10 Best Anime That Aren’t Based on a Manga Series

Although a majority of famous anime series are adapted from manga, there are also highly praised ones that were completely original. Without being restricted by preexisting narratives, these creative minds were able to introduce innovative animation methods, delve into intricate concepts, and develop universes that revolutionized the capabilities of the medium.

The absence of source material limitations gave the writers, directors, and animators of these original series the freedom to take daring creative chances. They pushed the boundaries of visual storytelling through mature themes, innovative designs, and unconventional storylines not typically found in adaptations of manga.

Driven by a desire for artistic expression rather than financial success, they pushed the boundaries of anime and solidified its standing as a prominent form of storytelling. Through their innovative blending of genres and disregard for traditional rules, they serve as a testament to the fact that anime does not require a formulaic approach in order to produce exceptional works.

Top Non-Manga Anime Recommendations

Cowboy Bebop

Shinichirō Watanabe’s vision for his space-western series Cowboy Bebop was to create a self-contained audiovisual experience that captured the harmonious and emotionally charged energy of blues and jazz music.

Unhindered by the pressure to conform to established works, he skillfully combined elements of sci-fi and Western themes in his tale of two bounty hunters, Spike Spigel and Jet Black. This daring approach also carried over to the animation, as he seamlessly merged traditional hand-drawn methods with modern digital techniques, establishing a groundbreaking visual aesthetic for TV anime.

The world was captivated by the intricate details and smooth animation of this film, adding to the grand and jazzy storytelling. Its unique and distinct voice had such a profound impact that it continues to be recognized as one of the most influential series twenty years later.

2. Samurai Champloo

After his success with Cowboy Bebop, Director Shinichirō Watanabe continued to push boundaries by creating another unique series. Samurai Champloo fused the Edo period of Japan with modern hip-hop elements, featuring the dynamic duo of Mugen and Jin as its main characters.

The initial concept of the show revolves around Mugen and Jin, an unlikely duo, being persuaded to assist a young girl named Fuu in her search for a legendary samurai. This unique setup allows for a seamless blend of intense sword fights and lighthearted humor as the trio travels through the countryside.

Despite being set in feudal Japan, the unique world of Samurai Champloo sets itself apart with the inclusion of modern stylistic elements such as rap battles and breakdancing. This is a signature of director Watanabe, who continues to push the boundaries and showcase the potential of original anime that are not based on manga series, as seen in his previous work.

Paranoia Agent

Satoshi Kon, the renowned director behind films such as Perfect Blue and Paprika, also brought audiences the captivating yet often overlooked series Paranoia Agent. The show opens with a mysterious boy on rollerblades wielding a bent golden baseball bat, disrupting people’s lives as he randomly assaults citizens.

Despite the ongoing attacks, the plot evolves into a intricate network that delves into themes of societal expectations, culpability, suppression, and the ways in which media and law enforcement shape stories. Paranoia Agent manipulates perspectives through the use of untrustworthy storytellers and surreal dream sequences.

Kon’s thought-provoking show encourages viewers to critically examine not only the changing plot but also commonly held beliefs about aggression, psychological well-being, and hearsay. His talent for conveying profound concepts while still creating captivating characters and animations is evident throughout the series.

4. Psycho-Pass

The setting of the dystopian crime thriller series Psycho-Pass is in a future world where a system known as the Sibyl System constantly evaluates the mental states, personalities, and potential for criminal behavior of individuals using a quantified measurement known as the Psycho-Pass.

Despite facing challenges, protagonist Akane Tsunemori remains determined to uphold justice within a flawed system as she tracks down criminal mastermind Shogo Makishima. Makishima’s deviant actions defy measurement, leading to conflicting beliefs about justice, order, and the nature of humanity. The writer of Psycho-Pass, without any source material to follow, was able to delve into profound inquiries and moral quandaries that continue to hold relevance.

Ergo Proxy

Despite drawing inspiration from movies and books such as Blade Runner and Neuromancer, a significant number of sci-fi noir anime incorporate similar themes and elements. Yet, the original series Ergo Proxy stood out by incorporating existentialism and arthouse sensibilities in a unique way.

Viewers are taken on a journey with Vincent Law, a resident of the enclosed city Romdeau, as he discovers a plot involving human-like proxies. The show seamlessly blends elements of neo-noir and thought-provoking themes of self-discovery, identity, and the nature of existence, all through Law’s awakening experience.

As characters contemplate their existence in a landscape that combines elements of both post-apocalyptic and utopian imagery, Ergo Proxy challenges these concepts. Each unique and dream-like revelation only adds to its original mystique.

No Terror

The thriller series Zankyou no Terror (Terror in Resonance) centers around two teenage boys known as Sphinx, who carry out terrorist attacks throughout Tokyo and leave behind cryptic riddles that taunt the authorities. However, as investigator Shibazaki delves deeper into their intentions, he uncovers the tragic truth that they are orphaned children who have been subjected to cruel experiments.

Despite developing an original plot that focused on government human experimentation gone awry, Director Shinichirō Watanabe still made sure to conduct meticulous research in order to accurately represent police procedures.

Zankyou no Terror successfully combines thought-provoking concepts with sleek visuals and a captivating soundtrack. The intriguing game of cat and mouse between Sphinx and the authorities ensures that the narrative remains gripping, showcasing the potential of non-manga based anime.

Anime Series: Neon Genesis Evangelion

Neon Genesis Evangelion (Image via Gainax)

When Evangelion, Hideaki Anno’s series featuring teenagers using mechs to battle Angels, first aired, it completely transformed the possibilities of animated television. The show not only revolutionized animation methods, but also deconstructed numerous genre conventions.

By placing psychologically damaged children in the pilot seats and forcing them to battle enigmatic and overwhelmingly strong beings, this anime subverted the traditionally upbeat and vibrant world of super robot shows. Its use of biblical allusions and exploration of existential themes added a deeper layer to the socially-relevant plot, hidden beneath the sci-fi facade.

As the series continued, Evangelion diverged from traditional storytelling and embraced avant-garde visual techniques and thought-provoking detours that pushed the boundaries for viewers. Whether loved or disliked, no other anime had ever concluded a series as boldly iconic as Evangelion. This breakthrough would serve as inspiration for daring original series for many years to come.

Revolutionary Girl Utena

Although the series was created at the same time as a manga, it paved the way for more groundbreaking and innovative anime.

The imaginative tale of growth and self-discovery centers around Utena Tenjou, a spirited young girl who aspires to be a prince. In pursuit of her dream, she enrolls in the enigmatic Ohtori Academy, where she finds herself engaged in intricate sword battles against fellow members of the student council, accompanied by grand symphonic melodies.

Although at first glance it may appear to be simply a strange shoujo series, there are deeper meanings hidden within its layers of symbolism, intricate plots, and recurring imagery. These thought-provoking messages challenge traditional gender roles and the concept of identity. In both its visuals and themes, no other series of its time could compare to its groundbreaking and liberating originality.

9. Kill la Kill

Even years after trailblazing shows like Evangelion and Utena, Kill la Kill, an original anime series, continued the tradition of pushing creative boundaries with its exuberant and exaggerated style. Disguised as a battle anime, it also delved into themes of power dynamics, paying homage to the avant-garde spirit of its predecessors.

Upon assuming control of Honnōji Academy through sheer strength, Satsuki Kiryūin, the student council president, is confronted by Ryūko Matoi, a transfer student on a mission to uncover the truth behind her father’s death. Ryūko discovers a Kamui uniform with extraordinary abilities, allowing her to confront Satsuki’s army of students.

Similarly, Kill la Kill follows Utena’s lead in challenging traditional female stereotypes by placing the tomboyish Ryūko in opposition to the dominant “princess”figure of Satsuki. However, the series takes it a step further by incorporating high-octane action scenes and still maintaining a sense of intimacy among the ensemble cast.

10. Madoka Magical Girl

Puella Magi Madoka Magica (Image via Shaft)

Initially, Studio Shaft’s original Puella Magi Madoka Magica appears to follow the typical cheerful magical girl format aimed at young children, as Kyubey proposes to fulfill teenager Madoka Kaname’s desire in exchange for her becoming a magical girl and fighting against witches. As Madoka contemplates this proposition, the show takes an unexpected turn.

However, the story veers towards a darker path, deconstructing the traditional genre as characters are consumed by despair and the overwhelming existential burden of their roles.

The plot twist provided a jarring commentary on the popular trend of escapism in media aimed at adolescent girls. With its dark and gritty storyline, Madoka Magica ventured into uncharted territory for the typically lighthearted magical girl genre.

Conclusion

Despite the mainstream success of manga adaptations, some of the most creative and compelling anime titles, such as Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, and Paranoia Agent, have not originated from manga series. Throughout the history of the medium, these anime have attracted a wide global audience.

Their example showcases the power of visual storytelling, proving that it does not rely on outside sources for strength. Original anime, free from the constraints of being based on manga, have utilized their creative freedom to revolutionize animation and attract countless new devoted fans.

These series demonstrated that by supporting creative talent rather than relying solely on established successes, studios can create timeless works of art that don’t have to imitate manga. Thanks to artists who are constantly experimenting with groundbreaking original content, anime will undoubtedly continue to evolve in exciting and innovative ways.

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10 Best Anime That Aren’t Based on a Manga Series