Anime has exploded in popularity globally in recent years. With so many great anime series out there, fans often discuss who the most influential and successful anime studios are. The studios who consistently produce high quality, commercially successful and critically acclaimed anime series and films are referred to as the “Big 5” in the anime industry.
The Big 5 consists of the following anime studios:
- Toei Animation
- Studio Ghibli
- Gainax
- Sunrise
- Madhouse
These studios have shaped the anime industry over decades and created many of the most popular and beloved anime franchises. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each of the Big 5 anime studios and what makes them so influential.
Toei Animation
Founded in 1956, Toei Animation is the oldest and most established anime studio on this list. They have created a huge catalog of popular anime series and films over the past 60+ years. Some of their most notable works include:
- Dragon Ball franchise
- One Piece
- Sailor Moon
- Digimon
- Saint Seiya
- Dragon Quest
- Slam Dunk
- Fist of the North Star
As these examples demonstrate, Toei Animation has created some of the most iconic and longest running anime franchises. Dragon Ball and One Piece in particular are two of the most popular anime/manga series worldwide. Several generations grew up watching Toei anime series on TV. The studio continues to produce new hits and sequels/reboots of their classic anime today.
Key strengths:
- Pioneering studio with decades of experience
- Expertise in long-running action/adventure shonen anime
- Created some of the most popular anime IP
- Strong production values and animation quality
Studio Ghibli
Studio Ghibli was founded in 1985 by acclaimed directors Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata and others. The studio has earned a legendary reputation for producing high quality animated films rather than TV series. Some of their most beloved works include:
- Spirited Away
- My Neighbor Totoro
- Princess Mononoke
- Howl’s Moving Castle
- Ponyo
- Grave of the Fireflies
- Kiki’s Delivery Service
- Castle in the Sky
Studio Ghibli films are renowned for their imaginative worlds, emotionally moving storytelling, relatable characters and gorgeous hand-drawn animation. Multiple Ghibli films rank among the highest grossing anime films of all time in Japan. The studio’s works are beloved by both adult and family audiences around the world.
Key strengths:
- Auteur filmmaking vision
- Emotional storytelling appeal
- Stunning visual aesthetics
- Cross-generational popularity
Gainax
Gainax began as an indie anime studio in the 1980s before growing into a major industry player. They are known for taking risks on creative, boundary-pushing anime projects. Some of their most influential works include:
- Neon Genesis Evangelion
- FLCL
- Gurren Lagann
- Gunbuster
- Aim for the Top! Gunbuster
- Royal Space Force
- Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water
- Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
Gainax anime often feature heavy themes, experimental storytelling, distinctive animation styles and a flair for the overdramatic/eccentric. They’ve created some of the most talked about, debated and iconic anime series that redefined the medium.
Key strengths:
- Pioneering avant-garde anime
- Original, thought-provoking concepts
- Highly influential works
- Dynamic animation and art styles
Sunrise
Sunrise studio was founded in 1972 and has consistently produced popular mecha and action anime. They own the legendary Gundam franchise and have also created other hit series such as:
- Mobile Suit Gundam
- Code Geass
- Cowboy Bebop
- Vision of Escaflowne
- Mai-Hime
- Daily Lives of High School Boys
- Love Live!
- Accel World
Sunrise is renowned for their expert mecha animation and sci-fi worldbuilding. The Gundam franchise which began in 1979 spans TV series, OVAs, films, mangas, novels, video games and more. Sunrise has played a key role in establishing the popular mecha anime genre.
Key strengths:
- Pioneering mecha anime studio
- Expertise with sci-fi and action series
- Owns legendary Gundam IP
- High production values
Madhouse
Founded in 1972, Madhouse is known for its high-quality anime productions across a variety of genres. They have created many critically acclaimed anime including:
- Death Note
- One Punch Man
- Paprika
- Perfect Blue
- Ninja Scroll
- High School of the Dead
- Black Lagoon
- Parasyte
Madhouse is renowned for its versatile animation styles, cinematic visual flair and dark, mature storytelling. The studio has adapted many popular manga series into top-tier anime. Leading animators like Satoshi Kon and Mamoru Hosoda began their careers at Madhouse.
Key strengths:
- Diverse portfolio across genres
- High-quality animation production
- Cinematic visual style
- Expert manga adaptations
Conclusion
The Big 5 anime studios have undoubtedly earned their status through years of producing amazing anime classics. They’ve shaped pop culture trends, pioneered animation techniques and crafted unforgettable stories enjoyed by millions of fans globally.
While the anime industry continues to evolve, the legacy and influence of the Big 5 studios is undeniable. Their anime series and films have timeless appeal that continually draw in new generations of anime fans each year. The studios continue leading the way by producing both fresh originals and modern reboots of their most iconic franchises.
In summary:
| Studio | Key Anime Series/Films | Notable Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Toei Animation | Dragon Ball, One Piece, Sailor Moon | Long-running franchises, action/adventure |
| Studio Ghibli | Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, My Neighbor Totoro | Auteur animated films, emotional storytelling |
| Gainax | Neon Genesis Evangelion, Gurren Lagann | Experimental and avant-garde anime |
| Sunrise | Gundam franchise, Cowboy Bebop | Expert mecha and sci-fi anime |
| Madhouse | Death Note, One Punch Man | High-quality animation and adaptations |
The Big 5 have produced literally hundreds of acclaimed anime between them. Their works appeal to all kinds of audiences worldwide. Each studio has their own strengths and specialties as outlined above.
While debates will always persist among fans about which anime studios are truly the best, the Big 5 have firmly secured their place in anime history through their transformative works. They are the animation powerhouses driving the anime industry forward and introducing new fans everywhere to the wonderful world of Japanese animation.