FLCL, also known as Fooly Cooly, follows young Naota Nandaba, a disillusioned boy in a mundane town whose life is upended by the chaotic alien Haruko Haruhara, leading to bizarre robotic encounters and self-discovery. The series delves into themes of adolescence, alienation, identity, and breaking free from stagnation through absurdity and growth.
This curated collection of 25 canonical quotes highlights pivotal moments, showcasing emotional depth, character evolution, and connections to the show’s broader motifs of maturation and rebellion against the ordinary.
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
Episode 1 (Fooly Cooly)
Naota Nandaba
Naota’s recurring lament captures his initial despair and stagnation, marking the start of his journey toward embracing change and external worlds.
When you’re in a town like this all covered with smoke, you forget that there’s a world outside
Episode 1 (Fooly Cooly)
Naota Nandaba
This introspective line reflects Naota’s growing awareness of life’s possibilities, sparked by Haruko, tying into themes of isolation and awakening.
Nothing can happen till you swing the bat
Episode 4 (Full Swing)
Haruko Haruhara
Haruko urges Naota to take action, symbolizing his shift from passivity to agency, with high emotional stakes in his romantic and personal growth.
It takes an idiot to do cool things. That’s why it’s cool
Episode 1 (Fooly Cooly)
Haruko Haruhara
Haruko’s playful wisdom encourages embracing foolishness, highlighting her role in Naota’s development and the theme of defying societal norms.
Please don’t tell people our bakery’s motorbike ran you over
Episode 1 (Fooly Cooly)
Haruko Haruhara
In a chaotic first encounter, this quip masks deeper disruption, kickstarting Naota’s transformation amid absurdity and emotional confusion
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
Episode 2 (Fire Starter)
Mamimi Samejima
Mamimi’s vulnerable revelation exposes her loneliness, fostering her subtle growth while connecting to themes of fantasy as escape from reality.
Watermelon. Or like a panda with a mean face, or like 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
Episode 1 (Fooly Cooly)
Mamimi Samejima
Her poetic confession reveals emotional depth, hinting at her attachment issues and tying into the series’ exploration of unrequited love.
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! CANTI! Now, listen, my name is Naota. Don’t ever call me Ta-kun again
Episode 4 (Full Swing)
Naota Nandaba
Naota’s defiant outburst during a battle signifies his assertion of identity, a pivotal moment of growth against immaturity.
When it comes down to it, there are very few people who will swing the bat
Episode 4 (Full Swing)
Commander Amarao
Amarao’s cynical observation underscores rarity of courage, mirroring Naota’s arc and themes of initiative in a stagnant world.
Ah, your brother is away, so she’s sinking your fangs into you, Naota. Fondling around, fooling around! Fooly Cooly
Episode 1 (Fooly Cooly)
Kamon Nandaba
Kamon’s eccentric teasing highlights family dynamics, adding humor while subtly advancing Naota’s confrontation with adult absurdities.
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
Episode 4 (Full Swing)
Naota Nandaba
Naota reflects on his bold action in battle, showing emotional maturation and empathy, linked to themes of risk and self-realization
Finally, I think I can forgive all of them after this
Episode 6 (FLCLimax)
Mamimi Samejima
In a peaceful resolution, Mamimi’s line conveys healing from past traumas, marking her quiet development toward independence
What’s really weird… is your ears
Episode 3 (Marquis de Carabas)
Eri Ninamori
Ninamori’s candid remark during a tense moment reveals vulnerability, aiding her bond with Naota and exploring themes of hidden insecurities.
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
Episode 5 (Brittle Bullet)
Commander Amarao
Amarao’s insight during conflict highlights empathy’s role, contrasting his flaws with Naota’s growing emotional intelligence
It’s… a hand, isn’t it
Episode 5 (Brittle Bullet)
Lieutenant Kitsurubami
This simple observation in a high-stakes scene adds absurdity, tying into the series’ chaotic themes while showing her pragmatic character.
I love you
Episode 6 (FLCLimax)
Naota Nandaba
Naota’s confession amid climax battle carries profound emotional weight, culminating his arc from boyhood to accepting complex feelings.
They’ll have to learn to ‘think smooth’, I guess
Episode 6 (FLCLimax)
Haruko Haruhara
Haruko’s cryptic advice in a reflective moment encourages adaptability, reflecting her influence on Naota’s flexible worldview.
What did you do to me? CPR. What do you think I did? That’s not what I meant
Episode 1 (Fooly Cooly)
Naota Nandaba and Haruko Haruhara
This exchange post-accident sparks confusion and intrigue, initiating Naota’s development through Haruko’s disruptive presence
If that thing hits, do you think we’ll have school tomorrow
Episode 4 (Full Swing)
Mamimi Samejima
Mamimi’s casual query amid impending doom blends innocence with apathy, highlighting her coping mechanism and thematic alienation.
Where are my eyebrows? I’ve gotta find my eyebrows
Episode 5 (Brittle Bullet)
Commander Amarao
Amarao’s frantic line in battle exposes his insecurities, providing comic relief while contrasting with Naota’s steady growth.
She’s just as bad as Medical Mechanica! You’re not going to get what you want from her! FIGHT BACK, TAKE HER OUT
Episode 6 (FLCLimax)
Commander Amarao
His desperate plea during confrontation reveals betrayal’s pain, tying into themes of trust and Naota’s discerning maturity.
I lost him again because of you, Ta-kun, we couldn’t pull it off. You wanna come along? Know what? Forget it. ‘Cause you’re still a kid, Ta-kun. Save it for next time
Episode 4 (Full Swing)
Haruko Haruhara
Haruko’s teasing dismissal pushes Naota’s frustration, accelerating his drive to prove himself and embrace adulthood.
Cyborg, my butt
Episode 5 (Brittle Bullet)
Haruko Haruhara
Defending Canti in action, this retort embodies Haruko’s fierce loyalty, influencing Naota’s views on alliances and identity.
Those… eyebrows
Episode 3 (Marquis de Carabas)
Naota Nandaba
Naota’s fixation on Amarao’s fake brows in a calm scene humorously underscores absurdity, aiding his critical thinking development.
Ever since that day, the smoke has continued to pour out of the Medical Mechanical Factory, the town is completely covered in white mist. You can’t see the sky or stars, it’s almost like outside of this town nothing exists anymore
Episode 6 (FLCLimax)
Naota Nandaba
Naota’s final narration conveys isolation’s weight, resolving his arc with hope for broader horizons beyond the ordinary
