25 Must Watch MAPPA Anime

Episodes: 11
Aired: Apr 9, 2022 to Jun 18, 2022
Premiered: Spring 2022
Producers: Mainichi Broadcasting System, Shogakukan, dugout, DMM Music, Creek
Studios: MAPPA

George Asakura wrote and illustrated the Japanese series Dance Dance Danseur, which Shogakukan serialized in their seinen manga magazine, Weekly Big Comic Spirits, starting September 2015. MAPPA produced an anime television adaptation from April to June 2022 on the Super Animeism programming block.

Previously indifferent to ballet, Junpei Murao becomes enthralled after watching a man’s performance. A tragic accident claims his father’s life, leading Junpei to abandon ballet to pursue “masculinity.” But the arrival of a new transfer student, Miyako Godai, rekindles his passion for ballet.

Type: ONA
Episodes: 6
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Apr 29, 2021

Yasuke, a Japanese-American original net anime series, draws loosely from the life of the eponymous historical African warrior who served Japanese daimyo Oda Nobunaga during the 16th-century Sengoku period. LeSean Thomas created the series, and MAPPA, a Japanese animation studio, brought it to life with Lakeith Stanfield voicing the main character. Netflix released the series on April 29, 2021.

Set in a reimagined 16th-century feudal Japan, complete with magic and high technology, the storyline sees Yasuke rise from serving Jesuit missionaries during the Nanban trade to becoming a warrior and retainer for Lord Oda Nobunaga.

Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Jul 3, 2015 to Dec 25, 2015

Toho produced and Pastel animated an 11-episode original video animation (OVA) adaptation, which released from September 1992 to October 1993. Later, MAPPA and Studio VOLN transformed the series into a 39-episode anime television series that aired from July 2015 to June 2016.

ADV Films licensed the OVA in North America in 1998, with a re-release in 2003, while Sentai Filmworks acquired the license for the anime television series in 2015.

Episodes: 12
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Oct 6, 2021 to Dec 22, 2021

Bandai Namco Arts and DeNA collaboratively produced Takt Op, a mixed-media project focused on classical music. From October to December 2021, MAPPA and Madhouse broadcasted an anime series, Takt Op. Destiny. In June 2023, Game Studio released a mobile game known as Takt Op. Symphony.

In 2047, Takt Op depicts a future world plagued by monsters called “D2s,” drawn to human-produced music. These creatures, spawned by Black Night Siderites from a fallen black meteorite, despise music and seek to destroy its source. To protect the cities from the D2s, the Symphonica International Organization and the Musicarts unite their powers.

Episodes: 12
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Apr 10, 2015 to Jun 26, 2015

Punch Line, a captivating Japanese anime series, comes to life under the direction of Yutaka Uemura and the MAPPA studio. The series enthralls its audience with scripts by Kotaro Uchikoshi, mesmerizing music by Tetsuya Komuro, and dynamic character designs by Shōta Iwasaki.

Airing on Fuji TV’s Noitamina block from April 9, 2015, to June 25, 2015, the show is simulcasted by Crunchyroll. Sentai Filmworks holds the North American license.

In 2016, a video game adaptation for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita, developed by 5pb., was released in Japan. The game later made its way to North America and Europe in May 2019. Continuing the story beyond the anime, Punch Line Max, a manga published by Kadokawa Corporation in Dengeki G’s Comic, was illustrated by Ginichi based on an original concept by Uchikoshi.

Episodes: 24
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Jul 2, 2016 to Dec 18, 2016

The anime produced by MAPPA, “Days,” is a captivating 24-episode television series that aired from July to December 2016.

By December 2020, over 10 million copies of the Days manga were circulated, signifying its immense popularity. Furthermore, in 2016, the manga was awarded the prestigious 40th Kodansha Manga Awards in the shōnen category.

Centered on the character of Tsukushi Tsukamoto, a reserved student who unexpectedly finds himself part of his school’s soccer team, Days unveils an engaging tale of transformation, friendship, and personal development within the energetic universe of soccer.

Days beautifully encapsulate the essence of the sport, emphasizing tenacious passion, unwavering commitment, and the power of teamwork. The show draws viewers in with enthralling match sequences that fascinate both soccer enthusiasts and anime fans alike.

Episodes: 13
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Jul 6, 2020 to Sep 28, 2020

The thrilling anime series breathes life into The God of High School’s vibrant and action-filled universe, based on Yongje Park’s acclaimed webtoon. It traces the journey of Jin Mori, a high school student and proficient martial artist, who receives an exclusive invitation to the nationwide “The God of High School” tournament.

This illustrious event attracts participants from varied schools and martial arts backgrounds, instigating intense battles to crown the ultimate champion. Throughout his journey, Jin Mori builds alliances, faces off against daunting opponents, and untangles the mysteries linked to the tournament and his own exceptional powers.

The anime series captivates viewers with its spectacular martial arts sequences, skillfully intertwining hand-to-hand combat, supernatural powers, and impressive displays of strength.

Episodes: 11
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Jul 11, 2014 to Sep 26, 2014

Terror in Resonance spins a gripping tale of orchestrated terrorism, starring the mysterious pair, Nine and Twelve. These elusive teenagers leverage their intellect and technological mastery to stage a series of attacks, taunting the authorities with cryptic messages to decode their real motives.

With its complex characters, psychological depth, and intellectually challenging storyline, Terror in Resonance captivates audiences, offering a thought-provoking narrative. The series presents stunning animation that adeptly portrays the gritty and atmospheric heart of the story, authentically reflecting life in modern Tokyo.

Episodes: 12
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Oct 4, 2018 to Dec 20, 2018

Cygames, Avex Pictures, and dugout collaboratively announced the exceptional anime project, Zombieland Saga. Cygames and Avex Pictures expertly manage the music and sound production, while studio MAPPA meticulously animates the series. Concurrently, Crunchyroll broadcasts the episodes, and Funimation provides the dubbing.

The talented group Franchouchou delivers the captivating opening and ending theme songs, “Adabana Necromancy” and “Hikari e,” respectively. Megumu Soramichi, renowned for Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry, illustrates a manga adaptation of Zombieland Saga, which debuted on Cygames’ Cycomi website on October 8, 2018.

Significantly, the Tokyo Anime Award Festival honored Zombieland Saga with the esteemed Animation of the Year award in the Television category in 2019.

Episodes: 12
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Jul 1, 2017 to Sep 23, 2017

Adapted from Homura Kawamoto’s manga, the adrenaline-fueled and riveting anime series Kakegurui takes place within the walls of the esteemed Hyakkaou Private Academy. This elite institution follows a unique hierarchy, elevating students to social prominence based on their skill in high-stakes gambling.

Kakegurui, with its vibrant animation, arresting visuals, and tense atmosphere, plunges viewers into an exciting world. The series skillfully conveys the thrill and suspense of each gamble, brilliantly revealing characters’ emotions through their expressions, mirroring their exhilaration, resolve, and clever tactics.

Episodes: 12
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Apr 13, 2012 to Jun 29, 2012

The anime adaptation of Kids on the Slope, a joint venture by MAPPA and Tezuka Productions, premiered in 2012. This marked MAPPA’s maiden venture into anime production after its founder, Masao Maruyama, set up the studio in 2011 upon leaving Madhouse studio.

Maruyama, a co-founder of Madhouse in 1972, enlisted Shinichirō Watanabe, a previous collaborator at Madhouse, to direct Kids on the Slope.

In the three years prior, Watanabe had been working on projects for Madhouse that unfortunately either ran into planning hurdles or were ultimately canceled. During this period, Maruyama offered Watanabe the chance to direct Kids on the Slope to maintain his active role.

Hell’s Paradise pulls viewers into feudal Japan with a gripping narrative focused on Gabimaru, a celebrated ninja from Iwagakure. His village’s chief ensnares him, and he stares down the harsh reality of execution on charges of treason.

But fate steps in, providing Gabimaru and other convicts a different route to freedom. The shogunate charges them with a risky mission: finding the elusive elixir of life, which would offer them a chance at redemption.

Under the watchful eyes of the Yamada Asaemon Clan, a group of executioners, Gabimaru teams up with Sagiri to navigate a perilous journey. They face off against a daunting line-up of foes and come across god-like entities brandishing extraordinary powers.

Episodes: 12
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Oct 6, 2016 to Dec 22, 2016

Yuri!!! on Ice is a critically acclaimed sports anime television series produced by MAPPA that originally aired from October to December 2016. The series presents a unique blend of competitive figure skating, personal growth, and exploration of relationships.

The storyline centers around a Japanese figure skater named Yuuri Katsuki who suffers a crisis of confidence after a crushing defeat at the Grand Prix Final and considers retiring from skating altogether.

However, a chance event results in a viral video of Yuuri performing a routine of the reigning Olympic champion Victor Nikiforov, piques Victor’s interest. This leads Victor to travel to Japan, surprising Yuuri with an offer to become his coach.

In the English-language markets, Crunchyroll syndicates Sarazanmai, simulcasting the series during its original broadcast run. Funimation produced a dubbed version of the series.

When middle schoolers Kazuki, Toi, and Enta accidentally shatter an Asakusa district guardian statue, Keppi, the Kappa Kingdom’s prince, turns them into kappas. They aid Keppi in gathering the Dishes of Hope, wish-granting items, by extracting shirikodama from zombies made by Reo and Mabu, the Otter Empire’s agents.

MAPPA produced an 11-episode anime television series adaptation that engaged anime viewers on Fuji TV’s late-night programming block Noitamina from October to December 2017. Subsequently, a live-action film adaptation captivated audiences when it premiered in April 2018.

Inuyashiki Ichiro, a lonely, older man with a family that doesn’t care for him, changes his life dramatically one fateful evening. An extraterrestrial explosion hits him in an almost deserted public park, transforming his body into an extraordinarily powerful mechanical one yet still retaining a human exterior. This unusual event intrigues anime viewers with its unexpected twist.

Episodes: 12
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Oct 6, 2014 to Dec 29, 2014

Inspired by a Japanese mobile game, Rage of Bahamut: Genesis plunges viewers into the realm of Mastarcia, where humans, gods, and demons once collaborated to imprison the formidable leviathan, Bahamut.

This tranquility teeters on the brink when a mysterious amnesiac emerges, possessing half of the key to Bahamut’s shackles. As factions battle over reviving or confining Bahamut, a brutal war erupts.

While Rage of Bahamut employs familiar genre elements, it offers a captivating, adrenaline-pumping adventure that encapsulates the spirit of a Saturday-morning cartoon. Its intense action and compelling storytelling appeal to shounen anime enthusiasts.

The Japanese animation studio MAPPA produced the animated wartime drama film “In This Corner of the World,” in 2016. Sunao Katabuchi co-wrote and directed the film, and Hidenori Matsubara designed the characters. Kotringo composed the film’s music.

The film’s storyline is an adaptation of a manga bearing the same name, created by Fumiyo Kōno. The film first premiered in Japan on November 12, 2016. Animatsu Entertainment secured global distribution rights for the film in June 2016.

Episodes: 12
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Jan 13, 2020 to Mar 30, 2020

Dorohedoro, which premiered in January 2020, immerses viewers into “The Hole,” a bleak and dystopian world. The story revolves around Caiman, a man with a reptilian head suffering from amnesia, who embarks on a journey to discover his true identity. His loyal friend Nikaido, a sorceress who runs a humble eatery within the harsh boundaries of The Hole, accompanies him.

The series masterfully blends dark humor, action, and fantasy, illustrating the strenuous journey of Caiman and Nikaido as they traverse a hazardous landscape filled with sorcerers and powerful organizations. The show’s vibrant and inventive depiction of a post-apocalyptic world, thrilling combat sequences, and stunning visual effects captivates its followers.

Episodes: 24
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Jul 6, 2018 to Dec 21, 2018

Yoshida embarked on crafting Banana Fish without a rigid plan for its plot. She had a broad idea of the series’ storyline, but the detailed plot and characters took shape gradually during its serialization.

Inspired by Midnight Cowboy, Yoshida aimed to build Banana Fish around the profound emotional connection between two characters, who eventually became Ash and Eiji.

Yoshida initially imagined Ash as a lively character, inspired by protagonists in shōnen manga, offering a stark contrast to the brooding leads common in her other works. Conversely, Eiji was first planned as a female character.

Episodes: 24
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Jan 7, 2019 to Jun 24, 2019

Dororo is a popular Japanese manga series by Osamu Tezuka, first serialized from 1967 to 1969. It has since been adapted into multiple anime television series, with the most recent adaptation produced by MAPPA and Tezuka Productions airing in 2019.

The story of “Dororo” is set in the Sengoku period and centers around a rōnin named Hyakkimaru and a young orphan thief named Dororo. Hyakkimaru was born malformed, limbless, and without facial features or internal organs.

This is due to his father, a greedy samurai lord, who made a pact with 48 sealed demons and promised them anything they wanted in return for dominance on the battlefield.

Hajime no Ippo: Rising, also known as Fighting Spirit: Rising, continues its gripping sports anime saga in its third season. Following the transition from Madhouse to MAPPA, the series maintains its momentum as it delves into the next chapter of Ippo Makunouchi’s extraordinary journey.

Now a featherweight champion, Ippo faces new challenges that test his mettle and reveal the true essence of strength. His unyielding spirit and relentless pursuit of victory serve as a universal inspiration to fans worldwide.

With exceptional animation and meticulous character development, MAPPA’s adaptation of the show masterfully brings to life the intricate world of boxing, setting Fighting Spirit apart from other entries in the genre.

Episodes: 12
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Oct 12, 2022 to Dec 28, 2022
Premiered: Fall 2022

Chainsaw Man is a dark fantasy manga series written and illustrated by Tatsuki Fujimoto. It was serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine from December 2018 to December 2020, with its chapters collected into eleven tankōbon volumes.

The story revolves around Denji, a young man with a difficult life, burdened by debt inherited from his deceased father. To make ends meet, Denji works as a devil hunter, using his pet devil Pochita, who can transform into chainsaw weaponry, to defeat devils. After a near-death experience, Pochita sacrifices himself to save Denji, resulting in Denji becoming a part-devil, part-man hybrid known as Chainsaw Man.

Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Jan 10, 2023 to Jun 20, 2023
Premiered: Winter 2023

MAPPA produces the second season of the Vinland Saga anime television series, maintaining its main production staff from the previous season despite the studio change. Shūhei Yabuta directs the series, while Hiroshi Seko oversees series composition, Takahiko Abiru designs the characters, and Yutaka Yamada composes the music.

This season, taking place a year after the first season’s events, predominantly centers on Einar, a slave from England, encountering the protagonist, Thorfinn, on a farm where they both work.

Episodes: 24
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Oct 3, 2020 to Mar 27, 2021

Jujutsu Kaisen features the captivating protagonist Yuji Itadori who stumbles into the enthralling world of jujutsu sorcerers when he accidentally consumes a cursed object.

With its stunning animation and impressive special effects, this spectacular series unravels Yuji’s exciting journey to protect humanity from the evil of cursed spirits.

Adapted from Gege Akutami’s manga, Jujutsu Kaisen brings a colorful assortment of well-developed and relatable characters to life. Packed with intense action sequences and moving moments, the show delivers excitement and introspection, effortlessly holding every viewer’s attention.

Episodes: 16
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Dec 7, 2020 to Mar 29, 2021
Premiered: Winter 2021

MAPPA brings to life Attack on Titan: The Final Season, the fourth and concluding chapter of the Attack on Titan anime television series. Jun Shishido steps in as the chief director, and Yuichiro Hayashi takes the helm as director, taking over from Tetsurō Araki and Masashi Koizuka, respectively.

Scriptwriter Hiroshi Seko assumes full responsibility for the series composition, a role previously occupied by Yasuko Kobayashi. Meanwhile, Tomohiro Kishi takes over from Kyōji Asano as the character designer due to the shift in production studios.

This season covers the “Marley” (chapters 91–106) and “War for Paradis” (chapters 107–139) story arcs from Hajime Isayama’s original manga. The season introduces Gabi Braun and Falco Grice, young Eldian Warrior candidates hoping to inherit Reiner’s Armored Titan, set four years after the unsuccessful mission to reclaim the Founding Titan.