Do you ever try to explore the difference between anime and cartoons? Probably not. Anime has a strong fanbase who don’t even love to compare these two forms of leisure. Why? Are anime and cartoons have any differences or similarities? I’ll try to answer all of these questions further in the post, so stay tuned.
Anime and cartoons are excellent sources of enjoyment for people of all ages, from childhood to adulthood. Apart from their origin and regionalization, there is a healthy difference between anime and cartoons. Cartoons are the roots of western culture, but anime is heavily influenced by Japanese culture and media.
What Is Anime?
Anime is originated in Japan in the 1960s, all animated artworks, regardless of style or etymology, fall under this category. Unlike cartoons, anime encompasses a broad range of emotions, seriousness, adventure, thriller, and other genres.
They have distinctive physical appearance and story/plot, which make the anime characters blunt as well as powerful. If you have both anime and cartoons in front of you, it is easy to distinguish the anime due to their large eyes, big & colorful hair, and vibrant body gesture.
When it comes to characters, anime characters appear to be more mature and sensible than cartoon characters. Here is why anime fans don’t like to compare anime and cartoons because of the trifling nature of cartoons.
Even Japanese people consider anime an integral part of Japanese culture and are adamant about it. Loving anime? Explore more about anime and read What is Shonen Anime?
Top 10 Popular Anime
There are tons of popular anime in the bucket; I’m listing one of the best anime series of all time, which is directly taken from IMDB:
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009–2012).
- Hunter x Hunter (2011–2014).
- Steins; Gate (2011–2015).
- Clannad: After Story (2008–2009).
- Code Geass (2006–2012).
- Cowboy Bebop (1998–1999).
- Fighting Spirit (2000–2002).
- Gurren Lagann (2007–2008).
- Death Note (2006–2007).
- Monster (2004–2010).
What Are Cartoons?
To understand the difference between anime and cartoons, it is necessary to acknowledge both terms. Initially, cartoons were just hand-drawn paper, originated in the 19th century, and were globally populated with Punch magazine in 1843.
Cartoons, unlike anime, are mainly aimed at children; although, in recent years, there has been some room for adult viewers as well. Possibly it is due to the unrealistic or semi-realistic characters and story.
Also, cartoons have no set dimensions; a cartoon could be anything from animals, objects, trees, bread butter, etc. It makes cartoons non-sensible.
Cartoons have a restricted audience due to the lack of seriousness and not well-defined characters. It doesn’t mean that cartoons have no popularity among adults, who can forget Mickey Mouse, which is loved across the globe. Moreover, modern cartoons have become more story-related and realistic with emotions.
Top 10 Popular Cartoons
There are tons of famous cartoons in the cartoon world; I’m listing the best cartoon animations of all time, which is directly taken from IMDB:
- Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995).
- Samurai Jack (2001–2017).
- Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005–2008).
- Total Drama (2007–2014).
- Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated (2010–2013).
- Justice League (2001–2004).
- The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes (2010–2012).
- Batman Beyond (1999–2001).
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012–2017).
- Teen Titans (2003–2006).
What Is The Difference Between Anime And Cartoons?
Anime and cartoons are different in various segments, from physical facial expressions to emotional characteristics. Let’s explore the possible difference between anime and cartoons.
Visual Difference
The most noticeable and distinguishable difference is visual, or to put it another way, physical. Large eyes, outsized & colorful hair, lengthened limbs, and dynamic body gestures are all physical characteristics of anime.
On the other hand, the cartoon is satire, caricature, humor, or a motion picture whose animation is based on a series of pictures. But cartoons don’t have defined characters (except recent ones) and diverge from reality.
Facial Expression Difference
Anime incorporates almost every facial expression, including happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, disgust, excitement, etc. Expressions are often overlooked in the early stages of cartoon networks since cartoons are developed solely for pure entertainment and often lack a storyline.
Emotions in anime are crafted beautifully and easily visible. Characters that are enraged may acquire an artery or strain line over their feminine, romantic interests, whereas male characters get a bloody nose over their female love interests.
Intent Difference
The intent is something for which anime or cartoons are produced. Cartoons are typically meant to make people giggle and concentrate on humorous topics and usually target the kids. However, the situation has shifted in past years, with cartoons focusing more on tales, plots, and protagonists.
Anime is intended to provide a powerful story full of emotions, love, adventure, horror, etc. Anime is not limited to fun, like cartoons.
Closing Words
It is all about the difference between anime and cartoons. In general, a new viewer considers anime and cartoons to be the same stuff because they both serve the same purpose: to entertain the audience.
But in reality, there is a considerable difference between anime and cartoons, as discussed above. Both are distinct not only in terms of origin but also in terms of physical appearance, emotions, storyline, intent, and many other factors.
Now, if I present two different pieces of animation or animated stories next to you, you’ll be able to tell the difference straight away. I hope you love this post and share it with your friends to let them know this difference.
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