Attack on Titanhas become a timeless classic, setting a high standard in anime with its well-written story, exploring themes that many modern shows tend to avoid. What makes it stand out is how realistically it reflects real-world struggles, making it more than just a fantasy. Instead of showcasing an ideal world, it tells a harsh yet powerful story that makes people think about reality.

Most anime are made to entertain or inspire, often adding real-life elements but in a way that feels too idealistic or far from the truth.Attack on Titanis different because it does more than just provide an escape—it makes people see the world in a new way. It’s sad that some anime fans skip such an amazing show, as it offers more than just action—it challenges how the audience thinks.

Attack On Titan Eren Yeager from the Final Season with a shattered mirror pattern of various scenes from the series.

Attack on Titan Redefined and Set the Standards for Modern Anime

The Series Was Never Meant to Be Just Another Shōnen Anime

Attack on Titanis a groundbreaking mangacreated by Hajime Isayama, later adapted into an anime in 2013. While shōnen adventure anime has long dominated the industry, few have introduced a plot as unique and gripping asAttack on Titan. One major issue in modern anime is the repetitive nature of storylines, where fans can easily predict the direction of a series. However,Attack on Titanbroke this pattern, delivering an unpredictable and emotionally intense narrative that set a new standard for storytelling, world-building, and character development.

Attack on Titan’s Timeskip Is One of Manga’s Greatest, Let Me Prove It

Attack On Titan became a whole new series after its time skip, and it was elevated to some of the best manga ever.

The series wasted no time in establishing its brutal tone, as seen in its first episode, whereEren Yeager witnesses his mother’s horrific deathat the hands of a Titan. At first, this seemed like a tragic event meant to push him toward becoming stronger, following the typical revenge-driven path. However, as the story unfolded, this moment held deeper secrets that completely changed Eren’s journey. By defying predictable tropes, introducing morally complex characters, and maintaining high-stakes storytelling,Attack on Titanset a new benchmark for modern anime, proving that shōnen series could be both thought-provoking and emotionally intense.

Armin Ymir and Mikasa from Attack on Titan

Characters That Left a Lasting Impact, Not Just the Main One

Eren Yeager Wasn’t the Only One Who Made the Anime Great

The success ofAttack on Titanis evident not just in its protagonist but in the impact of many characters who continue to keep the series alive even after its conclusion. Eren Yeager stands out as a unique protagonist, unlike traditional shōnen heroes such as Naruto Uzumaki and Asta. Instead of following a straightforward path of growth, he undergoes a drastic transformation that challenges not only his friends' ideals but the world itself. His unpredictable development adds depth to the story, proving thatAttack on Titanredefined character arcs in anime.

Did Attack on Titan Ever Explain How Titans Were Created? Well, It’s Complicated

While Attack on Titan is arguably the greatest anime series ever, there is still a lot of mystery surrounding the Titans and their creation.

Beyond Eren, the series excels in crafting compelling side characters who stand on their own.Levi Ackerman became one of the most beloved figures, not because of his connection to Eren, but due to his strength, leadership, and tragic past. Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert were also undergoing development, struggling with their loyalty to Eren while growing into strong individuals in their own right. Even characters like Historia Reiss, Reiner Braun, and Zeke Yeager played major roles, each with their own motivations and conflicts.Attack on Titanensures that every character, whether hero or antagonist, has depth, making the story far more immersive and impactful.

Eren and Shinji with their friends in the background

Attack on Titan is a Masterpiece That Won’t Be Forgotten

The Series’ Finale Raised More Questions, Cementing Its Legacy as One of the Greatest

The series concluded in November 2023,delivering an anticipated yet unconventional ending. Unlike typical anime finales where everyone finds happiness,Attack on Titanpresented a more nuanced conclusion—one that suggested peace is often temporary, much like in the real world. The anime’s exceptional storytelling, breathtaking animation, and powerful voice acting earned numerous awards, solidifying its place asone of the greatest anime of all time.More than just an action-packed series, it’s deep themes and emotional weight made it a thought-provoking masterpiece.

At the heart ofAttack on Titanwas the relationship between Eren Yeager, Mikasa Ackerman, and Armin Arlert, whose bond shaped the story’s most emotional moments.Eren’s transformation from a determined hero to a morally complex figure challenged the beliefs of those closest to him. From Mikasa’s devotion and Armin’s internal conflict to Hange’s passion for Titans, Connie’s love for his mother, and the unique motivations of nearly every character in the cast,Attack on Titanensured that each perspective was given the spotlight it deserved.

Attack on Titan (2013) anime poster

Attack on Titan Is the Neon Genesis Evangelion of Anime’s New Generation

Attack on Titan and Neon Genesis are two ground breaking series that share more similarities than it might initially appear.

Lastly, even after its finale, the series continued to make waves withAttack on Titan The Movie: The Last Attack, which premiered in Japan on July 26, 2025, earning $1.59 million in just three days. Its North American release on July 10, 2025, saw even greater success, raking in $2.5 million in a single day.The series’ controversial ending sparked endless debates, particularly about Eren’s morality and his final moments with Mikasa, which left fans both heartbroken and reflective. Years after its conclusion,Attack on Titanremains a cultural phenomenon, proving its massive impact on anime storytelling and character development.