many fans, it was one of their first exposures to the harem comedy genre.
However,Love Hinahasn’t aged well in some areas. The seriesrelies heavily on uncomfortable sexual situations, with Keitaro too often stumbling into compromising positions with the girls at their expense. The humor can feel outdated, and it plays off the trope of the clueless guy surrounded by women.
Inuyasharemains one of the most iconic anime series from the early 2000s. The series perfectly blendsfeudal Japan with modern ideologies, adding a touch of magic and romance. The storyline follows Kagome, a high school girl who is pulled into the Sengoku era. There, she meets the half-demon Inuyasha, and together, they embark on a journey to collect the shards of the Shikon Jewel.
While the premise is interesting, and the series remains popular today, it isn’t without its fair share of flaws. The series has a habit of dipping into problematic tropes, including thecasual treatment of series injuries and its portrayal of womenthroughout the story. Despite some of its shortcomings, however,Inuyashais both gripping and beloved, so many fans turn the other way when some of its uncomfortable themes arise.
Sailor Moonremains a cornerstone of the magical girl genre andhas a nostalgic, heartwarming place in the hearts of many fanswho grew up with it. The series centers around Usagi Tsukino, who has the power to transform into Sailor Moon and fights for love and justice along with the other Sailor Guardians. The series was empowering for young girls and mixed romance with action, capturing the hearts of many adolescent viewers worldwide.
However, while it did have empowering themes, the series also had itsfair share of harmful and controversial portrayals. The series romanticized dynamics that bordered on possessiveness, and the relationship between Usagi and Mamoru was turned upside down when the animated series made him a college student. Along with harmful messaging, including weight and its representation of LGBT+ characters,Sailor Moonfell short of today’s standards.
Dragon Ballis easily one ofthe greatest anime series in history, inspiring many of the series that followed its debut. Goku’s quest for the Dragon Balls led him on a lifelong journey that introduced epic battles, memorable characters, and lighthearted mischief and humor. However, looking back on the series, many aspects would not hold up today.
Not all ofDragon Ballaged with grace, and some of the series’ humor and content is harder to swallow with today’s perspective. The show leaned heavily oninappropriate jokes, nudity, and scenes that are wholly uncomfortable to watchwhen looking back. Still, for allits outdated elements,Dragon Ballis and will always be a groundbreaking and nostalgic ride that many anime fans will never stop loving.
Elfen Liedis one of those anime thatleaves a long-lasting impression, for better or worse. Its gory violence, tragic backstory, and exploration of isolation have earned it a strong following. The story follows Lucy, a mutant with deadly telekinetic powers who escapes from a research facility. The shock value, drama, and violence all work together to capture the attention of anime fans.
Yet, as gripping as the series was, it didn’t age with grace.Elfen Lied’streatment of its female characters, especially Lucy,raises uncomfortable questions about exploitation and victimization. While it tries to explore themes of cruelty and trauma, the unrelenting violence and unreasonable nudity undercut its deeper message. Yet, despite these flaws,Elfen Liedcontinues to draw audiences and won’t stop anytime soon.
