The Biggest Hits From Every Animation Studio!

The world of anime is filled with thrilling stories, striking visuals, and unforgettable soundtracks. Behind every successful anime, there's an animation studio that puts its creativity and talent to the test to bring these works to life. Some studios stand out so much that their names become synonymous with quality and innovation.

Today, we'll explore some of the most famous anime studios and their biggest hits, with ratings directly from My Anime List to showcase the impact of these productions on the community. Moreover, an anime being highlighted over another doesn’t necessarily mean it’s objectively better—a variety of factors comes into play, including quality, impact beyond the niche, other media, and more.

Studio Ghibli – The Magic of Animation

Founded: 1985

Masterpiece: Spirited Away

MAL Rating: 8.77

Synopsis: Chihiro is a young girl who, after moving with her parents, accidentally enters a magical world full of spirits and strange creatures. When her parents are transformed into pigs, she must work at a spiritual bathhouse to rescue them and find a way back to the human world.

Studio Ghibli is globally renowned for its enchanting animations and deep stories. Spirited Away is perhaps its greatest triumph, winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003. The magic of this work lies in its rich narrative, unique characters, and incredibly detailed settings.

Other Hits:

- My Neighbor Totoro (8.25)

- Princess Mononoke (8.66)

Ghibli doesn’t just create anime; it transforms stories into emotional experiences that linger with audiences for decades.

Ufotable

Founded: 2000

Masterpiece: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Mugen Train

MAL Rating: 8.56

Synopsis: Following the events of the first season, Tanjiro and his friends embark on a mission aboard the "Mugen Train," where they face a powerful demon who manipulates dreams. The journey tests the group’s determination and bonds of friendship.

When it comes to animation quality, few studios reach the level of Ufotable. Mugen Train broke records as the highest-grossing anime film in history and is a brilliant example of how the studio elevates action scenes to an almost unbelievable level.

Other Hits:

- Fate/Zero (8.27)

- Kara no Kyoukai (7.99)

Ufotable is synonymous with stunning visuals and epic storytelling.

Madhouse

Founded: 1972

Masterpiece: Death Note

MAL Rating: 8.62

Synopsis: Light Yagami, a brilliant student, finds a mysterious notebook called the "Death Note." Realizing he can kill anyone whose name is written in it, Light embarks on a journey to create a "new world" while being pursued by the genius detective L.

A controversial choice, we acknowledge that this spot probably belongs to Frieren. However, we selected Death Note due to its historical significance. If you've watched a Madhouse anime, you know quality is guaranteed. Death Note is a work that combines psychological tension and intense moments, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final episode.

Other Hits:

- Hunter x Hunter (2011) (9.03)

- One Punch Man (8.49)

Madhouse remains one of the industry’s most respected studios, with a list of hits spanning multiple genres.

Bones

Founded: 1998

Masterpiece: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

MAL Rating: 9.10

Synopsis: After an alchemical experiment goes wrong, brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric embark on a journey to find the Philosopher's Stone and restore their bodies. Along the way, they face dangers, uncover dark truths, and question the limits of science and morality.

Brotherhood isn’t just Bones’ greatest success; it’s also one of the highest-rated anime of all time. With an epic story of redemption and familial bonds, it’s hard to find an anime that has left a greater impact.

Other Hits:

- My Hero Academia (7.85)

- Mob Psycho 100 (8.49)

Bones knows how to create rich and captivating worlds that win over fans globally.

MAPPA

Founded: 2011

Masterpiece: Attack on Titan: Final Season

MAL Rating: 8.61 (Part 1)

Synopsis: In a world where humanity is threatened by giant Titans, Eren Yeager and his friends enlist in the Scout Regiment to uncover the secrets behind these creatures and protect what’s left of civilization.

Another controversial choice, we know. This spot should probably belong to two other anime, but since they aren’t completed yet, we couldn’t include them here. Recently, MAPPA has emerged as one of the most influential studios in the industry. The adaptation of Attack on Titan’s final season further elevated its reputation, delivering intense action scenes and profound emotional moments.

Other Hits:

- Jujutsu Kaisen (8.57)

- Chainsaw Man (8.47)

MAPPA defines what a modern audience desires.

Trigger

Founded: 2011

Masterpiece: Kill la Kill

MAL Rating: 8.11

Synopsis: Ryuko Matoi seeks answers about her father’s murder and ends up at a school where clothes possess special powers. With her scissor blade and a living uniform named Senketsu, she challenges the academy’s oppressive system.

Trigger is known for its energetic style and bold narratives. Kill la Kill is a perfect example of how the studio blends exaggerated action with meaningful themes and memorable characters.

Other Hits:

- Promare (7.90)

- Little Witch Academia (7.81)

With unique visuals and intense storytelling, Trigger knows how to grab attention.

Each studio has its own style and approach, but what unites them is a passion for animation and a commitment to excellence. Whether creating magical worlds like Ghibli or elevating action to new heights like Ufotable, these studios set the standard for the industry.

Anime studios are the beating heart of the industry, responsible for turning incredible stories into unforgettable visual experiences. Each has its own identity, but they all share the same goal: to captivate fans and elevate anime as an art form.

What about you? Which studio is your favorite? Which other important studio did we miss? Please let us know in the comments!