Dive into the world of anime excellence with our top picks for the Best Madhouse Studio anime to watch. Madhouse remained successful throughout the 2000s and 2010s, adding director Mamoru Hosoda to its roster and releasing numerous popular television anime. Maruyama stepped down from his role as president and left the company in June 2011 to start studio MAPPA.
Monster (2004)
The visual style of “Monster” is as haunting as the story itself. Dark and brooding, the anime captures the atmosphere of a world shrouded in secrets and uncertainty. The character designs are distinct and memorable, each one reflecting the inner turmoil and depth of their respective roles within the narrative.
The visual style of “Monster” is as haunting as the story itself. Dark and brooding, the anime captures the atmosphere of a world shrouded in secrets and uncertainty. The character designs are distinct and memorable, each one reflecting the inner turmoil and depth of their respective roles within the narrative.
Rainbow (2010)
“Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin” is a poignant and emotionally charged anime that delves into the lives of seven young men who forge a remarkable bond while enduring the harsh realities of a post-World War II Japan. Set against a backdrop of societal turmoil, economic hardship, and institutional abuse, the series chronicles the lives of these individuals as they navigate the challenges of a reform school.
The story follows the trials and tribulations faced by Mario, Joe, Suppon, Baremoto, Cabbage, Soldier, and Uncovered during their time at Shio Reformatory. Despite the adversity they face, their unwavering friendship becomes a source of strength and hope. The anime explores themes of camaraderie, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
Hajime no ippo (2000)
The story revolves around Ippo Makunouchi, a shy and reserved high school student who spends his days helping his mother run their fishing boat business. His life takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with Mamoru Takamura, a skilled boxer. After witnessing Ippo’s latent strength and unyielding spirit, Takamura encourages him to step into the world of boxing. With a burning desire to change his life and prove himself, Ippo embarks on a journey to become a professional boxer.
One of the standout elements of “Hajime no Ippo” is its ability to balance intense boxing action with moments of humor, camaraderie, and personal introspection. The series beautifully captures the highs and lows of Ippo’s journey, making it a rollercoaster of emotions for both the characters and the viewers.
With its captivating narrative, well-executed animation, and a soundtrack that amplifies the excitement, “Hajime no Ippo” transcends the sports genre to become a story about determination, self-discovery, and the power of believing in oneself. Whether you’re a fan of boxing or simply appreciate tales of triumph against all odds, “Hajime no Ippo” delivers a knockout experience that resonates long after the final bell.
Death note (2006)
The heart of “Death Note” lies in the intense psychological game of cat and mouse between Light and L. As Light uses his newfound power to manipulate events and evade capture, L employs his extraordinary deductive skills to unravel the mystery of Kira’s identity. This thrilling battle of wits escalates, blurring the lines between justice and vigilantism, while challenging viewers to question their own ethical boundaries.
The anime’s animation and art style reflect the tense atmosphere of the story, utilizing dark tones and dramatic visuals to heighten the suspense. The characters are distinctively designed, with Light’s transformation from a seemingly ordinary student to a cunning and calculating mastermind portrayed through visual nuances.
Hellsing ultimate (2006)
“Hellsing Ultimate” is a dark and action-packed anime that immerses viewers in a world of supernatural conflicts, gritty battles, and moral ambiguity. A reimagining of the original “Hellsing” anime, this adaptation closely follows the manga by Kouta Hirano and delivers a more faithful and intense portrayal of the story.
The animation style of “Hellsing Ultimate” is characterized by its detailed and graphic depictions of violence, supernatural powers, and visceral combat sequences. The art direction captures the dark and gothic atmosphere of the story, utilizing a moody color palette and dynamic visuals to create a sense of urgency and impending danger.
The animation style of “Hellsing Ultimate” is characterized by its detailed and graphic depictions of violence, supernatural powers, and visceral combat sequences. The art direction captures the dark and gothic atmosphere of the story, utilizing a moody color palette and dynamic visuals to create a sense of urgency and impending danger.
Parasyte: The Maxim (2014)
The story follows Shinichi Izumi, an ordinary high school student whose life takes a bizarre turn when he becomes the host to a sentient alien parasite. These parasites, which enter the human body through the ear or nose, typically control their hosts and consume other humans for sustenance. However, Shinichi’s unique situation results in a symbiotic relationship, and he names his parasite “Migi.”
“Parasyte: The Maxim” deftly weaves psychological and ethical dilemmas throughout its narrative. Shinichi’s journey forces him to question what it means to be human, as well as the nature of empathy, morality, and the price of survival. The series explores how human emotions and consciousness intersect with the instincts of the parasitic beings, creating a complex tapestry of themes.
The animation style captures both the visceral horror and human drama of the story. The designs of the parasites are unsettling yet creative, emphasizing their inhuman nature. The series effectively balances intense action sequences with moments of introspection and emotional resonance.
Death parade (2015)
Hanada Shounen-shi (2006)
“Hanada Shounen-shi” is a heartwarming and charming anime that brings to life a tale of youthful wonder, supernatural encounters, and personal growth. Adapted from the manga by Makoto Isshiki, this anime captures the essence of childhood and the unexpected adventures that shape us.
The story revolves around Ichiro Hanada, an energetic and mischievous young boy with an unusual gift: he can see and communicate with spirits. After a near-fatal accident, Ichiro’s connection with the spirit world deepens, leading him to embark on a journey filled with magical encounters, humorous escapades, and valuable life lessons.
Ultimately, “Hanada Shounen-shi” is a touching and endearing anime that reminds us of the magic that can be found in the ordinary and the extraordinary. Through its charming characters, magical adventures, and profound life lessons, the anime invites viewers to embrace the wonder of childhood and the lessons that shape us into the people we become.
Overlord (2015)
The story is set in the year 2138, within the virtual reality MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) world of Yggdrasil. When the game’s servers are slated to shut down, Momonga, a powerful player and guild master of Ainz Ooal Gown, decides to remain in the game until the very end. However, as the clock strikes midnight, something unexpected happens—the NPCs (non-player characters) come to life, and the virtual world becomes reality.
Trapped in this new reality, Momonga assumes the identity of his in-game avatar, a powerful and skeletal sorcerer named Ainz Ooal Gown. Now, he must navigate this unfamiliar landscape, explore the mysteries of the world, and assert his dominance as the supreme ruler of the Great Tomb of Nazarick—the guild’s fortress that stands as a stronghold in this new reality.
“Overlord” is a thrilling exploration of a virtual world turned real, where magic, politics, and alliances intertwine to create a captivating narrative. Through its multifaceted characters, intricate world-building, and strategic storytelling, the anime invites viewers to embark on a journey that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality, challenging the notions of power and identity along the way.
Paranoia agent (2004)
The story kicks off with a seemingly innocent incident: a young boy named Lil’ Slugger (Shonen Bat) attacks people with a golden baseball bat, leaving a trail of confusion and panic in his wake. As detectives attempt to unravel the mystery behind these attacks, the narrative takes an unexpected turn, revealing a web of interconnected lives and the psychological turmoil that binds them together.
This anime delves into themes of societal pressure, identity, and the human tendency to escape reality through fantasies and delusions. The anime invites viewers to question the nature of truth and the fragility of sanity, blurring the boundaries between reality and illusion with each passing episode.
“Paranoia Agent” challenges viewers to question their perceptions, grapple with their own fears, and contemplate the fine line between reality and illusion. With its intricate narrative, thought-provoking themes, and visually striking presentation, the anime stands as a captivating exploration of the human mind’s intricate labyrinth and the mysteries that lie within.
