10 Western Cartoons That Draw Major Inspiration From Anime

Western animation has long admired the storytelling magic and visual flair found in Japanese anime.

Over the years, many American and European cartoons have borrowed elements like dynamic action sequences, expressive character designs, and epic story arcs from their Eastern counterparts.

These shows prove that inspiration knows no borders, creating something fresh and exciting for fans on both sides of the Pacific.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational and entertainment purposes only.

Observations regarding artistic influence, animation style, and storytelling impact reflect subjective interpretations and commonly discussed perspectives rather than definitive assessments.

Viewer opinions may vary based on personal taste, familiarity with anime, and individual viewing experiences.

1. Avatar: The Last Airbender

Nickelodeon struck gold when it blended Eastern philosophy with Western storytelling in this beloved series.

Aang’s journey to master all four elements feels like watching an anime epic unfold, complete with martial arts choreography inspired by real fighting styles.

The show’s detailed world-building and character growth rival any Japanese production.

If you’ve ever felt goosebumps during a season finale cliffhanger, you know exactly why this show earned its legendary status among animation fans worldwide.

2. The Legend Of Korra

Stepping into Aang’s footsteps couldn’t have been easy, but Korra brought her own fiery personality to the Avatar legacy.

This sequel series cranked up the anime influences with sleeker animation, complex political themes, and romantic subplots that kept viewers debating online for years.

The pro-bending arena battles feel ripped straight from a sports anime playbook.

Maybe that’s why fans still rewatch those intense fight scenes on lazy Sunday afternoons.

3. Teen Titans

Before superhero shows ruled streaming services, Teen Titans fused American comic book heroes with Japanese animation aesthetics.

Robin team navigated teenage drama between epic battles, packed with chibi-style comedy moments plus dramatic close-ups anime fans instantly recognized.

Opening theme song even featured Japanese lyrics that lodged themselves into everyone’s heads.

Those exaggerated facial expressions during comedic moments still spark laughter years later.

4. Totally Spies!

Wild premise of three Beverly Hills teens balancing school, fashion, international espionage somehow worked beautifully within Totally Spies!.

Sam, Clover, plus Alex transformed into secret agents using gadgets hidden inside lipstick tubes, rendered through unmistakably anime-influenced art style.

Exaggerated expressions plus magical-girl-inspired transformation sequences felt lifted straight out of Tokyo.

Global phenomenon status followed, with series airing across more than 150 countries during impressive run.

5. The Boondocks

Aaron McGruder’s satirical masterpiece brought sharp social commentary wrapped in gorgeous anime-style visuals to Adult Swim.

Huey and Riley Freeman’s adventures tackled serious topics while showcasing fluid action sequences that would make any anime studio proud.

The show’s fight choreography, especially in episodes featuring Bushido Brown, paid direct homage to classic samurai anime.

Surprisingly, the contrast between heavy themes and beautiful animation created something truly unique in American television history.

6. Samurai Jack

Genndy Tartakovsky crafted visual poem about honor, perseverance, plus one samurai quest to defeat shapeshifting demon Aku.

Jack journey through dystopian future showcased minimalist backgrounds plus silent sequences letting action speak louder than words, borrowing heavily from classic Japanese cinema.

Deliberate pacing plus bold artistic choices felt revolutionary for Western television through Samurai Jack.

Proper closure arrived years later when Adult Swim revived series for final epic season.

7. Steven Universe

Rebecca Sugar’s groundbreaking series revolutionized children’s television while wearing its anime influences proudly on its sleeve.

The Crystal Gems’ fusion transformations echo magical girl anime, while the show tackled complex themes about identity, love, and family with remarkable emotional depth.

Steven’s growth from goofy kid to confident hero follows the classic coming-of-age anime arc perfectly.

Actually, those emotional moments surprised many viewers from a Cartoon Network show about singing space rocks.

8. RWBY

Ambitious web series by Rooster Teeth proved American studios could deliver full-blown anime-style action without Japanese production teams.

Ruby Rose plus team members within Beacon Academy battle monsters known as Grimm using transforming weapons plus special powers called Semblances, all rendered through distinctive 3D animation.

Fight choreography, especially during early seasons, drew inspiration from anime traditions plus video game design language.

Tragic loss of creator Monty Oum did not end influence, with vision continuing to inspire animators worldwide.

9. Castlevania

Netflix adapted Konami’s legendary video game franchise into a gorgeous, scary animated series that anime fans immediately embraced.

Trevor Belmont’s vampire-hunting adventures feature dark fantasy storytelling, complex characters, and fluid combat animation that rivals top-tier anime productions.

The show’s willingness to explore mature themes and showcase depictions of violence were presented more directly than in many Western animated series.

Essentially, it proved Western studios could match Japanese animation quality when given proper resources and creative freedom to experiment boldly.

10. Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug & Cat Noir

This French-Korean-Japanese co-production brings magical girl anime tropes to the streets of Paris with delightful results.

Marinette transforms into Ladybug to protect her city alongside the flirtatious Cat Noir, all while navigating typical teenage crushes and friendships.

The show’s transformation sequences, colorful villains, and romantic tension follow the magical girl anime formula almost perfectly.

Curiously, its global success proves that anime-inspired storytelling resonates with audiences regardless of where the animation studio calls home.