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“Western Anime” meme: meaning, origin and rare card

Western Anime is a humorous meme where users ironically classify American cartoons and live-action TV shows as Japanese anime.

MyMemeCards editorial teamPublished 7 min read
Western Anime meme
The “Western Anime” meme, 2007

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In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “Western Anime” is a rare card of the Memes World series 73, number 21620 of the collection, and the 1st best-known meme of its 300 cards. Here is what the meme means, where it comes from, and how to get its card.

What does the “Western Anime” meme mean?

This joke relies on ironic enthusiasm and fake cultural superiority. By treating mainstream or low-brow Western shows as if they were hidden anime gems, it highlights the contrast between Eastern and Western animation styles. The funnier the mismatch, the better the joke works, often mocking fan snobbery or simply entertaining through sheer absurdity.

Where does the “Western Anime” meme come from?

The exact origin of this meme is unknown. Sources suggest it emerged around 2007, but this date cannot be verified with certainty. Tumblr appears to be a key platform for its spread, with posts comparing shows like *Cory in the House* to contemporary anime. However, the original author, exact creation date, and specific initial post remain unidentified. It is a community-driven internet phenomenon without a single known creator.

How to use the “Western Anime” meme

  • List a Disney cartoon as a top-tier shonen series to confuse friends.
  • Describe a US sitcom using technical anime studio terminology.
  • Create a fake news article praising the hidden depths of a Western cartoon.

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The “Western Anime” card in MyMemeCards

Western Anime card
NumberNo. 21620
RarityRare
CollectionMemes World series 73
Fame67/100 · #1 of 300
Recycle value10 MemeCoins (30 in Shiny)
Rarities of the Memes World series 73: 300 cards
  • Common20167%
  • Rare9933%

How to get the “Western Anime” card

Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; Western Anime comes out of the Memes World series 73 as a rare card. The pack odds say what each rarity weighs.

Your first pack is free and needs no account. After that a new free pack lands every 10 minutes, up to 3 waiting for you. You can also buy the card with MemeCoins on the market, bid for it at auction, or trade it — and a double recycles into 10 MemeCoins.

Open your free pack

5 meme cards, one of them at least Rare. One free pack per person.

Free · no account needed

Odds per card, averaged over a pack: Common 72%, Rare 23.9%, Epic 3.2%, Legendary 0.56%, Mythic 0.3%, Full Art ≤ 0.1%, Shiny 0.2%. Cards 1 to 3 are always Common, cards 4 and 5 climb the rarities. Rates drop for cards that circulate a lot. Details

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Frequently asked questions

What does western anime mean?

It is a joke where Western media is presented as Japanese anime. The humor comes from the absurdity of this cultural misattribution.

Western anime origin?

The exact origin is unknown. The meme has circulated since at least 2007, primarily on Tumblr, without a documented creator or specific starting event.

Who created western anime?

No single creator is known. It is a collective internet meme likely started by multiple anonymous users on blogging platforms.

How do I get the Western Anime meme card?

Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “Western Anime” is a rare card of the Memes World series 73. Your first pack is free, with no account, and you can also buy, trade or win the card at auction.

How rare is the Western Anime card?

It is a Rare card. Rarity decides which pack slot can deal it, and what it is worth on the market.

Sources: Gununu - ぐぬぬ | Know Your Meme · Know Your Meme - Uncyclopedia, the content-free encyclopedia · Animation Memes - Know Your Meme · checked on October 14, 2026.

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