Welcome to our list of Studio MAPPA’s 12 best anime series!
Founded in 2011, Studio MAPPA has quickly established itself as one of the most prominent and respected animation studios in the industry. Known for their innovative and visually stunning productions, Studio MAPPA has produced a wide range of critically acclaimed anime series that have captured the hearts of audiences around the world.
In this article, we will be highlighting some of the most memorable and beloved series that Studio MAPPA has created. From action-packed adventures to heartwarming slice-of-life stories, there’s something for every kind of anime fan on this list. So sit back, relax, and join us as we countdown Studio MAPPA’s 12 best anime series.
12
Zombieland Saga
Zombieland Saga is known for its unique blend of idol and zombie elements, as well as its engaging characters and catchy music, and has gained a large following since its release.
The series follows Sakura Minamoto, a young woman who is brought back to life as a zombie by a man named Koutarou Tatsumi, who is searching for seven talented zombie girls to form an idol group. As Sakura and the other girls, who each have their own unique personalities and talents, begin their journey as idols, they face various challenges and obstacles, including their own undead status and the difficulties of navigating the modern world.
Along the way, they encounter a variety of characters and form close bonds as they strive to achieve their dreams and find their place in the world.
11
Dorohedoro
Dorohedoro is known for its distinctive art style, dark humor, and action-packed storytelling, and has gained a devoted fan base since its release.
The series is set in a post-apocalyptic world where magical beings known as Sorcerers rule over a group of humans called the Hole, who live in poverty and are used for experimentation.
The story follows Kaiman, a man with a reptile head who is searching for a cure for his condition, which was caused by a Sorcerer’s experiment. Along with his friend Nikaido, a strong and resourceful woman, Kaiman travels through the Hole and battles various Sorcerers, including the ones who transformed him. As they search for answers and seek revenge, they encounter a variety of characters and face challenges that test their strength and resolve.
10
Inuyashiki: Last Hero
Inuyashiki: Last Hero is known for its blend of action, drama, and science fiction, and has gained a dedicated following for its compelling characters and themes of identity and mortality.
The series follows Ichirou Inuyashiki, a 58-year-old man who is diagnosed with terminal cancer and has little time left to live. However, he is suddenly transformed into a powerful cyborg after a mysterious explosion, and gains superhuman abilities such as flight, strength, and regenerative powers.
As he struggles to come to terms with his new identity and the responsibilities that come with it, Ichirou becomes a target for various groups and individuals who seek to exploit or destroy him. Along the way, he meets a young man named Shishigami, who also gains powers from the explosion and becomes a rival and enemy to Ichirou.
9
Banana Fish
Banana Fish has gained a dedicated fan base for its compelling characters, complex plot, and themes of love and loyalty.
The series follows Ash Lynx, a teenage gang leader in New York City who is drawn into a web of conspiracy and danger when he discovers the mysterious substance known as “Banana Fish.” As he investigates the truth behind Banana Fish and its connection to his past, Ash is pursued by various factions, including the mafia, the government, and a group of scientists who seek to use the substance for their own ends.
Along the way, he is aided by his loyal followers and meets a young photographer named Eiji Okamura, who becomes his ally and closest confidant. As Ash and Eiji delve deeper into the mystery, they confront their own demons and forge a bond that transcends the dangers and challenges they face.
8
The God of High School
Based on the South Korean web manhwa source, The God of High School is known for its fast-paced action, vibrant art style, and complex characters, and has gained millions of viewers since its release.
The series follows Jin Mo-Ri, a high school student and martial arts prodigy who is invited to participate in the God of High School tournament, a competition held by the mysterious organization known as the Nox.
As he battles other talented fighters from around the country, Jin discovers that the tournament is part of a larger conspiracy involving the Nox and ancient deities. Along with his friends and fellow competitors, Jin must use his skills and determination to uncover the truth and protect the world from danger.
7
Yuri!!! on Ice
Yuri!!! on Ice has gained a massive and dedicated fan base for its compelling characters, engaging storytelling, and stunning animation, and has received widespread acclaim for its portrayal of LGBTQ+ themes and relationships.
The series follows Yuuri Katsuki, a Japanese figure skater who suffers a crushing defeat at the Grand Prix Finals and returns home to Japan in disgrace. However, he is soon approached by Victor Nikiforov, a Russian figure skater and reigning champion, who offers to be his coach and help him achieve his dream of becoming a world champion.
As Yuuri trains with Victor and prepares for the next Grand Prix season, he faces challenges both on and off the ice, including his own self-doubt and his growing feelings for Victor. Along the way, he meets other skaters from around the world and competes in various competitions, leading to a dramatic and emotional journey of self-discovery and romance.
6
Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man has gained a devoted following for its unique blend of action, horror, and dark humor, and has been praised for its compelling storytelling and dynamic characters.
The series follows Denji, a young man who is desperate to pay off his father’s debt to the yakuza. After being killed and brought back to life by a demon, Denji is given the power to transform into the Chainsaw Man, a being with a chainsaw for a head and the ability to defeat demons.
As he becomes a target for both the yakuza and the demon world, Denji is recruited by the Public Safety Devil Hunters, an organization that battles demons and other supernatural threats. Along with his partner, a young woman named Makima, Denji must navigate the dangerous world of demon hunting while struggling with his own identity and feelings of isolation.Â
5
Terror in Resonance
Terror in Resonance has received critical acclaim for its compelling storytelling, character development, and animation, and has gained a large fan base.
The series follows two high school students, Nine and Twelve, who are the masterminds behind a series of terrorist attacks in Tokyo. The duo, who go by their codenames, seek to bring attention to the government’s corruption and apathy towards societal issues by orchestrating bombings and other attacks.
As they evade the authorities and continue their campaign, they are pursued by a young detective named Lisa Mishima, who becomes drawn into their world and tries to uncover their true identities and motivations.
Along the way, the trio is forced to confront their own pasts and the consequences of their actions, leading to a complex and emotional narrative that explores themes of identity, justice, and redemption.
4
Dororo
Dororo has been adapted into several anime, live-action films, and video game adaptations, and has gained a devoted following for its unique blend of action, drama, and historical elements.
The story follows a young man named Hyakkimaru, who was born without arms, legs, eyes, ears, nose, and skin due to a pact his father made with demons in exchange for power and wealth.
After being abandoned by his father, Hyakkimaru is rescued and raised by a doctor who creates prosthetics for him. As he sets out on a quest to reclaim his body parts and avenge his father’s betrayal, he is accompanied by a young thief named Dororo, who becomes his loyal companion and helps him in his battles against demons. Along the way, they encounter a variety of characters and face challenges that test their strength and resolve.Â
3
Kakegurui
Kakegurui has also been adapted into a live-action drama alongside the anime series, both of which have been well-received by audiences around the world.
The series follows Yumeko Jabami, a transfer student at the prestigious Hyakkaou Private Academy, a school for the wealthy and privileged where students are ranked and bet on their academic and athletic abilities. However, at this academy, the students engage in gambling as a way to earn social status and wealth.a
Yumeko is a natural gambler who quickly rises through the ranks and becomes a threat to the school’s hierarchy. As she challenges the school’s top students and uncovers the corrupt system, she must also confront her own demons and motivations for gambling.
2
Attack on Titan: The Final Season
Attack on Titan took on a studio change heading into the fourth season. The three previous seasons were produced by Wit Studio.
In continuance of the previous seasons, Eren Yeager and his friends have finally discovered the truth behind the origins of the Titans and the reason for their relentless attacks on humanity. However, this revelation has brought them into conflict with the powerful and secretive Marleyan government. As they fight to protect their friends and loved ones, Eren and the Survey Corps must confront their troubled pasts and the difficult choices they have made in order to survive.
With the future of humanity at stake, they must put everything on the line in the final showdown against the Titans and the forces that control them.
1
Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen is the most popular series produced by MAPPA.
This series follows the story of high school student Yuji Itadori, who possesses immense physical strength and an affinity for the occult. When his grandfather duly passes, Yuji becomes embroiled in the world of Jujutsu sorcerers known as the Jujutsu Tech, who use their powers to protect humanity from cursed spirits. Alongside his fellow Jujutsu Tech classmates, including the skilled but aloof Megumi Fushiguro,
Yuji must hone his own burgeoning abilities and confront the supernatural threats that plague their world. As he becomes more deeply involved in the Jujutsu Tech, Yuji must also grapple with his own personal demons and decide what he is willing to sacrifice for the greater good.
Thank you for reading our list of the 12 best anime from studio MAPPA. We hope you enjoyed reading about these diverse and exciting series and that you found some new favourites to add to your watch list. From thrilling action and heart-wrenching drama to hilarious comedy and mind-bending science fiction, studio MAPPA has consistently delivered top-notch anime that have captured the hearts of fans around the world.
Whether you’re a seasoned anime fan or new to the genre, there’s something for everyone on this list, and we highly recommend checking out these amazing series.
We hope you’ll join us in celebrating the talented creators and artists at studio MAPPA and all the incredible anime they have produced over the years.
