Anime has long held a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide, but many people do not realize just how much it has already influenced their entertainment choices. While some might think anime is a niche genre filled with over-the-top action and exaggerated emotions, the truth is that many beloved cartoons and childhood favorites have strong anime roots or are even anime themselves. Whether people grew up watching colorful heroes saving the day, sports dramas filled with determination, or heartfelt stories of friendship, they may already be an anime fan without even knowing it.
Fans who have enjoyed many classic shows that used to air on television have probably already experienced the magic of anime. From iconic Saturday morning cartoons to hidden gems of the past, these series prove that anime has been a part of pop culture for decades and fans have just been watching the dubbed versions all along.
BeforeTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtlesdominated the screen,Samurai Pizza Catsbrought action-packed humor and anthropomorphic heroics to Western audiences. This quirky 1990s anime series followed a team of feline warriors who ran a pizzeria by day and fought crime by night in a futuristic city inspired by Japanese culture. The show’s fast-paced comedy, fourth-wall-breaking jokes, and zany antics made it a cult favorite among kids and adults alike.
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What many viewers may not have realized is thatSamurai Pizza Catsis an anime, originally titledKyatto Ninden Teyandeein Japan.Its American dub did take some minor creative liberties with the script, choosing to focus on humor and satire for a more kid-based audience, but its animation and core story remained true to its anime roots. The show’s over-the-top action and vibrant character designs are hallmarks of classic anime, proving that even those who claim to dislike the medium may have already enjoyed it in some form.
10Candy Candy
Anime Series by Toei Animation; Based on the Manga by Kyoko Mizuki
A deeply emotional coming-of-age story,Candy Candyis a classic shoujo anime that captivated audiences with its heartfelt story and memorable characters.The series followed the life of Candice “Candy” White, an orphan who lives through hardships, romance, and self-discovery throughout her journey from childhood to adulthood. With its blend of melodrama and slice-of-life storytelling,Candy Candystuck with audiences who appreciated its enjoyable, character-driven plot.
Although not as widely recognized in the West today,Candy Candydid have a dubbed airing in the U.S. and has since had a big influence on the romance and drama series that followed. Fans who have ever enjoyed heartfelt, emotionally charged stories likeAnne of Green GablesorLittle Womenhave already experienced modern stories with themes and storytelling techniques that are from classic anime likeCandy Candy.
9Heidi, Girl of the Alps
Anime Series by Zuiyo Eizo; Based on the Novel by Johanna Spyri
Based on the famous Swiss novelHeidi, this beloved anime adaptation brought the story to life with adorable animation and very deep and heartbreaking emotions.Heidi, Girl of the Alpsfollows the adventures of a young girl who moves to the Swiss Alps to live with her grandfather, exploring themes of nature, family, and innocence. The anime’s breathtaking landscapes and gentle story captured the hearts of audiences across the globe.
Directed by Isao Takahata, who later co-founded Studio Ghibli,Heidilaid the groundwork for the emotional storytelling and artistic beauty seen in later anime classics.
While the story itself originates outside of Japan, the anime adaptation played a big role in shaping the early industry.Directed by Isao Takahata, who later co-founded Studio Ghibli,Heidilaid the groundwork for the emotional storytelling and artistic beauty seen in later anime classics. Fans who have also lovedLittle House on the PrairieorAnne of Green Gables havealready experienced a slice of what makes anime storytelling so enjoyable from classics likeHeidi, Girl of the Alps.
Sports anime might seem like a niche genre, butCaptain Tsubasaproved that a well-told story about determination and teamwork can appeal to audiences worldwide. This soccer-focused anime followed Tsubasa Ozora, a young prodigy whose passion and skill for the sport propelled him toward international success.With dynamic animation and exaggerated yet thrilling soccer action, the show inspired countless young athletes who might not have known they were watching an anime.
The influence ofCaptain Tsubasaextends far beyond anime, as it helped popularize soccer in Japan and even influenced real-world players like Lionel Messi and Andrés Iniesta. Fans who have ever been captivated by underdog sports stories or movies likeThe Mighty DucksorRemember the Titanswill almost certainly be drawn to the kind of inspiring stories that anime likeCaptain Tsubasaexcel at.
For many Western audiences,Speed Racerwas their first introduction to anime, even if they did not realize it at the time. Originally known asMach Go Go Goin Japan, this high-octane series followed Speed Racer and his thrilling adventures on the racetrack, packed with wild stunts, dramatic rivalries, and unforgettable characters like Racer X and Chim-Chim.
The show’s iconic animation style, fast-paced editing, and intense story set the foundation for future action-packed anime series.Its legacy continues today, with influences seen in everything fromFast & FurioustoInitial D.Fans who loved the adrenaline rush of classic Saturday morning cartoons had already experienced the essence of racing and car anime throughSpeed Racer.
A perfect blend of martial arts action and hilarious romantic comedy,Ranma 1/2follows the misadventures of Ranma Saotome, a teenage martial artist cursed to turn into a girl whenever he is splashed with cold water.His struggles with gender-swapping hijinks, arranged marriage drama, and absurd martial arts duels made for one of the most unique and lasting anime series of its time, even getting an updated reboot in 2024.
Created by legendary mangaka Rumiko Takahashi,Ranma 1/2paved the way for many romantic comedy anime series with supernatural elements. Fans who have ever enjoyed sitcoms with chaotic misunderstandings or series with quirky supernatural twists, likeFreaky Friday, have already been entertained by the kind of humor and storytelling anime likeRanma 1/2excels at.
Mystery lovers who enjoy detective stories likeSherlock HolmesorNancy Drewwill findCase Closed,also known asDetective Conan,right up their alley. The show follows Conan Edogawa, a brilliant young detective trapped in the body of a child, solving complex cases while maintaining his secret identity.
With its clever mysteries, enjoyable story, and blend of humor and suspense,Case Closedbecame one of the longest-running anime series of all time.
With its clever mysteries, enjoyable story, and blend of humor and suspense,Case Closedbecame one of the longest-running anime series of all time.Fans who enjoy thrilling whodunits or police procedurals are already drawn to a core aspect of what makes anime likeCase Closedso interesting and may have already experienced the dubbed version of the anime when it aired on television.
As one of the most iconic anime series ever,Dragon Ball Zbecame a worldwide phenomenon with its epic battles, unforgettable characters, and themes of perseverance.Following Goku and his friends as they defend Earth from powerful foes, the show’s action-packed sequences and dramatic storytelling have captivated audiences for decades, even if they did not know they were watching an anime series.
The Original Title of Dragon Ball Z Would Have Changed the Anime Entirely
Dragon Ball Z may have one of the most iconic titles of all time, but it almost ended up being called something completely different.
Fans who have ever watched superhero sagas likeSuperman, The Avengers,orTheJustice Leagueare probably already a fan of the high-stakes, action-driven plots that define anime likeDragon Ball Z.If that is the case, then otherDragon Ballseries and even anime likeNaruto: Shippuden, One Piece,andYu Yu Hakusho: Ghostfileswould be the next best steps into the genre.
Few franchises have had the cultural impact ofPokémon.With its lovable creatures, exciting battles, and sense of adventure, the anime followed Ash Ketchum’s journey to become a Pokémon Master. The show’s blend of friendship, perseverance, and exploration made it a lasting favorite across generations, even though many have only watched the dubbed version and did not know it is actually an anime.
Even fans who have never watched the anime, but who have played the games, collected the cards, or enjoyed the movies have already been immersed in thePokémonanime world. And ifPokémonwas enjoyable, then viewers may also like anime series likeDigimon, Yu-Gi-Oh!,and evenYo-kai Watch.
A pioneer of the magical girl genre,Sailor Moonintroduced audiences to a team of heroines who fought evil while learning how to live through the ups and downs of teenage life.With themes of love, friendship, and empowerment, the show left a lasting mark on pop culture, and surprise, it is an anime.
For viewers who enjoyed superhero stories or fantasy adventures led by strong female protagonists, it is likely they have already experienced the kind of powerful storytelling anime likeSailor Moonoffers.The next anime steps afterSailor Moonwould be to dive into series likeTokyo Mew MewandRevolutionary Girl Utena.
