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Every gum anime fan has theirfavorite studiowhose good works may stand out in art style , arch over themes , master character types , and more . Like American director , anime studios typically go away a distinct impression on their audience members . For example , while Jordan Peele ’s playing career has been in the first place comedic , his name as a theatre director is quite the opponent , with strange and often terrifying projects such asNopeandGet Out . Similarly , Hayao Miyazaki ’s films are sleep with for their clean - hearted plot line and brilliantly colored fantasy landscape . On the other hand , Junji Ito ’s plot of land are often dark , perverted , and gore - heavy .
Some non - anime devotee may consider that anime is a genre and that all of the storylines are virtually selfsame in pace , plot , and subject . However , this is far from the truth . Anime is not a genre , it is a storytelling medium , and its contents can motley importantly by author , managing director , and animation studio .
In Japan , there are over 500 aliveness studios , each with a number of task . Some of the most notable studio admit Studio Ghibli , Madhouse , and Toei Animation . Not only are these studios pop in the Eastern entertainment market , but they have also significantly influenced Western media , especially in recent year . Each of the 10 most popular anime studios and their good works may excel in vitality style , storytelling , or manga adaptation .
10Madhouse Inc.
Madhouse’s Animation May Not Be Anything Special, but Their Storytelling is Immaculate
Notable Works
class of Release
Death Note
2007
Hunter x Hunter
2011
One Punch Man
2015
No Game No Life
2014
Parasite
2016
Overlord
Established in 1972,Madhouse Inc. is a Nipponese animation studiobased in Nakano City , Tokyo . While the studio apartment has been successful since its conception , it became especially relevant in the early 2010s when they accommodate serial such asDeath Note , Hunter x Hunter ( 2011),andOne Punch Man . to boot , the studio is home to various Zanzibar copal legends such asDeath Parade , No Game No Life , Overlord , Parasite , and many more .
Madhouse is a unique vivification studio apartment for one specific strength : its opt storey to adapt . Anime such asDeath NoteandHunter x Hunter , in particular , are not needfully known for their animation panache or fight sequence . However , Death Note , Parasite , andOverlordare some of the most outstanding Zanzibar copal plot of all prison term . Madhouse may not have the most unique animation flair or timber , but the stories they select to cover are systematically challenging , thought - provoking , and relevant .
9A-1 Pictures
A-1 Picture’s Series Have One Theme in Common That Sets Their Projects Apart from the Rest
Sword Art Online
2012
Erased
Fairy Tail
2009
Seven Deadly Sins
Darling in the Franxx
2018
Kaguya - Sama : Love is state of war
2019
A-1 moving picture is located in Suginami , Tokyo , and was founded by a former manufacturer of Sunrise Inc. ( Code Geass , InuYasha),Mikihiro Iwata in 2005 . shew as a subordinate of Aniplex , the studio apartment ab initio oversaw primarily family - favorable projects , reflect in its most democratic serial . However , as the studio produce in popularity , it began to accept a broader range of sovereign anime project . Even today , there is a tenuous resemblance between A-1 Pictures ’ and Sunrise Studio ’s fine art elan and targeted audience .
Many of A-1 Pictures projectshave one interchangeable quality . From the outside , they appear to be aim toward a younger audience . However , many of the serial have more adult themes upon further probe . For example , Sword Art Onlineis the quintessential isekai experience and is likely aimed primarily toward a pre - teen or level school audience . However , this serial publication is also infamous for its fan - service , a theme common throughout several of A-1 Pictures ’ series , includingSeven Deadly Sins . Nevertheless , A-1 is home to classical stories likeErased , Fairy Tale , Darling in the Franxx , andKaguya - Sama : Love is War .
8Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation is Known for Their Deeply Inspiring, Heartwarming, and Often Heavy, Stories
Violet Evergarden
A Silent Voice
2017
Hyouka
Free !
2013
While Kyoto Animation may not have as many series giants such as MAPPA Studios or Studio Bones , their story are among the most beautiful . Based in Uji , Kyoto Prefecture , Kyoto Animation ( KyoAni ) was founded by Youka Hatta , an artist who had previously canvas under Osamu Tezuka of Mushi Production . She establish the troupe with her husband , Hideaki Hatta , in 1981 . At first , the animation studio mould principally on finishing piece of work for other companies . However , in 1986 , the studio apartment opened its own drawing section .
Kyoto Animation ’s most iconic seriesincludeViolet Evergarden , A Silent Voice , Hyouka , andFree!The aesthetics of KyoAni ’s projection are very distinct , with calming environments in which earnest chronicle take place . The stories let the witness to feel a wide kitchen stove of emotions while enjoying the most beautiful part of Japan ’s landscape painting . In addition , there is often a hint of sadness behind their projects , most notably , A Silent Voice .
7CloverWorks
No Modern Animation Studio Has Left an Impression Quite Like CloverWorks
The Promised Neverland
Bunny Girl Senpai
Spy x Family
2022
Horimiya
2021
Wind Breaker
2024
CloverWorks Inc. is perhaps one of 2024 ’s well - rising animation studio . turn up in Suginami , Tokyo , the vitality studio was originally named Kouenji Studio under A-1 picture , owned by the parent company , Aniplex . In early 2018 , the company was rebranded , and near the remainder of the yr , it separated from A-1 Pictures , but stay a subordinate of Aniplex . However , the story that the fellowship adapts still reflect A-1 Pictures in targeted audiences and genres .
While CloverWorks Inc. ’s most popular serial are its most recent ones , Bunny Girl Senpai , The Promised Neverland , andHorimiyawere all released from 2018 - 2021 and are among some of the most - talked - about series in late years . However , CloverWorks remain to overtop the anime industrywith novel serial such asSpy x FamilyandWind Breaker . In April , the studio also see massive success at the box office with their latest film , Spy x Family : Code White , earning a whopping 4.9 million on opening night weekend in America alone .
6David Production, Inc.
One Anime Legend in Particular Has Put David Production Inc. on the Map
Fire Force
Jojo ’s Bizarre Adventure
Cells at Work
David Production , Inc. is an animation studio base in September 2007 by former Gonzo K. K. producers Koji Kajita and Taito Okiura . The company is based in Nishitokyo , Tokyo and first began as an life subcontractor . However , in 2009 , the studio adopted its first full vivification project , Ristorante Paradiso . The companionship ’s name is sourcedfrom the Biblical chronicle of David and Goliath,“where David overpower his challenges by his creative insightfulness . ”
David Production ’s most impactful projects includeJojo ’s Bizarre Adventure , Cells at Work , andFire force-out . While each series has maintain popularity , none truly compare to the studio apartment ’s crown jewel , Jojo ’s Bizarre Adventure , which has redefined anime ’s esthetic and storytelling possibilities . First serialize in 1987 , the serial is daring , uproariously gross , stylistically adventuresome , and continues to be the determine series of David Productions . The company may not be the largest studio apartment in Japan , but its impact on the invigoration industry is undeniable .
5Toei Animation
Being One of Japan’s Oldest Animation Studios Hasn’t Stopped Toei from Continually Conquering the Anime World
One Piece
1999
Sailor Moon
1994
Dragon Ball
1986
Digimon
Yu Gi Oh !
2000
Toei Animation is one of Japan ’s old and most influential animation studios . Since 1948 , Toei Animation has n’t only create some of the most influential patch of media in the world but has been home to some of anime ’s greatest names . After graduating from Gakushūin University in 1963 , Hayao Miyazaki , the current director of Studio Ghibli , received an entry - level position at Toei Animation . During his metre at Toei Studios , he met who would soon be his womb-to-tomb collaborator : Takahata Isao , a future co - beginner of Studio Ghibli , and Ōta Akemi , Miyazaki ’s soon - to - be wife .
One Piece , Sailor Moon , Dragon Ball , Digimon , andYu Gi Oh!are just a few ofToei Animation’smost influential projects . These anime have n’t only had a lasting impact on Nipponese culture , but the domain . For example , Dragon Ball’simpact on Latin Americagoes much deep than gum anime culture . In addition , One Piece’smanga became the best - deal patch of literature write by a single person of all prison term espouse the success of Netflix ’s live - action adaptation . Despite being one of Japan ’s oldest studio apartment , Toei Animation is proving to be more relevant than ever .
4Bones
Despite Being Newer Than Some to the Animation Scene, Bones Has Already Managed to Make History
My Hero Academia
Ouran High School Host Club
2006
Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood
Mob Psycho 100
Bungou Stray Dogs
Some of the 2020 ’s mostpopular anime has come from Studio Bones . While the studio apartment is a bit new equate to industriousness legends such as Toei Animation , Bones has claim a point in the limelight . Founded by previous Sunrise manufacturer Masahiko Minami and vitalizer Hiroshi Ousaka and Toshihiro Kawamoto in 1998 , castanets had its very first debut projection in 2000,Hiwou War Chronicles , a 26 - episode mecha - adventure series aimed towards a younger audience .
clappers ’ projection have become anime fans ’ most recent fixation in recent years . My Hero Academia , Ouran High School Host Club , Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood , Mob Psycho 100 , and Bungou Stray Dogsare just a few of the anime Bones has adapted . Most notably , My Hero Academiahas been all the rage due to its ending drawing near . Additionally , Mob Psycho 100 is considered by many to be one of the great anime of all metre .
3WIT Studio
WIT Studio’s Projects Have Truly Defined the Current Anime Market in Recent Years
Attack on Titan ( S1 - 3 )
Isekai Suicide Squad
Vinland Saga
WIT Studio was base on June 1 , 2012 , as a subsidiary of IG Port . The 12 - twelvemonth - honest-to-goodness animation studio , headquarter in Musashino , Tokyo , was to begin with directed by George Wada , a former employee of Production IG . However , he soon appointed Tetsuya Nakatake to dish up as his substitute . Eventually , additional former Production IG staff member joined WIT , let in director Kyoki Asano , Satoshi Kadowaki , and Tetsuro Araki , who would later work onAttack on Titan .
One of the youngest animation studios in the industry , Wit Studio has only exist for a small over a decade , but has manage to make account in that short amount of time . Spy x Familyand its newIsekai Suicide Squadseries are a few of the industry ’s trendiest anime . However , WIT Studio has also produce instant classics that have already ranked among Japan ’s most noteworthy serial publication of all time : Attack on Titan ( S1 - 3)andVinland Saga .
2MAPPA Studios
The Animation Quality of MAPPA Studios is Unmatched
Attack on Titan ( S4 )
2020
Jujutsu Kaisen
Chainsaw Man
Kakegurui
Banana Pisces
Yuri ! ! On Ice
One of Japan ’s best and most democratic vivification studio also pass to be one of the most controversial . discussion often go around online regarding MAPPA Studio ’s discussion of their employees , namely , their animators . report from Game Rant bespeak that animators crop upwards of 6 to 7 day a week , with up to 12 time of day of work each daylight . In addition , several formerMAPPA artists have spokenout regarding the unfair working circumstance .
MAPPA ’s animation style and tone are among the best in the industry . Somefan - ducky from MAPPA StudiosincludeAttack on Titan(Season 4),Jujutsu Kaisen , Chainsaw Man , Kakagurui , Banana Fish , andYuri ! ! On Ice . While not a generalization , MAPPA ’s adaptations characteristically let in a active color pallet , incomparably placid animation sequences ( fight sequences in particular ) , and morose story step . While the studio ’s success is unmatched , fans trust their creative person treatment improve soon , raise the studio even higher in hearing favorability .
Studio MAPPA is affect as one of the best anime studio around , but there are , unfortunately , a lot of arguing around their employment environs .
1Studio Ghibli
No Animation Studio Has Influenced the Entertainment Industry on a Global Scale Quite Like Studio Ghibli
Spirited out
2001
The Boy and the Heron
2023
My Neighbor Totoro
1988
The Grave of the Fireflies
1989
Castle in the Sky
While many view Studio Ghibli ’s first unofficial plastic film to beHorus : Prince of the Sun ( 1968 ) , it was a monthly manga strip that make the studio ’s alone artistic creation style acknowledgment . Nausicaä of the Valley of the Windwas originally a manga landing strip that Hayao Miyazaki , a co - laminitis of Studio Ghibli , wrote forAnimage Magazine . The manga ’s success inspired a full - length feature moving picture , released in 1984 . Miyazaki and Takahata Isao begin a partnership not long after , and Studio Ghibli was born on June 15 , 1985 .
While Studio Ghibli is in the main screw for their purity and imaginativeness , as see inSpirited AwayandMy Neighbor Totoro , perhaps the good example of the wave-particle duality of Studio Ghibli is the 1988 film , Grave of the Fireflies , directed by Takahata . put during World War II , Grave of the Firefliesis visually stunning and emotionally active , represent the immense range of Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli ’s storytelling . From Studio Ghibli ’s first official flick , Castle in the Sky ( 1986),to its most late , award - win masterpiece and autobiography , The Boy and the Heron ( 2023),Studio Ghibli ’s shock on storytellingand class - well-disposed content is unmatched .
Animation Studio
Year Founded
Most Notable project
Madhouse Inc.
1972
Death Note , Hunter x Hunter , One Punch Man , No Game No Life , Death Parade , Parasite , Overlord
A-1 Pictures
2005
Sword Art Online , Erased , Fairy Tail , Seven Deadly Sins , Darling in the Franxx , Kaguya - Sama : Love is state of war
Kyoto Animation
1981
Violet Evergarden , A Silent Voice , Hyouka , Free !
CloverWorks
The Promised Neverland , Bunny Girl Senpai , Spy x Family , Horimiya , Wind Breaker
David Production , Inc.
Jojo ’s Bizarre Adventure , Cells at Work , Fire Force
Toei invigoration
1948
One Piece , Sailor Moon , Dragon Ball , Digimon , Yu Gi Oh !
bone
1998
My Hero Academia , Ouran High School Host Club , Full Metal Alchemist : Brotherhood , Mob Psycho 100 , Bungou Stray Dogs
WIT Studio
Attack on Titan ( S1 - 3 ) , Spy x Family , Isekai Suicide Squad , Vinland Saga
MAPPA Studios
flak on Titan ( S4 ) , Jujutsu Kaisen , Chainsaw Man , Kakagurui , Banana Fish , Yuri ! ! ! On Ice
Studio Ghibli
1985
spirit aside , The Boy and the Heron , My Neighbor Totoro , Grave of the Fireflies , Castle in the Sky
From one of Japan ’s oldest animation studios , Toei Animation , to the young , up - and - issue forth WIT Studio , Zanzibar copal bear on to be one of history ’s most vibrant , divers storytelling mediums . Not only have these studios impacted Japanese culture , but they have reached every corner of the world . Like westerly entertainment , each studio apartment and director brings a unique , personalized dash to their projects . While every vitality studio apartment in Japan has impart invaluable art to the industriousness , only 10 anime studio have proven to be unparalleled , defined by their animation quality , adapted account , and best puzzle out .
