Anime has always been a fantastic medium for exploring profound concepts and existential themes, making it one of the most captivating genres. From horrifying origins to heart-wrenching gifts, various anime have approached these themes in many unique and artistic ways, prompting viewers to contemplate the value of life and death.
Below are some anime that have skillfully explored existential themes:
1. Mirai Nikki (Future Diary)
Mirai Nikki delves into the consequences and challenges of being a participant in a deadly game, showcasing the emotional turmoil and ultimate despair that arise. The concept of the survival game is highlighted through the relationship between Yukiteru and Yuno Gasai, where time loops and the inevitability of death create a tense atmosphere. In Mirai Nikki, survival brings a sense of unease, pain, and even cruelty.
2. Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms
This anime portrays the concept of immortality and the inevitable sorrow that comes with it. Maquia, a member of a long-lived race, raises a human child while aware that time passes differently for them. The narrative explores the bittersweet nature of relationships and the unending cycle of life and death, ultimately showcasing the deep emotional connections that persist despite inevitable loss.
3. Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World
The theme of survival in this series is illustrated through Subaru Natsuki’s unique ability: every time he dies, he is transported back to a specific point in time, retaining his memories. Despite the opportunities for change, this ability often leads to despair and suffering, emphasizing the dark side of his repeated challenges and the harsh realities of life.
4. Ajin: Demi-Human
Ajin: Demi-Human presents a stark exploration of immortality through the “Ajin” – beings who cannot die and can regenerate after any injury. The narrative raises ethical questions about society’s treatment of these beings and the implications of immortality, as well as the psychological impact of living a life free from death.
5. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Frieren, a mage who has lived for centuries, reflects on her life and the connections she has lost as her companions age and die. This anime contemplates the passage of time and the enduring bonds that shape our existence, asking profound questions about life, memory, and the inevitability of loss.
6. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
This series effectively narrates the quest for immortality and the sacrifices that come with it. Through the journey of the Elric brothers and their encounters with philosophical dilemmas posed by the Homunculi, the anime explores themes of sacrifice, loss, and the moral implications of pursuing eternal life.
7. Baccano!
Baccano! investigates the concept of immortality through a narrative filled with alchemy, adventure, and chaos. The series intertwines multiple timelines and characters, highlighting the varied ways individuals experience life and death, ultimately showcasing the absurdity and unpredictability of existence.
8. Mnemosyne: Mnemosyne no Musume-tachi
Mnemosyne explores the concept of immortality through the character Rin Asougi, a detective who faces challenges related to her eternal life. The series delves into themes of identity, the value of memories, and the implications of living forever in a world where death no longer exists, highlighting the profound darkness of eternal life.
Source: Gamerant
