Anime Is Art and These 8 Shows Are So Beautiful They'll Leave You Stunned
Anime is more than just another type of entertainment; it should be considered an art form. Among animation styles, the anime art style originating in Japan has become increasingly popular over the years as a beautiful way to tell stories. Some of the best anime series are known for their fluid, visually stunning animation sequences that pull viewers into new worlds effortlessly, increasing fans' enjoyment of each of these unique stories. This phenomenal animation takes manga panels to the next level, immersing watchers in a new place.
Eight series specifically represent the best in anime, with their groundbreaking animation, unforgettable stories, and lifelike characters that seem so real, fans may feel as if they know them in real-life. These shows are not merely television shows that provide a few moments of enjoyment, they are works of art worth watching that prove just how gorgeous the anime genre can be.
8 Attack on Titan
Produced by MAPPA, Based on the Original Manga by Hajime Isayama
- Created by
- Hajime Isayama
- First Film
- Attack on Titan: The Crimson Bow and Arrow
Hajime Isayama's masterpiece, Attack on Titan, is regarded as one of the most famous anime series of all time, and it is no surprise that it is so adored. MAPPA is one of the best animation studios in Japan. Their talented animators certainly did Attack on Titan justice with sequences that are as terrifying as they are magnificent, encompassing the true horror of the series' monstrous enemies.
The story follows one boy's quest to save humanity from hordes of towering Titans who consume people, making for an epic war story interwoven with valuable commentary on the consequences of war. Attack on Titan's characters feel staggeringly relatable and human, although they are living through an unbelievable situation. As heartbreaking and death-filled as Attack on Titan is, it is also filled with animation marvels, like the picturesque scene where the Survey Corps see the sparkling blue ocean for the first time and frolic in the waves.
7 Neon Genesis Evangelion
Produced by Gainax, Created by Hideaki Anno
- Created by
- Hideaki Anno
- First Film
- Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a classic, and every anime fan should do themselves a favor and watch it at least once. In simplistic terms, Neon Genesis Evangelion follows protagonist Shinji Ikari as he learns to wield an Evangelion EVA unit robotic machine in the war between humans and Angels. This description hardly summarizes the true greatness of the anime though, since it is one of the deepest and most philosophical out there.
The series is brimming with meaningful symbolism and religious imagery that allows for some standout animation moments. Evangelion may have released in 1997, but its visuals are still on par with any modern-day series, if not even more impressive. Scenes like Rei fusing with Lilith are truly awe-inspiring, even after multiple rewatches. The action-packed, grim plot of Evangelion is also gripping until the very last minute, making it a perfect introduction to the extensive mecha anime genre.
6 Violet Evergarden
Produced by Kyoto Animation, Based on the Original Light Novels by Kana Akatsuki
Violet Evergarden has one of anime's most unique premises, centered around the titular Violet Evergarden, a soldier turned Auto Memory Doll. Violet's new job may seem fairly straightforward, writing letters for people, but this career becomes even more significant than she ever realized, mending broken relationships and bridging gaps between people through words. At only 13 episodes, Violet Evergarden is fairly brief, but manages to convey a touching story about life, love, and human relationships in this short time span.
Quite a few scenes, like the parasol scene, stick in viewers' minds because they are not only visually remarkable, but emotionally symbolic as well. Violet Evergarden's story is fantastic at translating emotion into tangible physical representations, making for some of anime's most jaw-droppingly gorgeous scenes. The series bursts with color and life, and as Violet travels around helping clients, it is easy for viewers to feel like they are walking alongside her because of how immersive the anime is.
5 Yona of the Dawn
Produced by Pierrot, Based on the Original Manga by Mizuho Kusanagi
When Yona's father, the king, is killed by her cousin, the princess has no choice but to run for her life. With one friend, Son Hak, by her side, Yona embarks on a quest that will determine the fate of not just herself, but her home country too. Yona of the Dawn is everything fans could hope for: a romance, an adventure tale, a family drama, a tragedy, and a fantasy story all in one.
Studio Pierrot's incredible animation only makes Yona's heroic journey even more astounding, with vibrant colors and detailed backgrounds. Yona of the Dawn is no average adventure story though. Its character development is gradual and satisfying, especially the blossoming romance between Son Hak and Yona. Although romance is an aspect, it is not the only focal point, giving viewers plenty of compelling plot points and character arcs to focus on aside from the love story. The seriesis one of Studio Pierrot's most spectacular projects ever, and fans unanimously agree that Yona of the Dawn needs a reboot.
4 Demon Slayer
Produced by Ufotable, Based on the Original Manga by Koyoharu Gotouge
- Created by
- Koyoharu Gotouge
- First Film
- Demon Slayer the Movie: Mugen Train
Most people, anime fan or not, have at least heard of Demon Slayer, since it is now a global phenomenon. The series deserves every ounce of acclaim it receives for its award-winning animation, inspiring story, and in-depth character development. Tanjiro Kamado, the protagonist, is on a mission to restore his sister's humanity and avenge his family after a demon killed everyone but his sister.
The plot is simple on a surface level, but as the series progresses, the focus shifts from Tanjiro simply fighting to save his sister, to fighting to save the entire world from the most evil demon of all. Every single scene of Demon Slayer from the simplest stroll through the woods to the most epic clash between demon slayers and demons is animated with the same level of precision and detail. Thankfully, Demon Slayer's upcoming Infinity Castle finale is being released in a theatrical trilogy of three films, because if any series deserves to be seen on a massive screen, it is Demon Slayer.
3 Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
Produced by Madhouse, Based on the Original Manga by Kanehito Yamada
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is a newer series, but it is already on the way to becoming a revered classic. The story focuses on the titular elf mage, Frieren, in the aftermath of a successful battle against the Demon King. Now, Frieren is on a larger-than-life quest through nature as she hunts for the resting place of souls. Frieren has a similar feeling to The Lord of the Rings, a classic fantasy series, featuring similar themes of friendship, mortality, grand journeys, and good vs. evil.
Its animation is also some of Madhouse's absolute best, painting a magical picture of all the lands Frieren travels through. Frieren's story itself is fascinating and adventurous, made even more so by the captivating visuals that blend real-life elements like enchanting forests and gardens with purely magical moments of spells and powers. With universal life lessons and awe-inspiring nature snapshots, Frieren deserves a spot on every fantasy anime fan's watchlist.
2 Your Lie in April
Produced by A-1 Pictures, Based on the Original Manga by Naoshi Arakawa
If fans are able to see through their teary eyes while watching Your Lie in April,the series' visuals are breathtaking in every sense of the word. The series features two musicians, Kousei Arima, who has abandoned music after the loss of his mother, and Kaori Miyazono, who reignites Kousei's passion all while battling a secret terminal illness herself. The story is both a heartwarming tale of love and rediscovered passions and a tear-jerking tragedy as Kousei and Kaori gradually fall in love, but are separated due to circumstances outside their control.
Apart from being an artistic masterpiece to behold, as a music-centered anime, Your Lie In April also features an enthralling musical score that is sure to increase any watcher's interest in classical music. The relationship between Kaori and Kousei is touching to watch unfold, even as Kaori's illness threatens to pull them away from each other eventually. With stellar animation and music that invokes emotion, Your Lie in April is a must-watch for any anime fan.
1 Fruits Basket
Produced by TMS Entertainment, Based on the Original Manga by Natsuki Takaya
Fruits Basket is considered the best shojo anime of all time for good reason: it is a true treasure. Tohru Honda, a high-school girl who was orphaned when her mother died in a car accident, finds herself wrapped up in a puzzling love triangle with two family members who hate one another, Yuki and Kyo Sohma. To make matters even more complicated, the Sohma family are cursed to turn into animals when the opposite gender hugs them, and Tohru is the only one who knows their secret.
With dreamy visuals, Fruits Basket perfectly conveys the wonders of falling in love for the first time, while also tackling deeper issues, like unfair and abusive family dynamics within the Sohma family. From the Sohma family's beach day to Kyo and Tohru's starstruck scenes of flirtation, there are plenty of stunningly animated scenes in Fruits Basket that make the series feel fun and delightful, in spite of the other more grim occurrences in the story. Fruits Basket unpacks real, important issues while still offering viewers a glimpse at the joyful side of life too.
