Anime vs. Animation — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 20, 2023
Anime is a style of animation from Japan; animation is a broader technique of creating moving images.
Difference Between Anime and Animation
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Anime primarily refers to a distinctive form of animated content from Japan, characterized by colorful artwork, unique themes, and vibrant characters. It often delves into various genres and can cater to numerous age groups, not just children.
On the other hand, Animation is a wide-ranging term that encompasses the process of making images or objects appear to move. This method is utilized in various cultures worldwide and can manifest in various styles and formats, from American cartoons to stop-motion films.
Though Anime is indeed a subset of animation, what distinguishes it from other animations is its cultural origin and stylistic approach. Elements such as exaggerated facial expressions, large eyes, and often a more mature thematic content are typical of anime.
Whereas Animation as a term is neutral concerning style and origin. It can include anything from computer-generated imagery in a Hollywood blockbuster to a hand-drawn sketch brought to life. Whether you're watching a Pixar film or a French animated short, you're enjoying the vast realm of animation.
In summation, while Anime is a particular and culturally rooted form of animation from Japan, Animation is a comprehensive term that includes all techniques and styles used to produce moving visuals.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
Japan
Global
Styles
Distinctive Japanese style
Varies (2D, 3D, stop-motion, etc.)
Themes
Can be broader (adults to kids)
Broad (all ages, various themes)
Cultural Context
Specific to Japanese culture
Universal
Technical Definition
Subset of animation
Technique of creating moving visuals
Compare with Definitions
Anime
Japanese style of animated film or show.
My Neighbor Totoro is a classic Anime loved by many.
Animation
Universally used in various media like movies, TV, games.
The Animation quality in modern video games is often cinematic.
Anime
Can have complex storylines and diverse characters.
The Anime Death Note delves into morality and intelligence.
Animation
Encompasses a variety of styles and formats.
Claymation is a unique form of stop-motion Animation.
Anime
Caters to a wide range of age groups.
Cowboy Bebop is an Anime series tailored more for adults than kids.
Animation
Involves sequencing individual frames in rapid succession.
Old-school Animation used flipbooks to create motion.
Anime
Characterized by colorful graphics and vibrant characters.
The visuals of the Anime Spirited Away are breathtaking.
Animation
Animation is a method in which figures are manipulated to appear as moving images. In traditional animation, images are drawn or painted by hand on transparent celluloid sheets to be photographed and exhibited on film.
Anime
Anime (Japanese: アニメ, IPA: [aɲime] (listen)) is hand-drawn and computer animation originating from Japan. In Japan and in Japanese, anime (a term derived from the English word animation) describes all animated works, regardless of style or origin.
Animation
The act, process, or result of imparting life, interest, spirit, motion, or activity.
Anime
A style of Japanese film and television animation, typically aimed at adults as well as children.
Animation
The quality or condition of being alive, active, spirited, or vigorous.
Anime
A style of animation developed in Japan, characterized by stylized colorful art and often adult themes.
Animation
The art or process of making movies with drawings, computer graphics, or photographs of static objects, including all techniques other than the continuous filming of live-action images.
Anime
(uncountable) An artistic style originating in, and associated with, Japanese animation, and that has also been adopted by a comparatively low number of animated works from other countries.
I can draw an anime version of you, if you want.
Animation
Images or special effects created through animation.
Anime
(countable) An animated work that originated in Japan, regardless of the artistic style.
Animation
The act of animating, or giving life or spirit.
Anime
An animated work, regardless of the country of origin.
Animation
The technique of making inanimate objects or drawings appear to move in motion pictures or computer graphics; the object (film, computer game, etc.) so produced
Anime
Alternative spelling of animé, the resin of the courbaril.
Animation
The state of being lively, brisk, or full of spirit and vigor; vivacity; spiritedness
He recited the story with great animation.
Anime
Of a different tincture from the animal itself; - said of the eyes of a rapacious animal.
Animation
The condition of being animate or alive.
Anime
A resin exuding from a tropical American tree (Hymenæa courbaril), and much used by varnish makers.
Animation
(linguistics) conversion from the inanimate to animate grammatical category
Anime
A hard copal derived from an African tree
Animation
Activities offered by a holiday resort encompassing activities that include movement, joy, leisure and spectacle, such as games, sports, shows, events, etc.
Anime
Any of various resins or oleoresins
Animation
The act of animating, or giving life or spirit; the state of being animate or alive.
The animation of the same soul quickening the whole frame.
Perhaps an inanimate thing supplies me, while I am speaking, with whatever I possess of animation.
Anime
Often includes fantastical themes or settings.
Attack on Titan is an Anime set in a world with giant humanoid creatures.
Animation
The state of being lively, brisk, or full of spirit and vigor; vivacity; spiritedness; as, he recited the story with great animation.
Animation
The condition of living or the state of being alive;
While there's life there's hope
Life depends on many chemical and physical processes
Animation
The property of being able to survive and grow;
The vitality of a seed
Animation
Quality of being active or spirited or alive and vigorous
Animation
The activity of giving vitality and vigour to something
Animation
The making of animated cartoons
Animation
General activity and motion
Animation
Technique of creating the illusion of motion.
The Animation in Toy Story was groundbreaking for its time.
Animation
Can be hand-drawn or computer-generated.
Classic Disney movies feature hand-drawn Animation.
Common Curiosities
Is all Anime just for children?
No, Anime spans various genres and caters to all age groups, including adults.
How long has Anime been around?
Anime, in a format recognizable today, began emerging in the early 20th century in Japan.
What's the difference between 2D and 3D Animation?
2D Animation is flat, using height and width, while 3D Animation adds depth, giving a three-dimensional look.
What was the first full-length Animation movie?
The first full-length Animation movie was "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" by Disney.
Can a show produced outside of Japan be termed Anime?
Traditionally, Anime refers to animation from Japan. However, some use it for anime-style works from other countries.
Are cartoons and Animation the same?
Cartoons are a subset of Animation, often with a comedic or simplistic style.
Why do Anime characters have large eyes?
Large eyes in Anime are a stylistic choice, often used to express emotions more vividly.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
