While it's not hard to find an entertaining anime show with great characters, it can be difficult to find one in which the characters mature not only emotionally but also physically. However, there are a few iconic shows that let anime fans go on epic journeys and get to know some of the most emotional backstories in anime as well as see their favorite characters grow up.
Anime lovers can get lost in the stories of some of the most well-crafted anime with awesome world-building and unforgettable characters whose life journeys are often otherworldly or supernatural. Many of these iconic anime series created complex characters who inspired and motivated their fans not only for a season or two but over the course of several decades.
1 Clannad
Clannad is a bittersweet anime with a heartbreaking ending. However, it does have brilliantly complex characters that are well-developed throughout the anime's seasons. Clannad's story starts when its characters are in high school and follows their life journey way after their school life ends.
While the anime characters didn't really look much older, they do age and eventually have their own families and have to deal with the difficulties of adulthood. Clannad's story follows Tomoya's life journey as the troubled high school student tries to find his way in school and society and then deal with various tragedies as an adult.
2 From the New World
From the New World is one of the best psychological anime with a meaningful coming-of-age story. While it's a mostly feel-good anime, its characters still have to go through some shocking and dark experiences as they all grow up and try to fulfill their roles in society.
From the New World is a perfect choice for anime lovers who are looking for a shorter anime in which the characters grow and have to face similar real-life struggles just like the anime's viewers. Its story follows the lives of a young teen named Saki and her friends as they learn some dark truths about society while growing up in a supposed utopia.
3 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood's characters not only mature mentally but also get older physically. It's actually a sore spot for its lead character since Edward Elric is quite annoyed by the fact that he's not really growing as much and has to constantly deal with comments about his surprisingly short height.
It's also one of the anime in which the character's physical growth is linked to the story and fans could only see Edward get older and grow into a young man once he accomplished his goal. Despite his small stature, Edward was still one of the most powerful alchemists in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Its story follows the Elric brothers' adventures as they set out to find the philosopher's stone.
4 Bleach
Bleach is one of the best action anime series in which characters get older and can even live thousands of years. Fans were introduced to many powerful anime characters who have lived hundreds and thousands of years and changed a lot during their adventures.
Naturally, the character that changes the most both physically and mentally is the anime's lead, Ichigo. Bleach fans witnessed the young teen grow into a powerful Soul Reaper and almost completely change over the anime's sixteen seasons. Its story followed the unforgettable adventures of the young Ichigo as he embarked on an epic journey to learn how to control and use his Soul Reaper powers.
5 Naruto
Naruto is arguably one of the most beloved anime of all time in which the characters grow up and get older. Fans eagerly followed the incredible adventures of Naruto as the young boy started his journey around the age of 12 and eventually grew up to be a powerful ninja.
Naruto is a great choice for anime lovers who are looking for a highly emotional and long anime since this iconic franchise has over seven-hundred episodes. Its story follows the adventures of a young ninja named Naruto who wants to become a respected Hokage in his village.
6 One Piece
One Piece is another long-running anime series that shows its characters aging, as, over the course of more than one thousand episodes, fans can see Luffy and his friends as little kids, teens, and adults. Even though some Devil Fruit users age slower or barely at all, there are still plenty of characters who change and age as One Piece's epic story unfolds.
One Piece has some incredible characters including one of the best anime stepbrothers, most of whom grew and aged as the show went on. Its story follows Luffy's hilarious and often dangerous adventures as the young boy embarked on an epic journey to become the King of Pirates.
7 Dragon Ball
The Dragon Ball franchise is easily the single most popular anime that shows its characters aging. Fans first meet the young Goku as a kid and embark on a fascinating adventure with him as he grows into the most powerful warrior in the universe.
However, Goku is not the only character who ages in the series, so fans also get to see some of the most iconic female characters in Dragon Ball grow and change throughout the anime's many series and seasons. Dragon Ball's story follows Goku's adventures throughout his childhood and adulthood as he trains to become the best martial artist of all time.