Producing an anime involves having a skilled team to turn the manga into animation. With numerous Japanese studios wielding the same tools to breathe life into their creations, it’s easy to find a sense of déjà vu. However, this list defies the norm. In fact, these anime boast some of the most distinctive and original art styles we’ve encountered.
Without further ado, here’s our list of the top 30 anime with the best animation that stand out for their incredibly unique art styles.
30. Death Parade
Death Parade feature one of the best animation styles in anime history. The story is set at Quindecim, a mysterious bar that only opens its doors to the souls of the recently deceased. Upon arrival, patrons are greeted by the enigmatic Decim, the bar’s arbiter who determines their fate through life-threatening games.
As patrons play, their true nature is revealed and they must wager their souls for a chance at reincarnation or the chance to be lost in the void forever. But with the arrival of a black-haired amnesiac, Decim begins to question his own judgment and methods.
29. Guilty Crown
Next up among the best anime with the best animation is Guilty Crown. The plot centers around a high school student named Shuu Ouma who is pulled into the ongoing conflict between a resistance group known as Funeral Parlor and the GHQ, a task force sent by the United Nations to contain a virus outbreak in Japan.
Shuu discovers that he has the ability to extract “Voids” from other individuals, giving him special powers. Along with the help of internet vocalist Inori Yuzuriha, who is also being hunted by the GHQ, Shuu must fight to liberate Japan from the GHQ’s oppressive rule and uncover the truth behind the virus outbreak.
This anime is known for its high quality animation and thrilling story, making it one of the best anime of all time.
28. Hunter X Hunter 2011
Hunter X Hunter 2011 is a captivating remake anime series that follows the story of Gon Freecss, who sets out on a journey to find his father who is a legendary Hunter. Along the way, he meets other Hunters, each with their own unique abilities, and together they embark on a series of thrilling adventures.
The animation style in this series is top-notch, with intricate character designs and stunning fight scenes that will wow you. The world-building is also impressive, with a vast array of supernatural creatures and locations that are brought to life with incredible detail.
The plot is full of twists and turns, and it is a true roller coaster of emotions, from heart-pumping action to heart-wrenching drama. Overall, Hunter X Hunter 2011 is one of the top anime with the best animation that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
27. Re: Creators
Imagine a world where your favorite anime characters come to life, walking among us. This is the premise of the anime Re:Creators, where high school student Souta Mizushino finds himself transported into the anime he’s watching and meets the headstrong heroine, Selesia Yupitilia.
As more fictional characters appear in the real world, carrying their own hopes and scars, Souta teams up with Selesia and a calm librarian NPC, Meteora Österreich, to uncover the truth behind these mysterious events. Not only Re:Creators features a good and epic story, but also is one of the top notch animated anime series on our list that you should check out.
26. Hitori No Shita
Hitori no Shita is an action-packed Chinese anime series that will take you on a wild ride. The animation is top-notch, with breathtaking fight scenes and detailed character designs that bring the story to life. The plot follows Zhang Chulan, a regular college student who is unexpectedly thrown into a world of zombies and supernatural powers.
He is saved by a mysterious girl who wields kitchen knives, and from that moment on, Chulan’s destiny becomes entwined with hers and a group of strangers with special abilities. Each episode unveils new mysteries and thrilling battles that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
25. Vinland Saga
Vinland Saga is an epic anime that takes viewers on a journey through the historical tale of the Vikings. The animation art style is stunning, with detailed and realistic visuals that brings the Viking era to life. The story centers around Thorfinn, a young boy who has grown up listening to tales of a legendary land called Vinland, said to be a place of warmth and abundance, unlike the harsh and icy lands of his homeland.
Driven by a desire for revenge for the murder of his father, Thorfinn joins a band of Viking mercenaries, fighting in the brutal war between England and Denmark. As he navigates the violence and chaos of battle, Thorfinn must confront the true nature of his quest for vengeance and the cost of his desire for a utopian home.
24. Monogatari Series
The Monogatari series is a unique story that follows Koyomi Araragi, a high school student who is drawn into the world of supernatural beings and apparitions. Through his encounters with various characters, each with their own struggles and emotional issues, Koyomi finds himself helping them navigate the strange and often dangerous world of the supernatural.
The series is renowned for its outstanding animation and storytelling, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre. With multiple sequels and spin-offs, the Monogatari series always offers a top-notch animation style for fans to watch and enjoy.
23. Chainsaw Man
With a unique animation style, Chainsaw Man is one of the newest anime of 2022 that you should watch. The series centers around Denji, a teenager who is forced to give up on a normal life due to his father’s overwhelming debt.
His only companion is his pet devil, Pochita, with whom he slays other devils for money to pay off the debt to the yakuza. He longs for a simple life with delicious food and a beautiful girlfriend by his side. However, his dreams are crushed when he is betrayed by the yakuza and killed.
With the help of an old contract, Pochita merges with Denji’s body and gives him devil powers, turning him into a hybrid with the ability to turn his body parts into chainsaws. The Public Safety Bureau’s elite devil hunter, Makima, takes him in and allows him to live as long as he obeys her commands. With the promise of a fulfilling life with a beautiful woman, Denji fights with all his might to make his dreams a reality.
22. Fire Force
One of the best visual marvels is Fire Force, where Shinra Kusakabe is a young pyrokinetic with a burning desire to become a hero. He joins the Special Fire Force, an organization dedicated to putting out the raging infernals and finding the source of their spontaneous combustion.
But as he delves deeper into the mystery, he finds that internal conflicts and shady secrets plague the Fire Force. Determined to uncover the truth, he battles against not only the infernals but also the obstacles within his own force, as he fights to save lives and bring peace to the people of Tokyo.
21. K
K project is a visually stunning anime that truly showcases the best in animation style. The detailed and dynamic animation immerses viewers in the story of powerful “Kings,” who possess supernatural abilities and lead their respective clans.
The story centers around Yashiro Isana, a student falsely accused of murder, and his encounter with the skilled swordsman and martial artist, Kurou Yatogami. As Yashiro fights to clear his name and uncover the truth behind the murder, a larger conspiracy unravels, leading to a war between the Kings with the fate of the world at stake.
The detailed artwork in the K project perfectly captures the intensity and suspense of the story, making it a must-watch for fans of top-notch animation.
20. The God Of High School
This is an exceptional Korean anime series that boasts impressive animation. The show follows a tournament that seeks to find the strongest fighter among high school students in South Korea. All forms of martial arts, weapons, and techniques are allowed, with the winner being granted one wish.
Taekwondo prodigy, Jin Mo-Ri, is invited to participate in the tournament and meets fellow competitors Han Dae-Wi, a karate expert, and Yu Mi-Ra, a swordswoman, who both have their own personal reasons for entering.
Mo-Ri knows that the matches will be fierce, but he’s excited about the challenge. However, there is more to the tournament than meets the eye, and Korean political candidate Park Mu-Jin is closely watching every fight with keen interest. Mo-Ri, Dae-Wi, and Mi-Ra are about to uncover the true meaning of becoming the “God of High School.
19. Land of the Lustrous
The moment I laid eyes on this anime, I knew it was something special. Its unique and captivating story, paired with some of the most beautiful animations I’ve ever seen, truly sets it apart from other series. One of the things that makes this anime stand out is the mysterious and unknown elements of the plot.
The characters in this world have bodies made of living crystals, which allows them to survive in a toxic environment that’s harmful to humans. But with this ability comes a dangerous threat – the Lunarians, who hunt and shatter these crystal bodies to make jewelry. It’s a story that keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat.
18. Your Lie in April
Your Lie in April is a good romance anime animated by A-1 Pictures studio, and they did an amazing job. The animation is truly breathtaking, with its unique character designs, and the soundtracks that perfectly fit the scenes.
The story follows a piano prodigy, Kousei Arima, who loses his ability to hear the sound of his own piano after his mother’s death. Two years later, he meets Kaori Miyazono, a lively violinist who helps him rediscover the joy of music and learn to play freely, not just in the strict, structured manner his mother taught him.
17. Nagi no Asukara
Wow, the animation in the Nagi No Asukara anime series is absolutely breathtaking. The attention to detail in the environments, whether it’s the surface world, the sea, or the underwater, is incredible. The lighting and character designs are top-notch as well.
The animation is done by studio P.A. and they really done a good job with this one. This anime series is not only visually stunning, but it also tells a captivating story about love.
Set in a world where humans used to live in the ocean, but some left to live on land, it explores the differences and similarities between these two groups of people. Despite their different ways of thinking, they are still human and continue to maintain contact. This is definitely a worth watching series for both its animation and its story.
16. The Ancient Magus Bride
Mahoutsukai no Yome, or “The Ancient Magus’ Bride,” is an anime that truly stands out with its high production quality and captivating animation style. The magical world depicted in the series is truly breathtaking, with scenes that will leave you in awe. The soundtracks are also worth a listen, adding to the overall atmosphere of the anime.
The story follows Chise Hatori, a teenage girl who is sold at an auction for five million pounds to a tall, masked gentleman. Abandoned at a young age and ridiculed for her unconventional behavior, Chise is willing to go to any lengths to find a place to call home. As she is led away in chains to an unknown fate, she hears whispers from the robed men around her, discussing the rare “Sleigh Beggy” that has been sold.
But her new owner, Elias Ainsworth, is no ordinary man. He reveals himself to be a magus and takes Chise to his picturesque cottage in rural England, where she is greeted by fairies and other mystical creatures. This marks the beginning of Chise’s journey as the apprentice and supposed bride of the ancient magus. As she delves deeper into the world of magic, Chise must confront her past and come to understand her true identity.
15. Made in Abyss
As an avid anime fan, I can confidently say that Made in Abyss is one of the best anime with the best animation out there. The combination of story, animation, and soundtracks makes for an incredibly immersive experience. The studio behind this masterpiece, Kinema Citrus, truly outdid itself with attention to detail in every aspect of the series. And let’s not forget about the soundtracks, which perfectly complement the scenes and add a beautiful touch to the series.
The story follows Riko and a mysterious robot boy as they venture into the vast chasm known as the abyss in search of Riko’s missing mother. The abyss, located in the town of Orth, is a dangerous and mysterious place, drawing in cave invaders in search of valuable artifacts.
The journey is not an easy one, as they encounter many challenges and obstacles, but the payoff is worth it as they uncover secrets and traces of Riko’s mother. Overall, Made in Abyss is a good recommendation for any anime fan looking for an incredibly dark story with breathtaking animation and soundtracks.
14. Mononoke
The animation and art style in the Mononoke anime series is truly one-of-a-kind. The colors are vibrant and striking, the environments are unique, detailed, and captivating, and the camera movements add an extra layer of suspense. The animation is top-notch and brings the story to life in a way that immerses the viewer.
The story follows a medicine seller as he travels to Japan to hunt down malevolent spirits known as “Mononoke.” He comes across an old-fashioned inn where a pregnant woman, Shino, has found a place to rest. However, her room is infested with a deadly band of Mononoke called the Zashiki Warashi. Using his hunter’s intuition, the medicine seller begins to investigate to uncover the form, truth, and reason behind the Zashiki Warashi’s presence before they can kill again.
13. My Hero Academia
Known in Japanese as Boku No Hero Academia, this is an anime that features a unique character design, a captivating soundtrack, and high-quality animation. This zero to hero anime series takes place in a world where the majority of people have superpowers, known as Quirks.
The series follows Izuku Midoriya, a young boy born without a Quirk who dreams of becoming a hero. With the help of the world’s greatest hero, All Might, Izuku enrolls in the prestigious U.A. High School for Heroes-in-Training. There, he and his classmates learn to hone their abilities and become true heroes.
12. Cowboy Bebop
Sunrise’s Cowboy Bebop is a classic anime series that takes place in the year 2071, where humanity has colonized the planets of the Solar System. The series follows a group of bounty hunters, known as “cowboys,” as they travel the galaxy, hunting down the galaxy’s most wanted criminals. The anime is known for its unique blend of science fiction and adventure, its interesting characters, and its high-quality animation style.
11. Jojo Bizzare Adventure
Jojo Bizzare Adventure is popular anime series that tells the story of the Joestar family, a family whose various members discover they are destined to take down supernatural foes using unique powers that they possess. The series is split into eight parts, each following the story of one member of the Joestar family, who inevitably has a name that can be abbreviated to the titular “Jojo.”
The anime is known for its unique story, memorable characters, and its outstanding animation. With its unique story, memorable characters, and outstanding animation, Jojo Bizzare Adventure is one of the best choices among the top anime with good animation.
10. Sword Art Online
Sword Art Online is a mainstream anime that follows the story of a young boy named Kirito, who gets trapped in a virtual reality game called Sword Art Online. As he navigates through the game, he meets the lovely Asuna Yuuki, friends, and enemies, as well as discovers the true purpose of the game. Sao is a popular anime with beautiful animation and action-packed battles, this is a must-watch for fans of the fantasy genre.
9. Redline
If you are looking for a good anime about cars then Redline is the best pick. This is a high-octane racing anime movie with the best animation art style, that takes place in a futuristic world. The story follows the journey of a racer named JP as he competes in the dangerous Redline race. With its fast-paced action and stunning aesthetics, Redline is a must-watch for fans of racing and anime featuring beautiful art styles.
8. Beyond the Boundary
Known in Japanese as Kyoukai No Kanata, this anime tells the story of a girl named Mirai, who is a warrior from a clan dedicated to fighting off Youmou beings (Demons). She will end up meeting a boy named Akihito, who is a full demon and the two of them form an unlikely friendship.
Together, they must confront the demons that threaten their world and come to terms with their own identities. With its unique story and beautiful animation, Beyond the Boundary is a really cool anime that is not to be missed.
7. Jujutsu Kaisen
One of the best anime with the best animation style is Jujutsu Kaisen, a supernatural anime that follows the story of a high school student named Itadori, who is drawn into the world of jujutsu sorcerers. As he learns to harness his powers and fight against evil spirits, Itadori must navigate the complexities of the jujutsu world and the relationships that he forms. With its thrilling action and stunning animation, Jujutsu Kaisen is a superpower anime that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
6. Hyouka
The art and animation in “Hyouka” are truly so good. Kyoto Animation has outdone itself in bringing the story and characters to life with stunning attention to detail and fluid animation. Also, the soundtracks also perfectly complement the setting and story, immersing the viewer in the world of the Classics Club and the mystery they uncover.
The story follows high school student Houtarou Oreki as he reluctantly joins the Classics Club at the request of his sister. As he delves deeper into the club’s history, he and his fellow club members are faced with a 45-year-old mystery that they must unravel using their resourcefulness and hidden talents.
Alongside the determined and curious Eru Chitanda, Oreki must race against time and limited information to uncover the truth. “Hyouka” is a captivating and beautifully animated journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
5. Violet Evergarden
Violet Evergarden is a good drama anime series that stands out for its exceptional animation. From the intricate facial expressions of the characters to the breathtaking landscapes, everything is so captivating. The attention to detail is truly remarkable, making this anime a visual feast for the eyes.
The story of Violet Evergarden is also noteworthy. It centers around a young woman who has been deeply affected by the horrors of war. As she tries to make a new life for herself, she takes on the role of a letter writer, which leads her on a journey of self-discovery and understanding. Through her experiences, we see the struggles of a woman trying to find her place in a world that has been forever changed by war.
4. Fate Series
The animation in the Fate series is truly mesmerizing. From the detailed backgrounds to the fluid fight scenes, every frame is a work of art. Studio ufotable has done an outstanding job in bringing this fantasy world to life.
The story follows Shirou Emiya, who after a tragic event that kills his family, is taken in and trained by Kiritsugu Emiya in the ways of magic and justice. As Shirou becomes stronger, he struggles to find the balance between being a hero and a killer. His ideals are put to the test as he faces the harsh realities of the world around him.
Will he become a hero like his foster father or will he fail? The Fate series is a must-watch for fans of action, fantasy, and beautiful animation.
3. Attack On Titan
Attack on Titan is an anime series that tells the story of humanity’s last stand against the Titans, giant creatures who devour humans without reason or remorse. The series follows Eren Yeager, a young man who vows to wipe out the Titans after his mother is killed by one of them.
He joins the Survey Corps, an elite military unit that fights Titans outside the safety of the last human city. He quickly becomes embroiled in a larger conflict that threatens to destroy everything humanity has left.
The anime is known for its intense action sequences, thought-provoking story, and memorable characters. With its unique story and intense action, Attack on Titan is an anime with the best animation style to watch.
2. Kimetsu No Yaiba
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” is a thrilling anime with the best animation and music. The studio behind it, ufotable, is known for its high-quality productions and this series is no exception. The story follows a young boy named Tanjirou whose family is brutally murdered by demons, leaving only his sister Nezuko alive, but transformed into a demon herself.
Determined to save her and seek revenge for his family, Tanjirou embarks on a dangerous journey to become a demon slayer. The show presents a dark and intense atmosphere, with breathtaking fight scenes and a deep exploration of themes such as family, sacrifice, and determination. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s a must-watch for fans of action and fantasy anime.
1. Kekkai Sensen
The animation in this anime is truly breathtaking. The studio, Bones, has done an exceptional job in bringing the setting of a supernatural-infested New York City to life. The details are immaculate and the action scenes are animated with precision and skill.
The story takes place in a city called Hellsalem’s Lot, which was once known as New York City. A portal between Earth and Beyond opened three years ago, trapping humans and supernatural creatures in an impenetrable bubble, forcing them to coexist. Keeping order in the city is a secret organization called Libra, made up of eccentric and powerful individuals.
Our protagonist, Leonardo Watch, is a photography enthusiast living a normal life with his family. However, when he obtains the “All-seeing Eyes of the Gods” at the expense of his sister’s eyesight, he goes to Hellsalem’s Lot to find answers and help her.
He ends up joining Libra and gets caught up in their mission to keep the city under control and prevent chaos from spreading. As he navigates this strange place with his eccentric new comrades, Leo’s ordinary life takes a turn for the extraordinary. Kekkai Sensen is a thrilling journey through one of the most unusual places on Earth.
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