The 'Anime Was a Mistake' meme features a photograph of legendary Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki paired with a falsified subtitle claiming he believes the entire medium of animation was a failure. While the specific quote is a fabrication originating from a 2014 Tumblr post, it resonates because of Miyazaki's genuine and vocal criticisms of the modern anime industry, specifically his belief that many creators lack real-world experience. The meme gained massive traction as a humorous way for fans to express frustration with tropes, 'trash' shows, or their own deep-seated obsession with the genre. It remains a staple of internet culture, used to ironically dismiss anime content or to highlight the absurdity of modern otaku culture.