The anime universe is expansive and offers many different tales with compelling characters, engaging plots, and epic moments. While some anime come and go, many deliver outstanding and memorable experiences. Production I.G. is a great studio that has worked with many studios to produce trailers and has many phenomenal series under its belt.
For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best anime, we’d like to highlight the best Production I.G. anime of all time. From Haikyu and Psycho-Pass, Production I.G. is worth recognizing for its amazing effort over the years.
Of course, if we’ve missed any of your favorites, feel free to comment below and we’ll add them when we can!
Haikyuu!
Haikyu is a great volleyball anime with great characters, fun themes, and captivating storytelling. It’s about Hinata, a boy who wants to become a successful volleyball player. After learning a rival from his past is a part of his high school team, Hinata must set aside his differences with him if he hopes to break his limits and help his team claim victory.
While Haikyu hones in on its volleyball aspects, it’s not afraid to delve deeper into the complexities of its characters’ relationships. While they’re striving to become better at volleyball, Hinata and his friends want to become better individuals too. Viewers will adore seeing them grow and mature throughout this tale.
Haikyu also has phenomenal animation and music. Both provide viewers with a thrilling experience that’s hard to forget. If you’re looking for a great anime that gives an accurate and fun portrayal of volleyball, give Haikyu a watch.
Ghost in the Shell (1995)
Ghost In The Shell is a marvelous futuristic anime that’s influenced many authors, directors, and artists since its release. With its stellar characters, beautiful visuals, and incredible storytelling, you’ll adore what this sci-fi classic delivers. The story centers around Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg who works for a special government organization tasked with dealing with many cyber-related crimes.
This anime delves into the notion of identity and what it means to be human. Through Major Kusanagi’s journey, you’ll see her develop existential questions about herself that will make you ponder the idea of what life would be like if your body was fused with a machine. As for the animation, it’s vivid and stunning with a host of locations that’ll pop out at you.
The show’s cast has incredible designs that blend in well with Ghost In The Shell’s futuristic setting. In addition to having a remarkable soundtrack, Ghost In The Shell is an anime that shouldn’t disappoint you.
Run With The Wind
The Beast Player Erin
The Beast Player Erin takes place in a world where humans struggle to coexist with beasts. It explores ideas like prejudice, environmentalism, and the hardships of war. Our protagonist Erin is a strong-willed, compassionate, and firm individual many can root for and grow attached to. The supporting characters receive great personalities and well-crafted character arcs.
The world Erin inhabits is lively. Viewers will adore learning more about its diverse cultures, histories, and mythos. The anime has a distinct art style that helps it stand out from other fantasy works.
If you’re on the hunt for a thought-provoking series that highlights why it’s important to protect the natural world you traverse through on a daily basis, The Beast Player Erin is the anime for you.
Kuroko’s Basketball
Kuroko’s Basketball is a fun basketball anime with a supernatural spin on the sport. It follows the journey of Seirin High School’s basketball team and their quest to become the best team in Japan. It features an extensive cast with diverse personalities, strengths, and weaknesses.
Kuroko, the anime’s protagonist, is unique as he’s not the greatest at his sport like most sports protagonists. However, with the help of his team, Kuroko manages to use what little skill he has at basketball to triumph over more talented performers, including his former team, The Generation of Miracles.
The basketball games are well-animated and full of suspense. There are many moments where you’ll be unsure if our protagonists will triumph over their opponents.
Although the anime tends to get serious at times, it’s not afraid to be comical. The subtle jokes and gags will give viewers a break from the anime’s intense drama and high-stake match-ups.
This is a must-watch sports anime for anyone who is looking to be inspired or entertained.
Moriarty The Patriot
Moriarty The Patriot is a unique and exciting anime series that follows William, a brilliant gentleman who uses his intelligence and influence to fight Victorian England’s corrupt society. William is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals. From outsmarting his opponents to using his charm, you’ll adore the ways William resolves issues in front of him.
The anime boasts outstanding writing and storytelling that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The plot is intricately crafted with plenty of intrigue, suspense, and unexpected twists that make it difficult to predict what will happen next. Each episode builds upon the last and heightens the tension to make for an engaging experience.
If you love protagonists who manipulate their way to victory, then you’re in for a treat with Moriarty The Patriot.
Kimi No Todoke: From Me To You
Kimi No Todoke: From Me To You is a romance anime with a well-written plot, a likable cast, and an amazing soundtrack. Its story tackles themes like self-discovery, love, and friendship. The characters find themselves in realistic predicaments that’ll tamper with their emotions from multiple angles.
As with most romantic works, this follows the trope of the unlikely couple falling in love. However, viewers will love seeing our Sawako and Shouta grow as a pair over time. Sawako is a lovable female lead with problems many people can resonate with concerning her lack of social interaction with others. Her journey toward self-acceptance and personal growth is inspiring. Fans will find themselves moved by her achievements and may gain some motivation to overcome their own hurdles.
Kimi No Todoke has beautiful and vibrant animation that captures the anime’s whimsical and romantic tone. The visuals are bright and colorful, with a focus on soft and delicate details that highlight the emotional depth of the cast’s interactions.
If you’re looking for a series with a masterful exploration of love, friendship, and human experiences, Kimi No Todoke: From Me To You is worth watching.
xxxHolic
xxxHolic is a tantalizing work that explores ideas surrounding spirituality, the occult, and human nature. The anime follows Kimihiro, a high school student who can see spirits and supernatural beings. He embarks on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment alongside a witch named Yuko.
This anime’s known for seamlessly blending its supernatural world with a mundane one. Its focus on the occult and the spiritual offers a fresh take on the supernatural genre, and the intricately crafted mythology and lore of the world are immersive.
The characters are well-developed, relatable, and endearing. From Kimihiro’s introspective nature to Yuko’s charming persona, everyone brings their own unique flavor to the story, making it feel rich and deep. This anime’s gothic-like character models and backgrounds complement the anime’s elegant tone well too.
With its stunning animation, rich mythology, and deep themes, xxxHolic is a must-watch for anyone inserted in the supernatural or exploring the deeper aspects of the human experience.
Eden of the East
Eden of the East is an entertaining atmospheric anime. Our tale revolves around two people named Saki and Akira. Akira doesn’t recall anything from his past, so Saki takes the initiative to look after him, despite being unaware of the dangers that may befall her.
Eden of the East delivers a well-crafted story that keeps viewers invested in its plot from start to finish. The anime features intricate plot twists and turns that keep viewers guessing. It explores complex issues such as government corruption, social inequality, and the responsibilities of the privileged class. This presents viewers with a rich and thought-provoking narrative experience.
Eden of the East delivers tantalizing visuals that capture the anime’s moody atmosphere well. Give this anime a shot if you adore romantic tales with social commentary.
Psycho-Pass
Psycho-Pass is a great police-oriented work with impressive animation, great characters, and a complex setting. It takes place in futuristic Japan, which is monitored by the Sibyl System. This system can determine anyone’s threat level. Realizing it’s unwise to put faith in the Sibyl System, our protagonist Akane vows to make its flaws known to the public.
Psycho-Pass boasts a sophisticated and detailed world. The Sibyl System is a unique piece of technology and viewers will enjoy learning more about its complexities gradually throughout the story. Akane is a determined, idealistic protagonist with unique background, personality, and set of skills. She establishes great connections with other individuals and has personal issues she’ll need to defeat.
Psycho-Pass has solid animation. Viewers will find it hard not to admire the intricate details of its environments and the battles Akane and her foes take part in. The series also raises questions about the nature of freedom and the role technology can play in shaping human society.
This is a must-watch for anyone whose a fan of sci-fi works with alluring dystopian settings.
So, there we have it, our picks for the best Production I.G. anime 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!