Latest news with #YourName
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
5 Heartbreaking love stories in anime that hit just like Your Name and I Want to Eat Your Pancreas
Some anime don't just tell a love story; they leave a lasting scar on your heart. If Your Name and I Want to Eat Your Pancreas left you emotionally shattered, you're not alone. These films blend breathtaking visuals with heart-wrenching narratives that explore love, fate, and the pain of parting. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But they're not the only ones. Many other anime have captured this same bittersweet magic, telling stories that are as beautiful as they are devastating. Whether it's quiet heartbreak or gut-wrenching tragedy, these tales stay with you long after the final scene. Here are five anime love stories that will break you beautifully. Anime love stories that will break your heart like Your Name and I Want to Eat Your Pancreas 5 Centimeters Per Second Source: Crunchyroll Makoto Shinkai, the director behind Your Name, first gained attention with this quiet, devastating portrayal of long-distance love. 5 Centimeters Per Second follows the life of Takaki and Akari, childhood friends who slowly drift apart despite their deep emotional bond. With minimal dialogue and breathtaking visuals, this film captures the feeling of growing up and growing apart with painful accuracy. This is not a fairytale romance. It's real, raw, and aching in its portrayal of missed connections and the passage of time. If Your Name made you believe in fate, 5 Centimeters Per Second might make you question it. A Silent Voice (Koe no Katachi) Source: Crunchyroll This Kyoto Animation masterpiece tells the story of Shoya, a boy seeking redemption after bullying a deaf girl named Shoko in elementary school. Years later, filled with guilt and self-loathing, he tries to make amends. What follows is not just a love story but a powerful exploration of forgiveness, mental health, and personal growth. While romance plays a subtle role, the emotional weight of their bond and the pain they both carry is utterly moving. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It's a slow burn, but one that hits deep. Much like Pancreas, it shows how a single person can change your life forever. Plastic Memories Source: Crunchyroll In a world where androids called "Giftias" have human emotions—but a short lifespan—Tsukasa, a human, falls in love with Isla, a Giftia nearing the end of her life cycle. They work together retrieving expired Giftias, all the while knowing that their own time together is limited. Plastic Memories explores themes of inevitable loss and the beauty of loving someone even when you know it will hurt. Like I Want to Eat Your Pancreas, it doesn't shy away from the tragedy—it embraces it, making the love story all the more poignant. Your Lie in April (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso) Source: Crunchyroll Few anime have shattered hearts as thoroughly as this one. Kousei, a piano prodigy who's lost his ability to hear music after his mother's death, meets Kaori, a violinist full of life and spontaneity. She slowly pulls him back into the world of music—and into a world of feelings he'd locked away. But Kaori carries a heartbreaking secret, one that turns this coming-of-age romance into a tearjerker of epic proportions. If you loved the emotional buildup and shocking twist of Pancreas, Your Lie in April will destroy you, in the best way. The Garden of Words Source: Crunchyroll Another gem from Makoto Shinkai, The Garden of Words is a short film that tells the story of a 15-year-old aspiring shoemaker and a mysterious older woman he meets in a Tokyo garden during rainy mornings. Their brief encounters evolve into an emotionally charged and deeply intimate bond. This isn't a conventional romance, but it speaks volumes about loneliness, healing, and the quiet connections that shape us. The animation is almost hyper-realistic, with rain becoming a metaphor for sadness and renewal. If you appreciate the poetic sadness of Your Name, this film is unmissable. These five anime don't just tug at your heartstrings, they pull them until they break. Whether it's the inevitability of loss or the bittersweet nature of young love, each story reminds us that heartbreak can be beautiful too. Also Read:
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The red string of fate in anime: What it means and 5 iconic anime that use it beautifully
Source: Collider In anime, few symbols are as powerful or emotionally stirring as the Red String of Fate. Rooted in East Asian folklore, this invisible thread is believed to connect two people destined to meet, love, or profoundly impact one another, no matter the distance or obstacles. It appears in many beloved anime, often used to explore themes of destiny, romance, and spiritual connection. From iconic films like Your Name to heart-wrenching series like Your Lie in April, the red string remains a timeless symbol of unbreakable bonds. In this article, we explore its meaning and 5 unforgettable anime that bring it to life. What is the red string of fate? The concept originates from East Asian mythology, particularly Chinese and Japanese folklore. According to legend, the Red String of Fate (or Unmei no Akai Ito in Japanese) is an invisible thread that connects two people who are destined to be together. The string is tied around the little finger (pinky finger) of each person and cannot be seen, broken, or removed—no matter the distance or circumstances. Unlike Western ideals of "soulmates," the red string doesn't always imply romance. In many versions of the tale, it also encompasses deep friendship, familial ties, or karmic bonds. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo However, in anime, the red string is most often used to symbolise romantic fate—a bond so strong that not even death or time can sever it. Anime and films that use the red string motif The red string has made subtle and overt appearances in numerous anime and animated films, often acting as a narrative device to underscore the characters' inevitable connection. Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) Source: Crunchyroll Perhaps the most globally recognised modern use of the red string, Your Name (2016) by Makoto Shinkai centres around two strangers, Taki and Mitsuha, who mysteriously switch bodies across time. Mitsuha is often seen tying a red braided cord in her hair, which later becomes a key item in the plot. The cord symbolises their connection and fate. As the story unfolds, the red string becomes a visual metaphor for time, memory, and destiny. Tsubaki-chou Lonely Planet Source: Crunchyroll In this romantic anime and manga series, the red string appears as a symbolic gesture when the characters reflect on their emotional connection. The story delves into themes of unspoken affection and destined love, hinting at the idea that something larger is guiding their bond—even if they are not aware of it. Fruits Basket Source: Crunchyroll While not always literal, the red string symbolism appears thematically in Fruits Basket, especially in the relationship arcs of Tohru and Kyo. Their connection is built on emotional healing, understanding, and karmic ties—elements often tied to the red thread in folklore. Naruto Even action-based series like Naruto touch on the idea subtly. In the case of Naruto and Hinata, their love story is presented as fated from childhood, growing stronger through time and shared struggle. Though not shown through a literal red thread, the implication of destiny through bonds is a recurring theme in the show. Your Lie in April (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso) Source: Crunchyroll While Your Lie in April doesn't show a literal red string, the emotional and symbolic connection between Kousei and Kaori strongly reflects the theme. Their meeting feels destined; Kaori enters his life just when he needs healing, and their bond changes the course of his future. The anime explores how people can be tied together by fate to leave lasting impacts, even if only briefly. Through music, memory, and loss, the story paints a bittersweet portrait of a connection that transcends time, much like the invisible red thread. Why the red string of fate touches anime fans The reason the Red String of Fate continues to appear in anime is simple: it speaks to a universal human desire that somewhere, someone is meant for you. Whether through time travel, chance meetings, or supernatural intervention, the idea that love (or meaningful relationships) is preordained provides comfort, hope, and emotional impact. In Japanese storytelling, where restraint and quiet emotions often dominate character interactions, the red string serves as a powerful visual shorthand for deep feelings that are rarely spoken aloud. The Red String of Fate is more than just a romantic trope in anime; it's a cultural expression of belief in destiny, emotional bonds, and cosmic design. Whether you see it tied in a character's hair, floating through time, or simply hinted at through symbolism, the red string reminds us that certain relationships are simply meant to be. In a world where anime explores everything from interstellar battles to inner turmoil, the red thread remains a quietly profound reminder: some connections are woven by fate itself. Also Read: If Demon Slayer hooked you, don't miss these 5 action-packed supernatural anime
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
New to anime? Here are the best beginner-friendly anime series to start with
Source: IMDB Getting into anime can feel overwhelming there are literally thousands of shows out there, each with different genres, art styles, and episode counts. But don't worry! If you're wondering where to begin, we've got your back. Whether you're into action, romance, or slice-of-life, these beginner-friendly anime series are perfect to start your journey. They're easy to follow, wildly entertaining, and loved by fans worldwide. Let's dive in. Best beginner-friendly anime series to watch right now Death Note Source: IMDB Found in: Netflix, Crunchyroll Genre: Thriller, supernatural Episodes: 37 This iconic series is often the gateway drug to anime fandom. Death Note follows Light Yagami, a high school genius who gains the power to kill anyone just by writing their name in a notebook. The moral dilemmas, intense cat-and-mouse chase with detective L, and clever storytelling make it an irresistible start for beginners. My Hero Academia Source: IMDB Found in: Netflix, Crunchyroll, JioCinema Genre: Action, superhero, school Episodes: 100+ (ongoing) Set in a world where almost everyone has superpowers called quirks, My Hero Academia tells the story of Izuku Midoriya, a quirkless boy who dreams of becoming a hero. It's full of high-energy battles, emotional arcs, and strong character development, making it one of the best beginner-friendly anime for fans of Marvel or DC. One Punch Man Source: IMDB Found in: Netflix, Crunchyroll Genre: Action, comedy, superhero Episodes: 24 (2 seasons) What happens when a hero is so strong he defeats everyone with one punch? That's the hilarious premise of One Punch Man. With crisp animation and satire of superhero tropes, it's perfect for those who want laughs with their action. Demon Slayer : Kimetsu no Yaiba Found in: Netflix, Crunchyroll, Prime Video Genre: Action, dark fantasy Episodes: 55+ (ongoing) If you're into gorgeous animation and emotionally gripping stories, Demon Slayer is a must. It follows Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted boy who becomes a demon slayer after his family is slaughtered. It's intense, heartfelt, and one of the most visually stunning anime ever made. Spirited Away (Movie) Source: IMDB Found in: Netflix, Prime Video (Studio Ghibli collection) Genre: Fantasy, adventure Duration: 125 minutes Prefer movies over series? Start with Spirited Away, a magical masterpiece by Studio Ghibli. It follows a young girl named Chihiro trapped in a world of spirits. The film is dreamy, imaginative, and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. A beautiful introduction to anime films. Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) Found in: Netflix, Prime Video Genre: Romance, fantasy, drama Duration: 106 minutes This film hits you right in the feels. Two teenagers mysteriously start switching bodies, and what begins as a fun twist turns into an emotional rollercoaster. With breathtaking animation and a killer soundtrack, Your Name is a modern anime classic. Attack on Titan Found in: Netflix, Crunchyroll Genre: Action, post-apocalyptic Episodes: 90+ (complete) If you're okay with a darker, more intense story, Attack on Titan is unforgettable. It's set in a world under siege by man-eating giants, and it only gets crazier from there. Incredible plot twists, epic fights, and complex characters make this a must-watch for thrill-seekers. Fruits Basket (2019 reboot) Found in: Crunchyroll, Netflix Genre: Romance, drama, slice-of-life Episodes: 63 Want something wholesome with a bit of magical realism? Fruits Basket is a sweet, emotional story about a girl who ends up living with a family cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac. It's heartwarming, funny, and low-key deep. Haikyuu!! Source: IMDB Found in: Netflix, Crunchyroll Genre: Sports, school, comedy Episodes: 85+ (ongoing) Even if you've never cared about volleyball, Haikyuu!! will make you obsessed. It's an underdog story filled with energy, friendship, rivalry, and amazing character arcs. Perfect for fans of sports dramas or coming-of-age tales. Naruto (Classic + Shippuden) Found in: Netflix, Crunchyroll Genre: Action, adventure, ninja Episodes: 720 (including Shippuden) Yes, it's long but Naruto is a cultural phenomenon for a reason. Follow Naruto Uzumaki, a loud, lovable ninja outcast with a dream of becoming the village's strongest leader. If you're ready for a binge-worthy adventure, this is the ultimate starter. Whether you've got five minutes or five hours, there's an anime out there for you. From intense thrillers to light-hearted romances, these beginner-friendly anime shows and movies give you a taste of the best the medium has to offer. Try one, and you might just find yourself hooked. Also read | If Demon Slayer hooked you, don't miss these 5 action-packed supernatural anime
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
If you loved anime Your Name, these 5 Makoto Shinkai films will stay in your heart too
Source: Crunchyroll When Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) premiered in 2016, it didn't just become one of the highest-grossing anime films of all time; it became a cultural phenomenon. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, the film blends supernatural elements with teenage emotion, stunning animation, and an aching sense of distance. It tells the story of two strangers, Mitsuha, a rural girl yearning for city life, and Taki, a Tokyo boy caught up in modern chaos, who begin mysteriously swapping bodies across time and space. What begins as a quirky, almost comedic premise soon transforms into something far more poignant: a search for meaning, memory, and connection in a world that often keeps people apart. Your Name resonates because it captures something universal, the feeling that someone out there might understand us completely, even if we've never met. The film's unique mix of romance, fantasy, and emotional depth has left many viewers wanting more. And luckily, Makoto Shinkai's other works explore similar themes in equally moving ways. Loved Your Name? You must watch these 5 stunning anime movies by Makoto Shinkai If Your Name left a lasting impression, whether you're drawn to romantic longing, quiet sci-fi, or the emotional weight of time and distance, these five handpicked films by Shinkai offer something just as unforgettable. Suzume (2022) Source: Crunchyroll One of Shinkai's more recent and ambitious works, Suzume follows a high school girl who stumbles upon a mysterious door that leads to a disaster-stricken world. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Doctors Shocked: This Ginger Mix Shrinks Waistlines While You Sleep healthlifeexperience Click Here Undo As she journeys across Japan to close these portals, she confronts themes of grief, resilience, and recovery. Visually stunning and deeply symbolic, Suzume blends heartfelt storytelling with social commentary, particularly around the emotional aftermath of natural disasters, drawing inspiration from real-life events like the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. Weathering With You (2019) Source: Crunchyroll From the first frame, Weathering With You feels like a spiritual sibling to Your Name. It follows Hodaka, a runaway teen who meets Hina, a girl with the power to control the weather. As Tokyo faces unrelenting rain, their bond grows, but so do the consequences of altering nature. Balancing light romance, social struggles, and fantasy, this film touches on climate change and urban isolation, all while delivering the kind of stunning animation and emotional highs that Shinkai fans expect. The Garden of Words (2013) Source: Crunchyroll Short, poetic, and emotionally resonant, The Garden of Words tells the story of an unlikely bond between a teenage boy and an older woman, set against the backdrop of Tokyo's rainy season. At just 46 minutes, it's one of Shinkai's shorter works but arguably one of his most visually refined. This film explores loneliness, unspoken connections, and the healing power of empathy, all conveyed through breathtaking imagery of rain-soaked parks, cityscapes, and the silence between words. Children Who Chase Lost Voices (2011) Source: Crunchyroll Often described as Shinkai's most 'Ghibli-like' film, Children Who Chase Lost Voices ventures into myth, ancient civilizations, and the underworld. The story follows Asuna, a young girl who embarks on a journey to a hidden land where the living and the dead may reunite. Though different in tone, leaning more into adventure and folklore, it's still deeply rooted in themes of love, loss, and letting go. This film showcases Shinkai's range and his ability to create entire worlds that feel both fantastical and deeply human. The Place Promised in Our Early Days (2004) Source: Wikipedia Shinkai's first feature-length film, The Place Promised in Our Early Days, sets the tone for many themes he explores later: distance, longing, and parallel realities. Set in an alternate post-war Japan, the story follows three teenagers bound by a mysterious tower visible from their town and a pact they made to uncover its secrets. With its layered plot and slow-burning emotional core, this film is more subdued than Your Name, but it delivers a powerful exploration of friendship, lost promises, and the quiet ache of growing apart. Makoto Shinkai's films are more than just visually stunning; they're emotional journeys that resonate long after the credits roll. If Your Name moved you with its tale of time-crossed lovers, these five films offer even more of what makes Shinkai a master of modern anime: beautiful animation, haunting soundtracks, and deeply personal stories about connection, memory, and the passage of time. Also Read: Takopi's Original Sin (episodes 1–2) review (when cute goes catastrophically wrong)
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
10 Anime series to watch this monsoon
There's something magical about the monsoon — the gentle patter of raindrops, the smell of wet earth, windows fogged up with stories waiting to be told. And what better way to spend a rainy day than curling up in your blanket with a hot drink and an anime that hits just right? So go on, light a candle, pour something warm, and hit play. The rain's already doing its thing. You just have to cosy up and feel it all. Here are 10 anime series to watch this monsoon, each one carrying the perfect mood for when the skies are grey and your heart wants something beautiful, sad, dreamy, or just plain comforting. Anime watchlist this rainy season Kimi no na wa (Your Name) Watch on: Netflix, Crunchyroll A love story woven through time and fate — Kimi no Na wa feels like watching the rain fall backwards and forward in time. The visuals are jaw-dropping, the soundtrack by RADWIMPS will echo in your soul, and the theme of longing fits so well with the sound of rain outside your window. Perfect for monsoon introspection. Hyouka Watch on: Crunchyroll This one is like a slow-brewed cup of tea. A school-based mystery anime that's more about vibes than action, Hyouka is calm, contemplative, and beautifully animated. Watching Oreki unravel small puzzles with Eru while the rain hums outside? Yes please. It's a soft, quiet kind of comfort. Weathering with You Watch on: Netflix How could we skip this one? It rains through the entire movie. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Conheça o Alarme com Sirene que afasta os Ladrões com 40% Off Verisure Saiba Mais Undo From the creator of Your Name, Weathering With You blends fantasy and teen emotion in a Tokyo drenched in stormy skies. It's melancholic, romantic, and feels like falling in love on a rainy afternoon. Takopi's Original Sin Source: Crunchyroll Watch on: Crunchyroll Newly adapted into a short anime series, Takopi's Original Sin brings heavy rains and even heavier emotions. Don't be fooled by the cute alien design — this is a raw, heart-wrenching story about bullying, guilt, and redemption. The moody animation paired with the monsoon gloom makes this a short but unforgettable watch. Keep some tissues close. The Garden of Words Source: Crunchyroll Watch on: Netflix If the rain were a love language, this would be it. Garden of Words is a slow, emotional film that beautifully captures the intimacy of shared silence, rainy mornings in a park, and people finding each other when they least expect it. It's just so monsoon. Your Lie in April Watch on: Netflix Watch on: Netflix, Crunchyroll Rain isn't always sad — sometimes it's where we bloom. Your Lie in April is musical, emotional, and unforgettable. Watching Arima and Kaori on gloomy days reminds you that even the stormiest moments can be full of light and colour. You'll cry, smile, and probably cry again. My Neighbour Totoro Watch on: Netflix Wholesome, warm, and oh-so-cute. My Neighbour Totoro is the perfect cosy comfort anime. The umbrella scene in the rain? ICONIC. This Ghibli gem wraps you in childhood wonder, soft giggles, and the kind of joy that's perfect for rainy afternoons with a bowl of Maggi and a fluffy blanket. Erased (Boku dake ga inai machi) Watch on: Netflix Watch on: Netflix If you love suspense and mystery with a touch of heartache, Erased is your rainy-day thriller. Time travel, childhood memories, and a race against fate — it's gripping without being loud. Best watched when the sky is stormy and your mind is craving a twisty tale. Another Source: Crunchyroll Watch on: Crunchyroll Feeling brave? Add some horror to your monsoon playlist. Another is eerie, atmospheric, and full of that quiet dread that creeps in like fog. The rain outside will amplify every creepy moment — just don't watch this one alone at night unless you like jump scares with your chai. Spirited Away Source: Crunchyroll Watch on: Netflix End your rainy day with a masterpiece. Spirited Away is dreamy, magical, and full of spirit (literally). The way it blends the mundane with the mystical feels exactly like the monsoon — a portal to somewhere else entirely. So next time the skies turn grey, let your screen light up with stories that feel like warm rain on your soul.
