Summary
MAPPA has a reputation for churning out high-qualityanimein a short amount of time. These shows are so intense they leave you wanting more once they’re over. Working on these anime shows just how far the animators can go into creating something truly unique. In fact, some anime gives their source material a whole new look by blending 2D and 3D techniques together.
So, after looking at their entire catalog, which anime nails the landing in terms of visuals, sounds, and esthetics? From grindhouse legends to unique twists on fantasy worlds, these are the ten best animes from Studio MAPPA.
10Chainsaw Man
Making Deals With A Devil
Chainsaw Man has a distinct appearance that sets it apart from its manga counterpart. This creates 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.
Subdued colors also create a realistic setting in which strange things occur. Denji struggling to make ends meet, is that realistic hook that makes him relatable and grounded. Meanwhile, the chaotic world of the devils adds to the horror and supernatural elements to the show.
9Zombieland Saga
Zombie Idols Back From The Grave
Zombieland Saga is a unique twist onthe zombie genre. Rather than focusing on flesh-eating undead, these zombies just want to entertain you and achieve their dreams of becoming a successful idol group. They do this while trying to maintain their facade of being alive.
However, there are more twists to the genre that make it interesting as an anime about idols. Every character that gets reanimated for the group is also from a different time period, which adds to the dynamic and challenges they need to face.
8Jujutsu Kaisen
One Large Order Of FIngers
Eating fingers never looked more delicious, which is what Yuji Itadori is tasked with doing after he successfully consumes one of the fingers of the deadly sorcerer, Sukuna. While most succumb to Sukuna’s influence, Yuji can retain his humanity, making him a valuable asset in defeating the evil sorcerer permanently.
What makes Jujutsu Kaisen special is that no amount of exposure to the human characters brings out the good in Sukuna. Even while being able to tap into his powers, Yuji must be cautious not to let Sukuna take over. Ultimately, their fates are tied with Yuji’s eventual death putting an end to the sorcerer.
7Dorohedoro
Searching For The Truth
Mixing a post-apocalyptic world with magic is a unique way to kick off Doroheroro. The story follows Caiman, a man who has been transformed physically into the shape of a reptilian. With his mind wiped of memories by a wizard, Caiman vows to find the one responsible for his affliction.
It’s a supernatural world with blends of post-apocalyptic grunginess. The world looks dirty and not in the best of conditions, which helps the aesthetic leave the pages and into the realm of animation.
6Yuri! On Ice
The Beauty Of Ice Skating
Yuri! On Ice left fans frozen in their seats. Anime touches on plenty of topics, from world-ending monsters to slice-of-life school days. Yuri! On Ice, on the other hand dives into the world of competitive ice skating.
With two skating Yuris, one is a fallen champion hoping to return to his roots, while the other is a rising star who has only just begun to scratch the surface of his career. As both Yuris compete for the top, they’ll have to pull off beautifully animated routines to truly excell.
5Attack On Titan (The Final Season)
Eren’s Final Stand
It seems like Attack On Titan had many final seasons before it finally ended. The final season is also the most pivotal, with Eren unleashing the full power of the founding Titan and almost destroying the world.
The style and animation of Attack On Titan’s final season capture all the action as Eren’s friends and allies fight one last time against the Titan threat. Some parts even take advantage of being animated with extended scenes, added detail, and artistic moments that highlight the hope and tragedy of the situation.
4The 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 extraordinary fighting skills, as he attends a competition known as The God of High School. However, the fights are anything but ordinary.
The show features intense action sequences, fluid animation, and supernatural elements as each fighter dips into their borrowed power. This power is granted by gods, demons, and other supernatural entities as they fight their way to the top. Each character also has compelling backstories that slowly get revealed as the series progresses.
3Hell’s Paradise
One Chance At Freedom
If any anime has magnificent animation, it’s Hell’s Paradise. The story follows Gabimaru the Hollow, an assassin who is captured during a mission gone wrong. While he is initially sentenced to be executed, nothing seems to harm him due to his supernatural powers.
He is then given a chance to be pardoned along with a group of other convicts. They must venture into Shinsenkyo, a mysterious land where none ever return. There, they must retrieve an elixir of life and return alive. With breathtaking kills and fluid action, Hell’s Paradise is one of MAPPA’s best-looking anime.
2Vinland Saga (Season 2)
You Have No Enemies
Vinland Saga isa tale of tragedy, human darkness, and the path it takes for rage to finally be quelled and replaced with peace. MAPPA had the opportunity to work on the second season of the popular anime, which sees the life and troubles of Thorfinn.
Taking place in Norway, Vinland Saga offers a refreshing setting as Thorfinn journeys from his home, into slavery, and then in search of the legendary land of peace, Vinland. With each part of the anime taking place during a different segment of Thorfinn’s life, it’s nice to see a protagonist who ages and matures as the series progresses.
1Dororo
An Anime Remake
Dororo originally had an anime adaptation back 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 makean interesting duoas they search for the demons that possess Hyakkimaru’s body parts, which were sacrificed when he was an infant.
Luckily, Hyakkimaru has prosthetic limbs and the ability to sense the demons, giving him a chance to restore what was taken from him. Meanwhile, he slowly regains his human senses, allowing him to feel pain, hear, and eventually see.
