Mind-Blowing Anime References in Rick & Morty You Never Noticed Before!

Summary

Rick and Morty has subtle anime references that require eagle-eyed re-watching to catch, showing the show's creative debt to the medium.

The show has made references to popular anime titles such as Neon Genesis Evangelion, Naruto, Dragon Ball Z, and Attack on Titan. In Rick and Morty, there are nods to iconic anime tropes and series including giant robots, kaiju battles, and transformation sequences, which emphasize the show's self-referential and meta nature.

Rick and Morty cleverly incorporates numerous references to popular anime franchises, but some of these hidden Easter eggs may be more challenging to detect. The series has always been known for its incorporation of sci-fi movies, horror media, and classic TV shows, so it's no surprise that it also pays homage to a wide range of anime. However, some of these references are impressively discreet, requiring a keen eye during a re-watch to catch the subtle nods to anime.

For instance, Rick and Morty's exploration of anime began long before the polarizing fifth season, which prominently showcased its inspiration from '90s action cinema and '80s cult horror movies. In fact, as early as season 3, the show subtly referenced Dragon Ball Z and Attack on Titan with brief visual nods that might easily slip past the viewer's notice. From there, the series became more overt in its admiration for anime, as evidenced by the season 4 finale which repeatedly references a renowned 1988 film by name. Subsequently, in seasons 5 and 6, Rick and Morty amplified their homages even further, openly mentioning beloved anime titles like Naruto and Voltron.

8 Rick and Morty Referenced Neon Genesis Evangelion In Season 5

Perhaps one of the most evident nods to anime in the history of the Rick and Morty series can be found in the title of Season 5, Episode 7, entitled "Gotron Jerrysis Rickvangelion." This clever play on words clearly pays homage to the iconic Neon Genesis Evangelion, a groundbreaking anime that revolutionized the mecha genre in recent decades. While Neon Genesis Evangelion enthralls viewers with its intricate narrative centered around a teenager whose father is recruited to construct mechs to combat colossal and monstrous "Angels," the plot of "Gotron Jerrysis Rickvangelion" focuses on the Smith family utilizing mecha-suits to battle enormous insects and other kaiju creatures. Therefore, although Rick and Morty's Kaiju storyline is undeniably entertaining, the episode doesn't bear many resemblances to Neon Genesis Evangelion beyond its fundamental concept.

7 Summer Names Her Baby "Naruto" In Rick & Morty Season 5

Naruto's aspiration of becoming the Hokage transformed him into an iconic anime protagonist, and his thrilling adventures remain some of the most widely recognized stories in the medium. However, it seems unlikely that Naruto would find satisfaction in being associated with a character from Rick and Morty named after him. In the fourth episode of the show's fifth season, titled "Rickdependence Spray," Summer and Morty inadvertently brought a Giant Incest Baby into existence. This revolting creation was presumed to have been quietly disposed of offscreen due to the episode's overwhelmingly negative reception. Yet, in a surprising twist unveiled in the episode "Gotron Jerrysis Rickvangelion," it was revealed that Summer clandestinely labeled the abhorrent baby as "Naruto," as she cunningly assisted in his survival. This revelation, while simultaneously nauseating and amusing, added an unexpected layer of grotesque humor to the storyline.

6 Rick and Morty Parodied Pokemon in Season 6

5 Rick and Morty Referenced Dragon Ball Z in Season 3

In Rick and Morty's sixth season, episode five titled "Final DeSmithation," there was a controversial moment that paid homage to Naruto, although its reference to Pokemon was less controversial. In this episode, Rick makes a promise to Jerry to help him avoid a disturbing fate after a fortune cookie predicts that he will have a taboo encounter with his own mother. To tackle this problem, Rick pledges to "Pokemon this [expletive deleted]," playfully alluding to the immensely popular anime that brought mainstream attention to the medium in the late 1990s. Surprisingly, Rick successfully achieves his mission, ensuring Jerry avoids a fate even worse than what Summer and Morty had previously experienced.

In episode 8 of Rick and Morty season 3, titled "Morty's Mind Blowers," Rick showcased a series of suppressed memories to Morty, offering a glimpse into their untold adventures. Among the more ordinary "mind blowers" in this episode was a conversation between Rick and Morty about the phrase "taken for granted/granite," which Rick misunderstood. In this short scene, both characters were depicted wearing battle armor from Dragon Ball Z. While Rick and Morty season 7 may possibly provide an explanation for this reference, the show has yet to offer any further context for this fleeting anime tribute in the years that have followed.

4 The "Akira" Incident In Rick & Morty Season 4

3 Rick and Morty Season 5 References Voltron and Beast King GoLion

While “Gotron Jerrysis Rickvangelion” made a clear nod to Neon Genesis Evangelion, it also drew inspiration from two other anime series. Both Beast King GoLion and Voltron showcased heroes who merged their mechanical suits to form massive robots that battled kaiju. In a further homage to these shows, Morty encountered a group of anime-themed characters, embodying the signature tropes of the medium, such as exaggerated eyes and lips that didn't quite sync with their dialogue. Rick and Morty's portrayal of these characters lovingly parodied the recognizable elements of anime.

2 Rick and Morty Season 3 Referenced Attack on Titan

1 Rick and Morty Season 6 Spoofed Sailor Moon

One of the earliest anime references in the animated series Rick and Morty paid homage to the notoriously gruesome series Attack on Titan. This reference occurs in season 3, episode 5 titled "The Whirly Dirly Conspiracy," where Summer transforms herself into a distorted monster to test her boyfriend's loyalty. The enormous and terrifying creature she becomes bears a striking resemblance to the Female Titan character from Attack on Titan. The Female Titan, an imposing adversary capable of imitating other Titans, is instantly recognizable in Summer's monstrous form. Despite having limited screen time, Summer's monstrous appearance is undeniably reminiscent of this iconic anime character.

In "Final DeSmithation," Rick didn't only make a reference to Pokemon but also paid tribute to anime. He jokingly mentioned a money-saving transformation sequence inspired by Sailor Moon, stating that it would save time and money for the animators. These self-referential moments worked well during the show's run, but they may struggle to conceal the change that will occur when Rick's voice actor is replaced in season 7 of Rick and Morty. Moments like the Sailor Moon nod have made viewers accustomed to the show acknowledging itself as a TV show.