Studio MAPPA has emerged as one of the most influential animation studios in the anime industry, renowned for its bold storytelling, stunning visuals, and ability to tackle ambitious projects. Founded in 2011 by industry veteran Masao Maruyama, who previously co-founded Madhouse and served as its producer, MAPPA was born out of a desire to create a more flexible and creative environment free from the corporate constraints that plagued larger studios. Maruyama, often hailed as a legendary figure in anime production, aimed to foster a space where animators could push boundaries and prioritize artistic integrity over mass-market demands.
The studio’s name, MAPPA, stands for “Maruyama Animation Produce Project Association,” reflecting its roots in collaborative and innovative production. Starting small with just a handful of employees, MAPPA quickly gained traction by taking on diverse projects that showcased its versatility. In its early years, it collaborated on series like Kids on the Slope (2012) and Terror in Resonance (2014), establishing a reputation for high-quality animation and intricate narratives. By 2016, Manabu Otsuka took over as CEO, steering the company toward larger-scale productions while maintaining Maruyama’s vision.
MAPPA’s breakthrough came in the late 2010s with hits like Yuri!!! on Ice (2016), which captivated global audiences with its heartfelt sports drama and fluid ice-skating sequences. The studio’s willingness to adapt popular manga series, such as Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man, propelled it to international fame. Despite facing criticism for overworking staff during peak production periods— a common issue in the anime industry—MAPPA has achieved remarkable success, employing over 400 people by the mid-2020s and earning accolades for its technical prowess. Notable achievements include multiple Animation of the Year awards at events like the Crunchyroll Anime Awards and collaborations with global platforms like Netflix and Crunchyroll. The studio’s portfolio spans action-packed shonen, emotional dramas, and experimental works, cementing its status as a leader in contemporary anime.
What sets MAPPA apart is its commitment to fluid action choreography, detailed character designs, and atmospheric world-building. From supernatural battles to historical epics, the studio has produced over 50 titles, including series, films, and OVAs. Below, we’ve curated a unique ranking of the top 15 Studio MAPPA anime series, based on a blend of critical acclaim, cultural impact, animation quality, and fan reception. This list highlights the studio’s evolution and diversity, with detailed insights into each entry’s plot, themes, characters, and legacy.
1. Jujutsu Kaisen (2020–Ongoing)
Jujutsu Kaisen stands as MAPPA’s crown jewel, a supernatural action series adapted from Gege Akutami’s manga. The story follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student who swallows a cursed finger to save his friends, becoming the host of the powerful curse Ryomen Sukuna. Thrust into the world of jujutsu sorcerers, Yuji enrolls at Tokyo Jujutsu High under the guidance of Satoru Gojo, a charismatic and overpowered teacher, alongside classmates Megumi Fushiguro and Nobara Kugisaki. The series explores themes of mortality, friendship, and the moral ambiguities of power through intense battles against cursed spirits.
MAPPA’s animation elevates the fights to cinematic levels, with fluid choreography and vibrant effects that make techniques like Gojo’s Infinity feel visceral. Debuting in 2020, it exploded in popularity, spawning movies like Jujutsu Kaisen 0 (2021) and multiple seasons. Critically, it boasts a 8.6/10 on IMDb and has won awards for Best Action Anime. Its blend of humor, horror, and heart has made it a gateway series for new fans, influencing trends in shonen anime with its diverse cast and subversive tropes.
2. Attack on Titan: The Final Season (2020–2023)
MAPPA took over Attack on Titan for its climactic final arcs, adapting Hajime Isayama’s epic manga about humanity’s fight against man-eating Titans. Eren Yeager, once a vengeful teen, evolves into a complex anti-hero as revelations about the world’s history unfold, involving political intrigue, genocide, and philosophical debates on freedom. Key characters like Mikasa Ackerman, Armin Arlert, and Levi Ackerman grapple with betrayal and sacrifice in a war-torn world.
The studio’s handling of the series’ dark tone and massive-scale battles, including the Rumbling arc, features breathtaking CGI-integrated animation and emotional depth. Airing from 2020 to 2023 across parts, it concluded one of anime’s most discussed stories, earning a 9.0/10 on MyAnimeList. MAPPA’s contribution amplified the series’ themes of cycles of violence, making it a cultural phenomenon with global discussions on morality and nationalism.
3. Chainsaw Man (2022)
Adapted from Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga, Chainsaw Man follows Denji, a destitute teen who merges with his chainsaw devil dog Pochita to become a devil hunter for the Public Safety Division. Working under the enigmatic Makima and alongside quirky allies like Power and Aki, Denji navigates a gritty world of devils born from human fears, blending ultraviolence with poignant coming-of-age elements.
MAPPA’s debut season in 2022 captured the manga’s chaotic energy with raw, visceral animation and a killer soundtrack, including ending themes by various artists. Themes of exploitation, desire, and found family resonate deeply, earning it praise for subverting shonen norms. With an 8.7/10 rating on MAL, it’s lauded for its unique art style and has sparked memes and merchandise booms, solidifying MAPPA’s knack for hype adaptations.
4. Vinland Saga Season 2 (2023)
MAPPA’s continuation of Makoto Yukimura’s historical manga shifts from vengeance to redemption. Thorfinn, scarred from Season 1’s events, becomes a slave on a Danish farm, befriending Einar and confronting his past under the watchful eye of landowner Ketil. The arc explores pacifism, trauma, and the futility of war amid Viking-era politics.
The 2023 season’s slower pace allows for profound character development, with MAPPA’s detailed backgrounds and subtle expressions enhancing the emotional weight. It received acclaim for its maturity, scoring 9.0/10 on MAL, and won awards for Best Drama. This installment highlights MAPPA’s range beyond action, focusing on introspective storytelling.
5. Yuri!!! on Ice (2016)
A groundbreaking sports anime, Yuri!!! on Ice centers on Japanese figure skater Yuri Katsuki, who, after a career slump, is coached by Russian champion Victor Nikiforov. Their relationship blossoms into a tender romance, while Yuri competes against rivals like Yuri Plisetsky in international tournaments.
MAPPA’s 2016 production shines with realistic skating animations, choreographed by real skaters, and a soundtrack featuring operatic pieces. Themes of self-doubt, love, and perseverance resonate, especially in its positive LGBTQ+ representation. It garnered a 7.9/10 on IMDb and global fan events, boosting figure skating’s popularity and earning Crunchyroll awards.
6. Dororo (2019)
Reviving Osamu Tezuka’s classic manga, Dororo follows Hyakkimaru, a cursed warrior born without limbs or senses after his father bargains with demons for power. Accompanied by the street-smart orphan Dororo, he reclaims his body by slaying demons in feudal Japan.
MAPPA’s 2019 adaptation blends action with horror and tragedy, featuring dynamic fight scenes and evocative art. Themes of humanity, greed, and identity are explored deeply, earning an 8.2/10 on MAL. It’s praised for updating the 1960s story with modern sensitivity, becoming a sleeper hit.
7. Banana Fish (2018)
Based on Akimi Yoshida’s manga, Banana Fish is a crime thriller about Ash Lynx, a New York gang leader uncovering a conspiracy involving a mind-control drug. Teaming with Japanese photographer Eiji Okumura, Ash navigates betrayal, abuse, and romance in a gritty urban setting.
MAPPA’s 2018 series handles heavy themes like trauma and corruption with nuance, supported by stylish animation and a jazz-infused score. It scores 8.5/10 on MAL and has a dedicated following for its emotional depth and queer undertones, influencing discussions on mental health in anime.
8. Hell’s Paradise (2023)
Adapting Yuji Kaku’s manga, Hell’s Paradise tracks death row criminal Gabimaru the Hollow, sent to a mythical island for an immortality elixir. Facing monstrous creatures and rival executioners like Sagiri, he seeks redemption for his wife.
MAPPA’s 2023 debut season excels in brutal action and horror elements, with fluid combat and eerie designs. Themes of survival and atonement shine, earning 8.1/10 on MAL. It’s noted for strong female characters and has built anticipation for sequels.
9. Dorohedoro (2020)
In a dystopian world, Dorohedoro follows amnesiac Caiman, a reptile-headed man hunting the sorcerer who cursed him, with friend Nikaido by his side. The series mixes gore, comedy, and mystery in the chaotic Hole district.
MAPPA’s 2020 Netflix original uses CG for unique aesthetics, blending humor with violence. Themes of identity and class warfare add depth, scoring 8.0/10 on MAL. Its cult status stems from eccentric characters and world-building.
10. The God of High School (2020)
Crunchyroll original adapting Yongje Park’s webtoon, it centers on martial artist Jin Mori entering a tournament for ultimate power, uncovering godly secrets with allies Daewi and Mira.
MAPPA’s 2020 series delivers high-octane fights with dynamic animation. Themes of friendship and destiny resonate, earning 7.3/10 on MAL despite pacing critiques. It’s a fun entry point for action fans.
11. Kakegurui (2017)
In Hyakkaou Private Academy, gambling dictates hierarchy. Protagonist Yumeko Jabami, a compulsive gambler, disrupts the system with her risky plays against the student council.
MAPPA’s 2017 adaptation captures psychological tension with exaggerated expressions. Themes of obsession and class satire shine, scoring 7.4/10 on MAL. Its sequels and live-action versions highlight its addictive appeal.
12. Zombie Land Saga (2018)
A idol anime with a twist: Producer Kotaro resurrects zombie girls as Franchouchou to revive Saga Prefecture’s fame through performances.
MAPPA’s 2018 series mixes comedy, music, and heart, with vibrant dances. Themes of second chances earn 7.5/10 on MAL, spawning a passionate fanbase.
13. Terror in Resonance (2014)
Teen terrorists Nine and Twelve bomb Tokyo to expose a government experiment, drawing in Lisa as an ally.
MAPPA’s 2014 original features sleek animation and a haunting score by Yoko Kanno. Themes of isolation and ethics score 8.1/10 on MAL, praised for its maturity.
14. Inuyashiki: Last Hero (2017)
Elderly Ichiro Inuyashiki gains cyborg powers after an alien crash, using them for good against a villainous teen.
MAPPA’s 2017 adaptation explores heroism and humanity with intense action. It scores 7.6/10 on MAL, noted for emotional contrasts.
15. Rage of Bahamut: Genesis (2014)
In a fantasy world, demon Favaro hunts bounties amid a war sparked by Bahamut’s revival, allying with amnesiac Amira.
MAPPA’s 2014 series boasts epic battles and humor, scoring 7.4/10 on MAL. It’s a solid early work showcasing the studio’s potential.
Studio MAPPA continues to innovate, with upcoming projects promising more boundary-pushing anime. Its journey from humble beginnings to industry titan underscores a dedication to quality that keeps fans eagerly awaiting the next release.
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