Era-Defining Anime that Shaped Key Genres

The article by Emedo Ashibeze for ScreenRant highlights notable anime that helped shape specific genres, describing how series like Dragon Ball Z, Mobile Suit Gundam and Neon Genesis Evangelion influenced storytelling, style and themes.

Emedo Ashibeze, a journalist and critic writing for ScreenRant, outlines how anime evolved from foundations laid in the 1980s and 1990s into a medium that accommodates many genres. The piece notes that certain titles have become reference points for creators and audiences by pushing boundaries in storytelling and style. It presents a selection of influential works and describes what each contributed to its genre. The article focuses on how production, themes, and characters helped these series leave lasting marks on Japanese animation. Highlighted titles: - Dragon Ball Z: Presented as a template for battle-focused shōnen action with rising power levels, transformations and emotionally charged arcs. - Mobile Suit Gundam: Described as a shift from heroic robots to realistic war machines and as a work that portrayed war as a tragedy rather than spectacle. - Neon Genesis Evangelion: Noted for combining mecha action with psychological themes and for experimental episodes that foregrounded internal breakdowns. - Mushishi: Cited as an intersection of slice-of-life and the supernatural, with a calm, episodic approach to nature and spirit beings. - Clannad: After Story: Characterized as an intense romance/drama that explores marriage, parenthood and loss with emotional depth. - Monster: Identified as a slow-building psychological thriller that examines guilt, responsibility and the nature of evil across a wide cast. Summary: These series are presented as influential works that expanded how genres are expressed in anime and became points of reference for later creators. Undetermined at this time.