Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Since its initial release, the series has drawn attention for its worldbuilding, which blends science fiction elements with themes inspired by the industrial revolution. The ethical frameworks the characters must navigate create a compelling moral landscape, exploring ideas such as sacrifice, discrimination, and perseverance. Concepts like alchemy, scientific research, and technological advancement are consistently portrayed as having consequences, often bordering on the mindset of a mad scientist. Throughout the story, many characters wrestle with the duality of good and evil, contributing to a narrative that maintains tension and engagement without relying on simple answers.
Scar, for example, was a character filled with hatred, yet he transformed into an anti-hero after realizing the consequences of his actions. He was a survivor of the Ishval War and initially vowed revenge against alchemists early in the series. However, Scar comes to understand that his actions would not change anything for his fallen comrades, other than further damaging their legacy. The Ishval people were already feared due to government propaganda and widespread discrimination against their culture. As a result, Scar eventually abandons his path of revenge and begins reevaluating other options after meeting the Elric brothers, other surviving Ishvalans, and May Chang.
Ishval Elder: “Your vengeance will only sow the seeds to further violence. What you’re doing is senseless revenge and it’s feeding a fruitless cycle of death. You must end this cycle, once and for all.”
The Elric brothers have also come a long way from that unfortunate accident, growing into more perceptive and principled heroes. Edward and Alphonse have consistently strived to use their abilities for the good of others, whether it was their attempt to bring back their mother, sacrificing themselves for one another, or saving people from making irreversible mistakes. Even when presented with opportunities to restore their bodies through unspeakable means, they continue to uphold their morals. Seeing such growth, from tragedy to becoming examples of what a pure-hearted person can be, is one of the many reasons this anime remains legendary. It is difficult not to wonder how many lives would have been lost without these two steadfast characters.
Edward Elric: “It’s your hands. They weren’t meant to kill. They were meant to give life.”
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood effectively conveys an emotional journey for viewers who struggle with doing what is right. The series encourages reflection on the cost of sacrifice, scientific advancement, discrimination, and moral responsibility. It remains widely accessible, with streaming availability on Crunchyroll and Netflix.
Sword Art Online
Ever since its initial release, Sword Art Online has gained widespread popularity due to its setting centered on advanced technology and artificial intelligence. Many fans were drawn to the concept of entering another world, often wondering what it would be like if such an experience were possible. The setting of Sword Art Online allows viewers to engage not only with its action and memorable soundtracks, but also with the emotional impact on its characters. These themes include survivor’s guilt, finding reasons to move forward, and navigating conflicting identities between the real world and virtual reality.
Shino Asada (Sinon) struggles in the real world due to the trauma of shooting a robber in self-defense. She later joins Gun Gale Online (GGO) in an effort to confront and overcome her PTSD, relying on her sniper rifle, Hecate II. The process of separating her real-life identity from the persona she adopts in GGO gives her strength and a sense of clarity that others around her initially struggle to understand. Over time, Shino learns that both sides of herself can coexist, allowing her to express her fears, desires, and self-worth more openly. Through this journey, she overcomes her trauma and inspires audiences to face one of the most difficult challenges of all: acceptance and forgiveness.
Shino Asada: “This is my battle, and no one else’s”
Another reason this series receives such praise comes from the wholesome relationship between Kirito and Asuna. Both characters suffer from isolation and torment within the death game Aincrad, often losing touch with reality as they adapt to life as survivors. Over time, we see them heal from multiple hardships by opening up to one another and accepting both strengths and weaknesses. This process allows them to rediscover what it means to truly live, cherishing their time together and growing as individuals regardless of which reality they inhabit. Many fans have been inspired by their commitment to one another, viewing them as a strong example of an ideal relationship built on rediscovery and acceptance. Kirito and Asuna also represent the courage to face danger head-on rather than living in fear.
Asuna Yuuki: “If we make it back to the real world, I’ll find you. And fall in love with you all over again.”
Sword Art Online, Sword Art Online the Movie: Ordinal Scale, Sword Art Online Progressive: Aria of a Starless Night, Sword Art Online Progressive: Scherzo of Deep Night, and Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online are all available to stream on Crunchyroll.
Fate Series – stay/night, Zero, Unlimited Blade Works, Heaven’s Feel and more
Throughout every iteration of the Fate series, fans are often drawn to the impactful relationships between Servants and their Masters. One notable example is Rider’s influence on Waver Velvet in Fate/Zero. Their dynamic is widely appreciated for how it develops into a meaningful bond built on trust and mutual respect. Waver evolves from a state of self-doubt and insecurity into a more mature Master who stands alongside his Servant on the frontlines. His growth even earns the acknowledgment of Gilgamesh, a Servant known for his arrogance and refusal to view others as equals. Waver Velvet’s journey demonstrates that growth can come from striving toward something greater than oneself.
Another reason the series is so beloved lies in the three different routes of Fate/stay night. Each route features the same core characters and begins with Shirou becoming involved in the Holy Grail War, before diverging through a different main heroine: Saber, Rin Tohsaka, and Sakura Matou. This structure allows fans to connect more deeply with each character, as their roles and motivations shift depending on the route. The Holy Grail War is explored from multiple perspectives, leaving audiences engaged by the depth of the lore and storytelling. These routes examine themes such as the relationship between Master and Servant, Shirou’s ideals as a hero, and the darker truths behind the Holy Grail itself.
Fans interested in complex storytelling, detailed character development, and action-driven narratives can explore additional entries in the Fate franchise on Crunchyroll. These include Today’s Menu for the Emiya Family, Fate/kaleid liner PRISMA☆ILLYA, Fate/Apocrypha, and Fate/strange Fake, which premiered on January 3, 2026. Viewers can also engage with the franchise through the free-to-play mobile game Fate/Grand Order.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Puella Magi Madoka Magica challenges traditional expectations of the magical girl genre by focusing on the emotional and psychological consequences of becoming one. From the opening scenes, viewers are confronted with a world facing devastation at the hands of a dark entity, with little sense of hope or victory. The white, cat-like creature Kyubey acts as a guiding familiar, offering the girls a single wish as the foundation of their contract. Many of these wishes are made with noble intentions and become the motivation to fight, framing their journey as a pursuit of truth and justice like that of many aspiring heroes. However, the series quickly cautions viewers to consider the cost of such desires, as the girls begin to question their choices and confront a form of horror unlike anything they had anticipated.
Mami Tomoe: “The motive behind a wish is what matters most.”
Throughout the series, we gradually learn the truth behind the Soul Gems, their enemies, and the ultimate antagonist hinted at from the very first episode. Each magical girl struggles with the emotional weight of her wish, feeling burdened by its consequences and slowly drifting away from her original purpose. Unlike the others, Madoka Kaname ultimately makes a wish so powerful that it reshapes the world itself, redefining what true sacrifice means.
She grows from being overly dependent into someone more confident and resolute in her mission to bring hope, regardless of the cost. Madoka understands the dangers and sacrifices involved, allowing viewers to experience not only a darker reimagining of the magical girl genre, but also meaningful character development. Even today, when people reflect on what this series represents, it is often described as a story about rediscovering hope and finding light within darkness. Studio Shaft’s animation style may appear cute and innocent at first glance, but it is paired with layered storytelling and darker philosophical themes that leave a lasting impression on the audience.
Madoka Kaname: “If someone says it’s wrong to hope, I will tell them that they’re wrong every time. I could tell them that countless times!”
Puella Magi Madoka Magica is available to stream on Crunchyroll, while the follow-up film Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Rebellion can be found on Amazon Video, Apple TV, and YouTube in its dubbed version. The story will continue with the upcoming film Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Walpurgisnacht Rising, which is scheduled to arrive soon.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba continues to exceed expectations for several reasons, including its traditional setting and the presence of its central antagonists, the demons. Many elements of the series draw from long-standing Japanese practices meant to ward off evil spirits, such as bean tossing during Setsubun and the use of Tengu masks, both of which are reflected throughout the anime. In addition, themes rooted in religion and samurai history are woven into the narrative, contributing to its strong character development. Every character, including the antagonists, undergoes some form of perseverance that challenges their beliefs and mindset, allowing audiences to connect with their struggles on a deeper level.
Many antagonists are often viewed as unrelatable because their actions stem from hatred or a rejection of acceptance, or because audiences see uncomfortable reflections of themselves in these characters. In Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, the demons were once human and, at one point, lived peaceful lives with their families before experiencing tragic events. Rui, for example, creates a distorted version of a family built on fear and intimidation after believing he was rejected by his parents. He changes from a kind child into someone isolated and emotionally fractured, eventually realizing that what he desired most was a genuine and compassionate family. It is not until his confrontation with Tanjiro Kamado and Nezuko Kamado that Rui begins to remember what familial love truly means.
Tanjiro Kamado: “I will swing my blade down and lop off the head of any demon without mercy! But I will not belittle those who regret their actions and suffer over the things they did as demons. Because demons were once human. Because they were like me.”
His journey from human to demon, and then toward maturity and atonement, is one of the strongest themes the series explores, reflecting a deeply transformative and spiritual path. Even Tanjiro feels remorse, shaped by his own experience with Nezuko, who was forced into becoming a demon. It is difficult not to feel empathy for someone who has suffered for so long, only to finally find peace. While not every character embraces redemption or compassion, the author consistently reminds the audience that even villains deserve understanding before judgment.
Throughout the series, many characters embark on journeys shaped by perseverance and deeply held beliefs. These journeys are not always physical, but instead reflect how much hardship one is willing to endure in pursuit of their goals. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is available to stream on Crunchyroll and Netflix. In addition, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle has been nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Motion Picture.
The emotional weight and character-driven storytelling seen across these series would not resonate as strongly without careful consideration of how they are presented to global audiences. Beyond production and animation, accessibility plays a critical role in how stories are understood and appreciated worldwide. This is where localization becomes an essential part of Aniplex’s work, shaping how meaning, tone, and intent are preserved across languages.
How Aniplex Studies and Breaks through the Language Barriers – Subtitles & Localization
One of the most important responsibilities studios, producers, and distributors have is ensuring that audiences understand the intentions behind an author’s work. Not all viewers will be familiar with references to Japanese history or communication styles, especially since the language follows a subject–object–verb structure, while many other languages use subject–verb–object. In addition, Japanese naming conventions place the family name before the given name, which can also differ from what audiences in countries like the United States are accustomed to.
Beyond sentence structure, there are also phrases, slang, company references, and cultural nuances that are familiar primarily to people living in Japan. As a result, direct translations can sometimes feel awkward or confusing, especially when certain concepts do not exist in other cultures. For example, there is no equivalent to saying “bless you” after someone sneezes in many Asian cultures. Instead, people may assume they are being talked about or that the person sneezing is unwell, often responding with silence. These cultural differences can cause subtitles to feel unnatural if they are translated word for word.
Localization takes all of these factors into account, spending significant time adjusting dialogue so that it sounds natural and understandable to the target audience. This is where automated translation tools often fall short, as they prioritize speed over emotional context and situational awareness. A useful comparison is visiting a doctor who explains your condition using complex medical terminology without clarifying what it means. That gap highlights the difference between translation and localization, where understanding the audience’s perspective and knowledge is just as important as linguistic accuracy.
Aniplex demonstrated this approach during the event with a fan-favorite series, Lycoris Recoil. The show’s overall tone balances wholesome slice-of-life moments with humor, even when the characters are involved in intense or emotionally charged missions. Despite the seriousness of certain scenes, the story consistently emphasizes the girls enjoying their everyday lives. One notable example is Chisato’s relationship with her mentor, Mika, who serves as both a teacher and a father figure at Café LycoReco. Chisato expresses her affection by calling him “sensei,” a term that conveys respect and acknowledgment of someone as a mentor.
In the English dub, this term was localized as “Teach,” a choice that reflected both the warmth of their relationship and Chisato’s personality. Aniplex carefully considered how someone her age would express familiarity and affection while still respecting Japanese cultural context. While not every phrase requires adaptation, the attention to detail demonstrates the effort studios invest in honoring the creator’s intent while ensuring accessibility for global audiences.
Recent and Future Projects
Aniplex has helped to produce/co-produce and released many series this past year, including:
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle
- Lycoris Recoil – Friends are thieves of time movie shorts!
- May I Ask For One Final Thing
- Mono
- My Dress Up Darling Season 2
- Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus
- The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity
- Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider
- Touring After the Apocalypse
- VIRGIN PUNK: Clockwork Girl
Future content coming soon includes:
- DARK MOON: THE BLOOD ALTAR Animation with ENHYPEN (Jan 2026)
- Daemons of the Shadow Realm (2026)
- Fate/strange Fake (Jan 3, 2026)
- Hana-Kimi (Jan 6, 2026)
- Needy Girl Overdose (April 2026)
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Walpurgisnacht Rising (Coming Soon)
- Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dear Friend (2026)
- The Darwin Incident (Jan 2026)
- The Irregular at Magic High School THE MOVIE: Yotsuba Succession Arc (May 8, 2026)
- Witch Hat Atelier (2026)
At the same time, the scale and ambition behind many of these projects also highlight the realities of modern anime production. Large, high-profile works require extensive coordination across studios, schedules, and global distribution. In recent years, some Aniplex-produced titles such as NieR:Automata Ver1.1a and 86: Eighty-Six experienced broadcast delays, reflecting the logistical challenges that can arise during complex productions and ambitious schedules. While delays are not uncommon in the industry, they underscore how demanding the production environment has become as anime continues to grow worldwide.
Conclusion
What are some of your favorite anime that Aniplex has helped produce and distribute globally? Are there any upcoming series that have caught your attention? Regardless of ongoing discussions surrounding subtitles versus dubbing, this event offered valuable insight into the care and effort involved in localization. It was an informative experience to learn directly from the staff and voice actors involved, and to reflect on the role localization has played throughout Aniplex’s 20-year history.
Thank you to Aniplex and ReedPop for organizing this event. It provided an opportunity to revisit memorable stories from a wide range of creators, as well as defining performances from voice actors across the years. We look forward to seeing how Aniplex continues to contribute to the planning, production, and global distribution of anime as it marks its 20th anniversary.
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