10 Best Anime With the Most Unique Animation

The distinctive “anime aesthetic” is one of the most recognizable aspects of the beloved medium. Even if a casual fan might not be able to tell Rengoku apart from Gojo, they’d still recognize anime by looking at a screenshot from a typical series. Many anime creators experiment with and refine the style, incorporating nuanced details or boasting exceptional animation quality to set their shows apart. Occasionally, an anime might break away from tradition and adopt a fresh, imaginative, and original art style instead.

Let’s give a shout-out to some exceptional anime that stand out from the crowd. You won’t find series like “Solo Leveling” with its top-notch yet traditional fight sequences, or “Trigun Stampede,” which is one of the few anime that effectively utilize 3D animation. These ten unique anime are all gems in their own right, and a significant part of their charm lies in their distinctive art styles.

1) JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

There’s simply nothing else quite like ‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure,’ and that includes its distinctive art style. Because of its prominence in pop culture and the anime community, many viewers may overlook the art style of ‘JJBA.’ However, ‘JJBA’ stands out visually among other series.

1987 saw the birth of Hirohiko Araki’s unique masterpiece, “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure”. Unlike most anime that opt for soft curves and round shapes in character design, this series takes a bold step away from convention. Instead, it showcases characters with sharply defined features – every cheekbone, chest contour, jawline, and hairline is crisp and angular. The artistry possesses an almost block-like quality that sets it apart, leaving an indelible impression on viewers. While other series have attempted to mimic this style, none have quite managed to match the unparalleled finesse of “Jojo’s”.

2) Katanagatari

Katanagatari features a rather simple narrative, following the journey of a swordsman and a strategist in Edo-period Japan, as they search for 12 legendary swords. This series breathes life into the story with stunningly beautiful and somewhat exaggerated animation. The show originates from the light novels written by Nisio Isin, but it’s Take who gives Katanagatari its distinctive artistic flair.

In simpler terms, the animation style of Katanagatari seems to be a fusion of Japanese and Western art forms. The characters appear to have been influenced by traditional anime, but unique details such as their eye shapes, nose designs, and facial structures deviate from typical conventions. Furthermore, the vivid and colorful backdrops and landscapes are visually stunning, making them a spectacle on their own merit.

3) Ping Pong the Animation

The animation series Ping Pong the Animation is perhaps best recognized for its distinctive visual approach rather than its narrative. Originating from the manga Ping Pong penned by Taiyo Matsumoto, it chronicles the journey of two high school buddies participating in a table tennis competition. It encompasses all the hallmarks of an exceptional sports anime, but these aspects frequently take a backseat to its distinctive artistic style.

In my observation, the animation in “Ping Pong the Animation” carries an impressionistic flair. While the backdrops are meticulously rendered with a touch of realism, the characters stand out distinctly. They exhibit a highly stylized and hand-drawn appearance that amplifies the exaggerated dynamics of its sports sequences. A single glance at a screenshot from “Ping Pong” is enough to convey its singularity among series.

4) Devilman: Crybaby

Critics often level harsh remarks at Netflix’s anime productions for their repetitive and unimpressive looks, particularly towards shows like “Devil May Cry” and “Castlevania: Nocturne.” However, one of Netflix’s lesser-known series, “Devilman: Crybaby,” manages to address this concern remarkably well.

According to the manga series “Devilman” by Go Nagai, Netflix’s version delves deeply into the peculiarities and exaggerated aspects of the storyline. In its calmer scenes, “Devilman: Crybaby” appears fairly ordinary, though the characters may have a slightly peculiar appearance. However, during the action sequences, the series becomes quite intense, significantly amplifying the bizarre animation style to an extreme level.

5) XXXHolic

Its title might sound like something you’d find on the Ecchi section of HiDive, but XXXHolic is actually a vastly underrated anime that ran between 2006 and 2011. Based on the manga by Clamp, the series follows Kimihiro, a high schooler who can see spirits and monsters. When he makes a deal with Yuko, a witch, to remove his ability so he can live a normal life, it comes with a steep price.

One notable feature of XXXHolic stands out – its distinctive character designs. In contrast to the realistic backdrops, the characters are drawn elongated, pale, and possess a somewhat cartoonish quality. This captivating style, however, did not receive the attention it deserved in the 2022 live-action film adaptation.

6) Gankutsuou: The Count Of Monte Cristo

In a different phrase, one might say that the series titled Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo, crafted by Mahiro Maeda, is more acclaimed for its artistic style rather than its content. Remarkably, it presents a contrast between realism and surrealism; the character designs and outlines are grounded in reality but not excessively stylistic. However, the color palette bursts with vividness and texture.

The title character’s galaxy-hued hair and vibrant costume designs, combined with exceptional animation, all point to an abundance of creative liberty in this series. Produced by Studio Gonzo, The Count of Monte Cristo is a visual treat that should not be missed for its one-of-a-kind, stunning animation.

7) Afro Samurai

Afro Samurai tends to be eclipsed by Samurai Champloo and Black Lagoon, two shows frequently associated with it. However, beyond its thrilling plotline and spectacular action sequences, Afro Samurai boasts one of the most distinctive character designs among contemporary anime.

Takashi Okazaki developed this series, which seamlessly combines classic Japanese animation with references from American pop culture and a strong influence from hip hop music. The main character, Afro Samurai (dubbed by Samuel L. Jackson), bears a striking resemblance to the Blaxploitation films popular in the 1970s.

8) The Tale Of Princess Kaguya

It wasn’t explicitly stated that the anime had to be a TV series. Instead, we can consider “The Tale of Princess Kaguya,” released in 2013, as one of the most vivid and lively anime films from the modern era (notably, it’s also the most costly anime movie ever produced). The narrative revolves around a farmer and his wife who stumble upon a tiny girl inside a bamboo stalk. As she matures into a stunning young woman, five suitors are challenged to complete seemingly impossible tasks in order to win her affection.

The artistic style of Princess Kaguya, beautifully crafted for its enchanting theme, showcases a delicate balance between intricacy and simplicity. Animated by the legendary Studio Ghibli, the movie’s visuals are characterized by subtle linework and vibrant color choices. In this understated approach, it effectively emphasizes the vivid hues that captivate viewers.

9) Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash

Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash stands out among other isekai series not only for its intriguing plot but also for its stunning animation. The narrative revolves around a group of young individuals who find themselves in a fantastical realm, battling monsters much like other stories in the genre. However, these characters aren’t mighty warriors; their abilities are derived from their past lives, making even defeating a simple goblin an arduous task.

In stark contrast to its down-to-earth narrative, Grimgar boasts an enchanting and expressive visual style. While character designs are rather simple, the backdrop is exquisitely painted in watercolor. It’s a shame not all anime adopt this technique, but Grimgar’s breathtaking vistas make it worth watching regardless. The series’ captivating landscapes serve as an additional draw for viewers.

10) The Tatami Galaxy

If you haven’t experienced “The Tatami Galaxy” yet, give it a try! Even if you’ve already seen it and didn’t fully grasp its unique artistry, I encourage you to watch it again. The series’ artistic approach is similar to both “Ping Pong The Animation” and “The Count of Monte Cristo,” but with a distinctive twist: unlike those, “The Tatami Galaxy” consistently pushes the limits of its own animation in new and innovative ways.

Inspired by Science SARU, every episode in this show has an exclusive, extraordinary feel. In fact, each scene seems more captivating than the one before. This unique anime combines classic anime style with a contemporary pop art influence and bizarre character designs to produce a truly exceptional series.

Honorable Mention: Dandadan

As an ardent fan, I can’t deny that at times, the series “Dandadan” shares similarities with other anime during its more leisurely moments. Yet, what sets it apart is its audacious approach to shake up the norm and experiment with diverse art styles during its pulse-pounding action sequences. It’s these unique twists that make it a standout mention in the world of anime.

In each battle from the series Dandadan, there’s a distinct sense of uniqueness, largely attributed to the action sequences themselves. The Flatwoods Monster, Earthbound Spirit Crab, and Nessie, for instance, exhibit significantly varied tones and ambiances owing to their unique artistic designs.

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2025-07-21 22:11