Each anime studio has its own special style. Studio MAPPA stands out because its best anime cover a wide range of themes.
MAPPA began in 2011 and has become super popular lately, especially after handling many famous manga adaptations.
Usually, a studio getting one big adaptation is a big deal, but MAPPA has managed to handle many, making it legendary.
MAPPA doesn’t just stick faithfully to the source material when making anime. They add their own twist to everything they create.
Simply adapting a story isn’t their style. They use the unique strengths of anime to make the source material even better.
This approach of not just adapting but improving the source material is what makes most of MAPPA’s anime stand out.
Studio MAPPA’s versatility shines through in their ability to tackle a diverse array of themes in their anime productions.
From intense, action-packed series like Attack on Titan to introspective character-driven dramas like Kids on the Slope, MAPPA demonstrates its adaptability across genres.
Their rise in popularity, especially after handling numerous high-profile manga adaptations, speaks volumes about their prowess in the industry.
Unlike some studios that simply stick to faithfully adapting source material, MAPPA adds their own unique twist to each anime, elevating the storytelling to new heights.
This commitment to innovation and enhancement sets MAPPA apart, making them a powerhouse anime production.
1) Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen is a shonen anime with dark fantasy and adventure elements that has gained a massive following since its debut.
The story mainly revolves around high school student Yuji Itadori and his journey after he joins a clandestine group of Jujutsu Sorcerers tasked with eliminating powerful Curses.
Yuji also possesses a malevolent creature within him, which he can control to some extent. Despite its dark themes, Jujutsu Kaisen breaks away from typical anime tropes and adds in plenty of strange humor and nods to iconic shonen series like Bleach and Naruto.
Bleach especially influenced the creator, Gege Akutami, which is evident in the focus on supernatural horror in modern Japan.
The outcome is a series that has rightfully earned its place as one of the biggest anime of the decade.
2) Attack On Titan: The Final Season
Attack on Titan remains one of the most monumental anime series to date. While Wit Studio worked on the initial seasons, MAPPA took over for the final one.
The premise of the series, depicting a post-apocalyptic war between humanity and Titans, carries through to the final season.
With significant character deaths and intense battles, the ending of Attack on Titan solidified itself as a timeless classic, exceeding the immense hype surrounding it.
Unlike many other dark fantasy and sci-fi anime, Attack on Titan stands out with its deep philosophical underpinnings that shape its multi-layered characters.
As the characters uncover their origins and history through each mission, the series gains even more depth.
Attack on Titan: The Final Season represents the culmination of over a decade of storytelling, and with MAPPA at the helm, it stands as their best anime yet.
3) Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man, one of MAPPA’s most audacious anime releases in 2022, follows a young man named Denji who battles devils as the Chainsaw Man.
Alongside his comrades Aki and Power, Denji works in Public Safety under the watchful eye of the powerful Makima.
However, devil hunting is a dangerous job with a high mortality rate, putting Denji, Aki, and Power in constant peril.
Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga series Chainsaw Man is renowned for its wild plot and introspective storytelling.
Adapting such a multifaceted work faithfully is no easy feat, yet MAPPA managed to excel in this regard.
The acclaimed studio went above and beyond for the anime adaptation, delivering an incredible opening filled with hidden symbolism and an impressive lineup of 12 closing themes.
The exceptional quality and effort put into Season 1 solidify “Chainsaw Man” as one of MAPPA’s standout anime achievements.
4) Kakegurui
Kakegurui is a hyper-violent high-school anime all about gambling, and it’s a must-watch for its quirky humor and stylized gore.
The main character, Yumeko Jabami, is a skilled gambler who shakes things up at an elite school where everything revolves around gambling.
Each episode is full of unexpected twists and turns, like when the players start betting their lives when things get really intense.
Gambling might not be the most typical theme in anime, but when it’s done right, like in Kaiji and especially in Kakegurui, it can really hit the mark.
There’s an exciting thrill that comes with the unpredictability of betting, and Kakegurui nails that feeling perfectly.
Even when it gets over-the-top crazy, it still keeps you on the edge of your seat. Kakegurui might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but you can’t deny its unique and impressive weirdness.
5) Dororo
The classic manga Dororo by Osamu Tezuka got its first anime adaptation in 1969. While it holds a special place in history, it didn’t fully capture the epic scale of the manga.
The original story follows a young Ronin named Hyakkimaru, who has prosthetic limbs, and a street urchin named Dororo. Hyakkimaru’s body parts were taken by demons, so he goes on a quest to find them all.
In the 2019 MAPPA adaptation of Dororo, the central storyline of Hyakkimaru’s quest to reclaim his stolen body parts remains intact, but the series deviates significantly from the source material.
Nevertheless, it stands as an engaging dark fantasy anime with complex characters. Hyakkimaru’s journey is not only about reclaiming his body but also about discovering his purpose and identity.
Dororo has always been one of Osamu Tezuka’s darker tales, and MAPPA’s acclaimed adaptation only deepens those dark elements.
6) Terror in Resonance
Terror In Resonance is a great pick for fans of underrated psychological anime series, especially since it’s just 11 episodes long, perfect for a binge-watch.
The thriller kicks off with a group of young people stealing an atom bomb and threatening Tokyo until they get answers to government secrets.
These attackers have faced their own personal traumas and are survivors of a secret operation aimed at turning humans into weapons.
Terror In Resonance creates a dark version of the present world, tackling themes like authoritarianism and the trustworthiness of governments head-on.
It doesn’t hold back in depicting violence and terrorism as it explores what a perfect modern society should be like.
While it might not match fans expectations, the series exploration of Japanese militarization adds a unique political angle that’s interesting, even for viewers outside of Japan.
7) The God of High School
In The God of High School, the main character, Mori Jin, is a martial artist from South Korea. He joins a tough fighting competition where winners get a wish granted by a mysterious company.
But things get more intense when fighters start using borrowed powers. These powers let them do superhuman stuff in battles.
Some people may not be fans of The God of High School adaptation, but its action scenes definitely make it one of MAPPA’s top anime.
Just like Solo Leveling and Viral Hit, The God of High School proves that manhwa can be turned into great anime.
Even though it might not be the absolute best adaptation, it’s still worth watching for anyone into anime and looking for something new.
8) Yuri!!! on Ice
After a devastating loss, professional figure skater Yuri Katsuki considers quitting the sport. However, he’s inspired to return by veteran skater Victor Nikiforov.
Things get interesting when another skater named Yuri also wants Victor to coach him. Both Yuris end up training under Victor and develop a romantic relationship.
Yuri!!! on Ice is a unique and authentic LGBT anime series, a rarity in a medium where same-sex relationships are often overlooked. It’s a one-of-a-kind single-season anime that every MAPPA fan should check out.
While the movie was recently cancelled, the original series is still worth watching. With stunning animation and well-developed characters, it’s no wonder “Yuri!!! on Ice” made such a huge impact.
9) Banana Fish
Banana Fish is a must-watch anime that draws heavily from the tropes of its titular manga and ’90s crime thrillers.
The heart of the story lies in the friendship between gang leader Ash Lynx and journalist Max Lobo, providing emotional depth.
Meanwhile, a conspiracy involving mind control and its connection to the Iraq War adds an extra layer of excitement to the series.
Despite being set in the 2010s, Banana Fish maintains a classic vibe in its references and visual style, reminiscent of the 1980s setting of the original manga.
This sets it apart from other contemporary crime thrillers. The manga’s strong ties to its era make MAPPA’s seamless modern adaptation even more impressive, showcasing their adeptness at adaptation.
10) Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku
In Hell’s Paradise, Gabimaru is a ninja assassin trained since he was young. But he gets caught during a mission and is supposed to be executed. Strangely, every attempt to kill him fails.
So instead of dying, he’s given a chance to earn a pardon. His task is to find the Elixir of Life and bring it back to the shogun. He’s joined by a group of death row inmates and their executioners.
They must all stay alive to get their pardons. Together, they journey to the mysterious land of Kotaku. Hell’s Paradise is a crazy series with all sorts of monstrous creatures that Gabimaru and his executioner, Sagiri, have to survive.
It’s an intriguing story featuring some really flawed anti-heroes, which can make it tough to cheer for them to make it through their challenges.
11) Inuyashiki
Inuyashiki follows Ichiro Inuyashiki, an older salaryman who gets caught in a strange explosion. When he wakes up, he discovers he’s turned into a cyborg with amazing powers.
Determined to use his new abilities for good, Inuyashiki becomes a hero, fighting crime and helping people. But he’s not alone.
Another person caught in the explosion, a teenager named Shishigami Hiro, also has powers. However, Hiro isn’t using his powers for good like Inuyashiki.
Inuyashiki is a special seinen series because it centers around an older main character, which is pretty uncommon.
It’s not your typical superhero story; instead, it flips around anime norms and surprises you at every turn. With just 11 episodes, it’s quick to watch and definitely worth trying out.
12) Vinland Saga
While Studio WIT worked on Season 1 of Vinland Saga, Season 2 was taken on by MAPPA. Studio changes are common in anime, but the transition in Vinland Saga is particularly fitting thematically.
Season 1 follows a young Viking named Thorfinn on his quest for revenge after his father’s murder, while Season 2 sees an older Thorfinn grappling with life as a slave.
Season 2 of Vinland Saga feels like a whole new series as Thorfinn shifts his focus from fighting to farming.
Despite being slower-paced than the first season, it doesn’t lose any of its nuance or depth, thanks to MAPPA’s skillful characterization. With the groundwork laid in the first two seasons, future installments of “Vinland Saga” promise to explore even deeper, giving fans plenty to look forward to.
13) Dorohedoro
Dorohedoro is a hidden gem on Netflix that stays true to the dystopian vibe and quirky humor of its manga source material.
The story follows a reptile-headed guy with amnesia who’s on a mission to regain his memories. The post-apocalyptic world it’s set in looks awesome and feels alive.
Despite the futuristic setting, the anime focuses more on sorcery and dark magic than sci-fi stuff.
Once turned into a reptile, the main character, Caiman, sets out to find the sorcerer responsible for his transformation, uncovering a bigger plot involving humans used as experiments by magical forces.
Dorohedoro is a total rollercoaster ride of a series that showcases MAPPA’s creativity at its best. It’s completely off-the-wall and bizarre in a way that few other studios can manage.
With its crazy premise and top-notch animation, any fan of wild and weird anime should definitely check out Dorohedoro they won’t be let down.
14) Zombie Land Saga
Even though MAPPA is known for adapting famous Shonen and Seinen manga, Zombie Land Saga still fits right into their amazing lineup.
MAPPA’s touch is evident in this one-of-a-kind idol series. It’s about seven girls from different eras in Japanese history who are resurrected as zombies to become an idol group.
Zombie Land Saga is definitely one of MAPPA’s top anime picks, despite its dark starting point. It has a great bunch of characters and even includes a diverse range of gender identities, which is awesome.
While idol anime is pretty common, Zombie Land Saga sets itself apart with its dark humor. It’s got some of the best representation for transgender characters in anime, making it a must-watch series.
15) Rage of Bahamut
Rage of Bahamut is set in a world where humans, Gods, and demons once teamed up to seal away the mighty leviathan, Bahamut, bringing peace to Mastarcia.
The seal was split into two parts, but when an amnesiac arrives with one-half of it, conflict erupts. Some want to bring back Bahamut, while others want to keep it locked away.
Rage of Bahamut may have some familiar tropes, but it’s still a thrilling and action-packed series that captures the excitement of Saturday-morning cartoons, which many shonen fans love.
It’s a treat for Dungeons and Dragons fans, as it recreates the immersive worldbuilding and adventure that players enjoy in well-crafted campaigns.
16) Kids on the Slope
Kids on the Slope is all about celebrating high school friendships, especially between two very different characters.
The story follows Kaoru Nishimi, an introvert, who becomes friends with Sentaro Kawabuchi, a rebellious guy. Together, they both discover a love for jazz music.
Kids on the Slope is widely considered one of the best anime series of the past decade. It’s loved for its heartwarming male friendships, relatable characters, and touching story and music.
If you’re into slice-of-life anime, this MAPPA gem is a must-watch. Director Shinichirō Watanabe’s passion for jazz, seen previously in Cowboy Bebop, shines brightly in Kids on the Slope.
The result is something truly special that music fans and Watanabe enthusiasts won’t want to miss.
17) Hajime no Ippo: The Rising
Hajime no Ippo, also known as Fighting Spirit, is a Japanese boxing anime initially developed by Madhouse.
However, its third season, titled Rising, was produced by MAPPA. The series continues to focus on the Featherweight Champion, Makunouchi Ippo, as he defends his title against new challengers.
While all of Ippo’s anime adaptations are great, Rising takes things to the next level in many aspects.
While boxing-themed sports fiction often follows familiar underdog tropes and melodramatic bouts, Hajime no Ippo: Rising stands out by delving into the introspective side of its boxer’s journey rather than solely focusing on fast-paced action.
As a legendary franchise in Japan, Ippo has influenced numerous series, making “The Rising” an excellent entry point for newcomers to this beloved series.
18) Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill
Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill is a funny Isekai series about three high schoolers and an adult who suddenly find themselves in a fantasy world.
They’re supposed to help fight off demons invading this world. But while the high schoolers get awesome magic powers, the adult, Tsuyoshi Mukouda, only has the ability to shop online.
It seems useless at first, but it turns out to be surprisingly handy for him to live a carefree life instead of battling demons.
Mukouda sets off on his own journey and becomes friends with a Fenrir beast named Fel through his cooking. The series is full of laughs and craziness but also has some serious moments.
What’s cool about it is that Mukouda isn’t super strong right away like in many Isekai stories. Instead, he has to learn how to use his special power and figure out what he can do with it.
19) Sarazanmai
Sarazanmai is an anime made for adults and is a collaboration between Lapin Track. It’s about three middle schoolers who get turned into Kappas after upsetting the heir to the Kappa Kingdom.
To turn back to normal, they need to get back their shirikodama, which holds their desires, from zombies and give them to the one who took theirs. They also have to bond and learn to cooperate with each other.
Sarazanmai is unique because it’s not adapted from a manga or light novel. Instead, it’s a coming-of-age tale with a touch of magical realism.
People loved its animation and its message against materialism. While it has funny moments, it can also hit you right in the feels, and it’s aimed at adults, which is pretty rare for anime.
20) Listeners
Listeners is an anime set in a world destroyed by creatures called the Earless. Echo, a tech enthusiast, wants to join the mecha-piloting heroes called Players, who use Equipment to fight.
Along the way, Echo meets Mu, a girl with an auxiliary jack in her back, a sign she’s one of the Players. Together, they team up to fight the Earless using Echo’s mecha inventions and uncover Mu’s mysterious past.
Listeners might seem different, but it still has those classic character relationships and themes that anime fans love. Plus, it’s packed with musical references and themes, making music a big part of the story.
21) Takt Op. Destiny
Studio MAPPA once again proves its versatility with Takt Op. Destiny. This anime showcases MAPPA’s openness to exploring new themes and genres, adding to its diverse lineup.
In the United States, chaos reigns due to the emergence of D2s, invasive creatures from a black meteorite. To prevent further harm caused by the D2s’ hatred for music, playing melodies is banned.
Takt Asahina, a piano prodigy, becomes a Conductor after a D2 attack kills Anna Schneider’s sister, Cosette. Takt, along with his Musicart, Destiny, and Anna, journey to Symphonica Headquarters in New York City.
Takt, eager to play piano again, attracts the creatures he despises, while Destiny’s duty leads them into trouble. With a path infested by D2s and obstacles ahead, will they reach New York City safely.
With its mix of music, fantasy, and action, Takt Op. Destiny stands out for its fresh approach. Like their other works, MAPPA doesn’t just adapt the source material.
They inject it with their unique style and creativity. With innovative storytelling and meticulous attention to detail, MAPPA remains at the forefront of anime production, setting new standards in the industry.
22) Punch Line
In Punch Line, MAPPA showcases their talent for unique storytelling with vibrant animation and a distinctive style.
Punch Line follows Yuuta Iridatsu, whose soul is separated from his body after a bus hijacking. With the help of a cat spirit named Chiranosuke, he discovers his power increases upon seeing panties.
But a second glimpse could end the world. As Yuuta navigates Korai House and its eccentric residents, he finds mysteries and thwart a villainous organization to save everyone from impending doom.
Despite its eccentric premise, the anime seamlessly blends comedy, mystery, and supernatural elements.
MAPPA’s willingness to take risks and explore unconventional concepts in anime, solidifying their reputation as a studio capable of delivering engaging stories.
23) Ushio & Tora
In Ushio & Tora, MAPPA excels at adapting the classic manga into a compelling anime. The series follows Ushio Aotsuki, who releases the demon Tora from his family’s basement, thrusting them into a centuries-old conflict.
Ushio Aotsuki, a stubborn middle schooler, discovers a menacing youkai impaled by the fabled Beast Spear in his family’s temple basement.
This youkai is Tora, infamous for his destructive power, who urges Ushio to release him from his five hundred year seal.
Despite Ushio’s distrust, he’s forced to rely on Tora when a youkai outbreak endangers his loved ones. With the ancient spear as his only defense, Ushio goes on a perilous journey into the supernatural realm, discovering the true threats lurking within.
MAPPA’s stunning animation captures intense battles and showcases intricate character designs. They balance action, comedy, and supernatural elements effectively, staying faithful to the source material while injecting fresh energy.
MAPPA delivers an interesting anime that honors the manga’s legacy while standing out on its own.
24) The Idaten Deities Know Only Peace
MAPPA Studios produced the anime adaptation of The Idaten Deities Know Only Peace, which premiered in July 2021.
The story revolves around powerful beings called the Idaten who brought peace by defeating demons but are forced back into action when the demons return.
Fans had high expectations for MAPPA’s work due to its reputation for high-quality animation and a diverse range of successful anime series like Yuri on Ice, Dorohedoro, and Jujutsu Kaisen.
The studio’s adaptation of The Idaten Deities Know Only Peace lived up to these expectations, offering attractive visuals and dynamic action scenes that appealed to anime viewers.
25) GARO: THE ANIMATION
MAPPA Studios also worked on the anime adaptation of Garo: The Animation, part of the Garo franchise created by Keita Amemiya. The anime aired from October 2014 to March 2015.
Following the journey of Leon Lewis, the son of the previous Golden Knight, the anime explores his quest to hunt down Horrors, malevolent entities preying on humans.
Along the way, he uncovers the truth behind his father’s demise and the mysteries surrounding the Makai Knights and Alchemists.
MAPPA’s adaptation of Garo: The Animation garnered praise for its mature themes, intricate plotlines, and high-quality animation, effectively capturing the essence of the Garo universe.
The studio adeptly portrayed intense action sequences and the characters’ struggles, solidifying its position as a notable addition to the franchise.
26) Days
Days is a sports anime series adapted from the manga of the same name written and illustrated by Tsuyoshi Yasuda. Produced by MAPPA Studios, the anime aired from July to December 2016.
The story centers on Tsukushi Tsukamoto, a high school student who lacks confidence and athletic ability. Despite this, he joins his school’s soccer team at the encouragement of Jin Kazama.
A talented player with a rough exterior. Together with his teammates, Tsukushi goes on a journey of self-discovery, determination, and growth both on and off the field.
MAPPA’s adaptation of Days received praise for its portrayal of the camaraderie among teammates, character development, and engaging soccer matches.
The studio effectively captured the essence of the original manga, bringing its characters to life with dynamic animation and emotional depth.
Days resonated with viewers for its inspirational themes and underdog narrative, making it a memorable addition to MAPPA’s repertoire of anime productions.
27) To the Abandoned Sacred Beasts
To the Abandoned Sacred Beasts is an anime series produced by MAPPA Studios, based on the manga by Maybe serialized in Kodansha’s Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine.
The story is set in a world ravaged by war, where soldiers were transformed into monstrous beings called Incarnates through forbidden magic.
After the war, these Incarnates, now seen as dangerous, roam the land. Hank Henriette, a former soldier, becomes a Beast Hunter, tasked with eliminating these Incarnates.
The anime follows Hank’s journey as he faces his former comrades-turned-monsters, dealing with themes of morality, loyalty, and the aftermath of war.
Along the way, he encounters characters affected by the conflict, each with their own struggles.
MAPPA’s adaptation of To the Abandoned Sacred Beasts received praise for its dark atmosphere, exploration of complex themes, and intense animation during battles.
The anime effectively conveyed the emotional depth of the characters’ journeys, further establishing MAPPA as a studio capable of handling mature and engaging story.
28) Re-Main
Re-Main is a MAPPA-produced anime about water polo. It follows Minato Kiyomizu, a high school student who quits the sport after a traumatic event.
However, he joins his school’s team after losing his memory of the incident. With his teammates support, Minato seeks to reignite his passion for water polo and confront his past.
The anime blends sports action with drama, focusing on themes like friendship and redemption. Expect top-notch animation from MAPPA, making for visually impressive scenes.
29) Teekyu
Teekyu is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Roots. It’s known for its rapid-fire comedic style and surreal humor, focusing on the daily lives of a high school girls’ tennis club.
MAPPA is associated with the anime adaptation of Teekyu. MAPPA produced several seasons of the Teekyu anime series, which aired from 2012 to 2018.
MAPPA’s involvement in Teekyu contributed to the quirky animation style and energetic pacing that became characteristic of the series.
30) Idol Incidents
Idol Incidents, also known as Idol Jihen in Japanese, is a multimedia anime that includes anime, manga, and music.
The anime adaptation was produced by MAPPA and aired from January to March 2017. The story revolves around a group of idols who become involved in politics, aiming to improve society through their activities.
The series combines elements of idol culture with political satire and social commentary. MAPPA’s involvement in Idol Incidents ensured high-quality animation and visual presentation, contributing to the success of the anime.
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