10 Most Visually Stunning Anime Shows, Ranked
Anime has become one of the most popular mediums in the world thanks to its creativity and animation. Shows like One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen continue to innovate and attract new viewers. While there is a deeper layer to anime, the first thing people see is the art and animation, making it crucial for the series to be visually stunning.
Film and TV have two different budgets, but while one focuses all its time, effort, and money into around an hour, the other spreads it out over at least 12 episodes. Despite it being harder for anime to be as attractive as movies, they still deliver their unique appeal with every episode. This list will rank the ten most visually stunning anime series based on animation, style, use of color, art style, imagery, aesthetic, and other striking techniques.
10
‘March Comes in Like a Lion’ (2016)
Studio: Shaft
This popular phrase usually describes the weather for the month, but March Comes in Like a Lion is also the title of a popular and profound anime drama. Introverted by nature, Rei is a pro shogi player who rarely finds time to take care of himself or get out of the house. However, when a new family moves next to him, they show him the kindness he needs to improve himself.
Most visually striking anime are fantasy series that take viewers into a new world with dazzling oddities. However, March Comes in Like a Lion delivers a quaint and moving story through its gorgeous animation and style. Through its vibrant color palette and watercolor style, this anime creates a stunning visual style made better by its expressive animation. This is also one of the best-written anime series, making it perfect on more levels than one.
9
‘Made in Abyss’ (2017)
Studio: Kinema Citrus
Even with the dullest of stories, anime can suck viewers in with its captivating world, and while Made in Abyss does that, it also has a phenomenal story to boot. Known for its worldbuilding, music, villains, and dark content, this anime follows two young explorers who dive into the titular abyss to discover its secrets and learn some personal questions.
Most anime are visually stunning because of their animation or unique style, but Made in Abyss offers fans a world ripe with stellar backgrounds and mystical settings. While it can be a bit horrific at times, as an anime with wholesome art but disturbing content, the visual appeal is still there and doesn’t get tiresome, no matter how many times fans rewatch it.
8
‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ (1995)
Studios: Gainax and Tatsunoko Production
Neon Genesis Evangelion is one of the most well-known anime of all time. Its influence and legacy have impacted the anime community in many ways that fans can still feel today. Shinji is a mild-mannered boy who must pilot a mech in order to fight against angel-like aliens. However, he must first battle his own inner demons if he wants to do what’s right for the world.
Many fans consider Neon Genesis Evangelion a masterpiece, and for good reason. However, one of the many excellent aspects of this anime is its animation and style, highlighted by the classic ’90s hand-drawn style with a bit of sci-fi and urban flair. The iconic animation and visual style do a lot to separate Neon Genesis Evangelion from any other 1990s anime, cementing it as a staple anime.
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Megumi Ogata
Shinji Ikari
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Megumi Hayashibara
Rei Ayanami
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Kotono Mitsuishi
Misato Katsuragi
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Spike Spencer
Ritsuko Akagi
7
‘Space Dandy’ (2014)
Studio: Bones
Most fans know Shinichirō Watanabe for Cowboy Bebop and may be watching his new series, Lazarus. However, his most stunning work is undoubtedly Space Dandy, which follows the titular protagonist on multiple sci-fi misadventures. Dandy and his robot and cat alien friends travel the cosmos looking for unregistered aliens to make a living, but spend most of their time messing about and running from the Gogol Empire.
Space Dandy may not have fluid motion and great fight scenes like all of Watanabe’s other projects, but the wonderous and imaginative cosmos and planets bring new life to his style. The gorgeous colors and absorbing backgrounds will have viewers in awe, delivering standout visuals and settings. Space Dandy has one of the most visually stunning anime worlds, and it is on the list because of it.
6
‘Kill la Kill’ (2013)
Studio: Trigger
Love it or hate it, the ecchi genre is a staple of anime that has brought in countless viewers for its fanservice. However, not every ecchi anime is mindless slop; Kill la Kill, for example, is a highly regarded anime with great style. Looking for her father’s killer, Ryuuko’s only clue is the other half of his missing invention, which she tracks down to be in a prestigious school.
Trigger is a renowned studio and will have other anime on this list, proving their eye for visual spectacle. Kill la Kill uses its inventive animation and popping art style to deliver a punk-like feeling to its gorgeous anime. The animation itself is also spectacular, with great fluidity and spectacle to keep viewers invested. Kill la Kill is one of the best original anime series.
5
‘Monogatari Series’ (2009)
Studio: Shaft
Like Kill la Kill, the Monogatari Series is a polarizing anime with many sexual and uncomfortable scenes. With multiple parts making up the series, each one follows Koyomi Araragi, a teenager who suddenly has vampire powers and uses them to help troubled individuals in his town. By defeating the manifestations of their inner demons, he solves their mental problems and improves their life.
Monogatari doesn’t have a unique art style or vibrant colors. Instead, it uses realistic animation and editing style to stun its viewers. As one of the best avant-garde anime, the series does things in unconventional ways, but this pays off big time. The dramatic editing style and visual cues create dynamic moments accentuated by its magnificent animation, making Monogatari a beautifully gruesome series every fan should marvel at.
- Release Date
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August 28, 2024
- Runtime
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145 Minutes
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Hiroshi Kamiya
Koyomi Araragi
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Maaya Sakamoto
Kiss-shot Acerola-orien Heart-under-blade
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Yui Horie
Tsubasa Hanekawa
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Takahiro Sakurai
Meme Oshino
4
‘Mononoke’ (2007)
Studio: Toei Animation
With some recently released movies after nearly two decades, Mononoke is one of the greatest horror anime that frightens fans with its dark content and unique style instead of jump scares. The series follows a traveling medicine seller who also works as an exorcist. He investigates haunted locations and individuals, finding the cause and method of exorcising these terrifying creatures.
The new anime movie is equally visually stunning, and with more on the way, fans can revel in its gorgeous art style and editing once again. The animation itself isn’t that impressive, but the art style and visual style do some heavy lifting, making Mononoke one of the most visually stunning anime series. The lively colors and distinct art style create an unforgettable atmosphere and aesthetic.
3
‘Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions’ (2016)
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Perhaps the least well-known anime on this list, Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions, is an underrated fantasy isekai anime. It separates itself for its reasonably realistic approach to what would actually happen if people were transported to a new world. Haruhiro and other teenagers magically transport to a new world, but while others join the army, they must form a group and survive in this grim fantasy world.
Most isekai’s are repetitive and soulless copies, but this anime is different because of its beautiful natural atmosphere. While Grimgar is a forgettable fantasy anime, its visuals stick with the viewers, delivering remarkable scenery. The anime is well worth the watch for its stunning natural beauty alone, but its dark isekai vibes also offer a dark story, which makes it a unique isekai masterpiece.
2
‘Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’ (2022)
Studio: Trigger
Set in the creative world of Cyberpunk 2077, this anime introduces new characters in a familiar setting. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners follows David Martinez, who joins a gang after his mother’s death. Looking for a new life and revenge on those who let her die, David only finds more tragedy and heartbreak in the life of crime.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is an acclaimed anime for many reasons: its story, characters, themes, and, most importantly, stunning and striking visuals. The art style is nice and helps the neon colors and dynamic world feel kinetic. Its in-your-face animation is ruthlessly apparent and vibrant, creating a visual stunningness. The blood, animation, colors, and chaos all paint a striking picture that is hard not to look at.
1
‘Violet Evergarden’ (2018)
Studio: Kyoto Animation
Finally, earning the top spot on this list is Violet Evergarden, a stunning anime with an equally beautiful story. After the end of the war, the titular character no longer has a purpose, as she was made specifically for war. However, after finding a new purpose, she writes letters despite having no emotions, slowly learning what it is to feel and reminiscing about the only person who showed her love.
While everything about this anime is flawless, the animation and art mainly stick out. Violet Evergarden has excellent attention to detail and intricate animation, creating a world that feels real and lived in. The backgrounds and setting are also stunning, helping the world and characters be free. Violet Evergarden has the best animation in anime and uses it to become the most visually stunning series as well.
