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In the world of anime, the reputation and influence of animation studios often eclipse that of individual creators when it comes to sparking viewer interest. Each studio, whether a giant conglomerate with numerous branches or a small team with a limited portfolio, carries its own distinctive style and creative essence that appeals to fans.
Anime studios are typically known for their versatility, tackling a wide array of projects without adhering to a single approach. This is also true for the genres they explore; most studios do not confine themselves to specific genres, instead, they embrace a variety of themes and narratives. Nevertheless, each renowned studio has its unique strengths, which contribute to their popularity among fans, including their proficiency in certain genres.
MAPPA, a prominent player in today’s anime scene, was established in 2011 by a former co-founder of Madhouse. The studio quickly demonstrated its versatility with early successes spanning various genres, such as the psychological thriller Terror in Resonance and the heartfelt sports story Yuri!!! on Ice. In recent times, MAPPA has earned acclaim for its exceptional talent in delivering dynamic and visually impressive adaptations of some of the most beloved shonen anime series.
MAPPA Is the Current King of Dark Fantasy Anime
One of the most acclaimed and well-known anime studios of today, MAPPA was founded in 2011 by the co-founder of Madhouse, and the studio’s first successes were very diverse in genre – from the psychological thriller Terror in Resonance to the intimate sports drama Yuri!!! on Ice. Nowadays, however, MAPPA is revered as the best studio when it comes to high-octane, technically superb adaptations of the industry’s biggest shonen anime hits.
From Jujutsu Kaisen to Chainsaw Man to Hell’s Paradise, MAPPA has a particular knack for creating thrilling dark fantasy titles that awe audiences with their breathtaking action and spellbinding style. The studio isn’t afraid to take on projects known for their gloomy tone and abundance of electrifying action, going above and beyond to elevate every title they adapt.
Kyoto Animation Highlights the Magic in the Mundane With Slice-of-Life Stories
A production house synonymous with animation of superb quality, Kyoto Animation rarely directs its resources towards action-oriented shows. Instead, this studio is celebrated for its slice-of-life series that highlight the inherent beauty of everyday life and intimate emotions. KyoAni’s most esteemed works include the musical slice-of-life K-On!, the tear-jerking drama Clannad, and even the more fantastical but still grounded Violet Evergarden.
Regardless of the show’s theme or setting, Kyoto Animation makes sure that the visuals service the inherent emotiveness of the story. As such, the studio is known to animate even the simplest of movements with meticulousness and nuance that other production houses reserve exclusively for their most bombastic action scenes.
Toei Animation Is Responsible For Generational Titans Like One Piece & Dragon Ball
People who grew up watching anime in the ‘90s and ‘00s likely count a number of Toei Animation’s productions among the shows that got them into the medium. A massive, respected studio that goes as far back as the late ‘40s, Toei Animation created some of anime’s most legendary classics, from Mazinger Z in the ‘70s to Sailor Moon in the ‘90s.
Dragon Ball, Slam Dunk, Pretty Cure – Toei Animation’s catalog is truly unmatched when it comes to long-running titles. Expansive action-adventure shows are a staple of the studio’s legacy. Even today, it is responsible for producing what is, perhaps, the most well-known long-running adventure in the entire medium, as Toei Animation has been releasing One Piece alongside the manga for over two decades.
Bones Does Exceptionally Well with Long-Running Adaptations
Another studio best-known for its long-running anime, Bones is responsible for more modern adaptations of ambitious projects that can span decades – in this case, usually within the seasonal release format. Founded by former employees of Sunrise, Bones famously created Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – an anime many revere as the gold standard of shonen storytelling.
Other notable Bones adaptations include My Hero Academia, Mob Psycho 100, and Bungo Stray Dogs. When Bones gets to adapting a long-running IP, fans are guaranteed to get a gorgeous adaptation that will, most likely, remain faithful to the source material till the very end and improve in quality with every season.
Sunrise’s Mecha Anime Productions Are Revolutionary
A rare anime studio is actually known for handling a particular genre the best. However, Sunrise, nowadays known as Bandai Namco Filmworks, has managed to build up a reputation as the face of an entire genre: mecha. Sunrise’s most famous IP is, without a doubt, Mobile Suit Gundam. Nonetheless, anything related to science fiction or giant robots becomes gold in the hands of the studio’s staff.
Sunrise’s animation is notably smooth and technically impressive, matching the studio’s futuristic expertise. Ever since establishing in the early ‘70s, Sunrise has been producing some of the most awe-inspiring shows in the industry, from action-packed classics like Cowboy Bebop and Aura Battler Dunbine to more unorthodox titles like Gintama and even the idol sensation Love Live!.
Doga Kobo Mastered the Art of Cute Girls Doing Cute Things
Cute Girls Doing Cute Things is a very peculiar genre associated with a distinct aesthetic, and much of how fans perceive the signature look of moe anime is thanks to the works of studio Doga Kobo. Some of the most iconic “cutesy” anime come from Doga Kobo’s abundant catalog – Yuru Yuri, Mangirl!, Myself; Yourself.
Even more modern Doga Kobo shows still have the same recognizable aesthetic many would dub the trademark anime look. Oshi no Ko, the current biggest hit Doga Kobo is producing, is much more serious in tone, yet it has the same CGDCT elements and visual hallmarks as the studio’s lighthearted masterpieces like Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun and New Game!.
Shaft’s Experimental Anime Always Exceed Expectations
An anime studio that makes a point of defying conventions, studio Shaft can make a title of any genre feel unique and recognizable as one of their productions. Most Shaft anime include psychological themes and avant-garde visuals that suit a given title’s unorthodox storyline. Its anime is famous for mixing visual techniques, embracing experimental narratives, and giving artists boundless creative freedom.
When getting into a Shaft anime, fans always know to expect the unexpected. Their most famous works include such genre-defining series as Monogatari, Madoka Magica, Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, and countless other experimental anime that push the boundaries of conventional storytelling.
Madhouse Secretly Excels at Anime Mystery Thrillers
A studio whose catalog truly can’t be defined by a single genre, Madhouse is, perhaps, the most respected anime studio in the industry, esteemed for its impressive collection of classics across many different categories. However, if there is one genre Madhouse is known to always get right, it’s mystery thrillers.
From more supernatural takes on the genre like Death Note to grounded, slow-burn crime dramas like Monster, Madhouse excels at producing plot-heavy critical darlings that stick with audiences for years. Nonetheless, the studio is so prolific, it has excellent shows in virtually any genre, from ecchi horror Highschool of the Dead to the modern fantasy sensation Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.
Trigger’s Expressive Style Lends Itself Perfectly to Action-Comedy Anime
Studio Trigger was founded by two employees of Gainax, Hiroyuki Imaishi and Masahiko Otsuka, and their former employer’s love for boundary-pushing storytelling is evident in every project Trigger has ever produced. Trigger’s anime is famously kinetic and chaotic, developing a playful, visually distinct style that best suits shows that view serious storytelling through a comedic lens.
All of Trigger’s best projects – Kill la Kill, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Delicious in Dungeon – are capable of being sincere and emotive, yet package their heavier ideas in a tumultuous layer of insanity. And, with this instantly recognizable style, Trigger managed to rise up as one of the most beloved studios of today.
Studio Ghibli’s Dreamlike Fantasy Stories Are Beloved Worldwide
The one anime studio everyone, even people generally uninterested in anime, knows and loves, Ghibli is the powerhouse of mainstream Japanese animation. The studio’s name is inseparable from its founder, Hayao Miyazaki, who is responsible for creating Ghibli’s most well-known masterpieces.
Studio Ghibli specializes in magical fairytales adored by people of all ages. The studio’s animation, always sophisticated and jaw-droppingly detailed, effortlessly transports viewers into the most fantastical of worlds. Ghibli movies, like Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and Howl’s Moving Castle, embed thought-provoking themes into magical narratives that often feel like a child’s dream brought to life.
