Top 15 Anime Series With the Most Beautiful Animation & Art Styles

Anime has always been loved for its diverse and captivating visuals. Its art has the power to transport viewers to mesmerizing worlds, filled with breathtaking landscapes and unique characters. From the adorable and exaggerated chibi art style to the vibrant and captivating cartoon aesthetics, the world of anime offers a wide spectrum of visually appealing styles. In this list, we will explore 15 of the best anime series that not only feature unique and stunning art styles but are also highly enjoyable to watch!

Jojo Bizarre Adventure

Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, created by Hirohiko Araki and produced by David Production, Inc., achieved legendary status with iconic character designs. The series is known for its muscular and dynamic characters, expressive poses, and vibrant color schemes. Throughout the different parts of Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, Araki’s art style has undergone a remarkable transformation. In the ’80s, he embraced a bulkier Western-style silhouette, drawing inspiration from figures like Clint Eastwood and Indiana Jones. As the series progressed, Araki shifted towards a lankier art style, incorporating influences from fashion magazines. This artistic evolution continues in each new part of the series, mirroring the ever-changing nature of Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure.

Japanese Tales of the Macabre

Japanese Tales Of The Macabre is a horror anime that captivates viewers with its visually intriguing and eerie elements. The intricate character designs and unsettling backdrops effectively convey the disturbing nature of the stories. Crafted by the renowned Junji Ito, a self-taught artist, the art style employed in this work showcases strong contrasts, both within the characters themselves and in their surrounding environments. The vivid and skillful use of colors enhances the sense of depth, intensifying the unsettling realism of Ito’s creations.

Nana

Nana, an anime that caters to the fans of classics, offers a heartwarming story about two women who share the same name. With a realistic and intricately designed art style, this series was both written and illustrated by the talented Ai Yazawa. Although Nana first emerged as a one-shot in 1999, its appeal has endured over time. The expressive character designs and urban backdrops effectively convey a wide range of emotions. For those with an affinity for fashion and art, Nana is a must-watch. The series showcases a variety of outfits that draw heavy inspiration from early Harajuku subcultures such as Gyaru and Mori-Girl, along with the pioneering punk designs of Vivienne Westwood, which gained significant popularity in Japan during the 90s-2000s.

A Lull in the Sea

Right off the bat, A Lull in the Sea is an enchanting anime that transports viewers to a mesmerizing underwater realm, filled with breathtaking marine landscapes and extraordinary character designs. Created by the esteemed studio P.A. Works, the visuals of the show are truly captivating, boasting vibrant colors and fluid animation.

Humanity Has Declined

Humanity Has Declined stands out with its unique art style that seamlessly blends satire and cuteness. The anime effectively mixes dark and thought-provoking themes with whimsical character designs and pastel-colored backgrounds. The fairytale atmosphere of it all enhances the storytelling, giving the impression of a storybook coming to life. One of the highlights of the anime is its masterful use of soft colors and fluffy designs that add to the charm of the series, creating an intriguing contrast with the slightly sinister narrative.

Ping Pong

Ping Pong is an exceptional anime that boldly embraces an unconventional and daring artistic approach, setting it apart from other entries on the list. The anime‘s smart, tight, and vibrant art style breathes life into the narrative. The anime executes every element, from the meticulously crafted background to the character designs, with marvelous precision. The art style also serves as a reflection of the main character’s unstable mental state, displaying unmatched style techniques.

Kill la Kill

The beloved anime series Kill la Kill gained popularity for its dynamic fight scenes and bold character concepts. The show’s visual style stands out with its raw and hand-drawn appearance, perfectly matching the series’ exaggerated nature. Additionally, anime enthusiasts acclaim the anime for its daring color schemes, which incorporate intense shading and vibrant lights that suddenly burst onto the screen. Hiroyuki Imaishi, the co-founder of Studio Trigger and the artist behind Kill la Kill, infuses his distinctive style into the series.

Devilman: Crybaby

Devilman: Crybaby boasts an experimental and visually stunning art style that immerses viewers in a surreal and captivating experience. The anime achieves this through the skillful utilization of vibrant colors, fluid animation, and grotesque character designs. The character designer, Ayumi Kurashima, and the demon designer, Kiyotaka Oshiyama, played crucial roles in crafting the distinct visual aesthetic. Notably, the project was an unexpected endeavor for director Masaaki Yuasa, who himself was a fan of the original Devilman: Crybaby. With Yuasa at the helm, the anime showcases his signature animation style, characterized by its fluidity and exaggeration. Yuasa skillfully employs warped camera angles and limited color palettes to create impactful visuals.

Panty and Stocking

Panty and Stocking is an anime known for its comical and irreverent tone, featuring an animated art style that draws inspiration from Western cartoons and exaggerated visuals. The series was created by Hiroyuki Imaishi, a member of the Gainax animation studio known for his work on Gurren Lagann. It was made during a celebration after a night of heavy drinking, with the visual team taking inspiration from the American cartoon, Drawn Together. Panty and Stocking gained popularity for its flashy character designs and vibrant colors that filled each scene. It embraces a format reminiscent of The Powerpuff Girls, but with a clear disclaimer that it is not intended for children.

Toilet-Bound Hanako-Kun

Toilet-Bound Hanako-Kun, an anime series written and illustrated by AidaIro, captivates with its charming and whimsical visual design that effectively captures the mystical and supernatural elements of its story. The series boasts vibrant color schemes and adorable character illustrations that greatly enhance its overall appeal. Notably, the art style of Toilet-Bound Hanako-Kun is distinctive, characterized by warm palettes and bold, clean lines. The attention to detail is exceptional, as evidenced by the intricately planned designs of each character, which serve to set them apart from one another. Fans of the manga were thrilled to witness the faithful adaptation of the anime, ensuring the preservation of the original art style.

Afro Samurai

Afro Samurai is a standout anime that skillfully merges the rich traditions of Samurai with the vibrant energy of hip-hop culture, resulting in a truly unique visual experience. Produced by Studio Gonzo, Afro Samurai showcases a distinct art style that harmoniously combines elements of both Japanese and Western cartoon styles. The anime immerses viewers in a world of intense battles, where individuals vie for dominance by claiming numbered headbands. However, it is not just the art style that makes Afro Samurai remarkable; it is also lauded for its celebration of diverse cultures and its unforgettable fight scenes, solidifying its position as a truly memorable series.

Tatami Galaxyx

Tatami Galaxy, one of Masaaki Yuasa’s masterpieces produced by Madhouse, showcases a distinctive and dynamic art style that effectively captures the introspective essence of the narrative. The protagonist’s journey across various timelines is vividly portrayed through ever-changing and dreamlike visuals. Departing from the typical anime style, Tatami Galaxy embraces a clean and minimalist aesthetic, deliberately avoiding symmetrical designs. The show presents the characters using monochromatic color schemes and contrasting colors, while the backgrounds showcase intricate details.

Gachaman Crowds

Gatchaman Crowds, a 2013 anime series produced by Tatsunoko Production and directed by Kenji Nakamura, showcases a futuristic and lively art style that sets it apart. The series offers a visually stunning experience through its dynamic action sequences, vibrant color palette, and sleek character designs. The animation characterizes itself by its cleanliness, crispness, and smoothness.

Moreover, when the characters transform into their superhero alter egos, CGI is employed to seamlessly blend the traditional and computer-generated elements. While CGI in anime is often a polarizing subject, Gatchaman Crowds successfully utilizes it, with the show’s remarkable animation becoming its unique selling point, attracting viewers who were drawn to its stunning visual presentation.

Violet Evergarden

Critics and viewers highly praise Violet Evergarden, a well-known anime, for its remarkable visuals and meticulous attention to detail. The series offers an immersive experience through its intricately designed characters, delicate lighting, and lush backgrounds. Kyoto Animation, once again, demonstrates its mastery in creating visual artistry. Beyond the stunning visuals, Violet Evergarden presents an emotionally captivating story. The protagonist, with a complex and troubled past, embarks on a journey that unfolds throughout the episodes.

Fooly Cooly

FLCL, also known as Fooly Cooly, is an anime series produced by the FLCL Production Committee, consisting of Gainax, Production I.G, and King Records, in 2000. The art style of Fooly Cooly defies conventions, embracing an experimental and frenzied approach. It takes viewers on a visually stunning journey, characterized by fluid animation, vibrant colors, and surreal imagery. Kazuya Tsurumaki directed the first season of FLCL with the intention of breaking the rules of anime. He sought inspiration from Japanese TV commercials and promotional videos. The result is a unique and densely packed work that stands out in its brevity.