If you haven’t heard of the Twitter account Anime in History yet, then you need to follow them right away. They put out near-daily pictures of anime characters flawlessly Photoshopped into historical photographs, making you swear that they were actually there.
With over 100 pictures and counting though, we figured it was about time to do a list of the best pictures released so far. So we here at RocketNews24 present to you the top 20 anime photobombs throughout history, as made possible by Anime in History.
The criteria for choosing the top 20 pictures was how well the scene fits the anime, how well the anime is blended into the scene, and a whole lot of very biased personal opinion too. If your top 20 is different, that’s great! Let us know your favorites in the comments.
Here’s some of the ones we think are too awesome not to share:
20. Totoro in the rain
Gene Kelly, Singin' in the Rain, 1952. #totoro pic.twitter.com/jXuxLxdAmY
— Anime in History (@AniHistory) March 16, 2015
Sometimes you’re just out waiting for a bus with your friend the forest spirit, and all of a sudden some guy comes along leaping on lampposts and singing.
19. Swingin’
"The Catch" - F.W. Glasier circus photo, 1907. #danmachi pic.twitter.com/mVRAVJRYyS
— Anime in History (@AniHistory) April 11, 2015
That rope around Hestia’s chest is really doing some work.
18. Samurai fanart
Boshin War era Satsuma Clan Samurai admiring early example of Hestia fan art, 1867. #danmachi pic.twitter.com/9dPktuqmlg
— Anime in History (@AniHistory) April 18, 2015
Speaking of Hestia, apparently she was popular even with 19th century otaku.
17. Japanese archers
Japanese archers, c.1860. #艦これ pic.twitter.com/o3hdQz8Vdn
— Anime in History (@AniHistory) March 8, 2015
So that’s where the Kantai Collection archers got their skills from. Or, alternatively, that’s where the Japanese archers got their skills from.
16. Durarara!!
Times Square, New York, 1943. #drrr_anime pic.twitter.com/668r1gIGE9
— Anime in History (@AniHistory) March 13, 2015
Shizuo fits in so well here I probably wouldn’t have even noticed anything was off if I didn’t know to look for it.
15. Einstein and Ikari
Einstein and Ikari, 1931. #evangelion pic.twitter.com/332a6ckT1e
— Anime in History (@AniHistory) March 19, 2015
Two geniuses spending time together, and Ikari is making sure to let you know that he does not approve of you being there.
14. WWII Gargantia
Gargantia fleet near the Makin Atoll, 1943. #gargantia pic.twitter.com/Ha2m4QqYlJ
— Anime in History (@AniHistory) March 14, 2015
…how about we just ask them to be friends instead?
13. Haro everyone!
The River Thames, London, 1958. #gundam pic.twitter.com/PG42Yf1KOZ
— Anime in History (@AniHistory) March 20, 2015
We certainly have come a long way in making Gundam goods more accessible to the common man.
12. Hitchcock’s waifu
Alfred Hitchcock, 1972. #madoka_magica pic.twitter.com/C7U0Q2Fqkh
— Anime in History (@AniHistory) March 26, 2015
I always knew Hitchcock was a macabre guy, but taking Mami’s severed head for himself… that’s just insensitive to the fans.
11. Love Live!
Germany, 1918. #lovelive pic.twitter.com/iVu8Huduiw
— Anime in History (@AniHistory) February 20, 2015
Apparently the German army brought in girls to sing for the troops and keep morale up. Apparently they were also fans of Japanese high school idol groups.
10. So much envy
Attack of the 50 Foot Woman, 1958. #七つの大罪 #NanatsuNoTaizai pic.twitter.com/ToSyfxiudD
— Anime in History (@AniHistory) March 30, 2015
I could’ve sworn Diane was only 30 feet tall. Must be that Hollywood magic.
9. A new champion-ship
Tetsuya Kuroko and Larry Bird, NCAA Championship game, 1979. #kurobas #黒バス pic.twitter.com/XMBpPKsszx
— Anime in History (@AniHistory) April 4, 2015
Not even a member of the “Dream Team” can beat the “Generation of Miracles.”
8. Calligraphy cats
Calligraphy studio, 1910. #barakamon pic.twitter.com/7cpSjojpIw
— Anime in History (@AniHistory) March 12, 2015
Seishu had to learn those calligraphy skills somewhere, and this photo almost looks real enough to make us believe.
7. Oh hi there Honoka!
Gallipoli, 1915. pic.twitter.com/Fo5U1GGdqu
— Anime in History (@AniHistory) February 20, 2015
This one’s not particularly fitting or seamlessly edited in, but it’s too funny not to include.
6. Dali being Dali
Salvador Dali in Paris, 1969. #madoka_magica pic.twitter.com/fuqguNJ8Gz
— Anime in History (@AniHistory) March 16, 2015
Considering the original picture is Dali taking his anteater for a walk, having Kyubey in there instead actually makes it a bit more believable.
5. The original Evangelion
France, 1917. #evangelion pic.twitter.com/FnSfebTHXN
— Anime in History (@AniHistory) February 20, 2015
When there’s no mechs around to pilot, you have to settle for what’s available.
4. Seeing Ghosts in the Shell
Las Vegas, Nevada, 1949. #GhostintheShell pic.twitter.com/NFDDUkWDDd
— Anime in History (@AniHistory) March 13, 2015
This one is so deliciously subtle; the Laughing Man sign and Tachikoma in the corner blend in perfectly to the scenery.
3. John and Yoko
John and Yoko Bed-in, 1969. #gurrenlagann pic.twitter.com/H1dWDXbSUI
— Anime in History (@AniHistory) February 28, 2015
John Lennon was with Yoko Littner? I could’ve sworn it was another Yoko, but you can’t argue with proof like this.
2. Sinatra and Spiegel
Sinatra and Spiegel, 1957. #CowboyBebop pic.twitter.com/UoIZV38RlT
— Anime in History (@AniHistory) March 23, 2015
Just two cool dudes just hanging out. And also having really large feet.
And the number one best Anime in History photo is…
1. I feel Spirited Away
Peter Witt streetcar, Toronto, Ontario, 1928. #SpiritedAway pic.twitter.com/kUuLV98cGD
— Anime in History (@AniHistory) March 28, 2015
In all honesty this picture just leaves me speechless. How fitting it is for the characters, how beautifully they’re edited in, I could look at it all day and not get bored. What’s that girl saying to Chihiro? How did they get the light so perfect across her and No-Face’s laps? I demand an HD version so ! can print it out and cover my wall!
So that’s our top 20 list! Let us know if we missed any good ones, and be sure to follow Anime in History on Twitter so you can enjoy even more historically significant photographs.
Source: Twitter(@AniHistory) via Hamusoku

After Obama’s otaku outing, images surface of Love Liver Joe Biden getting cozy with anime idols
Netizens educate president of Brazil on the wonders of the anime world with hilarious results
Japanese photographer moves people to tears with night sky photos that look like anime art
Japanese granny attempts to trash treasure trove of old photographs, is thwarted by grandkids
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Anti-NHK activist recommends “magic words” that will drive away fee collectors instantly
Japan super budget dining – What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen at 7-Eleven?
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Studio Ghibli releases new batch of Line app anime stamps, this time for Kiki’s Delivery Service!
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
25 different Japanese convenience store sandwiches – What’s inside them?【Photos】
Bacha Coffee opens in Japan…but is it worth the hype?
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Morning-after pill finally available in Japan without a prescription, must be taken at pharmacy
And now, we eat a bear paw we bought in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture【Taste test】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Studio Ghibli asks fans to help Hayao Miyazaki replace his beloved eraser
Studio Ghibli releases free-to-use artwork for Hayao Miyazaki’s new anime movie, How Do You Live?
Studio Ghibli images go viral for perfectly depicting the life of a housewife
Studio Ghibli thanks international fans for translating its tweets, asks them to keep it up
The reason why otaku don’t like Studio Ghibli anime heroines
8 surreal mash-ups by Pokémon fans who think Marshtomp is creepy
Japanese Twitter users agree that yakuza members are more Photoshop savvy than the average joe
2018 Top 20 Day Trip Onsen Hot Spring and Spa Ranking in Japan
British newspaper ranks the best Studio Ghibli films and reader passions flare
Japanese Twitter users respond: “What do you do when a friend criticizes anime you like?”
Japanese netizens rank the top 10 cutest twins in anime history
Studio Ghibli animator reveals the secret food eaten by Chihiro’s parents in Spirited Away
Studio Ghibli’s Porco Rosso: Behind-the-scenes trivia and secret Easter eggs revealed
The top 10 student-professor conversations from Japanese classrooms
Leave a Reply