And there’s definitely a few anime that are just more visually pleasing than others. So to celebrate this beautiful art, we’re going to count down some of the most aesthetically pleasing anime ever made. If you’re big into anime you’ll probably like a lot on this list, and even moreso if you’re into art too.
20. House of Five Leaves
I want to start off with this show, as I’m aware that it might not be for everyone. The show has quite a particular style since everything looks like it was painted rather than drawn, at least to me. There’s also this everlasting feeling of it being autumn, with murky colors, serene music, and a plot that revolves around what’s unsaid more so than the actual dialogue. I would definitely suggest watching the first three episodes to see whether the tone of the show clicks with you. And who knows, this might add another hidden gem to your collection.
19. Terror in Resonance
Just like how the last entry reminds me of autumn, this show reminds me of a cold, dry winter. The plot is a lot more action packed, as it does technically deal with terrorism. But in between all the explosions and chaos there’s this saddening somberness in the air. The art style is distinct enough to be recognizable, but not as potentially off-putting as the last entry. And the final episode was, in my humble opinion, a work of art in itself.
18. The Promised Neverland
I’m not sure if “pleasing” is the right word for this show, but it definitely is beautiful. That’s because it’s probably the best anime ever in terms of its eeriness. The show is riddled with very tight shots in dimly lit rooms, POVs from an unknown source, and wide-shots of quite the troubling world. In season two this even expands and adds an even bigger unknown factor to the mix. The show is so masterfully crafted that a person who has never seen anime can enjoy it to the fullest. Trust me, I have converted some people with it.
17. Samurai Champloo
I wouldn’t even say that Samurai Champloo has an art style. Rather it just has a vibe. Despite all odds, studio Manglobe managed to capture the gritty and stoic nature of the samurai lifestyle, while also incorporating modern elements like hip-hop. The show itself is one big journey. And the atmosphere is so well made that you simply feel like you’re there right alongside the main trio. The soundtrack also does some heavy lifting, and really manages to carve out a niche for this classic anime.
16. Yuru Camp
Yuru Camp is the type of anime that can just instantly warm you up from the inside. As the name might suggest, it’s mostly centered around camping and the great outdoors. Although having nature shots is not something exclusive to this anime, I can say that few can pull it off this well. In English the name of the show translates to Laid-back camp, and that’s exactly how you’ll feel the entire time. The soundtrack is subtle and serene, the protagonists all little bundles of joy, and the scenery just really allows you to prop your feet up and take a soul nap.
15. Mob Psycho 100
Now Mob Psycho 100 is at its best when the atmosphere is tense and heavy. Coming from the same man who did One Punch Man, this show is an aesthetic masterpiece. Whenever a major fight is about to go down, the screen lights up in a plethora of colors as the music gets louder and louder, and all hell starts to break loose. The show does also have its quiet and reflective moments. And unlike One Punch Man, this tells a really touching story. But the visuals were definitely the thing that pushed it over the edge for me personally.
14. Your Name.
I’m sure you’ve all at least heard about this movie, as it has become a staple in the anime community. Even though it’s just a simple love story, the added supernatural elements and meticulous detail in every backdrop and wide-shot truly make this stand out. Something as simple as a red string representing fate was used so efficiently in this movie, that you just can’t help but sit back in awe. And then probably cry.
13. Death Parade
Death Parade is the type of show that can hardly ever be replicated. Not only is it visually unique and stunning, but even its concept seems fresh and innovative. The show tackles death and what comes after it, so as you might expect there are some pretty dark colors and morbid scenes present in the show. But on the other hand, the entire anime has this jazzy feeling to it, with bright and flashy games, an uplifting opening, and character designs that are truly out of this world. The show feels like an optimistic existential crisis, and I love it.
12. Yuri!!! on Ice
Whenever this show is brought up, people like to focus on the homoerotic nature of the anime. But it has so much more going for it aside from finally showing a smidge of representation. The show is just visually stunning, as every scene is like a stand-alone piece of art, where every movement in so meticulously planned and the plot relevance of every jump is so meaningful, that you get way more involved with ice skating than you thought possible.
11. No Game No Life
No Game No Life is the master of using vibrant colors to portray a world similar to ours, yet so fundamentally different. Monochrome is a myth for this show. And every character design just oozes inspiration and style. And whenever a major battle is about to commence, this is further emphasized plain as day, yet you can never guess what’s about to happen. The opening scene where Sora and Shiro are falling towards their new home showcases how much effort went into making this anime. And I think it should be commended for it.
10. Demon Slayer
It’s not all that rare for a popular shounen series to have A-class animation. But Demon Slayer really went above and beyond what we were used to. Their use of CGI was so perfect and seamless that it just felt like watching an anime in 3D. This is especially noticeable when a big fight is taking place, and we see water flowing from a sword, or lightning to emphasize the speed of a fighter. And don’t even get me started on the music here. Just incredible.
9. Barakamon
Barakamon might seem like a niche show. But I am certain that everyone can enjoy it. The action takes place on a rural island, so you get lots of beautiful scenery along with plenty of joyful scenes of the local children running about. The protagonist is a calligraphy artist and seeing him come up with his newest piece was stunning in anime form. Equally as stunning as it would have been to see it in real life, maybe even more so. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing, and the soft color palette really helps to just take the edge off.
8. Monogatari series
I can’t really pinpoint a singular thing that makes the Monogatari series so great, as it honestly has it all. While some installments (like the Kizumonogatari trilogy) have a dark and gritty undertone where everything feels heavy and somber, other installment(like Bakemonogatari) are usually upbeat and present a much more vibrant world. So between the big cast of characters, multiple settings, and differing tones, the Monogatari series is amazing for having been able to even create all these installments with variety and unity.
7. Hyouka
I know I just went all “high school art review” on you in the last entry, but with Hyouka I honestly can’t explain what makes it so visually stunning. The show simply has a very admirable production quality. So the movements seem fluid, the world vibrant and realistic, and the characters fleshed out. Coupled with some amazing choices in the soundtrack department and very good writing, the show is just good all across the board.
6. Mushishi
The world of Mushishi is truly a fantastical and yet believable one. As the protagonist goes from place to place, helping those that he can and their affliction with the Mushi, we get to see bits and pieces of the world he inhabits in all its terrifying beauty. Since the action mostly takes place around rural areas, nature is an ever-present backdrop. And the mystical Mushi are depicted like little moths in a world of darkness. I saw a YouTuber perfectly encapsulate the beauty of Mushishi with this phrase: “it is a haunting calmness”.
5. Mononoke
Mononoke takes a lot of the positive qualities of Mushishi and just cranks them up a few. Just like in Mushishi, the protagonist goes from place to place and tries to rid the world of evil spirits, here called mononoke. So this anime has the same mysterious psychology coupled with nature themes like Mushishi. However, in terms of visual storytelling, Mononoke is as original as a show can be. The characters are given very unique features, every scene bursts with bright colors, and even the animation feels like something you’ve never seen before.
4. Devilman: Crybaby
Devilman: Crybaby feels like a giant acid trip done while attending a sermon. Everything about this show is just so slightly different than what you’re used to, that it keeps catching you off guard time and time again. One minute there’s a scene of a calm drive across the highway, and in the next moment reality itself starts getting twisted, and demons appear (that no sober person could think up) out of the walls and start dancing. The show is definitely unique. And if you don’t mind an anime handling mature themes in a rather experimental way, you’re bound to love Devilman: Crybaby.
3. A Place Further Than The Universe
I’ve mentioned beautiful landscapes quite a few times in this article. But A Place Further Than The Universe just takes the cake for me in this department. It’s all about a grand adventure to the end of the Earth, and its adorable cast faces all kinds of terrain. The only thing consistent throughout the show is the sense of adventure, of discovery, and of fun. This is the type of show that has such an infectious charm that it can pull you out of the biggest slumps in your life.
2. Land of the Lustrous
Anime that relies on CGI has been criticized for years (I’m looking at you Overlord and Berserk). However, this was the show that proved that there’s a future in CGI anime. The show is stunning, to say the least, as the very characters we follow are not made of flesh and bone… but of crystals that can shatter into a million pieces. This may sound like an arbitrary detail. But trust me, when you see it for yourself you’ll realize how terrifyingly beautiful this anime looks. You could even say that this show was quite the gem! Sorry I couldn’t help myself.
1. The Tatami Galaxy
Now this show is equal parts soft and soothing, as well as fast and confusing. That even rhymes so it must be true. The art style of the show is instantly recognizable and its usage of color alone will make you feel like you’re going through a transcendent experience, while on the other side the dialogue is definitely not beginner friendly. The show tends to keep up a fast pace. And their approach to visual story telling can change from episode to episode, always keeping you on your toes. So if you don’t mind the fast subtitles, this will probably be the most unique and intriguing anime you’ve ever watched.
