The Most Popular Anime Studio, Ranked

Choose the anime studio you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:29
In the colorful world of anime, various studios have carved out unique niches, captivating audiences with distinct animation styles and storytelling flair. Knowing which studio resonates most with viewers can guide new fans to anime series that might align with their tastes, while giving seasoned enthusiasts a glimpse into current trends and popular preferences. This dynamic ranking is shaped directly by your votes, reflecting real-time shifts in fan favorites and ensuring that the most beloved studios get the recognition they deserve. By participating, not only do you contribute to a community-fueled overview, but you also have the opportunity to influence the spotlight on these creative powerhouses.

What Is the Most Popular Anime Studio?

  1. 1
    23
    votes

    Studio Ghibli

    Hayao Miyazaki
    Studio Ghibli is perhaps the most famous anime studio in the world, known for creating classic films like Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, and My Neighbor Totoro. Their films are known for their stunning animation, compelling stories, and memorable characters.
    Studio Ghibli is a renowned Japanese animation film studio known for producing critically acclaimed and visually stunning anime movies. Founded in 1985, Studio Ghibli has become an industry icon, captivating audiences worldwide with its unique storytelling and captivating characters.
    • Location: Tokyo, Japan
    • Founding Year: 1985
    • Founder: Hayao Miyazaki
    • Co-Founder: Isao Takahata
    • Studio Headquarters: Koganei, Tokyo
  2. 2
    41
    votes
    Kyoto Animation
    Konomi · Public domain
    Known for their beautiful animation style and emotional storytelling, Kyoto Animation has created many popular anime series including Clannad, K-On!, and Free!.
    Kyoto Animation is a renowned anime studio known for its high-quality animation and emotional storytelling. It was founded in 1981 and is based in Uji, Kyoto, Japan. The studio has gained a strong reputation for its attention to detail and emphasis on character-driven narratives. Kyoto Animation's work often focuses on slice-of-life stories, school settings, and heartwarming themes, resonating with a wide range of viewers. Its dedication to beautiful visuals and impactful storytelling has earned it a loyal fanbase worldwide.
    • Founded: 1981
    • Location: Uji, Kyoto, Japan
    • Animation Style: High-quality and detailed
    • Genre Focus: Slice-of-life, school, heartwarming themes
    • Visual Style: Beautiful and visually appealing
  3. 3
    25
    votes
    ufotable ufotable - ufotable is known for their stunning animation and visual effects, and has worked on popular series like Fate/Zero, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, and God Eater.
    ufotable is a renowned anime studio known for its high-quality animation and visually stunning works. It was founded by Hikaru Kondo in 2000 and has since gained a strong reputation in the industry. With a focus on adapting popular manga and light novels, ufotable has produced several successful and critically acclaimed anime series and films.
    • Year Founded: 2000
    • Headquarters: Nakano, Tokyo, Japan
    • Notable Works: Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Kara no Kyoukai
    • Animation Style: Detailed and visually stunning
    • Collaborations: Works closely with Type-Moon and has collaborated on several Fate-related projects
  4. 4
    20
    votes
    Madhouse has been in the anime industry for over 40 years, and has produced many popular series like Death Note, One Punch Man, and No Game No Life.
    Madhouse is a renowned anime studio recognized for its exceptional animation quality and diverse range of anime genres. The studio was established in 1972 and has since produced a multitude of highly acclaimed and popular anime series and movies. They have consistently contributed to the anime industry with their unique visual style and storytelling techniques.
    • Founded: 1972
    • Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
    • Animation Style: High-quality, detailed
    • Genres: Varied (ranging from action, drama, sci-fi to fantasy)
    • Notable Works: Death Note, One Punch Man, Cardcaptor Sakura, Hunter x Hunter
  5. 5
    20
    votes

    Production I.G.

    Mitsuhisa Ishikawa
    Production I.G. is known for their high-quality animation and has produced many popular anime series like Attack on Titan, Ghost in the Shell, and Haikyu!!.
    Production I.G. is a leading Japanese animation studio known for producing high-quality anime series and films. Founded in 1987, the studio has gained international recognition for its visually stunning animation and compelling storytelling. With a diverse range of genres, including action, drama, and sci-fi, Production I.G. has created many popular and critically acclaimed titles.
    • Foundation Year: 1987
    • Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
    • Founder: Mitsuhisa Ishikawa
    • Notable Works: Ghost in the Shell, Haikyuu!!, Psycho-Pass, Attack on Titan
    • Number of Employees: Approximately 400
  6. 6
    7
    votes
    Bones has produced many popular anime series like Fullmetal Alchemist, My Hero Academia, and Soul Eater. They are known for their unique animation style and engaging storytelling.
    Bones is a renowned Japanese anime studio known for its high-quality animation and captivating storytelling. It was founded in October 1998 by Sunrise's animation directors Hiroshi ÅŒsaka, Toshihiro Kawamoto, and Masahiko Minami.
    • Founded: October 1998
    • Headquarters: Suginami, Tokyo, Japan
    • Notable Works: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, My Hero Academia, Mob Psycho 100
    • Number of Employees: Approximately 200
    • Animation Styles: Diverse range of animation styles to suit various genres
  7. 7
    9
    votes

    A-1 Pictures

    Mikihiro Iwata
    A-1 Pictures has produced many popular anime series like Sword Art Online, Blue Exorcist, and The Seven Deadly Sins. They are known for their high-quality animation and engaging storytelling.
    A-1 Pictures is a popular anime studio based in Japan. It was founded by Mikihiro Iwata, a former Sunrise producer. The studio has gained recognition for producing high-quality and visually stunning anime series. Known for its diverse range of genres, A-1 Pictures has successfully created both original anime and adaptations of popular manga and light novels.
    • Founded: May 9, 2005
    • Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
    • Parent Company: Sony Music Entertainment Japan
    • Total Number of Works: Over 90 anime series
    • Popular Works: Sword Art Online, Fairy Tail, Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
  8. 8
    2
    votes

    Wit Studio

    Production I.G.
    Wit Studio is known for their stunning animation and has produced many popular anime series like Attack on Titan, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress, and The Ancient Magus' Bride.
    Wit Studio is a renowned Japanese animation studio recognized for its exceptional quality and distinctive animation style. The studio was established in 2012 as a subsidiary of Production I.G., one of the leading anime studios in Japan. Since its inception, Wit Studio has gained immense popularity and has been involved in the production of numerous highly acclaimed anime series and films.
    • Year of Establishment: 2012
    • Headquarters: Musashino, Tokyo, Japan
    • Notable Works: Attack on Titan, The Ancient Magus' Bride, Great Pretender
    • Animation Style: Distinctive, fluid animation with detailed character designs
    • Collaborations: Co-production with various studios and international partners
  9. 9
    11
    votes

    Studio Pierrot

    Yuji Nunokawa
    Studio Pierrot has been in the anime industry for over 40 years, and has produced many popular series like Naruto, Bleach, and Tokyo Ghoul.
    Studio Pierrot is a renowned anime studio based in Tokyo, Japan. It was founded in 1979 by Yuji Nunokawa. Known for its diverse range of projects, Studio Pierrot has gained popularity for producing several successful and influential anime series and films.
    • Founded: 1979
    • Location: Tokyo, Japan
    • Notable Works: Naruto, Bleach, Tokyo Ghoul
    • Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Supernatural
    • Collaborations: Production I.G, TMS Entertainment, Bandai Namco Pictures
  10. 10
    8
    votes
    Trigger is known for their unique animation style and has produced many popular anime series like Kill la Kill, Little Witch Academia, and BNA: Brand New Animal.
    Trigger is a renowned anime studio known for its unique and visually striking animation style. It was founded in August 2011 by former members of Gainax. The studio is known for producing original anime series that often feature action-packed and over-the-top storytelling.
    • Founded: August 22, 2011
    • Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
    • Founder: Hiroyuki Imaishi
    • Animation Style: Unique and visually striking
    • Notable Works: Kill la Kill, Little Witch Academia, Promare

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Ranking factors for popular anime studio

  1. Number of successful and popular anime series/movies produced
    Analyze the studio's portfolio to see how many well-known and successful anime titles they have released. These can include both series and movies.
  2. Consistency in quality
    A popular studio is usually known for maintaining a consistent level of quality in their animation, storytelling, and character development, which results in a strong fanbase.
  3. Financial success
    Look at the overall financial performance of the studio over the years. This includes box office numbers, DVD/Blu-ray sales, and merchandise sales.
  4. Awards and critical acclaim
    Consider the number of notable awards and recognitions the studio has received over the years, both locally and internationally.
  5. Influence within the industry
    Determine if the studio has played a key role in shaping the anime industry, such as through the introduction of innovative techniques or storytelling methods.
  6. Longevity
    The duration of the studio's existence and its ability to adapt and evolve with the changing anime landscape should be taken into account.
  7. International recognition and presence
    Analyze the studio's level of popularity beyond Japan, as this can indicate a broader appeal and global influence.
  8. Talent pool and staff
    Consider the animation and production team behind the studio, including directors, writers, animators, and other key staff who have made significant contributions to the studio's success.
  9. Collaborations and partnerships
    Determine if the studio has worked alongside other reputable studios or partnered with well-known brands to create standout anime series or movies.
  10. Fanbase and online presence
    Analyze the size and engagement of the studio's fanbase across social media platforms and online communities to gauge its overall popularity and influence.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular anime studio. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or anime studio is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1586 views
  • 163 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each anime studio once every 24 hours. The rank of each anime studio is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular anime studio

Anime has become a global phenomenon with a dedicated fan base around the world. One of the key factors that make an anime series successful is the studio behind it. Anime studios are responsible for bringing to life the characters, stories, and worlds that we love so much. With so many studios out there, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best. That's why we've conducted a poll to find out what the most popular anime studio is among anime fans. From classic studios like Studio Ghibli to newer ones like Kyoto Animation, our poll covers a wide range of anime studios. So, let's take a closer look at the top contenders and see what makes them so beloved by anime fans.

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