The 15 Best Anime from Studio MAPPA, Ranked

Studio MAPPA has become a titan in anime, turning manga into visually stunning, emotionally gripping series that often surpass their source material. Known for bold animation and diverse genres, MAPPA elevates stories with fluid action, rich character depth, and creative flair, making their adaptations must-watch masterpieces.

We’re hooked on these series for how they enhance manga through dynamic visuals and tight storytelling. From gritty action to heartfelt dramas, this list of 15 MAPPA anime, ranked from great to greatest, showcases their best work.

15. The God of High School (2020)

Jin Mori, a martial artist, competes in a tournament for a wish-granting prize. MAPPA’s adaptation of Yongje Park’s manhwa dazzles with high-octane fight scenes and vibrant animation, outshining the manga’s static art.

The anime’s fluid choreography and bold colors make battles pop. It’s a thrilling, compact action ride despite a rushed plot.

14. Kakegurui (2017-2019)

Yumeko Jabami thrives in a gambling-obsessed academy. MAPPA’s take on Homura Kawamoto’s manga amplifies the tension with exaggerated visuals and intense character expressions, surpassing the manga’s simpler art.

The anime’s chaotic energy and psychological battles grip you. It’s a wild, stylish thriller that hooks with every bet.

13. Terror in Resonance (2014)

Teens Nine and Twelve orchestrate terrorist plots to expose a dark conspiracy. MAPPA’s original anime, directed by Shinichiro Watanabe, adds cinematic pacing and a haunting score, elevating its complex narrative.

The manga-like story gains depth through animation and music. It’s a gripping, thought-provoking thriller that shines brightly.

12. Dororo (2019)

Hyakkimaru hunts demons to reclaim his body parts, joined by orphan Dororo. MAPPA’s remake of Osamu Tezuka’s manga modernizes the 1969 anime with vivid visuals and emotional weight, outdoing the manga’s dated style.

The anime’s gritty action and heartfelt bond captivate. It’s a dark, beautiful journey of redemption.

11. Banana Fish (2018)

Ash Lynx unravels the mystery of a dangerous drug in New York’s underworld. MAPPA modernizes Akimi Yoshida’s 1980s manga, enhancing its emotional depth and pacing while keeping its raw intensity.

The anime’s sleek visuals and mature themes outshine the manga’s dated art. It’s a heart-wrenching crime drama that lingers.

10. Dorohedoro (2020)

Caiman, a lizard-headed amnesiac, hunts sorcerers in a dystopian world. MAPPA’s take on Q Hayashida’s manga blends dark humor and gore with stunning 2D/3D animation, making the chaotic story more vivid.

The manga’s art is unique, but the anime’s fluid style pops. It’s a wild, underrated gem with a surreal edge.

9. Yuri!!! on Ice (2016)

Yuri Katsuki trains under skating legend Victor Nikiforov. MAPPA’s original anime shines with gorgeous skating sequences and heartfelt romance, outdoing its manga tie-in with emotional depth and fluid animation.

The anime’s music and choreography steal the show. It’s a warm, groundbreaking sports drama with universal appeal.

8. Zombie Land Saga (2018-2021)

Seven girls are revived as zombie idols to save a prefecture. MAPPA’s original series transforms a quirky premise into a hilarious, heartfelt hit with catchy songs and vibrant animation.

No manga exists, but the anime’s bold humor and trans representation soar. It’s a unique, uplifting gem that surprises.

7. Kids on the Slope (2012)

Kaoru Nishimi bonds with a delinquent over jazz in 1960s Japan. MAPPA’s adaptation of Yuki Kodama’s manga, with Shinichiro Watanabe’s direction, elevates the story with soulful music and nostalgic visuals.

The anime’s jazz score and fluid animation outshine the manga’s panels. It’s a tender, music-driven coming-of-age tale.

6. Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku (2023)

Ninja Gabimaru seeks an elixir of life on a deadly island. MAPPA’s take on Yuji Kaku’s manga amplifies the gore and mystery with lush visuals, outdoing the manga’s static art.

The anime’s intense action and eerie atmosphere grip you. It’s a dark, thrilling standout in MAPPA’s catalog.

5. Hajime no Ippo: Rising (2013-2014)

Boxer Ippo Makunouchi fights for the championship. MAPPA’s third season, taking over from Madhouse, enhances George Morikawa’s manga with impactful fight animation and emotional stakes.

The anime’s dynamic punches and character growth surpass the manga’s art. It’s a rousing sports epic that hits hard.

4. Attack on Titan: The Final Season (2020-2023)

Eren Yeager’s war against Marley unfolds in a climactic end. MAPPA, taking over from WIT Studio, refines Hajime Isayama’s manga with stunning CGI titans, epic music, and complex storytelling, elevating the finale’s impact.

The anime’s grand scope and polish surpass the manga’s rushed ending. It’s a cultural juggernaut that broke the internet.

3. Vinland Saga (2019-present)

Thorfinn seeks peace after a life of vengeance. MAPPA, taking over from WIT Studio, refines Makoto Yukimura’s manga with breathtaking visuals and deeper emotional resonance, especially in Thorfinn’s growth.

The anime’s mature pacing and artistry outshine the manga. It’s a haunting, transformative Viking saga.

2. Chainsaw Man (2022)

Denji merges with a Chainsaw Devil to hunt demons. MAPPA’s adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga elevates the gritty story with cinematic 2D/3D animation and a killer soundtrack, making fights and emotions pop.

The manga’s raw art gains life through MAPPA’s polish. It’s a wild, bloody masterpiece that captivates.

1. Jujutsu Kaisen (2020-present)

Yuji Itadori battles curses after swallowing a demonic finger. MAPPA’s take on Gege Akutami’s manga enhances the action with fluid animation and adds depth to characters like Nobara, outshining the manga’s simpler art.

The anime’s vibrant fights and emotional beats soar. It’s a dark, thrilling shonen that redefined the genre.

Which MAPPA anime is your favorite, or did we miss an underrated gem? Share your picks in the comments!