4 classic anime that inspired Turning Red
Domee Shi sums up her vision for Turning Red, Pixar’s latest coming-of-age fantasy comedy, as “Asian Tween Fever Dream” — an aesthetic and energy that’s equal parts bright, spunky, dorky, and bubbly. Shi, who made her debut with the acclaimed 2018 short film Bao, drew on all her experiences and passions in crafting the story of 13-year-old Meilin “Mei” Lee’s unconventional adolescence. In particular, the influences of anime are on full display throughout the film, from Turning Red’s soft color palette and energetic tone to Mei’s frequent transformation into a giant red panda every time she gets too stressed or excited.
Speaking with Polygon, Shi offered up a list of some of her favorite anime that she looked to for inspiration while creating Turning Red.
It’s no surprise that Shi cites Sailor Moon as one of the key inspirations behind Turning Red’s art style. Naoko Takeuchi’s 1991 manga of schoolgirl-turned-superpowered heroine Usagi Tsukino has been adapted into two animated series, the former of which is credited as one of the key titles responsible for introducing an entire generation of anime viewers to the “Magical Girl” genre of anime.
“We were really inspired by the pastels and the dreaminess of the night time, of the nightscapes,” Shi explains, citing the 1992 series’ soft color palette as an influence on the overall look and feel of the film.
Sailor Moonis available to stream on Hulu.
Ranma ½, based on Rumiko Takahashi’s martial arts adventure manga, follows the misadventures of a teenage martial artist who, following a mishap during a training journey, is cursed to transform into a girl every time she’s splashed with cold water, with the opposite effect after being splashed with warm water. Naturally, this
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