Top 10 Masterpieces of Anime Produced by Studio MAPPA

Kakegurui is an anime series produced by MAPPA and licensed by Netflix, which premiered in the summer of 2017. This work, with its unique storyline revolving around gambling and risk-taking, features well-designed characters and intriguing personalities, quickly gaining a massive fan following.

The story is set in Hyakkaou Private Academy, an elite school for the wealthy and influential. However, what's unique about this academy is that students aren't judged solely by their academic performance but also by their skills in gambling games.

The main protagonist of Kakegurui is Yumeko Jabami, a mysterious new transfer student who arrives at Hyakkaou Academy and dives into the world of high-stakes gambling. Yumeko is not only a skilled player but also has a deep passion for gambling, and she delights in understanding the psychology of her opponents during each game. Through her intelligence and bravery, Yumeko challenges the other students, sparking intense and dramatic gambling matches.

Here are a few key details about Kakegurui:

• Title: Kakegurui - 賭ケグルイ - The Gambling Academy
• Episodes: 12 episodes
• Release Year: 2017
• IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
• MyAnimeList Rating: 7.2/10

Dororo is one of the hottest anime of the first half of 2019. Remade by MAPPA Studio, this adaptation is based on the original manga by Osamu Tezuka, with the first anime version dating back to 1969.

The story is set during Japan's Sengoku period, a time of devastating war. The protagonist, Hyakkimaru, is a man who lost parts of his body due to a pact his father, the feudal lord of Kaga, made with demons in exchange for peace and prosperity. Hyakkimaru embarks on a journey to reclaim the body parts he lost, and along the way, he meets and partners with Dororo, a young boy who has lost both parents to the ravages of war. As Hyakkimaru seeks to regain his humanity, he faces numerous challenges, yet his determination remains unshaken. The series also conveys powerful messages about hope, courage, and resilience in life.

Additionally, Dororo highlights social issues and human struggles during the Sengoku period, such as injustice, ambition, and sin. Besides its compelling storyline and deeper themes, the anime captivates viewers with stunning visuals and thrilling action sequences. The soundtrack is also highly praised, with its emotional tunes enhancing the atmosphere of each scene. The music intensifies the suspense and emotional depth during the most gripping moments of the story.

Here are a few details you should know about Dororo:

• Title: Dororo - どろろ
• Episodes: 24 episodes
• Release Year: 2019
• IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
• MyAnimeList Rating: 8.2/10

Yuri!!! on Ice is a captivating anime about the world of figure skating, first airing in 2016 under the direction of Yamamoto Sayo, with a script by Kubo Mitsuro. The series combines the romantic allure of figure skating with themes of same-sex love, creating a major breakthrough for the LGBTQ+ community in the anime industry.

The story follows Katsuki Yuuri, a Japanese figure skater who, after a crushing defeat at a national competition, loses confidence in himself and falls into a state of despair. His life takes a dramatic turn when Viktor Nikiforov, the world champion figure skater Yuuri admires, appears before him and offers to become his coach. This encounter marks the beginning of Yuuri's personal and professional transformation.

Known for their impressive quality, MAPPA's productions always leave fans in awe, and Yuri!!! on Ice is no exception. With stunning animation and beautifully realistic skating scenes, the anime provides an immersive experience for viewers, enhanced by a soothing soundtrack that perfectly blends art with emotion, making the audience feel as if they are part of the journey.

Here are some key details about Yuri!!! on Ice:

• Title: Yuri!!! on Ice - ユーリ!!! on ICE
• Episodes: 12 episodes
• Release Year: 2016
• IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
• MyAnimeList Rating: 7.9/10

Banana Fish is a gripping anime produced by MAPPA, based on the manga by Yoshida Akimi. Premiering in 2018, it quickly captivated audiences worldwide with its action-packed, crime-ridden plot, while also touching on sensitive social issues.

The story unfolds in the criminal underworld of 1980s New York City, where Ash Lynx, a brilliant and ruthless gang leader, crosses paths with Eiji Okumura, a young man from Japan. Together, they begin unraveling the mystery behind 'Banana Fish,' a deadly drug capable of controlling the mind.

Banana Fish is not only about gang wars but also explores deep social issues such as violence, abuse, human trafficking, and LGBTQ+ themes. The series boldly tackles these sensitive topics, delivering a powerful message about injustice and the fight for freedom against oppression.

Here are some key facts about Banana Fish:

• Title: Banana Fish - バナナフィッシュ
• Episodes: 24 episodes
• Release Year: 2018
• IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
• MyAnimeList Rating: 8.5/10

Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni (English title: In This Corner of the World) is an anime adaptation of a manga created in 2007. Directed by Sunao Katabuchi, the film premiered in 2016, receiving numerous prestigious awards and critical acclaim for its narrative depth and artistic presentation.

The story is set during World War II in Japan, focusing on the life of Suzu Urano, a talented artist living in Hiroshima. The film beautifully portrays the daily struggles of the people in wartime, offering a poignant look at Suzu's life in a small rural family, where she navigates the challenges of survival amidst the devastating effects of war. Despite the hardships, Suzu finds solace and meaning through her passion for art and the love of her family.

Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni not only highlights the pain and losses suffered by the citizens of war-torn areas but also reveals their patience, compassion, and hope even in the darkest of times. With MAPPA's stunning animation and a heartwarming story, the film stands as a timeless masterpiece worth experiencing.

Here are some important details about Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni:

• Title: In This Corner of the World - この世界の片隅に
• Duration: 128 minutes
• Release Year: 2016
• IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
• MyAnimeList Rating: 8.2/10

Sakamichi no Apollon (also known as Kids on the Slope) is a Japanese anime based on the manga of the same name by Yuki Kodama. Directed by Shinichiro Watanabe and produced by MAPPA, the anime first aired in 2012 and was praised for its storytelling and its traditional hand-drawn animation technique.

Set in the 1960s in a small Japanese town, the story revolves around two main characters: Kaoru Nishimi, a student who moves to the town from the city, and Sentaro Kawabuchi, a local boy with a passion for playing the drums. Despite their differences, the two bond over their shared love of jazz music, leading to a deep and transformative friendship.

The anime not only beautifully portrays the themes of friendship and youthful love but also delves into the world of jazz music and authentically captures the societal atmosphere of Japan in the 1960s. The development of the characters and their interactions are portrayed in a nuanced and emotional way, allowing the audience to truly understand the complexities of their personalities.

Here are some details you should know about Sakamichi no Apollon:

• Title: Kids on the Slope - 坂道のアポロン - Melodies on the Slope
• Episodes: 12 episodes
• Release Year: 2012
• IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
• MyAnimeList Rating: 8.3/10

Zombieland Saga is a Japanese animated series that blends both comedy and horror. Produced by MAPPA Studio and directed by Munehisa Sakai, it first premiered in 2018 and quickly became popular among viewers both in Japan and internationally.

The plot follows Sakura Minamoto, a young girl who wakes up to find that she has been turned into a zombie. She is resurrected by Kotaro Tatsumi, a music producer, who aims to form a zombie idol group. Along with other zombie members, Sakura and her new friends work towards becoming stars in the music world despite numerous challenges.

The standout feature of Zombieland Saga is its remarkable fusion of humor and horror. The show balances comedic moments with more emotional scenes as the characters, struggling with their new zombie lives, face and overcome various obstacles.

Beyond its humor, Zombieland Saga also carries a powerful message of unity and friendship. The members of Franchouchou, despite their initial differences and individual goals, gradually form strong bonds, helping each other along the way to achieve success as a team.

Here are some key facts about Zombieland Saga:

• Anime Title: Zombieland Saga - ゾンビランドサガ
• Episodes: 12
• First Airing: 2018
• IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
• myanimelist.net Rating: 7.1/10

Jujutsu Kaisen is an anime series adapted from the manga of the same name by Gege Akutami. The story revolves around Itadori Yuji, a high school freshman living with his grandfather in Sendai. One day, Yuji swallows a cursed object, the finger of the powerful Ryomen Sukuna, in an attempt to save his friend from a curse. This event sets Yuji on a path to cleanse the curse that now resides within him.

Jujutsu Kaisen is an adventure, fantasy, dark, and supernatural series, featuring intense battles between good and evil. The story is full of blood-soaked combat, with many characters sacrificing their lives for a greater cause. These sacrifices add a heroic and tragic element to the narrative, as they are not in vain but contribute to the fight for world peace.

The title Jujutsu Kaisen gained massive popularity even in its manga form due to its compelling storyline and deep, meaningful themes. When MAPPA brought it to the screen, the character designs and action sequences were elevated, ensuring that no viewer would be disappointed by the quality of the animation.

Here are some key facts about Jujutsu Kaisen:

• Anime Title: Jujutsu Kaisen - 呪術廻戦
• Episodes: 24
• First Airing: 2020
• IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
• myanimelist.net Rating: 8.6/10

Chainsaw Man is a standout anime that captured the attention of hardcore fans by the end of 2022, produced by MAPPA Studio. Adapted from Fujimoto Tatsuki's original manga, the first season, though only 12 episodes long, made a huge impact. From its debut, the series became a phenomenon, especially in Japan and Vietnam.

Chainsaw Man has all the ingredients that made it a 2022 hit: a highly successful manga source, a fresh and captivating storyline, and of course, the high production value that MAPPA is known for. These factors all contributed to its massive success.

The story follows Denji, a young devil hunter burdened with debt and struggling to get by. Denji lives with his pet dog, Pochita, who has a chainsaw blade on its head – a tool Denji uses to hunt devils. Everything changes when Denji makes a pact and becomes a full-fledged devil hunter under Makima, a high-ranking member of the Devil Extermination Association.

Here are some key details you should know about Chainsaw Man:

• Anime Title: Chainsaw Man - チェンソーマン - Demon Hunter
• Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
• Release Year: 2022
• IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
• MyAnimeList Rating: 8.6/10

Attack on Titan is a legendary anime and manga series, widely regarded as one of the greatest in anime history. Set in a world where humanity resides within three massive walls to protect themselves from the Titans—giant, flesh-eating creatures—the story follows the fight for survival when those walls are breached.

The earlier seasons of Attack on Titan were produced by Wit Studio, but the final season is handled by MAPPA. Fans have debated whether Wit or MAPPA's version is superior, as both studios bring their unique strengths to the table, each with its own advantages and drawbacks.

MAPPA's use of advanced CGI technology and seamless integration of hand-drawn animation has been widely praised, making the 3D action sequences even more stunning compared to Wit Studio's work. MAPPA also stays true to the original manga, faithfully adapting the story without any added filler or unnecessary changes.

Here are some key details you should know about Attack on Titan (Final Season):

• Anime Title: Attack on Titan - 進撃の巨人 - Titan War
• Episodes: 16
• Release Year: 2021
• IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
• MyAnimeList Rating: 8.8/10