Read our in-depth review of Attack on Titan, the groundbreaking anime series that blends action, philosophy, and emotional depth. Discover why this show is considered one of the greatest anime of all time.
Attack on Titan Series Review – A Masterpiece of Modern Anime
Original Title: Shingeki no Kyojin
Created by: Hajime Isayama
Studios: Wit Studio (Seasons 1–3), MAPPA (Final Season)
Genre: Action, Dark Fantasy, Political Thriller, Post-Apocalyptic
Seasons: 4 (Final Season split into parts)
Episodes: 87 total
Streaming on: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu, and others
Overview
Attack on Titan (AOT) is not just an anime — it’s a cultural phenomenon. What began as a simple survival story about humanity fighting giant man-eating Titans evolved into a rich, complex narrative about war, freedom, identity, and the cycle of hatred. It transformed the global anime landscape, drawing in viewers beyond the typical anime fanbase.
Plot Summary (Without Major Spoilers)
The story is set in a world where humanity lives within enormous walled cities to protect themselves from Titans — massive humanoid creatures that devour humans. The protagonist, Eren Yeager, joins the military after a personal tragedy and vows to eradicate every Titan. However, as the story unfolds, layers of political intrigue, ancient conspiracies, and brutal moral choices are revealed.
What begins as a battle for survival turns into an exploration of history, truth, and the price of freedom.
Story Arcs Breakdown
- Season 1 (The Fall & Survival Arc):
Introduces the world of Titans, the military structure, and main characters. It focuses on fear, trauma, and heroism. - Season 2 (Secrets & Betrayal):
A tighter, more emotional season that reveals shocking truths and expands on side characters. - Season 3 (Politics, Revolution, and Truth):
Split into two halves — the first focused on human vs. human conflict and political corruption, and the second reveals the true history of the world. - Final Season (War & Ideology):
A darker, morally gray arc showing different perspectives of war. Characters are challenged by ideology, nationalism, and the weight of inherited hatred.
Characters & Development
- Eren Yeager:
Starts as a hot-headed youth and transforms into one of anime’s most debated protagonists. His character arc is bold, controversial, and deeply philosophical. - Mikasa Ackerman & Armin Arlert:
Eren’s closest friends who go through significant growth, each grappling with loyalty, love, and their own sense of justice. - Levi Ackerman:
A fan favorite, Levi is humanity’s strongest soldier, known for his skill and stoic demeanor. He represents discipline and quiet resilience. - Reiner, Zeke, and others:
Later seasons dive into the perspectives of supposed “enemies,” making the viewer question who the true villains are.
Themes
- Freedom vs. Oppression
- The Cost of War and Violence
- Cycle of Hatred and Vengeance
- Identity and Moral Ambiguity
- Truth and History Manipulation
The series constantly forces the audience to reconsider their assumptions, showing how narratives are shaped by perspective and trauma.
Animation & Music
- Wit Studio (Seasons 1–3):
Praised for fluid animation, intense action sequences, and dynamic camera movement (especially ODM gear scenes). - MAPPA (Final Season):
Took a more grounded, realistic tone with detailed facial expressions and war-heavy cinematography. Some CGI was divisive but improved with each part. - Music (by Hiroyuki Sawano & Kohta Yamamoto):
Epic, emotionally driven OSTs like “Vogel im Käfig”, “Call of Silence”, and “Ashes on the Fire” elevate the tension and drama to cinematic levels.
Voice Acting
Both the Japanese and English dubs are exceptional. Yuki Kaji (Eren) and Bryce Papenbrook (Eren English VA) deliver unforgettable performances, especially in the Final Season.
Criticisms
- The pacing in some arcs (like early Season 3) can feel slow.
- The complexity of the lore in later seasons may overwhelm casual viewers.
- The final episodes were divisive, with debates about the ending’s philosophical message and character motivations.
Legacy and Impact
Attack on Titan changed how anime was perceived globally. It became a gateway anime for millions and drew comparisons to western prestige television like Game of Thrones due to its unpredictable plot and moral complexity.
It pushed boundaries in storytelling, character development, and political commentary, making it one of the most analyzed and discussed anime of all time.
Final Verdict
Best Movie Review(BMR) Rating: 9.5/10
Attack on Titan is a bold, emotionally intense, and philosophically rich anime that redefined what the medium could do. It challenges viewers to reflect on their own world while delivering breathtaking action and unforgettable characters. A modern classic that will be discussed for decades.