Motivation is necessary to get through the daily grind that is our life. While some of us may indulge in hobbies like painting and listening to music to stay motivated- others might treat the ultimate goal as motivation and work through the obstacles.
And for yet another group of people, the world of anime provides words of wisdom that manage to motivate and inspire.
So here is a list of motivational anime quotes to motivate you even if you aren’t anime fan- let it be living your life to the fullest, a dream you want to achieve or maybe just becoming your own best version.
Motivational Anime Quotes For The Year 2023
- 30. Rintaro Tatewaki
- 29. Jimbei
- 28. Miss Kobayashi
- 27. Alibaba Saluja
- 26. Jet Black
- 25. Shinichi Chiaki
- 24. Glenn Radars
- 23. Erza Scarlet
- 22. Ichigo Kurosaki
- 21. Milly Thompson
- 20. Izuku Midoriya
- 19. Izuku Midoriya
- 18. Oz Vessalius
- 17. Lina Inverse
- 16. Yuuki Konno
- 15. Maka Albarn
- 14. Seiya Kanie
- 13. Lavi Bookman
- 12. Shunsui Kyouraku
- 11. Mion Sonozaki
- 10. Monkey D Luffy.
- 09. Eren Jaeger
- 08. Armin Arlert
- 07. Mikasa Ackerman
- 06. Vegeta
- 05. Minene Uryū
- 04. Ursula
- 03. All Might
- 02. Archer
- 01. Seiya Kanie
30. Rintaro Tatewaki
- Anime: Magic-Kyun! Renaissance
- Episodes: 13
- Genres: Reverse harem, Magic, Fantasy
“Smile. Not for anyone else, but for yourself. Show yourself your own smile. You’ll feel better then.”
Rintaro Tatewaki
Magic-Kyun! Renaissance is a 13-episode series that revolves around a young teenager named Kohana Aigasaki who enrolls at Hoshigei High School.
In the world of Magic-Kyun! Renaissance, all forms of art can be transformed into magic.
This particular motivational quote by Rintaro Tatewaki perfectly captures what this character is about.
Rintaro is a cheerful and energetic character who makes it his job to make everyone around him smile. Smile through life’s hardships, and you will ultimately get through it all.
29. Jimbei
- Anime: One Piece
- Episodes: 1024
- Genres: Adventure, fantasy
“It may be hard right now… But you must silence those thoughts! Stop counting only those things that you have lost! What is gone, is gone!”
Jimbei
One Piece is filled with so many interesting characters and multiple plotlines that it is tough to pick one motivational quote from this anime.
This particular one may not seem very inspirational, but it has a direct facts-to-your-face that works well. And it was given by none other than the whale-shark man-fish hybrid of a yakuza-pirate, Jimbei.
28. Miss Kobayashi
- Anime: Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid
- Episodes: 26+
- Genres: Fantasy comedy, Slice of life, Yuri
“Knowing you’re different is only the beginning. If you accept these differences, you’ll be able to get past them and grow even closer.”
Miss Kobayashi
This particular quote is from Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid, a series set around a programmer named Kobayashi who has a dragon in the form of a personal maid.
Wacky as it sounds, this is still pretty normal by anime standards.
As her dragon-maid, Tohru tries to fit into the human world, Kobayashi provides these words of wisdom to her new-found family, telling her how it is important to accept oneself to be able to fit into society.
27. Alibaba Saluja
- Anime: Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic
- Episodes: 50
- Genres: Adventure, Magic, Fantasy
“If nobody cares to accept you and wants you in this world, accept yourself and you will see that you don’t need them and their selfish ideas.”
Alibaba Saluja
Another motivational anime quote along similar lines of self-acceptance is slightly different because it also touches upon self-love.
It talks about how it is not essential to be accepted by others if you have already accepted and started to love yourself.
The quote is from Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic. The series is set around the friendship and adventures of Alibaba and Aladdin from the Arabian Nights stories.
Alibaba wishes to overcome his helplessness, and his quoted words capture this sentiment.
26. Jet Black
- Anime: Cowboy Bebop
- Episodes: 26
- Genres: Neo-noir, Space Western
“Everything has a beginning and an end. Life is just a cycle of starts and stops. There are ends we don’t desire, but they’re inevitable, we have to face them. It’s what being human is all about.”
Jet Black
Cowboy Bebop is an iconic series that is probably on the top of any anime connoisseur’s recommendation list.
It imbibes a certain ‘humane’ feeling to it that makes it relatable to anyone who watches it- the mortality of the series’ iconic hero- Spike Spiegel- only heightens this feeling.
Jet Black, the eponymous crew’s father-like figurehead, gave this quote. His words ring true when you consider the series’ more prominent theme of humanity.
He talks about how it is inevitable that life will be challenging and we will fall. Still, it is part of our human spirit that we will get back on our feet and face those same challenges.
25. Shinichi Chiaki
- Anime: Nodame Cantabile
- Episodes: 23 + 1
- Genres: Josei, Musical, Romantic comedy
“You can’t sit around envying other people’s worlds. You have to go out and change your own.”
Shinichi Chiaki
Nodame Cantabile is set around the life of Shinichi Chiaki and Megumi Noda, or “Nodame”.
They both aspire to be musical artists, and the series covers their journey from high school to the realization of their dreams.
As a highly driven perfectionist, the given quote perfectly captures the character that is Shinichi Chiaki.
He urges the viewer to become what they aspire to be by putting themselves out there and working hard to change their world.
24. Glenn Radars
- Anime: Rokudenashi Majutsu Koushi to Akashic Records
- Episodes: 12
- Genres: Action, fantasy, harem
“Just walk the path you believe in. And don’t forget, you’re the main character of your own life story!”
Glenn Radars
Rokudenashi Majutsu Koushi to Akashic Records is set around a magical school where a new instructor- Glenn Radars- appears, who seems incompetent and lazy but is highly talented and skilled.
Glenn Radars begins his character arc as a highly depressed individual owing to his past trauma.
He seems to have no motivation in life. However, his quoted words are proof of his new-found inspiration that is teaching, as he tells his students that believing in themselves is the best way to achieve what they want.
23. Erza Scarlet
- Anime: Fairy Tail
- Episodes: 328
- Genres: Adventure, fantasy
“Even if we walk on different paths, one must always live on as you are able! You must never treat your own life as something insignificant! You must never forget the friends you love for as long as you live! Let bloom the flowers of light within your hearts.”
Erza Scarlet
Fairy Tail is set in the Kingdom of Fior, where people can perform magic. Those who do so professionally are called wizards.
They join guilds which help them in getting paid by working for clients.
A part of the series’ eponymous guild, Erza Scarlet is one of the most badass female characters in all anime. She is the guild’s most influential female wizard, and her magic is called “The Knight.”
Having gone through a very traumatic and painful childhood, she still manages to have optimism and spirit in life that is perfectly captured in her words.
22. Ichigo Kurosaki
- Anime: Bleach
- Episodes: 366
- Genres: Adventure, supernatural
“We can’t waste time worrying about the what if’s.”
Ichigo Kurosaki
Bleach is another iconic series rich with characters and storylines that seem to inspire (even though it tends to give you unexpected emotional punches to the guts now and then).
Even so, Ichigo Kurosaki’s words- blunt as they are- are necessary for most situations.
Sometimes, overthinking won’t help- you can’t waste time worrying. But, sometimes, you and you must go through it, not caring about what could go wrong.
Now, this is highly context-specific, so be sure to think (not overthink) the situation through once.
21. Milly Thompson
- Anime: Trigun
- Episodes: 26
- Genres: Action, Post-apocalyptic, Space Western
“Every journey begins with a single step. We just have to have patience.”
Milly Thompson
Trigun is a fantastic series that somehow tells a very sophisticated, albeit attractive, story in just 26 episodes. The series’ journey begins with a man named Vash, who has destructive supernatural abilities.
This particular motivational anime quote is given by one of the people trying to control the damage he does- Milly Thompson.
Milly is a kind and optimistic woman. Her motivational quote in anime is reflective of her optimistic and endeavoring spirit- it is important to begin somewhere to be able to reach the ultimate goal.
And of course, it might take time to reach that goal, but that is where the virtue of patience comes in handy.
20. Izuku Midoriya
- Anime: My Hero Academia
- Episodes: 113 + 8 OVAs
- Genres: Adventure, Science fantasy, Superhero
“Don’t worry about what other people think. Hold your head up high and plunge forward.”
Izuku Midoriya
My Hero Academia is among one of the most popular anime series. Featuring a rich cast of characters – almost all of whom are superheroes- the series is set around the adventures of Izuku Midoriya.
Midoriya was born powerless in a world filled with superheroes.
So, the notion of going bravely into any situation without caring about what others feel or think gains weight when it comes from him.
19. Izuku Midoriya
- Anime: My Hero Academia
- Episodes: 113 + 8 OVAs
- Genres: Adventure, Science fantasy, Superhero
“Sometimes I do feel like I’m a failure. Like there’s no hope for me. But even so, I’m not gonna give up. Ever!”
Izuku Midoriya
Yet another gem of a quote from Izuku Midoriya, this one is even more representative of his unyielding spirit.
18. Oz Vessalius
- Anime: Pandora Hearts
- Episodes: 25
- Genres: Adventure, Dark fantasy, Mystery
“Although I’m weak and full of flaws, I will never stop moving forward. No matter who I am, no one other than myself will create my own existence. No matter what others may think or feel, I will still move forward as myself.”
Oz Vessalius
Talking about unyielding spirits, Oz Vessalius is perhaps of the more sophisticated examples. He thinks of himself as weak but is granted truly terrifying powers.
Yet, even though he had a traumatic childhood, he still retained a very bright, optimistic, and energetic personality.
This quote gives away these very same qualities and his desire to become his best version after accepting himself.
17. Lina Inverse
- Anime: Slayers
- Episodes: 104
- Genres: Adventure, Fantasy comedy, Sword and sorcery
Even If you’ve only got a 1% chance of winning, but you convince yourself you’re gonna lose, that 1% becomes 0%.
Lina Inverse
Lina Inverse is one of the most popular anime characters from the 1990s.
Her popularity is so immense that she served as the inspiration for the development of many characters in the anime series Slayers and other works.
True to her never-gonna-lose sense of self-confidence, this quote talks about how it is important to believe in oneself and that you will succeed no matter what.
According to this quote, self-doubt is the greatest obstacle to success.
16. Yuuki Konno
- Anime: Sword Art Online
- Episodes: 25
- Genres: Adventure, Science fiction
“God would never put us through all this suffering if he didn’t think we could bear it.”
Yuuki Konno
With a limited run of 25 episodes, Sword Art Online still managed to retain a vast fan following. It has an exciting mix of characters, and Yuuki Konno is one of the more memorable ones.
Even though the quote is rather generic, it is pretty impactful, considering the character arc Yuuki goes through (no spoilers here).
Nonetheless, it makes the worse of situations worth the pain to know that fate decided you will be able to get through it.
15. Maka Albarn
- Anime: Soul Eater
- Episodes: 51
- Genres: Action, Dark comedy, Dark fantasy
“I refuse to let my fear control me anymore.”
Maka Albarn
Maka Albarn is the central protagonist of the Soul Eater anime series.
In a world filled with demons, evil and good sorcerers, and personifications of mystical beings like Death, Maka serves as the human POV for the viewer.
She is brave, strong-willed and hard-working, yet humble and kind. But more than anything else, she does not let her fear to control her.
This quote personifies her character, implying the need to overcome one’s fear- human as it is- to win over the worst of situations.
14. Seiya Kanie
- Anime: Amagi Brilliant Park
- Episodes: 13
- Genres: Fantasy, romantic comedy
“You guys sure are a worthless bunch. If you wanna wallow in your tears, save it for after you’ve done everything you can.”
Seiya Kanie
Seiya Kanie is a perfectionist. Once a part of the entertainment industry, he is called upon by the Amagi Brilliant Park’s employees to help them sustain the park and their livelihoods (again, no spoilers here).
His words might seem cruel here, but he does seem to have a point.
Sometimes, all hope is gone, and one might feel like breaking down and crying. But that will achieve nothing, as one must still give it their all and try to achieve their goal.
13. Lavi Bookman
- Anime: D.Gray-man
- Episodes: 103
- Genres: Adventure, Dark fantasy, Science fantasy
“The only home that a man should ever need is within his heart.”
Lavi Bookman
Lavi Bookman is a friendly exorcist who is just as carefree as he is passionate.
As part of the guild trying to defeat the villainous Noah and his descendants, Lavi is one of the allies of the series’ main protagonist, Allen Walker.
His quote, when taken a bit of context, suggests what so many other deep anime quotes do- it is important to discover oneself, be self-sufficient, and by a stretch, follow one’s, own heart.
12. Shunsui Kyouraku
- Anime: Bleach
- Episodes: 366
- Genres: Adventure, supernatural
“That’s just the way it is. Change is inevitable. Instead of resisting it, you’re better served simply going with the flow.”
Shunsui Kyouraku
Bleach is undoubtedly filled with its fair share of characters– at 366 episodes, it sure would have mellowed out if the story was only set around a handful of people.
But Shunsui Kyouraku sure seems to be a memorable character.
Unlike the rest of the captains featured in the series, Shunsui Kyouraku has a laidback personality that is uncharacteristic of his rank.
The given quote is quite representative of his personality, as he urges the viewers not to resist change but instead mold themselves according to those changes (far harder than it sounds).
11. Mion Sonozaki
- Anime: Higurashi When They Cry
- Episodes: 26
- Genres: Murder mystery, psychological horror, Supernatural horror
“Life is like a tube of toothpaste. When you’ve used all the toothpaste down to the last squeeze, that’s when you’ve really lived. Live with all your might, and struggle as long as you have life.”
Mion Sonozaki
In the dark world of Higurashi When They Cry, filled with murder and violence, Mion Sonozaki sometimes feels like the only non-violent one.
She is wild and unpredictable but responsible- sometimes even logical- but not violent.
In her humorous way, her motivational quote makes sense because of the inflexion that life is meant to be lived to the fullest- and this covers all the struggles that are part of that life.
10. Monkey D Luffy.
- Anime: One Piece
- Episodes: 1025
- Genres: Adventure, fantasy
“No matter how hard or impossible it is, never lose sight of your goal.”
Monkey D Luffy.
Who better than Monkey D Luffy to tell you that your impossible goal is possible? It has been over 1000 episodes, and he still hasn’t found his One Piece (this guy knows what he is talking about when he says never to lose sight of your goal).
At times, we might fall victim to distractions and end up on an entirely different path than the one we planned.
But just like Luffy, if your goal is worth fighting for, you must keep moving forward- never losing sight of it.
09. Eren Jaeger
- Anime: Attack On Titan
- Episodes: 87 + 8 OVAs
- Genres: Action, Dark fantasy, post-apocalyptic
“I want to see and understand the world outside. I don’t want to die inside these walls without knowing what’s out there.”
Eren Jaeger
Eren Jaeger is by a good margin one of the most well-crafted anime characters of recent times.
This particular quote of his drives the entire plot of Atack On Titan, which tells you about the weight it carries. Eren clearly states his dream, and his actions justify the achievement of this very same dream.
08. Armin Arlert
- Anime: Attack On Titan
- Episodes: 87 + 8 OVAs
- Genres: Action, Dark fantasy, post-apocalyptic
“People who can’t throw something important away, can never hope to change anything.”
Armin Arlert
Armin is another iconic character from the Attack On Titan series. He is the logical and sometimes moralistic centre of the series, who serves as the spoil against Eren Yaeger’s increasingly emotion-driven decisions.
This particular motivational quote in anime comes from Armin, showing his selfless side- something he shared with the legendary Erwin Smith.
He talks about how change is inevitable, and even the things we hold important right now will have to be sacrificed to help us roll over with that change.
07. Mikasa Ackerman
- Anime: Attack On Titan
- Episodes: 87 + 8 OVAs
- Genres: Action, Dark fantasy, post-apocalyptic
“I won’t give up. I’ll never give up again. So I’ll win, no matter what! I’ll survive no matter what.“
Mikasa Ackerman
Eren Yaeger may be the best anti-hero character of recent times, but Mikasa Ackerman is the fan favorite.
The best term to describe Mikasa would be overpowered- her combat skills are almost equal to the fierce Levi Ackerman.
Her quiet resolve to defend her friends and home becomes a burning desire when she says this dialogue.
Her motivational quote is representative of the never-give-up attitude that is necessary to be able to overcome any situation, no matter how worse it gets.
06. Vegeta
- Anime: Dragon Ball Z
- Episodes: 291
- Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Martial arts
“There’s no such thing as fair or unfair in battle. There is only victory or in your case, defeat.”
Vegeta
One of the most badass anime quotes out there comes from the equally badass Vegeta. Starting as a villain, Vegeta quickly rose to the popularity charts to become one of the most beloved anime characters.
This particular quote exudes his self-confidence. But more than that, at a deeper level, it talks about how life is generally unfair.
This may be immoral, but sometimes the way to success is not filled with easy choices.
05. Minene Uryū
- Anime: Future Diary
- Episodes: 26 + OVA
- Genres: Mystery, Psychological thriller, Romance
“Even if you’re weak, there are miracles you can seize with your hands if you fight on to the very end.”
Minene Uryū
Minene Uryū is an atheist terrorist- she specifically waged war against religion or organized belief.
So, when she starts talking about miracles, she is not about the godly kind.
Never giving up is yet another recurrent theme visible in this quote. According to Minene, it doesn’t matter if you are strong or weak- if you have the will to fight to the very end, miracles will happen.
04. Ursula
- Anime: Kiki’s Delivery Service
- Episodes: 1
- Genres: Magic, Fantasy
“We each need to find our own inspiration, Kiki. Sometimes it’s not easy.”
Ursula
Kiki is a 13-year-old witch with flying abilities and serves as the protagonist in this animated fantasy film. Ursula is a young painter who serves as an elder-sister figure to the young Kiki.
Ursula makes a very significant point about inspiration and purpose through this quote.
She makes it clear that it is crucial to find that one thing that gets one out of their bed every morning- it is the driving force that makes life worth the struggle.
03. All Might
- Anime: My Hero Academia
- Episodes: 113 + 8 OVAs
- Genres: Adventure, Science fantasy, Superhero
“If you feel yourself hitting up against your limit, remember for what cause you clench your fists! Remember why you started down this path, and let that memory carry you beyond your limit.”
All Might
Who better than All Might to give you a rousing speech that will inspire you to the very bones. Yet again talking about purpose and inspiration, this quote hits a lot harder than Ursula’s.
02. Archer
- Anime: Fate Stay Night
- Episodes: 24
- Genres: Dark fantasy
“Do not think about other things, there is only one thing you can do. So, master that one thing. Do not forget. What you must imagine is always that you, yourself, are the strongest. You do not need outside enemies. For you, the one you have to fight is none other than your own image.”
Archer
Archer is a sophisticated character- to brand him as a villain or anti-hero would be a disgrace to his memory.
To explain the context behind his quote would mean giving away spoilers, so it’s best to reflect on the words individually.
At its core, the quote talks about the need to become the strongest version of yourself- and how it is a continuous process; we are, after all, filled with unlimited potential.
But do take this quote with a grain of salt since burn-out is a natural phenomenon.
01. Seiya Kanie
- Anime: Amagi Brilliant Park
- Episodes: 13
- Genres: Fantasy, romantic comedy
“Trivial setbacks like yours and mine are nothing but common occurrences in everyday life!
Seiya Kanie
Spoken like a true perfectionist, Seiya’s words do not necessarily have to be true for everyone.
But just like his previous quote about the need to stop crying and work harder, this one also exudes similar sentiments. Setbacks are always going to be there- but we need to be able to work through them.