An Epic Countdown: The Finest 10 Anime Productions by Studio Madhouse

Madhouse is renowned as one of the most influential animation studios in history. Below are the top 10 anime series produced by this iconic studio. With a longstanding legacy and a commitment to groundbreaking storytelling, Madhouse has become synonymous with excellence in the anime industry.

Founded in 1972 by Masao Maruyama (who also founded MAPPA), Osamu Dezaki, Rintaro, and Yoshiaki Kawajiri, Madhouse has left a lasting legacy. With over 300 titles produced in the past 50 years, the studio has achieved great success and is responsible for some of the best anime of all time. Here are our top 10 anime series produced by Studio Madhouse, ranging from internationally beloved thrillers to some of the best shonen action series ever.

10 best anime from Studio Madhouse

Studio Madhouse is behind some of the most well-known anime of all time. Are any of your favorites on this list?

10. Rainbow

We’re starting this list with 2010 series Rainbow, which is one of former yakuza and mangaka George Abe’s most well-known creations.

In 1955, Rainbow tells the tale of seven young delinquents sent to Shounan Special Reform School. However, their time in juvenile detention is far from easy. They must fight for survival among Japan's most dangerous criminals while awaiting release.

Here, they encounter Rokurouta Sakuragi, an older inmate and ex-boxer, who teaches them strength and resilience. But even if they make it out, what kind of life awaits them on the other side? Experience their terror, hope, and shattered dreams in this unparalleled tale of survival.

Available to watch on: DVD

9. Nana

Nana, a popular shoujo series, defies the typical mold for success with its equally popular live-action series. This complex adult tale of love, loss, and betrayal follows two women who happen to share the name Nana. One is a country girl who risks it all to carve a life for herself in the big city, while the other is a musician with dreams as big as her personality.

Watch their close friendship be put to the test as they navigate the challenges of adult life on Amazon Prime Video and Crunchyroll.

8. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

Adapted from the manga by Kanehito Yamada, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has quickly made its mark as the latest addition to our list. With its debut in September 2023, this anime series has already garnered high praise, making it a must-watch for the year.

The story centers around the elf mage Frieren, who, after years of world exploration and magical study, comes back home to find that her mortal friends have aged while she has not. Upon the passing of a dear friend, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, dedicated to both honing her magical skills and reconnecting with her aging companions before they pass away.

Available to watch on: Crunchyroll

7. Hajime no Ippo: Fighting Spirit

Most sports anime series struggle to find success, but Hajime no Ippo defies the odds. Packed with thrilling action, entertaining characters, and plenty of suspense, this series is sure to captivate any shonen fan. Following the transformation of former weakling Makunouchi Ippo, who sets out to become a champion boxer after enduring years of bullying, the story chronicles his relentless pursuit of his dream until he finally becomes the fighter he always aspired to be.

Available to watch on: Netflix

6. Parasyte – The Maxim

Released in 2014, this anime is approaching its 10-year anniversary and remains a beloved sci-fi series. Madhouse, known for creating top-notch action series, has produced Parasyte – The Maxim. The story follows high school student Shinichi Izumi, who becomes infected by an alien parasite. However, the parasite mistakenly targets his arm instead of his brain, granting him incredible super powers.

Shinichi, determined to utilize his skills for the greater good, sets out to track and confront other parasitic aliens, all while grappling with Migi for dominance over his body. As the series unfolds, their fusion into a single entity raises questions about the outcome and ultimate victor. Watch it on Crunchyroll.

5. Hellsing Ultimate

Hellsing Ultimate, a mini-series with only ten episodes, defied the odds and ran for a remarkable six years. This extraordinary feat can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a potential deal with the universe and the enduring popularity of Madhouse’s creations.

Hellsing Ultimate follows the exploits of an organization dedicated to combating supernatural threats, led by the powerful vampire Alucard. Join him and his newly recruited assistant as they confront the most dangerous creatures and creations the world has to offer. But rest assured, nothing is too much for them to handle.

Available to watch on: Crunchyroll

4. Hunter x Hunter

Hunter x Hunter, a shonen battle masterpiece, narrowly misses out on our top three. Based on Yoshihiro Togashi’s manga series, it has been adapted twice – first in 1999 and later, from 2011 to 2014, by Madhouse. While both series were successful, it is undeniable that the Madhouse version is one of the most popular anime series ever made. Need proof? Just check out its impressive 9/10 score on IMDb.

During Madhouse’s heyday, the story centers around a young boy named Gon Freecss who sets out to trace his father’s steps and become a hunter. Throughout the series, Gon faces the challenging Hunter Exam, encounters fellow hunters, and confronts supernatural dangers. Now streaming on Crunchyroll.

3. One Punch Man

As one of the biggest shonen parodies of all time, One Punch Man is an international household name (among anime fans at least).

The series is set in a Japan filled with deadly monsters, where the overpowered protagonist Saitama can defeat any foe with just one punch. However, his only desire is to find a strong opponent who can give him a real challenge. The series is filled with humor as we watch Saitama effortlessly defeat a variety of colorful characters, all while he eagerly awaits the next opponent who might finally be able to match his strength.

Available to watch on: Crunchyroll

2. Monster

Up next on our list is Monster, one of Madhouse's most popular anime series and widely acclaimed. It stands out from the shonen and seinen series currently dominating the charts.

Monster is a suspenseful thriller centered around Dr. Kenzou Tenma, a renowned surgeon who makes a fateful decision to save the life of a destitute patient. Little did he know that this patient would later become a notorious mass murderer, haunting him for years to come. Now, the only person who can stop this killer is Kenzou Tenma himself.

Available to watch on: Netflix

1. Death Note

Finally, rounding out our list is arguably one of the most iconic anime series of all time. Death Note is a show that has had a lasting impact on our culture and continues to be influential even today. Unlike anything seen in shonen series, Death Note follows the story of the incredibly brilliant Light Yagami. After stumbling upon a supernatural notebook owned by the bored Shikigami Ryuk, which grants the user the power to kill anyone by simply writing their name in its pages.

Streaming on: Crunchyroll

How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023

And that's a wrap! Whether you're into fantasy adventures or spine-chilling thrillers, these are our top 10 anime series created by Studio Madhouse. Did any of your favorites make the cut?

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Editor's P/S

As a hard fan of anime, I am thrilled to see Studio Madhouse's exceptional work being recognized. Madhouse has consistently delivered top-notch anime productions that have captivated audiences worldwide. From the intense psychological thriller Death Note to the action-packed adventure of Hunter x Hunter, each series showcases the studio's mastery of storytelling and animation.

Studio Madhouse has a knack for creating complex and compelling characters that resonate with viewers. The characters in their anime series are not just one-dimensional archetypes but fully realized individuals with their own motivations, flaws, and growth arcs. This depth of characterization makes their stories all the more engaging and emotionally impactful.