The sheer amount of amazing anime that fans can check out is innumerable, with this mediumencompassing numerous genresand compelling people to check out some of the best shows around that will capture their attention in no time. The wacky premises, compelling plotlines, beautiful animation, and memorable characters go a long way in ensuring that these anime attract a loyal fanbase that can’t wait to check out shows that will blow their minds.
Many studios have operated in this sphere for years, developing some of the most unique anime in the process. From well-known masterpieces to relatively unknown shows that target a specific niche, some of the most prolific anime studios have made a name for themselves by covering numerous verticals and letting people enjoy a wealth of quality shows.
5J.C.Staff
Notable Works: Bakuman, A Certain Magical Index, The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.
A lot of people unfairly label J.C.Staff as the studio that made the second season ofOne-Punch Man, which paled in comparison to the first run of the series, developed by none other than the legendary Madhouse. However, this is an unfair way to label a studio that received way less love at the time, especially one that has operated in the industry for decades andanimated several amazing shows in the process.
A Certain Magical Indexseries continues to be one of the most underrated shonen shows fans can check out, with J.C.Staff developing an excellent adaptation of this series. Along with this,The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.has quietly become one of the most hilarious anime fans can get their hands on, channeling a lot of what madeMob Psycho 100such a special series.
4Madhouse, Inc.
Notable Works: Death Note, Hunter X Hunter, Parasyte: The Maxim
There was a time when Madhouse was at the very peak of its powers and hailed by many as one of the greatest anime studios of all time. Their work onHunter X HunterandDeath Noteproved time and time again that the best animators in the industry were working for this studio, showcasing a level of animation that pushed the medium to new heights.
However, as time passed, Madhouse bit off more than it could chew, losing a lot of its talented staff that moved over to MAPPA. The legacy of this studio persists, even if it may not be at the forefront of showing fans some of the best animation they can feast their eyes on. Still,shows likeOverlordandFrieren: Beyond Journey’s Endare quite popular and prove that this studio can still bring a lot of fresh and unique ideas to the table.
3Pierrot
Notable Works: Naruto, Bleach, Tokyo Ghoul
The fact that Pierrot has animatedsome of the biggest shonen anime of all timelikeYu Yu Hakusho,Bleach, andNarutoshows just how rich this studio’s body of work is. Their work continues to captivate mainstream audiences, withBlack Cloverbeing a great example of a long-running shonen series that captures the strengths of this studio.
Despite the long-form nature of their series meaning that the animation in some instances can be somewhat disappointing, Pierrot more than makes up for it with explosive moments where certain battles reach a head and wow fans with the spectacular animation on display. This delicate balance ensures that fans will be mostly satisfied with the work Pierrot brings to the table, bringing to life some of the most iconic anime moments of all time.
2Toei Animation
Notable Works: Dragon Ball, One Piece, Slam Dunk
Another legendary animated studio that has made a name for itself byadapting some of the most popular shonen manga aroundis Toei Animation. The quality of their works may vary quite a bit, but the compelling source material of shows likeOne PieceandDragon Ballensures that fans will be enraptured by the memorable characters and amazing storylines of these series instead of focusing on such nitpicks.
The fact that Toei Animation has been operating in the industry for three-quarters of a decade and enjoyed unmitigated success in that time shows just how dominant this studio has been. It helps that they acquired the rights to adapt some of the most popular manga of all time, helping them remain relevant and carry this momentum all the way to the modern era.
1Bones
Notable Works: My Hero Academia, Fullmetal Alchemist, Darker Than Black
Despite being active for only a quarter of a decade, the fact that Bones already has more than fifty anime to its name shows the hardworking nature of this studio. Shows likeFullmetal Alchemist,My Hero Academia,Darker than Black, andMob Psycho 100have flourished under the creative excellence of this studio that knows when to ramp up the animation quality and make its action scenes come to life in the best way possible.
The focus on shorter seasons instead of weekly anime that can go on for years ensures that Bones prioritizes animation quality over quantity. While some people may argue that the studio is spread too thin across multiple projects, there’s no way anyone can contest Bones' presence as one of the most prolific and beloved anime studios in the industry.
