Anime is a medium known for its diverse range of genres, from heart-pounding action to tear-jerking romance. However, there’s another side to anime that often gets overlooked: its ability to be laugh-out-loud hilarious. Parody anime takes beloved tropes, clichés, and even entire genres and turns them on their heads, creating some of the most absurd and entertaining shows out there.
Get ready to tickle your funny bone as we dive into the world of parody anime and count down the top 7 best parody anime of all time.
1/ Ghost Stories
The title Ghost Stories may lead one to believe it is a horror anime, but in reality, it is a clever parody of the genre. The English dub localization features some of the most risqué comedies in the industry. While not every joke may resonate with viewers of this early 2000s anime, the writing manages to hit the mark more often than not. One character is uniquely dubbed to mumble all of his lines, resulting in a comedic effect that surpasses expectations. The show skillfully incorporates Japanese mythology and subverts common tropes.
2/ G Gundam
G Gundam serves as a response to the immense popularity of Dragon Ball Z within the realm of mech series. The premise involves Earth transformed into a battleground, with each nation selecting a warrior to represent them in a worldwide competition. The victorious nation gains the right to govern the galaxy. The narrative is incredibly exaggerated, leading one to believe that the creators intended for it to be a self-aware parody. Notably, there are Gundams constructed from a windmill and a Viking ship, adding to the overall hilariously cheesy tone.
3/ The Melancholy Of Haruhi Suzumiya
4/ One Punch Man
The essence of One Punch Man is encapsulated in its title. Within a universe teeming with superheroes and supervillains, Saitama reigns as the mightiest hero on the planet. Despite his unparalleled strength, he harbors no desire for such power. His relentless training has left him devoid of enjoyment, effortlessly defeating any foe with a single punch, be it a full-powered strike or a mere tap.
Saitama’s strength is doubted by everyone due to his ridiculous appearance. The rest of the characters in the series approach situations with excessive seriousness, resembling a typical Shonen action anime. The exaggerated tension in scenes where it is unnecessary serves as a parody of the action genre. To conclude that One Punch Man is considered the best parody anime of all time that you shouldn’t ignore.
5/ Ranma 1/2
Ranma 1/2 follows the story of Ranma and his father, who accidentally fell into enchanted pools in China. Ranma transforms into a girl when splashed with water, while his father turns into a giant panda. They are not the only ones afflicted with water-induced transformations, as others can also change into pigs, geese, and various other forms. This long-standing anime and manga series is primarily a martial arts tale, featuring hand-to-hand combat and tournaments that incorporate unconventional activities like fighting on ice. Despite its age, Ranma 1/2 remains compelling due to its unique genre elements.
6/ FLCL
FLCL, also known as Fooly Cooly, is one of the best parody anime ever made that humorously satirizes both manga and anime. It’s difficult to succinctly describe its premise, but it’s safe to say that it’s a series that must be experienced to be fully appreciated.
Certain scenes in the series are cleverly presented as manga panels, and it frequently breaks the fourth wall. The initial anime consisted of only six episodes, but it has since been followed by two sequels. While they may not be considered classics, fans of the original comedic series may find them worth revisiting.
7/ Attack On Titan: Junior High
Attack on Titan: Junior High is not simply a parody anime, but rather a satirical take on the series. It appears to have been created to provide fans with something to enjoy during the lengthy season breaks. Instead of a gritty anime centered on survival, it presents the Titan concept in a more comical light. While it may not have the same impact as the original show and only received a half-season order, enthusiasts of Attack on Titan and comedy anime might still find it worth watching.
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