The MAPPA studio has made headlines, and not necessarily for the right reasons. But while its very first original story, BUCCHIGIRI?!, has just been released, it’s an opportunity to look back at happier times in the company, with a list of its best anime.
Founded in 2011 by anime industry titan Masao Maruyama – also known for co-founding Madhouse – MAPPA quickly became one of the top Japanese animation studios, earning a reputation as a powerhouse.
However, success is often accompanied by controversy. Andthe production problems behind the scenes at MAPPA, notably with season 2 of Jujutsu Kaisen, showed the studio in a much less rosy light. However, it remains one of the current pillars of the Japanese animation industry: here are the few series that have allowed the studio to propel itself to this rank.
From sports drama to historical fantasies, here are our top 10 best anime from studio MAPPA.
10 – Hell’s Paradise
Hell’s Paradise takes place in a fantasy feudal Japan. The story focuses on a ninja named Gabimaru, who was trapped and caught and therefore finds himself sentenced to death. Problem: his training has made him resistant to all killing techniques. We therefore bring in a much more formidable executioner… who offers the condemned a path to freedom, on the condition of setting out in search of the elixir of life on an island from which one does not return alive.
Taken from the ongoing manga by Yuki Kaku, the first season of Hell’s Paradise was broadcast in April 2023: a second season is already planned.
Available on: Crunchyroll
9 – Gambling School
Adapted from the manga of the same name by Homura Kawamoto, Gambling School takes place in a prestigious school reserved for the heirs of the most powerful or wealthy personalities. But that is not the real specificity of this school. Because in Hyakkaou, the social status of students is determined by their gaming skills.
Packed with intense gameplay scenes, this thrilling anime follows the lives of students as they compete against each other to secure their place in the institution’s hierarchy.
Available on: Netflix
8 – Dorohedoro
Dorohedoro takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, but stands out by presenting characters… out of the ordinary.
The plot revolves around a reptile-headed man called Caiman, who suffers from amnesia. This is also the origin of his ultimate objective: to find his true identity. He will embark on his quest for answers alongside his best friend – a witch and restaurant owner – named Nikaido.
Dorohedoro shows us these surprising heroes navigating a perilous world filled with thrilling fight scenes, colorful characters and, above all, plenty of dark humor.
Available on: Netflix
7 – Terror In Resonance
Also known as Terror in Tokyo, this psychological thriller takes place in an alternate universe where three teenagers named Nine, Twelve and Lisa manage to steal a prototype atomic bomb.
The story follows them as they threaten to destroy Tokyo with their explosive device, unless someone can solve their riddle… the answer to which leads to other secrets.
Terror In Resonance is a timeless anime, alternating between breathtaking suspense, fights and moments of grace. The soundtrack perfectly accompanies the work, giving it a melancholy bitterness that is found in many series of its time. The icing on the cake is the production by Shinichiro Watanabe, author of Cowboy Bebop.
Available on: DNA
6 – Yuri!!! on ICE
Yuri!!! on ICE is one of the series that secured MAPPA’s place in the animation industry.
She is probably also the one who introduced figure skating to many spectators, proving that any discipline can create excitement as long as it is presented with style and in an excellent story.
The story in question revolves around professional skater (but one who constantly eludes success) Yuri Katsuki. The story begins when our hero decides to retire, following a humiliating defeat. However, a Russian champion seems poised to reignite his passion.
After a video of Yuri performing Russian world champion Victor Nikiforov’s routine goes viral, the Victor in question seeks to become the young man’s coach. Between love, sporting emulation and passion, Yuri!!! on ICE will not fail to melt its spectators.
Available on: Crunchyroll
5 – Dororo
Another anime that immerses us in the heart of feudal Japan: Dororo follows the story of a little orphan named Dororo, and a wandering ronin called Hyakkimaru. The latter has a story as tragic as it is monstrous: his samurai father made a pact with demons, ceding the body of his newborn to the creatures, who divided it into 48 distinct parts.
Adapting the hit 1960s manga by Osamu Tezuka, the story follows Hyakkimaru as he kills demons to get his body back, piece by piece.
Available on: Prime Video and ADN
4 – Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man was one of the biggest releases in the animated series of 2022. All eyes were then on the production of MAPPA for the adaptation in anime from the much-loved manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto.
The story follows Denji, a young man who lives in a world filled with demons created by humanity’s worst fears. His life takes a surprising turn when he befriends one of these dog-like creatures called Pochita. The latter becomes the young man’s companion in misfortune, plunged into terrible poverty.
Unfortunately for Denji, his troubles don’t end there: he ends up being betrayed and murdered by gangsters. But the story cannot stop at the first episode, Pochita decides to merge with his friend. The young man then becomes a hybrid, halfway between a human and the chainsaw demon.
Available on: Crunchyroll
3 – Hajime no Ippo: Rising
Hajime no Ippo: Rising is based on the manga Fighting Spirit by George Morikawa and takes up an already cult anime: MAPPA took over after Madhouse to produce the third part of the animated series. And, despite fans’ concerns, the studio was able to do justice to this inspiring story.
The third part by MAPPA continued the adventure of Ippo Makunouchi, a young boxer climbing the ranks in the ring. With the dedication and support of his trainer, Kamogawa Genji, Ippo strives for the championship title, faces challenges in his personal life, and grows as a person (and fighter).
Available on: DNA
2 – Jujutsu Kaisen
It’s impossible to make a top list of the best MAPPA series without going through one of the studio’s most popular series! Because that’s what Jujutsu Kaisen is: since season 2, the adaptation of Gege Akutami’s manga has never been so popular, easily placing itself on the podiums of all types of tops for the year 2023.
We follow in the footsteps of Yuji Itadori, a high school student who finds himself propelled into the mysterious world of plagues after swallowing the cursed finger of one of the most powerful exorcists of all time, but also a traitor to his camp.
Yuji thus becomes the receptacle of the said felon exorcist, Sukuna, also called king of scourges. But the teenager is able to easily stand up to the monster within him: we therefore agree to integrate him into the ranks of apprentice exorcists, so that he can learn to fight the plagues and other sinister adversaries threatening Japan.
Endearing characters, rhythmic fights and impeccable animation, humor that does not encroach on the dark side: Jujutsu Kaisen is a clever mix of several genres and has solid arguments for spectators looking for fun. ‘a quality shonen.
Available on: Crunchyroll
1 – Attack on Titan: Final Season
Unsurprisingly, the final season of Attack on Titan is number one on this list. Based on the critically acclaimed manga by Hajime Isayama, this animated series was first adapted by studio Wit, before finally passing into the hands of MAPPA for its final seasons.
The finale concludes the long and complex story of Eren and Mikasa, and shows how the island of Paradis is freed from the terrifying grip of the titans and then Mahr. And this final season managed to “break” the Internet, bypassing Crunchyroll in several countries. The price of success!
After months of hype, theories and fears among fans regarding the new studio behind Attack on Titan, the MAPPA studio managed to convince and close a work globally followed and appreciated by a gigantic fan community.
Available on: Crunchyroll
The MAPPA studio may be the target of anger from fans and former animators, but projects continue to abound. Between BUCCHIGIRI?!, the first “original” anime (which is therefore not an adaptation) which has just started its broadcast, and the next seasons of other popular series, the company has not finished emulating the world of Japanese animation.
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