40 Coolest Anime Characters of All Time

 

Anime is one of the most popular television and film genres, and these are the most famous anime characters. Some are cute and out to save the world, while others embody evil and seek to destroy everything. However, one of the unique features of anime is that the characters tend to be multidimensional with arcs that develop over time. There are heroes who become villains, bad guys with noble intentions, and some people who just want to do their best despite a tragic backstory. Grab the popcorn and get comfy on the couch – these are the most popular anime characters of all time.

 

1. Astro Boy – Astro Boy

Running from 1963-1966 in both Japanese and English-dubbed versions, Astro Boy was the first popular anime series on U.S. television. As such, the titular character is one of the most famous anime characters of all time. Grieving scientist Dr. Tenma creates Astro Boy after losing his son in a car accident. However, he sells Astro Boy to a robot circus, where he’s forced to compete in robot gladiatorial combats. However, he’s eventually adopted by Professor Ochanomizu. Like many anime shows, the television series is based on a manga of the same name written by Osamu Tezuka. The show rang for 193 episodes over four seasons and has had several different remakes over the years, including a 2009 film.

 

 

2. Monkey D. Luffy – One Piece

One Piece is the best-selling manga of all time (over half a billion copies sold), so, unsurprisingly, the lead character is one of the most famous anime characters. Monkey D. Luffy, known generally as just Luffy, is the charismatic leader of the Straw Hat Pirates, seeking out the One Piece to eventually become the Pirate King. After accidentally consuming the Gomu Gomu no Mi, his body becomes rubbery and stretchy, making him a strong fighter able to defeat enemies against all odds. Despite his enhanced abilities and impressive reputation, he’s a happy-go-lucky character who sometimes comes across as a little dim-witted and often thinks with his stomach. However, he’s also a natural and competent leader who his crew respects. Finally, One Piece is considered one of the “big 3” shounen manga/anime, along with Naruto and Bleach.

 

 

3. Ichigo Kurosaki – Bleach

Another of the “big 3” shounen titles is Bleach. Ichigo Kurosaki is the main protagonist, who begins the series as a teenager who can see spirits, and gains the powers of a Shinigami (Soul Reaper). His role as a Soul Reaper requires him to protect people from Hollows which are evil spirits, and to escort good spirits, also known as Wholes, to the Soul Society. He’s best recognized by his shock of bright orange hair, although his appearance changes with character developments. Personality-wise, Ichigo is known to be hot-headed, impulsive, and stubborn, but with a strong sense of honor and desire to protect. He’s also an excellent fighter with advanced intellect, swordsmanship, spiritual awareness, strength, and endurance. The original series ran for 366 episodes from 2004 to 2012, with a number of related films and a new upcoming series.

 

 

4. Naruto Uzumaki – Naruto

The final “big 3” shounen is Naruto. Naruto Uzumaki is the titular character and one of the most famous anime characters. He was orphaned as a baby and shunned by his village for having the chakra of the Kurama, the nine-tailed demon fox within him. Rising from this rough start, he’s a beloved character that works hard to find his place in life as a powerful ninja and village leader. It’s an inspiring character development that makes him incredibly popular. Another of his famous traits is a distinct running style. There are two anime series based on the manga. Naruto ran from 2002 to 2007, while Naruto: Shippuden ran from 2007 to 2017.

 

 

5. LeLouch Lamperouge – Code Geass

In a classic tale of a fallen hero, LeLouch Lamperouge, the leader of the Order of the Black Knights, is a charming villain unable to overcome the moral challenges he faced. He is gifted with Geass, a supernatural ability, which manifests as the “Power of Absolute Obedience.” However, after renouncing the throne and swearing to avenge his assassinated mother and injured sister, LeLouch goes mad with power and revenge. Despite these significant character flaws, he does demonstrate unyielding loyalty, impeccable strategy, and high intelligence. Written by Ichiro Okouchi and directed by Goro Taniguchi, the show had 25 episodes that first ran from 2006 to 2007.

 

 

6. Levi Ackerman – Attack on Titan

Considered humanity’s strongest soldier, Levi Ackerman is one of the most popular and famous anime characters. Attack on Titan is a dark fantasy where humans live in a post-apocalyptic world behind Walls that protect them from the Titans. The manga it’s based on was written by Hajime Isayama and quickly gained a cult following after airing in 2013. Levi is the Captain of the Special Operations squad within the Scout Regiment, tasked with killing Titans. He’s a total badass and a brutal fighter, with clean-freak tendencies and a dry sense of humor. Despite mostly remaining stoic, which can come across as cold, he’s also intelligent, loyal, and empathetic, especially to his people, which is why he’s a fan favorite.

 

 

7. Saitama – One Punch Man

Created by the manga artist One, One Punch Man follows Saitama, the most powerful being in the universe – something he trained very hard to become. In the beginning, he was a hero just for fun, though he eventually sought recognition through the Hero Association. However, because he is the most powerful person with magnified abilities and can eliminate any opponent with a single punch, he gets no longer gets thrills from the fight. As such, his boredom and indifference created an existential crisis, which is the basis for the anime. Despite this, he still defends his home, Z-City, from nefarious foes such as monsters and villains.

 

 

8. Ash (& Pikachu) – Pokémon

Of all the famous anime characters, the cast from Pokémon is one of the most well-known. This is thanks to the popularity of both the trading card game and the anime series. Ash Ketchem is the main protagonist, as he chases his dream of becoming a Pokémon Master. Of course, you can’t think of Ash without thinking of his yellow sidekick and iconic Pokémon, Pikachu, who has become the brand’s mascot. Nostalgia combined with the characters’ enduring friendship and adventures shared as Ash collects gym badges and fights other trainers contribute significantly to their popularity.

 

 

9. Light Yagami – Death Note

The will to do good can easily corrupt in the face of too much power, as the main protagonist of Death Note, Light Yagami, discovers. After taking possession of a book that can kill people from the shinigami Ryuk, Light turns judge, jury, and executioner as he seeks to remake the world into a happier, safer place. In doing so, he designates himself as “God of the New World.” He starts off as a good kid with well-meaning intentions, yet is also cold, ruthless, and manipulative. The combination makes him an unlikeable villain yet very popular as his complex morals and character arc plays out in a well-written story.

 

 

10. Totoro – My Neighbor Totoro

Studio Ghibli is one of the most renowned Japanese animation studios. It boasts a unique aesthetic and a whimsical Disney-esque feel to the storytelling. These factors mean some fans consider it a genre of its own, rather than strict anime; however, some famous characters are still worth noting. Perhaps the most well-known is the rotund and fuzzy Totoro from My Neighbour Totoro. He’s a sweet and gentle spirit who helps the two main characters in childhood explorations and to rediscover hope in the face of illness. His plump and lovable appearance has made him somewhat of a mascot for the animation house and one of the most famous anime characters.

 

 

11. Yugi Muto/Yami Yugi – Yu-Gi-Oh!

Kazuki Takahashi wrote the manga on which the Yu-Gi-Oh! anime is based. The original series ran for 27 episodes in 1998 and follows young schoolboy Yugi Muto after he becomes possessed by the ancient spirit of Pharaoh Atem, known as Yami Yugi. Yugi was always good with games, riddles, and puzzles. However, after solving the Millenium Puzzle and releasing Yami, who is good at gambling, they become the “King of Games” and solve conflict this way. While Yugi is shy, with a good heart and child-like demeanor, Yami is much wiser, more confident, and protective, but sometimes has too much pride and can be ruthless.

 

 

12. Spike Spiegel – Cowboy Bebop

The target demographic of many anime is teenagers or children, especially in styles like shounen, shojo, and kodomo. However, the neo-noir sci-fi series Cowboy Bebop falls more into the seinen category and appeals to adults. As such, the main protagonist Spike Spiegel is one of the most famous anime characters for older fans. He’s a morally grey yet charming rogue who travels across the universe onboard his spaceship, the Bebop. Throughout his adventures, he’s haunted by the memories of his lost love Julia and his past as a member of the Red Dragon Syndicate. He’s also intelligent, an excellent fighter, and effortlessly smooth. The original anime aired in the late 1990s with 26 episodes, but there’s also a 2001 anime film and 2021 live-action television series.

 

 

13. Sailor Moon – Sailor Moon

As one of the most famous anime characters and greatest female heroes in pop culture, Sailor Moon is iconic. Growing up as the human Usagi Tsukino, she’s gifted a brooch by the black cat Luna. This gives her the power to transform into Sailor Moon and helps her realize she’s a reincarnated Moon Princess. With the help of her fellow Sailor Guardians, they battle the evil forces that threaten the planet. Throughout the storylines, though, Sailor Moon remains a relatable teenage girl who is goofy and funny, loves snacking and napping, and values her female friendships. This contributes significantly to her appeal, especially to young girls.

 

 

14. Edward Elric – Fullmetal Alchemist

Following a Human Transmutation attempt gone wrong, the protagonist of Fullmetal Alchemist, Edward Elric, loses an arm and a leg. During the same incident, his brother Alphonse’s soul becomes bound to a steel suit after losing his whole body. This is the catalyst for Edward to become the youngest alchemist and begin the search for the Philosopher’s Stone to restore his brother. He’s far from a perfect hero with significant teenage stubbornness and pessimism, a disdain for authority, and complex guilt issues. However, his underdog status, coupled with determination and loyalty to the ones he cares for, has made him one of the most famous anime characters of all time.

 

 

15. Itachi Uchiha – Naruto

If you’re looking for a complex, well-written, and tragic anti-hero, then Itachi Uchiha from Naruto is your guy. Growing up, he was a child prodigy and an ANBU Captain. However, after killing his whole clan, except for his younger brother Sasuke, he seemingly becomes the ultimate villain. However, his intentions are later revealed to be unexpected and more noble than first thought. He essentially sacrifices himself and his reputation for the greater good, making him the true definition of a shinobi.
 

 

16. Eren Yeager – Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan is known for having some of the most complex protagonists that make you question good and evil. Eren Yeager is the perfect example. His character arc begins normally as an impulsive and stubborn young man. However, after the Titans attack the city and kill his mother, he swears to seek revenge, eventually joining the Survey Corps. After gaining the ability to turn into a Titan himself, he was corrupted by the power, eventually descending into madness and mass murder. Despite this, he does demonstrate loyalty, is unafraid, and fights for others. As such, he’s one of the most popular and famous anime characters.

 

 

17. Rem – Re:Zero

With her cute maid outfit and blue hair, Rem from Re:Zero is regarded as one of the best Waifus of all time. She’s also one of the most famous anime characters, despite being one of the supporting roles, along with her sister Ram. While she’s not a great fighter, she has other skills, including water and healing magic. She’s also an excellent sister and is incredibly resilient and loyal. This is true, even in the face of rejection after she falls in love with the main protagonist, Subaru Natsuki, but he chooses the main heroine, Emilia, over her.

 

 

18. Gon Freecss – Hunter x Hunter

An absent father is the primary motivation behind Hunter x Hunter’s main character, Gon Freecss. His aunt raised him in the forest after his parents were supposedly killed, so he’s well attuned to nature. Like many teenage boys, he can be impatient, rash, and bad-tempered at times, though he is also kind, forgiving, and determined. Once he discovers his father is still alive, he embarks on a journey to become a Hunter, skilled at finding people and rare items, with the intention of tracking down his dad. Yoshihiro Togashi wrote and illustrated the original manga series, while the anime series ran from 1999 to 2001, with 62 episodes.

 

 

19. Roronoa Zoro – One Piece

With an unmissable shock of bright green hair, swordsman Roronoa Zoro is one of the most famous anime characters. Boasting three swords and an array of battle scars, Roronoa is one of the Straw Hat Pirates’ most formidable members, alongside Luffy. He was the second to join the crew and one of the Nine Senior Officers of the Straw Hat Grand Fleet. Despite his aggressive appearance, sometimes explosive temper, and recklessness, deep down, he can be a sweetheart, especially to those in need. He’s one of Luffy’s most trusted advisors, is sincere and loyal, with a deep sense of honor.

 

 

20. Goku – Dragon Ball

Boasting muscles upon muscles, Goku, from Dragon Ball, is often considered the quintessential shounen hero. He’s also one of the most famous anime characters, thanks to the long-running series and manga. Dragon Ball ran from 1986 to 1989, while Dragon Ball Z screened from 1989 to 1996. Sent to earth as a baby to destroy humanity, a head injury made Saiyan warrior Goku forget his mission, and instead, he became earth’s greatest protector. He’s much loved for his energetic and cheerful personality, love of competition, and will to succeed. However, he can be too easily forgiving and a little naive, which others mistake as stupidity. Another element that sets Goku apart is that he grows up, which is unique for a style of animation where characters in general age very little.

 

 

21. No Face (Kaonashi) – Spirited Away

Another ethereal character from Studio Ghibli is Kaonashi. Also known as No Face, this famous anime character features in the award-winning film Spirited Away. After the main protagonist, Chihiro, ends up in the spirit world, Kaonashi seeks her approval and friendship to help alleviate his loneliness. He does this by eating souls to attain their traits and emotions, which unfortunately negatively impacts him when he consumes dark souls. Perhaps Kaonashi’s most recognizable feature is his blank white face mask, which covers his true nature. While he also has no physical presence, he can leave behind footprints.

 

 

22. Kakashi Hatake – Naruto

While he’s not the titular character, Kakashi Hatake is one of Naruto’s most famous anime characters. Trained from a young age by Namikaze Minato, Naturo’s father and the Fourth Hokage of Konohagakure, he’s one of the most talented shinobi. He is also famed as the Kakashi of the Sharingan, which he received from Obito Uchiha. Kakashi is also the leader of Team 7, which comprises Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno, and he strongly emphasizes teamwork. Personality-wise, he’s a somewhat aloof person who is plagued by the memories of loved ones lost. He prefers alone time and enjoys reading the Icha Icha series of novels.

 

 

23. L Lawliet – Death Note

L Lawliet from Death Note is an intriguing antagonist and one of the most famous anime characters. He’s a brilliant but odd detective tasked with taking on Light Yagami, or Kira as he becomes known. It becomes a game of cat and mouse as Kira descends into madness and executes his killing spree. L’s eccentricity is the primary thing that sets him apart from other members of the story. His idiosyncracies include an odd sitting position, an affinity for sugar, and stimming. He also has an unconventional approach to detective work, a disheveled appearance, and rarely wears shoes.

 

 

24. Motoko Kusanagi – Ghost in the Shell

Ghost in the Shell is a neo-noir cyberpunk anime feature film. Like One Punch Man, it’s targeted more at adults, with darker themes and a gritty feel. Masamune Shirow wrote the original manga, telling the story of Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg detective on the hunt for the elusive and mysterious hacker, Puppetmaster. In an age where man and machine are so intricately entwined, it also explores the ideas of identity in technology and what it is to be human. Motoko is a strong female lead who demands respect through her strength, skill, and intelligence.

 

 

25. Nami – One Piece

Joining Luffy and Roronoa as the third member of the Straw Hat Pirates is Nami, the navigator. She’s also one of the Nine Senior Officers of the Straw Hat Grand Fleet. With long legs and killer curves, she’s one of the most attractive crew members and the smartest. She also hated pirates after losing her adoptive mother to the ruthless Arlong Pirates, who also took her hostage. Under their control, she became a wily thief with an uncanny skill for pick-pocketing. However, once she met Luffy, her opinions changed enough for her to join his crew after he saved her village. Her skills as a cartographer and excellent navigator are more than helpful onboard, as is her ability to manipulate the weather with her Clima-Tact.

 

 

26. Killua Zoldyck – Hunter x Hunter

Assassins for hire don’t often earn the admiration of the audience. However, Killua Zoldyck from Hunter x Hunter is the exception to this rule and is one of the most famous anime characters. He’s the main protagonist Gon Freecss’s best friend, with a cheeky and mischievous personality. Coming from a family of killers, Killua has no qualms about taking a life, even at a young age, but is surprisingly well adjusted. He’s analytical, cheerful, and has an epic sweet tooth. While he does have to learn the value of human life, friendship, and humility, his character development is what makes fans genuinely appreciate him.

 

 

27. Gintoki Sakata – Gintama

Everyone loves a funny guy, so it’s no surprise that resident class clown Gintoki Sakata is one of the most famous anime characters. The Gintama story is set in feudal Japan when aliens known as “Amanto” invade. After the shogun surrenders to the aliens with an unequal peace plan, samurai are banned from carrying swords. Not that it bothers eccentric Gintoki, who continues to work freelance, building a team – the Yorozuya, with Shinpachi Shimura and an alien girl named Kagura. Other than coming across as unbothered, his personality traits include extreme laziness, an intense sweet tooth, and an affinity for alcohol (though he doesn’t handle it very well). Despite this, he’s an incredible samurai with enhanced strength, endurance, speed, and agility.

 

 

28. Vegeta – Dragon Ball

Where Goku is the ultimate hero, Vegeta, Prince of the Saiyans, is the quintessential villain. In the beginning, he’s arrogant, full of pride, and a ruthless killer. He’s also really salty about Goku being a stronger warrior. However, part of the reason he’s one of the most famous anime characters is his development over time. While he starts as pure evil, he gradually switches allegiances, shifting to the good side after leaving the Frieza Force and staying on earth. What makes the journey more relatable, though, is the ebbs and flows as he battles his internal moral compass and ego, sometimes falling back into old ways. Once he accepts fighting for love is better than pride, it’s a much easier journey that even sees him become a loving husband and father.

 

 

29. Mikasa Ackerman – Attack on Titan

Mikasa Ackerman learned early in life that to survive in a cruel and ruthless world, you had to fight for it. As a teenager, she lost her parents to a band of criminals, but Eren Jaeger rescued her and became her closest friend. Despite wanting nothing more than to live a peaceful life, Mikasa followed Eren into the military to continue protecting him. During her time in the 104th Cadet Corps, she was the best soldier before eventually joining the Scout Regiment. Because of her tragic back story, she can be cynical and withdrawn, yet is also level-headed with a strong sense of right and wrong. She also cares deeply for her friends, especially Eren and Armin Arlert.

 

 

30. Rintarou Okabe – Steins;Gate

Time travel has always been a fascinating topic explored through storytelling, and it’s the core element of Steins;Gate. The main protagonist and self-declared mad scientist, Rintarou Okabe, along with his friends, discovers a type of time travel. By sending text messages to the past, they can change the future. Of course, this has consequences (both intended and unintended) and attracts the attention of SERN. The story then follows Okabe and his colleagues, plus his love interest Kurisu Makise, as they seek to prevent World War III and a time travel arms race. The original authors of the 2009 visual novel are 5pb and Nitroplus, and the anime television series had 24 episodes directed by Hiroshi Hamasaki and Takuya Sato.

 

 

31. Kirito – Sword Art Online

Sword Art Online helped popularise the Isekai genre, a mix of portal fantasy and science fiction. Kirito is the avatar name for Kazuto Kirigaya, a beta tester who becomes stuck in the virtual reality Sword Art Online game, where death on-screen means death in real life, with no option to log out. As an excellent swordsman with an affinity for black clothing, he earns the nickname Black Swordsman. As one of the most popular anime characters, he’s calm and collected but fierce in battle. He’s also willing to risk his life to help others, especially other beta testers. Reki Kawahara wrote the original Japanese light novel series, while Tomohiko Ito directed the anime series. It was released in 2012, with 25 episodes.

 

 

32. Midoriya – My Hero Academia

It’s tough being born without superpowers (or Quirks as they’re called) in a world full of heroes. However, Izuku Midoriya, the main character from My Hero Academia, doesn’t let this get him down. He dreams of being a superhero and idolizes All Might, Japan’s greatest hero. After Izuku saves his childhood bully from a villain, All Might passes his Quirk onto Izuku. It’s called “One for All” and is a combination of eight different Quirks and has the unique capacity to be passed between holders. Taking on the hero name of Deku, Izuku enrolls in U.A. High School to learn to control his new-found powers. The anime series has 113 episodes, eight original video animations, and a series of spin-offs and films. Kohei Horikoshi wrote the original manga series, which is still in production.

 

 

33. Guts – Berserk

Some of the most famous anime characters must overcome a lifetime of hardship, and Guts from dark fantasy anime Berserk is no exception. It’s a brutal world full of violence and death. Guts has had more than his share of both and should hate the world. Despite this, he still fights to protect the small amount of good left. He’s the ultimate anti-hero, a badass fighter with the ability for tactical thinking and strategy, and he undergoes significant character growth as he overcomes the horrors of his life. Because of this, he’s incredibly popular. The darker, more savage themes of Berserk, written by Kentaro Miura, make it better suited to an older audience.

 

 

34. Ken Kaneki – Tokyo Ghoul

Dating can be tricky, especially when your date is a human-eating ghoul determined to feast on your flesh. That’s how it went for Ken Kaneki, the lead character in Tokyo Ghoul, when Rize Kamishiro tried to kill him. In order to save him, doctors transfer Rize’s kakuhou into him, turning Ken into a half-ghoul. Based on the manga by Sui Ishida, the story follows his journey as he attempts to settle into his new reality. It’s a constant struggle between the nightmarish pull of his gruesome ghoul side while still trying to maintain his humanity and keep his identity hidden. The first 12 episodes aired in 2014; however, there have been multiple sequel series and original video animations since.

 

 

35. Kurisu Makise – Steins; Gate

One of the most famous tsundere anime characters is Kurisu Makise from Steins;Gate. Tsundere means she runs hot and cold, switching between a tough and moody facade to disguise her sweet and soft side, especially around Rintarou Okabe as her love interest. Kurisu loves science and is a genius, which sometimes earns her envy from her peers. She’s a member of the Brain Science Institute and the Future Gadget Lab after reluctantly being convinced of the possibility of time travel. Like many scientists, she’s a calm and practical realist who is mature for her age. She also has a sarcastic side that makes her very relatable.

 

 

36. Saber a.k.a. Artoria Pendragon – Fate/stay night

One of the most famous anime characters, Saber, is from Type-Moon’s Fate/stay night visual novel. Also known as Artoria Pendragon, she’s a heroic warrior who joins the Fifth Holy Grail War alongside Shirou Emiya. She’s a servant (or familiar) to his role as master, though she is more powerful as he only accidentally summoned her. They fight against other Heroic Spirits and their Masters for the Holy Grail, which is capable of granting the victor whatever their heart desires. She is brave and determined and holds honor above all else; however, she can come across as unsociable.

 

 

37. Satoru Gojo – Jujutsu Kaisen

Jujutsu Kaisen is a new anime series that debuted in 2020. Based on the manga by Gege Akutami, it’s a mix of dark fantasy, adventure, and supernatural themes, as follows Yuji Itadori, a cursed student. Satoru Gojo is the strongest Jujutsu Sorcerer in the world and one of the most famous anime characters. He works at Tokyo Jujutsu High, mentoring young students, including the cursed Yuji. His endgame is to restructure the Jujutsu world through education, hence his focus on training the next generation. Satoru is a complex character. As a result of being so powerful, he’s incredibly confident, sometimes arrogant, and has significant disdain for sorcerer executives. However, when it comes to his students and friends, he tends to be nonchalant and playful, providing some comedic relief.

 

 

38. Shinji Ikari – Evangelion

In a mecha-anime series full of machine/people hybrids, Evangelion has a lot of very human struggles that fans identify with. Creator Hideaki Anno intentionally wrote characters that reflected himself and his own challenges in life. A perfect example of this is Shinji Ikari, the main protagonist. He’s summoned to pilot a giant Evangelion bio-machine in the fight against the Angels that are determined to destroy all of humanity. In addition to fighting the enemy, he must also overcome his own struggles with depression, feelings of worthlessness, fear of abandonment, and guilt. He’s not necessarily the brave and fearsome hero of other shounen anime, but he gives an insightful glimpse into the complex human psyche. There are 26 episodes in the series, plus a range of films.

 

 

39. Tanjiro Kamado – Demon Slayer

The Demon King Muzan Kibutsuji killed Tanjiro Kamado’s family and transformed his sister into a demon. His main goal throughout the story is to change his sister, Nezuko, back into a human. With such a tragic backstory, it would be easy to hate the world and feel jaded. However, Tanjiro’s kind and compassionate nature make him one of the most popular anime characters. He’s also protective of loved ones, determined, and has no time for rudeness or cowardice. However, he is still a layered character who carries deep anger and rage, which can show when slaying demons. The original manga was written and illustrated by Koyoharu Gotouge, and the anime series ran from 2019 onwards with 44 episodes.

 

 

40. Sophie Hatter – Howl’s Moving Castle

Howl’s Moving Castle is another iconic Studio Ghibli production with famous anime characters. One of these is the main protagonist, Sophie Hatter. After being rescued by Howl, Sophie earns the ire of the Witch of the Waste, who curses her with old age. Eager to break the curse, Sophie travels to the Wastes to find a cure, becoming the cleaning woman in Howl’s Castle. Along the way, she learns some important lessons. While she was “young,” she lacked confidence, was insecure, and had resigned herself to a mediocre life. However, as an “old” woman, she stops caring what others think and realizes failure doesn’t have to be permanent. She also learns to speak more kindly of herself and eventually breaks the curse. Unlike other anime films, the English author Diana Wynne Jones wrote the original story, which writer and director Hayao Miyazaki used as the basis for the movie.