What makes your favorite anime unforgettable? Is it about the story? Is it about the characters? Is it about the voice actors? Sometimes, it’s also about the studio where it was produced.
One of the leading animation studios today is MAPPA. This animation studio is based in Suginami, a special ward in the Tokyo Metropolis, and was founded in 2011 by Masao Maruyama, an anime producer and businessman, interestingly, when he was already 70 years old.
Some of the most familiar anime titles to you, such as “Attack on Titan,” “Chainsaw Man,” and “Jujutsu Kaisen,” are from this studio. These and more in this list of the best animes from MAPPA.
‘Attack On Titan: The Final Season’
You might be surprised to see “Attack on Titan” here and in the number one spot. Well, we’re only talking about the anime’s final season here, as this season was transferred and entrusted to the hands of MAPPA, with the previous seasons produced by Wit Studio.
In the groundbreaking final season, the story of Eren Yeager and the rest of the characters continues as they journey through the anime’s post-apocalyptic world, where the ongoing conflict between human beings and titans deepens further. This final season, despite being made by a different studio, was able to stay consistent with the stories and themes of the previous seasons.
‘Vinland Saga’ Season 2
Like what happened with the final season of “Attack on Titan,” the second season of “Vinland Saga” was redelegated to MAPPA from Wit Studio, and MAPPA did not fail the fans.
In “Vinland Saga” Season 2, Einar is brought to Denmark together with other prisoners. They were about to be sold as enslaved people, but he escaped only to be recaptured and beaten brutally. Ketil, a big landowner, was able to buy him. He was tasked with working on Ketil’s large farm in the country’s southern region.
‘Fighting Spirit: Rising’
“Fighting Spirit: Rising” is the third season of the favorite sports-themed anime. This season’s production was moved to MAPPA from Madhouse. It continues the tale of Ippo Makunouchi, now a featherweight champion, as he faces more challenges and discovers the real meaning of strength. The season also inspired the fans with its riveting animation and character development.
‘Jujutsu Kaisen’
Another big title for which MAPPA is credited is “Jujutsu Kaisen.” Unlike the previous animes on this list, this has been from MAPPA from the very start. It tells the story of Yuji Itadori on his journey to safeguard humanity from the evils of cursed spirits. Fans have come to love its diverse characters playing with the backdrop of a well-written and relatable story. Who would forget its thrilling action sequences and emotional scenes that will take you on a roller coaster ride?
‘Chainsaw Man’
Similar to “Jujutsu Kaisen,” “Chainsaw Man” was a MAPPA production ever since. It revolves around a young man named Denji who obtains the power to merge with evil spirits, known in the anime as devils, following his untimely and shocking death. He then uses these newfound powers to serve as his weapon against those devils. But, despite the weight of what has been bestowed upon him, he constantly yearns for a peaceful life and a beautiful partner by his side. These inspire him to keep moving forward.
If you don’t mind heavy themes of humanity’s dark side, power, and responsibility, you should see “Chainsaw Man.”
‘Dororo’
Then, you have “Dororo.” It is a breath of fresh air from the other animes here as it is a historical fantasy show. Quite unique. In Japan during its feudal years, “Dororo” follows the adventures of a young, innocent orphan named Hyakkimaru. He was born with no limbs, eyes, nose, ears, or even skin because of a dangerous deal his dad made with demons.
Mixing fantasy and historical themes, the story follows his quest to reclaim his body and seek revenge not on his father but on the demons with which the latter entered into a deal. Along the way, he begins a friendship with Dororo, another orphan boy, as they fight for survival in a world overrun by beastly demons.
‘Yuri On Ice’
You got used to sports-themed animes that talk about basketball, volleyball, or soccer, but take “Yuri on Ice” differently. The central theme is figure skating.
The story follows Yuuri Katsuki, a Japanese skater who struggles with self-doubt due to his losing streak. One day, a world champion named Victor Nikiforov decides to mentor him after seeing a video of Katsuki going viral. This partnership is the beginning of many great things for Katsuki. This anime beautifully captures the elegances of figure skating that other shows do not showcase.
‘Banana Fish’
“Banana Fish” is an anime of the crime thriller genre. But it is unlike “Conan” in such a way that it isn’t shallow. Here, Aslan Jade Callenreese, a young gang leader, finds himself in a risky plan involving a mysterious substance called Banana Fish. As you continue watching the show, you’ll see Callenreese’s connection with a photographer named Eiji Okumura, who joins him in a fight versus conspiracy. It’s the perfect anime for those interested in family, politics, and corruption.
‘Kids On The Slope’
Last on this list is “Kids on the Slope,” a coming-of-age anime from MAPPA based on jazz music. Set in the 1960s, the story centers on a transfer student named Kaoru Nishimi, who settles in a small village. He makes friends with a young man named Sentar Kawabuchi, who loves jazz music so much.
‘Dorohedoro’
“Dorohedoro” revolves around a man not only suffering from amnesia but with a reptile head (yes, he’s a half-human, half-animal) on a quest to actually uncover his true identity. You are reading that right because this anime is filled with dark humor, action, and fantasy that can transport you to a whirlwind of emotions.
How about you? What do you look for when deciding which anime to watch? Well, for others, they consider the studio that created the anime, and they can’t be blamed. These studios are the sources of the talent, tools, and skills behind the scenes that are making these shows possible.
