From My Hero Academia to Demon Slayer: The Anime That Inspired Gen Z

The Anime That Defined Gen Z – Iconic Shows That Shaped a Generation

I don’t know about you, but anime isn’t just a genre—it’s part of the Gen Z experience. Growing up, these shows weren’t just entertainment; they were something we connected to, something that spoke to our struggles, dreams, and sometimes, our weirdest imaginations. From the thrill of watching Attack on Titan and wondering what twists lay around the corner, to the adrenaline of My Hero Academia’s “Plus Ultra” spirit, these anime have become part of who we are.

For us, these aren’t just shows—they’re moments we lived through, characters we cheered for, and stories we still carry with us. Here’s a look at 10 anime that defined our generation, inspiring trends, influencing pop culture, and giving us a sense of belonging in a world of larger-than-life heroes and high-stakes battles. If you’re Gen Z, these titles probably hit close to home.

1. Attack on Titan – When Darkness Meets Social Commentary

Attack on Titan shook up the anime world with its intense plot, brutal themes, and exploration of human survival in a society under siege. Set in a dystopian world where humanity is confined to walls for protection against monstrous Titans, Attack on Titan digs into themes of fear, loyalty, and questioning authority. The show’s gritty storytelling struck a chord with Gen Z, who are navigating a world marked by real threats and deep political divides.

Cultural Impact: Attack on Titan memes and fan theories have flooded social media since its debut. Its themes of resilience and fighting against overwhelming odds resonate deeply, especially in a time of climate challenges and social justice movements. And let’s not forget the Attack on Titan intro song, which went viral on TikTok, inspiring countless remixes and cosplay videos. The characters’ military-style gear and distinctive Survey Corps emblem even influenced streetwear and cosplay, proving how iconic Attack on Titan has become.

2. My Hero Academia – A New Take on Heroes and Self-Discovery

My Hero Academia tells the story of a world where almost everyone has superpowers, known as "quirks," but one boy, Izuku Midoriya, is born without any. Despite this, he dreams of becoming a hero, and his journey of resilience, courage, and self-acceptance resonated with a generation navigating their own pressures. In a world of seemingly “perfect” influencers and unattainable standards, Midoriya’s story of hard work and overcoming self-doubt hits home for many young viewers.

Cultural Impact: With its wide array of characters, each having unique quirks and diverse personalities, My Hero Academia fans can easily find characters they relate to. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are filled with My Hero Academia fan art, cosplay, and even users assigning themselves or friends quirks as a form of self-expression. Its themes of identity, resilience, and teamwork have made it a favorite among Gen Z, especially for those who see themselves as the underdog. The show’s “Plus Ultra” motto became a rallying cry for fans, inspiring merch, tattoos, and even workout challenges.

3. Demon Slayer – Visual Mastery and the Power of Empathy

Demon Slayer stormed onto the scene with its breathtaking animation, heartbreaking story, and complex characters. The plot follows Tanjiro Kamado as he joins the Demon Slayer Corps to avenge his family and protect his demon-turned sister, Nezuko. Unlike many traditional heroes, Tanjiro embodies kindness and empathy, qualities that set him apart from other protagonists and offer a fresh approach to heroism that appeals to today’s audiences.

Cultural Impact: Demon Slayer brought anime to a new level of artistic appreciation. The show’s visuals and fight scenes are widely praised for their beauty, influencing fan art and inspiring viral TikTok edits. The Demon Slayer sword techniques, as well as Tanjiro’s iconic hanafuda earrings, have become popular cosplay and streetwear items. After the success of Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, which became Japan’s highest-grossing movie ever, the series cemented itself as a pop culture staple, proving that anime can have the same cultural weight as any major Hollywood release.

4. Naruto & Naruto Shippuden – The Original Gen Z Classic

Although it technically started before Gen Z came of age, Naruto and Naruto Shippuden were foundational for many in this generation, becoming the gateway anime for countless fans. Naruto Uzumaki’s journey from an outcast to the Hokage (leader) of his village is full of lessons about perseverance, friendship, and believing in oneself. His catchphrases and his “never give up” attitude have been sources of inspiration for years, making Naruto a timeless anime that continues to captivate new fans.

Cultural Impact: Gen Z has made Naruto viral again through the “Naruto Run” meme, inspired by the character’s distinct running style with his arms behind him. This meme even led to the infamous “Area 51 Raid” event, where fans planned to “Naruto Run” past guards. The show’s symbols, like the Hidden Leaf Village headbands and Akatsuki robes, have found their way into streetwear fashion. Naruto’s life lessons on hard work, loyalty, and self-acceptance remain as relevant as ever, keeping the anime iconic for old fans and new.

5. One Piece – The Epic Adventure That Never Ends

For over two decades, One Piece has remained one of the most popular anime worldwide, and Gen Z has embraced its timeless story of freedom, adventure, and loyalty. Following the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and his crew to find the ultimate treasure, One Piece is all about living without limits and pursuing your dreams, which is a message that continues to resonate with Gen Z.

Cultural Impact: The Straw Hat Pirates’ signature “Jolly Roger” logo has become one of anime’s most recognizable symbols, often seen on merch, tattoos, and even streetwear. Fans on platforms like Reddit and TikTok dissect episodes, sharing theories and debating the meaning of the infamous “One Piece.” With over 1,000 episodes and counting, One Piece is more than just a series – it’s an anime legacy that celebrates freedom, loyalty, and community, all themes close to the Gen Z heart.

6. Hunter x Hunter – Friendship and Complexity in Every Adventure

Hunter x Hunter may have started back in the ’90s, but its rebooted 2011 series made it a beloved choice for Gen Z. Following Gon Freecss as he embarks on a journey to find his father and becomes a Hunter, the anime mixes adventure with deep emotional struggles and moral questions. Each arc is packed with life-and-death stakes and explores themes like family, friendship, and the consequences of power.

Cultural Impact: The Chimera Ant arc alone has spawned endless discussions, memes, and fan theories about morality and sacrifice. Hunter x Hunter merch, from Gon and Killua friendship bracelets to the iconic Hunter Exam cards, has become a staple among fans. Gen Z loves Hunter x Hunter not just for its action but for its introspective storylines and the life lessons embedded within each arc, making it a unique favorite.

7. Tokyo Ghoul – Darkness, Identity, and the Price of Power

Tokyo Ghoul dives deep into themes of identity, power, and moral ambiguity, following Kaneki, a college student who becomes half-ghoul after a near-death encounter. The anime explores the balance between human and monster, good and evil, which resonates with Gen Z’s appreciation for complex characters and gray moral areas.

Cultural Impact: Tokyo Ghoul’s dark aesthetic has influenced everything from alternative fashion trends to social media edits featuring Kaneki’s signature eye mask. Fans love the philosophical underpinnings of the series, which delve into questions of identity and alienation that many young viewers find relatable. Tokyo Ghoul’s visuals and gothic aesthetic have given it a unique space in pop culture, inspiring art, cosplay, and even introspective TikTok videos that explore the show’s deeper themes.

8. Haikyuu!! – Teamwork, Resilience, and the Thrill of Sports

Haikyuu!! may be about volleyball, but it’s captivated Gen Z by showing how a sport can become a powerful journey of self-discovery, resilience, and friendship. The story follows Shoyo Hinata, a high schooler determined to prove that height doesn’t limit his dreams of excelling in volleyball. His rivalry-turned-friendship with Tobio Kageyama and the team’s journey to victory teaches viewers the value of persistence, teamwork, and believing in oneself.

Cultural Impact: Haikyuu!! has ignited a surge in interest in volleyball among young fans, with some even joining school teams or playing recreationally after being inspired by the anime. On TikTok, Haikyuu!! edits, fan art, and character analyses are everywhere, showing just how much the anime’s messages resonate. The characters’ dedication and growth have made Haikyuu!! a beloved series that goes beyond sports, capturing the universal appeal of chasing dreams and supporting one another.

9. Sword Art Online – The Rise of Virtual Reality and Escapism

In Sword Art Online (SAO), thousands of players find themselves trapped in a VR MMORPG where in-game death means real-life consequences. Following protagonist Kirito as he battles to survive and find a way out, SAO explores themes of friendship, courage, and the risks of immersing oneself in a virtual world. With virtual reality tech becoming more advanced, Sword Art Online struck a chord with Gen Z, who have grown up alongside rapidly evolving digital worlds.

Cultural Impact: SAO inspired interest in virtual reality gaming and gave rise to the popularity of the “isekai” genre, where characters are transported to new worlds. Fans have recreated scenes in VR, and SAO cosplays and fan content are hugely popular across platforms like Instagram and Reddit. The anime’s balance of fantasy and reality speaks to a generation that’s equally interested in gaming and adventure, making it a defining series in modern anime culture.

10. Jujutsu Kaisen – Dark Fantasy with a Fresh, Modern Twist

Jujutsu Kaisen follows Yuji Itadori, a high schooler who becomes a vessel for a powerful curse spirit and joins the Jujutsu Sorcerers to protect humanity from evil spirits. The anime mixes supernatural action with themes of sacrifice, friendship, and grappling with mortality, striking a balance between fun battles and deeper emotional arcs. With its striking animation and dynamic characters, Jujutsu Kaisen quickly became a Gen Z favorite for its fresh take on the supernatural genre.

Cultural Impact: The series' high-energy opening song, "Kaikai Kitan," and stylish fight scenes took off on TikTok, where fans created edits, reaction videos, and choreography inspired by the show. Jujutsu Kaisen has also impacted fashion, with fans emulating the characters' sleek sorcerer uniforms and adding subtle cursed markings in their cosplay. Its mix of modern-day action and relatable character struggles has made it a cornerstone of Gen Z anime fandom, with each episode leaving viewers hungry for more.

From Naruto’s life lessons on perseverance to Jujutsu Kaisen’s modern take on dark fantasy, these anime have given Gen Z more than just something to watch; they’ve shaped our lives, our social circles, and even our closets. These shows offer more than epic battles and memorable characters—they bring inspiration, courage, and a sense of connection to fans worldwide.

Anime has evolved into a language Gen Z speaks fluently, whether it’s the Naruto run, a Demon Slayer hoodie, or hours lost in fan edits on TikTok. These series are no longer niche—they’re part of the Gen Z identity, bringing creativity, courage, and unity to an entire generation. Stay tuned with Woke Waves Magazine for more insights into the shows, characters, and fandoms shaping Gen Z culture!

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