Why Do Anime Fans Hate It When You Call It a Cartoon?
I walked into the living room the other day and found my brother deeply engrossed in something animated.
Being the curious (and slightly annoying) sibling that I am, I casually asked, “What cartoon is this?”
He froze. The room went silent. Slowly, he turned his head toward me, eyes narrowed. “It’s not a cartoon.”
I smirked. “What do you mean? It’s literally animation.” I thought to myself.
Still no response. Just the intense background music from the TV.
I must confess… I was seeking v!olence to be honest. I tried again. “Okay, so what’s the name?”
He sighed dramatically, like he was about to explain quantum physics to a toddler. “Vinland Saga.”
“Alright then… Vinland Saga cartoon.”
At that moment, I could see the sheer pain in his eyes. The betrayal. The unspoken rage. If looks could kill.
That reaction made me wonder—why do anime fans get so offended when you call their favorite shows cartoons?
I watch anime sometimes too. I mean Iv seen Naruto, a few episodes of one punch man, the first episode of AOT and a few others. I’m not a die hard fan… I just watch these cartoons… I mean anime… to pass time… sometimes.
Is Anime a Cartoon? Technically, Yes.
Let’s get the facts straight. By definition, anime is a cartoon. The word “cartoon” refers to any animated content, regardless of where it comes from. Japanese anime, American animations, French animations—it’s all technically cartoons. So, in a literal sense, calling Vinland Saga a cartoon isn’t wrong.
But as I learned from my brother’s soul-piercing glare, it feels wrong to anime fans. And there’s a reason for that.
Why Do Anime Fans Hate the Word “Cartoon”?
1. Cartoons Are Seen as Kids’ Stuff – When people hear “cartoon,” they often think of lighthearted, goofy shows like Tom and Jerry or SpongeBob SquarePants. But anime covers a wide range of genres, from psychological thrillers to horror and complex dramas. Calling something like Attack on Titan a cartoon feels like comparing Game of thrones to Sesame Street.
2. Anime Has Its Own Identity – Anime isn’t just a style of animation—it’s a whole culture. The art style, the storytelling, the emotional depth—everything about anime sets it apart from Western animation. To fans, calling it a cartoon strips away that unique identity and lumps it into something generic.
3. It’s About Respect – Many anime fans have spent years defending their love for the medium. They’ve had to deal with people assuming all animation is for kids or dismissing anime as something childish. So, when someone casually calls anime a cartoon, it can feel like an insult—a refusal to acknowledge the artistry and depth that anime brings to the table.
The Art of Avoiding the Bombastic Side Eye
So, should you stop calling anime cartoons? Well, technically, you don’t have to. But if you want to avoid unnecessary arguments (or the kind of side-eye that makes you rethink your life choices), it’s probably best to just say “anime.” It’s a small tweak, but it goes a long way in showing respect for something people deeply care about.
Next time I see my brother watching anime, I know myself. I’ll still call it a cartoon. If I want to be a lil bit polite I’ll call it an animated film. Few syllables added, but you get my point.
Call me whatever you want. And who knows? Maybe I’ll even sit down and watch an episode or two. After all, if it can make him that emotional, it’s probably worth checking out. Do you watch anime?. If you do, why do you love it so much?
