What makes a good anime?

Honestly, I would have to say that what makes a good anime is what would also make a good film or a good show in general. Anime tropes are just as they seem: tropes.

You don’t have to go down a list and check off everything (or anything at all) from that list. Anime is an incredibly fickle media. You have your psychological shit such as Evangelion and, to a certain extent, Houseki no Kuni. You have your pure action shows such as My Hero Academia.

You have your fantasy adventures like Fullmetal Alchemist, Fairy Tail, etc. Anime is not exactly regulated to a single list of things that make it good. In fact, the definition of a good anime is completely subjective.

For example, is a pure fanservice anime good? Well, you have many who would say that no, it’s not. It’s not a good anime. But, you have those who vehemently debate that no, the show is a masterpiece, and you are nothing short of ignorant if you can’t recognize that.

It may seem like an over-exaggeration, but the two former answers both state that a good show must have fanservice. That isn’t true, my guys. It sounds weird when you think about it.

These characters are usually teenagers, and you want to encourage the exploitation of them? I know I sound like an SJW, but it’s still an incredibly toxic way to think about something like this. If you really care about a show, then you shouldn’t have to have your attention kept by scantily clad women.

Anyways, a good anime should just have a few basic things: an interesting plot, relatable or at least interesting characters, and good character designs. What’s a good character design, you ask?

Well, good character design usually tells you what a character is like. How they’re posed in promotional art, how they may appear in general, etc.

Like, My Hero Academia? Take one look at Bakugo and tell me you don’t know what his personality is like. Take one look at Iida and tell me you don’t know at least have somewhat of an idea of what he’s like. Each character should be unique, my guy.

Second, an interesting plot means something that can keep my damn attention. Not the fanservice, but the actual story. It should be unique and not the usual “oh I’m just a regular guy bUT NOW I GOTTA SAVE THE WOOOOORLD!” Stop it. We’ve seen it done a million times.

Last, interesting characters! Wow! It’s almost like that last point about that “regular guy” really applies here! If your character is bland and has no other personality traits applicable other than “oh he’s just a regular guy.” then stop! It isn’t exactly the best to have that.

Anyways, yeah. That’s really all I have to say on this. Basically, the TL;DR is that what makes an anime good is completely subjective and will usually change from person to person, but it’s basically what makes a good show or movie: good plot, interesting characters, and pleasing character designs.

But there will always be a completely new concept of a protagonist who will go beyond the usual definition of a good protagonist and expand on the glossary of a Good Protagonist.

But then again it's all about personal taste. I mean I usually hate a whiny protagonist like Ichigo who goes through depression but some find him likeable. And I love the protagonist in a harem anime like the pervertedness of Sakurai Tomoki or Satou Kazuma and the badassness of Kamijou Touma while some are not fond of the childishness in harem anime.

So to sum it up.

In general, the overall journey of the character which then resonates with the viewer is what makes a good protagonist. And there are templates available for that. But someone will come up with a totally new idea and expand upon the good protagonist idea. And at the same time, it very much depends on personal taste.

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