15 Anime Series With The Best Animation, Ranked

Summary

• Quality animation can elevate an anime’s popularity & success – e.g., with Aldnoah Zero, Mushoku Tensei, Yuri!!! On ICE
• Beautiful animation in series like Plastic Memories, The Elusive Samurai, and Hyouka enhance the viewer’s experience
• Outstanding animations in series like Chainsaw Man, Demon Slayer, Cowboy Bebop, and Jujutsu Kaisen make them animation masterpieces

Series like Violet Evergarden and Attack On Titan keep gaining widespread popularity owing not only to their extraordinary plot and characters, but also to having some of the best animation in anime. With their success, it’s apparent that the quality of animation and pleasant graphics are crucial factors in bringing an anime to the top. There are plenty of anime with beautiful animation that get lost in the shuffle, but others become model series with the right blend of plot, character development, and animation.

With entries from both categories, the anime series on this list have agreeable and visually appealing animation that is both clever and beautiful. Styles, target demographics, and genre can vary highly, but the one thing every one of these series shares is a beautiful animation style that absolutely makes the series.

20 Aldnoah Zero’s Muddled Story is Saved By Incredible Animation

Original Anime Series By A-1 Pictures

Aldnoah Zero received mixed reactions from audiences for its story, but it did not lose any points in the animation. The plot is full of action sequences interwoven with science and technology. As A-1 Studio’s first try at a mecha anime, the studio performed an incredible job with the plot execution. Depicting a civil war between Earth and a technologically advanced Mars, it combines 2D animation with attractive CGI robot models for the battles.

Aldnoah Zero’s mecha battles are executed to a high standard, and the CGI is smooth. The aesthetics establish the fact that the scene is futuristic/alternative. The sci-fi themes are prominent, with beautiful details such as the mecha in use. The Martians’ lost technology has distinct mecha designs, such as the six-armed Kataphract Hellas, making the animation thoughtful.

19 Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Anime Uses Film-Quality Animation

Animated by Studio Bind & Based on the Novels by Rifujin na Magonote

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation represents some of the most controversial popular anime storytelling and is one of the most beloved ongoing isekai series. However, it’s also an undeniably strong and well-structured tale of its protagonist, Rudeus Greyrat, as he redeems himself in his new life as a young yet brilliant mage in a strange fantasy world. But an understated yet crucial part of the anime’s success is its excellent, film-like animation.

Studio Bind uses this to its fullest extent when rendering combat, sure. Still, Rudy’s more isolated scenes are loaded with nuance, convincing body language, and characters who react to the world around them. In a series that lingers so much on its main character’s previous agoraphobic tendencies due to previous trauma, it takes an excellent studio to put true meaning behind waking up, and taking a step.

18 Yuri!!! On ICE Captures the Motion of Ice Skating Beautifully

Original Anime Series By Studio MAPPA

One of the best anime directed by a woman, Yuri!!! on ICE focuses on reality and inventiveness. Because this is a sports anime, the sophisticated skate choreography and routines take up a lot of screen time. The animations of human body movements are highly intense. As a skater enters a rink and performs in Yuri!!! on ICE, the camera angles work smartly to record every move. The characters are well-animated with details even when they are not on the skating rink.

The series also employs various lighting techniques, relying heavily on contrasting cool and warm color palettes to convey the mood of a scene. Yuri!!! on ICE is a series created with love and attention, as evidenced by the detailed capture of a hand trembling, the gentle shine on metals, and the faint pink tinge of lips in action.

Watch On Crunchyroll

17 Plastic Memories Revels in a Bright & Colorful Future

Original Anime Series By Studio Doga Kobo

Plastic Memories maintains consistent and high-quality animation throughout its brief 13 episodes. The series has an experimental air because it takes its plot in a sci-fi direction, and is set in a utopia-like atmosphere. The environments in Plastic Memories are bright and use a wide range of color palettes, similar to a watercolor painting. The style portrays the sci-fi feel perfectly and successfully blends with the show’s theme and characters.

Character designs are reminiscent of those seen in the Evangelion series, and the facial expressions look extremely human without being uncanny. The series exhibits credible artwork and concepts behind animation with future buildings, machines, and the Giftias.

Watch On Crunchyroll

16 The Elusive Samurai’s Animation Is an Oldschool Masterclass

Animated by CloverWorks & Based on the Manga by Yusei Matsui

Shonen Jump readers could immediately tell a glorious vision was at stake for the future anime adaptation of The Elusive Samurai, and news of its adaptation by CloverWorks and the involvement of Yusei Koumoto, among others, was a great sign. The series instills joy and unstoppable fluidity in motion itself, with Tokiyuki Hojo’s ability to escape harm rendered in unflinching, nailbiting detail. Despite being surrounded by legions of foes, he’s able to dodge every otherwise fatal blow, but yet, this is only the top of the iceberg.

Some of the other great qualities about The Elusive Samurai’s animation is how well it works with an older, late 1990s-early 2000s visual aesthetic, minus the dated grainy look to create an experience best viewed on the biggest screens available. The series’ animation styles vary strongly depending on the scene, including a 3D introduction sequence, moody scenes rendering its characters as if they’re in a stage play, and integrating original manga panels. The Elusive Samurai unites the manga with the best visuals of classic anime, with the opportunity to shine as bright as Suwa Yorishige’s aura.

15 Hyouka Uses Animation to Make Dreams Reality

Animated By Kyoto Animation & Based on the Novel By Honobu Yonezawa

Hyouka is an extremely visually appealing anime series by Kyoto Animation. It follows the Kamiyama High School Classic Literature Club having fun solving mysteries and passing the time in their mundane lives. The dominant lighting, heavily stylized and startlingly abstract events, and monologues set the mood and ambiance. It transports viewers to a fantastical world far removed from reality.

The wordplay illustrated in Oreki’s imagination has a distinct visual element, with the layers of each enigma mapped out carefully to the audience. Some scenes have a dreamy air, and this contrast between the mundane and the abstract makes Hyouka a unique experience.

Watch On Crunchyroll

14 Oshi no Ko’s Animation Elevates the Manga to New Heights

Animated by Studio Doga Kobo & Based on the Manga by Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari

Few anime captivate their viewers in such multifaceted fashion as well as Oshi no Ko, in how the animation is far from the only draw. This series stands as Aqua Hoshino’s investigation of the murder of his mother, who was his favorite idol and a patient in his previous life as a doctor. The powerful, emotional delivery of episode #1 shows a heartbreaking animated sequence few anime can match. Yet, the series shows careful animation of everything from idol dances, to YouTube fitness videos, TV performances, and more.

Yet, the anime continues to reveal impressive tricks up its sleeve, thanks to the visionary duo of Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari. This shows itself in season 2’s 2.5D Stage Play Arc, where characters metaphorically transform into their onstage roles so strongly that the visual aura they cast is that of their character, assuming another identity entirely. Other elegant moments include the menacing crow-infested imagery within Aqua’s starry eye as he plots vengeance against the orchestrator of his mother’s murder and the wonderfully neurotic moments with Kana Arima.

13 Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works Features Fates’ Greatest Animation

Animated By Studio DEEN & Based on the Visual Novel By Type-Moon

The premise of Unlimited Blade Works is generic as a battle royale for the holy grail, but the animation is the greatest of the Fate/Stay Night series. Unlimited Blade Works’ animation aesthetic is extravagant, from the scenery to the character designs to the jaw-dropping action scenes. Cities in motion, sweeping bridge panoramas, crowded parks, and gloomy cemeteries are just a few examples of the anime’s stunning artwork.

With quick movement and excellent camera angles, the action is well-coordinated. The conflicts between the master and servants are well-choreographed and well-detailed. Characters move naturally, and features like water reflections, intricate hair movements, and 3D opponents add to the animation that has made Ufotable studio popular.

Watch On Crunchyroll

12 Attack On Titan’s Distinctive Art Direction Makes it Visually Stunning

Animated By Wit Studio & MAPPA, Based on the Manga By Hajime Isayama

Attack on Titan features one of the most captivating survival stories ever, paired with magnificent characters, music, and of course beautiful animation. For people new to anime, it can serve as one of the best anime for beginners to get an enthralling taste of the incredible things the medium is capable of. Attack on Titan’s art is incredible, and it leaves spectators in awe of how far animation has progressed.

Many were startled by the 3D maneuver gear action, which quickly became a highlight of the show’s distinct animation. Soldiers bolt off of buildings and into the air above them, breaking free from traditional ground battle and entering the world of high-flying intensity. Characters are extensively drawn in varied thicknesses of black to make them stick out from the background, which is the animation’s characteristic aesthetic.

Watch On Crunchyroll

11 Paranoia Agent Takes Anime Realism to a Dark Place

Animated By Madhouse & Created By Satoshi Kon

Coming from acclaimed director Satoshi Kon, Paranoia Agent is about a group of people in Japan all claiming to be attacked with a golden bat by a young boy in roller skates dubbed Lil’ Slugger. Though that might sound like a straightforward mystery, the people attacked are anything but average. As the series dives deep into the psychology of each victim, a greater picture of Lil’ Slugger’s identity emerges.

While all of Satoshi Kon’s anime are great, fans looking for great animation, in particular, should watch the surreal
Paprika
, a movie that went on to inspire Christopher Nolan’s
Inception
.

Kon’s style as a director is distinct, and it’s fully evident in Paranoia Agent. Characters are often given far more realistic designs than typical anime characters, making the series feel grounded even when the animation swings for the fences and engages in full-on surrealism. The deeper psychology of Paranoia Agent’s characters is made abundantly clear from the animation. Few anime convey character complexity through animation as well as Paranoia Agent.

Watch on Crunchyroll

10 Chainsaw Man’s Animation Is a Masterclass in Finesse

Animated by MAPPA & Based on the Manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto

Easily one of 2022’s most anticipated anime releases, Chainsaw Man’s animation is as fluid as viewers could hope for, given its creator, Tatsuki Fujimoto’s love for cinema. The action is steeped in gore and loaded with weighty moments, including Denji’s first kill on the Zombie Devil, being brutally trained alongside Power by Kishibe, and his climactic face-off with Katana Man in season 1. However, Chainsaw Man seizes the opportunity to shine between these glorious moments of combat, showcasing Ryū Nakayama and Makoto Nakazono’s incredible direction.

The especially noteworthy moments viewers should consider when looking at Chainsaw Man’s deft animation include the many elaborate ending credit sequences and its rendition of Aki Hayakawa’s at-home routine in episode #4. This includes mundane tasks like fixing a pot of coffee and having a cigarette, as well as intimate details like even the hand movements he makes tying his hair neatly in the mirror. By the time Chainsaw Man’s anime has Aki prepping curry for himself and Denji, viewers will be every bit as enticing, feeling like they’re right there in the apartment with the two devil hunters.

9 My Dress-Up Darling Makes Cosplay Compelling With Great Animation

Animated By Cloverworks & Based on the Manga By Shinichi Fukuda

My Dress-up Darling was the hottest new anime of the winter 2022 season. It defeated Attack on Titan and Demon Slayer in multiple top anime of the season surveys while it was aired, demonstrating how popular and well-liked it is among viewers. My Dress Up Darling’s animation quality and character designs are top-notch since it is an anime about cosplay and features Japanese Hina dolls and doll-like characters.

There is a contrast between 2D characters and 3D photographic backdrops in the art, which incorporates far more photography than hand-drawn artwork. The cosplay outfits are stunning and vibrant. With designing the clothes or gathering the materials needed, CloverWorks went above and beyond. The shading is likewise colorful and gorgeous, and there isn’t a single component of animation that detracts from the series’ overall appeal.

8 Pluto is a Modern Day Science Fiction Classic

Animated By Studio M2 and Based on the Manga By Naoki Urasawa

Ostensibly an adaptation of a famous Astro Boy storyline, Pluto takes place in a future where humans and robots coexist. Unfortunately, the murder of an incredibly powerful robot kicks off a series of events that sees the robot detective Gesicht uncover a conspiracy that could threaten the life of the world’s strongest robots. Given his own strength, Gesicht himself is at risk of termination at the hands of the mysterious robot known only as Pluto.

What’s notable right out of the gate about Pluto is its format. There might only be eight episodes, but each episode is an hour or more long, giving the series a cinematic quality. That cinematic quality is felt in the animation, as any given scene feels like it could have come straight out of a high-budget anime movie. What Pluto captures best are its expressions. Each twitch of the mouth or sidelong glance after a difficult question is made clear in a way that makes Pluto’s characters always interesting to watch, even when they’re just talking.

7 Trigun Stampede Is the Strongest Example of 3DCG Animation

Animated by Studio Orange & Inspired by the Manga by Yasuhiro Nightow

Perhaps the best case yet for incorporating 3DCG visuals when the series calls for it, Trigun Stampede is loaded with confident delivery of an animated style often met with skepticism by anime viewers. Despite this, the series does not take away from the original Trigun, serving instead as an equal parts prequel and reimagining, and adds to the anime conversation with Disney-level fluidity and expressiveness. Viewers will inevitably be charmed by Vash the Stampede’s character and body language in the series, hooked by his stunts, and moved by his heartbreak.

The best part about Trigun Stampede is that, with its sequel, Trigun Stargaze on the way, Orange may get to prove it’s capturing lightning in a bottle, not simply a flash in the pan. The series teases the adaptation of key moments from the original manga franchise, while also teasing events from Trigun Maximum in the process. But still, between seeing Vash’s lovable yet layered personality in his movement, and Millions Knives’ brutality through awe-inspiring and visceral action showcases, there’s plenty to enjoy in this adaptation of a classic prestige manga.

6 Demon Slayer is Beautiful & Violent in Equal Measure

Animated By Ufotable & Based on the Manga By Koyoharu Gotouge

Demon Slayer is one of the best action anime out there, featuring vivid art paired with an intriguing plot. In terms of animation, the series went above and beyond what anime fans have come to expect. Demon Slayer’s usage of CGI is flawless and seamless, giving the impression of seeing a 3D anime. The backgrounds depict the harsh conditions of surviving in the wilderness through realistic environments of snow and mountains.

The beautiful depictions of Demon Slayer‘s distinctive Nichirin swords in combat, which include extravagant details such as water streaming from the sword, prove the animation to be clever as well. It adapts battle scenarios with cinematic choreography, and character movements are employed to highlight the varied fighting methods of the series.

5 Cowboy Bebop is the Peak of 90s Animation

Animated By Studio Sunrise & Created By Shinichiro Watanabe

An absolute classic anime series, few ’90s anime look better than Cowboy Bebop. The series is about a man named Spike Spiegel and the group of mercenaries he works with in a future that feels both far away and achingly close. Though humanity in Bebop has spread beyond Earth, they only call a handful of planets in the solar system their home, and even those planets they have colonized are ravaged by crime and gang warfare.

Many members of the team who worked on
Cowboy Bebop
would go on to found Studio Bones.

Though there are many reasons for Bebop’s critical acclaim, it’s undeniable that the animation is a key part of its appeal. From its fight scenes, to its spaceship combat, to its environmental work, every part of Bebop is a visual feast. If there’s one area Cowboy Bebop particularly shines in though, it’s in its character work. Bebop’s main characters are all incredibly distinctive in terms of animation, with expressive faces and unique movements. All of this makes Bebop one of the best-animated ’90s anime.

4 Violet Evergarden is Visually Breathtaking on Every Level

Animated By Kyoto Animation & Based on the Light Novel By Kana Akatsuki & Akiko Takase

Violet Evergarden, an anime series based on a light novel, appears both aesthetically pleasing and emotionally fulfilling to the audience. Set in world similar to post-World War I Europe, the series is about a former soldier named Violet as she tries to readjust to society by transcribing peoples’ letters. The series is praised for its emotional richness and engaging plot. The setting of the Violet Evergarden world has natural and beautiful landscapes, with European-style architecture and vibrant hues.

The starry night scenery, as well as the city of Leiden, appear to be creative wonders. Flowers feature prominently throughout the series, which adds an emotional undertone to the events. The environment, objects, and camera perspectives add great details to every scene. The visuals in Violet Evergarden are unrivaled in quality and held with high regard among critics.

3 Mob Psycho 100 Animation is Gorgeous & Weird in Equal Measure

Animated By Studio Bones & Based on the Manga By ONE

Mob Psycho 100 follows a boy named Shigeo (better known as Mob) who is gifted with such tremendous psychic energy that he is forced to constantly suppress his emotions for fear of unleashing his terrible power. Together with his fake exorcist mentor Reigen, Mob works to use his psychic powers for good by exorcising spirits and fighting against psychics who intend to use their powers to harm others.

Mob Psycho 100
creator ONE is also responsible for creating
One-Punch Man
.

Faithfully adapting ONE’s unique art style in Mob Psycho 100 couldn’t have been an easy task, but Studio Bones hit a home run. The series has a unique look that somehow goes from goofy to heartwarming to downright horrific at a moment’s notice. Few anime series use their animation to juggle as many different tones as well as Mob Psycho 100 does. The intros alone are all masterclasses in absurdist animation that never fail to get viewers hyped up for the series.

2 Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is Studio Trigger at Their Peak

Animated By Studio Trigger & Based on the RPG Series Created By Mike Pondsmith

Taking place before the divisive Cyberpunk 2077, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners follows a young man named David trying to find his place in a dystopian future. After a horrible tragedy leaves David directionless, he decides to become an Edgerunner, essentially a mercenary with enhanced abilities due to cybernetic upgrades. Though David starts off inexperienced, he risks losing himself as he gets increasingly involved in a dark world of crime.

Fans of anime may know Trigger best for their work on
Kill La Kill
, though they’re also the studio behind the recent Netflix hit
Delicious in Dungeon
.

Trigger has one of the most recognizable styles in the anime industry, and that is on full display in Edgerunners. Night City has never looked better, with Trigger’s fluid and expressive animation adding a great deal of character to one of the most famous locations in the cyberpunk genre’s history. More than just great-looking environments though, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’ animation does an incredible job of pulling viewers tight into David’s perspective to really convey how he’s feeling at any given moment.

1 Jujutsu Kaisen is the Best Animated Anime Series Ever

Animated By Studio MAPPA & Based on the Manga By Gege Akutami

Jujutsu Kaisen is a story about a young man named Yuji who becomes involved in a world of sorcerers and curses after he’s forced to swallow a cursed finger and host the incredibly powerful (and evil) spirit Sukuna. Alongside his teacher, Gojo, and his classmates Megumi and Nobara, Yuji fights cursed spirits and other sorcerers who may be a danger to Japan. Naturally, the show becomes increasingly violent and horrific, with plenty of action and gore. The fights are animated smoothly and show interesting tactics.

The scene-setting animation in cursed domains is fantastic, and individual actions have a lot of vitality because of the distinctive way aura is depicted, with its aquamarine tint and pseudo-3D contour. The series also has a lot of inventive and unusual designs, making it a true animation marvel. All of this adds up to making Jujutsu Kaisen the anime series with the best animation.