Interest Stacks

For cynics who wish to fight off the abject state of their lives

Anime
byNailwind
Jul 22 2022, 11:16 AM | Updated Jul 22, 2022 11:23 AM
Shows don't necessarily need to be about high stakes, fatalities, harshness or mind wrenching philosophies to make one contemplate their life and, perhaps, reinvigorate the will to live better.

This is a collection of works that while might not share anything in common on surface - have delivered on that hard to put a finger on feeling that makes us be glad to be alive or just revives a small part of that wonder that one loses overtime - be it through infectious optimism and passion or seeing characters prevail through profound suffering.
Shows here are everywhere from the things mentioned above, exquisite beauty or to the most light-hearted stuff that oddly strikes a chord with you in an existential way.. or just simply makes up for a good time, because it's in those moments that we stop to appreciate what we have and can still have while spinning a little vignette of hope into being.

As for the shows that didn't make the stack - it's most likely due to something else already filling the slot whilst delivering the same point across better. It's very vague and some shows might be surprising to see on a list like this - but it does make sense once you experience it. Just gotta be openminded enough to welcome it.

I've added some seasons to some of the entries or straight skipped over some - this is due to the fact that certain parts of a franchise often touch upon specific subjects, themes or emotions better than it's prequels.

This originally had over 80 items... but then I realized you can only do 50. Oops?
Natsume Yuujinchou
TV, 2008, 13 eps Me:- Author:10
The entirety Natsume Yuujinchou is the quintessential series for this sort of niche - whilst getting better and more profound with each season. NEVER stop at season 1 - see this happen way too often!
Mushishi
TV, 2005, 26 eps Me:- Author:10
Part of the holy trifecta of healing anime together with Aria and Natsume Yuujinchou
Aria the Animation
TV, 2005, 13 eps Me:- Author:10
Part of the holy trifecta of healing anime together with Mushishi and Natsume Yuujinchou
Uchouten Kazoku 2
TV, 2017, 12 eps Me:- Author:10
After taking it's time with season 1, the second season improves on everything it laid out and exposes it's true core - and damn is it nice.
NHK ni Youkoso!
TV, 2006, 24 eps Me:- Author:10
One of those polarizing shows that either bum you out even more or kick you into action to improve yourself
Little Busters! Refrain
TV, 2013, 13 eps Me:- Author:10
In Clannad like fashion: the first season is mostly giggles or generic school life anime, while the second season kicks into high gear and curb stomps your teeth in. But what strikes me the hardest about Little Busters is it's theme of keeping childhood alive, keeping ties close and hope.
Serial Experiments Lain
TV, 1998, 13 eps Me:- Author:10
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
TV, 2007, 27 eps Me:- Author:10
The most life-changing and hope inspiring thing our universe has ever seen.
Tegamibachi
TV, 2009, 25 eps Me:- Author:10
Among the most warm feeling shows out there - though it does get lost in itself or what it sets out to do.
Katanagatari
TV, 2010, 12 eps Me:- Author:10
This show has everything - engaging, entertaining and equally dark - juggling everything perfectly.
Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei
TV, 2010, 11 eps Me:- Author:5
Highly relatable show for a specific demographic
Barakamon
TV, 2014, 12 eps Me:- Author:10
Great healing show out in the boonies
Kenpuu Denki Berserk
TV, 1997, 25 eps Me:- Author:10
The life of Guts has always been a greatly inspiring journey to witness.
Vinland Saga
TV, 2019, 24 eps Me:- Author:10
Season 2 will especially go down the route this list looks for and it'll be even better.
Kuuchuu Buranko
TV, 2009, 11 eps Me:- Author:10
Eccentric and unique show that gets better each episode.
Ashita no Joe 2
TV, 1980, 47 eps Me:- Author:10
This is not a boxing anime - this is an anime about a man who happens to box. Most important line to draw. Joe's growth and journey is among the greatest character pieces in all of fiction - greatly profound, deep and soulful. The single greatest character journey from beginning to end - satisfactory all the way through while being life-changing and philosophical.
Monster
TV, 2004, 74 eps Me:- Author:10
A show about the ultimate battle between love and nihilism.
Shinseiki Evangelion
TV, 1995, 26 eps Me:- Author:10
This and The End of Evangelion
Gin no Saji
TV, 2013, 11 eps Me:- Author:10
While it didn't particularly strike me as hard as other shows - I could still see it's value and healing factor of becoming more active and in-touch with the world.
Cardcaptor Sakura
TV, 1998, 70 eps Me:- Author:10
You'll struggle to find a show more infectious with it's liveliness and passion.
Flying Witch
TV, 2016, 12 eps Me:- Author:-
Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou
OVA, 1998, 2 eps Me:- Author:-
Read the manga instead
Non Non Biyori
TV, 2013, 12 eps Me:- Author:10
Hakumei to Mikochi
TV, 2018, 12 eps Me:- Author:-
Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou
TV, 2017, 12 eps Me:- Author:5
Kyousou Giga (TV)
TV, 2013, 10 eps Me:- Author:10
One of the shows best experienced going in blind. Let it speak for itself
Made in Abyss
TV, 2017, 13 eps Me:- Author:10
Mononoke
TV, 2007, 12 eps Me:- Author:10
Princess Tutu
TV, 2002, 38 eps Me:- Author:-
Tekkon Kinkreet
Movie, 2006, 1 ep Me:- Author:5
Do yourself a favor and read all of this man's manga works. They are the best.
Ping Pong the Animation
TV, 2014, 11 eps Me:- Author:10
A masterpiece from the mind of Matsumoto Taiyou. Read his other works!!
Cowboy Bebop
TV, 1998, 26 eps Me:- Author:10
Samurai Champloo
TV, 2004, 26 eps Me:- Author:10
The end of Samurai Champloo might be unsatisfying to many, but to me it was utmost profound and beautiful. We shouldn't cling to things too hard and venture out for something new each time we learn something.
Shinsekai yori
TV, 2012, 25 eps Me:- Author:10
Haibane Renmei
TV, 2002, 13 eps Me:- Author:5
3-gatsu no Lion
TV, 2016, 22 eps Me:- Author:10
Few shows are this great at depicting solitude, depression, loss of passion and many other hard hitting themes all the while showing the importance of ties and healing.
Mob Psycho 100 II
TV, 2019, 13 eps Me:- Author:10
The second of season of Mob Psycho elevated the entire series as a whole - doing everything the first season didn't and doing it perfectly
Stranger: Mukou Hadan
Movie, 2007, 1 ep Me:- Author:10
Michiko to Hatchin
TV, 2008, 22 eps Me:- Author:10
Kino no Tabi: The Beautiful World
TV, 2003, 13 eps Me:- Author:-
Casshern Sins
TV, 2008, 24 eps Me:- Author:-
Ergo Proxy
TV, 2006, 23 eps Me:- Author:-
Great Teacher Onizuka
TV, 1999, 43 eps Me:- Author:-
Shoujo Kakumei Utena
TV, 1997, 39 eps Me:- Author:-
Texhnolyze
TV, 2003, 22 eps Me:- Author:-
We eat nihilism for breakfast
Kaiba
TV, 2008, 12 eps Me:- Author:-
Fate/Zero 2nd Season
TV, 2012, 12 eps Me:- Author:10
Mawaru Penguindrum
TV, 2011, 24 eps Me:- Author:-

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