From the blood-soaked battlefields of Attack on Titan to the soul-stirring jazz clubs of Kids on the Slope, Studio MAPPA has redefined the boundaries of anime, crafting a diverse portfolio of masterpieces. Founded in 2011 by Masao Maruyama, a veteran producer with a vision for creative freedom, MAPPA quickly rose to prominence, taking on ambitious projects and pushing the limits of animation. But which of their creations truly stand out? Dive into the top 10 MAPPA anime, as chosen by the global community of MyAnimeList, and discover the artistry that has captivated millions.
10. Hell’s Paradise (Jigokuraku) (Spring 2023) – Score: 8.09
Title and Context: Hell’s Paradise plunges viewers into a brutal world of convicts and mythical creatures. Gabimaru the Hollow, a seemingly invincible ninja, is sent on a suicide mission to a mysterious island in search of the elixir of immortality.
Thematic Exploration: This series explores themes of redemption, the value of life, and the blurred lines between good and evil in a harsh and unforgiving world. The narrative delves into the complexities of morality, questioning what it means to be human in a world where survival is paramount.
MAPPA’s Touch: MAPPA brought a visceral intensity to the action sequences, with fluid animation and detailed character designs that capture the grotesque beauty of the island and its inhabitants. The studio’s ability to blend horror and action creates a unique viewing experience that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
Audience Reception: Praised for its captivating plot, stunning visuals, and morally ambiguous characters, Hell’s Paradise has quickly become a fan favorite. Viewers appreciate the series’ dark tone and its unpredictable narrative twists.
9. Ranma ½ (2024) (Fall 2024) – Score: 8.10
Title and Context: A classic returns! MAPPA’s adaptation of Ranma ½ brings the beloved story of Ranma Saotome, a martial artist cursed to transform into a girl when splashed with cold water, to a new generation.
Thematic Exploration: This remake revisits the humor, gender-bending antics, and martial arts action that made the original a global phenomenon. The series explores themes of identity, love, and the challenges of adolescence, all wrapped in a comedic package.
MAPPA’s Touch: The studio has modernized the animation while retaining the charm and energy of Rumiko Takahashi’s original manga. MAPPA’s vibrant color palette and dynamic character designs bring the classic story to life in a fresh and exciting way.
Audience Reception: Fans are excited to see this classic reimagined with MAPPA’s signature style, praising the vibrant animation and faithful adaptation. The series has reignited interest in the original manga and introduced a new generation to the timeless story.
8. Dororo (Winter 2019) – Score: 8.25
Title and Context: MAPPA breathed new life into Osamu Tezuka’s classic manga with Dororo, a dark and atmospheric tale of a young warrior’s quest to reclaim his stolen body parts.
Thematic Exploration: Delves into themes of sacrifice, human nature, and the cost of ambition in a war-torn world. The series explores the consequences of one’s actions and the search for redemption in a world filled with darkness.
MAPPA’s Touch: The animation beautifully captures the bleakness of the setting and the raw emotion of Hyakkimaru’s journey, employing a muted color palette and expressive character designs. MAPPA’s attention to detail and atmospheric storytelling create a immersive viewing experience.
Audience Reception: Acclaimed for its mature storytelling, compelling characters, and its ability to balance intense action with poignant drama. Viewers appreciate the series’ dark tone and its exploration of complex themes.
7. Kids on the Slope (Sakamichi no Apollon) (Spring 2012) – Score: 8.29
Title and Context: In a rare departure from their action-heavy catalog, MAPPA, alongside Tezuka Productions, delivered a poignant coming-of-age story with Kids on the Slope. Directed by the legendary Shinichiro Watanabe, this anime is a love letter to jazz and the power of friendship.
Thematic Exploration: Explores themes of friendship, first love, and the healing power of music against the backdrop of 1960s Japan. The series delves into the emotional journeys of its characters, highlighting the transformative power of music and friendship.
MAPPA’s Touch: The animation captures the energy and emotion of the jazz performances, while the character designs and backgrounds evoke a nostalgic atmosphere. MAPPA’s ability to blend music and visuals creates a unique and immersive viewing experience.
Audience Reception: Universally praised for its heartfelt story, memorable characters, and its incredible jazz soundtrack. Viewers appreciate the series’ emotional depth and its exploration of universal themes.
6. Banana Fish (Summer 2018) – Score: 8.45
Title and Context: MAPPA tackled Akimi Yoshida’s acclaimed manga Banana Fish with a gritty and emotional adaptation that captivated audiences worldwide.
Thematic Exploration: A hard-boiled crime drama that delves into mature themes of child abuse, gang violence, and the search for redemption in a dark and unforgiving world. The series explores the complexities of human nature and the consequences of one’s actions.
MAPPA’s Touch: The studio masterfully captured the intensity of the action sequences and the emotional depth of the characters, using a realistic art style and a cinematic approach to direction. MAPPA’s ability to blend action and drama creates a compelling viewing experience.
Audience Reception: Lauded for its complex characters, gripping plot, and its unflinching portrayal of difficult subject matter. Viewers appreciate the series’ dark tone and its exploration of mature themes.
5. Chainsaw Man (Fall 2022) – Score: 8.47
Title and Context: The highly anticipated adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s Chainsaw Man exploded onto the scene with MAPPA’s signature high-octane animation and a faithful, yet audaciously cinematic, rendering of the manga’s chaotic energy.
Thematic Exploration: A darkly comedic and ultraviolent exploration of poverty, exploitation, and the desperate search for meaning in a world overrun by devils. The series delves into the complexities of human nature and the consequences of one’s actions.
MAPPA’s Touch: The studio unleashed a visual feast of gore and creative action, perfectly capturing the manga’s raw energy and Fujimoto’s unique artistic style. MAPPA’s ability to blend horror and comedy creates a unique and engaging viewing experience.
Audience Reception: Divided yet passionate, with praise for its bold animation and faithful adaptation, and debate over its pacing and tone. Viewers appreciate the series’ dark humor and its exploration of complex themes.
4. Jujutsu Kaisen (Fall 2020) – Score: 8.57
Title and Context: Jujutsu Kaisen became an instant global phenomenon, with MAPPA’s stunning animation bringing the world of curses and sorcery to life.
Thematic Exploration: Combines thrilling supernatural action with explorations of loss, duty, and the nature of good and evil. The series delves into the complexities of human nature and the consequences of one’s actions.
MAPPA’s Touch: The studio’s dynamic animation and vibrant character designs elevated the fight sequences to a new level, while the direction expertly balanced humor and horror. MAPPA’s ability to blend action and drama creates a compelling viewing experience.
Audience Reception: Praised for its captivating story, well-developed characters, and its consistently high-quality animation. Viewers appreciate the series’ dark tone and its exploration of complex themes.
3. Hajime no Ippo: Rising (Fall 2013) – Score: 8.61
Title and Context: While Madhouse created the first two seasons, MAPPA took the reins for Hajime no Ippo: Rising, delivering a powerful continuation of this beloved boxing anime.
Thematic Exploration: Continues the inspiring story of Ippo Makunouchi’s journey in the world of professional boxing, focusing on themes of perseverance, sportsmanship, and the pursuit of excellence. The series delves into the emotional journeys of its characters and the transformative power of sport.
MAPPA’s Touch: The studio maintained the series’ signature intensity in the boxing matches, with fluid animation that captures the impact of every blow. MAPPA’s ability to blend action and drama creates a compelling viewing experience.
Audience Reception: Fans were thrilled to see Ippo’s journey continue, praising the series for its exciting fights, well-developed characters, and its emotional depth. Viewers appreciate the series’ dark tone and its exploration of complex themes.
2. Attack on Titan: The Final Season (Winter 2021) – Score: 8.78
Title and Context: Taking over from Wit Studio, MAPPA had the monumental task of concluding the epic saga of Attack on Titan. The Final Season marked a dramatic shift in tone and scope, and MAPPA rose to the challenge.
Thematic Exploration: Delves into complex themes of war, prejudice, freedom, and the cyclical nature of violence, culminating in a morally ambiguous and thought-provoking narrative. The series explores the complexities of human nature and the consequences of one’s actions.
MAPPA’s Touch: The studio adapted to a darker, more mature tone, with detailed character designs and a more realistic art style that reflected the war-torn world. The use of CGI, while debated, allowed for epic-scale battles and fluid Titan movements. MAPPA’s ability to blend action and drama creates a compelling viewing experience.
Audience Reception: While sparking debate among fans due to changes in pacing and art style, the final season was ultimately praised for its ambitious storytelling, complex characters, and its powerful conclusion to the series. Viewers appreciate the series’ dark tone and its exploration of complex themes.
1. Vinland Saga Season 2 (Winter 2023) – Score: 8.81
Title and Context: After Wit Studio’s acclaimed first season, MAPPA took the helm for Vinland Saga‘s second season, delivering a profound and introspective character study that surprised and captivated audiences.
Thematic Exploration: A radical departure from the first season’s focus on revenge, Season 2 explores themes of pacifism, redemption, and the search for meaning beyond violence, as Thorfinn grapples with his past and seeks a new path. The series delves into the emotional journeys of its characters and the transformative power of forgiveness.
MAPPA’s Touch: The studio masterfully adapted to the change in tone, with a more subdued color palette and a focus on character development and internal conflict. MAPPA’s ability to blend drama and introspection creates a compelling viewing experience.
Audience Reception: While initially surprising some fans with its slower pace, Season 2 was ultimately lauded for its mature storytelling, its beautiful animation, and its powerful exploration of Thorfinn’s inner transformation. Viewers appreciate the series’ dark tone and its exploration of complex themes.
