Anime often incorporates running gags as a means of developing characters and adding unique elements to each series. The shonen and shojo genres, in particular, feature characters known for their eccentric running gags, which not only contribute to the overall series but also shape their personal storylines.
While some of these gags have stood the test of time in their execution, comedic purpose, and story timing, others have not aged as well, as seen in some of the examples listed. Nevertheless, each of them has something to offer for every viewer, provoking laughter in some cases and annoyance in others.
Please note: This article contains spoilers for every series mentioned in this list.
Top 5 Running Gags in Anime
1. Joseph Joestar’s Predictions
Out of all the running gags in anime, Joseph Joestar’s predictions in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure stand out as some of the most successful. The second part of the series, Battle Tendency, is known for its comedic elements, with Joseph taking center stage and being featured in many iconic scenes. This is a testament to his role as the focal point of the franchise’s humor.
Joseph’s trademark is his ability to predict what someone will say before they even say it. He often exclaims, “Your next line is going to be…”which has become a beloved running joke in the anime community. This gag is so popular that even the author, Hirohiko Araki, paid homage to it by including it when an older Joseph encountered the Stand Empress in Stardust Crusaders, the third installment of the anime.
2. Rukia’s Art in the Anime Bleach
Despite Bleach’s overall serious tone, many may not realize that Tite Kubo’s series also contains running gags. One such example is the consistent use of Rukia Kuchiki’s drawings as a comedic element throughout the series.
Despite her typically straightforward approach to expressing her opinions and teaching Ichigo Kurosaki about being a Shinigami, Rukia’s attempts to use drawings as a means of explanation often fall short. A key element of the comedic aspect is Rukia’s unwavering confidence in her artistic abilities, adding to the lightheartedness of her character.
3. Hinata’s Bathroom Luck
Despite being an underrated protagonist in the shonen genre, Shoyo Hinata has one of the most iconic running gags in anime – his bathroom luck. Without fail, before every important game, Hinata ends up running into players from the opposing team whenever he visits the washroom.
Since the start of Haikyuu!!, there has been a recurring joke that eventually led him to meet Tobio Kageyama, his best friend and fellow teammate at Karasuno High. Hinata’s luck with bathroom encounters also allowed him to cross paths with other players, including Toru Oikawa from Seijoh and Wakatoshi Ushijima from Shiratorizawa.
Maki Shijo’s Inconsistency
Kaguya-sama is renowned for its excellent running gags, a result of being a romantic comedy. One such gag centers around Maki Shijo, a character who was initially introduced in the background, crying due to her unrequited love for her best friend who started dating under the influence of advice from Kaguya.
As the plot unfolds, we are introduced to Maki, who is revealed to be Kaguya’s nephew and shares many of her characteristics. The ongoing joke with Maki is her unpredictable nature; she may say one thing and then reveal her true feelings when prodded, which never fails to amuse and entertain fans.
Katsura’s Alias (Gintama)
Without a doubt, Gintama, the highly acclaimed and successful comedy series, showcases a diverse range of anime gags that are considered top-notch. Nevertheless, in terms of this particular category, the rebellious Katsura undoubtedly takes the lead.
Throughout the series, Katsura is consistently referred to as Zura by some of his fellow comrades, which greatly annoys him. Despite constantly reminding others of his real name, there have been countless occasions in Gintama where his name has been mocked, and even after four hundred episodes, it remains a source of amusement.
5 Commonly Used Running Gags in Anime That Became Overused
1. Sanji’s Obsession with the Opposite Sex (One Piece)
Despite having a dedicated fanbase, One Piece’s anime has faced criticism for its repetitive use of gags. For example, Usopp’s development as a brave character is often undermined by his return to cowardice, and Zoro’s tendency to get lost has become predictable. However, the gag that often receives the most backlash from fans is Sanji’s constant infatuation with women, which has caused some fans to view his character in a negative light.
Sanji’s tendency to lust after women has become increasingly noticeable as the series progresses, causing friction with others in the New World segment. This behavior is particularly evident in the Fishman Island arc, where he is sidelined due to a nosebleed caused by his attraction to mermaids. Some fans believe that this aspect of his character has diminished his value over time.
Katsuki Bakugo’s Aggressive Behavior in My Hero Academia
Despite being a central character in My Hero Academia, Katsuki Bakugo’s actions and character development, as portrayed by Kohei Horikoshi, have divided opinions. Initially depicted as Deku’s bully, Bakugo was known for his aggressive and hostile behavior towards those around him, often resorting to insults and shouting, regardless of their intentions.
Despite Horikoshi’s efforts to develop Bakugo into a kinder person throughout the series, his habit of yelling and belittling those around him remained. However, it was now portrayed in a comedic light, even though he still took opportunities to berate and mistreat Deku, though not as harshly as in the past.
While redemption arcs can be powerful, they are only effective when the character’s attitude and treatment of others is truly transformed. Unfortunately, in the case of Bakugo, Horikoshi failed to accomplish this.
3. Denji’s degeneracy (Chainsaw Man)
Although this gag may draw comparisons to Sanji’s in One Piece, the key distinction lies in the fact that specific circumstances heavily influence Denji’s personal growth. Unlike Sanji’s ongoing infatuation with women, which often has little impact on the overall plot, Denji’s situation is noteworthy as it showcases a notable regression in his character.
Throughout the first section of Chainsaw Man, Denji’s main aspiration is to be in a relationship with a girl, specifically Makima from Public Safety. However, his dreams are shattered when Makima, who is ultimately revealed to be the Control Devil, causes immense suffering in Denji’s life and callously murders many of his closest companions.
Despite showing growth and understanding his mistakes in the first part of the series, Denji quickly reverts back to his old habit of seeking validation from women in the second part. This recurring joke remains one of the most exasperating aspects of the anime.
Hinata’s Stalking (Naruto)
Despite being a main character in the popular anime series, Hinata’s running gag of constantly stalking Naruto and struggling to communicate with him is considered one of the strangest. Many fans have criticized the lack of development in their relationship, deeming it artificial and controversial within the franchise.
Although many fans shipped these two characters from the moment it was revealed that Hinata had feelings for Naruto, author Masashi Kishimoto chose not to fully develop their relationship in the original series. This made their marriage at the end of the series seem even more strange and unexpected in terms of storytelling.
Despite initially finding Hinata’s shyness charming, it eventually became a source of frustration for many fans as she failed to overcome it and make a sincere attempt to communicate with the boy she liked, resulting in their relationship feeling unearned.
5. Gauche and his Fascination with his Sister Marie (Black Clover)
Despite the Black Bulls being a generally well-liked group in the Black Clover series, Gauche Adlai stands out as the least popular member due to his unhealthy fixation on his sister, Marie. This recurring joke in anime does not quite resonate with viewers.
While Black Clover is not the original series to utilize this trope, its widespread appeal has solidified it as one of the most recognizable examples. Gauche’s tendency to prioritize his own desires and act maliciously towards his fellow teammates is a well-known aspect of his character, although he ultimately proves himself to be dependable when it counts.
Reflection
Although there are numerous running gags in anime, the ones mentioned above are among the most well-known among mainstream audiences. These gags are often considered to be classic tropes of the medium, which can be a source of enjoyment or annoyance for viewers, depending on their perspective.
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