A-1 Pictures is a Japanese animation studio that’s been around since 2005, and in that time, it’s built up an impressive catalog of anime series, movies, and OVAs. While it might not always get the same spotlight as big names like MAPPA, Toei Animation, or Ufotable, A-1 Pictures has earned a solid reputation for delivering high-quality productions across a wide range of genres.
Not every show they’ve worked on is a runaway hit, but the studio has produced plenty of standout titles that have resonated with fans. Their projects often appeal to younger audiences, but they’re not afraid to explore deeper, darker themes when the story calls for it. From exciting shonen adventures and emotional romances to futuristic mech battles, A-1 Pictures knows how to bring a story to life with style and substance.
Most of their work is based on existing manga or light novels, but they’ve also dipped into original storytelling—and with great success. Whether you’re into action, drama, sci-fi, or slice-of-life, there’s a good chance A-1 Pictures has something that’ll catch your interest.
10. Magi: The Kingdom of Magic
Disguising his true identity with a charm that conceals his powers as a Magi, Aladdin arrives in Magnostadt to pursue his studies in magic. But his journey isn’t just about learning—he’s also on a secret mission to uncover the nation’s ties to Al-Thamen, the mysterious force behind the world’s growing abnormalities.
While training at the prestigious magic academy, Aladdin crosses paths with Titus Alexius, a gifted young magician from the Leam Empire who, intriguingly, carries a charm just like his. As their paths intertwine, a new adventure unfolds—one that holds the power to reshape the world as they know it.
While Magi: The Kingdom of Magic may rank at #10, it earns its spot thanks to a combination of bold world-building, rich Middle Eastern-inspired lore, and an overarching narrative filled with philosophical depth. What sets Magi apart is its seamless blend of classic shonen adventure with real-world political and ethical questions—like the abuse of power, imperialism, and the value of freedom. Aladdin, Alibaba, and Morgiana each go through meaningful growth, and the show doesn’t shy away from showing the darker side of change and revolution. Plus, the magic system is complex yet visually spectacular, giving the series a distinct flavor that separates it from standard fantasy fare.
9. Blue Exorcist
Assiah—the world of humans—and Gehenna—the world of demons—are two realms that should never cross paths. But when demons begin to manifest in the human world by possessing physical matter, the fragile boundary between the two starts to crumble. Standing against these intrusions are exorcists—humans trained to combat demonic forces.
Rin Okumura has always kept a dark secret: he’s the son of Satan. Determined to fight against his origins, he enrolls at True Cross Academy to become an exorcist. But after a chaotic encounter with the demon Amaimon, Rin’s true identity is exposed. His classmates, now aware of his demonic lineage and the ominous blue flames that tie him to Gehenna, begin to fear and avoid him.
As tensions rise, the academy is thrown into crisis when the powerful artifact known as the “Left Eye of the Impure King” is stolen. With danger looming and trust broken, Rin and his classmates face an uncertain future—one that could decide the fate of both worlds.
Blue Exorcist stands out not just for its action-packed battles with demons, but for the emotional story at its core. What really makes it special is Rin—he’s the son of Satan, but instead of embracing that darkness, he chooses to fight against it. That choice sets up a powerful story about identity, rejection, and what it really means to be “good.” Even as he struggles with his own powers, what hurts most is the way people pull away from him once they find out who he is. It’s heartbreaking, but also hopeful. On top of all that, the animation is beautiful, the world feels alive, and the emotional moments hit hard. Where some supernatural anime lean into style over substance, Blue Exorcist balances both, with a lot of heart at its center.
8. Mashle: Magic and Muscles
In a world where magic is everything—and everyone can use it—there’s one boy who stands out for all the wrong reasons.
Deep in a quiet forest, Mash Burnedead spends his days training his body to perfection, pumping iron instead of casting spells. His secret? He can’t use magic at all. But all Mash wants is to live a peaceful life with his adoptive father.
That peace doesn’t last long.
When his lack of magical ability puts a target on his back, Mash ends up enrolling in a prestigious magic academy. His goal? To rise through the ranks and become a “Divine Visionary”—one of the most elite magic users in the world. The catch? He plans to do it without a single spell.
Armed with absurd physical strength and zero magic, Mash is about to shake up the world of wizards. Let the chaos begin in this hilarious, muscle-powered twist on the magical school genre!
Mashle: Magic and Muscles might be sitting at the bottom of this list, but don’t let that fool you—it’s still a seriously fun watch. There’s something endlessly entertaining about seeing Mash rely on nothing but pure muscle to hold his own in a world where magic reigns supreme. Usually, in stories like this, the overpowered main character is a magical prodigy—but not here. Mashle flips that trope on its head in the best way possible, offering a fresh, hilarious twist on the magic school genre. And with his deadpan attitude and ridiculous strength, Mash makes for a surprisingly lovable lead you can’t help but root for.
7. Erased
Satoru Fujinuma is a struggling manga artist trying to find his footing after a shaky debut. But creative frustration isn’t the only thing weighing on him—he’s also burdened by a mysterious ability that no one else knows about.
He calls it Revival.
Without warning, Satoru is pulled back in time—just moments before a life-threatening event occurs. He’s forced to relive those moments again and again until he somehow prevents the tragedy from happening, like the universe is compelling him to set things right.
But one day, something far more devastating happens… and everything changes.
Now, thrown back further than ever before, Satoru must confront the shadows of his childhood and unravel a mystery that’s haunted him for years. As buried truths come to light, the choices he makes could alter not only his future—but the lives of those he holds most dear.
ERASED quickly made a name for itself in the mystery genre, thanks to its gripping supernatural twist and compelling storytelling. From the very first episode, it pulls you in and keeps the suspense going, revealing just enough at the right moments to keep you guessing. What really sets it apart, though, is how it handles heavy topics like abuse with care—managing to explore them meaningfully without dragging the overall tone into something overwhelmingly bleak. In the end, ERASED stands out as one of the most memorable thriller anime out there, and it’s easy to see why it’s earned such high praise.
6. 86 Eighty-Six
They call them “Juggernauts”—unmanned combat drones built by the Republic of San Magnolia to counter the Empire of Giad’s relentless Legion machines. But the truth is far darker. These machines aren’t unmanned at all. Behind each one is an Eighty-Sixer, a young soldier stripped of their rights and humanity, forced to fight a war that the Republic refuses to acknowledge as their own.
Among them is Shin, the stoic and battle-hardened leader of the Spearhead Squadron. Haunted by loss and driven by a goal known only to him, he leads his fellow Eighty-Sixers into one brutal mission after another, knowing full well that the only reward waiting for them is death.
Then comes Lena—a brilliant, high-ranking officer from the Republic who is assigned as the squadron’s new Handler. Unlike her peers, Lena refuses to see the Eighty-Sixers as disposable tools. She speaks to them with respect, sees them as human—and begins to challenge the system from within.
A soldier forced to fight and a commander determined to change things. In a world torn apart by lies, prejudice, and endless war, their unlikely connection may be the only hope left for something better.
Much like heavyweights such as Attack on Titan, 86 Eighty-Six dives into a harsh, high-stakes world where survival is never a given. Its richly developed setting, layered story, and compelling characters all come together to create something truly exceptional. The show also shines on the production side, boasting stunning visuals and a powerful soundtrack that elevates every scene. More than just a standout mecha anime, 86 Eighty-Six is a beautifully crafted series that’s likely to resonate with fans across all genres.
5. The Seven Deadly Sins
When her family is unjustly arrested by the Holy Knights, Princess Elizabeth sets out on a desperate quest to find the only ones who might be able to help—a group of powerful, outlawed warriors known as the Seven Deadly Sins. But tracking down these legendary figures is no simple task.
Her search leads her to a humble tavern run by a cheeky, somewhat perverted barkeep… and a talking pig. But appearances can be deceiving—because the barkeep is none other than Meliodas, the Dragon Sin of Wrath himself.
With Meliodas by her side, Elizabeth begins her journey to reunite the rest of the Sins and uncover the truth behind the corruption within the kingdom. The adventure that follows is full of danger, secrets, and unlikely friendships—where nothing is quite what it seems.
The Seven Deadly Sins earns its top 5 placement not just because of its explosive battles and iconic character designs, but also because of its sheer rewatchability and fantasy worldbuilding. It takes high fantasy tropes—knights, demons, holy relics—and twists them with a tone that blends heartfelt emotion, dark secrets, and classic anime humor. Despite criticism for later seasons’ animation inconsistencies, the early arcs showcase some of A-1 Pictures’ best fight choreography and storytelling. The emotional bonds between the Sins, especially Meliodas and Elizabeth, help ground the series, making it more than just flashy action—it’s a story of redemption, loyalty, and legacy.
4. Fate/Apocrypha
The Black Faction has seized control of the Greater Grail, driven by their deepest desire—to break away from the Mage’s Association and declare their independence. In response, the Association assembles the Red Faction to stop them, setting the stage for a new kind of Holy Grail War.
In the city of Trifas, Romania, a massive conflict begins—one unlike any before. Known as the Great Holy Grail War, it pits two teams of Masters and their Heroic Spirits against each other, with a total of 14 Servants summoned by both sides. But this battle takes an unexpected turn under the guidance of Shirou Kotomine, a Master of Red and the Overseer of the war, who harbors a wish that could change the fate of humanity itself.
Amakusa Shirou Tokisada, also known as Shirou Kotomine—the so-called “Miracle Child”—seeks to use the Greater Grail to save all of humanity. Jeanne d’Arc, summoned as the impartial Ruler, is determined to maintain balance and order amidst the chaos. And then there’s Sieg—an ordinary homunculus who awakens a will of his own and takes up arms, bearing the power of the Dragonslayer within him.
Each of them carries a different hope, a different dream—and together, their intertwined fates form the story of Fate/Apocrypha.
The battles in this anime are not only beautifully choreographed but also packed with meaning, as each Heroic Spirit comes with their own distinct personality and a dream they’re fighting to achieve. Meanwhile, the human characters follow their own emotional journey, touching on deeper themes like the meaning of life. And honestly, where else are you going to see Dracula go toe-to-toe with legendary figures like Achilles, Atalanta, Karna, the Sun God, and Joan of Arc? It’s a wild, one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
3. Fairy Tail
Lucy Heartfilia is a spirited teenage girl with one goal in mind—to join the legendary Fairy Tail Guild, known for its powerful wizards and wild reputation. Her dream takes a surprising turn when she’s rescued by Natsu, a fiery and fearless mage who turns out to be a member of the very guild she’s been searching for.
After their fateful meeting, Natsu offers Lucy a chance to join Fairy Tail, and from there, their journey begins. Alongside new friends and fellow mages, they take on dangerous missions, face off against formidable foes, and dive headfirst into nonstop magical mayhem.
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure full of heart, humor, and high-stakes action in Fairy Tail!
Fairy Tail sticks closely to classic shonen tropes, blending fast-paced action with plenty of lighthearted, goofy moments. While some fans have pointed out that character development isn’t always the show’s strong suit, it still features standout characters like Lucy Heartfilia and Erza Scarlet—both strong, well-developed female leads who bring real depth to the story. The action scenes are dynamic and well-animated, and the series doesn’t shy away from delivering some genuinely emotional moments. While Fairy Tail has earned its place as a beloved staple in the anime world, it’s fair to say it’s not the absolute best that A-1 Pictures has to offer.
2. Kaguya-sama: Love Is War
Great family background? Check. Top grades? Check. Bright futures? Absolutely.
At the prestigious Shuchiin Academy, the student council is led by two of the school’s finest—Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane. Everyone assumes they’re the perfect couple. And honestly? They might be… if only one of them would just confess already.
The problem? They’re both way too proud to be the first to say “I love you.”
What follows is an all-out battle of brains and bluffing, as Kaguya and Miyuki engage in a hilarious war of wits, each trying to trick the other into admitting their feelings first. Love is a battlefield—and neither side plans to lose.
Get ready for a clever and chaotic romantic comedy where pride is the biggest obstacle to love.
Kaguya-sama: Love is War takes a fresh and clever spin on the typical lighthearted rom-com—one that usually entertains in the moment but doesn’t leave much of a lasting impression. Instead, this series stands out as a modern classic, using the best parts of the genre to deliver something truly memorable. At the heart of it is the hilarious mind game between Miyuki and Kaguya, but the show’s real strength is in its full cast of wonderfully chaotic, lovable characters. The sharp animation brings their antics to life with energy and flair, and the soundtrack is packed with some of the catchiest tunes in anime.
1. Solo Leveling
Solo Leveling is the latest standout from A-1 Pictures, and it’s already showing signs that it could go toe-to-toe with some of the all-time greats. If you’re a fan of power fantasy, you’re in for a treat—this series delivers breathtaking, high-energy fight scenes paired with genuinely exciting character growth. Even better, it stays incredibly faithful to the original source material, which longtime fans will definitely appreciate.
Set in a world where magical dungeons and deadly monsters randomly appear, some humans—known as Hunters—develop special abilities to fight back. Jin-Woo Sung is one of them, but he starts out as the weakest of the weak. During a mission gone horribly wrong, he’s killed inside a high-level dungeon… only to be given a second chance. This time, with the power to grow without limits. All he ever wanted was to take care of his sister—but instead, he finds himself caught in the middle of a larger, cosmic conflict that could change everything.
