Top 10 Best Anime Studios
These creative powerhouses are where your favorite anime series and films are brought to life, blending art, storytelling, and cutting-edge animation. From iconic classics that have defined genres to the latest in visual innovation and narrative depth, these anime studios are the unsung heroes behind the scenes, pushing the boundaries of what animation can be.
Madhouse is a Japanese animation studio founded in 1972, known for producing series like Death Note and One Punch Man. It has collaborated with international filmmakers on various animated projects. Many prominent and highly-rated anime have been produced by this studio. Death Note, Hunter x Hunter, Parasyte, Overlord, Trigun, and One Punch Man are just a few of the many examples.
Bones, established in 1998 by former Sunrise staff, is recognized for works such as Fullmetal Alchemist and My Hero Academia. The studio is known for its dynamic animation style and high production quality. A subsidiary of Sunrise Studio, Bones was established shortly after Sunrise completed Cowboy Bebop. They have contributed to several highly praised anime, such as Fullmetal Alchemist, Wolf's Rain, Ouran High School Host Club, Soul Eater, and Space Dandy.
Studio Ghibli, founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, is renowned for its critically acclaimed films like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. The studio has won numerous international awards for its hand-drawn animation and storytelling. How is this not number one?! Do you not remember Ponyo, Totoro, Castle in the Sky, or Spirited Away? Why is this not number one?
Studio Ghibli is far from underrated! It has produced many anime classics, like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Ponyo, and Castle in the Sky. Its storylines are all original, and the art is absolutely gorgeous.
Kyoto Animation, also known as KyoAni, was founded in 1985 and is known for its emotionally resonant storytelling and detailed animation. Its notable works include Clannad, Violet Evergarden, and A Silent Voice. Kyoto Animation is the animator behind some highly stylized anime such as Clannad, Lucky Star, K-On!, A Silent Voice, and Violet Evergarden, to name a few.
Gainax, established in 1984, is best known for producing Neon Genesis Evangelion and Gurren Lagann. The studio has played a significant role in shaping modern anime through its innovative storytelling and stylistic experimentation. Gainax is known for its involvement in deep, complex, and sometimes trippy anime such as Neon Genesis Evangelion, Fooly Cooly (FLCL), Gurren Lagann, His and Her Circumstances, and Gunbuster.
Trigger, founded in 2011 by former Gainax employees, is known for its distinctive, energetic animation style. Its notable works include Kill la Kill and Promare. A branch of Gainax, Trigger is known for intricate and visually striking anime, similar to Gainax. Some of their most notable work includes Kill la Kill, Little Witch Academia, Kiznaiver, part of Panty & Stocking, and part of Darling in the Franxx.
Sunrise, founded in 1972, is most famous for its Mobile Suit Gundam franchise. The studio is known for its contributions to the mecha genre and numerous popular anime series. Formed by former employees of Mushi Production, Sunrise's most notable contributions include Cowboy Bebop, Mobile Suit Gundam, Code Geass, and The Animatrix.
Production I.G, established in 1987, is renowned for its high-quality animation and science fiction themes. Its well-known works include Ghost in the Shell and Psycho-Pass. Founded within Tatsunoko Productions, Production I.G has gone on to help create some beloved anime such as Ghost in the Shell, Psycho-Pass, Haikyu!!, and Ao Ashi.
Pierrot, founded in 1979, is recognized for producing long-running shonen series like Naruto and Bleach. The studio has been influential in popularizing mainstream anime globally. Studio Pierrot has helped create notable anime like Naruto, Bleach, Yu Yu Hakusho, Tokyo Ghoul, and Tokyo Mew Mew.
Brain's Base, founded in 1996, is known for diverse works including Durarara!! and Natsume's Book of Friends. The studio is recognized for its focus on character-driven stories and unique art styles. Some notable anime from this studio include My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU, School Babysitters, and Spice and Wolf.
The Newcomers
A studio that has collaborated with numerous other anime studios throughout its time. The anime they are most credited with include Steins;Gate, Re
, Goblin Slayer, and part of Katanagatari, to name a few.
Another smaller branch studio, TNK is known for producing slightly more provocative anime, mainly the first three seasons of High School DxD. They also worked on Redo of Healer, Blade Dance of the Elementalers, and similar titles.
Toei Animation, founded in 1948, is one of Japan's oldest animation studios and is known for iconic series like Dragon Ball and One Piece. The studio has played a pivotal role in shaping the global anime industry. As one of the first anime studios ever created, Toei Animation is behind some major classics like Dragon Ball Z, One Piece, Sailor Moon, Digimon, and some of the Precure series.
P.A. Works, established in 2000, is known for producing visually detailed and emotionally resonant series. Notable works include Angel Beats! and Shirobako. Originally a subsidiary of Production I.G., the most notable anime they've worked on include Angel Beats!, Another, True Tears, Charlotte, and the movie Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms.
Ufotable, founded in 2000, is recognized for its high-quality animation and digital effects. It is best known for the Fate series and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. Initially formed by employees from both Telecom and TMS, Ufotable has contributed to some of the most notable anime, including various Fate series, God Eater, and more recently, Demon Slayer.
A-1 Pictures, established in 2005 as a subsidiary of Aniplex, has produced a variety of popular anime series. Notable titles include Sword Art Online and Your Lie in April. Originally established to assist the company Aniplex, A-1 Pictures is credited with notable anime such as Fairy Tail, Sword Art Online, and Your Lie in April.
This anime studio has the best female character designs overall.
CloverWorks, originally part of A-1 Pictures before becoming independent in 2018, is known for its distinct visual style. Its works include The Promised Neverland and Wonder Egg Priority. A subsidiary of A-1 and Aniplex, this is a more recently formed studio. Their most notable work is likely Rascal Does Not Dream. Other anime they've been involved in include The Promised Neverland, Wonder Egg Priority, and part of Darling in the Franxx.
TMS Entertainment, founded in 1946, is known for classic and modern hits such as Detective Conan and Lupin the Third. The studio has also collaborated on international animation projects. Another older studio, their first major hit was likely Lupin the Third. Since then, their work has included anime like Monster Rancher, Detective Conan, Rose of Versailles, and Akira, to name just a few.
Another subsidiary of Gainax, this studio is known for its involvement in complex and often metaphorical anime, such as Hellsing, Full Metal Panic!, Rosario + Vampire, Afro Samurai, and Desert Punk.
Studio SHAFT, founded in 1975, is known for its experimental visual style and creative direction. It is best known for the Monogatari series and Puella Magi Madoka Magica. They are most notable for working on Puella Magi Madoka Magica, March Comes in Like a Lion, parts of Nisekoi, and most of the Monogatari series.
Doga Kobo, established in 1973, specializes in lighthearted and slice-of-life anime. Notable series include Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun and New Game!.
Anime International Company (AIC), founded in 1982, is known for producing a variety of genres, including science fiction and romantic comedies. Notable works include Tenchi Muyo! and Bubblegum Crisis. More of a sub-studio, their work mostly involves translating, marketing, and distributing anime. However, they've helped in the creation of a few titles, mainly Date A Live and Haganai.
MAPPA, founded in 2011 by Masao Maruyama, is known for producing high-profile series like Attack on Titan: The Final Season and Jujutsu Kaisen. The studio has gained recognition for its dynamic animation and ambitious projects. Branched from Madhouse, this studio was founded relatively recently. They were involved in more recent anime hits like Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, Dororo, part of Vinland Saga, and the final part of Attack on Titan.
Studio Deen, founded in 1975, has produced a variety of well-known anime including Fate/stay night and Rurouni Kenshin. The studio has worked on a range of genres, from fantasy to slice-of-life.