Do you remember kids running with their arms stretched back, just like a certain ninja on a mission? How about trading cards, hoping to get the rarest and most powerful ones? Or someone cupping their hands together, preparing to unleash a powerful move?

These cultural phenomena, whether seen on school playgrounds or across social media, have become iconic moments that still resonate today. Even more than 20 years later, “Naruto,” “Pokémon” and “Dragon Ball Z” continue to be remembered fondly, their influence still felt across generations.

As we reflect on the lasting impact of iconic anime from the past, the question arises: Can today’s anime achieve the same level of cultural significance?

Rebecca Pierre, a Guilford junior majoring in psychology, emphasizes that “Naruto” is particularly memorable due to its relatability as she can see herself within the show’s protagonist.

Additionally, Pierre emphasizes that the themes of overcoming trauma are what make anime like “Naruto” resonate for years. She recalls the memorable moment when Rock Lee overcomes a significant injury. 

“Watching that story play out and seeing him get the victory in the end is what made that show memorable,” she said.

Jaya Koneswaran, a junior at the early college, shares a different perspective on what makes an anime memorable. He points out that the concept of “Chainsaw Man” — where the protagonist, after being attacked and killed by his pet demon, merges with it to revive himself–plays a big role in its memorability. 

“It’s just a really cool concept,” he said.

Koneswaran also believes that the hype leading up to the release of “Chainsaw Man” contributed to its lasting impact. 

“People on the internet were really excited, and there was a lot of anticipation before the first episode aired,” he said.

Mahgoub Elmardi, a senior at the early college, reflects on how “Dr. Stone” has captured his attention due to its unique blend of real-world science and storytelling. In the show, a high school student named Senku, attempts to restore humanity who was turned to stone for 3,700 years using his scientific knowledge. 

“I really love how we get to see actual applications of things you’d only really see in a chemistry textbook,” he said.

When comparing modern anime to classics, Pierre notes a shift in storytelling and style, praising modern anime’s smoother animation and its lighter, more easygoing tone.

However, she asserts that no current anime will match the impact of older shows. “Absolutely not,” she said. “They’re not even on a comparable scale. The impact that older anime had is just crazy.”

Pierre attributes this to the depth of older series, where stories were developed over time and sometimes expanded into movies. “It took time to tell the story, sometimes into a movie,” she said. “Now, you can complete a whole series in 12 episodes.”

While Elmardi agrees with Pierre that anime in the past are unlikely to be matched, he does believe that three recent anime have made a strong impact in the anime community: “Attack on Titan,” “My Hero Academia” and “Demon Slayer.”

“They are often considered ‘gateway’ anime because they are very palatable and contain a lot of action,” he said.

Koneswaran acknowledges the changes in anime over the years but believes that these changes also bring their own value. 

“If you look at “One Piece,” “Dragon Ball Z” and “Naruto,” you’ll find that those anime take a long time. The more recent ones have adapted from that, telling the story in a shorter amount of time,” he said.

Despite her belief that modern anime can’t quite compare to the classics in terms of long-lasting impact, Pierre does point out one modern trend that may have a lasting effect: the rise of cosplaying, particularly through platforms like TikTok. 

“There were cosplayers back then,” she said, “but it’s way more intense now.”

While modern anime may not yet match the cultural impact of past classics, it is clear that the genre continues to change in meaningful ways. The shifts in storytelling, animation style and fan engagement has created new forms of connection and excitement.

While the depth and length of older series set a high bar, today’s anime finds its influence through online communities and trends like cosplaying. Anime will continue to resonate with audiences and shape popular culture in dynamic ways.