Top 10 Anime Catchphrases

Top 10 Anime Catchphrases

They’re going to say it any second now...there we go! Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we are counting down our picks for the top ten anime catchphrases.

For this list, we’ll be looking at the phrases spoken across anime series that have become synonymous with their respective characters. Also, be on the lookout for a few spoilers down the line.

#10: Plus Ultra

“My Hero Academia” (2016-)

Every school has their own slogan or chant, but there’s little chance you’ll find one as awesome as this. Often spoken by both the students and the faculty who attend U.A High, the phrase is meant to inspire the heroes of tomorrow to go beyond their limits and win the day. As it happens, there’s a lot of potency to it, as during his battle with the seemingly invulnerable Noumu, All Might used the phrase to push himself beyond what he thought capable, resulting in one hell of a punch.

#9: In The Name Of The Moon I Will Punish You

“Sailor Moon” series (1992-2016)

Yeah it might sound a little goofy, and it was only uttered in the original Japanese, but there’s still something oddly fitting about the leader of the Sailor Senshi swearing on a natural satellite that she will punish her foes. Given how the show managed to introduce, pioneer and popularise many of the magical girl clichés we have learned to love over the years, we’d say that her adorkable promise of beating the crap out of villains on behalf of the moon still earns a spot on the list.

#8: Believe It

“Naruto” series (2002-)

Granted, as he matured he slowly dropped this phrase, but when he was still just an amateur ninja with a dream, you couldn’t stop Naruto from spouting these words every chance he got. Looked down on by the Hidden Leaf Village his whole life because of the demon that lurks inside of him, the young Uzumaki vowed to win everyone’s respect by aspiring to become the Hokage, and with it came this age-old saying, which proved to be just as catchy with both the dubbed and subbed versions of the show (xref).

#7: There’s Only One Truth

“Detective Conan” (1996-)

The guy is one of if not the greatest investigator to ever grace anime, damn right he was going to have an awesome catchphrase! Like a true detective. Shinichi Kudo only believes in evidence, facts and himself. Of course, doubt Is always bound to rear its head given the many, many, many, many, many cases he has undertaken over the years, As such, whenever he is in a tough spot or is about to solve a mystery, you can always count of him to let loose this zinger. We also have to give special mention to the dubbed version of the catchphrase, which is short, sweet and to the point.

#6: It’s Time To Duel

“Yu-Gi-Oh” (2000-04)

You will believe that an anime can make a children’s card game epic. Without a shadow of a doubt, if two duellists in this series meet up and are about to square off, there’s a guarantee one of them is going to declare that it’s time to duel. Of course, the most notable one in this is case is Yugi. It’s such an infectious catchphrase that it somehow made its way into the dubbed opening. It may not have as much attention, but the original Japanese phrase “Ore no Turn” is also worthy of mention given how every protagonist says it across the franchise (xref).

#5: Nico Nico Nii

“Love Live!” (2013-14)

This catchphrase became so infamous that it ascended to become one anime’s greatest memes. In a bid to demonstrate to her friends the cuteness required of an idol, Yazawa Nico performs the following quote, complete with all manner of posing. While it certainly achieves its goal, what’s so surprising is the legacy it’s left behind. You can fight it all you want and try to convince yourself that you find it annoying, but it’s only a matter of time before you are chanting it along with Nico…Nico Nii, goddamn it!

#4: It’s Not Zura, It’s Katsura

“Gintama” (2006-)

Poor Katsura, try as he might no one can get his name right. And we mean everyone. Gin is most guilty of this, but thanks to Katsura’s deadpan response the gag never gets old. On the contrary, we wish people would call him Zura more often! While he’s a badass freedom fighter who can go toe to toe with any member of the Amanto or Shinsengumi, all anyone is ever going to remember is the wrong name. Ah well, a least he will always have Elizabeth by his side.

#3: Yare Yare Daze

“JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” (2012-16)

Good grief, sometimes life can be such a pain in the ass, especially if you’re Jotaro Kujo. After discovering his Joestar lineage, the fact he can summon a psychic attack spirit called a Stand and has to deal with the likes of Dio Brando, Jotaro comes to frequently let loose this phrase to describe his frustration in a low-key kind of way. Granted, compared to his usual violent antics, this catchphrase highlights a much more reserved side to his personality, though it’s doubtful to stay that way. Don’t be surprised if Yare Yare Daze switches to Ora Ora Ora in a heartbeat!

#2: Just Who The Hell Do You Think I Am?

“GurrenLagann” (2007)

Oh Kamina, you were truly gone to soon! Nothing could compare to your bravado and irreplaceable swag. While we’ll never forget the way he wielded that massive sword, his disinterest in shirts and awesome signature shades, what we all remember most about him are these immortal words. Often uttered when up against the ropes, Kamina will shake off any shred of anxiety with this phrase and push himself until he achieves victory. Even in death, his spirit is so strong that the phrase is adopted by the rest of Team Dai-Gurren. We miss you Kamina.

#1: You Are Already Dead

“Fist of the North Star” (1984-88)

Has there ever been a more chilling, manly or badass catchphrase than this? As the most beastly character to ever wander across a post-apocalyptic wasteland, Kenshiro is more than adept when it comes to dispensing justice on any raiders he comes across. Through the art of Hokuto Shinken, a single touch can make his foes contort and explode on a moment’s notice. If that wasn’t awesome enough, before the kill is complete, Kenshiro always manages to sneak in this phrase, putting the final nail in the coffin.