35 FLCL Quotes to Remind You That Life Can Change in an Instant

The anime series "FLCL" was released in 2000, with six episodes during its one-year stint. The still-beloved show features 12-year-old protagonist Naota Nandaba whose life changed in one moment. Discover this fascinating world of manga by reading the 35 quotes below.

Naota Nandaba's life was turned around when Haruko Haruhara ran over him out of nowhere, hitting him over the head with a bass guitar.

This moment leads to an adventure no one could have imagined as he discovers something more profound about this seemingly random attack. Get a taste of this by reading these 35 quotes.

Naota Nandaba’s quote: "Don't call my brother! I'm the one who's here! Hey, look at me! I'm the one who's gonna save you!... Now, listen, my name is Naota. Don't ever call me Ta-kun again!" | Image: AmoDays

Naota Nandaba Quotes

"Nothing amazing happens here. And you get used to that, used to a world where everything is ordinary. Every day we spend here is like a whole lifetime of dying slowly." — Naota Nandaba

"By the time I realized it, I had already swung the bat. My palms still sting. I wonder if Haruko feels like this all the time." — Naota Nandaba

"How should I know? I'm still in grade school." — Naota Nandaba

"How can I like someone who's insane?" — Naota Nandaba

Mamimi’s quote : "Watermelon...or like a panda with a mean face or sandals with pressure points drawn on them or the smell of a blackboard eraser or a Sunday morning where you wake up, and it's raining. Well, I like him more than hard bread." | Image: AmoDays

"Yeah, people will say all kinds of things. Just don't hang out with me for the next couple of days, all right?" — Naota Nandaba

"Look who's talking, miss normal." — Naota Nandaba

"Don't call my brother! I'm the one who's here! Hey, look at me! I'm the one who's gonna save you!... Now, listen, my name is Naota. Don't ever call me Ta-kun again!" — Naota Nandaba

"But I said I don't like sour stuff." — Naota Nandaba

"My brother, I mean—how much do you like him?" — Naota Nandaba

Naota Nandaba’s quote: “At the time, I didn't notice the sirens that were coming towards us. I don't know where the lies end and the truth begins. I asked myself what I could do for Mamimi. I decided to stay by her side forever." | Image: AmoDays

"You saw the sign at our bakery, that bread's old." — Naota Nandaba

"...you get used to that, used to a world where everything is ordinary. Every day we spend here is like a whole lifetime of dying slowly. But now Haruko is here. That's how I know there really is a world outside." — Naota Nandaba

"At the time, I didn't notice the sirens that were coming towards us. I don't know where the lies end and the truth begins. I asked myself what I could do for Mamimi. I decided to stay by her side forever." — Naota Nandaba

Haruko Haruhara Quotes

"It takes an idiot to do cool things. That's why it's cool." — Haruko Haruhara

"He's dead! This young boy is completely dead, just as Taro would be." — Haruko Haruhara

Haruko Haruhara’s quote: "Nothing can happen till you swing the bat." | Image: AmoDays

"Don't blame me if you go around losing things. Some kids are just freaks." — Haruko Haruhara

"Okay, stay still. Look at this. It's empty; there's no brain. Did you lose it somewhere?" — Haruko Haruhara

"Please don't tell people our bakery's motorbike ran you over." — Haruko Haruhara

"Nothing can happen till you swing the bat." — Haruko Haruhara

Haruko Haruhara’s quote: “Okay, stay still. Look at this. It's empty; there's no brain. Did you lose it somewhere?”| Image: AmoDays

"Adolescent psychological skin hardening syndrome. It's a common disease where children grow horns from trying too hard." — Haruko Haruhara

"He's dead! This young boy is completely dead, just as Taro would be." — Haruko Haruhara

Mamimi Quotes

"I saw God the other day by the river on a rainy afternoon. He helped a kitten that was left all alone. It's a God that only I can see. A black winged angel that came down from the heavens just for me." — Mamimi

"Watermelon... or like a panda with a mean face or sandals with pressure points drawn on them or the smell of a blackboard eraser or a Sunday morning where you wake up, and it's raining. Well, I like him more than hard bread." — Mamimi

Mamimi’s quote: "I saw God the other day by the river on a rainy afternoon. He helped a kitten that was left all alone. It's a God that only I can see. A black winged angel that came down from the heavens just for me.” | Image: AmoDays

"Finally, I think I can forgive all of them after this." — Mamimi

Eri Ninamori Quotes

"Why is that thing eating? What is it anyway?" — Eri Ninamori

"They're fake." — Eri Ninamori

"Just don't tell anybody I stayed the night here. People might start saying things if they know." — Eri Ninamori

"You're Puss in Boots, the one who tricks the prince. He hides who he really is and pretends to be someone else forever. So in time, he becomes that person, so his lie becomes the truth, see? He transcends the mask. Well, don't you get it? That's how he finds happiness. That's pretty good, right?" — Eri Ninamori

Eri Ninamori’s quote: “Why is that thing eating? What is it anyway?” | Image: AmoDays

"What's really weird... is your ears..." — Eri Ninamori

More Quotes from 'FLCL'

"When it comes down to it, there are very few people who will swing the bat." — Commander Amarao

"Ah, your brother is away, so she's sinking your fangs into you, Naota. Fondling around, fooling around! Fooly Cooly!..What's Fooly Cooly?" — Kamon Nandaba

"That high school girl looked kinda sad. It seems like a little kindness might help, but you'd need some maturity to treat her that way." — Commander Amarao

"It's... a hand, isn't it?" — Kitsurubami

Commander Amarao’s quotes: “When it comes down to it, there are very few people who will swing the bat.” | Image: AmoDays

As popular as it was and continues to be, the anime's official credentials fall short. "FLCL" was nominated for one award, in 2003, specifically for the Fantasia Film Festival's Best Animation Film Section. However, they didn't take the trophy home.

That being said, some beg to differ, with an 8.1 on IMDb and the Tomatometer rating it at a crazy 100%. Go deeper down the anime rabbithole by reading these 34 unhinged Yuno Gasai quotes.