Top 10 Wonderful Moments In Anime

[populuxe]

I was thinking about some of the truly wonderful moments in anime, those moments that aren't just beautiful, but uplifting as well. I've done my best to make them spoiler-free, but you should beware just in case. Here's my list:

10. Martian Successor Nadesico - Akito finally realizes who Inez is. Underlying the main plot of the show, there is the mystery of Inez Fressange, a mystery that goes all the way back to the beginning of the show. When Akito finally realizes who she is, a lifetime of tragedy and hardship is finally rewarded.

9. Cardcaptor Sakura - Meilin, Sakura, Tomoyo and Shaoran go out on the town together. There's nothing deep or significant to this scene. It's simply four friends having fun together. Most importantly, though, it emphatically shows that Meilin has made the long trip from highly antogonistic rival to dear friend.

8. Azumanga Daioh - Sakaki finds Maya. The long running joke about Sakaki and cats is finally paid off when the class travels to Okinawa. The look on Sakaki's face and everyone's reaction is beautiful.

7. Full Metal Panic: The Second Raid - Sousuke falls asleep while Kaname cuts his hair. With the life Sousuke has led, it's no wonder he overreacts to the most mundane of situations. So to see him not only accept Kaname's offer to cut his hair, but be so trusting of her that he falls asleep while she holds a "dangerous weapon" near him shows the depth of his trust of her.

6. Kamichu! - Yurie confesses to Kenji. In the very first episode, Yurie finds the strength to confess to Kenji and it sets the tone for the rest of the series. It's a beautiful moment in a show full of beautiful moments.

5. Kaleido Star - Sora and Layla perform the Great Legendary Maneuver. It's the climax of the first season, a moment that pays off all the highs and lows, failures and successes that both Sora and Layla have endured. It's a moment that makes you glad to be alive.

4. Petite Princess Yucie - Yucie remembers. A common theme in anime is the importance of memories. When Yucie's memories of her friends is taken from her, it's heartbreaking. So when she regains them, the joy is just as great.

3. Fruits Basket - Tohru unexpectedly visits Saki. Despite her "cool" demeanor, Saki is actually one of the most sensitive people in the show. Tohru's new life with the Sohma family is taking her away from Saki. She tries not to let it bother her, but it does and she hates herself for feeling that way. So when Tohru skips work just to visit Saki at the end of a terrible, frustrating day, she is so overwhelmed, she's speechless. It's one of the most wonderful moments in anime.

2. Battle Athletes Victory - Kris Christopher: "Today I will abandon my faith for 10 seconds." The greatest moments in drama come down to a decision. And Kris makes a decision that will change her life forever. Her love of Akari outweighs everything, even her faith. Her faith is the one thing she's refused to forsake before. It's the greatest source of strength and motivational force in her life. And now, for the sake of her friend, she will abandon her faith. It also completes the evolution of Kris, who started as little more than a one-joke lesbian into a complex and fascinating character. Even before the race has been run, the greatest, most beautiful moment in the show has already happened.

1. Princess Tutu - Luci Christian watching the final scene. Okay, so maybe this is cheating a little bit since it's not actually a scene in the show, but one of the extras. Luci, the voice of Duck is in the recording studio. Even though she has no lines, the ADR director shows her the final scene in the show. And she starts crying because it's so beautiful. Anime really is beautiful.

[something]

Really doubt I could put together a list, much less rank them. Too much to say, and too many I'll forget. A number of them would be endings, such as the last scene of Heroic Age or Full Moon wo Sagashite or part of Chrono Trigger's ending. Both Kaleido Star season climaxes would make it, particularly Layla's last line in New Wings. Obviously, 「God　Knows」 is a must. ef had a few, particularly the end of the phone call. One that would always make the list would be Episode 9 of Aria the Origination - I can't even vaguely allude to what it is without spoiling it, but I cried and cried and cried some of the happiest tears ever.

Yeah I probably shouldn't even try... I'd never be able to remember the ones I want to.

Edit: And so I just keep coming back and editing this post over and over as I think about things. :sd:

[Fencedude]

Ahhhhh...oh man. I don't even know where to start. I'll have to get back to you on this.

[populuxe]

Obviously, 「God　Knows」 is a must.

That's more an awesome moment. The wonderful moment comes as soon as the song ends and Haruhi realizes everyone is cheering. People are appreciating her, something that's never happened to her before.

[vtr9kvictor]

For my top 10 I offer the scene from GTO when Tomoko does her performance at the talent show giving her 'friendship speach' to Miyabi's answering machine and the subsequent reactions of the crowd (and Tomoko's reaction to them) it makes me cry like a baby everytime I watch it.

DEFINATELY agree on the Luci Christian one though. That extra ALONE was worth the price of all six dvd's.

The "God Knows" scene from Haruhi was breath-taking. (And I recently ordered Linda Linda Linda just to see what that was all about).

The Akito/Inez scene from Nadesico was a good choice.

Sosuke's haircut was a really beautiful moment.

Asuka waking up in Unit 02 in EoE. I DEFY ANYONE to say that scene did not fill you with AWESOME!

I like the scene from the original Oh My Goddess OVA when Keiichi and Belldandy confront each other as she is recalled.

The first Christmas episode from Urusei Yatsura when you realize that, yes, Ataru really DOES love Lum.

Lina Inverse's first Dragon Slave in episode 1 of Slayers, the moment I became an anime fan.

Rick Hunter/Hiakru Ihcijo rescues Lisa Hayes/Misa Hayase from the ruins of Alaska Base in Robotech/Macross. Their tearful reunion in the face of the holocaust is glorious!!!

[Lego]

Ahhhhh...oh man. I don't even know where to start. I'll have to get back to you on this.

Fence read my mind. Although I do want to list one moment..

Planetes - Hachi asking Tanabe to marry him in the last episode during the word association game

[Mr. Nail Bat]

I don't know about top 10... but here are ten wonderful moments.

(I'm only going to allow myself one moment per title... because I could probably get five or six from Irresponsible Captain Tylor all by itself)

Spirited Away - The moment of realization when Chihiro and Haku realize what Haku's real name is: "I knew you were good!"

Genshiken - The moment when Saki unintentionally becomes an authentic Kujibiki Unbalance cosplayer. "Miss President!"

Irresponsible Captain Tylor - Near the very end--the Raalgon are considering Tylor's erratic actions, Dom coolly analyzing it as the dispassionate bishonen observer he's always been. Azalyn asks him to "Bring me Paco-Paco", and Dom reacts with the mother of all faceplants. I almost wet my pants the first time I saw it.

Cardcaptor Sakura - After Meilin releases Shaoran from his obligation, she goes to Tomoyo's house to cry. Beautiful little scene.

Haibane Renmei - "The Beginning of the World." Nemu, and then Rakka narrate their invented folktale of the beginning of the world that is Glie. I think it's a combination of the sudden switch of narrators, not to mention the beautiful wordless singing by Heart of Air that makes it so affecting.

Video Girl Ai - Youta despairs of ever being anything but alone for the rest of his life: the wistful song "Message" plays. And just as he slips into despair, Ai gives him a few whispered words of comfort and holds him (and the song bridges into a more optimistic mode).

My Neighbor Totoro - As Mei and Satsuki ride off in the Catbus, the song "My Neighbor Totoro" plays, and I melt into a puddle of goo. The most beautiful of all happy endings.

Now and Then, Here and There - Like the Baker in "The Hunting of the Snark", Lalaru softly and silently vanishes away, accepting at last a fate she had so long avoided.

R.O.D the TV - At long last, after years and many difficulties, Nenene has found Yomiko Readman. They see each other and... Yomiko runs like hell away. Hilarious way to portray their reunion.

Tenchi Muyo! in Love - Achika realizes that she will never see her son grown up, and so, smiling through tears, she entrusts his care to Ryoko and Ayeka.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

10. Martian Successor Nadesico - Akito finally realizes who Inez is. Underlying the main plot of the show, there is the mystery of Inez Fressange, a mystery that goes all the way back to the beginning of the show. When Akito finally realizes who she is, a lifetime of tragedy and hardship is finally rewarded.

It is indeed wonderful.

8. Azumanga Daioh - Sakaki finds Maya. The long running joke about Sakaki and cats is finally paid off when the class travels to Okinawa. The look on Sakaki's face and everyone's reaction is beautiful.

As wonderful as this scene is, I think it is exceeded by the scene when Maya finds Sakaki.

[populuxe]

The "God Knows" scene from Haruhi was breath-taking. (And I recently ordered Linda Linda Linda just to see what that was all about).

I bought that movie last month for exactly the same reason. It's a great movie, but as you watch it, you'll be saying to yourself "Hey, that was used in Haruhi! So was that scene! They copied that one, too!"

[populuxe]

Cardcaptor Sakura - After Meilin releases Shaoran from his obligation, she goes to Tomoyo's house to cry. Beautiful little scene.

There are so many wonderful moments in that show. I considered this particular scene but decided against it since it's such a sad moment and I wanted more uplifting moments. I almost went with a scene earlier in the show when Tomoyo invites Meilin to visit her. It's the single greatest act of kindness Tomoyo could possibly show Meilin. Not only does Tomoyo quietly offer Meilin a place of refuge from the coming heartbreak, but it's also a very gentle warning to Meilin so she'll be prepared when the time comes. It allowed her to keep her dignity.

Irresponsible Captain Tylor - Near the very end--the Raalgon are considering Tylor's erratic actions, Dom coolly analyzing it as the dispassionate bishonen observer he's always been. Azalyn asks him to "Bring me Paco-Paco", and Dom reacts with the mother of all faceplants. I almost wet my pants the first time I saw it.

I had considered a different scene from that show. Tyler and Yurika on the bridge of the deserted Soyokase, Yurika sitting in his lap and the two of them talking. I think that's such a beautiful, wonderful little scene.

[populuxe]

Planetes - Hachi asking Tanabe to marry him in the last episode during the word association game

I considered a different scene from that show (mostly because I totally spaced on the scene you're talking about): right near the beginning of the show, when Tanabe grabs the casket of the dead astronaut, holds it over her head and lectures everyone about love. It's such a perfectly Tanabe moment. Meaning it's a perfectly wonderful moment.

[Lego]

Planetes - Hachi asking Tanabe to marry him in the last episode during the word association game

I considered a different scene from that show (mostly because I totally spaced on the scene you're talking about): right near the beginning of the show, when Tanabe grabs the casket of the dead astronaut, holds it over her head and lectures everyone about love. It's such a perfectly Tanabe moment. Meaning it's a perfectly wonderful moment.

There are a ton of great Tanabe moments, you could even mention When she decides to save her and Claire rather then take her oxygen. It was heart stopping to see her writhing from no oxygen...

[Sensuifu]

10. Martian Successor Nadesico - Akito finally realizes who Inez is.


wholeheartedly agree. It almost felt out of place considering the rest of the series' silliness. Nice touching moment that brings closure to Akito's dilemma.


7. Full Metal Panic: The Second Raid - Sousuke falls asleep while Kaname cuts his hair.
the scene is almost therapeutic in nature. Looking at Sousuke relax like that may make you feel the same.

these are a few of my favorites, not ranked in a particular order (there are too many I'm forgetting and they'd probably pass more as 'awesomeness' than beautiful), but:

Paranoia Agent - Chief Ikari realizes he was living a delusion - and finally breaks free from it. raw win ensues.
Afro Samurai - Afro says goodbye to his 'conscience' (Ninja Ninja) - or from the other pov, Ninja Ninja saying goodbye to Afro.
Hand Maid May - I have to admit, seeing 6/6 May was nice for a change.
Chobits - "I Hear You Everywhere" enough said.
Gunbuster 2- Nono becomes 'Topless' and proud of it.
Sorcerer Hunters - Carrot meet Lake; Lake.....
Tenchi Muyo! Manatsu no Eve - Credit roll
Desert Punk - Kosuna takes center stage; and even before that when working as an apprentice.
Galaxy Railways - lovely Yuki learns she is loved.
Hajime no Ippo - Ippo discovers that Kumi's brother is the psycho who's always wanting to kill him. Mashiba could've never been happier on his birthday.

[Nork22]

I'm a bit tired at the moment, but I'll list my number one:

ARIA the Origination - Alice's song. It's hard to mention this without spoiling a lot, but the moment when Alice proudly proclaim that her mentor was Athena, it was quite a beautiful moment indeed. Not to mention the song was beautiful too.

[bctaris]

Obviously, 「God　Knows」 is a must.

That's more an awesome moment. The wonderful moment comes as soon as the song ends and Haruhi realizes everyone is cheering. People are appreciating her, something that's never happened to her before.


Planetes - Hachi asking Tanabe to marry him in the last episode during the word association game

I like these. (Plus something's note of both Kaleido Star finales (maybe a slight edge to the second one--it's hard to beat a sunrise)).


Genshiken - The moment when Saki unintentionally becomes an authentic Kujibiki Unbalance cosplayer. "Miss President!"

I classify this the Awesome moment, personally. The most Wonderful moment (awaiting the second season) is Ohno's first episode, number four, in which she tackles Saki to the ground in her apartment to prevent her from outing her fetishized bald man posters to Tanaka--defeated, Saki reaches up to Ohno's face: "...You left your door unlocked so I'd find out that you just want a friend. Like most otaku, you're not weird, you're lonely." Both girls' faces are, for a somewhat cheaply animated show, suddenly lovingly drawn, particularly Saki and her laugh. And it's the key scene in the first 12 episodes, where Saki suddenly realizes that these otaku are real people, and that she can be friends with them. It makes so much more possible.

That's number 6, if I make a Top 10 list. Eight others, for my part:

9.) Both seasons of Ah! My Goddess TV have a number of them, but I'll note the one that came to mind first for whatever reason: Episode 25, season 1, when Urd, in a child's form, cajoles the timid boy she befriended--and who has an unfulfillable crush on her--to walk across a steel beam to see the spectacular view of the town. "But you just did it yesterday!" she pleads as he fears a fall to his death, "My sake...you brought it to me. Remember?" As the music starts, and the boy overcomes his fear, it shows as one of the best moments in the series in which one of the goddesses brings joy and hope to a human. That it was Urd made it the most touching, especially as she has to break his heart shortly thereafter.

8.) "Everyone's so happy. But I guess that has nothing to do with me." In a simple little show, I still fall for a wonderful moment like that in episode nine, "The Day Love Destroys Earth", of The Daichis: Earth's Defense Family. When the put-upon daughter, Nozomi, her jaded and to-that-point seemingly loveless superhero family defeated into gooey love-struck ghosts (along with all the planet's militaries) by a giant, pink alien heart, attacks the thing mercilessly with her deep-seated hatred (or, distrust) of love. When, of a sudden, as she defeats the enemy within its depths, in a frightened gasp she too is stricken with the slightest...pang. The pseudo-calypso BGM in the scene plays the beats of the scene beautifully. It's angst, of course, but of an oddly endearing and wry quality. (And I admit that my continued remembrance of the scene is due primarily to the unparalleled performance of Anna Cummer in the role on the English dub.) "Does this mean that I really do have the potential to love?" Nozomi says at episode's end. "That I wanna believe in love? ... I hate love."

7.) I Can't Stop Loving You, or, the end of Metropolis. It's Ray Charles. Osamu Tezuka. A spectacular, tragic finale. But, God, it's beautiful.

6.) [Genshiken, ep. 4, above.]

5.) A nostalgic favorite, and one predicated again, to be honest, on the English dub, is from Slayers NEXT. Wherein the bumbling, wannabe antagonist Martina, late in the series, finally breaks down (in front of the disguised Hellmster Phibrizzo) after, in her mind, being beaten by Lina Inverse one more time. Comically, performed to perfect pitch by Rachael Lillis (Tomoko Ishimura is good in the role, but pales here), it's wonderful, but also so for how it's the tipping point in Martina's character, after a build up of so many disastrous events that, she soon realizes, haven't done her any good. In isolation, though, it's still worth a listen: Martina breaks down (Rachael Lillis) (http://home.comcast.net/~bctaris/slayers-martina.mp3) (860K).

4.) The Take Me Home, Country Roads scene in Whisper of the Heart. And there are a number of wonderful moments in that movie, right to the end. That one beats all, though.

3.) The finale of Magic Users Club OVA, obviously. Specifically from "Believe in yourself!", when Sae finally solidifies her confidence (after already casting an enormous spell...) and the music kicks in--through to the very end. It's a Sato/Itoh finale--enough said.

2.) This is, I think, a dual Awesome/Wonderful moment: The Legend of Black Heaven. Finale, of course. When, at the last possible moment, and all hope seemed lost, Oji just says, "Everyone...please listen to the way I feel right now." We'd been hearing pieces of the melody finally played in full from that point--a metal ballad/anthem--throughout two thirds of the show, and it's an amazing culmination as it carries, and repeats, nearly six minutes through to the end of the credits. It's the November Rain anime music moment.

1.) FLCL. Hell, it's my favorite show. It's loaded with wonderful moments for me. To distill it to one is easy, however: First episode, half way in, when Naota runs to the bridge to confront Mamimi, and The Pillows' Brand New Love Song eases into the brilliantly iconic image of her "never knows best" cigarette. "Watermelon... Or like a panda with a mean face. Or like sandals with pressure-points drawn on them. Or a blackboard eraser. Or a Sunday morning where you wake up and it's raining... Well, I like him more than hard bread." It's where I fell in love with the show. Just before the real festivities start.

I'm blanking on a strong tenth one, sorry. Probably something from one of the long series with dozens of great episodes I can't recall exactly off hand, CCS or UY or MI. ... And It's no coincidence that many of these have to do with or have a strong music element. It's the total audio/visual package that makes things really click.

[something]

That's more an awesome moment. The wonderful moment comes as soon as the song ends and Haruhi realizes everyone is cheering. People are appreciating her, something that's never happened to her before.
I was including that, as well as the aftermath at school. More character development for Haruhi in one episode than most characters get in a whole series.

[Splitter]

I was thinking about some of the truly wonderful moments in anime, those moments that aren't just beautiful, but uplifting as well.

Bravo for an original Top 10 idea. Great moments and awesome moments are so plentiful, but a wonderful moment that you can feel inside you is something else entirely. Here goes:

10. Kare Kano - The first time they held hands. The entire episode was about Yukino looking for the perfect time to confess, and in the end all she can do is that small gesture which makes her red as a tomato. The honesty of the portrayal and the simplicity of the scene makes me melt every time.

9. Aria the Natural - Alicia thanking Akari and Co. for the Rendentore Festival. It's her smile. Oh my god I have never seen a smile like that in anime. She practically lit up everything in a 5 mile radius from my monitor with that smile alone. I can't help but cry tears of joy!

8. Angelic Layer - Misaki entering the arena for her final match. More than anything, this was the payoff. This is what made the series entirely worth watching. The crowd cheering as the two of them enter together, and the ending music beginning to play, and the two of them are smiling so brightly in anticipation of showing each other the fruits of their labor from the last seven years.

7. Aria the Origination - Alice's date with Athena. This entire episode is perfect and that's really why I have to take it all into account. From Athena leading Alice on, to the slow realization of what's going on as they reach that place, to everyone's shock and surprise, and Alice's song of gratitude at the end. Aria doesn't get much better than this.

6. Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha - The ribbon exchange. Oh you had to know this would come up eventually. Even outside of the subtext which served as the catalyst to one of the most well-known yuri ships out there, the scene is glorious in its bittersweet execution and promise that they will meet again.

5. Azumanga Daioh - Sakaki meets Maya. I think this is mandatory for all the Top 10 lists. After so many episodes of schadenfreude on Sakaki's behalf, she finally gets what she's always wanted, and the expression worth a thousand words plastered on her face is masterful.

4. Full Moon wo Sagashite - Everyone's separate fates. Late in the series, a severely dark twist throws everyone out of whack and one is left wondering how long can their happiness last? More and more the series offers doubts to possible endings all the way up until the very end where we finally find out what will happen to the main trio... and "wonderful", personally, is a gross understatement for what happens. GET THE REST OUT VIZ! T_T

3. Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann - A reunion beyond time and space. Though the series is known for it's limitless action and scale, it is first and foremost a call back to ancient epic poems. Nothing better reflects this than the final reunion. It is at this point where Simon evaluates everything that led him to here, and by facing that unforgettable soul with pride and accomplishment, can go forward one more time.

2. Gakuen Utopia Manabi Straight - Momo hijacking the broadcast. Up until this point, Manabi had been an above-average series for me. This is what threw it over the top. The candidly revealing video interviews spliced with the sublime school anthem, and more importantly its effect on Mei and Mucchi... oh my god, when they came in the student council room door, I just lost it. Every single frame of this was the essence of wonderful.

1. Kaleido Star - Sora and Layla's final performance. Personally, I consider the two finales to be amazing moments (pun intended) and not wonderful moments. This scene, however, takes into account everyone's feelings up to now. Layla can now happily leave the legacy of the stage to her successor, and Sora can step out from her shadow at long last. All the while, their aerial waltz leaves a memorable impact on everyone watching in the stands. I have yet to see a scene more wonderful than this one.

[Ashyukun]

The first Christmas episode from Urusei Yatsura when you realize that, yes, Ataru really DOES love Lum.

Dunno if I'll be able to come up with a solid 10- but this would definitely have to be in there. Even through 5 movies, a dozen OVAs, and hundreds of TV episodes that moment stands out as being probably the most touching of them all- even beating out 'After You've Gone' in my book. The only irritating thing about it to me is that the gorgeous arrangement of Silent Night (I believe that's what it was...) that is the BGM for that scene is one of the few pieces of music NOT in the UY Complete Music Box, which is a crime.

I'd also have to second Geoduck's one from Video Girl Ai... that piece of music to this day remains one of my favorite pieces of anime music (and music in general) because of that scene. Ai's, "Genki deshou, Youta.... genki deshou.", the absolutely beautiful music, and Youta's final line- "For the first time, I found myself sad that she had a limited runtime" are definitely one of the most perfect moments ever.

I'd try and pick one from Aria the Origination... but I'd end up just saying the whole last third of the show. From (the already mentioned) Alice's song to Akira realizing Aika's resolve to so many Akari & Alicia moments to Alicia's retirement to the final 'SD' scene to the absolute final scene where things have come full circle... I couldn't begin to choose just one.

Gunbuster- It's touch choosing just one, but probably the last scene of the final OVA when the message lights up. Thinking about that scene still gets me to tear up a bit. A very close second for me though is Jung Freud's resolve- both to stay with her friends and then to wait for them and greet them on their return (without which we wouldn't likely have had the events of Diebuster...).

Azumanga Daioh- While Sakaki and Maaya has already been mentioned, for me the scene that always stands out is the final one as the girls bid goodbye to their life at school. That moment so vividly captured the bittersweetness of leaving graduating and moving on with your life and provided a perfect closure to the show.

Omoide Poroporo- The ending sequence set to the 'The Rose' arranged and sung in Japanese. It's just stunningly beautiful visually, aurally, and emotionally.

Minami-ke Okawari- While I generally prefer the original series to its sequel in tone and execution, the final episode of Okawari stood well out as far as a 'wonderful' moment. Kana and Chiaki trying their hardest to fight back their tears and be supportive of Haruka's supposed departure to study abroad and their subsequent breakdown was just perfect.

[something]

2. Gakuen Utopia Manabi Straight - Momo hijacking the broadcast.
Pretty much every episode of that show had a "wonderful" scene better than most shows ever achieve, but this was definitely one of the best.

I should rewatch that...

[something]

Oh god, had to include this: Episode 1 of Hidamari Sketch x 365. Yuno makes her first friend. I get all teary eyed just thinking about it.

[Ashyukun]

Oh god, had to include this: Episode 1 of Hidamari Sketch x 365. Yuno makes her first friend. I get all teary eyed just thinking about it.
Agreed. I was trying to think of the best moment from HS and somehow this just totally escaped my mind. The flying X's blowing holes through everything so the light could shine in was just perfect.

Dammit, this thread is going to make me need to go find more Kleenex...

[Spirit Of The Stage]

Damn, this is tough...and as much as I'd like to use 10 new ones, that's impossible. I'll throw in 3 already mentioned specifically the endings to Full Moon, Kaleido Star and the Alice spoiler from Aria the Origination. Let's find more...

Karin - When Anju matures into a vampire, she deliberately becomes more evil to try and draw Karin away from her to get closer to Unsui. But once they returns back to her home, she collapses, screaming in tears 'Sister, sister...' Oh god Anju...

Maria-sama ga Miteru (Season 2) - O.K, so it actually ended up being rather hokey, but I'm going to ignore the comic part after and just focus on when Yumi thinks Sei, the one older girl who understands Yumi is leaving, Sei jokingly asks for a kiss. However, the slow motion running, the kiss on the cheek, the hug from behind...it seemed to be in place in the first season and identifies Sei's and Yumi's relationship as what it is.

Eyeshield 21 - This show has a hell of a lot of awesome moments, but when Sena removes his helmet in front of Mamori, and her reaction prior to her introduction...

Magical Girl Lyrical Nanona A's - The ribbon has been mentioned from Season 1, but when Fate gets her wish from Reinforce of a life she always wanted, she breaks out of it to choose the life SHE HAS NOW. God, is there anyone who doesn't love Fate-chan? She rocks.

Princess Tutu - Luci cries in almost every part throughout the interviews and the end disc has her and Jessica Boone crying - but I'll pick a specific part when Fakir is writing about Ahiru's journey to save everyone and he's crying whilst writing it, the emotions just bundle up into a bitter sweet yet beautiful finale that is too gorgeous for words.

Kaleido Star - Sigh. O.K, I cheated. But yep - it had to be there. Rosetta's smile - breaking out of her diabolo machine, the hug/kiss on the cheek with Sora. Most watched scene ever for me.

Princess Nine - Ryo hits the third lightning ball, Takasugi smashed it, Yuki tries to jump and reach it...Dammit. Home run. But the aftermath of the tears from the girls and the hug between Izumi and Ryo - it's still my most watched series of all time and will be getting another marathon before Xmas. Ryo/Izumi was one of the most complex relationships ever and the ending was just perfect.

Air - And we have a Keytrifecta to finish off. First of, in Air, with Mizuho being cradled in her now true mother's arms after a flood of tears trying to return to her, heart break central...

Kanon - ...quickly followed by several moments from Kanon, I'm sure Makoto, Mai, Ayu's and Nayuki's moments will be here but I'm choosing the moment when Kaori finally accepts Shiori after months of verbal silence after hearing the terrible news - finally, Shiori can enjoy her moments remaining. And the end of that also was heart wrenching...

Clannad - Nagisa. On stage. Fears. Nerves. Her loathing. And Tomoya is there. To guide her on. Several scenes can be picked as wonderful but finally breaking free of her own personal dilemma to live on her dream...Nagisa love.

[Prede]

Now and Then, Here and There - Like the Baker in "The Hunting of the Snark", Lalaru softly and silently vanishes away, accepting at last a fate she had so long avoided.


Oh yes I know what you mean! That's such a sad scene! I liked LaLa-Ru so much, but she knew she had to do the right thing, even if that means fading away. I think though that she will return. I mean she said she was ageless, so she will probally come back again, one day.


Paranoia Agent - Chief Ikari realizes he was living a delusion - and finally breaks free from it. raw win ensues.


OMG that scene is just amazing! It's so powerful, so emotional! This scene contains so much raw feelings! I just love this scene it helps bring the anime to a close.


10. Kare Kano - The first time they held hands. The entire episode was about Yukino looking for the perfect time to confess, and in the end all she can do is that small gesture which makes her red as a tomato. The honesty of the portrayal and the simplicity of the scene makes me melt every time.


Ah yes!! That is the cutest, most romantic, scene ever! It's so cute, I agree I "melt" everytime I see that as well. It feels so "real" to me, so much emotion in this scene! It gives me that 'awww' feeling.


1.) FLCL. Hell, it's my favorite show. It's loaded with wonderful moments for me. To distill it to one is easy, however: First episode, half way in, when Naota runs to the bridge to confront Mamimi, and The Pillows' Brand New Love Song eases into the brilliantly iconic image of her "never knows best" cigarette. "Watermelon... Or like a panda with a mean face. Or like sandals with pressure-points drawn on them. Or a blackboard eraser. Or a Sunday morning where you wake up and it's raining... Well, I like him more than hard bread.


My favorite anime(hell favorite anything) too, and I enjoy this scene! Probally because I just love Mamimi so much! That quote you gave, is like so cool! Her cigarette, the day old bread, the way the art looks, and just the way Stephanie Sheh talks at this scene one of the most wondeful in all of anime!

Suprised no one said this one yet.

Neon Genesis Evangelion - The very last episode (orignal TV series ending), where Shinji is on the "big blue ball" and everyone starts to clap for him and it they all say "congratulations" to him. That scene is so powerful, (and confuseing), so amazing, so heartfelt! It helps that this was the first episode I ever saw of Neon Genesis Evangelion. After seeing that scene I knew I loved this anime, and had to see the entire thing! (little did I know that was the LAST episode! I kept wondering "when the hell is that episode I saw going to come up", when I watched it the first time.) All in all I still love this ending, I like it better the the movie ending too.

Black Lagoon: The Second Barrage - Pretty much the last episode the twins are in. From when the one twin gets killed to the other. That is incredbly powerful, and scetched into my mind. A bit disturbing, so emotinal, and incredlby sad.

Shadow Star Narutaru - Well I just finished watching this, so even though it's fresh in my mind, one scene in perticular sticks out at me. Anyway I think it was Episode 11. Over the anime we learn Hiroko was being bullyed, and in this episode then these girls brought it to a whole new level. The girls bullying Hiroko, raped her with a test tube! The each held her down, and the meanest one acually raped her with it! And although the scene is very dark, you get the main point. Then one of them was going to kick her in the stomach! OMG that's insane, these are all 12 year old girls! That's so crazy, so horrible! It's very disturbing, very compelling, and just sickening! I still liked this anime a lot, but it's probally one of the most screwed up series I've ever seen. That scene will never be removed from my mind.

Gunslinger Girl - In the last episode when the girls sing Beethoven's 9th Symphamy, and Marco reads his cute little story to Angelica, possibly for the last time. That scene is very sad, and emotional. I really liked Angelica, and I hope she just went to sleep! I really do. That scene just sticks out in my mind.

[Ty]

Mizuzu dying from Cystic Fibrosis

Somehow when you see it spelled out like that it kinda kills the magic the show is trying to build around the scene. :sd: I guess I never thought about the actual medical condition that was afflicting her.

[Fencedude]

Mizuzu dying from Cystic Fibrosis

Somehow when you see it spelled out like that it kinda kills the magic the show is trying to build around the scene. :sd: I guess I never thought about the actual medical condition that was afflicting her.

Thats because her affliction wasn't Cystic Fibrosis.

[populuxe]

Mizuzu dying from Cystic Fibrosis

Somehow when you see it spelled out like that it kinda kills the magic the show is trying to build around the scene. :sd: I guess I never thought about the actual medical condition that was afflicting her.

They're called "spoiler" tags people. Learn to use them. Go back and edit your posts so you don't ruin it for people like me who haven't seen the show yet but want to.

[something]

They're called "spoiler" tags people. Learn to use them. Go back and edit your posts so you don't ruin it for people like me who haven't seen the show yet but want to.
Ugh, I was hoping someone (with GA mod powers) could catch it before anyone got spoiled... :relief:

Tornado, that was disgustingly inconsiderate (not to mention half false). Learn the slightest damn modicum of posting etiquette, please. (And Ty, why did you openly quote it...? I know you know better...)

[Ty]

(And Ty, why did you openly quote it...? I know you know better...)

My history of posting without thinking is well documented at this point. I offer that not as a defense but merely as a sad reminder of the fact. Sheepish covering of my ass aside I personally just kind of expect there to be spoilers in a topic of this nature. Otherwise half the pages are nothing but black bars. At any rate I saw what he wrote, thought "huh, I'd never heard that before" and just wrote a 10 second reply on my reaction to it without even giving it any pause.

As to whether or not the statement of his was factual I'd have to leave to him and Fence because I honestly don't know either way.

edit: FWIW I edited my previous quote. That makes me at least 15% less stupid right?

[The Great Bear]

To get this back on track:

Lots of good moments already mentioned.

I'll mention an amusing one from Aria the Natural to add to the other Aria ones:

When Akari is going to board the Cat Train to wherever the hell it is they're going, but gives away her ticket. The Conductor Cait Sith obviously, who has been stamping the tickets, instead stamps Akari on the forehead. She goes back to her room at Aria Company and goes to sleep…

Wondering if it's all a dream, she and President Aria awake, and she finds that she still has the cat paw stamp mark on her head.

I just really liked that whole segment. Sure, it was one of Akari's acid trips, but hey, those were fun.

[The Great Bear]

edit: FWIW I edited my previous quote. That makes me at least 15% less stupid right?

At least, but not more than 25% less stupid.

[something]

Sheepish covering of my ass aside I personally just kind of expect there to be spoilers in a topic of this nature. Otherwise half the pages are nothing but black bars.
There have been a lot of posts already that did exactly what the thread requested without spoiling anything specific. But his post was way, way beyond any definition of acceptable, unfortunately.

edit: FWIW I edited my previous quote. That makes me at least 15% less stupid right?
He, good enough for me. Hopefully someone can take care of the real source of the problem soon.

[something]

Sure, it was one of Akari's acid trips, but hey, those were fun.
Something that I realized was really lacking in the Animation, when I rewatched it. Not sure we got any in Origination either.

But yeah, damn Akari shows us some really surreal shit in the Natural. Merely by virtue of being twice as long as either of the other two seasons, Natural does have a number of downtime/boring episodes, but those drugged out episodes were fucking awesome. XD Can't wait to rewatch Natural when Nozomi releases the second half.

[The Great Bear]

Sure, it was one of Akari's acid trips, but hey, those were fun.Something that I realized was really lacking in the Animation, when I rewatched it. Not sure we got any in Origination either.

We don't get any in Origination either. It's just in the Natural. And I'll definitely be enjoying them again when Nozomi starts releasing it. I wish they'd jump the gun and release it early, but considering that the Christmas rush is probably on at replicators, I don't think that will be likely.

[Shirachi]

Kaleido Star - May's little depression after Leon let her fall during the Dracula production; how she overcame her injury and rose up to try again, eventually leading to the creation of the Demon Spiral. In that moment I decided that May was my favorite character. Previously mentioned moments included, as well.

Twelve Kingdoms - When Yoko finally decides that she is going to trust anyone she wants, and that if they betray her it's her fault for trusting them in the first place. "Defeated" the Monkey. Again, this is where I decided I loved this character: when she finally stopped being an annoying (understandable, but still annoying) brat and grew up. Very tense and inspirational, you actually feel proud of her.

Violinist of Hameln - awakening of Pandora.

Princess Tutu - Final scene. Bittersweet.

Fantastic Children - When Thoma realizes that he's Seth, and we get that little flashback. My favorite scene in the whole anime; emotionally intense, engaging and shocking. Wonderful moment.

[Kouji Tamino]

10.Martian Successor Nadesico - Akito's Love Confession to Yurika Simple, cheesy, yet effective. Plus, it managed to command the attention of everyone on the battlefield!
9. Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann - Simon finally breaks out of his funk. After mulling about in a depression from Kamina's death, Simon finally gets back up on his feet and saves the day.
8.Solty Rei - "I love you, Roy! I love you, Rose!": Solty discovers what happiness is. After spending Appreciation Day trying to learn what happiness is, Solty seems to grasp the meaning and proceeds to tell the entire city that she loves them and wishes them happiness, starting with the two most precious people in her life.
7. Slayers NEXT - Gourry and Lina's kiss.After putting everything on the line for each other, the two are finally reunited and share a beautiful kiss. Of course, this is Slayers so it doesn't really stick. :sweat:. Although I think this is the most overrated of the three classic Slayers series, it's no wonder this one is a fan favorite.
6. Planetes - Ai Tanabe and Hachirota Hoshino are reunited. After not seeing each other in ages, the couple finally sees each other again. Hachirota finally begins to realize how important Ai is to him and Ai gets a nice pick-me-up after a particularly traumatic experience.
5. Steel Angel Kurumi - Nakahito rushes to go be with Kurumi and try to rescue her after she becomes a 'demon'. Set on a path of destruction, everyone else has given up hope on her and was determined to stop her with any means necessary.
4. Fruits Basket - Kyo and Yuki rush to Tohru's side so that she doesn't have to spend New Year's alone. After ringing in every New Year's with her mother before her death, Tohru almost had to spend one all alone. Thank Saki for sending them rushing back home in a guilt trip. :P
3. Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad - Koyuki takes the stage at Greatful Sound. With the band threatening to break up at possibly the biggest performance of their short career as a band so far, Koyuki decides that he isn't going to disappoint their fans. Whether the others show up or not doesn't matter: It's just something he has to do.
2. Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water - Nadia, Jean, and the remaining members of the Nautilus return to Earth. After Nemo's heartfelt sacrifice, Jean reassures Nadia that her home is Earth and that she belongs there.
1. Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid - Kaname breaks down at school when she realizes that everything is back to normal at school at the end of the series. After everything the two have been through, she finally lets loose crying into Sousuke's shoulder, emotionally overwhelmed that things are back to the way they should be.

[vtr9kvictor]

[QUOTE]



[B]Shadow Star Narutaru - Well I just finished watching this, so even though it's fresh in my mind, one scene in perticular sticks out at me. Anyway I think it was Episode 11. Over the anime we learn Hiroko was being bullyed, and in this episode then these girls brought it to a whole new level. The girls bullying Hiroko, raped her with a test tube! The each held her down, and the meanest one acually raped her with it! And although the scene is very dark, you get the main point. Then one of them was going to kick her in the stomach! OMG that's insane, these are all 12 year old girls! That's so crazy, so horrible! It's very disturbing, very compelling, and just sickening! I still liked this anime a lot, but it's probally one of the most screwed up series I've ever seen. That scene will never be removed from my mind.

[/spoiler]

While I agree this is a VERY unforgettable scene, I don't believe it was in line with the intensions of this topic. It is not "uplifting" or "positive" in any way. It is horrific, shocking, and disturbing on a level I have seldom ever seen in an anime. And it PALES in comparison to some of the events of the manga by the way.

[vtr9kvictor]

Mizuzu dying from Cystic Fibrosis

Somehow when you see it spelled out like that it kinda kills the magic the show is trying to build around the scene. :sd: I guess I never thought about the actual medical condition that was afflicting her.

Thats because her affliction wasn't Cystic Fibrosis.

I am curious, did they ever say what exactly it was she was dying from?

Also I happen to believe in a "statute of limitations" on spoilers. If a series has been out for more than six months it is not a spoiler. If you have chosen not to watch it, that is your choice. My reasoning for this comes from the plethora of "Eva Fans" I have met over the years at cons, who upon learning of my reasons for my great love of Asuka, are VERY VERY ANGRY AND HATE ME because I 'spoiled' EoE for them by saying Asuka comes back to fight all the Mass Production types. SCREW YOU GUYS! Especially you, whatever-your-name-was-girl!!! The show's been out for over 10 years!!! If you haven't seen it all yet, THAT SHOULD BE THE FIRST WORDS OUT OF YOUR MOUTH during any conversation about the show!

Oh wait sorry. Ranting.

[Fencedude]

I am curious, did they ever say what exactly it was she was dying from?


Magic

[vtr9kvictor]

I am curious, did they ever say what exactly it was she was dying from?


Magic

How could THAT be a spoiler? Its painfully obvious something is terribly wrong with her almost from the very first moment you see her. That's like saying Shinji Ikari is gonna pilot Evangelion Unit 01 is a spoiler. Or saying "there is SEX in Bible Black" is a spoiler.

[Fencedude]

I am curious, did they ever say what exactly it was she was dying from?


Magic

How could THAT be a spoiler? Its painfully obvious something is terribly wrong with her almost from the very first moment you see her. That's like saying Shinji Ikari is gonna pilot Evangelion Unit 01 is a spoiler. Or saying "there is SEX in Bible Black" is a spoiler.

As a general rule the death of the female lead is a freaking spoiler!

[vtr9kvictor]

I am curious, did they ever say what exactly it was she was dying from?


Magic

How could THAT be a spoiler? Its painfully obvious something is terribly wrong with her almost from the very first moment you see her. That's like saying Shinji Ikari is gonna pilot Evangelion Unit 01 is a spoiler. Or saying "there is SEX in Bible Black" is a spoiler.

As a general rule the death of the female lead is a freaking spoiler!

IF she dies. People who "are dying" do not always die in the shows about them. Therefore saying "so-and-so is sick with a terminal illness at the beginning of the series" is not neccessarily a spoiler. However, in the case of Air I revert to my statement that it is immediately apparent from the very beginning (as in, episode 1) that something is seriously wrong with Misuzu, with that in mind, since it is given to you at the outset, it cannot be a spoiler. Again, as I said, it would be like saying Shinji being the pilot of Unit 01 is a spoiler.

Also, I can't for the life of me figure out how to do spoiler tags anymore since the change over to the new format. Someone explain it to me, please. Preferably in a private message I could archive for future reference.

[populuxe]

[snip]
4. Fruits Basket - Kyo and Yuki rush to Tohru's side so that she doesn't have to spend New Year's alone. After ringing in every New Year's with her mother before her death, Tohru almost had to spend one all alone. Thank Saki for sending them rushing back home in a guilt trip. :P
[snip]
1. Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid - Kaname breaks down at school when she realizes that everything is back to normal at school at the end of the series. After everything the two have been through, she finally lets loose crying into Sousuke's shoulder, emotionally overwhelmed that things are back to the way they should be.

Oh man, I love those two moments. Very good choices.

[populuxe]

Oh wait sorry. Ranting.

Please don't. I meant for this to be a thread that celebrates the wonderful moments in anime. A thread that reminds people about the great moments that make this hobby worthwhile. Please don't drag it down.

[Fencedude]

Also, I can't for the life of me figure out how to do spoiler tags anymore since the change over to the new format. Someone explain it to me, please. Preferably in a private message I could archive for future reference.

[ spoiler ] [ /spoiler ]

Without the spaces.

Also, it doesn't matter if YOU think its a spoiler or not, it IS a major spoiler, and the dramatic climax of the entire series! (even if I thought it was all completely overwrought)

[populuxe]

Also, I can't for the life of me figure out how to do spoiler tags anymore since the change over to the new format. Someone explain it to me, please. Preferably in a private message I could archive for future reference.

[ spoiler ] [ /spoiler ]

Without the spaces.

Also, it doesn't matter if YOU think its a spoiler or not, it IS a major spoiler, and the dramatic climax of the entire series! (even if I thought it was all completely overwrought)

I'm 45 years old. I've been watching anime since black and white Astroboy was being distributed by NBC. I've watched a lot of anime in my time. However, I haven't watched everything. Far from it. There are still a lot of shows I haven't seen but plan on watching when I've got the money to buy them and the time to watch them. I don't care if it's a show that's airing on TV in Japan right now, or a show that was released in the US 15 years ago. If I haven't seen it, THEN IT'S A SPOILER. Since no one knows all the shows that everyone else has seen, it only makes sense to use spoiler tags when talking about a major spoiler. It's not just common sense. It's simple courtesy.

Now can we get back on track?

[vtr9kvictor]

[QUOTE=vtr9kvictor;1453580]
Also, I can't for the life of me figure out how to do spoiler tags anymore since the change over to the new format. Someone explain it to me, please. Preferably in a private message I could archive for future reference.

seen but plan on watching when I've got the money to buy them and the time to watch them. I don't care if it's a show that's airing on TV in Japan right now, or a show that was released in the US 15 years ago. If I haven't seen it, THEN IT'S A SPOILER. Since no one knows all the shows that everyone else has seen, it only makes sense to use spoiler tags when talking about a major spoiler. It's not just common sense. It's simple courtesy.

Now can we get back on track?

I guess my point was not gotten across. If I don't THINK its a spoiler, I would not spoiler tag it, assuming others would feel the same way if it is an older series. That's what I am saying. So even though you may think it is, then others may not think so. Especially if the information is presenting in the first episode. How can ANYTHING be a spoiler if it is presented to you in very first episode? If it is, it is not a spoiler, it is part of the set-up. The introduction. This is my thinking as best as I can describe it at 6AM, does it make sense to anyone else?
Peter Parker is Spiderman

[something]

While I agree this is a VERY unforgettable scene, I don't believe it was in line with the intensions of this topic. It is not "uplifting" or "positive" in any way. It is horrific, shocking, and disturbing on a level I have seldom ever seen in an anime. And it PALES in comparison to some of the events of the manga by the way.
::reads which scene he commented on:: Ahaha.. oh wow. Dude, Prede, that can only be seen as wonderful and uplifting if you have some pretty sick tastes. :sd:

[something]

Also I happen to believe in a "statute of limitations" on spoilers. If a series has been out for more than six months it is not a spoiler. If you have chosen not to watch it, that is your choice.
That's completely ridiculous and not an accepted definition by any means. You're not allowed to spoil others because it doesn't bother you.

Also, you're being extremely rude and obstinate about this, and continually respoiling something we finally got expunged from the thread. At this point I can only believe you're just being outright malicious, and I don't appreciate your attitude one bit.

[Vegard Aune]

Also I happen to believe in a "statute of limitations" on spoilers. If a series has been out for more than six months it is not a spoiler. If you have chosen not to watch it, that is your choice.
That's completely ridiculous and not an accepted definition by any means. You're not allowed to spoil others because it doesn't bother you.
Indeed, that attitude of his makes no sense. For example, I have a friend who hasn't watched or read Death Note before, but started reading it when the norwegian version started coming out three months ago. Now, she doesn't know how the series ends, and if anyone showed up and told her that, "IT ENDS WITH LIGHT GETTING KILLED BY RYUK, AND IF YOU DIDN'T KNOW THAT, THEN IT'S YOUR OWN FAULT FOR NOT HAVING DOWNLOADED THE SERIES OF THE INTERNET!!!!!", would anyone not consider that to be an extremely rude thing to do?

[something]

Indeed, that attitude of his makes no sense. For example, I have a friend who hasn't watched or read Death Note before, but started reading it when the norwegian version started coming out three months ago.
And even if it's six months since the R1 release, it still doesn't make sense. Some people wait for the boxsets. Some just have big backlogs. And even if *I've* seen a show, I still don't find it acceptable to spoil others.

[The Great Bear]

*Ahem*

Let's get this back on track.

…

Sometimes, there isn't even a need for dialogue to make a wonderful moment. In fact, I'm going to mention a few that are nothing more than animation and music, because they're from show openings.

1. The opening to School Rumble, season 1. The part when Tenma Tsukamoto just starts twirling around. It's mesmerizing. The giddy expression on her face. The bright expression in her eyes. The bouncy little song sung by Yui Horie. It all works together to make a wonderful moment.

2. The opening to Kannazuki no Miko. The swirling black hole image interspersed with the brief flashes of Himeko and Chikane. Then the quick cut to the two of them in a field of flowers. And the rest of it. A perfect match of sound (KOTOKO's re-sublimity) and image throughout. That's one show where I never, never skipped the OP to get to the next episode while watching.

3. It'd be hard to talk about openings that make an impact on the viewer without mentioning the opening to Cowboy Bebop. Still one of the most stylish openings ever made for an anime.

I could go on, but I think that's enough for the moment.

I'm going to go off and work :P but then later, I might think about some more wonderful moments from anime.

[something]

Sometimes, there isn't even a need for dialogue to make a wonderful moment. In fact, I'm going to mention a few that are nothing more than animation and music, because they're from show openings.
Oh there are definitely some uplifting OP/ED sequences.

To start, every KeyAni OP. Air, Kanon, Clannad, Clannad ~After Story~.

Kanon's ("Last Regrets") is a bit slow and sad, so it doesn't fit as well as the others, but listening to it always makes me feel better because there's a strong undercurrent of hope in there, just as there is with the show. Right now I'm completely obsessed with Clannad ~After Story~'s OP "Toki wo Kizamu Uta" and watch it at minimum three times before each episode (even on rewatches) and upwards of... well let's just say it took me about an hour just to get past the OP when I watched episode one. The whole thing is like, reason enough to be alive just by itself.

And, I mean, how cute and happy and uplifting and wonderful is Clannad's "Dango Daikazoku"? Awwww.... <3 And of course the OP too, "Megumeru ~cuckool mix 2007~", especially with the girl running through the grass as the CLANNAD logo comes up.

Air's "Tori no Uta" is just the most amazing piece of theme music ever. The opening verse, ending with "kuyashikute yubi wo hanasu" makes me want to go flying like the mysterious "girl in the sky" mentioned so often. It's just incredible, and the song has such a haunting melody while being so upbeat.

There are a lot of good OP sequences but I'll stop there, because it quickly gets hard to separate "wonderful/uplifting" from all the other types of "really damn good". For example, I am in love with Hidamari Sketch x 365's OP, but more from the perspective of sheer fun and the smile it puts on my face rather than something uplifting. The difference can be subtle though.

[DJ_72]

[quote=The Great Bear;1453660]*Ahem*

Sometimes, there isn't even a need for dialogue to make a wonderful moment. /quote]

I'll mention one of those:
Inuyasha (A Demon's True Nature--episode late 40s/early 50s or so)

When Shesshomaru returns to 'camp', Jaken asks him what happened with Inuyasha (who was temporarily overwhelmed by his demon half). Shesshomaru says nothing, but slowly looks back over his shoulder. Then he turns back toward Jaken and Rin, but stays silent, looking like his mind is somewhere else. You sense that he actually sympathizies with Inuyasha, something that seemed impossible early on in the series. Of course, he doesn't want this (or any other feelings) to show. But there is good in him after all. I thought this was one of the defining moments for a great character.

And one not-silent moment:

CCS episode 37 (Sakura and Tomoyo's Lost Voice)

Sonomi rushes home to check on the suddenly mute Tomoyo. Tomoyo writes on a notepad that she is okay, and is surprised when her mom embraces her, saying "But you're not okay...you know, it's alright for you to need me...you are my precious and only child." Up to this point, Sonomi has just been shown either making a fuss over Sakura, fuming at Professor Kinomoto or running off to business meetings. That's why this moment really stands out---the audience can see that she loves Tomoyo and is glad to be her mom. Not as dramatic as the Tomoyo/Meilin scene mentioned earlier, but just as effective.

[Fudce]

Hmm, there are so many wonderful and touching moments in anime, having a top ten is too limiting, so instead I'll just say which ones immediately come to mind.

Aria the Animation
The bit in the final episode where Ai suddenly appears. It just rounded out the series so well, and the way they went about that episode was just so magical and wondeful I am tempted to say a sappy line about it. But I wont.

Angelic Layer
So many moments to choose between, but two in particular jump out at me. There is the scene at the party where Misaki finally asks Hatoko to be her second at the finals. It was so touching, almost like a mariage proposal. The other scene is on the final volume, when Shuko and Misaki reminisce about Angelic Layer, and are together for the first time in many years. Everything about that series of scenes was done so delicatly it can only be described as beautiful.

Hayate the Combat Butler
Towards the end of episode 37, (I Want to Return to Being a Normal Girl, But Please Buy My Character Song ♥), you finally see Nagi accepting Ayumu as a friend.

There are lots more I haven't listed, a lot have already been mentioned, and if I think of any more I'll add them to the post too.

[Draneor]

2. The opening to Kannazuki no Miko. The swirling black hole image interspersed with the brief flashes of Himeko and Chikane. Then the quick cut to the two of them in a field of flowers. And the rest of it. A perfect match of sound (KOTOKO's re-sublimity) and image throughout.

I had that one on my unposted list as the best anime opening tied with the opening to Onegai Twins. There are many great anime openings though so it's hard to pick just one. I can't say I ever agree with 2ch's top 500 results either (which Zankoku na Tenshi no Tēze inevitably always wins). Of course, I never skip any opening because doing so would be blasphemous.

On a side note, this thread is too inconsistent about what constitutes a spoiler (especially considering how much the first post spoiled for me).


Air's "Tori no Uta" is just the most amazing piece of theme music ever. The opening verse, ending with "kuyashikute yubi wo hanasu" makes me want to go flying like the mysterious "girl in the sky" mentioned so often. It's just incredible, and the song has such a haunting melody while being so upbeat.


"Tori no Uta" is really a game opening, as far as the actual lyrics go though. I guess it could qualify, in an odd sort of way, since it was used, which is atypical. The animation KyoAni put to it, however, was exquisitely done. That said, I thought KyoAni did a better job with the animation to "Farewell Song" myself.

[populuxe]

*Ahem*

Let's get this back on track.

…

Yes, please.

Sometimes, there isn't even a need for dialogue to make a wonderful moment. In fact, I'm going to mention a few that are nothing more than animation and music, because they're from show openings.

Now there's a good idea. I'll add the OP to Full Metal Panic: Fummofu? When Kaname spins around in the falling leaves, the combination of the music and her wonderful smile makes my heart skip a beat. Despite everything she puts Sousuke through, at that moment when she smiles so brightly, you understand she's worth it.

[Splitter]

Right now I'm completely obsessed with Clannad ~After Story~'s OP "Toki wo Kizamu Uta" and watch it at minimum three times before each episode (even on rewatches) and upwards of... well let's just say it took me about an hour just to get past the OP when I watched episode one. The whole thing is like, reason enough to be alive just by itself.

I share these sentiments to the letter. Everything about it is absolutely perfect, moreso than perhaps the series itself so far.

As far as "wonderful" openings though, I'm going to have to say Fruits Basket has it cornered. The late Ritsuko Okazaki's ethereal voices, the bittersweet lyrics, the imagery of everyone looking toward the sky... the sadness of it is incredibly subtle, but it's overlapped by a strong sense of hope. It's just such a lovely OP to watch and it sets the mood of the series very well.

[Ty]

Clannad ~After Story~'s OP "Toki wo Kizamu Uta"

That. It's a colored opinion because it's fresh and current right now, but it's THE most wonderful anime memory I have at the moment. It's no big secret music in anime is a really big deal to me. I had absurdly high expectations when I found out it was new and based on To The Same Heights and they were exceeded beyond my wildest imaginations anyway.

When the song reached it's third part I had tears streaming down my face, and I'm not the slightest bit ashamed to admit it. :) It's been stuck in my head nearly 24/7 for the whole month now.

I'm a big fan of Tori no Uta as well, but I think Tomoyo After's OP Light Colors and ED Life is Like a Melody would have to be my #2 favorite (I can't decide between them) behind Toki wo Kizamu Uta. On the off chance you haven't heard them before you should check them out something. :)

[HitokiriShadow]

I liked what ef ~a tale of memories~ did with the OP sequence of the last episode. In all of the previous instances of the OP, the characters were bound by chains. In the final OP, they break free of those chains. Sure, its pretty heavyhanded symbolism, but I really liked it. That it has one of the most amazing OP music themes ever certainly didn't hurt.

[EmperorBrandon]

Gosh... there's sooo many to think of here. I'll get 10 that comes to mind, but I'm not really going to bother to order them (way to hard...) I'm not really sure how liberal I should be on spoilers tags. People should expect some things like this in the thread, but I'll try to be careful here (let me know if you think anything I haven't tagged should be)

Cardcaptor Sakura Movie 2 - There are many, many great moments in CCS. I agree wholeheartedly with all of the ones mentioned in the thread so far. The last moment of the second movie was truly wonderful, though. It highlights the theme of hope after the card Sakura creates in the end. The way the scene progresses from Shaoran's reaction to Sakura's confession, her resulting happiness (also has it somewhat amusing with her refusing to wait until the stairs were restored :)), everything being restored, and the ending song beginning to play... Ah, I really don't think how CCS could have ended any better.

Magic User's Club OVA - Well, bctaris pretty much covered this one, but I can't not say it myself too. Sae's final encounter with Jeff-kun and springing into action to save her friends right after was a magical moment to me. It's handled beautifully, and I love the version of the ending song they had playing there.

Magic User's Club TV - Oh, I've definitely got to mention MUC again, right? :) I just love the surreal nature of episode 6, but I especially like when Sae gets to fly with Takeo in their supposed "dream". I really think it gives a glimpse at how they honestly feel about each other and how happy they are about it, despite the usual awkwardness we get with them trying to communicate it elsewhere in the series.

sola - Out of things I've watched in the recent, one moment that really sticks in my mind for whatever reason is when Yorito meets up with Matsuri and finds out that he was not a real human being, but created by Aono's paper magic, and the exchange that happens afterward. I wasn't really expecting it at first, and I really liked how that whole scene was handled (curious what I'll think when I finally do get to watch it again).

Spirited Away - Another ditto here, but I definitely agree with Geoduck on "I knew you were good!" scene. I think the movie was building up to it nicely.

Pretty Sammy TV - After Sasami and Misao find out each others identities, I really thought the scene where Sasami finally finds Misao and the aftermath where they destroy the evil in Misao's heart together was beautiful and awesome. It highlights their great friendship.

Mahoraba - The scene with Natsume where she finally opens up after meeting Ryuushi, highlighted by her wonderful smile and the "magical flowers" popping up.. Natsume's talent was really cool, and given her general demeanor at first, it was great to see that she finally felt accepted.

Hand Maid May - The scene where Kasumi and May are discussing the importance of memories. It was really a great exchange and a cute scene overall. (May in Kasumi's clothes is always a bonus too)

Super GALS! - Yamato's proposal to Miyu. While there can be many jerks in anime, it's great seeing a nice and honest guy like Yamato come forward in a time where Miyu is in many hardships and help her out and reassure her that he's on her side all the way through. It really builds up well on the backstory how Miyu and Yamato met.

Princess Tutu - Near the end of the first story arc, when Princess Tutu dances the pas de deux alone to win over the prince's heart. One of the most wonderful moments in anime for me, highlighted by superb performances on both language tracks. I've never listened to classical or ballet music much, but it's such a strong scene that it really made me started loving Tchaikovsky's music that accompanied the scene.

Well, I got to 10 there. Probably could think of some more (from some of those series and many others), and maybe some I like more, but it's just because there's so many to think about and probably others that just aren't in my mind at moment. It's great to think about them, though, so it's an interesting topic. :)

[EmperorBrandon]

And, I mean, how cute and happy and uplifting and wonderful is Clannad's "Dango Daikazoku"? Awwww.... <3

It is definitely all of those things to the extreme. Once I get in mind (which thanks to you, I have), it's hard to get out, but it always fills me with happiness. Who knew a big family of dumplings gathering could be so cute and emotionally moving?

KyoAni really does such an awesome job with so many of its opening and closings though. I think Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu's OP is one of the best, though - for whatever reason, it always gets me really excited and I love to watch it every time it comes up (it's one I really don't like to skip even with my marathoning). Clannad After Story's OP is really very impressive too, and I especially love it for the extra-special Nagisa love it shows.

There's also Magic User's Club (the OVA - TV ones are catchy but don't compare) for both the OP and ED, which I both love a lot in different ways. I've honestly never really gotten tired of them (in any aspect) despite having seen them so much.

[aemartell]

Ooh, this is too much fun to resist. They are not ranked in any particular order; I had enough time picking series to even consider ranking moments. And I realize that they are not all conventionally "uplifting," but they all were for me, in strange, various ways. If it's beautiful and emotionally affecting (be it happy or sad), it falls into that category for me.

Princess Tutu -- There are so many wonderful moments in this anime that I couldn't decide. I started out with the already-mentioned Swan Lake pas de deux in the thirteenth episode, but then moved on to Ahiru dancing as herself, not as Princess Tutu, with Fakir at the bottom of the Lake of Despair. But the one that I ended up with was Rue's confession of love, or more specifically, the moment when she's trying to hold onto him and his foot slips out of her grasp. It was such a huge moment for her character, and I think it was one of Nana Mizuki's best moments. Of course, I now realize that it's been several months since I popped this series in the DVD player, and that I must revisit it.

Simoun -- The very final moments of the last episode. Magical.

Baccano! -- "I have a gun... In my heart!" Jacuzzi is awesome, name and all.

Aria -- Find just one across three seasons and an OVA? Surely you jest. But the one that choked me up was in Origination, when Alicia hands her oar over to Akari, who in turn thanks her for her hard work.

Revolutionary Girl Utena -- Same problem as Princess Tutu and Aria. I'll skip over all the wonderful scenes in the last episode, and instead go for the shadow puppet girls appearing in the flesh and invite Utena to their play.

Mushi-shi -- Episode six. As usual with episodes of Mushi-shi, I cannot remember any names other than Ginko, but when the girl who was infected with the mushi explains how afraid she is to be without it.

Moyashimon -- Haruka's major cleanliness turns out to be a sham when she makes Tadayasu help her carry something back to her dorm, but makes him stand outside for a long time while mysterious crashing noises emerge from inside....

sola -- I didn't like this series much, I must admit. It was still magical when the movie projector malfunctions and Matsuri, Aono, and Yorito find themselves surrounded by an image of the sky. I can't remember how long the silence lasted, but it was amazing. Contrived, yes, but still amazing.

Touka Gettan -- Momoka meets Touka in the "real world" (if it is that) at the end of the first (last) episode, and they finally kiss. Or Momka and Touka meet for the first time at the end of the last (first) episode. Hey, they're parallel scenes that are clearly meant to tie back to one another, I can pick them both.

Revolutionary Girl Utena -- Okay, I couldn't leave all of the dramatic ones in this series untouched. The change in Shiori's, Ruka's, and Juri's chairs during her second arc. After Ruka has died, Shiori's chair switches from facing Ruka's to Juri's, whereas Juri's is turned to the empty spot where Ruka's used to be. Sure Utena is heavy-handed with its symbolism, but it was still lovely. And turns out the other two people I made watch the series didn't even notice that at all.

[Prede]

[QUOTE]



[B]Shadow Star Narutaru - Well I just finished watching this, so even though it's fresh in my mind, one scene in perticular sticks out at me. Anyway I think it was Episode 11. Over the anime we learn Hiroko was being bullyed, and in this episode then these girls brought it to a whole new level. The girls bullying Hiroko, raped her with a test tube! The each held her down, and the meanest one acually raped her with it! And although the scene is very dark, you get the main point. Then one of them was going to kick her in the stomach! OMG that's insane, these are all 12 year old girls! That's so crazy, so horrible! It's very disturbing, very compelling, and just sickening! I still liked this anime a lot, but it's probally one of the most screwed up series I've ever seen. That scene will never be removed from my mind.

[/spoiler]

While I agree this is a VERY unforgettable scene, I don't believe it was in line with the intensions of this topic. It is not "uplifting" or "positive" in any way. It is horrific, shocking, and disturbing on a level I have seldom ever seen in an anime. And it PALES in comparison to some of the events of the manga by the way.

Oh yes I know it's NOT wonderful, it is horrible. I agree, that it is shocking, horrific, and disturbing. Completely on a different level then anything I saw before as well. Guess my post is just more about scenes that I remember, rather then "uplifting" scenes. Sorry about that. I got so cought up in what I was writing, I just started writing about scenes that left an impression on me, rather then uplifting, postive scenes. My Bad...guess my post fell way off topic.

Oh and I never read the manga. Not sure If i could stomach that...

[Zalis]

Although some of my most memorable scenes are also tearjerkers, I'll try to stick to the inspirational/uplifting stuff.

#10: Sherlock Hound, episode 10: Mrs. Hudson turns around a desperate situation by shooting the rope connecting Moriarty's Pterodactyl-Plane and the plane Hound is on, and proceeding to put a few bullet holes in Moriarty's plane. It's a bit of Improbable Aiming Skills, sure, but this was one of the first anime I saw back in the 80s before I even knew it was anime, and the scene stuck in my mind years later until 2004 when I was able to pick up the Pioneer DVD release.

#9: Sailor Moon S, mid-season: Sailor Moon beating out Eugeal for the Holy Grail, and Sailor Pluto saving Uranus and Neptune from their cruel fates by separating the talismans from their bodies.

#8: Starship Operators, Episode 13: The crew of the Ameteras destroys their ship to defeat an entire fleet and expose a PR cover-up by <strike>America</strike> <strike>The United Earth Directorate</strike> The Earth Federation at the end of the series. All this is done as the full version of Kotoko's wonderful ED "Chi ni Kaeru ~On The Earth~" (which was what attracted me to the series in the first place after hearing her sing it at AKon 2006) plays in the background, with its lyrics lining up to the events onscreen. There's a reason I still keep the fansubs on my HDD after getting the Geneon release, because the DVDs don't have song subtitles for that scene.

#7: Angelic Layer, Episode 25: Misaki and her mother finally meeting, their tears soaking the rain-drenched streets.

#6: Kaleido Star: Really, just both season finales. I can't choose just one.

#5: Fruits Basket, Episode 17: In a series full of sad moments and happy/sad moments, Kisa responding to Tohru's words, turning from a tiger back into a human, and licking the wound she'd earlier inflicted on Tohru's hand stands out as the most unquestionably happy/wonderful in my mind.

#4: ARIA The Origination: Going to go with a different moment than what others have mentioned. Don't recall the exact episode #, but it was Alice's unprecedented Pair -> Prima promotion.

#3: Fafner Episode 26: Kazuki and Maya making the final shot to stop the Festums' last-ditch measures. More of an action moment than an emotional/inspirational moment, but it was a sublime culmination to a high-energy finale.

#2: Scrapped Princess Episode 24: Pacifica calling Shannon a pervert and beating him up. Sure, doesn't sound too wonderful in isolation, but it was that moment that confirmed to me that Pacifica was going to survive her ordeal. It had me in a good mood for hours or even days afterwards.

#1: The "Dragon scale tiling away" scene frome Spirited Away: First saw this in early 2003 before I was heavily into anime, and it went a long way in convincing me that this would be a medium full of wonderfully memorable experiences. Just the perfect combination of visuals, music, and dialogue at the true emotional climax of an already-great movie.

EDIT: Sorry for all the black bars, but I don't believe in any "statute of limitations" on spoilers. Not everybody keeps up with the ultra-latest anime from Japan via fansubs, and even many of those who do don't manage to watch everything.Heck I've got a few series I DLed in 2005 and still haven't watched.

[something]

"Tori no Uta" is really a game opening, as far as the actual lyrics go though. I guess it could qualify, in an odd sort of way, since it was used, which is atypical.
I'm confused as to why you're making a distinction here... regardless of whatever else it is, it's also the OP to the anime. And as such it's a wonderful moment (or OP moments, to go with Bear's line of thinking, anyway) in anime... I'm not sure what's odd about listing it. :sd:

[something]

#4: ARIA The Origination: Going to go with a different moment than what others have mentioned. Don't recall the exact episode #, but it was...
That's what everyone else is talking about too. Certainly is what I meant, anyway.

[Draneor]

I'm confused as to why you're making a distinction here...

Because, if I understood you correctly, you liked the lyrics as opposed to the animation combined with the lyrics. On a purely theoretical note, consider if an anime quoted a poem. It's one thing to like the poem and another matter entirely to like how the anime used the poem. So going back to "Tora no Uta," liking the lyrics of the song, by itself, to me isn't a strictly anime moment. On the other hand, liking how it was used would be. So would be liking the fact that KyoAni decided to use it. Although I like how Nodame Cantabile used classical music as well as the classical music that was used, it's quite possible to enjoy only one of them (and the latter says nothing about the Nodame Cantabile anime itself). That's my thinking.

[something]

Because, if I understood you correctly, you liked the lyrics as opposed to the animation combined with the lyrics.
No, I meant the sequence as a whole, animation included. And for me Japanese lyrics are more like an instrument than actual words, since I rarely read the translations (oddly enough...).

[Draneor]

No, I meant the sequence as a whole, animation included.

Ah, I misunderstood. My bad. But to go back on topic, let me add another one.

Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha A's The grand battle royal against the corrupted automatic defense program of the Book of Darkness while Brave Phoenix plays in the background. All of the characters team up and unleash their most powerful attack in succession, culminating in its destruction in space. Also, love and friendship.

Awards: Best Animated Boss Battle ever. Also, Best Use of Insert Song.

[GanChan]

I like when a card-carrying scoundrel becomes momentarily human. I'm thinking of Ataru's change of heart toward Lum -- brief though it was -- at the end of the Christmas "pretend date" episode in (I think) Season 1.

[bctaris]

I like when a card-carrying scoundrel becomes momentarily human. I'm thinking of Ataru's change of heart toward Lum -- brief though it was -- at the end of the Christmas "pretend date" episode in (I think) Season 1.

Yeah, it's been echoed a couple times in the thread. And I agree. It's the missing 10th moment on my earlier list. There are actually a number of great moments in that series, but that was the first, and it rippled through the entire series. A classic.

[bctaris]

There's also Magic User's Club (the OVA - TV ones are catchy but don't compare) for both the OP and ED, which I both love a lot in different ways. I've honestly never really gotten tired of them (in any aspect) despite having seen them so much.

Yes, if we're talking about "Wonderful OP/EDs" these still take the cake for me. I just rewatched the series six months ago or so, but as I popped in the third disc to recall the OVA finale, I couldn't help imbibing in those songs again. The four or five times I've watched the entire series, I don't think I ever skipped the opening.

This feels like another topic starting here...but I think I'll make a top 10--unranked this time--Wonderful Opening list, the initial introductions to a show that have been to me the most uplifting and get me in the best mood for the show. The MUC one, above, of course, kicks it off, plus its TV companion. And:

Cowboy Bebop (as TGB already mentioned as well)
Seven of Seven
The first Cardcaptor Sakura
His and Her Circumstances
The first Galaxy Angel
NieA_7
Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad
Azumanga Daioh

[KomoriKiri]

Pretty Sammy TV - After Sasami and Misao find out each others identities, I really thought the scene where Sasami finally finds Misao and the aftermath where they destroy the evil in Misao's heart together was beautiful and awesome. It highlights their great friendship.

My favorite moment from that series has always been when Misao cosplays as Pixy Misa and completely freaks out Sasami. Her explanation about why she was doing it probably qualifies it for this thread.

Wraith
"You're not supposed to attack when I'm in the middle of striking a pose!"
-- Pretty Sammy ("Magical Project S")

[pluvia33]

Well, I’m a little late, but here’s my list. I did my best to pick shows that weren’t mentioned already just to have some more original moments to add to the greater list of the thread. Besides, dropping shows like Suzumiya Haruhi, Haibane Renmei, Azumanga Daioh, Princess Tutu, and Kaleido Star off the list outright made it a lot easier for me to narrow it down to 10. Only two moments on my list are from shows that have already been mentioned but they’ve both only been mentioned once and these moments are very much different from those. So anyways, here’s my list. Only covering very obvious spoilers so beware. Tried to keep most of the descriptions somewhat vague.

10. Paprika – Atsuko’s declaration of love. The world is a complete mess near the end of Paprika and out of that mess came a very unexpected conclusion: Atsuko, the woman behind Paprika, declares her love for Tokita, her genius colleague, even though he is morbidly obese. It was very touching and nice to see a love interest that isn’t very common in anime (or popular entertainment in general for that matter).

9. Shakugan no Shana (season 1) – Shana’s final attack and declaration of love. Here is another declaration of love but one that is a little more typical to anime. It still gave me all those nice warm and fuzzy feelings. Shana is just so adorable and it was great to finally see her being honest with herself. Oh, and the big fire attack was pretty cool, too.

8. Toradora! – Ryuuji talks to Taiga after her confession. And here’s a confession of a different kind. This moment isn’t about the actual confession at all but instead it’s about the aftermath. Taiga gets turned down by her crush at the end of Toradora episode two and Ryuuji is there for her and gives her an awesome speech about their own strange yet wonderful relationship. I just loved the first two episodes of this show (which seemed to cover the main plot of first volume of the original novel series). If this was just a two episode OVA I would have thought it was one of the best things I’ve ever seen, even if it would have left me craving more like a mad man. I’m looking forward to how the series goes. It will probably have some more moments later on that will surpass this one.

7. Moyashimon – Hasegawa hugs Sawaki. After being cold to pretty much everyone throughout most of the series, we see Hasegawa gradually soften up until she gives Sawaki a heartfelt hug in the last episode which actually shocks Sawaki into regaining his power to see microbes. Even though she isn’t the typical cute character type, I find Hasegawa to be freakin’ adorable.

6. Nodame Cantabile – Chiaki grabs Nodame from behind and hugs her. Another hug of epic proportions, Chiaki finds Nodame in her home town and surprises her with a hug and says he wants her to come with him to study oversees. Such a wonderful odd-couple.

5. 5 Centimeters Per Second – Night at the train station. The two childhood lovers finally meet at the train station that snowy night. Too bad it doesn’t really work out for them in the end. But that moment was still quite nice.

4. Snow Fairy Sugar – Sugar’s goodbye. After going through so many good times and bad, Sugar finished her training and had to say goodbye to Saga. A very touching and bittersweet ending to a wonderful series. My second favorite All Ages anime after Kaleido Star.

3. Zero no Tsukaima: Futatsuki no Kishi – Saito battles an army. The second season of Zero is my personal favorite out of the three that have been made so far. This is in a large part because of the last episode. Saito has Louise taken away from the battleground and holds off an entire army singlehandedly for her sake. Although he does a pretty good job at holding his own, the numbers against him were just too great and it was an impossible fight to win. Even knowing this, he still fought for her until the end. It was an awesome fight but I thought it was just as much a very touching display of devotion.

2. Black Lagoon – Rock stands up to Revy. Rock tells Revy that he doesn’t think he needs to apologize to her for anything and that he never will apologize. They have a stand-off face to face, Revy almost kills him, and Rock never backs down. Rock ends up more or less winning the argument and the two reach an understanding. And of course we can’t forget Rock lighting Revy’s cigarette at the end of the episode. Perfect Hollywood cheese.

1. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni / Kai (When They Cry 1 & 2) – Keiichi remembers. This series is easily one of my top five favorites (currently number 2 after Haruhi). I just find it to be different from anything else I’ve ever experienced and I think that as the series goes on there are just as many Wonderful moments as there are Creepy ones. And it was really hard for me to pick a moment that I liked best. In the end I chose the moment when Keiichi first remembered events from a previous Hinamizawa. It was a major turning point in the series and the remorse he felt for his actions was very touching. We finally begin to understand what the hell was going on in this twisted world. Some other notable moments for me include: Rena restrains herself at the end of her fight with Keiichi. Shion’s reunion with Satoshi. The Club fights back, the first time, and dies. Akasaka kicks some ass. The Club wins the second time. Rika’s reunion with Akasaka.

[Legion]

Sure, it was one of Akari's acid trips, but hey, those were fun.
Something that I realized was really lacking in the Animation, when I rewatched it. Not sure we got any in Origination either.

But yeah, damn Akari shows us some really surreal shit in the Natural. Merely by virtue of being twice as long as either of the other two seasons, Natural does have a number of downtime/boring episodes, but those drugged out episodes were fucking awesome. XD Can't wait to rewatch Natural when Nozomi releases the second half.

Acid trip sequences, eh? Clearly I have a lot to look forward to in collecting this show. :bigsmile:

[Legion]

Fantastic Children - When Thoma realizes that he's Seth, and we get that little flashback. My favorite scene in the whole anime; emotionally intense, engaging and shocking. Wonderful moment.

I give a lot of credit to Junko Minagawa for making that scene so powerful. She really sells it.

[TornadoTatsumaki]

Now and Then, Here and There - Like the Baker in "The Hunting of the Snark", Lalaru softly and silently vanishes away, accepting at last a fate she had so long avoided.


Oh yes I know what you mean! That's such a sad scene! I liked LaLa-Ru so much, but she knew she had to do the right thing, even if that means fading away. I think though that she will return. I mean she said she was ageless, so she will probally come back again, one day.


Paranoia Agent - Chief Ikari realizes he was living a delusion - and finally breaks free from it. raw win ensues.


OMG that scene is just amazing! It's so powerful, so emotional! This scene contains so much raw feelings! I just love this scene it helps bring the anime to a close.


10. Kare Kano - The first time they held hands. The entire episode was about Yukino looking for the perfect time to confess, and in the end all she can do is that small gesture which makes her red as a tomato. The honesty of the portrayal and the simplicity of the scene makes me melt every time.


Ah yes!! That is the cutest, most romantic, scene ever! It's so cute, I agree I "melt" everytime I see that as well. It feels so "real" to me, so much emotion in this scene! It gives me that 'awww' feeling.


1.) FLCL. Hell, it's my favorite show. It's loaded with wonderful moments for me. To distill it to one is easy, however: First episode, half way in, when Naota runs to the bridge to confront Mamimi, and The Pillows' Brand New Love Song eases into the brilliantly iconic image of her "never knows best" cigarette. "Watermelon... Or like a panda with a mean face. Or like sandals with pressure-points drawn on them. Or a blackboard eraser. Or a Sunday morning where you wake up and it's raining... Well, I like him more than hard bread.


My favorite anime(hell favorite anything) too, and I enjoy this scene! Probally because I just love Mamimi so much! That quote you gave, is like so cool! Her cigarette, the day old bread, the way the art looks, and just the way Stephanie Sheh talks at this scene one of the most wondeful in all of anime!

Suprised no one said this one yet.

Neon Genesis Evangelion - The very last episode (orignal TV series ending), where Shinji is on the "big blue ball" and everyone starts to clap for him and it they all say "congratulations" to him. That scene is so powerful, (and confuseing), so amazing, so heartfelt! It helps that this was the first episode I ever saw of Neon Genesis Evangelion. After seeing that scene I knew I loved this anime, and had to see the entire thing! (little did I know that was the LAST episode! I kept wondering "when the hell is that episode I saw going to come up", when I watched it the first time.) All in all I still love this ending, I like it better the the movie ending too.

Black Lagoon: The Second Barrage - Pretty much the last episode the twins are in. From when the one twin gets killed to the other. That is incredbly powerful, and scetched into my mind. A bit disturbing, so emotinal, and incredlby sad.

Shadow Star Narutaru - Well I just finished watching this, so even though it's fresh in my mind, one scene in perticular sticks out at me. Anyway I think it was Episode 11. Over the anime we learn Hiroko was being bullyed, and in this episode then these girls brought it to a whole new level. The girls bullying Hiroko, raped her with a test tube! The each held her down, and the meanest one acually raped her with it! And although the scene is very dark, you get the main point. Then one of them was going to kick her in the stomach! OMG that's insane, these are all 12 year old girls! That's so crazy, so horrible! It's very disturbing, very compelling, and just sickening! I still liked this anime a lot, but it's probally one of the most screwed up series I've ever seen. That scene will never be removed from my mind.

Gunslinger Girl - In the last episode when the girls sing Beethoven's 9th Symphamy, and Marco reads his cute little story to Angelica, possibly for the last time. That scene is very sad, and emotional. I really liked Angelica, and I hope she just went to sleep! I really do. That scene just sticks out in my mind.

Actaully Prede in Narutaru it occurs in episode 12. Wasn't distrubing to me at all since the same thing occurs in "Kannazuki No Miko".

Let's try this again since I Didn't know how to use spoilers

10. Nadia Secret of the Blue Water. Episode 39 "To the sky." When Nemo encourages Nadia to use the Blue Water to rescue Jean after he's killed by Gargolye and she uses it to bring him back to life. It became by far the darkest moment in the entire series.

9. Full Metal Alchemist. When Lust agrees to help Ed find the key to unlocking the gate portal and she's killed by Envy as she laments that she doesn't deserve to be saved since she's "nothing more then figment of someone's memory." I actaully started to like her and felt sorry for her.

8. Nadia. Episode 26. "King The Lonely Lion". One of the most powerful and happiest moments in the anime series is when Jean and Nadia share thier first intimate kiss with each other after Jean explians to Nadia the Gallieo theory. The chemistry between Megan Bauman and Nathaniel Parsons (who were both in middle school at the time it was dubbed in 2001) was so strong it touched me!

7. Goldenboy. I know what your thinking: "How does Goldenboy count since it's a ecchi comedy?" Well it's episode 3 "Danger! The Virgin Daughter's First Love." You discover that Kintaro is not just a dimwitted lech and fast learner, but he's also a good hearted man that can't stand to see kind,compassionate, and generous people taken advantage of when he discovers that Noriko's finacee "Kogure" is not what he seems. He's a dirty,rotten,no-good philandering sleazeball. Who's planning to take over the noodle shop with his "Mistress" and Kintaro is torn between trying to save Noriko from being date raped and trying to protect Kogure. But after he tries to beg Kogure to stop with thier plan and promises to keep quiet, Noriko overhears the malarky and becomes heartbroken when she sees that Kintaro is lying to protect Kogure by claiming that "The mistress" is Kintaro's girlfriend. The moment he decks Kogure is the only time you see Kintaro furious!

6. Kash Masi. A yuri. The moment when Yasuna confesses to Hazumu that she avioded her when she was a boy because she (Yasuna) can't see the face of men cause she's a lesbian and then throws herself on Hazu and kisses her I was like "whoa" back when I saw it at Shiokazecon back in 2006.

5. Samurai Champloo. Episode 11 "Gamblers and Gallancy" Jin is one of my favorite characters of the show. The episode when he falls in love with the young unagi stand vendor Shino is one of the best sublots for an episode ever written. I was amazed on how Jin was attracted to her. I guess it's because she's so deep,open minded and charismatic. When he first meets her, he discerns that she's planning to drown herself. Wow! He's one wise samurai! But it's interesting to note that not only as he listens to her he becomes more enamored with her, but once he discovers that she's been forced into prostution by her asshole husband who tricked her family into marrying his, Jin not only becomes her frenqent customer at the brothel but he also begins to think of a way to help her escape. His lack of expression and emotion listing to her circumstance is just incredible. When he see her being abused by her husband he has a brief indignant expression at him and briefly smiles at her. When she laughs at his intellect(because she's immpressed by it), he responds softly "That wasn't ment to be a joke." The final scene when Mugen and Fuu pitch in to help him rescue her where after Shino stands up to her husband and Jin pushes the boat away safely to the women's shelter while she floats away tearfully thanking him as he stares into her eyes is a memorable moment for me.

4. Cowboy Bebop. Final Episode. "The Real Folk blues." The final episode of the series was a surprise for me when I first saw it. I can't believe they kill off the main character! The moment where Spike plans to go after Vicious for a final confertation and Faye begs and tearfully pleads with him not to go after Vicious quote "I know that if you leave, I'll never see you again! Please don't go Spike! You won't ever come back!" Meaning she knows that if Spike goes after Vicious that he will likely be killed." When Spike get's in the Bebop and nochalantly tells Faye "Goodbye" where she's on her knees crying is a haunting moment not just because she doesn't see Spike die, but that you find out that she does love him and knows that if he leaves that he'll be killed. When you kill the protaganist off, there's no real conclusion to the show.

3. Air. The last episode where Mizuzu dying of an illness (probably cystic fibrosis since the symptoms she had were consistant with that disease, they never reveal her medical condition I guess it's up to the viewer's imagination) struggles to walk to her aunt, out of her wheelchair into her arms with a bear hug where Mizuzu closes her eyes and dies. I can tell you when I saw this at a local screening last year, there were actaully people crying sitting around me!


2. Kaliedo Star Season 2. Episode 18 "Launching an Amazing smile" Noteworthy because it marks the change in attitute for May Wong. After Layla and Cathy reject her, Layla tells May that in order for her to defeat Sora that "she must regain her smile". After the gang is booked to preform at a card trade show, May becomes filled with emotion as she discovers why Sora is always so cheerful and entegetic when she preforms. That "She's always smiling at the audience, She has the ablity to make everyone smile." After she sees some children begin to cheer for her(May) May Wong begins to preform with a warm smile across her face. At this moment not only do you see May change but you also realize that Sora is about to take over "Kaleido Stage".

#1. Kaleido Star Season 2. Episode 24 "An Amazing and inescapeable challenge." This is by far the most epic,heartwarming and emotional moment in an anime I've ever seen. This scene nearly brought me to tears! And I rarely cry when watching movies! While everyone pitches in to pratice for the big "Odette" show, Sora get's a surprise! Layla has returned to challenge her for the main role to do two things: One, to test Sora and see if she's capable of meeting someone's challenge. Two: To see how far Sora has come in two years and if the prediction made by Kalos: "Someday, the audience will come just to see her preform. In 2 years, Sora will become a true Kaleido Star. " Has come true. While both Sora and Layla preform the audition for the role for a test audience, they are mesmorized by Sora's preformance! Sora also has a special present for everyone: The Angel's heart" move. A special move that awakens everyone's aptitude. As she preforms the move, all the crew memebers begin to recall the first time they discovered thier talents after Layla remembers the first time she discovered her love for the stage, she conceeds the role to Sora and congraulates her. The score was just mesmorizing, and fit the events perfectly!!

[pi8you]

Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad - Koyuki takes the stage at Greatful Sound. With the band threatening to break up at possibly the biggest performance of their short career as a band so far, Koyuki decides that he isn't going to disappoint their fans. Whether the others show up or not doesn't matter: It's just something he has to do.
This. A thousand times This.

It really should just be called ARIA the WONDERFUL, there's nary a moment I wouldn't want to include here.

Lots of good stuff here, to add something fresh- The end of El-Hazard: The Magnificent World, when Ifurita, wandering the school grounds(in glorious sunset), once again finds Makoto, waiting for her with the PKS and nothing but love in his eyes.

And, though it might be too happy-sad for the theme of the thread, the Tachikomas self-sacrifice at the end of GitS SAC 2nd GIG gets me every time.

[bctaris]

2. Black Lagoon – Rock stands up to Revy. Rock tells Revy that he doesn’t think he needs to apologize to her for anything and that he never will apologize. They have a stand-off face to face, Revy almost kills him, and Rock never backs down. Rock ends up more or less winning the argument and the two reach an understanding. And of course we can’t forget Rock lighting Revy’s cigarette at the end of the episode. Perfect Hollywood cheese.

I thought of that one, too. Great choice. Most moments in BL are, of course, in the awesome category, but this is certainly one of the very few "wonderful" ones. What's great about it is that it's where Revy starts to respect Rock--he nearly gets her to break as no one else has been able to do, but as her pride wouldn't allow it, she reverts in the end to her usual demeanor with him, as if the fight hadn't even happened. But in so doing she allows that she and Rock are equals. It's an effective scene, even in all the Hollywood glitz.

[Hayate Kurogane]

Hmmm... I haven't been reading GA much as of late, but I should start again since 'Stax is apparently committing some serious MIND-TAKING when I'm not looking. I was just talking about this very same thing with someone a couple of days ago, perhaps right around THE SAME TIME this thread was started. Martialstax, the MIND-TAKER? ...ooooEEEEoooo...

(Gold star for the reference!)

There *may* be SPOILERS in here beyond what I've spoiler-tagged. So, y'know, just go away if you're not sure about a given title.

My own top ten wonderful moments in anime:

10. Porco Rosso - Fio's kiss. Just a little kiss from Fio, and perhaps the fact that we don't actually see the result onscreen adds to what is the charming conclusion to my most-enjoyed Miyazaki film.

9. Royal Space Force ~ The Wings of Honneamise - Shiro launches into space. The film is one of my favorites, anime or otherwise, and the launch of the rocket at the end is a fine and fitting conclusion, both to the effort put forth by the team and to the more personal journey taken by Shiro himself.

8. Macross: Do You Remember Love? - "Ai, Oboete Imasu ka" and the assault on Boldolzaa's flagship. A scene I first saw almost twenty years ago that has since been my personal standard (for better or worse) for dramatic and optimistic final battles, featuring what is still the best song offered by the Macross franchise.

7. El-Hazard: The Magnificent World - Makoto returns to Ifurita. Despite seemingly being separated forever, Makoto is ultimately able to return across space and time to find his true love again. The preceding scene also deserves an honorable mention for the emotional revisiting of their meeting at the beginning of the series.

6. Love Hina Christmas Special - Naru puts on the coat Keitaro bought for her. So, yeah, Love Hina. Setting the rest of the anime aside, I've always really liked the Christmas Special, and the scene towards the end where Naru puts on the coat and everyone all ends up together is just warm and fuzzy enough, and just serious and silly enough, to click with me. *shrug*

5. Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection - Kenshin returns to Kaoru. A perfect, poignant finale to Kenshin's long and difficult journey. A controversial ending among fans, but one that I've always considered to be honest and thoughtful, and far superior to anything the original work had to offer in its characterizations and storytelling.

4. Kaleido Star - Sora and Layla perform the Great Legendary Maneuver. Borrowed from 'Stax's list, and others. A great moment in a series that sits solidly in the number one spot on my list of favorite anime titles.

3. Tenchi: The Movie - "Time is short, but Nobuyuki and I will live our lives to the fullest..." I started to list the moment when Achika fully manifests her Jurai powers in battle against Kain, and much lower on the list, but stopped and thought a bit, and realized that there was a much better moment than that, one that really put that knot in my chest and made my eyes a bit misty. Achika's final conversation with Ryoko and Ayeka, saying goodbye and entrusting to them the son that she will never get to know as anything but a child. A wonderful, if sad, scene, and a fine farewell to a remarkable character that both viewers and cast got to know only too briefly.

2. Kaleido Star: New Wings - "You are my pride." It's interesting that Kaleido Star has been mentioned by so many folks in this thread, though with some difficulty as far as choosing between endings and moments. I've already mentioned The Great Maneuver, but it's a moment from the second season (and not even the final performance in that season!) that ranks higher on my list. The culmination of Layla's introspective changes and growth, and the changes in her relationship with Sora, all perfectly captured in one scene, one line. Having kept season 1 in mind, and seeing how the final episode of season 2 was going, tissues were close at hand during the first viewing, though I underestimated. I quite literally started sobbing as Layla delivered that line (obviously personal reasons come into play here on top of the impact of the scene itself, but that's another story), and I actually had to go back later and rewatch the episode from that point onwards in order to get a better sense of what happened. Yeah, yeah, I know. Leave me alone. :sweat:

1. Gunbuster 2 - "That night, Buster Machines 1 and 2 returned to Earth. WELCOME BACK." I will readily admit that this scene is on this list primarily due to the setup and investment provided by the original Gunbuster. Though I also should point out that, and this may give some folks multiple aneurysms, the scene as it exists in the original Gunbuster obviously doesn't rate high enough on its own to make the list. While it is a wonderful moment in Gunbuster when Noriko and Kazumi return to Earth 12,000 years later and are welcomed by humanity, still alive and well, it's not one that ever really did much for me. Gunbuster 2's revisiting of that scene, but in a different context I think helps to highlight why.

I'm very much in agreement with what (Director) Kazuya Tsurumaki has remarked about the ending, in that Gunbuster 2 makes the return much more personal and much more emotional as a result. Instead of Noriko and Kazumi coming home to be welcomed by a planet full of anonymous people who may only have a passing notion of what the two of them have done for humanity thousands of years ago, they're coming home to be welcomed by Lal'C, who knows what it is to fight with all her might alongside someone she cares deeply for in order to save the Earth. And, while she has never met Noriko before, she *wants* to meet her, a person who was so much an inspiration to and so much a part of Nono, her best friend.

It's perfect closure to not only Gunbuster 2's story and its characters, but Gunbuster's as well by taking that original ending that, in itself, is somewhat bittersweet, and turning it into a truly wonderful moment.

[Zalis]

#4: ARIA The Origination: Going to go with a different moment than what others have mentioned. Don't recall the exact episode #, but it was...
That's what everyone else is talking about too. Certainly is what I meant, anyway.I see. I was basing that off the fact that most of the posts I read that explicitly spelled something out went with Akari's promotion and Alicia's retirement. But they're all equally good.

[Njr Scrawl]

Your posts are an inspiration! :)

10. Ryoko speaks! (Japanese)
1st episode of the 1st Tenchi OVA series. Ryoko introduces herself to Tenchi after her 1st attack on his school. Ai Orikasa's voice & tone is so perfect for the character, even though she only says a few words.

9. Nadia reaches out to touch a cloud
Early Nadia episode. She goes flying as passenger with Jean as pilot. They fly by a cloud & Nadia is so thrilled, she reaches out to touch one.

8. Belldandy comes through the mirror (OVA)
First time we see Belldandy. Beautiful face, lovely voice, & a charming personality as immediate impression.

7. Gunbuster's ending
Need I say more? Relief, joy, ecstacy, tears! I've had all these watching that ending.

6. Rei Ayanami's smile
After Operation Yashima is over, Shinji has opened her plug hatch & tells her she should smile. Rei sees the similarity between Shinji & Gendou & smiles. There are 3 versions. My favourite is the original, followed by Rebuild, then Death(True)2.

5. Godai & Kyoko disagree, then agree (finally).
After the spat at the bar, Kyoko & Godai walk home in the rain bickering & trying to sort out why they always end up fighting.
Godai is giving Kyoko's drunken but vocal father a piggy back ride home. Its the turning point in Maison Ikkoku after which things mellow & start to become truly romantic.

4. Revy & Balalaika standoff
Balalaika lectures Rock, at gunpoint, on "truth". Rock argues back. Revy aiming point blank at Balalaika says her trigger fingers are getting tired.

3. Misato pops a cap
Misato on her own uses martial arts & her handgun to take down a JSSDF death squad in End of Evangelion. The last soldier standing gets a second mouth.

2. Kyosuke has "perverted eyes"
KOR, of course. Movie 2. Kyosuke is staying at Madoka's house. He has seen her cleavage. Madoka notices. She says to him "You have perverted eyes".

1. Madoka bites the apple
The desert island episode of Kimagure Orange Road TV. Madoka & Kyosuke are sitting by a campfire & only an apple left to eat between them. Kyosuke takes a bite & gives the apple to Madoka, who deliberately bites over his bite. After this episode their bond is much deeper.

[something]

I see. I was basing that off the fact that most of the posts I read that explicitly spelled something out went with...
::checks:: Heh, actually, before you only one person who mentioned Origination didn't mention the scene in question (me, nork, splitter, ashyukun, spirit of the stage mentioned it). Just goes to show how powerful it is.... and who the best character is! =P

But yeah, it's not like the rest of the show wasn't almost as mind-bogglingly good. I cried many a time, not just once. <3

[Ashyukun]

OK, after the last few days I'm going to have to add one to mine... though it at the same time qualifies for a companion thread I think should exist to this one, "Top 10 Heartwrending Moments in Anime." Unfortunately this one pretty much requires a sea of black bars...

Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann- The final episode- after literally fighting and beating the Universe to save Earth and all the Spiral races and to be together, Nia and Simon are finally married- only to have her finally fade away at the end of the ceremony due to her having been transformed into the avatar of the Anti-Spiral. Both knew this would happen, and yet face it with nothing but love and happiness in their eyes for the time they've had together and with no regrets for what won't ever be.

And yeah, something is quite right- Origination(and Aria as a whole...) almost doesn't belong in this discussion because it's not fair to the rest of the shows....

[populuxe]

Hmmm... I haven't been reading GA much as of late, but I should start again since 'Stax is apparently committing some serious MIND-TAKING when I'm not looking. I was just talking about this very same thing with someone a couple of days ago, perhaps right around THE SAME TIME this thread was started. Martialstax, the MIND-TAKER? ...ooooEEEEoooo...

(Gold star for the reference!)

...ooooEEEEoooo... I am MenStax the Mind-Taker! You will tell me all your favorite wonderful moments in anime! ...ooooEEEEoooo...

[Evil SDude]

I would agree with most of those mentioned so far, one I would have to add is Episode 39 of Twelve Kingdons when Youko goes to the top of the town castle walls & talks to Keiki & then rides off on him, revealing to everyone that she is actually the queen. Made even better by her confronting of the generals of the royal army, which shows how much she has progressed during the course of the series.

[Njr Scrawl]

As Planetes has been mentioned, I thought I'd add my own, though not in my top 10 for today. :)

Its about Yuri's personal mission. When he retrieves the compass which his wife gave him, & which he lost in the shuttle accident in which she was killed, the very scene shown in the show's introduction.

[DJ_72]

Two closing themes...

Figure 17--Uplifting song with nice visuals. But I mention it because it focuses on the heart of the show: the bond between Tsubasa and Hikaru. It's my all-time favorite series and this closing gets more poignant every time I watch.

Last Exile---Best artwork of a visually impressive show and the song is beautiful. It effectively conveys Al's sense of wonder and leaves the audience with the sense that everything will be okay in the end.

[Garasharp K7]

Far too many moments to mention, so I'll just go with a few for now.

Azumanga Daioh - Tomo spreads cuteness throughout the school. The point where she spots Yomi during her mad dash is just priceless.

Mahoromatic Summer Special - the opening scene. We see Mahoro going about her business when she turns to the 'camera' and says "I'm still here!" It's certainly a wonderful scene if you've just finished watching the tv series.

GunBuster 2 - "Nono, is that you?" We already know Nono is a robot, but she's not just a mere android. Death and destruction everywhere, the biggest damn space monster (at this point) has all but annhilated the Buster Machine squad, and legions of smaller beasts converge on her position. Nono stands there amidst the chaos, humming the OP theme from the original GunBuster, then disappears - only to reappear transformed: into Buster Machine no. 7. Wonderfully epic scene.

'Stax and Kouji already mentioned two great moments in Nadesico, (and both are favourites of mine too) so I'll mention one that while not really spectacular, it's still one of my favourite scenes: It's just Akatsuki and the other pilots trudging through the Russian wilderness in their mechs.
Why do I like it so much? It's the song; that catchy little tune that plays while they march. I find myself singing along to it every time I watch that episode. Ichi! Ni! San! Shi! :)
I really like Yurika's performance at the talent show as well.

[djanss]

Far too many moments to mention, so I'll just go with a few for now.

Azumanga Daioh - Tomo spreads cuteness throughout the school. The point where she spots Yomi during her mad dash is just priceless.

Right episode, wrong moment:
Should be the "Victory parade" after the festival...Just the way the AzD'ers can transform any bit of Tomo Insanity into a cuddly philosophical one.
(And brought back to earth with the running-gag stinger immediately afterwards.)

I like when a card-carrying scoundrel becomes momentarily human. I'm thinking of Ataru's change of heart toward Lum -- brief though it was -- at the end of the Christmas "pretend date" episode in (I think) Season 1.
Yeah, it's been echoed a couple times in the thread. And I agree. It's the missing 10th moment on my earlier list. There are actually a number of great moments in that series, but that was the first, and it rippled through the entire series. A classic.

Although nowhere near as instantly-iconic as Lum's glomp-hug on Ataru's arm at the end of the "Parallel universes" episode...