Best Anime Studios That Specialize In Movies

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the captivating world of anime, I must say that these three studios – Madhouse, Studio Madhouse AKA The Animation Powerhouse, and Kyoto Animation, Experts at Breaking Your Heart in Millions of Pieces – are nothing short of extraordinary.

As a gaming enthusiast who’s also got a soft spot for anime, I can’t help but marvel at the Japanese animated film industry. It’s like a treasure trove of top-notch art and some mind-blowing productions, crafted by talented human hands. So, it’s only natural that us fans find ourselves curious about which studios truly stand out when it comes to movie-making in the anime world.

This list contains some of the best companies dedicated to producing animated movies with their base of operations in Nihon. From a titan and lighthouse for modern animators and artists to one of the best places to work in the Japanese Animation industry. These powerhouses in the animation trade are legendary for their passion and the quality of their work.

5 Toei Animation

The Precursor Of Modern Japanese Animation And Heavyweight Champion

Foundation Date: January 23, 1948
Founders: Kenzō Masaoka, Sanae Yamamoto (As Japan Animated Films)
Top Rated Film: Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (Co-produced with Studio Ghibli – Rated 8.0 according to IMDb)

Historically, Toei Animation stands as the oldest and most prominent production hub in the realm of Japanese animation, initially established under the name Japan Animated Films post-WW2. Later, it was acquired by Toei and rebranded as Tōei Dōga Kabushiki-gaisha (Toei Animation Corporation/Ltd.). During turbulent post-war times, it served as a sanctuary for numerous talented artists struggling to revive their careers. Alongside Mushi Production, it emerged as a beacon of hope and nurtured the burgeoning talent that formed the second wave of Japanese animation.

Over time, numerous giants within the realm of Japanese animation have emerged and flourished from this influential studio, with names like Hayao Miyazaki, Yōichi Kotabe, Yasuji Mori, Isao Takahata, and Leiji Matsumoto, creator of Captain Harlock, gracing its halls. These studios have created animated films for some of the country’s most renowned intellectual properties such as Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, Digimon, and many more. However, in 2023, this studio faced one of Japan’s most infamous cyberattacks, which nearly led to the cessation of several significant anime productions, including One Piece.

4 Studio Ghibli

Their Style Is Legendary, Their Direction Is Unparalleled

Foundation Date: June 15, 1985
Founders: Hayao Miyazaki, Toshio Suzuki, Isao Takahata, Yasuyoshi Tokuma
Top Rated Film: Spirited Away (8.6 according to IMDb)

One of Japan’s most renowned animation studios, Studio Ghibli, was established with a vision to infuse “novelty” into the realm of animation. As claimed by the esteemed Hayao Miyazaki, this mission has undoubtedly been fulfilled. With their distinctive color palettes and intricately designed backdrops, they have raised the bar for modern animation across industries. Their unique art style is a testament to decades of meticulous guidance by some of the most influential animators and artists in the field.

To date, it is difficult not to identify Studio Ghibli’s distinctive style, unless one resides in seclusion without any contact with contemporary technology for over half a century. They wear this uniqueness with pride and enthusiasm. Interestingly, their first production, “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind,” served as the catalyst for the formation of the studios, following a successful partnership with the renowned Toei Animation. However, their most celebrated films to date continue to be “Howl’s Moving Castle” and “Spirited Away.” These are not only highly acclaimed animated films but also outstanding demonstrations of Studio Ghibli’s creative potential as a collective.

3 Pierrot

High Contrast And Cool VFX Are Their Signature Moves

Foundation Date: May 1, 1979
Founder: Yuji Nunokawa
Top Rated Film: Maroko (7.8 according to IMDb)

Pierrot Animation Studio was established in Mitaka, a western suburb of Tokyo, by a group that included Yuji Nunokawa who had recently made a splash with his productions Robotan and Time Bokan at Tatsunoko Production. With the animation industry booming and a surging demand for animations, it was an opportune moment to launch his own studio, allowing it to expand swiftly and soar high.

Since its inception up until now, it has produced numerous films, most notably Maroko, the timeless Osomatsu-kun, and a multitude of Naruto and Bleach movies that have been their primary revenue generators for the last decade. At present, they are venturing into original web animations (ONAs) and redefining the Osomatsu intellectual property to cater to a new market demographic. Additionally, they have handled the animation outsourcing for The Legend of Korra series from 2012 to 2014.

2 Madhouse

AkA The Animation Powerhouse, With Dozens Of Great Titles

Foundation Date: October 1972
Founders: Hayashi Shigeyuki, Osamu Dezaki, Yoshiaki Kawajiri, Masao Maruyama
Top Rated Film: Perfect Blue (8.0 according to IMDb)

Madhouse Productions, well-known among anime enthusiasts for their outstanding work in the Overlord series, is more than just an anime studio. Established specifically for this purpose, it belongs to the third generation of Japanese animation studios and has made significant contributions to the field. One of its most notable works, still considered its masterpiece, is “Perfect Blue” – a film that shocked audiences in the 90’s with its unflinching portrayal of the darker side of the entertainment industry in Japan. This groundbreaking movie faced severe criticism for its candid exploration of unspeakable truths. The director, Satoshi Kon, is renowned for his ability to tackle violence alongside intricate and intense storylines that leave a lasting impression on viewers.

As a dedicated gamer and animation enthusiast, I’ve got to give a shout-out to Madhouse Studios – a powerhouse in the world of anime! They’ve left their mark on classics like Paprika (2006) directed by Satoshi Kon, and the iconic 1987 hit, Wicked City. These groundbreaking productions paved the way for the neo-noir genre, blending supernatural events with detective work in a way that would become signature for years to come. Simply put, Madhouse Studios is a must-watch for any animated film fan!

1 Kyoto Animation

Experts At Breaking Your Heart In Millions Of Pieces

Foundation Date: July 12, 1985
Founders: Hideaki Hatta and Yoko Hatta
Top Rated Film: Violet Evergarden The Movie (8.3 according to IMDb)

Established by a prominent pair in the anime world, Hideaki Hatta and Yoko, Kyoto Animation was set up as both an animation studio for films and a publisher of light novels. Over nearly four decades, they’ve contributed to some of the most beloved romantic animations, such as Clannad: After Story, known for its poignant and emotional storyline, and Violet Evergarden: The Movie, which has recently garnered high praise.

Without a doubt, Violet Evergarden is a remarkable masterpiece across its movie, series, and light novels. Although Netflix plays a significant role in its streaming, it’s essential to recognize Kyoto Animation for their tireless efforts in creating this exceptional animated work. Their art style is flawless, from the lighting and facial expressions to the intricate draping, world-building, and storytelling. It clearly demonstrates why Kyoto Animation stands among the elite in the animation industry. Moreover, they have been honored by various artists’ associations as a welcoming and diverse workspace – a rare attribute in the unpredictable and sometimes contentious Japanese animation sector, making their reputation more valuable than any accolade.

2024-09-03 12:34