[Top 10] Best Animation Studio For Anime Of All Time

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Let’s embark on a journey through the captivating world of anime as we explore the best animation studio for anime that has left an indelible mark on the medium!

From pioneers of the past to modern powerhouses, these studios have shaped the best animation studio in anime history. Keep reading to discover!

The Best Animation Studio For Anime

Below is a list of the ten brightest candidates based on the evaluation of industry experts. Let’s check!

#1. Studio Ghibli

Studio Ghibli is the best animation studio for anime founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata. The studio is known for its hand-drawn animation, complex characters, and stories that often deal with environmental themes and the power of the human spirit.

Studio Ghibli has produced over 20 feature-length films, including some of the most beloved and critically acclaimed anime films ever made, such as:

Spirited Away
My Neighbor Totoro
Princess Mononoke
Howl’s Moving Castle
Kiki’s Delivery Service

Studio Ghibli has won numerous awards for its films, including the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature for “Spirited Away” in 2003.

The studio has also had a major impact on popular culture, and its films have been enjoyed by audiences of all ages around the world.

In addition to its feature-length films, Studio Ghibli has also produced several short films, television series, and video games.

The studio has also collaborated with other companies on a variety of projects, such as the theme park Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo.

#2. Madhouse

Madhouse Studio is one of the oldest Japanese anime studios, having been established in 1972 by Osamu Dezaki, Rintaro, Yoshiaki Kawajiri, and Masao Maruyama, 4 skilled animators who had previously all worked at Osamu Tezuka’s Mushi Production Studio.

Madhouse started by making fantastic television shows and movies, and they still do today. One-Punch Man, Claymore, Death Note, and Cardcaptor Sakura are notable Madhouse productions.

Satoshi Kon stands out as one particularly excellent director that Madhouse is known for hiring. All four of Kon’s critically acclaimed anime films were produced by the company Madhouse, including:

Perfect Blue
Paprika
Millennium Actress
Tokyo Godfathers

Madhouse is renowned for drawing notable manga creators like Clamp and Naoki Urasawa. It works with worldwide studios besides other Japanese studios. For instance, it collaborated with Marvel on animated shows, including Wolverine and the X-Men.

#3. Kyoto Animation

Founded in 1981 by the visionary couple Yoko and Hideaki Hatta, Kyoto Animation stands as a venerable institution in the world of anime production. The studio derives its name from the culturally rich Kyoto Prefecture, which it calls home.

What truly sets this studio apart from its peers is its unique approach to production. Unlike others that rely on freelancers, it boasts a dedicated team of salaried animators who prioritize the pursuit of artistic excellence over meeting stringent production quotas.

Over the years, this distinctive philosophy has given rise to a distinct and recognizable Kyoto Animation style. The studio’s portfolio includes beloved works such as”

Violet Evergarden
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
Free!
Clannad
A Silent Voice

Tragically, in 2019, a devastating fire reduced the Kyoto Animation studio to ashes, claiming lives and invaluable resources.

However, the studio’s resilient spirit has led to its remarkable resurgence, warming the hearts of fans worldwide as it continues to create exceptional anime and nurture its distinctive approach to animation.

#4. Ufotable

Established in the year 2000 by former employees of TMS Entertainment’s Telecom Animation Film division, Ufotable may be a relatively recent addition to the anime scene, but it has already left an indelible mark.

Since its inception, Ufotable has produced a series of remarkable anime titles, including “God Eater” and “Fate/Zero.” However, what truly catapulted Ufotable to stardom was its involvement with the Demon Slayer franchise.

The studio’s adaptation of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” from the original manga was a monumental success. This gripping series captured the hearts of viewers and became a cultural phenomenon in Japan and beyond.

Ufotable’s crowning achievement came with the release of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: The Infinity Train,” a direct sequel to the anime series.

In 2020, this film shattered box office records, becoming not only the highest-grossing Japanese film of the year but also claiming the title of the highest-grossing Japanese film of all time.

#5. Studio Bones

Studio Bones, founded in 1998 by industry veterans Masahiko Minami, Hiroshi Osaka, and Toshihiro Kawamoto, emerged from the roots of Sunrise Inc.

This transition was amicable, with no ill will between the two studios, as evidenced by their subsequent collaboration on the 2001 masterpiece, “Cowboy Bebop: The Movie.”

Throughout its existence, Studio Bones has left an indelible mark on the world of anime, with a string of successful series under its belt.

Notable productions like “Fullmetal Alchemist,” “Mob Psycho 100,” and “My Hero Academia” have earned the studio a devoted following.

Tragically, the studio faced a setback when co-founder Hiroshi Osaka passed away from cancer in 2007, leaving a void in the anime world. However, Studio Bones persevered and welcomed new talents, Makoto Watanabe and Takahiro Komori, to its board of directors.

#6. WIT Studio

WIT Studio, a subsidiary of Production I.G, maybe a newcomer in the realm of Japanese anime, but its rapid ascent has left an indelible mark.

Established in 2012 under the guidance of Tetsuya Nakatake, WIT Studio swiftly made waves with its first major project, the anime adaptation of Hajime Isayama’s blockbuster manga, “Attack on Titan.”

Debuting in 2013, “Attack on Titan” captured the imagination of viewers worldwide and garnered acclaim as one of the finest anime series ever produced.

WIT Studio continued to helm two more gripping seasons before the reins were handed over to MAPPA Studios for the fourth season.

Beyond the colossal success of “Attack on Titan,” WIT Studio has lent its artistic prowess to other notable projects, including:

Vinland Saga
Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress
The Ancient Magus’ Bride

The studio is esteemed for its ability to craft distinctive and captivating visual styles tailored to each unique show, solidifying its reputation as a rising star in the anime industry.

#7. MAPPA

Founded in 2011 by industry veteran Masao Maruyama, MAPPA Studio (short for Maruyama Animation Project Produce Association) emerged as a beacon of creative freedom in the anime world.

Maruyama’s departure from Madhouse was driven by a desire to escape corporate constraints and embrace artistic liberty.

MAPPA’s inaugural anime, “Kids on the Slope,” showcased their talent and set the stage for a remarkable journey. Subsequent releases which have solidified their position as a powerhouse in the industry include:

Yuri!! On Ice
Banana Fish
Jujutsu Kaisen
The final season of “Attack on Titan”

Ironically, their success brought its own set of pressures, echoing the corporate environment Maruyama sought to escape. In 2016, he decided to pass the torch to Manabu Otsuka as CEO, allowing younger hands to lead.

Despite the transition, MAPPA Studio continues to flourish, standing as a testament to its unwavering commitment to artistic expression and its enduring impact on the world of anime.

#8. Sunrise

Founded in 1972 by former employees of Mushi Production, Sunrise has evolved into a colossal presence within the anime industry. With over 10 sub-studios under its banner, Sunrise has achieved recognition as one of the largest anime studios in history.

Sunrise is synonymous with the mecha-anime genre, acclaimed for its iconic “Gundam” series and its numerous spin-offs. Yet, its versatility extends beyond mecha, as evidenced by its involvement in producing classics like “Cowboy Bebop” and “Outlaw Star.”

One distinctive aspect of Sunrise’s legacy is its role as a breeding ground for talent. Six former Sunrise employees have gone on to establish their studios, attesting to Sunrise’s knack for spotting and nurturing the industry’s brightest talents.

This phenomenon doesn’t diminish Sunrise’s stature but rather underscores its ability to cultivate and shape the future of anime. With an enduring legacy and a diverse portfolio, Sunrise remains an essential pillar of the anime world.

#9. Toei Animation

Toei Animation is a venerable institution in the world of Japanese animation, with a history dating back to its founding in 1948 as Japan Animated Films.

In 1956, it was acquired by Toei Company and renamed Toei Doga in Japan and Toei Animation internationally. Later, in 1998, Toei Doga also officially adopted the name Toei Animation worldwide.

The studio’s illustrious legacy includes a string of iconic anime productions that have left an indelible mark on global pop culture. “Dragon Ball Z” and “Sailor Moon” are prime examples of Toei Animation’s contributions, achieving immense global success.

Additionally, Toei Animation is the creative force behind “One Piece,” one of the longest-running and most beloved anime series in history, along with its spin-off movies.

#10. Trigger

In just over a decade, Studio Trigger has etched its name in the annals of anime history as a studio renowned for its distinctive style and creative flair.

Established in 2011 by former Gainax talents Hiroyuki Imaishi and Masahiko Otsuka, Trigger wasted no time in making its mark.

Hiroyuki Imaishi’s previous work on Gainax’s “Gurren Lagann” showed his unique talent for blending vibrant animation with sharp visual humor, setting the tone for its signature style. The studio’s bold and eye-catching animation has become its trademark.

Trigger’s breakout series, “Kill la Kill,” remains a standout in its portfolio, recognized as one of its most iconic works.

The studio has also produced gems like “Little Witch Academia” and “Space Patrol Luluco,” further solidifying its reputation for pushing the boundaries of artistic expression in anime.

For those seeking anime that oozes coolness and artistic panache, Trigger is undoubtedly the go-to studio.

Conclusion

As we reflect on these remarkable studios, I hope this journey through the best animation studio for anime has provided insight into the rich and diverse tapestry of this art form.

Each studio’s unique contributions have collectively enriched the world of anime, leaving an enduring legacy. So, what do you like best?

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