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Discover the 8 most popular Studio Madhouse anime that everyone should watch. Explore what makes each series so good.
Studio Madhouse, considered by many to be the greatest studio in the anime industry, has been a powerhouse for several decades. Originally established in 1972, the group has delivered iconic and highly rated titles that have captivated entire generations of fans.
Their projects are notable for their distinctive style, stunning animation, and bold storytelling. Due to this, enthusiasts worldwide may be looking for a way to get into the studio’s most beloved works.
Hence, here are the 8 most popular Studio Madhouse anime everyone has to watch at least once.
1) Death Note
Death Note is a name that needs no introduction. Having been the first anime of most anime fans, it offers a seamless transition from other forms of media through its intense plot and memorable characters.
The series follows Light Yagami, a genius who happens upon a mysterious notebook called the Death Note. He soon finds that this book allows him to kill anyone whose names he writes in it, with a set of pre-existing conditions.
With these abilities, Light doesn’t cower but becomes burdened with purpose. He decides to create a new world where he reigns as a god, having killed all criminals. However, his goal is far from easy, as several police agencies and the acclaimed Detective L are hot on his heels.
Death Note is an exhilarating psychological thriller that keeps you at the edge of your seat from start to end. The cat-and-mouse game between Light and L is thoroughly entertaining, elevated by the visuals, voice acting, and music. This makes it an experience you won’t forget any time soon.
2) Hunter x Hunter
As one of the most influential shonen anime of all time, Hunter x Hunter is a masterpiece in every sense of the word. Initially adapted in 1999 by Nippon Animation, the story reached the heights of its popularity through its remake by Studio Madhouse.
Hunter x Hunter is set in a world where powerful explorers known as hunters travel to dangerous locations in search of adventure, glory, and riches. The protagonist, Gon, is a bright young boy who wishes to enter this profession and follow in the footsteps of his absent father.
Along the way, Gon befriends Killua, Leorio, and Kurapika, forming an adorable bond. What starts off as an adventure to satisfy his curiosities soon becomes something more. Gon gains immense strength but also discovers the dark corners of the world. This puts him into mental turmoil, giving rise to several questions regarding morality and humanity.
Hunter x Hunter is an iconic series that has a foot inside every theme and genre. It has comedy, action, emotionally charged moments, and much more. The protagonists, antagonists, and side characters are all unique in their own ways. Studio Madhouse’s signature attention to detail, pacing, and animation help highlight these elements.
3) Monster
Monster, though having formed a cult following over the years, is still an anime that deserves much more appreciation. This psychological thriller follows Dr. Tenma, a talented doctor with a high standard of ethics.
His life is completely overturned when he saves a young boy named Johan, only to discover several years later that the boy is a serial killer. Making things worse, Johan had killed targets specifically based on Tenma’s wishes.
Wracked with guilt, Tenma decides to undo his mistake. He chases Johan across the globe, discovering the antagonist’s darkness and his nature as a harbinger of chaos. Monster is an intense and suspenseful series with deep philosophical themes.
It is a slow-burn narrative that makes us dive deep into the psyches of its characters. This makes for an engaging watch, showcasing Madhouse’s ability to create gripping and intellectually stimulating stories.
4) Hajime no Ippo
Hajime no Ippo is a must-watch series for sports fans, being an inspiring and exciting story surrounding boxing. It revolves around Ippo, a boy who faces constant bullying due to his timid nature.
When being beaten down one time, he is saved by Takamura, a dominant boxer. Wishing to make a change, Ippo follows him to his gym, where many others are pouring blood, sweat, and tears into their sport. Motivated to gain confidence and strength, Ippo begins his journey towards reaching the pinnacle of boxing.
Hajime no Ippo is an electrifying and motivational tale where every match feels deeply personal. The dynamic animation perfectly captures boxing’s intensity, while the storyline features moving character development. This will make it appeal to both boxing fans and anime fans hoping to get into boxing.
5) Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
As the highest-rated anime of all time on MyAnimeList, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has been a viral topic of discussion in recent years. This masterfully written series follows Frieren, an elf who is not in tune with her emotions due to her long lifespan.
However, after travelling with human companions to defeat the Demon King, she grows close to them. Unfortunately, she doesn’t realize this till the death of the hero Himmel, an impactful figure in her life. Wishing to make amends for her regrets, Frieren sets off on another journey to explore her emotions and create valuable bonds.
Unlike typical action-packed stories, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a relaxing slice-of-life anime with a hint of melancholy. It focuses on themes of time, loss, and mortality. At the same time, it does have its fair share of magic-infused battles, featuring spectacular fights against demons.
Studio Madhouse’s ability to deliver visuals and sound design fitting the various genres of Frieren has helped the series accrue the reputation it has today.
6) One Punch Man
Although Studio Madhouse only adapts the first season of the One Punch Man anime, fans consider it to be the best of the series. The story follows Saitama, the titular protagonist, who is able to defeat all his opponents with just one punch.
Regrettably, this fills him with boredom and existential frustration. However, the cyborg Genos brings new light into Saitama’s life. Considering him to be his mentor, Genos convinces Saitama to become an official hero, where he would face several powerful villains.
This sets off the journey of our memorable duo, filled with laughs, emotional bonding, and enjoyable fights. Studio Madhouse perfectly fits the “half-joking, half-serious” themes of One Punch Man. They help make the comedy more hilarious while presenting fluid and high-quality fights between characters. This has made One Punch Man an essential watch for anime and superhero fans.
7) Parasyte: The Maxim
Parasyte: The Maxim is a retelling of the Parasyte manga made by the great Hitoshi Iwaaki. It sets the tale in a more modern setting while preserving everything that makes the source material special.
Parasyte: The Maxim is set in a world threatened by alien creatures known as parasites. These beings take over humans, controlling their bodies and blending into society. The protagonist Shinichi’s life drastically changes when a parasite fails to take control of his body. Rather, it settles in his right arm, making them share a form.
While initially repulsed by this creature, Shinichi soon comes to learn more about it. He works with it to fight against dangerous enemies to humanity. At the same time, Shinichi also discovers how the parasites are far from evil and are not too different from humans.
This leads to an engrossing mix of action and philosophical themes. Parasyte: The Maxim is also mainly known for its body horror, enhanced by Madhouse’s visuals and sound design. This helps create a gripping and thought-provoking experience.
8) Beck
Beck may be the least-known title on this list, but it is a revolutionary music anime. The series follows Koyuki, a normal young boy who spends his days whiling away. However, this changes when he runs into Ray, a guitarist and talented rock musician.
As Koyuki spends more time with him, he is entranced by the world of music, wishing to join Ray’s band. Hence, the series follows Koyuki’s arduous efforts to learn music from scratch, highlighting his relentless passion.
Beck presents a realistic view of all the highs and lows of being a musician. It intricately covers rock music, featuring melodic tunes and a memorable cast. This makes it a compelling music-driven narrative worth watching.
While the series only has one season with no continuation, it perfectly displays Studio Madhouse’s ability to do justice to a variety of source materials.
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