9 common themes between Attack on Titan and Jujutsu Kaisen

The compelling and intensely emotional stories of Attack on Titan and Jujutsu Kaisen have enthralled anime fans. Both shows have had tremendous success because of their gripping action scenes, well-rounded casts, and deep narratives.

These two anime series are extremely interesting since they have various themes in common beyond their outward distinctions. This article will examine nine major themes that tie Attack on Titan and Jujutsu Kaisen together, showing their parallels and delving into both series' intricate and ominous settings.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from Attack on Titan and Jujutsu Kaisen.

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Tragedy, friendship, and hope: Similar themes in the plots of Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack On Titan explored

1. Existential struggles

Eren [left], Yuji [right] (Image Via Sportskeeda)

Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan both explore the fundamental issues of life and survival. They explore the deep-rooted fears, vulnerabilities, and existential struggles that their characters experience. While the balance of the world is in danger from cursed spirits in Jujutsu Kaisen, mankind fights Titans in Attack on Titan. Both series examine how people may persevere in the face of extreme adversity.

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2. Cursed powers

Eren's Titan [left], Gojo [right] (Image Via Sportskeeda)

Both series also explore the idea of cursed powers, abilities that come with a price or a risk. Some people can become Titans in Attack on Titan by acquiring one of the Nine Titans, the original powers of the legendary ancestor of all Titans. However, these Titan Shifters only live for 13 years and are sought after by other forces that want to harness their abilities.

In Jujutsu Kaisen, some humans can use Jujutsu, a form of sorcery that manipulates the energy between beings called Cursed Energy. However, these Jujutsu Sorcerers must overcome the drawbacks of employing Cursed Energy, such as Cursed Techniques, Cursed Objects, and Cursed Wombs.

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3. Dark Mysteries

Both series reveal dark mysteries that contradict the characters' beliefs. In Attack on Titan, humans learn that they are not the last of mankind but rather the descendants of the Eldians, a species with Titan powers who formerly ruled the world. They also discover that there are other nations outside the walls, each of which has its own objectives and reasons for wanting to deal with the Titans and Eldians.

In Jujutsu Kaisen, humans learn that there are hidden forces behind the Curses, such as the Six Eyes Clan, the Star Plasma Vessel, and the Death Paintings. They also uncover the truth about Sukuna, the King of Curses, who was once a human sorcerer with four arms and two faces.

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4. Moral ambiguity

Both series present moral ambiguity and complexity in their characters and situations. Since all nations in Attack on Titan have their own motivations and explanations for their acts, it is difficult to distinguish between good and evil.

In their struggle against the Titans, humans are forced to make harsh decisions and sacrifices, such as taking the lives of helpless bystanders, abandoning their allies, or turning into monsters themselves. The Titans also have individual personalities and feelings, such as those of Eren's brother Zeke, who desires to sterilize all Eldians to break the cycle of war.

In Jujutsu Kaisen, there is also no absolute right or wrong, as both sides have their own values and goals. When using Jujutsu, people face moral conundrums and repercussions, such as murdering other sorcerers, disobeying the law, or getting corrupted by Curses. Mahito, who considers people to be nothing more than soulless containers, is an example of one of the Cursed spirits who have their own logic and worldview.

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5. Friendship and loyalty

AOT and Jujutsu kaisen characters (Image Via Sportskeeda)

The characters in both series strongly emphasize friendship and allegiance, particularly among the main protagonists and their allies. Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert, two of Eren Yeager's childhood friends who support him in Attack on Titan and share his desire to travel and despise the Titans, stand by him. Additionally, they develop relationships with other Survey Corps members, an elite military unit that ventures outside the city gates to battle the Titans.

In Jujutsu Kaisen, Yuji Itadori is aided by his classmates Megumi Fushiguro and Nobara Kugisaki, who share his sense of justice and desire to help people. They also develop friendships with other students and teachers of Tokyo Jujutsu High School, a prestigious institution that trains Jujutsu Sorcerers.

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6. Tragedy and loss

Both series also depict tragedy and loss in their stories, as both sides suffer from the deaths of their loved ones and comrades. Many people in Attack on Titan pass away horribly and brutally, including Eren's mother, Carla, who was devoured by a Titan in front of him, and Erwin's father, who was murdered by the government for questioning historical accounts.

The series also shows the grief and trauma of the survivors, such as Levi, who lost his entire squad to the Female Titan, or Mikasa, who witnessed Eren's apparent death twice.

In Jujutsu Kaisen, many characters also die in tragic and gruesome ways, such as Junpei Yoshino, who was killed by Mahito after being manipulated by him, or Nanami, who Mahito stabbed after a fierce battle. The show also depicts the suffering and agony of the living, such as Yuji's self-blame for Junpei's demise or Nobara's devastation at Nanami's passing.

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7. Mentorship and guidance

The growth and development of the characters in both series are likewise highlighted by mentoring and advice. In Attack on Titan, the humans are trained and mentored by experienced soldiers and leaders such as Keith Shadis, Levi Ackerman, Hange Zoe, and Erwin Smith. They also learn from their allies and enemies, including Ymir, Annie Leonhart, and Reiner Braun.

In Jujutsu Kaisen, the humans are taught and guided by skilled teachers and seniors, such as Satoru Gojo, Kento Nanami, Aoi Todo, and Maki Zenin. They also gain insights from their foes and friends, such as Mahito, Suguru Geto, and Choso.

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8. Sacrifice and survival

Given that both sides suffer setbacks and defeats in their battles, both series also highlight sacrifice and survival in their narratives. The humans in Attack on Titan must give up their lives and limbs to battle the Titans, frequently with little chance of success or reward. They must also endure the persecution, sickness, and other horrible conditions that exist on their planet.

In Jujutsu Kaisen, humans must risk their lives and forsake their sense of morality to employ Jujutsu to combat the curses. They also have to survive the cruel realities of their society, such as discrimination, corruption, and betrayal.

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9. Hope and freedom

As both sides work for a brighter future and a happier existence, both series also portray optimism and freedom in their themes. In Attack on Titan, the humans seek to learn the truth about their planet and history and uncover the truth behind their world and history. They also want to pursue their interests and ambitions, such as seeing the world or developing innovations.

In Jujutsu Kaisen, humans hope to eradicate the Curses and create a world where people can live without fear or regret. They also hope to pursue their hobbies and interests in peace, such as watching movies or eating food.

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These are just a few topics that unite Attack on Titan and Jujutsu Kaisen, making them both intriguing and fun to watch. Both shows have much to offer in terms of plot, characters, action, drama, humor, and passion. For fans of either series, the other one would be definitely worth watching.