5 anime plotlines with far too serious subject matters (and 5 that were too silly)

Anime plotlines can range from deeply serious to outright silly. Some tackle heavy themes that seem at odds with their animated format, while others embrace absurdity to the point of confusion. This article looks at ten anime plotlines that span both ends of the spectrum.

It first examines five anime that dealt with unexpectedly serious subject matter, perhaps taking themselves a bit too seriously in the process. Then, it shifts gears to five anime plotlines that dive into plots so ridiculous they might make you wonder what the creators were thinking.

Note: This article reflects the author's opinions.

Shoto Todoroki's Backstory, Elric Brothers' Tragedy, and others are among anime plotlines with far too serious subject matters

1) Shoto Todoroki's Backstory (My Hero Academia)

Unlike many characters in My Hero Academia, Shoto was not raised in a happy home. His father, Endeavor, aimed to become the number one hero, driven by his desire to become the successor of All Might. To achieve this, his father trained Tora harshly and emotionally abused him, damaging their family life.

The situation escalated when Shoto’s mother, due to frustration, ended up hurting her son. This backstory unfolds themes of family abuse, trauma, and the pressure of expectations. These elements influence Shoto’s character and overall arc, arguably making his story one of the most interesting in the series.

2) Elric Brothers' Tragedy (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)

The Elric brothers' story in Fullmetal Alchemist paints a very sad picture. Edward and Alphonse Elric attempt to revive their dead mother by performing the alchemy of humans. As a result, Ed: His right arm and left leg were cut off. Alphonse: His entire body is lost, and his soul is confined into a suit of armor.

With no happy ending, this story is an example of suffering due to hubris, the methodical calculation of sacrifices made for love, and the severe outcomes of human desire. This aspect elicits deep emotions from the viewers, especially the transformation that comes along with the Elric brothers.

3) Homura's Time Loops (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)

The story of Homura Akemi in Puella Magi Madoka Magica is one of the most touching anime plotlines known. As a character, Homura begins as a shy, insecure girl who evolves into a confident, vengeful, magical girl due to the events occurring in a time-loop sequence.

The agony of her character is created by her continuous, desperate attempts to prevent her friend Madoka from a dreadful outcome and her failure every time. The conflicts in this episode include Homura challenging her fate and the abuse she is willing to endure for Madoka. It highlights the show’s grim and emotionally painful themes of the battle of power, love, and the harsh realities of their mystical realm.

4) Lucy/Nyu's Past (Elfen Lied)

Elfen Lied features some of the most intense and disturbing anime plotlines, especially with the character of Lucy/Nyu. Born as a Diclonius with deadly telekinetic abilities, Lucy’s life is marked by torment and isolation. Her childhood is filled with brutal experiments and bullying, fueling a deep-seated hatred for humanity.

The series explores heavy themes of identity, humanity, and the impacts of abuse and discrimination. Lucy’s tragic past and violent actions create a grim portrait of the cycle of violence and a desperate quest for acceptance and love.

5) Kenshin's Past (Rurouni Kenshin)

The life story of Kenshin Himura in Rurouni Kenshin is a rather touching example of a serious anime theme. He used to be one of the most notorious assassins of his time, known as Battousai the Manslayer. Kenshin has a dark past that he tries to atone for.

Kenshin is a former assassin in the Bakumatsu era who aims for atonement and has given up on the sword and killing. Thus, his voyage, exposing the man’s inner conflict of an evil desire transformed into remorse and an attempt to gain absolution before death, unfolds themes of guilt, redemption, and the search for pardon.

Classroom of Wacky Assassins, Cooking Battles, and others are among anime plotlines with far too silly subject matters

1) Fighting with Nose Hair (Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo)

Fighting with Nose Hair (Image via Toei Animation)

Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo is an anime known for its nonsense, featuring comic plot arcs and fighting that employs nose hairs as the show’s bonus. The main character, Bo-bobo, fights the oppressing force using his long and flexible nose hairs that are used as whips. The show does not attempt to hide the main concept, which is ridiculous and absurd; therefore, it provides viewers with nonstop absurdity.

With its fully developed yet comical characters and extreme, ludicrous themes, this anime is best described as a silly and entertaining show. This proves that, quite often, the silliest concepts can be the most amusing ones.

2) Classroom of Wacky Assassins (Assassination Classroom)

Classroom of Wacky Assassins (Image via Lerche)

Some of the most humorous anime plotlines are represented by Assassination Classroom, where students are supposed to assassinate their teacher—an alien. The antagonist, Koro-sensei, is an otherworldly super-being that poses a threat to the existence of Earth, although it does not present a dark tale.

Because of Koro-sensei’s fun-loving personality and the students’ ludicrous ways of assassinating the target, this anime feels like a comedy and a lovely tale. This anime can be considered entertaining to watch because of the combination of crazy actions and Tsukuba School life, although the show may seem to be one of the serious niches.

3) Reincarnating as a vending machine (Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon)

Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon (Image via Studio Gokumi, AXsiZ)

Not only does this anime have the inherent absurdity of the isekai genre, but its plot is uniquely preposterous. The thought of being reborn as an inanimate object, a vending machine, is ridiculous. The protagonist’s lack of mobility leads to comedic situations, as he has to borrow a ride. There is simply something inherently ridiculous about seeing a Twinkie vending machine in a magical world.

With this concept of a drink dispenser engaging in dungeon fights and developing healthy relationships, the story looks more like satire than anything else. The actual concept of an ‘everyday object in a fantasy world’ becomes so unrealistic and absurd that it is impossible to take seriously.

4) Cooking Battles (Food Wars!)

Food Wars! turns the everyday act of cooking into epic and theatrical anime plotlines. In this series, culinary students engage in intense cooking battles where dishes are prepared with such flair and passion that they result in explosive reactions from the judges.

The exaggerated presentation of food and the dramatic, almost combat-like cooking duels add a layer of silliness to the show. Despite its focus on gastronomy, Food Wars! is packed with humor and over-the-top moments, making it a delightfully outrageous and entertaining watch for fans of culinary arts and comedy alike.

5) Magical Girls' Everyday Life (Is This a Zombie?)

Magical Girls' Everyday Life (Image via Studio Deen )

The show's silliness can be seen in its anime plotlines of Is This A Zombie?. Ayumu, a high school boy, becomes a zombie who takes on the role of a magical girl, leading to hilariously absurd situations. The series blends horror, fantasy, and comedy, making the premise - Ayumu's transformation into a magical girl - extremely ridiculous.

The comical aspects of the day-to-day lives of magical girls, zombies, and other fantasy entities are depicted with structural comedy, which, in turn, makes the show rather light and frivolous in execution without much seriousness.

In conclusion

Exploring these contrasting anime plotlines reveals the medium's remarkable versatility. From tackling weighty philosophical concepts to embracing outright absurdity, anime plotlines prove capable of spanning a vast creative spectrum.

Whether delving into complex societal issues or simply aiming to entertain through sheer ridiculousness, anime plotlines give the creators an unrivaled sense of freedom to experiment with diverse themes and tones. Ultimately, this range of anime plotlines is what makes anime such an enduring and ever-expanding form of entertainment.