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Every anime fan has theirfavorite studiowhose best works may stand out in art style, overarching themes, main character types, and more. Like American directors,anime studios typically leave a distinct impression on their audience members.For example, while Jordan Peele’s acting career has been primarily comedic, his name as a director is quite the opposite, with strange and often terrifying projects such asNopeandGet Out.Similarly, Hayao Miyazaki’s films are known for their light-hearted storylines and brightly colored fantasy landscapes. On the other hand, Junji Ito’s plots are often dark, twisted, and gore-heavy.
Some non-anime fans may believe that anime is a genre and that all of the storylines are nearly identical in pace, plot, and themes. However, this is far from the truth.Anime is not a genre, it is a storytelling medium, and its contents can vary significantly by writer, director, and animation studio.
In Japan, there are over 500 animation studios, each with a number of projects. Some of the most notable studios include Studio Ghibli, Madhouse, and Toei Animation. Not only are these studios popular in the Eastern entertainment market, but they have also significantly influenced Western media, especially in recent years. Each of the 10 most popular anime studios and their best works may excel in animation style, storytelling, or manga adaptation.
2007
2011
2015
2014
2016
Overlord
Established in 1972,Madhouse Inc. is a Japanese animation studiobased in Nakano City, Tokyo. While the studio has been successful since its conception, it became especially relevant in the early 2010s when they adapted series such asDeath Note, Hunter x Hunter (2011),andOne Punch Man.Additionally, the studio is home to various anime legends such asDeath Parade, No Game No Life, Overlord, Parasite,and many more.
Madhouse is a unique animation studio for one specific strength: its chosen stories to adapt.Anime such asDeath NoteandHunter x Hunter,in particular, are not necessarily known for their animation styles or fight sequences. However,Death Note, Parasite,andOverlordare some of the most outstanding anime plots of all time. Madhouse may not have the most unique animation style or quality, but the stories they choose to cover are consistently intriguing, thought-provoking, and relevant.
2012
2009
Darling in the Franxx
2018
Kaguya-Sama: Love is War
2019
A-1 Pictures is located in Suginami, Tokyo, and was founded by a former producer of Sunrise Inc. (Code Geass, InuYasha),Mikihiro Iwata in 2005. Established as a subsidiary of Aniplex, the studio initially oversaw primarily family-friendly projects, reflected in its most popular series. However, as the studio grew in popularity,it began to accept a broader range of independent anime projects.Even today, there is a slight resemblance between A-1 Pictures’ and Sunrise Studio’s art style and targeted audience.
Many of A-1 Pictures projectshave one similar quality. From the outside, they appear to be aimed toward a younger audience. However,many of the series have more adult themes upon further investigation.For example,Sword Art Onlineis the quintessential isekai experience and appears to be aimed primarily toward a pre-teen or grade school audience. However, this series is also notorious for its fan-service, a theme common throughout several of A-1 Pictures’ series, includingSeven Deadly Sins. Nevertheless, A-1 is home to classic stories likeErased,Fairy Tale, Darling in the Franxx,andKaguya-Sama: Love is War.
2017
Free!
2013
While Kyoto Animation may not have as many series giants such as MAPPA Studios or Studio Bones,their stories are among the most beautiful.Based in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto Animation (KyoAni) was founded by Youka Hatta, an artist who had previously studied under Osamu Tezuka of Mushi Production. She founded the company with her husband, Hideaki Hatta, in 1981. At first, the animation studio worked primarily on finishing work for other companies. However, in 1986, the studio opened its own drawing department.
Kyoto Animation’s most iconic seriesincludeViolet Evergarden, A Silent Voice, Hyouka,andFree!The aesthetics of KyoAni’s projects are very distinct, with calming environments in which heartfelt stories take place. The stories allow the viewer to feel a wide range of emotions while enjoying the most beautiful parts of Japan’s landscape. In addition, there is often a hint of sadness behind their projects, most notably,A Silent Voice.
2022
2021
Wind Breaker
2024
CloverWorks Inc. is perhaps one of 2024’s best-rising animation studios.Located in Suginami, Tokyo, the animation studio was originally named Kouenji Studio under A-1 Pictures, owned by the parent company, Aniplex. In early 2018, the company was rebranded, and near the end of the year, it separated from A-1 Pictures, but remained a subsidiary of Aniplex. However, the stories that the company adapts still reflect A-1 Pictures in targeted audiences and genres.
While CloverWorks Inc.’s most popular series 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 recent years. However,CloverWorks continues to dominate the anime industrywith newer series such asSpy x FamilyandWind Breaker.In April, the studio also found massive success at the box office with their latest film,Spy x Family: Code White, earning a whopping 4.9 million on opening weekend in America alone.
Cells at Work
David Production, Inc. is an animation studio founded 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 animation subcontractor. However, in 2009, the studio adopted its first full animation project,Ristorante Paradiso.The company’s name is sourcedfrom the Biblical story of David and Goliath,“where David overcame his challenges by his creative acumen.”
David Production’s most impactful projects includeJojo’s Bizarre Adventure, Cells at Work,andFire Force.While each series has maintained popularity, none truly compare to the studio’s crown jewel,Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure,which has redefined anime’s artistic and storytelling possibilities.First serialized in 1987, the series is daring, hilariously vulgar, stylistically adventurous, and continues to be the defining series of David Productions. The company may not be the largest studio in Japan, but its impact on the animation industry is undeniable.
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1994
1986
Yu Gi Oh!
2000
Toei Animation is one of Japan’s oldest and most influential animation studios.Since 1948, Toei Animation hasn’t only created some of the most influential pieces 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 time at Toei Studios, he met who would soon be his lifelong partners: Takahata Isao, a future co-founder 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 haven’t only had a lasting impact on Japanese culture, but the world. For example,Dragon Ball’simpact on Latin Americagoes much deeper than anime culture. In addition,One Piece’smanga became the best-selling piece of literature written by a single person of all time following the success of Netflix’s live-action adaptation. Despite being one of Japan’s oldest studios,Toei Animation is proving to be more relevant than ever.
2006
Bungou Stray Dogs
Some of the 2020’s mostpopular anime has come from Studio Bones.While the studio is a bit newer compared to industry legends such as Toei Animation, Bones has claimed a spot in the limelight. Founded by previous Sunrise producer Masahiko Minami and animators Hiroshi Ousaka and Toshihiro Kawamoto in 1998, Bones had its very first debut project in 2000,Hiwou War Chronicles,a 26-episode mecha-adventure series aimed towards a younger audience.
Bones’ projects have become anime fans’ most recent obsessions 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 greatest anime of all time.
Attack on Titan (S1-3)
Vinland Saga
WIT Studio was founded on June 17, 2025, as a subsidiary of IG Port. The 12-year-old animation studio, headquartered in Musashino, Tokyo, was originally directed by George Wada, a former employee of Production IG. However, he soon appointed Tetsuya Nakatake to serve as his replacement. Eventually, additional former Production IG staff members joined WIT, including 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 existed for a little over a decade, but has managed to make history 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 produced instant classics that have already ranked among Japan’s most remarkable series of all time:Attack on Titan (S1-3)andVinland Saga.
Attack on Titan (S4)
2020
Yuri!! On Ice
One of Japan’s best and most popular animation studios also happens to be one of the most controversial.Discussions often circulate online regarding MAPPA Studio’s treatment of their employees, namely, their animators. Reports from Game Rant indicate that animators work upwards of 6 to 7 days a week, with up to 12 hours of work each day. In addition, several formerMAPPA artists have spokenout regarding the unfair working conditions.
MAPPA’s animation style and quality are among the best in the industry. Somefan-favorites 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 include a dynamic color palette, incomparably smooth animation sequences (fight sequences in particular), and darker story tones.While the studio’s success is unmatched, fans hope their artist treatment improves soon, elevating the studio even higher in audience favorability.
Studio MAPPA’s Long Story Of Controversies Overshadows Its Success
Studio MAPPA is regarded as one of the best anime studios around, but there are, unfortunately, a lot of controversies around their work environment.
2001
The Boy and the Heron
2023
1988
1989
Castle in the Sky
While many consider Studio Ghibli’s first unofficial film to beHorus: Prince of the Sun (1968), it was a monthly manga strip that earned the studio’s unique art style recognition.Nausicaä of the Valley of the Windwas originally a manga strip that Hayao Miyazaki, a co-founder of Studio Ghibli, wrote forAnimage Magazine.The manga’s success inspired a full-length feature film, released in 1984. Miyazaki and Takahata Isao began a partnership not long after, and Studio Ghibli was born on June 11, 2025.
While Studio Ghibli is primarily known for their innocence and imagination,as seen inSpirited AwayandMy Neighbor Totoro, perhaps the best example of the duality of Studio Ghibli is the 1988 film,Grave of the Fireflies,directed by Takahata. Set during World War II,Grave of the Firefliesis visually stunning and emotionally dynamic, exemplifying the vast range of Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli’s storytelling. From Studio Ghibli’s first official film,Castle in the Sky (1986),to its most recent, award-winning masterpiece and autobiography,The Boy and the Heron (2023),Studio Ghibli’s impact on storytellingand family-friendly content is unmatched.
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 War
1981
CloverWorks
The Promised Neverland, Bunny Girl Senpai, Spy x Family, Horimiya, Wind Breaker
1948
Bones
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
Attack on Titan (S4), Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, Kakagurui, Banana Fish, Yuri!!! On Ice
Studio Ghibli
1985
Spirited Away, 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-coming WIT Studio, anime continues to be one of history’s most vibrant, diverse storytelling mediums. Not only have these studios impacted Japanese culture, but they have reached every corner of the globe. Like Western entertainment, each studio and director brings a unique, personalized flair to their projects. While every animation studio in Japan has contributed invaluable art to the industry,only 10 anime studios have proven to be unparalleled, defined by their animation quality, adapted stories, and best works.
