From heart-pounding spectacles of adrenaline-drenched motion to deeply poignant sagas that tug on the very material of our feelings, Studio MAPPA’s various portfolio has left an indelible mark on anime. As we embark on a complete exploration of Studio MAPPA’s intensive catalogue, we endeavour to unearth the 16 greatest anime sequence the corporate has produced.
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Established in June 2011 by Masao Maruyama at 70, Studio MAPPA stands for “Maruyama Animation Produce Venture Affiliation”. Serving as the corporate’s first consultant director, MAPPA was created following monetary difficulties at Madhouse Studios. By 2016, Maruyama had given up the CEO position and took up the place of Chairman of Studio MAPPA as an alternative. The animation producer and co-founding studio member, Manabu Otsuka, changed him because the CEO. Based mostly in Suginami, Tokyo, the studio is liable for a number of the hottest anime on the earth at the moment. However which anime sequence is their greatest?
We’re conscious of the massive controversy surrounding Studio MAPPA and their work ethic that was dropped at gentle by Hisashi Eguchi. The veteran animator criticised the corporate’s unreasonable compensation regardless of their animators being overworked. The studio denied these claims. Regardless of this, they nonetheless have many profitable exhibits. And if the claims are legitimate, these animators work a lot tougher than they need to to deliver us these implausible works. As such, let’s present some appreciation by their greatest and hottest sequence. In fact, since this can be a ranked record, we are able to solely embody a sure variety of titles.
So, with out additional ado, listed here are sixteen of Studio MAPPA’s greatest anime titles of all time.
16. The God of Excessive College
Based mostly on the South Korean manhwa by Yongje Park, previous to Studio MAPPA taking over the difference, The God of Excessive College acquired a cell sport and an unique web animation (ONA). MAPPA’s anime tv sequence had a three-month run in 2020 from July to September. The story follows 17-year-old Jin Mo-Ri, who’s a Taekwondo knowledgeable. He’s invited to take part within the “God of Excessive College” match to seek out the best fighter amongst Korean college students. However, after all, this isn’t all for nil. The match winner is granted one want, the place they will ask for something.
Though Mo-Ri is aware of he might be taking part in a number of the most ruthless fights he has ever participated in, the thought excites him past perception. In fact, issues aren’t so simple as they appear, and he quickly realises there’s extra to the competitors than simply testing combating abilities. And turning into the “God of Excessive College” might not be what he initially thought.
15. Takt Op. Future
Directed by Yuuki Itoh, this anime adaptation serves as a undertaking by MAPPA and Madhouse Studios. The sequence may also obtain its personal cell sport adaptation in June 2023 titled Takt Op. Symphony. Set in the USA, the anime follows the world after a meteorite fell to Earth carrying an invasive species often known as D2s. The creatures hate music, so a public decree was issued banning anybody from taking part in any melodies. By 2047, that is nonetheless in place, and the one approach to struggle in opposition to these creatures is with Musicarts and Conductors.
Whereas Musicarts are younger ladies who current classical music, the Conductors management them. We comply with a piano prodigy named Takt Asahina, who turns into a Conductor following a D2 assault. This journey leads him to his Musicart Future. The duo, together with a girl named Anna, decides to embark on a journey to New York Metropolis to achieve Symphonica Headquarters in order that they will strengthen their pact as a Conductor and Musical.
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14. Zombieland Saga
As a Cygames and Avex Photos collaboration, Munehisa Sakai directed the sequence, whereas MAPPA Studios was liable for the animation. The sequence gained the Animation of the Yr (Tv) award on the 18th Tokyo Anime Award Competition in 2019. Moreover, it acquired a lot reward from critics, particularly Mamoru Miyano, who voiced Kotaro Tatsumi and gained Greatest VA Efficiency (JP) award on the third Crunchyroll Anime Awards in 2019. This comedy horror sequence follows a younger woman named Sakura Minamoto who aspires to grow to be an idol. This dream rapidly involves an finish when she dies in a visitors accident.
She wakes up in Saga Prefecture to find ten years have handed; she has grow to be a zombie and doesn’t bear in mind her previous. As she is reeling, she runs into Koutarou Tatsumi, who informs her how he resurrected her and 5 different ladies to kind an undead idol group referred to as Franchouchou. As a novel tackle the style, anime followers in all places will love this hilariously darkish and entertaining present.
13. Rage of Bahamut: Genesis
This darkish fantasy journey sequence has a strong 7.63 score on MyAnimeList, with many followers pleasantly stunned. Because it was tailored from a online game, many anticipated it to be forgettable and bland, however as an alternative, we received terrific world-building, a enjoyable journey and loveable characters. Directed by Keiichi Sato, the sequence introduces us to Bahamut, an historical dragon who needed to be sealed away after wreaking havoc throughout the land of Mistarcia. As a land the place deities, demons and people co-exist, their forces barely handle to comprise the beast. Nonetheless, as soon as profitable, they agreed to separate the important thing to Bahamut’s everlasting jail so he by no means escaped.
In fact, in a now peaceable land, bounty hunter Favaro Leone can proceed working in peace whereas evading a fellow bounty hunter who desires vengeance on him. That’s till he finally ends up caught in a conflict between historical forces after assembly a mysterious lady named Amira. Why is his life thrown into chaos due to her? Effectively, she holds half the important thing required to launch Bahamut from his everlasting jail.
12. Kakegurui
For those who haven’t already heard about this anime sequence, then you’re in for some of the weird experiences of your life. Based mostly on Homura Kawamoto’s manga sequence of the identical identify, MAPPA Studios picked up this anime adaptation. With Yuichiro Hayashi within the director’s seat, the story follows the mysterious Yumeko Jabami as she transfers to certainly one of Japan’s most prestigious faculties, Hyakkaou Non-public Academy. Solely the wealthy can attend, and he or she discovers the college has a brutal system in place as determined by the Scholar Council, which runs the college solely. The system utterly revolves round playing.
The most effective gamers get pleasure from recognition, cash and peaceable faculty life, whereas the losers are set to grow to be Pets; servants for the winners. As the brand new scholar, many goal Jabami as they see a possibility to make more cash and acquire a brand new pet. Nonetheless, unbeknownst to everybody, Jabami loves playing and the extra reckless, the higher. Though listed as a psychological thriller, you could discover humour within the exaggerated reactions of the characters.
11. In This Nook of the World (2016)
As the primary and solely anime movie on this record, we current you with the rationale MAPPA Studios was created within the first place. And that was to finish this movie after Madhouse suffered monetary difficulties. Sadly, MAPPA struggled to safe funding and solely managed to launch this movie 5 years after initially deliberate. Directed by Sunao Katabuchi, the movie is predicated on Fumiyo Kōno’s manga of the identical identify and takes place within the Thirties to Nineteen Forties, revolving across the Hiroshima bombing. Though fictional for probably the most half, the movie is predicated on actual incidents and info from this era.
The movie follows the lifetime of a younger woman named Suzu, who’s nice at drawing and resides in a city close to Hiroshima. We comply with her as she grows into an grownup and marries a lawyer named Shusaku earlier than they transfer nearer to his household in Kure. Not lengthy after, the Pacific Struggle begins to have an effect on everybody round her. This movie is a heartbreaking glimpse into what life was like throughout a time of warfare and the way devastating the implications may be for civilians. Receiving vital acclaim, the movie gained over sixty awards and accolades. The one motive it’s this low on the record is that it’s a film and never a sequence, however it will undoubtedly have made the number-one spot in any other case.
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10. Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku
Based mostly on Yuji Kaku’s manga sequence of the identical identify, the animation studio actually outdid itself with this sequence. With a present score of 8.31 on MyAnimeList, that is certain to vary because the sequence remains to be airing. Falling into the class of darkish fantasy, motion and psychological thriller, the present absolutely will impress many anime followers. Set in Japan’s Edo interval, we comply with a person named Gabimaru the Hole. He’s a ninja sentenced to demise, however he can’t be killed regardless of the executioner’s greatest efforts. Though Gabimaru believes he desires to die, Sagiri Yamada Asaemon, from a well-known executioner clan, thinks in any other case.
Believing the love for his spouse retains him alive, Sagiri makes no transfer to kill him when assigned the position. As an alternative, she affords Gabimaru a possibility; if he travels to the mysterious island often known as Shinsekyo and obtains the Elixir of Life, all his crimes might be pardoned. He accepts the provide and makes the journey with ten different demise row convicts. However, unbeknownst to them, everybody who has ventured to Shinsekyo has by no means returned, because the island is alleged to be the house to unusual monsters.
9. Banana Fish
As manga creator Akimi Yoshida’s most critically acclaimed work, it’s no shock that MAPPA picked the sequence up for an anime adaptation. As a Shoujo sequence, the anime touches on many mature themes corresponding to occidentalism and violence along with material surrounding homosexuality and gender. Many anime followers extremely advocate the sequence for its exceptional story. Directed by Hiroko Utsumi and spanning 24 episodes, the sequence follows a younger boy named Aslan Jade Callenrees, who’s picked up off the streets of New York by infamous Mafia boss Dino Golzine.
Going by the identify Ash Lynx, he has turned 17 years outdated and leads his personal gang. When he commonly begins listening to in regards to the mysterious “Banana Fish”, he begins investigating what it’s. Nonetheless, he will get wind of data informing him that Dino is sending his males to raid Ash’s hideout. This places a damper on his investigation to unravel the Banana Fish.
8. Hajime no Ippo: Rising
Based mostly on the manga sequence by George Morikawa, the anime adaptation was directed by Jun Shishido. As a collaboration between Madhouse and MAPPA studios, it’s no shock that that is one other anime with a gentle 8.59 score on MyAnimeList. Within the first sequence produced by Madhouse, Ippo Makunouchi is a shy highschool scholar who struggles to make mates. In fact, this has attracted the eye of bullies, and after one notably unhealthy beating, knowledgeable boxer takes him to a coaching gymnasium. Right here everybody discovers Ippo’s expertise for boxing, and we see him begin his profession within the sport.
Hajime no Ippo: Rising is the second sequence and carries on after Ippo has defended his championship belt within the ring. With the assistance of his signature but brutal particular transfer, Dempsey Roll, he stays the champion. Nonetheless, in an ever-growing trade, Ippo is aware of extra challengers will come, and he should step as much as defend his spot on the high.
7. Chainsaw Man
As one more latest launch by the studio, Chainsaw Man was a extremely anticipated sequence that didn’t disappoint followers. With an 8.60 score on MyAnimeList, this sequence marks one more MAPPA sequence to carry such a excessive score on the platform. Based mostly on the best-selling manga sequence by Tatsuki Fujimoto, the primary season noticed a 12-episode run that was a lot too brief for a lot of followers. We comply with a 16-year-old impoverished boy named Denji and his chainsaw satan named Pochita. The duo hunts devils for the yakuza to repay his father’s overwhelming debt.
Nonetheless, when the yakuza inevitably betrays Denji and depart him for useless, Pochita merges with Denji’s corpse and brings him again to life. However that’s not all, as Denji resurrects with Satan talents much like Pochita’s. Due to the hazard surrounding his newfound talents, when elite satan hunter, Makima, stumbles upon him, she recruits him to the Public Security Bureau. However he quickly realises there’s extra to Pochita than he initially thought when numerous Devils start looking him.
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6. Yuri!! on Ice
Produced by MAPPA, this Japanese sports activities anime is centred on determine skating. Directed and written by Sayo Yamamoto, the difference took a lot effort on the a part of the studio. For instance, the choreography for determine skating was accomplished by Kenji Miyamoto, who carried out the sequences himself. The sound was then used for the precise performances within the sequence. Having gained an array of awards and different accolades, this is among the greatest sequence from MAPPA studios. The story follows 23-year-old Yuuri Katsuki, certainly one of Japan’s most promising determine skaters. However after a crushing defeat on the Grand Pix Finale, he returns to his household house to regroup.
After a video of him performing a routine by the five-time determine skating champion Victor Nikiforov goes viral, Yuuri finds himself within the highlight once more. Issues grow to be much more weird when Victor exhibits up at his doorstep, providing to mentor him. In fact, he accepts and is raring to make it again to the principle stage, however Victor’s earlier mentee, Yuri Plisetsky, will do something to get again in Victor’s good books.
5. Youngsters on the Slope
As certainly one of MAPPA’s first full-length anime sequence, Youngsters on the Slope noticed Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo director Shinichirō Watanabe take the reins. Based mostly on Yuki Kodama’s manga sequence, the sequence follows highschool scholar Kaoru Nishimi who has simply transferred to a brand new faculty in Kyushu for his first yr. As he has moved round loads, he has had little success with regards to making mates. So, Kaoru prepares himself for a lonely yr, predicting that he gained’t slot in with any of his friends. That’s till he meets the notorious delinquent Sentarou Kawabuchi.
As a classical pianist, Kaoru rapidly bonds with Sentarou upon discovering the delinquent is obsessed with jazz. Not solely does Kaoru make his first good friend, however he’s granted the chance to increase his musical journey by exploring jazz as a style. The duo turns into a trio after they befriend fellow scholar Ritsuko Mukae, whose household occurs to personal a music retailer.
4. Assault on Titan: The Remaining Season
Though Wit Studio is liable for the primary few seasons of the sequence, MAPPA took over animation for the final season. Because of this, the ultimate season has been cut up into quite a few elements, with the ultimate half set to launch later this yr. Changing Tetsurō Araki and Masashi Koizuka, Yuichiro Hayashi took his spot within the director’s seat. Based mostly on the manga sequence by Hajime Isayama, this season of the present covers the “Marley” and “Struggle for Paradis” arcs of the manga. Choosing up after Eren and the Survey Corps cross the ocean, we’re thrown into the story of the Marleyans throughout the ocean.
Launched to Gabi Braun and Falco Grice, we discover how Reiner, Bertholt, and Annie attacked the Paradis 4 years prior. From right here, we additional get a glimpse into how they have been handled and skilled as Eldian Warriors for Marley. It’s quickly after we be taught Marley is plotting to take the Founding Titan from Eren Yeager, inevitably declaring warfare on the Paradis to take action. These occasions lead us as much as the present narrative, which sees Eren because the Founding Titan, main The Rumbling.
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3. Terror in Resonance
Created and directed by Shinichirō Watanabe, this sequence is a MAPPA unique that proves to be one other nice psychological thriller. Naturally, the sequence acquired widespread vital acclaim, with many describing it as flawless whereas praising Watanabe’s directorial work. As well as, the sequence gained numerous awards, such because the Anime of the Yr award and Greatest Authentic Anime of the Yr award on the 2014 Anime Trending Awards. Set in an alternate actuality of what we all know to be the current time, we comply with two teenage boys named 9 and Twelve. The 2 undergo with a terrorist assault upon stealing the prototype for an atomic bomb.
They add a video the place they threaten to destroy Tokyo with this weapon until somebody can remedy a cryptic riddle supplied by them. Identified to the general public as “Sphinx”, the duo befriend a lonely highschool woman who will get dragged into their plans to show a secret organisation with their plot.
2. Dororo
Based mostly on the manga sequence by Osamu Tezuka, MAPPA tailored the sequence right into a 24-episode-long anime sequence. The 2019 sequence can also be based mostly on the unique anime adaptation from 1969. MAPPA’s adaptation diverges from the supply materials fairly a bit however sticks to the essential plot factors. The largest change made by the studio was making the principle character, Hyakkimaru, weaker than he was within the manga and unique sequence. Directed by Kazuhiro Furuhashi, the story is about within the Sengoku period of Japan and follows the story of a child whose father sacrificed all its limbs, senses, and organs to the twelve gods in alternate for prosperity for his individuals.
The newborn is deserted by its dad and mom, pondering he’ll die with out his physique elements. Nonetheless, a physician named Jukai, who specialises in prosthetics, finds and raises the newborn, naming him Hyakkimaru. When Hyakkimaru turns into an adolescent, he kills a demon and regains his skill to really feel ache. Each Hyakkimaru and the physician realise that killing demons will get him again his physique. So, he units out on a journey and, alongside the best way, meets a younger little one named Dororo, who accompanies him in his endeavours.
Dororo is indisputably among the finest Studio MAPPA anime sequence of all time.
1. Jujutsu Kaisen
Because the highest-rated present on this “Greatest Studio MAPPA Anime” record, it’s only honest that Jujutsu Kaisen takes the primary spot. In fact, this rating shouldn’t be based mostly on its score alone. Based mostly on the manga written and illustrated by Gege Akutami, MAPPA produced a 24-episode anime adaptation in 2020, adopted by the epic Jujutsu Kaisen 0 (2021) prequel movie and a second season set to air in June 2023. We comply with the story of excessive schooler Yuuji Itadori, who goes by means of life idly. Every single day, he indulges in paranormal actions with the Occult Membership in school earlier than seeing his bedridden grandfather within the hospital.
Someday, issues change when he encounters a special-grade cursed merchandise. This triggers a sequence of brutal supernatural occurrences, main Yuuji to the world of Cursed spirits, malicious beings shaped from hatred after their demise. Upon swallowing the particular grade merchandise (which occurs to be the finger of the King of Curses, Sukuna) and gaining particular talents, Yuuji is enrolled into Tokyo Metropolitan Jujutsu Technical Excessive College and begins his journey as a sorcerer. The catch? He should discover and eat all ten of Sukuna’s fingers, after which he might be killed.
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