Anime has an unparalleled ability to deliver impactful quotes that stay with viewers long after the credits roll. These words often transcend their fictional origins, offering wisdom, inspiration, and deep emotional resonance.
In this blog, we’ll count down the 20 best anime quotes of all time, starting with #20 and leading up to a profound statement by the ultimate gem at #1. Each quote reflects the depth and artistry of anime storytelling.
Table Of Contents
- 20. Mikasa Ackerman – Attack on Titan
- 19. Monkey D. Luffy – One Piece
- 18. Edward Elric – Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
- 17. Kakashi Hatake – Naruto Shippuden
- 16. Haku – Naruto
- 15. Matsumoto Rangiku – Bleach
- 14. Satsuki Kiryuuin – Kill la Kill
- 13. Itachi Uchiha – Naruto
- 12. Erwin Smith – Attack on Titan
- 11. Ging Freecss – Hunter x Hunter
- 10. Lelouch Lamperouge – Code Geass
- 9. Saitama – One Punch Man
- 8. Gildarts Clive – Fairy Tail
- 7. Levi Ackerman – Attack on Titan
- 6. Kenshin Himura – Rurouni Kenshin
- 5. Shogo Makishima – Psycho-Pass
- 4. Kaori Miyazono – Your Lie in April
- 3. Shoyo Hinata – Haikyuu!!
- 2. Light Yagami – Death Note
- 1. Goku – Dragon Ball Z
- Closing Thoughts
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20. Mikasa Ackerman – Attack on Titan
“This world is cruel. It is also very beautiful.”
Mikasa’s reflection embodies the bittersweet nature of existence, showcasing the duality of beauty and pain in the world.
19. Monkey D. Luffy – One Piece
“Forgetting is like a wound. The wound may heal, but it has already left a scar.”
Luffy’s words remind us of the lingering effects of past experiences, both physical and emotional.
18. Edward Elric – Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
“A lesson without pain is meaningless. That’s because you can’t gain something without sacrificing something in return.”
A central theme of the series, this quote highlights the necessity of struggle for growth.
17. Kakashi Hatake – Naruto Shippuden
“Those who break the rules are scum, but those who abandon their friends are worse than scum.”
Kakashi’s guiding principle reflects his unwavering loyalty and sense of camaraderie.
16. Haku – Naruto
“A person becomes strong when they have someone they want to protect.”
Haku’s belief highlights the power of love and connection as motivators for strength.
15. Matsumoto Rangiku – Bleach
“To know sorrow is not terrifying. What is terrifying is to know you can’t go back to the happiness you could have.”
This poignant line reflects on the permanence of loss and the weight of regret.
14. Satsuki Kiryuuin – Kill la Kill
“Fear is freedom! Subjugation is liberation! Contradiction is truth! Those are the facts of this world!”
Satsuki’s commanding declaration explores the paradoxical nature of power and control.
13. Itachi Uchiha – Naruto
“People’s lives don’t end when they die. It ends when they lose faith.”
Itachi’s wisdom underscores the importance of hope and belief as sustaining forces in life.
12. Erwin Smith – Attack on Titan
“A lesson in regret is always the harshest, but it’s the one that stays with you the longest.”
Erwin’s reflection captures the weight of leadership and the sacrifices it demands.
11. Ging Freecss – Hunter x Hunter
“You should enjoy the little detours. To the fullest. Because that’s where you’ll find the things more important than what you want.”
Ging’s wisdom emphasizes the importance of cherishing life’s journey rather than solely its destination.
10. Lelouch Lamperouge – Code Geass
“The only ones who should kill are those who are prepared to be killed.”
A profound statement on the ethics of power and the responsibility of those who wield it.
9. Saitama – One Punch Man
“Who decides limits? And based on what? Instead of giving in, move forward.”
Saitama’s words challenge us to break through our perceived limitations and keep striving.
8. Gildarts Clive – Fairy Tail
“Fear is not evil. It tells you what your weakness is. Once you know your weakness, you can become stronger.”
This quote inspires viewers to see fear as a tool for growth rather than a hindrance.
7. Levi Ackerman – Attack on Titan
“The only thing we’re allowed to do is to believe that we won’t regret the choice we made.”
Levi’s words reflect the uncertainty of decisions and the courage needed to move forward.
6. Kenshin Himura – Rurouni Kenshin
“Whatever you lose, you’ll find it again. But what you throw away you’ll never get back.”
Kenshin’s philosophy highlights the value of cherishing what matters most in life.
5. Shogo Makishima – Psycho-Pass
“The law doesn’t protect people. People protect the law.”
This thought-provoking line critiques societal structures and emphasizes personal responsibility.
4. Kaori Miyazono – Your Lie in April
“Maybe there’s only a dark road up ahead. But you still have to believe and keep going. Believe that the stars will light your path, even a little bit.”
Kaori’s hopeful words remind us to find light in the darkest moments.
3. Shoyo Hinata – Haikyuu!!
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
Hinata’s optimism and drive inspire viewers to chase their aspirations fearlessly.
2. Light Yagami – Death Note
“You can’t ever win if you’re always on the defensive. To win, you have to attack.”
Light’s strategic mindset demonstrates the power of taking initiative.
1. Goku – Dragon Ball Z
“Power comes in response to a need, not a desire. You have to create that need.”
The ultimate quote at #1, Goku’s wisdom teaches us that growth and strength come from necessity, not mere wishful thinking.
Closing Thoughts
Anime has gifted us with countless memorable lines that inspire, challenge, and comfort us. These 20 quotes are a testament to the genre’s emotional and philosophical depth.
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