7 Things Attack on Titan Does Better Than Every Other Shonen Anime

Though it has finished airing, Attack on Titan is still incredibly popular and has greatly influenced the anime and manga worlds since it first came out in 2009. Even though some fans disagreed with how it ended, many consider it one of the best anime series of the 21st century.

When it comes to anime based on manga, Attack on Titan is a standout series that both longtime fans and newcomers should definitely check out. Like any show, it has its flaws, but it excels in several areas compared to other anime. Let’s take a closer look at what makes it special.

Opening Themes

Many shonen anime have great opening themes, but the openings for Attack on Titan really stand out. Not only are the visuals stunning, but the songs have become incredibly popular and well-known anime themes.

The success of Attack on Titan is due to Hajime Isayama’s incredible storytelling and world-building, but the anime’s opening themes were also crucial. These memorable songs stay with viewers long after the series ends, and are just as iconic as the show itself.

Solid Pacing That Keeps Things Going

Many long-running action anime, or ‘shonen,’ can sometimes feel drawn out with unnecessary episodes. However, Attack on Titan avoids this problem. Unlike some other popular shonen series, it doesn’t use filler, providing a consistently engaging and fast-paced experience for viewers.

I’ve been watching this anime, and what really strikes me is how closely it follows the original story – it’s a huge part of why I’m enjoying it so much. The creators really took their time with the setup, slowly revealing things and building towards major plot points. It’s a lengthy series, clocking in at 94 episodes, but honestly, it doesn’t feel that long. The pacing is just excellent, and the episodes fly by.

Characters Don’t Get Sidelined

It’s common for action anime with lots of characters to focus on just a few, leaving the rest in the background. While most shows struggle with this to some degree, Attack on Titan does a good job of giving a significant role to a wider range of characters.

Although the story mainly follows Eren, Mikasa, and Armin, characters like Levi, Reiner, Connie, and Sasha all have important moments that either drive the plot forward or help us learn more about them. While some characters don’t get as much focus as others, Attack on Titan generally does a fantastic job of utilizing its large and talented cast.

High-Octane Fight Scenes

Shows like Jujutsu Kaisen and Demon Slayer are well-known for their amazing animation and exciting action. While few anime reach that level of quality, Attack on Titan is definitely up there with them.

The fight scenes in Attack on Titan are consistently thrilling, ranking among the best in anime. Whether it’s the Scouts battling overwhelming Titan forces or epic clashes between Titans themselves, both animation studios, Wit and MAPPA, have delivered truly spectacular action.

Shocking Twists That Push The Story Forward

Anime series thrive on surprising twists and turns, and Attack on Titan excels in this area. Its creator, Isayama, masterfully built the world of the story, creating a captivating setting and slowly uncovering its mysteries as the series unfolded.

Attack on Titan is famous for its incredible plot twists. Each season delivers shocking moments – from the reveal of the Colossal Titan in the first season, to the stunning truth about Reiner and Bertholdt in season two, the discoveries beyond the walls in season three, and the intense events of season four. These memorable revelations make Attack on Titan a truly captivating anime.

Complex Characters

A key strength of Attack on Titan is its diverse and well-developed characters. The series effectively shows how each character is impacted by life inside the walls and the constant danger of the Titans. As the story expands to reveal the world beyond the walls and its inhabitants, we gain multiple perspectives and a deeper understanding of the events and forces that shaped this complex world.

Eren, despite becoming a villain through his actions, was a complex and compelling character. This depth extends to many characters in Attack on Titan. The anime does a great job of showing us the experiences and relationships that shaped each person, resulting in a cast that feels remarkably human, with both relatable dreams and significant flaws.

Character Deaths That Matter

I’ve always been struck by how Attack on Titan doesn’t shy away from killing off characters – seriously, anyone can go at any time! It’s not just about shock value either; even the deaths of characters you barely know feel really impactful and drive home just how desperate the situation is and how much is on the line. It really raises the stakes!

Many action-adventure anime either avoid killing off important characters or don’t explore the impact of those deaths. Attack on Titan, however, doesn’t hesitate to kill characters, and while these moments can be shocking, they powerfully demonstrate how dangerous and bleak its world truly is.

2026-01-14 23:37