Summary
Jojo Bizarre Adventure and Studio Ghibli’s films feature some of the most recognizable art styles in anime. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners utilizes Studio Trigger’s bright, vibrant visuals in a futuristic setting. Unlike other horror stories, Mononoke uses vivid imagery to unsettle the viewer.
ONE anime art style is one of the first things that impresses viewers. Unlike manga, which uses fixed black-and-white artwork, anime has more freedom in how it uses visuals to appeal to its audience. Some anime, like Devilman Crybaby, are appealing because of their unique art style but are not necessarily appealing. This is different from many other movies that use colorful images to attract attention.
It’s important to distinguish between art style and animation. Art style refers to the look of the anime in still frames, including character and setting design, color palette, and overall aesthetic. Animation, on the other hand, refers to the realistic movement of objects and is characterized by visual dynamism and fluidity of movement. The art styles in these anime have contributed to making them standout works among viewers and fan communities.
10 Lupine the Third: A Woman Named Fujiko Mine Has a Classic Art Style Similar to the Original Manga from the 1960s
Based on Monkey Punch’s Lupine III manga
Episodes
13
Where to stream?
Crunchyroll, HIDIVE, Pluto TV
This title is the first in the Lupine III series to feature a main character other than Arsene Lupine III. It tells the origin story of Fujiko Mine, a professional criminal, as she goes on adventures and meets the rest of the characters for the first time. Unlike previously released adaptations, The Woman Called Fujiko Mine follows the manga’s more mature themes and uses shading and darker colors to complement it. The series has received acclaim for its visuals reminiscent of classic aesthetics from the 1960s and 70s. While it lacks the thrilling heists of other adaptations of Lupine III, the animated film This image is only worth viewing for its illustration.
Watch on Crunchyroll
9 Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure is known for its equally bizarre visuals
Based on the manga by Hirohiko Araki
Episodes
190
Where to stream?
Netflix, Crunchyroll, Huddle, Tubi
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure has a distinct art style that makes it one of the most recognizable anime of all time. It chronicles the adventures of the Joestar family across generations and focuses on a different main character, or “JoJo,” in each installment. Although the series’ artwork has changed over the years, it maintains the vibrant fashion and unique style of JoJo’s characters as well as the shading techniques that characterize Hiroiko’s style. Araki.
Each season is visually appealing, but season 5 aka Golden Wind stands out with detailed character designs and more realistic proportions. It emphasizes many of Jojo’s trademark characteristics, such as excessive posing and use of bold colors, and is most similar to the manga in terms of artwork. What’s more, it showcases Italy’s picturesque landscapes very well.
Watch on Netflix
8 Cowboy Bebop has a gritty aesthetic that matches its darker themes
The original series was produced by Sunrise
Episodes
26
Where to stream?
Crunchyroll, Tubi
While the series is known for its philosophical themes and mixture of genres, Cowboy Bebop has its own distinct art style that sets it apart. Set in the year 2071, the film tells the story of a group of bounty hunters chasing criminals across the solar system. The film’s creator, Shinichiro Watanabe, draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including classic sci-fi and film noir, to create his own style.
While the series isn’t as visually stark as today’s anime, its gritty aesthetic does a great job of creating a mood that fits the idea of loneliness and existentialism. The series is often credited with creating a new genre and style, paving the way for more mature storytelling and Western influences in anime.
Watch on Crunchyroll
Cowboy Bebop received a live-action adaptation in 2021, available to watch on Netflix.
7 Awesome pretenders use bright colors to enhance their status in real life
The original series is produced by Wit Studio
Episodes
23
Where to stream?
Netflix
An underrated gem on Netflix, Great Pretender is the story of Makoto Edamura, a small-time con artist from Japan. After meeting Laurent Thierry, Makoto and he and his accomplices carried out a series of international robberies. Although the character designs are great, the The anime’s expressive background accentuates the artwork by giving the impression of a watercolor painting.
The landscape blends colors and creates gradients that make its images stand out. What’s notable is how it uses bright imagery to make bustling real-life locations, like Singapore and Los Angeles, look even more vibrant.
Watch on Netflix
6 Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’ classic art style makes it one of the best video game adaptations
The original series is produced by Studio Trigger
Episodes
10
Where to stream?
Netflix
If Studio Trigger is known for anything, it’s their signature style of using vibrant color schemes and bold imagery. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners incorporates these features into its artwork, with stunning visuals making it a worthy successor to the studio’s most aesthetically pleasing release, Promare. Serving as a prequel to the video game Cyberpunk 2077, the film tells the story of David Martinez, who becomes a lawless mercenary or “edgerunner” in Night City.
Art style used Intense neon lights and contrasting techniques to create a psychedelic world that is both intrusive and eye-catching. Staying true to its roots, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners borrows inspiration from classic art styles and effectively conveys the “high-tech, low-life” feel that characterizes the genre.
Watch on Netflix
5 Studio Ghibli films show how children see the world
Original film produced by Studio Ghibli
Episodes
23 movies
Where to stream?
Netflix
Studio Ghibli’s classic art style is one of the most recognizable in the anime community. One of its main features is magical realism, mixing elements of fantasy and realism. This results in stunning visuals, especially those found in Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Princess Mononoke, all of which incorporate fantasy elements, such as witches and wizards, into a normal context.
Studio combines this with The gentle, lively tones show the world through a child’s eyes, evoking a feeling of nostalgia for many people. The films include scenes showing their characters in a highly detailed, naturalistic environment. This is one of Hayao Miyazaki’s signature aesthetics and it seeks to illustrate man’s connection to nature.
Watch on Netflix
4 Mononoke has a style inspired by traditional Japanese art
Original anime produced by Toei Animation
Episodes
12
Where to stream?
Netflix, Crunchyroll
Mononoke tells the story of “The Medicine Seller” as he wanders around Japan and exorcises “mononoke,” spirits born from negative human emotions. While most horror stories use a dark atmosphere to evoke a sense of fear, Mononoke uses bright colors and surreal animation.
The avant-garde art style was heavily influenced by traditional Japanese art, especially the woodblock prints and paintings of Ukiyo-e, from which it borrowed its “flat,” two-dimensional appearance, detailed textures, and bold lines. Anime is considered another genre of horror that uses an otherworldly feel and fever dream aesthetic to cause psychological discomfort.
Watch on Netflix
3 The case study of Vanitas brings fantasy to 19th-century Paris
Based on the manga by Jun Mochizuki
Episodes
24
Where to stream?
Crunchyroll
This visually impressive anime combines steampunk with vampires in an unusual way. Instead of the darker color palettes associated with these elements, Case study of Vanitas uses vibrant shades in the artwork and makes the story more like a fairy tale. The story is set in 19th century Paris and follows Noé Archiviste, as he works with a doctor named Vanitas to find a cure for depraved vampires.
The art style uses vivid imagery and ethereal lighting to create a sense of wonder, and features many scenes reminiscent of Gothic literature. The beautiful artwork is complemented by a fantastic soundtrack from Yuki Kajiura, who is famous for his atmospheric soundtracks.
Watch on Crunchyroll
2 Violet Evergarden is known for its clean art and character designs
Based on the light novel written by Kana Akatsuki and illustrated by Akiko Takase
Episodes
13 + OVA
Where to stream?
Netflix
Violet Evergarden is known in the anime community for its beautiful art style, which uses an oversaturated color palette and detailed lines to create its world. The story follows Violet Evergarden, who reintegrates into society after the war and through her interactions with those around her, discovers the meaning of life.
The anime’s aesthetic enhances the emotional nature of the story through its use of cooler colors, bringing a feeling of both calm and melancholy. The use of lighting in the background is breathtaking, especially for the scenes involving water and look like they came straight out of a painting. There is also incredible attention to detail in the characters’ facial expressions, which further adds to the visual appeal of the anime.
Watch on Netflix
1 Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo combines two art styles to create unique visuals
The original product line is manufactured by Gonzo
Episodes
24
Where to stream?
Crunchyroll
Gankutsuou is an adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’s 1844 novel The Count of Monte Cristo, and largely follows the original story except for a few differences. It was a pioneering work that combined Japanese Ukiyo-e with Western Impressionism, especially the works of Gustav Klimt. The series uses color palettes appropriate to its aristocratic setting and uses textures on every visible surface.
It is worth noting that the patterns remain the same even when the object moves, creating a psychedelic effect that contrasts with the softer lines of the characters. The art is completely experimental and very unusual, but is one of the most creative styles in anime. The unique visuals enhance the story and immerse the viewer in the world, making Gankutsuou even more engaging. The best art style in anime.
Watch on Crunchyroll