Justice, Power and a God Complex: 5 reasons why Death Note still hits hard in 2025
19 years after its official release, the anime Death Note still remains one of the most widely acclaimed and iconic productions worldwide– a psychological suspense so ahead of its time that it is as relevant today as it was back in 2006 when it was first released.
Based on the manga by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, Death Note has long since become a household name in the anime community and even beyond, owing to its deeply complex characters and unique struggle between good and evil. In this article, we will list down 5 reasons why Death Note still deserves a spot on your watchlist in 2025:
Light Yagami
: the philosophy of good and evil
Knowledge is power, and power corrupts. In a world today full of surveillance, power games and leaders who have redefined justice to mean something cruel, Light Yagami remains a relevant example to fall back on. A genius of unprecedented degree with a God complex, Light still sparks debates and discussion on whether he was a hero, a villain, or an anti-hero for that matter? He challenges our own moral compass, prodes at our concept of judgement, and makes us question what 'right' even is? Does justice demand surveillance, and if so, who decides what justice is?
Death Note: A Retrospective
A masterclass in character design: L
From his unusual posture to his unique character design, from his enigmatic faceless voice that can simply say 'I am L' and make the room go quiet– L is a masterclass in how to construct a mysterious character that subverts all expectations when revealed.
His methods are unconventional, as much as his sitting style; and his cat-and-mouse mind games with Light have kept viewers hooked through multiple decades. He is an antithesis to Light's megalomaniac justice, but he is justice regardless.
In the end... Who TRULY won?
The psychological tension
Death Note is a culmination of watching chess, poker, and a knife fight all at once; but with brains. The classic push back and forth between Light and L is not just their personal battle towards victory– it is a resemblance to what we see happening at a global scale everyday.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning...
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
Click Here
Undo
Opposing viewpoints that collide head on in a psychological level makes the anime a scintillating watch for the brain. In this age where opinions are borrowed and reflection is burdened on an AI; Death Note makes us re-evaluate our notions, rethink our moral dilemmas and revisit our concepts of simple good and evil.
Light and L are both in all of us, and Death Note makes us confront that duality.
A cultural classic with global influence
Anyone who has spent any duration within and around the anime community has at least heard of Death Note.
It is an essential viewing as per many lists of recommendations and for good reason. Its impact on popular culture is undeniable, ranging from memes to philosophical debates. It is a gateway into the gritty psychological thriller genre of anime for the past two decades, and it's influence has not dwindled in the slightest.
There has never been a better time to get on with watching Death Note, considering its twentieth anniversary is fast approaching.
The animation quality of Studio Madhouse
The animation of Death Note stands the test of time. From the detailed color grading in the psychological confrontations to the muted tones in the quieter moments– Studio Madhouse did an impeccable job in bringing this dark, gritty world to life. The high quality animation and effective art direction serve an anime that is a treat to the eyes, making it an immersive experience even today.
Death Note is a masterpiece that will remain one of the most discussed anime in many more years to come. The twists and turns, the exciting chase for justice, and the moral dilemma of righteousness– Death Note paints a picture of our own psyche that has only become more relevant now than ever before. At only 37 episodes with little filler, Death Note absolutely deserves a spot on your anime watchlist, even in 2025.
Check out our list of the
latest Hindi
,
English
,
Tamil
,
Telugu
,
Malayalam
, and
Kannada movies
. Don't miss our picks for the
best Hindi movies
,
best Tamil movies,
and
best Telugu films
.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
Malayalam actress Anju Aravind opens up on divorce and finding love again with her first crush
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Anju Aravind, a celebrated actor and dancer known for her work across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada films, is in the spotlight after candidly sharing details about her journey in a recent interview with a Tamil YouTube channel. As reported by On Manorama, she revealed that her first marriage ended in divorce, while tragedy struck soon after her second marriage with the untimely passing of her husband. Despite these painful chapters, Anju has emerged strong, continuing her artistic pursuits and personal growth. Reunited with her school crush Anju revealed that she has been in a live-in relationship for the past five years with Sanjay Ambalaparambath — a connection that feels almost destined. 'Sanjay was my first crush back in Class 8,' she shared with a smile, noting how their love story could easily inspire a film. They first met at a dance school during their youth, drifted apart over the years, and surprisingly reconnected later in life. Thudarum - Official Trailer Watching the Tamil film '96' together even stirred up nostalgic memories of their school days. Sanjay, who has a background in dance, left his IT career to focus on writing and social work, and has become an integral part of Anju's personal and professional life. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Building a new life together It was Sanjay who helped Anju settle in Bengaluru, offering her an address and support as she transitioned into her role as a dance teacher. Together, they established the Anju Aravind Academy of Dance, where Anju now shares her passion with the next generation of dancers. Work front Anju Aravind has played memorable roles in several Malayalam films including 'Aksharam', 'Swapna Lokathe Balabhaskaran', 'Kidilol Kidilam', and her last outing was in the film 'Avakasikal'. She also played a pivotal role in the Jayaram starrer action thriller 'Achayan', which hit the big screens in 2017. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
Anusha Mani: Art brings people together , AI can't replace that
Anusha Mani, celebrated for her distinctive voice in Bollywood hits, is venturing into acting with the OTT series 'Hai Junoon.' She expresses concerns about AI's growing influence on music creation, emphasizing the importance of human collaboration and the spiritual essence of art. With a voice that has defined hits like Gulaabo, Tera Rasta Chhodoon Na, and Lazy Lamhe and many others, Anusha Mani has long been popular name in film music. Known for her unique tone, heartfelt delivery, and the emotional depth she brings to her performances, Anusha recently added a new feather to her creative cap: her acting debut in the OTT series Hai Junoon. In a candid conversation, the playback singer-turned-actor opens up about the evolving music landscape in the age of AI, the thrill of live concerts, her personal rituals, and what truly brings her joy offstage. Anusha Mani in the OTT series Hai Junoon AI is rapidly entering the music space, from voice cloning to composing melodies. How do you see it shaping the future of music and the role of musicians? I think this is the most dangerous aspect of AI. Music creation is a spiritual experience, extremely collaborative and immersive. To achieve the same results through technology is a mockery of the art form. Being an artist, it's hard enough to sustain in this industry as self-employed freelancers, and to have AI come and take over is as scary as this world can get for an artist.' Would you ever consider working with AI-generated music or tracks? Being true to my beliefs is very important to me. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Creating music is a collaborative experience, and art brings people together in a way nothing else can. In a world where people are more lonely than ever, I would never encourage or be a part of an AI-generated track. How different is the energy of a live performance compared to a studio recording? Do you have any pre-concert rituals? The experiences are poles apart. A live recording is a very intimate experience. A few people creating a song and putting their talent and creative ideas into a collaborative effort. You can take your time to evaluate, erase, change, or repeat until you're satisfied with the job. A live concert is all about being present in the moment, it's instant gratification. There's no room for errors or any possibility of rectifying it. The highs of a live show are incomparable. Pre-concert ritual is a vocal warm-up, breathing exercises, some stretches or cardio if I have the time or energy, and a small prayer of gratitude to the universe, and a prayer to keep everyone on stage safe. You've performed everywhere, from weddings to major festivals. Is there a performance that has stayed with you creatively or emotionally? There isn't one single venue or event. Each one brings its own set of challenges and wins. Like a wedding gig where the audience enjoyed thumris -- where mostly people just want to dance -- or a BMP festival where I did a tribute to the 90s pop era, the joy and nostalgia I saw in people's eyes was really gratifying. Do you tailor your setlists for different cities and audiences, or is it mostly fixed in advance? We have a fixed set list that is rehearsed and set for every show. We do sometimes incorporate regional songs — like doing a Tamil song in Chennai — or switch the set list if people want to just listen to songs instead of dancing. I break into some ghazals or ballads if I feel like the audience really wants an immersive experience rather than a party atmosphere. Looking back at your journey, what were some turning points that shaped your musical career? I think singing songs like Lazy Lamhe, Tera Rasta, to Gulaabo — there's been some variety in the songs I've sung. I think the journey is long, yet to be explored, and I'm very excited to be working and finding new avenues to bring my art to the world through music, and now acting.' What does a perfect day off look like for Anusha Mani? A day off basically means a lot of playtime with my four-legged child, Buddy, at home, a good nap while watching murder documentaries, hanging out with my family, or cleaning my house. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
Vitaly Zdorovetskiy: Russian-American Youtuber jailed in Philippines, globally unwelcome
Vitaly Zdorovetskiy , known to millions as 'VitalyzdTv,' has long been infamous for his outrageous pranks and viral stunts. But in 2025, the Russian-American YouTuber's penchant for controversy reached a breaking point, getting detained in the Philippines, rejected by both Russia and the United States, and facing a future more uncertain than ever. Born in Russia in 1992, Zdorovetskiy moved to the U.S. as a child and rose to fame with prank videos that often pushed the boundaries of legality and taste. His YouTube channel amassed over 10 million subscribers, with content ranging from fake bomb scares to pitch invasions at major sporting events. His early life was marked by odd jobs and even a brief stint in adult entertainment. Crimes and arrests Vitaly Zdorovetskiy's career has been marked by a series of high-profile arrests and criminal charges, both in the United States and abroad. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Container Houses Indonesia (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search ads Search Now Undo 2014 FIFA World Cup Final Arrest (Brazil): In July 2014, Zdorovetskiy invaded the field during the FIFA World Cup Final between Germany and Argentina in Brazil. His stunt garnered global media attention and resulted in his arrest by Brazilian authorities for trespassing on the pitch during one of the world's most-watched sporting events. Live Events May 25, 2016 – Hollywood Sign Trespassing: Zdorovetskiy was arrested for trespassing after climbing onto the iconic Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles as part of a video stunt. He spent about an hour vlogging from the sign before being detained by park rangers and released on bail. He faced potential fines and up to six months in county jail for the misdemeanor, as the site is closed to the public and protected by law enforcement. June 10, 2016 – NBA Finals Streaking Arrest: Just weeks later, on June 10, 2016, Zdorovetskiy was arrested again for streaking during Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors. The high-profile stunt led to his immediate arrest for trespassing and disrupting a major sporting event. 2017 World Series Arrest (Houston, USA): On October 29, 2017, Zdorovetskiy was arrested after running onto the field at Minute Maid Park during Game 5 of the 2017 World Series, shortly after a home run by Carlos Correa of the Houston Astros. He was taken into custody for trespassing and disrupting the game. 2020 – Aggravated Battery Arrest : In 2020, Zdorovetskiy was arrested for aggravated battery in Miami Beach, Florida, following an alleged unprovoked attack on a female jogger. He was booked and released on bond. This incident drew significant media attention and criticism. 2025 – Arrest and Multiple Charges in the Philippines: His most serious legal troubles began in April 2025, when he was arrested in the Philippines after livestreaming a spree of disruptive and criminal acts in Manila's Bonifacio Global City. The charges include: Harassing and attempting to kiss security guards Attempting to grab a security guard's firearm Stealing a patrol motorcycle, an electric fan, and a tricycle Threatening to rob a woman in public Trespassing and recording people without consent Fabricating negative reviews about local businesses Vandalism, unjust vexation, burglary, theft, and alarm and scandal He faces up to 24 years in prison in the Philippines, with five separate charges that could each result in a minimum of five years if convicted. His deportation has been blocked as both Russia and the United States have refused to accept him, leaving him to face trial and potential jail time in the Philippines. Neither Russia nor America will take him The fallout from his actions has been severe. Philippine authorities declared him an 'undesirable foreign national' and sought to deport him, but both Russia and the United States refused to accept him. Russia has reportedly 'disowned' Zdorovetskiy, with officials stressing that he must face justice in the Philippines and warning Russian tourists to respect local laws. Meanwhile, as a U.S. green card holder—not a citizen—the U.S. also declined to intervene or accept his return. 'Our problem is that Russia is not accepting him, neither does the US where he is a green card holder. So we don't know where to send him,' said Philippine Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla With no country willing to claim him, Zdorovetskiy remains in detention in Manila, awaiting trial and possible imprisonment.
