We’re Getting Really Tired of These 5 Anime Tropes

Just like most other types of media, anime cannot avoid tropes, either. And some are just more frequent than others. So, without further ado, let’s talk about them.

1. Patient villain

Do you ever wonder why a villain just stands there listening to whatever a hero has to say? Inspirational speeches are fine and often even great to listen to.

But what about occasions when the protagonist starts being all deep and inspirational all of a sudden while the antagonist is conveniently waiting for them? Naruto villains would be shocked if they found out that they could just attack and not listen to Naruto being wise.

2. Interrupted fight sequences

It’s not when an episode ends before the fight does and you have to wait for a week to see where this is going. Although that’s annoying, too. But we’re talking about great fights that pause for the sake of having a flashback or a heart-to-heart conversation.

Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin), we really love you, but what’s up with all those existential conversations during the Shiganshina battle?

3. Sudden transformation during a fight

Gamers will understand this one especially well. We all know by now that the final boss battle is never as simple as it looks at first. The boss has to undergo a couple of stages for you to finally see the “mission complete” message.

The same goes for anime sometimes. If you’ve had the time to finish the second season of Jujutsu Kaisen, you’ll remember Mahito and his sudden transformation. Where did that come from?

4. Power of friendship

We do think friendship is important. We really do. But sometimes we need something more for a hero to win. Skills, training, dexterity and hard work seem like a better choice.

But some series (One Piece, we’re looking at you) make you believe that having friends and caring about them is the best solution for all of your problems. Which is a good message, don’t get us wrong, but maybe we should stop with it during fights.

5. Bad guy gets away

Do you even watch a show and hope to see a “bad guy” finally defeated? Then one of the characters gets super close to making your dream come true, but… Something happens, and the bad guy gets away. It might be a sudden change of heart of the protagonist, or another force.

Levi was so close to defeating Zeke in Season 3 of Attack on Titan. He had him absolutely helpless and at his mercy, but he hesitated for a second because Zeke might be his chance to save Erwin, and regretted it a mere moment later.