The Ultimate Guide to the Top Anime Studios You Can't Miss!

With the surge in popularity of anime in recent years, many fans have been curious about which animation studios stand out as the best. It has become common for fans to choose what to watch each new season based on the studios behind the works they have enjoyed in the past. While this isn't always a foolproof indicator of quality, since different teams of animators and directors can collaborate within the same company, certain studios have consistently proven to be outstanding in the anime they create.

However, it's crucial to differentiate between praising the shows themselves and discussing the working conditions within these studios when evaluating the quality of art produced by different anime studios. Just because a studio produces exceptional series doesn't indicate that their working conditions are commendable, and ranking them highly on this list should not be interpreted as endorsing such behavior. It is unfortunate that the anime industry has reached a point where this disclaimer becomes necessary, but hopefully, the increased scrutiny surrounding the challenges these studios impose on their animators will bring about positive change in the future. With that being said, here are the top 10 anime studios in terms of their media output.

10 A-1 Pictures

A-1 Pictures, known for its extensive catalog of anime series since its establishment in 2005, stands out as one of the most productive studios in this list. Within their repertoire, they have created captivating action-packed shows like Sword Art Online and 86, as well as heartwarming narratives like Your Lie in April and Kaguya-Sama: Love is War. Despite these remarkable achievements, they have also produced content that has received mixed reviews, ultimately placing them at the bottom of this ranking. However, with upcoming projects such as Fate Strange/fake and Solo Leveling, A-1 Pictures' impressive list of successful series is bound to expand even further.

9 Production I.G

Established in the 1980s, Production I.G stands as one of the more seasoned studios mentioned here. While they may not have churned out as many shows as their counterparts, the quality of their productions speaks for itself - just take a look at hits like Haikyu!! and Psycho-Pass. Of course, like any studio, they've had their fair share of disappointments, such as Fena: Pirate Princess and Noblesse. Nevertheless, they've recently proved their mettle with the remarkable Heavenly Delusion, making it one of the standout shows this year. Additionally, they're also delighting fans with the visually stunning Kaiju No. 8 anime, as showcased in the mesmerizing trailers released thus far.

8 David Production

David Production is a lesser-known studio in comparison to others on this list, but they undeniably deserve recognition based on their notable works. Notably, they are the creative force behind both Jojo's Bizarre Adventure and Fire Force. When observing the six parts of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure that have been animated thus far, it is evident that David Production has undergone a noteworthy evolution as a studio, culminating in impressively smooth animation in the most recent seasons. Currently, they have taken on the task of releasing Undead Unluck this season, which further showcases their prowess in animation.

7 Wit Studio

Wit Studio gained recognition for their work on the initial 3 seasons of Attack on Titan, demonstrating their skill in crafting stylized and captivating action scenes. They further showcased their abilities with Vinland Saga, a remarkable series executed in a similar fashion. Their subsequent anime, Ranking of Kings, stood out for its distinct style, still maintaining the studio's trademark gorgeous animation. While Wit Studio's versatility is impressive, their lower production output and tendency to not fully complete shows have prevented them from ranking higher on this list. Both Attack on Titan and Vinland Saga were passed on to another studio for completion.

6 Madhouse

Madhouse is not as active as it used to be, which affected its ranking on this list. However, it deserves to be included here for producing remarkable shows like the 2011 version of Hunter x Hunter and the phenomenal first season of One-Punch Man. Particularly noteworthy is the first season of One-Punch Man, which still garners praise for its exceptional animation. Despite a decrease in production output in recent years, Madhouse occasionally releases new shows. Its latest offering, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, has the potential to be the best anime of the year, combining a profound exploration of life with breathtaking animation.

5 MAPPA

MAPPA, one of the newer studios on this list, rose to prominence relatively recently. The studio has successfully undertaken numerous high-profile projects such as Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man. They have also taken on the challenging responsibility of taking over production for Attack on Titan and Vinland Saga after Wit Studio ceased production. MAPPA's visually stunning and cinematic style, showcased in shows like Chainsaw Man, has earned them recognition as one of the industry's top studios in recent years. However, their reputation on this list is slightly diminished due to high-profile missteps, such as the final season of Attack on Titan.

4 Kyoto Animation

3 Bones

Kyoto Animation stands out among the studios on this list not solely for their action-packed productions, but for their expertise in creating charming and heartwarming slice-of-life anime such as K-On! and Nichijou. Nevertheless, they have proven their ability to deliver thrilling fight sequences, as evident in a few scenes from Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid. Additionally, the studio has ventured into the realm of movies, producing one of the most remarkable and emotionally impactful films of the 2010s – A Silent Voice. With their focus on more specialized shows, Kyoto Animation has established itself as a prominent force in the industry.

Bones has established itself as an exceptionally versatile anime studio, showcasing a vast array of styles in their productions. Whether it's the conventional artistry of My Hero Academia or the daring experimentation of Mob Psycho 100, their anime never fails to captivate viewers with its visually stunning animation. With the unparalleled success of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, the highest-rated anime on MyAnimeList, the company's artistry is beyond question.

2 Ufotable

1 Studio Ghibli

Unlike the other studios mentioned here, Ufotable doesn't explore various artistic styles or produce a vast number of anime. Nevertheless, the few shows they have released, such as Fate/Zero and Demon Slayer, are widely regarded as some of the greatest animated series ever made. This is largely attributed to Ufotable's innovative fusion of 2D and 3D animation, often executed in such a seamless manner that even casual fans may not notice. However, what every viewer can definitely appreciate is the exceptional quality of animation achieved through this technique. Consequently, Ufotable's shows and movies are renowned for their extraordinary fight scenes, solidifying the studio's well-deserved position among the best in the industry.

Studio Ghibli is a standout among other studios on this list because it primarily focuses on movies. Comparing them to other studios may be difficult due to this specialization. However, Studio Ghibli's films are so influential and iconic that they surpass any comparisons. They have even inspired Western movie studios like Pixar. Almost every movie they have produced is a sublime blend of emotion and artistry, unlike anything else in the medium. Films such as Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, My Neighbor Totoro, and many more are essential viewing for any anime enthusiast. These masterpieces unequivocally establish Studio Ghibli as the greatest anime studio of all time.

These rankings are subject to change as the industry evolves and studios come and go. However, the fact that any of these studios have produced an anime suggests that it is likely to be something extraordinary. That's why these are the top 10 anime studios currently creating exceptional art.