10 Best Madhouse Anime No Fan Should Ever Miss

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Discovering a hidden gem in the world of animation? Look no further than Madhouse Studios! From heartwarming tales like “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” to edge-of-your-seat thrillers such as “Death Note,” their diverse catalog is sure to captivate you.

As an anime enthusiast, you might not know it, but Madhouse has left its unique touch on many of your beloved animated works. They even collaborated with Studio Ghibli on iconic movies like “My Neighbor Totoro,” “Spirited Away,” and “Howl’s Moving Castle.” Their creativity extends to Adult Swim’s adaptation of “The Boondocks” as well!

Founded by animators Masao Maruyama, Osamu Dezaki, and Yoshiaki Kawajiri in 1972, Madhouse has spent decades crafting masterpieces that resonate with audiences worldwide. From the action-packed “One Punch Man” to the emotional depths of “Chihayafuru,” their films span a wide spectrum of genres and styles. So, next time you watch an amazing animated series or movie, remember – Madhouse Studios might just be behind it all!

In the realm of animation, Madhouse has earned a reputation second to none, with their series and films consistently receiving top honors. To name a few, they’ve garnered two Japan Academy Prizes, two Gertie Awards, six Mainichi Film Awards, three Ōfuji Noburō Awards, three Animation Grand Awards, two Tokyo Anime Awards for Animation of the Year, and five Animation Kobe Feature Film Awards. The challenge lies in determining which among their masterpieces are truly the studio’s finest. Despite this, I’m thrilled to share some of my personal picks from their outstanding collection – ones no fan should pass up!

1) Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

In comparison to most people, Frieren’s lifespan of over a thousand years makes ten years seem insignificant, like a single drop in the ocean. After a decade-long quest to vanquish the Demon King and then returning to her endless pastime of roaming to gather spells, she finds herself outliving two of her old comrades. This realization strikes her that she had underestimated and neglected the significance of their bonds and shared memories. Consequently, Frieren decides to venture beyond the completion of her task, seeking to deepen relationships with others and endeavoring to forge a deeper understanding of personal connections.

In terms of its stunning animation, enchanting soundtrack, and deeply developed characters that viewers grow attached to throughout their adventure, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End stands not only as one of Madhouse’s greatest masterpieces but also among the most acclaimed anime productions ever made.

You can watch the series “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, or Crunchyroll, depending on the availability in your region.

2) Monster

In this scenario, Dr. Kenzou Tenma, a well-known neurosurgeon, encounters a moral predicament when he must decide between saving a child’s life or carrying out surgery on the town mayor as ordered. Remarkably, Tenma manages to save Johan Liebert, the young boy. However, his noble actions lead to unfortunate repercussions. In the years that follow, Tenma loses his job and his fiancée, and there are unexplained deaths occurring around him, causing suspicion to fall on him. This compels Tenma to confront the ramifications of his decisions and grapple with the monster he inadvertently allowed to exist.

For a captivating mystery marathon, embarking on Tenma’s prolonged expedition across 74 enthralling episodes filled with psychological intrigue and moral dilemmas is a timeless masterpiece by Madhouse.

Monster can be streamed on Netflix.

3) Death Note

In search of excitement, Ryuk, who finds the Shinigami Realm monotonous, decides to spice up his eternal existence by dropping his Death Note into the human world. It’s a curious 17-year-old student named Light Yagami who discovers this notebook. Wondering if the chilling practice of writing names to cause deaths is a clever trick, Light decides to test it out by eliminating a criminal’s name, unwittingly committing his first murder. Using the pseudonym “Kira,” Light rationalizes his continued use of the Death Note by targeting individuals he believes are wicked. However, as Kira gains recognition for his murderous actions, the enigmatic detective L, renowned for his intellectual prowess, becomes obsessed with tracking down this elusive serial killer, leading to a game of cat and mouse between the two brilliant minds.

The popular and cherished anime titled “Death Note” produced by Madhouse is often considered an introduction to more mature anime for those growing up, becoming quite iconic in the process. It’s frequently cited in various forms of media, recognized as a widely known anime across different genres.

Death Note can be streamed on Netflix, Prime, Hulu, Peacock, Pluto, or Tubi where available.

4) Sonny Boy

Despite the oddity of 36 students and their school ending up in a dimension resembling a void, things get even more peculiar when certain students manifest supernatural powers. The student council’s efforts to establish order are met with resistance as those with special abilities begin to challenge the only authority they know – the student council. As conflict arises, the group eventually uncovers the rules essential for surviving in this strange world. Then, after one student makes a daring move and the school once more travels between dimensions, they realize that each realm presents its own unique obstacles which they must figure out to find their way back home.

If you’re searching for an underestimated, mysterious anime that’s not typically on everyone’s radar, then give Sonny Boy a try. Although it may not be as famous as some other productions from Madhouse, this series is a hidden gem for those who enjoy exploring a peculiar new world with a group of intriguing characters, and together, unravel the mysteries that lie within.

Sonny Boy can be streamed on Crunchyroll or Hulu where available.

5) Death Parade

In a twist from the typical belief that individuals go straight to either Heaven or Hell upon death, a select group of duos encounter a temporary stop at Quindecim – a bar-like purgatory. This establishment is overseen by a mysterious figure named Decim, who serves both as bartender and judge. It’s his responsibility to evaluate the deceased mortals and decide their future destinies through various games such as darts, bowling, or video games. The outcome of these contests determines whether an individual will be reborn or sent into oblivion. Not only are the participants’ souls at stake during these trials, but also their true characters are unveiled in these enlightening, potentially lethal assessments.

From my perspective, it’s not the concept of death and its potential judgement that instills the most fear, but rather the reactions and beliefs of people themselves. In the realm of 2015’s captivating anime landscape, Madhouse’s “Death Parade” stood out as one of the finest productions.

Death Parade can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

6) My Love Story!!

In a nutshell, Takeo Gouda, a tall and somewhat imposing yet kind-hearted and innocent high school freshman, has a reputation among his male peers for bravery and knightly behavior, but he’s not exactly a hit with the ladies. In contrast to his charming and handsome friend Makoto Sunakawa, who seems to have women falling for him left and right, Takeo can only fantasize about experiencing such luck. However, when he bravely rescues a cute girl from a pervert on the train, it’s clear that Takeo has fallen head over heels in love at first sight. Despite suspecting she might be more drawn to Sunakawa, Takeo vows to shield Rinko Yamato from harm, oblivious to the fact that her feelings are reciprocated.

However, when these two characters unite, their deep affection creates an extraordinarily heartwarming love story. Unlike many anime that focus on aesthetically pleasing protagonists, Madhouse challenges conventional shoujo stereotypes by showcasing a compassionate character who may not fit the typical definition of attractiveness in the spotlight with “My Love Story!!”.

My Love Story!! can be streamed on Crunchyroll and Hulu where available.

7) Paranoia Agent

In Musashino City, a boy shrouded in mystery, who goes by the name Lil’ Slugger, terrorizes the citizens using an extraordinary golden baseball bat. His intentions remain unclear and catching him proves to be an impossible task as he swiftly escapes on rollerblades. The first victim of these attacks was the timid character designer Tsukiko Sagi. Due to the nature of the crime, there are suspicions that she herself is behind it. However, Maromi, the anthropomorphic pink stuffed animal Sagi created, stands by her innocence. As detectives Keiichi Ikari and Mitsuhiro Maniwa delve into the Lil’ Slugger cases, fear and paranoia begin to take hold as whispers of the chilling incidents spread throughout the city.

If you’re in search of a chilling psychological thriller, “Paranoia Agent” could be just what you need! Although it leans more towards suspense, it’s a must-watch for fans craving a thought-provoking, puzzling mystery produced by Madhouse.

Paranoia Agent can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

8) Tokyo Godfathers

On a frosty Christmas night, Hana, Gin, and Miyuki – a makeshift group surviving on the streets – stumble upon an abandoned newborn while sifting through garbage. Renaming the baby Kiyoko and following Hana’s suggestion, they embark on a quest to locate the baby’s mother for answers. With only a puzzling key and a solitary message as their starting points, this small, makeshift family sets off in search of additional hints, getting entangled in a string of peculiar occurrences during their journey.

Studio Madhouse isn’t just famous for housing a collection of outstanding animated pieces, but also for producing what many consider one of the greatest Christmas films ever made. If you’re not already familiar with or haven’t watched “Tokyo Godfathers“, I strongly recommend adding this enchanting animated movie to your Christmas film lineup.

Tokyo Godfathers can be streamed on Tubi where available.

9) Paprika

While technicians Atsuko Chiba and Kosaku Tokita have designed a device called the DC Mini for exploring dreams with the potential to aid in treating psychological disorders, it’s only natural that such a powerful tool could have its downsides, especially if misused. Unfortunately, this is exactly what happens when the technology falls into the wrong hands. Given its ability to uncover individuals’ deepest emotions, ambitions, and hidden memories, people start exhibiting bizarre behavior and experiencing mental collapse due to the theft of the device and the ensuing psychological terrorism. With the assistance of a patient, Officer Konakawa, who underwent the experimental treatment, Atsuko and Kosaku work to recover the stolen DC Mini and halt the mental assaults.

Paprika offers an intriguing exploration of psychological sci-fi mystery by Madhouse, with its portrayal of technology capable of delving into dreams and mental realms. On one hand, this innovation could bring about amusement and advantages; on the other, it appears equally daunting due to the turmoil that such exploration may unleash.

Paprika can be streamed on Tubi where available.

10) The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

During her final year in high school, Makoto Konno spends most of her days grappling with schoolwork and laughing it up with friends, all the while uncertain about how to map out an uncertain future that her family and educators are encouraging her to consider. However, one day, Makoto stumbles upon the ability to physically jump through time. Initially, she sees this new skill as a convenient way to dodge everyday hassles and as a source of amusement. Yet, she quickly learns that time doesn’t pause for anyone, and every action holds weight and consequences.

If you’re a connoisseur of Studio Ghibli’s artistic creations, you might find yourself captivated by Madhouse’s latest offering. Given Mamoru Hosoda’s exceptional portfolio, Madhouse breathes life into “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time” in a way that rivals some of the best works from Studio Ghibli.

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2025-07-16 19:15