There are a lot of TV shows out there and in this golden age of TV streaming, the choices have never been greater. So how do you cut through the noise and find the “Best of” for any chosen topic? Well, we’re here to help celebrate and shine a spotlight on some of the latest, greatest, and unforgettable shows through the years.
For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best anime, our attention this time turns to anime animated by Studio Pierrot. From Naruto to Area 88, there’s a good choice to whet your appetite.
Of course, if we’ve missed any of your favorites, feel free to comment below and we’ll get them added on!
Bleach
Bleach is regarded as one of Shonen Jump’s important series. This show is a part of Shonen Jump’s “Big 3” line-up a fanmade moniker given to Bleach, One Piece, and Naruto. These three shows were meant to fill in the shoes left behind by Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball. Bleach is much darker and grittier than Naruto and One Piece. However, it has similar themes of friendship like those do.
It takes place inside our protagonist Ichigo’s home. Ichigo gets ambushed by a supernatural entity called a Hollow. However, a female soul reaper named Rukia arrives to fight the monster. She gets overwhelmed by its might and requires Ichigo to fight the beast using her powers. After defeating the Hollow, Ichigo must defeat many more if he wants to maintain peace in his world.
Ichigo and his allies grow in power and personality. A similar phenomenon occurs for their enemies. Fans will admire Ichigo’s determination and will root for him in every fight he endures. The show can delve into the lighthearted territory, but it’s at its best when it focuses more on its lore and fights.
Naruto
As stated with Bleach, Naruto had the chance to make a huge splash once Dragon Ball ended. This anime had a major influence on many modern works like My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen. It has great characters, an exciting ninja world, and epic fights. In this one, we follow the adventures of a young ninja named Naruto.
He likes pulling pranks in his village and getting on people’s nerves. Many villagers hate Naruto for his rambunctious behavior and for harboring the nine-tailed fox, Kurama. Despite the ridicule he receives daily, Naruto hopes to become his village’s Hokage in the future. However, he’ll need to fight many people for that title and prove himself capable of leadership and maturity.
Naruto will endure many harsh obstacles that will change his interpretation of life. He’ll burn bridges with friends and obtain new followers who see the goodness in his heart. With several emotional story beats, barbaric fights, and incredibly-written scenarios, Naruto is a classic anime series everyone needs to check out.
Great Teacher Onizuka
Need an anime that’s more comical, Great Teacher Onizuka’s got you covered. In this anime, we follow Eikichi, a former gang leader turned high school teacher. His goal is to score a date with a good-looking woman. Despite wanting to date women, Eikichi gains something better by the series’s conclusion. This show knows how to balance its mushy and comical moments well.
Despite being a perverted goofball, Eikichi showcases a genuine appreciation for his students. He’ll get into fights for them and performs several actions to prove a point. The relationship and impact he has on his students are extraordinary. Whether in good or bad faith, Eikichi knows what’s right for his students and tries his hardest to motivate them.
This is a strange roller coaster that leads down to multiple outcomes. However, this ride offers something fans will never forget, so give it a watch when you have the time.
Yu Yu Hakusho
Yu Yu Hakusho is one of those iconic shonen series that started gaining more traction after the release of Hunter X Hunter’s 2011 adaptation. It always stood toe to toe with Dragon Ball Z but never received as much praise as it. It contains great action, phenomenal characters, and fun story arcs that get more intense over time.
This anime follows a young delinquent named Yusuke. One day, he sacrifices himself to save a little kid from an oncoming vehicle. Yusuke dies and witnesses his family and friends grieve. As a spirit, he meets Botan and she introduces Yusuke to the Spirit Realm’s prince, Koenma. Koenma gives Yusuke an opportunity at life again, but he must become his Spirit Detective.
Along with his friends Kuwabara, Hiei, and Kurama, Yusuke must accomplish numerous tasks and defeat many enemies if he hopes to be revived. This anime has superb slapstick, jokes, and one-liners. Fans will love these characters’ personalities and different ways of approaching situations. If you need some more action in your life, Yu Yu Hakusho’s a must-watch.
You can read our interview with one of the Yu Yu Hakusho Live-Action SFX artists here!
Black Clover
Black Clover is a newer anime series from Shonen Jump. It’s one of those shows with heavy inspiration from previous franchises under the company’s umbrella. This story takes place in a medieval fantasy world with magical creatures and humans. In it, we follow Asta, a brawny boy who lacks magical expertise unlike his friend, Yuno.
After a fateful encounter with an enemy named Leputy, Asta embarks on a journey that will help him become his world’s, Wizard King. This journey won’t be an easy cakewalk. He’ll need to defeat countless enemies with different goals and strengths. He won’t be alone, though. Asta will meet and travel with many colorful characters who harbor intriguing goals.
If you adore classic shonen anime that touches upon subjects like friendship and courage, give Black Clover a shot.
Yona of the Dawn
Yona of the Dawn takes place in a fantastical kingdom where a princess named Yona resides. Her life takes a dramatic turn when a maniacal act of treason threatens to steal her luxurious living situation away from her. She flees into the woods with her friend Son and vows to seek revenge on those who ruined her life.
This anime oozes romance, fantasy, and drama. Fans will admire Yona’s character for her determination and charisma. She’ll endure numerous struggles on her journey but will learn to appreciate the small things in life. This series’s tense moments will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you’re looking for another beautifully animated show with incredible characters and more action, check out Yona of the Dawn.
Hikaru no Go
Hikaru No Go offers viewers a fabulous gaming narrative full of shonen tropes. From tournament-centric subplots to training montages, shonen fans will admire its world, characters, and plot. This anime follows Hikaru, a boy who finds his grandfather’s go-board in his attic. After making direct contact with the board, he awakens an ancient go expert named Sai’s spirit.
Sai wishes to experience his favorite game through Hikaru’s eyes. In doing so, he hopes to develop a new go technique. Although Hikaru doesn’t like board games, his admiration for the sport takes slightly when he meets Akira, a young go prodigy. This anime features a great coming-of-age narrative with motivational dialogue. With its likable cast, fun competitive atmosphere, and simplistic narrative, you’ll be content with Hikaru no Go’s offerings.
Mr. Osomatsu
This is a bizarre roller coaster worth binging and watching for its comedy alone. If you’re looking for a simple comedic show that lacks complexity, I’d suggest giving Mr. Osomatsu a shot.
Beelzebub
Beelzebub is another comedy series Studio Pierrot dipped its toes into. It follows a rebellious teenager named Oga. He likes getting into fights and causing trouble. One day, he meets a strange baby named Baby Beel. Beel happens to be the Demon King’s son. Forced to look after a demonic toddler, Oga must protect him from many evil entities who wish to challenge Beel for the throne.
This anime contains hilarious situational comedy and deadpan humor. The characters receive great development over time and develop a brotherly bond, thanks to the circumstances they find themselves in. Oga isn’t a pushover when he’s fighting demonic entities. As with other shonen protagonists, Oga will develop new skills after each bout. If you’re looking for an action comedy about a delinquent caretaker and demonic child, Beelzebub is a must-watch.
Area 88
Area 88 is arguably the most unknown work from this list, at least from a mainstream perspective. It’s an anime Studio Pierrot worked on in the mid-80s and has mature takes on war and the terrible effects it can have on humans. That said, this is a thought-provoking anime unlike anything else discussed on this list.
In it, we follow Shin, a man who gets tricked into becoming a fighter pilot by his friend. Determined to make enough money to break free of his contract and return home, Shin must help his nation win the civil war for Aslan. As the war gets more intense, viewers will realize the toll this war has on Shin’s mind.
Shin will question if he can return to normalcy after witnessing others endure social isolation, depression, and suicidal ideation. For a mid-80s work, the anime contains striking visuals and fluid animation. You’ll adore the show’s dog fights the most. If you’re looking for a deep anime with complex themes and a proper understanding of war, check out Area 88.
So, there we have it, our picks for the best anime animated by Studio Pierrot through the years!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!