Cultural References and Memes
Anime
Watch All These and Their respective sequels and you should probably understand 90% of memes and references on social media platforms,understand popular anime references in other anime, and be able to hold your own in a groupchat on anime.
Honourable Mentions:
Steins Gate
Fist of the north star
Love Hina
Fairy Tail
Spyxfamily
FLCL
Kaiji
Lucky Star
One Punch Man
Rent a Girlfriend
Your Lie in April
Spirited Away(and/or most ghibli films really)
Silent Voice
Assassination Classroom
Cardcaptor Sakura
Oreimo
Blend S (just for the Op)
Kekkai Sensen (just for the Ed)
Honourable Mentions:
Steins Gate
Fist of the north star
Love Hina
Fairy Tail
Spyxfamily
FLCL
Kaiji
Lucky Star
One Punch Man
Rent a Girlfriend
Your Lie in April
Spirited Away(and/or most ghibli films really)
Silent Voice
Assassination Classroom
Cardcaptor Sakura
Oreimo
Blend S (just for the Op)
Kekkai Sensen (just for the Ed)
JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken (TV)
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (2012)
TV, 2012,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Most memed and referenced show, usually hear fans say
"Everything is a JOJO meme"
Famous quotes like
"It's me Dio"
"Nigerundayo Smokey"
"It's the work of an enemy stand"
"Ora ora ora ora ora"
"Muda muda muda muda"
"Wryyyyyyyy"
"Daga Kotowaru"
"Are you approaching me?"
"I am Yoshikage Kira..........."
"Arrivederci"
And many more
Also known for Giorno's theme
"Everything is a JOJO meme"
Famous quotes like
"It's me Dio"
"Nigerundayo Smokey"
"It's the work of an enemy stand"
"Ora ora ora ora ora"
"Muda muda muda muda"
"Wryyyyyyyy"
"Daga Kotowaru"
"Are you approaching me?"
"I am Yoshikage Kira..........."
"Arrivederci"
And many more
Also known for Giorno's theme
Shingeki no Kyojin
Attack on Titan
TV, 2013,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:8
SASAGEYO! SASAGEYO! SHINZOU WO SASAGEYO!
TV, 2006,
37 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Classic Thriller,L and Light's mind games, Potato Chip Scene,
86% chance a kid brought a death note in your class.
86% chance a kid brought a death note in your class.
TV, 2009,
64 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Top rated anime on MAL(well was)
One of the Most beloved anime
Chimera scene, like that's really the only joke this fandom has
One of the Most beloved anime
Chimera scene, like that's really the only joke this fandom has
TV, 2012,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Most popular Isekai*
(popularized the isekai genre, even though technically not an isekai)
Nos 1 most controversial anime
Known for having the most self insert mc
(popularized the isekai genre, even though technically not an isekai)
Nos 1 most controversial anime
Known for having the most self insert mc
Boku no Hero Academia
My Hero Academia
TV, 2016,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Poster boy of shonen
Known for the saying Plus ULTRA
Known for the saying Plus ULTRA
TV, 2014,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Famous for the Unravel opening , poor adaptations of S2 and Re
Kaneki's mask was a very popular cosplay
Kaneki's mask was a very popular cosplay
TV, 2002,
220 eps
Me:-
Author:9
One of the BIG 3
Known for its
Hand signs, Martial arts, OSTS
and 95% chance a kid in your school probably did a Naruto run
Known for its
Hand signs, Martial arts, OSTS
and 95% chance a kid in your school probably did a Naruto run
Kimetsu no Yaiba
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
TV, 2019,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Known for the great consistent animation (technically great composition) and Nezuko
Hunter x Hunter (2011)
Hunter x Hunter
TV, 2011,
148 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Usually described as the best battle Shonen
Usually called haitusxhaitus as a joke
Usually debated whether the "x" is pronounced or not
Usually called haitusxhaitus as a joke
Usually debated whether the "x" is pronounced or not
Kimi no Na wa.
Your Name.
Movie, 2016,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:8
Visual Spectacle, The Avatar of Anime, Popularized Anime movies showing in Cinemas
Known for its romantic prestige
Known for its romantic prestige
Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
TV, 2006,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Known for having supposedly the best ending in anime.
TV, 2020,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Popular modern shonen
With characters like Gojo exploding in popularity.
Iconic lines:
"Nah I'd win"
"Stand Proud you're strong"
With characters like Gojo exploding in popularity.
Iconic lines:
"Nah I'd win"
"Stand Proud you're strong"
TV, 1999,
? eps
Me:-
Author:10
One of the big 3,
Known for its length, world building and unique character designs
Known for its length, world building and unique character designs
TV, 2014,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Iconic for the lack of plot armor.
The face of edgy anime
The face of edgy anime
Nanatsu no Taizai
The Seven Deadly Sins
TV, 2014,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Known for its poor animation after S2
Usually called seven deadly frames
Usually called seven deadly frames
Yakusoku no Neverland
The Promised Neverland
TV, 2019,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:10
Thriller anime
Usually memed when talking about food
The unspoken rule in the fandom is that S2 doesn't exist
Usually memed when talking about food
The unspoken rule in the fandom is that S2 doesn't exist
TV, 2004,
366 eps
Me:-
Author:7
One of the Big 3
Known for its great artstyle and OSTS
50% chance you've heard someone shout Bankai in real life, 75% chance you've heard it in an anime
Known for its great artstyle and OSTS
50% chance you've heard someone shout Bankai in real life, 75% chance you've heard it in an anime
TV, 1998,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Iconic 90s episodic anime, has outstanding animation and OSTS for its time
Was the first anime to air on Adult Swim
Ballad of fallen angels known as its best episode.
also the BANG scene.
Was the first anime to air on Adult Swim
Ballad of fallen angels known as its best episode.
also the BANG scene.
Shinseiki Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion
TV, 1995,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Traumatic and psychological anime
One of the most unique Mecha shows ever made
Usually seen as pretentious,
Known for one of the most popular openings of all time
Memes are usually made referencing the rebuild titles(anytime u see "(not)" in a joke it's referencing EVA)
Elevator scene, best girl wars, hospital scene(disgusting)
One of the most unique Mecha shows ever made
Usually seen as pretentious,
Known for one of the most popular openings of all time
Memes are usually made referencing the rebuild titles(anytime u see "(not)" in a joke it's referencing EVA)
Elevator scene, best girl wars, hospital scene(disgusting)
TV, 2011,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Iconic Anime adaptation from a visual novel
Known for its genderbent King Arthur, deep plot, incredible animation and OSTS and confusing watch order.
FGO,popular gacha game of the franchise,
Loved for it's "waifus". Known for poorly mistranslated lines like the infamous quotes:
"People die when they're killed"
"The Archer class is actually made up of archers"
"Just because you're correct doesn't mean you're right"
(I put Fate/Zero here on this list but you should probably start with Unlimited blade works or read the visual novel)
Known for its genderbent King Arthur, deep plot, incredible animation and OSTS and confusing watch order.
FGO,popular gacha game of the franchise,
Loved for it's "waifus". Known for poorly mistranslated lines like the infamous quotes:
"People die when they're killed"
"The Archer class is actually made up of archers"
"Just because you're correct doesn't mean you're right"
(I put Fate/Zero here on this list but you should probably start with Unlimited blade works or read the visual novel)
TV, 2009,
15 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Monogatari series
Known for the unique direction,long dialogue,voice acting and animation
Most popular scene:Toothbrush scene
Usually clowned on as pedophilic
Known for the unique direction,long dialogue,voice acting and animation
Most popular scene:Toothbrush scene
Usually clowned on as pedophilic
TV, 2012,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Most Popular Ecchi Anime
A cult classic for proud degenerates
Anime fans call shows like this "cultured" which in retrospect is a euphemistic way of saying the show makes you "horny". Also, shows like this are said to have good "PLOT", when written in capital letters it means it has a lot of Ecchi fanservice
A cult classic for proud degenerates
Anime fans call shows like this "cultured" which in retrospect is a euphemistic way of saying the show makes you "horny". Also, shows like this are said to have good "PLOT", when written in capital letters it means it has a lot of Ecchi fanservice
Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica
Puella Magi Madoka Magica
TV, 2011,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Best Magical Girls anime
Known for how messed up it became
Known for how messed up it became
Tonari no Totoro
My Neighbor Totoro
Movie, 1988,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:7
Poster movie of Ghibli
Literally their mascot
Bus stop meme
Literally their mascot
Bus stop meme
TV, 1986,
153 eps
Me:-
Author:6
Father of Shonen
Popular moves like Kamehameha, spirit bomb, super saiyan etc
( This anime or Z hasn't aged well at all ,so it's easier to read the manga)
Popular moves like Kamehameha, spirit bomb, super saiyan etc
( This anime or Z hasn't aged well at all ,so it's easier to read the manga)
TV, 2004,
74 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Iconic series, one of the Best thriller show ever made
Known for having one of the most conniving villain ever seen
Known for having one of the most conniving villain ever seen
TV, 2007,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:3
Nice Boat huh
Iykyk
[Explaining the meme will spoil the show so after you've watched episode 12 search "nice boat school days" and you'll understand]
Iykyk
[Explaining the meme will spoil the show so after you've watched episode 12 search "nice boat school days" and you'll understand]
Kenpuu Denki Berserk
Berserk
TV, 1997,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:-
"It was way to big to be called a sword Too big, too thick, too heavy, and too rough, it was more like a large hunk of iron.”
Known for having great characters, great world building, great art, great story,
Usually put on everyone's top 10 manga list, you could say everything is great about it except the anime.
Berserk 2016 usually clowned upon for its horrid adaptation
You'll usually hear the phrase "Just Read the Manga"
Known for having great characters, great world building, great art, great story,
Usually put on everyone's top 10 manga list, you could say everything is great about it except the anime.
Berserk 2016 usually clowned upon for its horrid adaptation
You'll usually hear the phrase "Just Read the Manga"
Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
TV, 2006,
14 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Popular 2000s anime
Haruhi was looked upon as a god for anime fans
Very popular ending dance sequence
Memed on about the endless 8 arc
Popularized Light Novel adaptations
Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya Movie
Regarded as a masterpiece
Haruhi was looked upon as a god for anime fans
Very popular ending dance sequence
Memed on about the endless 8 arc
Popularized Light Novel adaptations
Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya Movie
Regarded as a masterpiece
Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu
Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-
TV, 2016,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:7
"I'm sorry I love Emilia"
No Game No Life
No Game, No Life
TV, 2014,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Popular Isekai
Always memed on how it will never get a season 2
Always memed on how it will never get a season 2
TV, 1998,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:5
The face of pretentious anime
The most confusing anime you'll ever watch.
Popular reference from the show
"Let's all Love Lain"
On May 10th 2023 MAL was hacked by a Lain fan and all the the anime titles were changed to "Let's all Love Lain"
The most confusing anime you'll ever watch.
Popular reference from the show
"Let's all Love Lain"
On May 10th 2023 MAL was hacked by a Lain fan and all the the anime titles were changed to "Let's all Love Lain"
Pokemon
Pokémon
TV, 1997,
276 eps
Me:-
Author:-
Self Explanatory
It's kind of unrealistic to watch all of Pokemon as a teenager or adult in this day and age, so if you've watched the first two pokemon films, the first episode of Pokemon and played Pokemon Go
And this little stat
"There are 151 original Pokemon"
You should be fine
It's kind of unrealistic to watch all of Pokemon as a teenager or adult in this day and age, so if you've watched the first two pokemon films, the first episode of Pokemon and played Pokemon Go
And this little stat
"There are 151 original Pokemon"
You should be fine
Meitantei Conan
Case Closed
TV, 1996,
? eps
Me:-
Author:7
"Only One Truth Prevails"
The Most popular detective anime,
Known for having the best cases seen in Anime, uses an ungodly amount of japanese wordplay mixed with an ungodly amount of murder cases
If you don't plan on ever watching detective Conan but want the rundown
Watch the special "Detective Conan Episode One, The Great Detective Turned Small"
It spoils about 700+ episodes in about 1hr 30mins.
The Most popular detective anime,
Known for having the best cases seen in Anime, uses an ungodly amount of japanese wordplay mixed with an ungodly amount of murder cases
If you don't plan on ever watching detective Conan but want the rundown
Watch the special "Detective Conan Episode One, The Great Detective Turned Small"
It spoils about 700+ episodes in about 1hr 30mins.
TV, 2018,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:10
Known as Kyoto's best animated work
Stunning visuals that will leave you speechless
Sometimes regarded as Melodramatic
Episode 10 regarded as one of the best episodes of the last decade
Stunning visuals that will leave you speechless
Sometimes regarded as Melodramatic
Episode 10 regarded as one of the best episodes of the last decade
TV, 2006,
201 eps
Me:-
Author:9
"He had eyes too fierce to be a samurai yet too calm to be a thug"
Usually regarded as the funniest anime ever made, most of the humor based on referencial jokes, breaking the fourth wall, toilet humor, e.t.c
Probably should be watched after seeing about 80% of anime on this list
Usually regarded as the funniest anime ever made, most of the humor based on referencial jokes, breaking the fourth wall, toilet humor, e.t.c
Probably should be watched after seeing about 80% of anime on this list
Kidou Senshi Gundam I
Mobile Suit Gundam I
Movie, 1981,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:7
The Progenitors of Mecha,
(I recommend watching the films rather than the series)
(I recommend watching the films rather than the series)
Ashita no Joe
Tomorrow's Joe
TV, 1970,
79 eps
Me:-
Author:8
The ending scene is referenced a lot
You usually see it when a character has either lost, given up the ghost or is depressed while the screen fades into blue/black and white, and you sometimes hear the sound of a boxing bell.
Skip the last 25 episodes of Ashita no Joe S1
You usually see it when a character has either lost, given up the ghost or is depressed while the screen fades into blue/black and white, and you sometimes hear the sound of a boxing bell.
Skip the last 25 episodes of Ashita no Joe S1
Yu☆Gi☆Oh! Duel Monsters
Yu-Gi-Oh!
TV, 2000,
224 eps
Me:-
Author:-
Popular Childhood classic card anime
"It's time to duel"
"It's time to duel"
Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: Tensai-tachi no Renai Zunousen
Kaguya-sama: Love is War
TV, 2019,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Popular openings and Endings
Usually regarded as the best Romcom you'll ever watch
Usually regarded as the best Romcom you'll ever watch
TV, 2008,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:7
An iconic romantic comedy. Known for popularizing the Tsundere archetype.
Movie, 1988,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:7
The motorcycle drift scene, also popularized the cyberpunk genre.
Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon
Sailor Moon
TV, 1992,
46 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Face of Shojo anime, childhood classic for many
The pose and the sailor guardian uniform are parodied a lot, sometimes Usagi's tiara throw.
(I recommend watching the remake if u don't want the filler though the original has still aged well)
Most popular quote
"In the name of the moon I'll punish you"
The pose and the sailor guardian uniform are parodied a lot, sometimes Usagi's tiara throw.
(I recommend watching the remake if u don't want the filler though the original has still aged well)
Most popular quote
"In the name of the moon I'll punish you"
TV, 2012,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:7
A classic horror anime, known for how comical the deaths were.
Umbrella scene
Umbrella scene
Mirai Nikki (TV)
The Future Diary
TV, 2011,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Famous for having the queen of Yandere.
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
Gurren Lagann
TV, 2007,
27 eps
Me:-
Author:10
"Let Your Drill Pierce The Heavens"
Provides a very unique spin to the Mecha genre, with animation and Visuals far ahead of its time.
Very loved for how weird it could be.
Most Mecha shows usually take reference to this show one way or another.
It's basically in every trigger original show
Provides a very unique spin to the Mecha genre, with animation and Visuals far ahead of its time.
Very loved for how weird it could be.
Most Mecha shows usually take reference to this show one way or another.
It's basically in every trigger original show
Gakkou no Kaidan
Ghost Stories
TV, 2000,
19 eps
Me:-
Author:7
An anime with the most famous English dub
Popular for being so wild and out of pocket.
Dialogues completely different from the original japanese version
Comparable to American Dad/Family Guy
Popular for being so wild and out of pocket.
Dialogues completely different from the original japanese version
Comparable to American Dad/Family Guy
