For decades, Toei Animation has been a leading force in theanimeindustry. Founded in 1948, the studio’s enduring legacy continues to thrive today. It brings to lifestories that have shaped generations of anime fans. With an extensive catalog reflecting its long history, Toei Animation has captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences around the world.
The studio’s distinctive animation style, memorable characters, and visual appeal have significantly impacted the Japanese and global entertainment industries. Many of its productions have become defining stories with large and loyal fan bases. Some of its best-known series continue to thrive even decades after their debut, and many of Toei Animation’s works are widely celebrated.
10The Kindaichi Case Files
Based on the Light Novels and Manga by Seimaru Amagi
The Kindaichi Case Filesis a popular mystery animethat follows teenage detective Hajime Kindaichi as he solves complex cases filled with twists and intrigue. The series debuted in the 90s butstill remains a defining title among mystery anime today. Every episode is generally self-contained, and each mystery is constructed with meticulous detail, challenging the audience with clever puzzles and red herrings.
Toei Animation brought the dark themes of the original manga to life with a visual style that emphasized realism over exaggeration. This allowed the series to focus on logic-driven storytelling and made itstand out compared to the many action-packed titles of the time. The success ofThe Kindaichi Case Fileshelped introduce detective fiction to a larger audience in anime, effectively paving the way for future series to explore similar themes.
World Triggerwas a popular science fiction action anime that aired in 2014. The series is set in a world that has been invaded by interdimensional beings called Neighbors and focuses on an organization known as Border, whichprotects humanity using advanced technology. The series employs teamwork, tactics, and resourcefulness, giving the conflicts an edge that makes it stand out compared to similar titles.
The anime lasted three seasons and introduced a memorable cast that is unlike ordinary protagonists. Standing out as the main character,Yuma Kuga is level-headed and always alert, rather than loud and flashy.World Triggerstruck a chord with audiences over the course of its run and was a breath of fresh air for many fans.
Lovely Complexis set in Osaka and follows the unusually tall Risa Koizumi and the notably short Atsushi Otani. It’s aromantic comedy in which the height difference between the two serves as the hookas they navigate their insecurities and a slowly evolving relationship. The series is a gem because it balances humor with emotional sincerity and effectively captures the awkwardness of teenage love.
The dynamic betweenRisa and Atsushi feels natural and never forced, enhanced by a strong supporting cast.Lovely Complexaddresses self-acceptance and body image issues without losing its playful charm. The series is easily one of Toei’s best choices when it comes to romance anime.
Slam Dunkis widely regarded asToei Animation’s most popular sports anime. The series follows the rebellious Hanamichi Sakuragi and his introduction to basketball. Initially joining the team to impress his crush, Haruko Akagi, Hanamichi grows to love the game despite not being very skilled at first. What started out as an opportunity to impress his love interestgrew into a story about personal growth and teamwork.
Toei’s adaptation brought the fast-paced story to life with memorable stylistic flourishes and strong animation. The series is known for itsblend of humor and intensity as the team aims to achieve their goals. Even decades later,Slam Dunkcontinues to be celebrated and even receiveda new movie in 2022, 26 years after the end of the anime series.
Fist of the North Staris one of thepillars of Toei Animation’s legacy. It is set in a post-apocalyptic world infused with martial arts. The story unfolds ina desolate wasteland devastated by nuclear war. Focusing on Kenshiro, the storyline is gritty and filled with memorable villains.
Kenshiro is accompanied by a boy named Bat and a girl named Lin as he embarks on a quest to rescue his fiancée, Yuria, who has been taken by his nemesis, Shin. Toei Animation brought the series to life with heavy line work and exaggerated physiques thatadded to the memorability of each character. With unforgettable catchphrases and epic battles,Fist of the North Starstands as a classic icon.
Mononokeis one of Toei Animation’s mostvisually daring and artistically ambitious works. Fans have praised the series for its hyper-colorful style and supernatural, unconventional storytelling. The visual approach, paired with the sound design, creates an unforgettable, otherworldly atmosphere that keeps fans hooked.
Mononokefollows a character simply known as the “Medicine Seller” as he travels across Japan toexorcise evil spirits known as Mononoke. The series dives into their origins, emotions, and the tragedies tied to their beings. Its narrative draws on Japanese folklore while also embracing themes of morality and the nature of good and evil.
The originalDragon Ballseriesset the foundation for what would become one of the most iconic and well-known anime franchisesof all time.Following Goku’s earliest adventures, the series mixes martial arts with comedy and fantasy as Goku searches for the Dragon Balls and trains to become stronger. Along his journey, he meets beloved characters like Bulma, Master Roshi, Krillin, Yamcha, and many others.
Dragon Ballfocused on Goku’s evolution from a young boy in the mountains to a powerful fighter.Goku’s growth throughout the series is fun and unforgettable, offering a perfect balance of heartfelt moments and laugh-out-loud comedy. The original series had a special charm in comparison to the future of the series and remains a cherished show that set the stage for countless spin-offs and sequels.
Sailor Moon
Sailor Moonis another of Toei Animation’s most influential and beloved seriesand iscredited for popularizing the magical girl genre worldwide. The story follows Usagi Tsukino, an ordinary schoolgirl who transforms into Sailor Moon to fight evil and protect the world from dark forces. Alongside her fellow Sailor Guardians, Usagi fights for love and for justice as she discovers the importance of friendship, love, and self-discovery.
What setsSailor Moonapart from other series is its ability to bring lighthearted comedy into storylines with deep emotional depth and epic narratives. Beyond that,it gave young girls a team of strong, relatable heroines while still appealing to a broader audiencethrough its action-packed battles and romantic subplots. The series is a cultural icon and has influenced fashion, media, and even the global perception of anime.
One Piece
One PieceisToei Animation’s longest-running seriesand stands among its most iconic. The storyline follows Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat crew as they search for the legendary treasure, the One Piece, left behind by Pirate King Gol D. Roger. The series has aired for decades, with more to come, andhas effectively captured the hearts of fans worldwidewith its grand adventure.
The series mixes emotional storylines with joyful comedy that balances out the intense stakes throughout the series.One Pieceexplores themes of freedom, dreams, and friendships, allowing it to resonate strongly with its fans.It has become a cornerstone of modern animeand inspired generations of fans and creators alike, cementing its place alongside the very best.
Dragon Ball Zis one of themost iconic and influential anime seriesof all time, uplifting Akira Toriyama’s universe to global stardom. Picking up where the originalDragon Ballleft off, the series follows Goku as he defends the Earth against even more powerful enemies like Vegeta and Cell. Its intense battles and unforgettable transformationsset the standard for what can be expected from the shonen genre.
What madeDragon Ball Zlegendary is the high-stakes combat and eye-catching action sequences. Themes of self-perseverance, improvement, and protecting loved ones resonated with many fans across the globe. Signature moments like the first Super Saiyan transformationbecame cultural milestones, even decades after its original run.Dragon Ball Zremains a popular series with a storyline that is still growing.
