Highlights
- Chainsaw Man’s unique visual style captures the look of grindhouse films, with a catchy intro and unique endings.
- Zombieland Saga offers a unique twist on the zombie genre, focusing on zombie idols trying to make their dreams come true.
- Jujutsu Kaisen’s distinctive visuals and plot explore the complex relationship between Yuji and the evil sorcerer Sukuna.
MAPPA is known for producing high-quality anime in a short amount of time. These shows are so intense that once they’re over, you’ll be left wanting more. Working on these anime shows just how far the animators can go to create something truly unique. In fact, some anime give their source material a completely new look by mixing 2D and 3D techniques.
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So, after looking at the entire catalog, which anime is the best in terms of image, sound and aesthetics? From grindhouse legends to unique twists on fantasy worlds, these are the ten best anime from Studio MAPPA.
10 Chainsaw Man
Doing business with the devil
Chainsaw Man has a distinctive appearance that sets it apart from its manga counterpart, creating a visual style that captures the look of grindhouse films. With a catchy intro and unique endings, you won’t want to skip them like most other anime.
Muted colors also create a realistic setting where strange things happen. Denji’s struggle to make ends meet is that realistic lure that makes him relatable and grounded. At the same time, the chaotic world of the devils adds to the horror and supernatural elements of the show.
9 Zombieland Saga
Zombie idols have returned from their graves
Zombieland Saga is a unique twist on the zombie genre. Instead of focusing on flesh-eating undead, these zombies just want to entertain you and pursue their dreams of becoming a successful idol group. They do this while trying to keep up their facade of life.
However, there are other twists in the genre that make it interesting as an anime about idols. Each character that is resurrected for the group also comes from a different time period, adding to the dynamic and challenges they must face.
8 Jujutsu Kaisen
A large order of fingers
Eating fingers has never looked more delicious, and that’s exactly what Yuji Itadori gets after he successfully consumes one of the deadly sorcerer Sukuna’s fingers. While most succumb to Sukuna’s influence, Yuji is able to retain his humanity, making him a valuable aid in defeating the evil sorcerer for good.
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What makes Jujutsu Kaisen so special is that no amount of contact with the human characters brings out the good in Sukuna. Even though Yuji can use his powers, he must be careful not to let Sukuna get the upper hand. Ultimately, their fates are intertwined, and Yuji’s death will put an end to the sorcerer.
7 Dorohedoro
In search of the truth
The mix of a post-apocalyptic world and magic is a unique entry into Doroheroro. The story follows Caiman, a man who has been physically transformed into the form of a reptile. After a sorcerer erases his memory, Caiman vows to find the person responsible for his suffering.
It’s a supernatural world with a mix of post-apocalyptic grime. The world looks dirty and not in the best condition, which helps the aesthetic transition from the pages into the realm of animation.
6 On ice
The beauty of ice skating
Yuri! On Ice left fans rooted to the spot. The anime touches on many topics, from monsters destroying the world to snippets of school life. Yuri! On Ice, on the other hand, delves into the world of competitive figure skating.
There are two Yuris who figure skate. One is a fallen champion looking to return to his roots, while the other is a rising star just starting his career. With both Yuris vying for the top spot, they must pull off beautifully animated routines to truly stand out.
5 Attack on Titan (the final season)
Eren’s last battle
It seems like Attack On Titan had many final seasons before it finally came to an end. The final season is also the most important one, where Eren unleashes the full power of the Founding Titan and nearly destroys the world.
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The style and animation of Attack On Titan’s final season captures all the action as Eren’s friends and allies battle the Titan threat one last time. Some parts even benefit from the animation with extended scenes, additional details, and artistic moments that highlight the hope and tragedy of the situation.
4 The God of High School
A supernatural fighting tournament
Set in a high-stakes martial arts tournament, the series follows Jin Mori, a high school student with exceptional martial arts skills, as he attends a competition called “The God of High School.” However, the fights are anything but ordinary.
The show features intense action sequences, fluid animations, and supernatural elements as each fighter uses their borrowed power, granted to them by gods, demons, and other supernatural beings, as they fight their way to the top. Each character also has a compelling backstory that is slowly revealed as the series progresses.
3 The Paradise of Hell
A chance for freedom
If there is an anime with great animation, it is Hell’s Paradise. The story follows Gabimaru the Hollow, an assassin who is captured during a mission gone wrong. Although he is initially sentenced to death, nothing seems to harm him due to his supernatural powers.
Then he, along with a group of other convicts, is given a chance to be pardoned. They must venture to Shinsenkyo, a mysterious land where no one ever returns. There, they must obtain an elixir of life and return alive. With stunning kills and fluid action, Hell’s Paradise is one of MAPPA’s best-looking anime.
2 Vinland Saga (Season 2)
You have no enemies
Vinland Saga is a story about tragedy, human darkness and the path that must be taken until anger is finally conquered and replaced with peace. MAPPA had the opportunity to work on the second season of the popular anime, which focuses on the life and problems of Thorfinn.
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Set in Norway, The Vinland Saga offers a refreshing setting as Thorfinn travels from his homeland into slavery and then sets out to find the legendary land of peace, Vinland. With each part of the anime taking place in a different period of Thorfinn’s life, it’s nice to see a protagonist who ages and matures as the series progresses.
1 Dororo
An anime remake
Dororo was originally adapted into an anime in 1969. In 2019, MAPPA animated a whole new series that follows a ronin named Hyakkimaru and his companion, a child named Dororo. Together, they form an interesting duo as they search for the demons that occupy Hyakkimaru’s body parts that were sacrificed when he was a child.
Luckily, Hyakkimaru has prosthetics and the ability to sense the demons, giving him a chance to restore what was taken from him. In the meantime, he slowly regains his human senses, allowing him to feel pain, hear, and eventually see.
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The 10 best anime dubs
No matter where you stand on the dub vs. sub debate, these anime dubs are awesome.
