Attack on Titan is often heralded as one of the most exceptional shonen anime ever created. It unfolds in a dystopian world ravaged by colossal Titans that mercilessly devour any humans who dare to stray outside the safety of Paradis Island’s towering walls. The narrative is driven by the fierce ambitions of Eren Yeager, the protagonist, who is resolutely committed to exterminating every Titan to secure a peaceful existence for humanity.
The series, animated masterfully by MAPPA, features skilled storytelling from Isayama and top-tier voice acting that elevates it beyond mere entertainment. However, what truly sets Attack on Titan apart are its profound life lessons. The series provides penetrating insights into themes such as friendship, conflict, and loss, encouraging viewers to reflect on these messages in their own lives.
5 Friendship and Family Are Irreplaceable and Worth Fighting For
Eren’s Unyielding Determination to Protect His Friends From Titans’ Tyranny
At the core of Attack on Titan lies the theme of friendship, vital in instilling hope amid despair. Characters like Eren, Armin, and Mikasa lose their families to Titan attacks, leaving them no support other than one another. Their bond grows out of necessity, but evolves into deep affection as they face overwhelming odds together.
While the Survey Corps functions as a military unit, their shared experiences transform them into a family, willing to sacrifice everything for each other. The friendships among characters like Sasha, Connie, and Jean, or Levi, Erwin, and Hange, highlight how interconnectedness shapes their motivations. Every decision Eren makes, including initiating the Rumbling with the Founding Titan, is intricately tied to his wish to shield his loved ones from harm.
The show conveys a powerful message: with the unwavering support of friends and family, even the darkest times can carry a glimmer of hope. Every character—be it Marleyan or Eldian—is driven to protect someone, fueling their resilience against seemingly insurmountable challenges.
4 Even if a Situation Seems Hopeless, Do Not Give Up
Armin’s Pursuit of Peace Against Eren’s Fight for Freedom
The overarching message of Attack on Titan underscores the importance of perseverance, even in the face of adversity. Had humanity surrendered, the Titans would have ultimately obliterated them. There are moments throughout the series when characters are tempted to yield, believing that their struggles are in vain.
Following Erwin’s heroic yet disastrous charge against the Beast Titan, a wave of despair washed over the Survey Corps. Yet, characters like Eren remained undeterred, famously declaring, “I must keep moving forward.” His refusal to give up—despite the profound losses he faced—indicates that true freedom requires relentless effort.
Similarly, Armin embodies the spirit of hope as he tirelessly advocates for peace, even when it meant confronting harrowing circumstances and personal loss. Through their journeys, it becomes clear that achieving meaningful change necessitates hard work and sacrifice; failure to resist is simply not an option.
3 War is Often Futile, Causing More Harm Than Good
The Rumbling’s Catastrophic Toll Illustrates the Dire Consequences of War
Hajime Isayama, the creator of Attack on Titan, aims to convey a poignant anti-war message throughout the series. His narrative reveals that war invariably leads to suffering and destruction. This thematic focus is made evident by the grim ending, which he felt was more authentic than a neatly resolved conclusion.
The catastrophic Rumbling unleashed by Eren resulted in millions of deaths and devastation, highlighting that conflicts among humans, while sometimes inevitable, can lead to devastation for both sides. The war eventually turned into a struggle among humans, with no clear victors, only deep scars and loss.
Although Isayama faced criticism for his seemingly bleak ending, it successfully encapsulates the grim realities of conflict and offers a glimmer of hope as the Alliance strives for peace, prioritizing dialogue over violence in the future.
2 Your Enemy May Have More In Common With You Than You Think
Marley and Eldia Discover the Shared Humanity Between Adversaries
The conflict between Eldia and Marley serves as a pivotal narrative in Attack on Titan. For years, both nations viewed each other solely through a lens of animosity: Eldians resented the Marleyans for their confinement, while Marley perceived Eldians as threats due to their Titan abilities. This animosity culminated in fierce combats, notably during the Raid on Liberio.
However, as Eldians and Marleyans began to listen and understand each other, a realization dawned—each side had been blinded by hatred. The formation of a Global Alliance to thwart Eren’s destructive plans represented a significant step towards reconciliation and collaboration among former foes.
In the aftermath of the conflict, both nations embarked on a quest for understanding and peace, recognizing their shared humanity. While past grievances do not vanish overnight, the beginning of dialogue illustrates the potential for former enemies to unite for a common cause.
1 Stand Up Against Injustice
Humanity Unites Against Tyranny in the Face of Adversity
Throughout his life, fear loomed over Eren as he faced the ever-present threat of the Titans breaching the walls of Paradis Island. While some surrendered to despair, Eren chose to engage in resistance, dedicating himself to fighting against these monstrous adversaries.
Understanding the profound injustice of their situation, Eren famously stated, “If you win, you live. If you lose, you die.” This mantra reflects his belief that reclaiming agency in the face of deterrence was the only viable path ahead.
Attack on Titan also delves into various injustices, such as the discrimination faced by Eldians in the world beyond Paradis. While many chose to suffer in silence, characters like Armin heroically advocated for change, emphasizing the importance of standing up against oppression. By the series’ end, humanity had finally triumphed over the Titans, showcasing the strength found in collective resistance against injustice—albeit with regrettable losses along the journey.
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