Mothers often play a big role in media, and that's no different for anime. They can be a voice of reason, a loving support system, or even a painful regret. Anime moms come in all forms, often acting as a driving force for their children, be it positive or negative.
RELATED: 10 Anime That Remind Us To Appreciate Our Sisters
Some provide their kids with a sense of security, while others leave them with an empty hole in their hearts, formed by their absence. There are many iconic mothers throughout anime, and for better or worse, each act as a reminder to fans to always appreciate the vital part mothers play in everyone's lives.
10 Ponyo Features Two Amazing And Strong Mothers
Fans may love the two young protagonists of Studio Ghibli's Ponyo the most, but there's no denying that the film features some great parental figures. Sosuke's mother, Lisa, and Ponyo's mother, Granmamare, are from two completely different worlds, but they're both shining examples of wonderful anime moms.
They're strong, protective, and loving to both Ponyo and Sosuke. Above all else, their children's happiness means the most to them. With such amazing moms looking out for them, Ponyo and Sosuke are able to live happy lives together.
9 The Mothers In Dororo Fight For Their Children's Survival
Mothers often instinctually protect their children, putting them before even their own safety, and that's exactly what the mothers in Dororo all do. In a war-torn and unforgiving land, many struggle to survive each day. However, the two protagonists manage to continue living, thanks to the efforts of their loving mothers.
They sacrifice their own well-being, and eventually their lives, all in the name of protecting the one they love the most. It's a testament to the strength of a mother's love and the lengths she'll go to for her children.
8 My Hero Academia Shows Just How Important The Support Of A Mother Can Be
The heroes and villains of My Hero Academia always take center stage, but there's an unsung hero among the regular civilians. Protagonist Izuku Midoriya has always dreamed of becoming a hero his entire life. And even though that dream seemed impossible for the longest time, he always had one supporter behind him. From the start, Inko Midoriya has cheered her ambitious son on.
She never stopped believing in him, and once he finally gained the power to live his dream, she became his biggest fan. Her encouragement shows just how vital the support of a mom can truly be and what positive encouragement does to help children achieve their dreams.
7 Pokémon's Protagonist Wouldn't Have Gotten Far Without His Mom
Ash Ketchum may be the hero of the Pokémon franchise, but he would be nowhere without the support of his mother Delia. From the start, she's helped him on his journey to becoming a Pokémon Master, and her love and encouragement have given Ash the strength he needs to keep fighting. Even after many crushing defeats, Delia is there to pick him back up and motivate him to keep trying.
RELATED: 10 One Piece Characters That Would Make Great Pokémon Masters
The two of them may be far apart now, but that's never stopped Delia from doing whatever she can to aid her son when he's in trouble and needs it the most. She's a constant positive force in Ash's life, reminding fans just how important support from the sidelines can be.
6 Maquia: When The Promised Flower Blooms Is A Heartbreaking Story Of Motherhood
Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms is a beautiful and heartfelt story of the loving bond between a mother and child. After finding herself stranded and completely alone, young Maquia discovers an orphaned baby and quickly takes him in as her own. As she raises him, the audience watches as a strong bond of love forms between the two.
However, Maquia comes from an immortal race known as the Iorph, and because of this, she knows one day she'll outlive her adoptive child. This heartbreaking story is an emotional and powerful reminder that the bond between mother and child isn't always one of blood and that sometimes, found family is the strongest love of all.
5 Hana Raises Her Children To Choose Their Own Lives In Wolf Children
Wolf Children is an unforgettable film that highlights the importance of a mother's guidance. Throughout the movie, protagonist Hana works hard to care for her two very unique children all on her own. She knows that as they grow, they'll both have to make their own decisions and choose whether or not to remain as humans or give in to their wolf sides completely.
Though this means she risks losing them and living all alone, she gives them the freedom to choose their own paths in life, knowing that's what's best for them in the end. It's a profound and beautiful story that reminds viewers of the many sacrifices mothers make for their children every day.
4 Naruto Reminds Fans To Never Take Their Mothers For Granted
Naruto faced a painful upbringing as a child, living without his parents. Throughout the series, his loneliness can be felt by the audience, but it isn't until he finally meets his mother for the first time that it really sinks in how much he misses her.
Kushina appears much later in Naruto, but her brief time with her son is filled with emotion as she recounts her life with Minato and their joy and excitement upon learning they were to have a child. Though they only reunite temporarily, it's enough for fans to see just how much living without his mom has affected Naruto.
Without Trisha Elric, there would be no story in Fullmetal Alchemist. Her tragic and untimely death shakes young Ed and Al to the core. Living without her seems so impossible that they're willing to risk it all just for the chance to bring her back. Though this action backfires in the worst way possible, it shows just how important she was in their lives. Trisha symbolizes the strong love between a mother and her children.
RELATED: The 10 Cruelest Anime Twists, Ranked
Sometimes, this bond is so powerful that it makes someone willing to do the unthinkable for the sake of feeling this love again. It's a reminder for fans to count their blessings and enjoy the time they do have with their own mothers because it's uncertain how long they'll be around.
2 Fruits Basket Centers Around Tohru And Her Endless Love For Her Mother
Kyoko Honda is one of the greatest anime mothers of all time, and her relationship with Tohru in Fruits Basket is nothing short of touching. She's easily one of the most important people in Tohru's life, and her death affects her in just about every way possible.
Throughout the series, Tohru struggles with her grief over her mother's loss. Everything she does is with Kyoko in mind, and she strives to be a person she can be proud of. Their unbreakable bond is incredible and shows just how deep the love between mother and daughter can run.
1 Clannad's Focuses On Family And The Incredible Love Of Mothers
From the start, Clannad has a strong emphasis on family, be it biological or found family. The characters are all tightly connected with one another, and their destinies become intertwined the moment Tomoya and Nagisa first meet at the bottom of the hill. There are many amazing mothers in the series, starting with Nagisa's mom, who is a pillar of strength and support for Nagisa and her friends.
She welcomes Tomoya into her family with open arms and stands by him, even when things are at their worst. Following closely in her footsteps, Nagisa becomes a strong mother willing to do whatever it takes for her child, even at the cost of her own life. Through its intense emotion and tear-jerking story arcs, Clannad teaches fans the importance of mothers and family as a whole.
Next: Father Figures: The 10 Best Anime Dads
