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* ''Oishinbo'': Trying new things, broadening your horizons, and going out of your comfort zone. Also, appreciating one's own culture and traditions without being held back by it.
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* ''Oishinbo'': Trying new things, broadening your horizons, and going out of your comfort zone. Also, appreciating one's own culture and traditions without being held back by it.it.
* ''{{Planetes}}'': Love (Tanabe) versus ambition (Hachimaki). (More pronounced in the manga than the anime.)
* ''{{Planetes}}'': Love (Tanabe) versus ambition (Hachimaki). (More pronounced in the manga than the anime.)
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* ''Anime/PrincessTutu'' - You can control your own destiny.
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* ''Anime/PrincessTutu'' - You can control your own destiny.destiny, no matter your situation.
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* ''FruitsBasket'': Making human contact.
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* ''FruitsBasket'': Making human contact.''Manga/FruitsBasket'': Change is hard, but necessary.
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* ''Manga/Oishinbo'': Trying new things, broadening your horizons, and going out of your comfort zone. Also, appreciating one's own culture and traditions without being held back by it.
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* ''Manga/Oishinbo'': ''Oishinbo'': Trying new things, broadening your horizons, and going out of your comfort zone. Also, appreciating one's own culture and traditions without being held back by it.
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Changed line(s) 99 (click to see context) from:
* ''Oishinbo'': Trying new things, broadening your horizons, and going out of your comfort zone. Also, what makes Japanese food so damn good.
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* ''Oishinbo'': ''Manga/Oishinbo'': Trying new things, broadening your horizons, and going out of your comfort zone. zone. Also, what makes Japanese food so damn good.appreciating one's own culture and traditions without being held back by it.
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* ''AccelWorld'' - Our emotional flaws have the potential to become our greatest strengths.
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* ''AccelWorld'' ''LightNovel/AccelWorld'' - Our emotional flaws have the potential to become our greatest strengths.
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* ''Manga/DragonBall Z'' - The series gets a lot of flak for its SortingAlgorithmOfEvil, but Self Improvement IS the main theme of the series. "Just because you can blow up a planet, you shouldn't declare yourself [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpkeAQG6kQw perfect]]; there is always someone out there better, so never stop trying to better yourself.
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* ''Manga/DragonBall Z'' ''Anime/DragonBallZ'' - The series gets a lot of flak for its SortingAlgorithmOfEvil, but Self Improvement IS the main theme of the series. "Just because you can blow up a planet, you shouldn't declare yourself [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpkeAQG6kQw perfect]]; there is always someone out there better, so never stop trying to better yourself.
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Natter and irrelevant to the trope.
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* ''Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion'' is a 26 episode critique of the Otaku lifestyle and deconstruction of the conventions of HumongousMecha anime, while ironically setting new conventions to replace the old. One of the most analysed anime in existence, as the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neon_Genesis_Evangelion_%28anime%29#Fiction_and_philosophy wikipedia page]] will attest, it is generally accepted today that the religious symbolism in the anime [[FauxSymbolism are largely meaningless.]]
** Not completely meaningless per se, but it's not quite as deep as most people think it is. Unless the person thinks it does, then it will be, because the entire series was Walrus called Paul.
** A third interpretation is that Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion is a work whose depth is an example of {{Applicability}}. It is precisely as deep as the observer wishes it to be.
** Not completely meaningless per se, but it's not quite as deep as most people think it is. Unless the person thinks it does, then it will be, because the entire series was Walrus called Paul.
** A third interpretation is that Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion is a work whose depth is an example of {{Applicability}}. It is precisely as deep as the observer wishes it to be.
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* ''Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion'' is a 26 episode critique of the Otaku lifestyle and deconstruction of the conventions of HumongousMecha anime, while ironically setting new conventions to replace the old. One of the most analysed anime in existence, as the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neon_Genesis_Evangelion_%28anime%29#Fiction_and_philosophy wikipedia page]] will attest, it is generally accepted today that the religious symbolism in the anime [[FauxSymbolism are largely meaningless.]]\n** Not completely meaningless per se, but it's not quite as deep as most people think it is. Unless the person thinks it does, then it will be, because the entire series was Walrus called Paul.\n** A third interpretation is that Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion is a work whose depth is an example of {{Applicability}}. It is precisely as deep as the observer wishes it to be.
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** Interpersonal relationships in general, how people unavoidably hurt each-other through them and why one still shouldn't try to [[ArcWords run away from them]]. This includes the above mentioned themes of responsibility and love.
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* ''PrincessTutu'' - You can control your own destiny.
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* ''PrincessTutu'' ''Anime/PrincessTutu'' - You can control your own destiny.
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** In addition to that, there is also the theme of freedom, of being independent from any larger group or entity, which is what it means to be an outlaw within the universe of the show. Gene Starwind and his crew's loyalty are only to each other as they deal with both planetary governments and pirate guilds.
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--> ''A boy has the right to dream. There are endless possibilities stretched out before him. What awaits him down the path, he will then have to choose. The children leave their homes in search of this quest. As they search, they are always asking questions. What's out there? What's waiting for me? Believe in yourself, and create your own destiny. Don't fear failure."
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--> ''A boy has the right to dream. There are endless possibilities stretched out before him. What awaits him down the path, he will then have to choose. The children leave their homes in search of this quest. As they search, they are boy doesn’t always asking questions. What's know. At some point the boy becomes an adult and learns what he is able to become. Joy and sadness forever will accompany this. He is confronted with a choice. When this happens as he bids his past farewell in his heart. Once a boy becomes an adult he can no longer go back to being a boy. The boy is now a man. Only one thing can be said, “A boy has the right to dream.” For those endless possibilities are stretched out there? What's waiting for me? Believe in yourself, and create your own destiny. Don't fear failure."before him. We must always remember, all men where once boys…"
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* OutlawStar - Summed up in the opening dialogues of each episode, and the series as a whole in the second episode and in the great {{Toonami}} promo [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfadJj4d5K4 Dreams]]. In short, there's a whole universe of possibilities, opportunity, and adventure waiting for you to fulfill your dreams. You can't let your fear stop you from pursuing those dreams.
to:
* OutlawStar - Summed up in the opening dialogues of each episode, and the series as a whole in the second episode and in the great {{Toonami}} promo [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfadJj4d5K4 Dreams]]. In short, there's a whole universe of possibilities, opportunity, and adventure waiting for you to fulfill your dreams. You can't let your fear stop you from pursuing those dreams. Going on this journey, to fulfill childhood dreams, is a necessary part of becoming an adult.
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* OutlawStar - Summed up in the opening dialogues of each episode, and the series as a whole in the second episode and in the great {{Toonami}} promo [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfadJj4d5K4 Dreams]]. In short, there's a whole universe of possibilities, opportunity, and adventure waiting for you to fulfill your dreams. You can't let your fear stop you from pursuing those dreams.
--> ''A boy has the right to dream. There are endless possibilities stretched out before him. What awaits him down the path, he will then have to choose. The children leave their homes in search of this quest. As they search, they are always asking questions. What's out there? What's waiting for me? Believe in yourself, and create your own destiny. Don't fear failure."
--> ''A boy has the right to dream. There are endless possibilities stretched out before him. What awaits him down the path, he will then have to choose. The children leave their homes in search of this quest. As they search, they are always asking questions. What's out there? What's waiting for me? Believe in yourself, and create your own destiny. Don't fear failure."
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* ''Anime/MobileSuitGundam'': War is hell. There are good people on both sides of a conflict. People can't just sit on the sidelines during war. Elitism must be fought by compassion. Many of the series both in the Universal Century and Alternate Universes tackle most of these themes.
to:
* ''Anime/MobileSuitGundam'': War is hell.WarIsHell. There are good people on both sides of a conflict. People can't just sit on the sidelines during war. Elitism Tyranny and hatred must be fought by compassion.compassion. There can be no real peace without understanding. Many of the series both in the Universal Century and Alternate Universes tackle most of these themes.
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* ''Manga/SailorMoon'': Evil never dies but neither do the ones who fight it.
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* ''Manga/SailorMoon'': Evil may never dies die but neither do the ones who fight it.it, Believe in the power of love and friendship to overcome all odds.
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* ''Rosario + Vampire'' has a few. ''True Companions'' are a great thing to have when going through the bad times. Nothing is always what it seems. Love can still be strong even if it is only platonic. Love is also about putting others above your own needs.
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* ''Rosario ''[[RosarioPlusVampire Rosario + Vampire'' Vampire]]'' has a few. ''True Companions'' are a great thing to have when going through the bad times. Nothing is always what it seems. Love can still be strong even if it is only platonic. Love is also about putting others above your own needs.
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** [[AGodAmI You are not a god.]] [[ThePowerOfFriendship One person can only do so much]]; to think otherwise is to invite arrogance.
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** ItsTheJourneyThatCounts
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* ''{{Dorohedoro}}'': Everyone has a bad side. The question is whether you let that be the side in charge.
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* ''{{Dorohedoro}}'': Everyone has a bad side. The question is whether you let that be the side in charge.charge.
* ''Oishinbo'': Trying new things, broadening your horizons, and going out of your comfort zone. Also, what makes Japanese food so damn good.
* ''Oishinbo'': Trying new things, broadening your horizons, and going out of your comfort zone. Also, what makes Japanese food so damn good.
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** [[{{Determinator}} Never giving up]] on achieving your dreams and goals what doing so [[AmbitionIsEvil can really entail]].
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** [[{{Determinator}} Never giving up]] on achieving your dreams and goals goals, and what doing so [[AmbitionIsEvil can really entail]].
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Changed line(s) 93 (click to see context) from:
** What is Justice?
to:
** What is Justice?Justice?
* ''{{Dorohedoro}}'': Everyone has a bad side. The question is whether you let that be the side in charge.
* ''{{Dorohedoro}}'': Everyone has a bad side. The question is whether you let that be the side in charge.
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* ''LightNovel/HaruhiSuzumiya'': Everyday is an adventure as long as you are with friends.
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* ''LightNovel/HaruhiSuzumiya'': Everyday Every day is an adventure as long as you are with friends.
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* ''Anime/TowaNoQuon'' - It is our emotions that make us human.
* TwentiethCenturyBoys: How childhood fantasies should stay as just that.
* TwentiethCenturyBoys: How childhood fantasies should stay as just that.
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* ''Anime/TowaNoQuon'' - ''Anime/TowaNoQuon'': It is our emotions that make us human.
* TwentiethCenturyBoys:How childhood Childhood fantasies should stay as just that.
* TwentiethCenturyBoys:
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* LightNovel/{{Baccano}}!: Life is awesome. Whether or not it lasts forever.
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* ''Rosario + Vampire'' has a few. ''True Companions'' are a great thing to have when going through the bad times. Nothing is always what it seems. Love can still be strong even if it is only platonic. Love is also about putting others above your own needs.
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** It isn't a crime to exist, not even if the world wants you dead, for someone out there cares about you. Or, if you want to simplify it, "No one is born in this world is born to be alone."
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** It isn't a crime to exist, not even if the world wants you dead, for someone out there cares about you. Or, if you want to simplify it, "No one is born in this world is born to be alone."
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** It isn't a crime to exist, not even if the world wants you dead, for someone out there cares about you. Or, if you want to simplify it, "No one is born in this world to be alone."
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** It isn't a crime to exist, not even if the world wants you dead, for someone out there cares about you. Or, if you want to simplify it, "No one is born in this world is born to be alone."
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* ''SwordArtOnline'' - Friendship and love transcend virtual reality.
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* ''SwordArtOnline'' - Friendship and love transcend virtual reality.reality.
* ''Manga/OnePiece'': Hereditary doesn't matter and family is who you choose.
** It isn't a crime to exist, not even if the world wants you dead, for someone out there cares about you. Or, if you want to simplify it, "No one is born in this world to be alone."
** What is Justice?
* ''Manga/OnePiece'': Hereditary doesn't matter and family is who you choose.
** It isn't a crime to exist, not even if the world wants you dead, for someone out there cares about you. Or, if you want to simplify it, "No one is born in this world to be alone."
** What is Justice?
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* ''LightNovel/SworldArtOnline'' - Friendship and love transcend virtual reality.
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* ''LightNovel/SworldArtOnline'' ''SwordArtOnline'' - Friendship and love transcend virtual reality.
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* ''SworldArtOnline'' - Friendship and love transcend virtual reality.
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* ''SworldArtOnline'' ''LightNovel/SworldArtOnline'' - Friendship and love transcend virtual reality.
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* ''Accel World'' - Our emotional flaws have the potential to become our greatest strengths.
* ''Sworld Art Online'' - Friendship and love transcend virtual reality.
* ''Sworld Art Online'' - Friendship and love transcend virtual reality.
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* ''Accel World'' ''AccelWorld'' - Our emotional flaws have the potential to become our greatest strengths.
*''Sworld Art Online'' ''SworldArtOnline'' - Friendship and love transcend virtual reality.
*
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* ''LoveHina'' - Can you hold onto your childhod dream even as you grow up?
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* ''LoveHina'' - Can you hold onto your childhod childhood dream even as you grow up?up?
* ''Accel World'' - Our emotional flaws have the potential to become our greatest strengths.
* ''Sworld Art Online'' - Friendship and love transcend virtual reality.
* ''Accel World'' - Our emotional flaws have the potential to become our greatest strengths.
* ''Sworld Art Online'' - Friendship and love transcend virtual reality.
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* ''FullmetalAlchemist'': EquivalentExchange, ThingsManWasNotMeantToKnow.
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* ''FullmetalAlchemist'': ''Manga/FullmetalAlchemist'': EquivalentExchange, ThingsManWasNotMeantToKnow.
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* ''LightNovel/KinosJourney'' - Is there any underlying point to the stories, any unifying concept? Perhaps. It could be seen as an extended lesson in the law of unintended consequences.
** HLMencken said, there is always an easy solution to every human problem: neat, plausible, and wrong. That is really the theme of this series. Each place that Kino visits, there was a problem which was solved by adoption of a solution which was neat and plausible and far too simplistic. And in each case we eventually learn why the chosen solution was wrong.
* ''SerialExperimentsLain'' is at is core, an exploration of the impact of the information age on the human soul. At a time when the internet was only just getting off, it foretold a future where Everything is Connected. It explores the concept of a Technological [[TheSingularity singularity]], "Close the World, Open the Next"
* ''Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion'' is a 26 episode critique of the Otaku lifestyle and deconstruction of the conventions of HumongousMecha anime, while ironically setting new conventions to replace the old. One of the most analysed anime in existence, as the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neon_Genesis_Evangelion_%28anime%29#Fiction_and_philosophy wikipedia page]] will attest, it is generally accepted today that the religious symbolism in the anime [[FauxSymbolism are largely meaningless.]]
** Not completely meaningless per se, but it's not quite as deep as most people think it is. Unless the person thinks it does, then it will be, because the entire series was Walrus called Paul.
** A third interpretation is that Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion is a work whose depth is an example of {{Applicability}}. It is precisely as deep as the observer wishes it to be.
** Responsibility and how people deal with it.
** Love is also a major theme; all the characters are motivated by a desire to love, and be loved in return.
* ''VoicesOfADistantStar'' - Does physical distance matter for two people in love? What if she's in another city? Country? Continent? Star System? Einstein said "The great distances between the stars is nothing compared to the infinite distance between human hearts", and this movie tries to prove him dead wrong.
* ''Anime/{{Monster}}'' - Can any human being be considered a monster, beyond redemption? Is it wrong to take a life, even to save others? It explores these questions right to the logical conclusion, then leaves it to the viewer to figure it out.
* ''Anime/CowboyBebop'' - You can never outrun your past. Even the SpoofAesop from episode 10 works into this concept. [[spoiler: 'Don't leave things in the fridge', if you're curious.]]
** ''SamuraiChamploo'', it's SpiritualSuccessor, has a similar theme. Or maybe it's "sometimes you need to let go of the past". Or some combination of both.
** ''Anime/CowboyBebop'', ''Anime/TheBigO'', ''{{Karas}}'' and ''TigerAndBunny'' all seems to have the same central message - you can live neither by clinging to the past, nor rejecting it to blindly march towards the future. Each explores it in a different way - in ''Karas'' it takes form of conflict between tradition and progress; in ''Tiger & Bunny'' it's the clash between different brands of heroism with new ones claiming the old to be outdated as well as [[spoiler: Barnaby's breakdown once he finds out his memories are fake]]; in ''Cowboy Bebop'' it's contrast between Spike's inability to let go of his revenge, Jet's ability to confront and deal with his, and Faye's [[spoiler: problems with amnesia]]; and in ''The Big O'' it's constantly showing that even disconnected from his past, man will still build on his future on it's legacy. Apart from that, some of them have additional central themes they explore:
*** ''{{Karas}}'' - the relationship between TheCowl archetype and the city he protects.
*** ''Anime/TigerAndBunny'' - relationships between co-workers. Racism can be defeated.
* ''Manga/DeathNote'' - Power corrupts.
* ''Anime/ParanoiaAgent'' - You can't be a child forever.
* ''PrincessTutu'' - You can control your own destiny.
* ''NausicaaOfTheValleyOfTheWind'' - It is better to try to understand what we do not know about rather than to fight against it.
* ''KikisDeliveryService'' - Growing up isn't so bad; in fact, it can be wonderful.
* ''PrincessMononoke'' - Can there be peace between man and nature?
* ''SonicX'' - While there is no real overarching theme, in the first season one message conveyed seems to be that friendship can last forever, even if two friends are apart.
* ''Manga/DragonBall Z'' - The series gets a lot of flak for its SortingAlgorithmOfEvil, but Self Improvement IS the main theme of the series. "Just because you can blow up a planet, you shouldn't declare yourself [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpkeAQG6kQw perfect]]; there is always someone out there better, so never stop trying to better yourself.
** WordOfGod confirms this.
* ''RevolutionaryGirlUtena'': Is it possible to be both an archetypal prince and female at the same time? Can someone like Utena who wants to be a "prince" also yearn for her own prince without contradicting herself?
* ''Manga/{{Naruto}}'' - Two major themes: "The old must make way for the new" (thus, all immortals to appear are villains) and "How far can a person go to save someone who doesn't want to be saved?". The second could also be expanded into the more general "[[CycleOfRevenge How can you save the world from itself]]?".
* ''BloodPlus'' - Family is made up of people who love each other in spite of their faults, not blood relations.
* ''ChronoCrusade'' - According to WordOfGod, "the idea of time running out." The bonds between people also seems to be a major running theme (Moriyama indicated in an interview that he felt that one of the themes was the relationship of the two main characters, and there's three pairs of siblings that are very important to the plot.)
* ''Anime/CodeGeass'' - Do the ends justify the means?
** Is it always a good idea to know the truth?
* ''{{Trigun}}'' is about the plausibility of [[ActualPacifist true pacifism]], especially in a very harsh and inhospitable world. This is best exemplified by the analogy in the anime of a butterfly caught in a spider's web: the Plants, a race of engineered [[WingedHumanoid Winged Humanoids]] represent the butterflies, as they are enslaved by the humans in order to make the planet habitable. [[BigBad Knives']] plan is to wipe out the humans/spiders and save the Plants/butterflies, whereas Vash's hope is to come up with an alternative that allows everyone to coexist.
* ''Anime/AfroSamurai'' - Two in one:
** What is the real meaning of power?
** Can revenge ever be justified?
* The ''GhostInTheShell'' franchise - What does it mean to be human?
* ''MagicalProjectS'': [[BeneathTheMask Hiding our true feelings is bad]] and the PowerOfLove/[[PowerOfFriendship Friendship]].
* ''SetoNoHanayome'': Loneliness.
* ''FullmetalAlchemist'': EquivalentExchange, ThingsManWasNotMeantToKnow.
* ''GunXSword'': Which is more important: world peace, universal contentment, and the common good, or the freedom of the individual to pursue happiness according to his or her individual dreams and desires?
* ''{{Bokurano}}'': What do you do with the little time left in your life?
* ''SchoolRumble'': Your life can be changed by [[OddFriendship someone you never expected]].
* ''Manga/RurouniKenshin'': Atoning for past mistakes.
* ''HellGirl'': Is it possible to hate someone so much that you would sacrifice everything you are and everything you will become to destroy them?
* ''GreatTeacherOnizuka'': Teachers and students are not meant to be enemies.
* ''Anime/PuellaMagiMadokaMagica'': Altruism is about paying the price, not reaping the rewards.
* ''Anime/MobileSuitGundam'': War is hell. There are good people on both sides of a conflict. People can't just sit on the sidelines during war. Elitism must be fought by compassion. Many of the series both in the Universal Century and Alternate Universes tackle most of these themes.
* ''GurrenLagann'': Keep moving forward and go [[BeyondTheImpossible do things that are impossible.]]
* ''Manga/WolfsRain'': Evil will always exist.
* ''FistOfTheNorthStar'': Does might always make right?
* ''VisualNovel/SchoolDays'': The things, ''terrible things'', [[LoveMakesYouEvil people will do for love]].
* ''Manga/SailorMoon'': Evil never dies but neither do the ones who fight it.
** ''Series/PrettyGuardianSailorMoon'': [[ScrewDestiny The future is not set in stone]].
* ''LightNovel/HaruhiSuzumiya'': Everyday is an adventure as long as you are with friends.
* ''WelcomeToTheNHK'': It's easy to feel lonely and worthless but it doesn't have to be that way.
** Just surviving and actually living aren't the same thing, and to do the former is as good as being dead.
* ''KindaichiCaseFiles'': The central theme varies between volumes but the main one that stretches around the entire series is no matter how someone has wronged you in the most horrific way possible, murder is never the solution.
* ''GiantRobo: The Day The Earth Stood Still'' - Can happiness be achieved without sacrifice? How can a son honor his father's legacy?
* ''Anime/TowaNoQuon'' - It is our emotions that make us human.
* TwentiethCenturyBoys: How childhood fantasies should stay as just that.
* ''UnGo'' - When truth collides with good of the society, which is more important?
* ''{{Berserk}}'': [[DespairEventHorizon Despair]] and [[DealWithTheDevil what people are willing to give up up to overcome it]].
** If God exists, does man have to submit to him [[GodIsEvil no matter what?]] And can a single man [[{{Badass}} push himself]] to the point of [[RageAgainstTheHeavens stopping said God?]]
** [[{{Determinator}} Never giving up]] on achieving your dreams and goals what doing so [[AmbitionIsEvil can really entail]].
* ''GoldenBoy'': Never underestimating an idealist.
* ''Anime/{{Pokemon}}'': Striving to be the best in whatever one does.
* ''Manga/AhMyGoddess'': Staying together through thick and thin.
* ''VisualNovel/{{CLANNAD}}'': Family is the most important thing in life.
* ''VisualNovel/HigurashiNoNakuKoroNi'': Don't ever distrust your friends. No matter what you're going through, ThePowerOfFriendship can save you.
* ''Anime/DigimonTamers'': What is the line between fiction and reality? and What is the price of technology?
** ''Anime/DigimonSavers'': What truly makes a man a man?
* ''Anime/AngelBeats!'': No matter any tragedies that have happened in life, you can always change and move on.
* ''KidouTenshiAngelicLayer'': Not everything has to be SeriousBusiness.
* ''Manga/InuYasha'': Choices. Everyone sooner or later must make one.
* ''Manga/DetectiveConan'': Everyone deserves justice, even [[AssholeVictim someone who doesn't seem to deserve it]].
* ''Manga/AngelDensetsu'': Never judging a book by its cover.
* ''Manga/RanmaOneHalf'': Duality. The face one shows to the world and the other kept hidden.
* ''LyricalNanoha'': As [[http://okazu.blogspot.com/ Erica Friedman]] notes, [[http://okazu.blogspot.com/2012/03/concept-of-family-in-magical-girl.html the entire Nanoha-verse is the story of creating one's family for one's self]]. Family is something beyond just the community one is born into; it is something one forms and gathers out of love as one moves through life.
* ''Manga/WeddingPeach'': The reconciliation of the good and evil that resides in everyone.
* ''Manga/{{Akira}}'': The anger and frustration of youth.
* ''MagicKnightRayearth'': No person, no matter how strong, can do everything by themselves.
* ''Manga/{{Chobits}}'': Is man starting to prefer technology over interaction with real people?
* ''FruitsBasket'': Making human contact.
* ''BusouRenkin'': What will you do with the new life given you?
* ''FushigiYugi'': How a journey changes heroes and the people left behind.
* ''Popotan'': Parting from friends is a natural part of life, but friendships can still live on in memories. Quite similar to the above mentioned ''Anime/SonicX'', in that regard.
* ''LoveHina'' - Can you hold onto your childhod dream even as you grow up?
** HLMencken said, there is always an easy solution to every human problem: neat, plausible, and wrong. That is really the theme of this series. Each place that Kino visits, there was a problem which was solved by adoption of a solution which was neat and plausible and far too simplistic. And in each case we eventually learn why the chosen solution was wrong.
* ''SerialExperimentsLain'' is at is core, an exploration of the impact of the information age on the human soul. At a time when the internet was only just getting off, it foretold a future where Everything is Connected. It explores the concept of a Technological [[TheSingularity singularity]], "Close the World, Open the Next"
* ''Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion'' is a 26 episode critique of the Otaku lifestyle and deconstruction of the conventions of HumongousMecha anime, while ironically setting new conventions to replace the old. One of the most analysed anime in existence, as the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neon_Genesis_Evangelion_%28anime%29#Fiction_and_philosophy wikipedia page]] will attest, it is generally accepted today that the religious symbolism in the anime [[FauxSymbolism are largely meaningless.]]
** Not completely meaningless per se, but it's not quite as deep as most people think it is. Unless the person thinks it does, then it will be, because the entire series was Walrus called Paul.
** A third interpretation is that Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion is a work whose depth is an example of {{Applicability}}. It is precisely as deep as the observer wishes it to be.
** Responsibility and how people deal with it.
** Love is also a major theme; all the characters are motivated by a desire to love, and be loved in return.
* ''VoicesOfADistantStar'' - Does physical distance matter for two people in love? What if she's in another city? Country? Continent? Star System? Einstein said "The great distances between the stars is nothing compared to the infinite distance between human hearts", and this movie tries to prove him dead wrong.
* ''Anime/{{Monster}}'' - Can any human being be considered a monster, beyond redemption? Is it wrong to take a life, even to save others? It explores these questions right to the logical conclusion, then leaves it to the viewer to figure it out.
* ''Anime/CowboyBebop'' - You can never outrun your past. Even the SpoofAesop from episode 10 works into this concept. [[spoiler: 'Don't leave things in the fridge', if you're curious.]]
** ''SamuraiChamploo'', it's SpiritualSuccessor, has a similar theme. Or maybe it's "sometimes you need to let go of the past". Or some combination of both.
** ''Anime/CowboyBebop'', ''Anime/TheBigO'', ''{{Karas}}'' and ''TigerAndBunny'' all seems to have the same central message - you can live neither by clinging to the past, nor rejecting it to blindly march towards the future. Each explores it in a different way - in ''Karas'' it takes form of conflict between tradition and progress; in ''Tiger & Bunny'' it's the clash between different brands of heroism with new ones claiming the old to be outdated as well as [[spoiler: Barnaby's breakdown once he finds out his memories are fake]]; in ''Cowboy Bebop'' it's contrast between Spike's inability to let go of his revenge, Jet's ability to confront and deal with his, and Faye's [[spoiler: problems with amnesia]]; and in ''The Big O'' it's constantly showing that even disconnected from his past, man will still build on his future on it's legacy. Apart from that, some of them have additional central themes they explore:
*** ''{{Karas}}'' - the relationship between TheCowl archetype and the city he protects.
*** ''Anime/TigerAndBunny'' - relationships between co-workers. Racism can be defeated.
* ''Manga/DeathNote'' - Power corrupts.
* ''Anime/ParanoiaAgent'' - You can't be a child forever.
* ''PrincessTutu'' - You can control your own destiny.
* ''NausicaaOfTheValleyOfTheWind'' - It is better to try to understand what we do not know about rather than to fight against it.
* ''KikisDeliveryService'' - Growing up isn't so bad; in fact, it can be wonderful.
* ''PrincessMononoke'' - Can there be peace between man and nature?
* ''SonicX'' - While there is no real overarching theme, in the first season one message conveyed seems to be that friendship can last forever, even if two friends are apart.
* ''Manga/DragonBall Z'' - The series gets a lot of flak for its SortingAlgorithmOfEvil, but Self Improvement IS the main theme of the series. "Just because you can blow up a planet, you shouldn't declare yourself [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpkeAQG6kQw perfect]]; there is always someone out there better, so never stop trying to better yourself.
** WordOfGod confirms this.
* ''RevolutionaryGirlUtena'': Is it possible to be both an archetypal prince and female at the same time? Can someone like Utena who wants to be a "prince" also yearn for her own prince without contradicting herself?
* ''Manga/{{Naruto}}'' - Two major themes: "The old must make way for the new" (thus, all immortals to appear are villains) and "How far can a person go to save someone who doesn't want to be saved?". The second could also be expanded into the more general "[[CycleOfRevenge How can you save the world from itself]]?".
* ''BloodPlus'' - Family is made up of people who love each other in spite of their faults, not blood relations.
* ''ChronoCrusade'' - According to WordOfGod, "the idea of time running out." The bonds between people also seems to be a major running theme (Moriyama indicated in an interview that he felt that one of the themes was the relationship of the two main characters, and there's three pairs of siblings that are very important to the plot.)
* ''Anime/CodeGeass'' - Do the ends justify the means?
** Is it always a good idea to know the truth?
* ''{{Trigun}}'' is about the plausibility of [[ActualPacifist true pacifism]], especially in a very harsh and inhospitable world. This is best exemplified by the analogy in the anime of a butterfly caught in a spider's web: the Plants, a race of engineered [[WingedHumanoid Winged Humanoids]] represent the butterflies, as they are enslaved by the humans in order to make the planet habitable. [[BigBad Knives']] plan is to wipe out the humans/spiders and save the Plants/butterflies, whereas Vash's hope is to come up with an alternative that allows everyone to coexist.
* ''Anime/AfroSamurai'' - Two in one:
** What is the real meaning of power?
** Can revenge ever be justified?
* The ''GhostInTheShell'' franchise - What does it mean to be human?
* ''MagicalProjectS'': [[BeneathTheMask Hiding our true feelings is bad]] and the PowerOfLove/[[PowerOfFriendship Friendship]].
* ''SetoNoHanayome'': Loneliness.
* ''FullmetalAlchemist'': EquivalentExchange, ThingsManWasNotMeantToKnow.
* ''GunXSword'': Which is more important: world peace, universal contentment, and the common good, or the freedom of the individual to pursue happiness according to his or her individual dreams and desires?
* ''{{Bokurano}}'': What do you do with the little time left in your life?
* ''SchoolRumble'': Your life can be changed by [[OddFriendship someone you never expected]].
* ''Manga/RurouniKenshin'': Atoning for past mistakes.
* ''HellGirl'': Is it possible to hate someone so much that you would sacrifice everything you are and everything you will become to destroy them?
* ''GreatTeacherOnizuka'': Teachers and students are not meant to be enemies.
* ''Anime/PuellaMagiMadokaMagica'': Altruism is about paying the price, not reaping the rewards.
* ''Anime/MobileSuitGundam'': War is hell. There are good people on both sides of a conflict. People can't just sit on the sidelines during war. Elitism must be fought by compassion. Many of the series both in the Universal Century and Alternate Universes tackle most of these themes.
* ''GurrenLagann'': Keep moving forward and go [[BeyondTheImpossible do things that are impossible.]]
* ''Manga/WolfsRain'': Evil will always exist.
* ''FistOfTheNorthStar'': Does might always make right?
* ''VisualNovel/SchoolDays'': The things, ''terrible things'', [[LoveMakesYouEvil people will do for love]].
* ''Manga/SailorMoon'': Evil never dies but neither do the ones who fight it.
** ''Series/PrettyGuardianSailorMoon'': [[ScrewDestiny The future is not set in stone]].
* ''LightNovel/HaruhiSuzumiya'': Everyday is an adventure as long as you are with friends.
* ''WelcomeToTheNHK'': It's easy to feel lonely and worthless but it doesn't have to be that way.
** Just surviving and actually living aren't the same thing, and to do the former is as good as being dead.
* ''KindaichiCaseFiles'': The central theme varies between volumes but the main one that stretches around the entire series is no matter how someone has wronged you in the most horrific way possible, murder is never the solution.
* ''GiantRobo: The Day The Earth Stood Still'' - Can happiness be achieved without sacrifice? How can a son honor his father's legacy?
* ''Anime/TowaNoQuon'' - It is our emotions that make us human.
* TwentiethCenturyBoys: How childhood fantasies should stay as just that.
* ''UnGo'' - When truth collides with good of the society, which is more important?
* ''{{Berserk}}'': [[DespairEventHorizon Despair]] and [[DealWithTheDevil what people are willing to give up up to overcome it]].
** If God exists, does man have to submit to him [[GodIsEvil no matter what?]] And can a single man [[{{Badass}} push himself]] to the point of [[RageAgainstTheHeavens stopping said God?]]
** [[{{Determinator}} Never giving up]] on achieving your dreams and goals what doing so [[AmbitionIsEvil can really entail]].
* ''GoldenBoy'': Never underestimating an idealist.
* ''Anime/{{Pokemon}}'': Striving to be the best in whatever one does.
* ''Manga/AhMyGoddess'': Staying together through thick and thin.
* ''VisualNovel/{{CLANNAD}}'': Family is the most important thing in life.
* ''VisualNovel/HigurashiNoNakuKoroNi'': Don't ever distrust your friends. No matter what you're going through, ThePowerOfFriendship can save you.
* ''Anime/DigimonTamers'': What is the line between fiction and reality? and What is the price of technology?
** ''Anime/DigimonSavers'': What truly makes a man a man?
* ''Anime/AngelBeats!'': No matter any tragedies that have happened in life, you can always change and move on.
* ''KidouTenshiAngelicLayer'': Not everything has to be SeriousBusiness.
* ''Manga/InuYasha'': Choices. Everyone sooner or later must make one.
* ''Manga/DetectiveConan'': Everyone deserves justice, even [[AssholeVictim someone who doesn't seem to deserve it]].
* ''Manga/AngelDensetsu'': Never judging a book by its cover.
* ''Manga/RanmaOneHalf'': Duality. The face one shows to the world and the other kept hidden.
* ''LyricalNanoha'': As [[http://okazu.blogspot.com/ Erica Friedman]] notes, [[http://okazu.blogspot.com/2012/03/concept-of-family-in-magical-girl.html the entire Nanoha-verse is the story of creating one's family for one's self]]. Family is something beyond just the community one is born into; it is something one forms and gathers out of love as one moves through life.
* ''Manga/WeddingPeach'': The reconciliation of the good and evil that resides in everyone.
* ''Manga/{{Akira}}'': The anger and frustration of youth.
* ''MagicKnightRayearth'': No person, no matter how strong, can do everything by themselves.
* ''Manga/{{Chobits}}'': Is man starting to prefer technology over interaction with real people?
* ''FruitsBasket'': Making human contact.
* ''BusouRenkin'': What will you do with the new life given you?
* ''FushigiYugi'': How a journey changes heroes and the people left behind.
* ''Popotan'': Parting from friends is a natural part of life, but friendships can still live on in memories. Quite similar to the above mentioned ''Anime/SonicX'', in that regard.
* ''LoveHina'' - Can you hold onto your childhod dream even as you grow up?
