From intriguing fight scenes to alluring animations, these anime offer unparalleled eye-candy!
Bringing a story from the script to the screen is no small feat, especially in the world of anime. With unique storylines that exist in strange new lands, the art and animation styles make a lot of difference to the story. Some anime are so excellent at world building, that their signature art styles become instantly recognizable. Whether they are anime films or TV series, some are sure to leave a big impact in the world of animation. For instance, animated films from Studio Ghibli not only offer brilliant storylines, but also alluring animation as well.
From traditional Japanese art to cyberpunk goodness, here are the most visually stunning anime, ranked:
Adapted from Gen Urobuchi’s light novel and illustrated by Takashi Takeuchi, this anime is directed by Ei Aoki, and produced by Ufotable, famous for works like Demon Slayer and Garden of Sinners.
Fate/Zero follows the events of the Fourth Holy Grail War tournament, as the seven Masters compete against each other. The art style throughout the anime changes as the audience is introduced to the magical abilities of each new Servant. For example, a Victorian style for Saber, and a mix of Ottoman/Grecian art style for Rider. These stunning little details are what earn Fate/Zero immense praise within its own franchise and beyond.
Directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi, Promare is an anime film produced by Sanzigen Inc., famous for works like the BanG Dream! series, and The Heroic Legend of Arslan.
Promare is an action-packed, tightly-paced tale of mutants and supernatural beings at war. This is why its animation is equally fast-paced, to match with the timed fight sequences, making each shot incredibly sharp and vibrant. The combination of the futuristic art style mixed with the energetic music is what sets this film apart from others, making it a visually stunning masterpiece.
Adapted from the manga series by Yuki Midorikawa, Natsume Yuujinchou is an anime TV series directed by Takahiro Omori and Kotomi Deai. It is produced by Brain's Base and Shuka Co.; famous for works like Assassination Classroom and Durarara!!, respectively.
Natsume Yuujinchou is an eerie, yet heartbreaking tale about Natsume, a boy who sets out to free the Yōkai (monsters) in his grandma's book. To complement the story, the anime offers a clean, flowing art style, borrowing elements from traditional Yōkai art. An impressive feat is how each Yōkai is drawn in a unique way, inspired by their dedicated legends. This unique mix of the classic anime art style with a rather distinct traditional animation makes this anime visually stunning and a feast for the eyes.
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Adapted from the manga series by Gege Akutami and directed by Sunghoo Park, Jujutsu Kaisen is an anime TV series produced by MAPPA, famous for works like Attack on Titan: The Final Season and Yuri!!! on Ice.
Jujutsu Kaisen tells the tale of high school student Yuji, who joins a secret organization of sorcerers to defeat a powerful curse. The anime takes this concept to the max, offering visuals that are classic to the shounen genre, aimed at young teenage boys. The stunningly choreographed fight sequences are animated with a clean magical flair, making them memorable for a long time to come.
Directed by Kenji Nakamura, Mononoke is an anime TV series produced by Toei Animation, famous for works like the Dragon Ball series and Sailor Moon.
Mononoke follows the tale of a man called the Medicine Seller as he travels through the Edo and Meiji periods in Japan. The anime introduces the audience to traditional Japanese arts in the midst of a transition period. With impressive decorative visuals and beautiful recreations of classical paintings in every episode, Mononoke is a history lesson and a visual masterpiece combined into one anime.
Adapted from the light novel series by Hideyuki Kikuchi and directed by Toyoo Ashida, Vampire Hunter D is an anime film series produced by Ashi Productions, famous for works like Rainbow Days and Knights of Ramune.
Vampire Hunter D follows a timeless romance between a young woman who hires a mysterious half-vampire to protect her from a vampire overlord. What sets this apart from other similar anime is the classic art style of the '80s and the '90s, which adds a hint of nostalgia and makes the animation feel much more realistic for the time period. The film was also featured in Michael Jackson's music video for Scream.
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Directed by Akiyuki Shinbo and Yukihiro Miyamoto, Madoka Magica is an anime TV series produced by Studio Shaft, famous for works like the Monogatari series and Nisekoi.
Madoka Magica follows fourteen-year-old Madoka, as she battles a special coven of witches. With the story's dark elements, the art offers a similar, twisted style of animation that keeps the audience glued to their seat. A mystical, dark color palette combined with eye-catching animation that mimics the feel of hand-drawn animation is what sets MadokaMagica apart from other anime in a similar genre. Each witch comes with their own set of mesmerizing background patterns and character designs that are sure to allure fans instantly.
Adapted from the manga series by Koyoharu Gotouge and directed by Haruo Sotozaki, Demon Slayer is an anime TV series produced by Ufotable, famous for works like Garden of Sinners and the Fate Unlimited Bladeworks saga.
Kimetsu no Yaiba follows young Tanjiro, as he is forced to become a demon slayer when his family is killed and his younger sister Nezuko turns into a demon. With such an emotionally-charged story, it is important for the animation style to be equally impactful. Kimetsu no Yaiba's animation has a personality of its own, fight sequences with breathtaking sword skills, vibrancy in atmosphere that brings clarity to the story, and, most importantly, stunning character designs that make the story unforgettable. Each sword style mimics a traditional Japanese art style that makes the animation look more authentic to the depicted timeline.
Fatima is an author, seamstress and English major who is enthusiastic about films, comics and cosplay. She also has an avid love for writing and writes about the latest entertainment news and trends on Movieweb.
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