Which is your most beloved anime series of all time? Doesn’t matter what genre you watch, if you’ll look around in your watchlist you’ll find that quite a bunch of shows from different genres belong to the same animation studio which is, Madhouse. Being one of the oldest production houses, the studio has been involved in several shows but do you know what are some of the best anime by Madhouse?

Before moving on to the main topic let’s first take a look at the studio’s history. In 1972, ex–Mushi Pro animators Masao Maruyama, Osamu Dezaki, Rintaro and Yoshiaki Kawajiri established a new animation studio named Madhouse. The studio released its first TV anime series in 1973 titled “Ace o Nerae!” and since then, it has never looked back.

In the anime industry, Studio Madhouse is known for its splendidly versatile works with a great sense of direction that is something seen as very rare. They’ve made every type of anime out there that fits in with several genres and the audiences that enjoy them. And, in today’s article, we’ll take a look at some of the best works of anime by Madhouse. So, without any further ado let’s get started.

10. Ace of Diamond

Ace of Diamond should be a must-watch anime on your list if you’re a sports enthusiast. It is a baseball-themed manga series written and illustrated by Yuji Terajima. This series portrays the life of a Baseball player and his utter determination to accomplish the goal of working alongside his fellow teammates.

The story follows the journey of Eijun Sawamura, a pitcher who joins an elite school with a brilliant catcher named Kazuya Miyuki. Through hard work and determination, the Seidou baseball team aims to become the best in Japan, facing off against a number of formidable foes that stand in their way.

9. Overlord

Isekai anime with an overpowered main character is the most common thing you can come around as a fan of this genre. Overlord is another such “virtual world” anime based on the role-playing game that stars Ainz Ooal Gown, a powerful, guild-leading wizard. The anime is set in the year 2138 when virtual reality gaming is at its peak. In the vast virtual world of online games, one day a very popular game titled ‘Yggdrasil’ is quietly shut down.

However, one player named Momonga decides to not log out even in the last few moments and soon he gets transformed into a virtual character. Having no parents or friends in real life, Momonga strives to take over the new world the game has developed in front of him. Unlike other action-packed anime, Overlord showcases Momonga’s unique abilities amid his newfound and often hilariously tedious adventures in the MMORPG.

8. Black Lagoon

Black Lagoon is a crime-thriller anime series that follows the Lagoon Company, a four-member team of pirate mercenaries smuggling goods in and around the seas of Southeast Asia. The group takes on various jobs, usually involving criminal organizations and resulting in violent gunfights. Do you know who leads this badass group?

The answer is Revy, a Chinese-American woman who is lovingly nicknamed “Two Hands” for her ability to wield two guns. She serves as the main protagonist of the series and is capable enough to kick anyone’s butt. And, in Black Lagoon, there’s no shortage of such strong and capable female characters. This anime is a refreshing action series where women dominate the battlefields.

7. No Game No Life

No Game No Life follows the story of duo sibling gamers, Sora and Shiro, who become insanely popular in the gaming community because of their extraordinary gaming skills. After seeing their rising popularity, a god from another world challenges them for a Chess match which the siblings accept and later on beat him as well. Being impressed by their talent, the god summons them into his world, Disboard.

As soon as entering his world, Sora & Shiro realise that it is a real-life gaming world where stealing, war, and killing are forbidden, and all matters are decided through games, including national borders and even people’s lives. Intent on maintaining their reputation as the undefeated gamers, Sora and Shiro plan to conquer the sixteen ruling species and usurp the god of games.

6. Hajime no Ippo

Hajime no Ippo is another vintage sports anime by Madhouse based on the original manga series by George Morikawa. The series is centred on boxing and follows the life of a high school student, Ippo Makunoichi. Being sick of bullying and oppression by his classmates daily, one day Ippo encounters an up-and-coming boxer named Mamoru Takamura who turns his life upside-down just after the first meeting.

Following brief training under Takamura, Ippo impresses the other boxers in a practice match against prodigy Ichirou Miyata. As Ippo takes the first steps in his official boxing career, he faces off against a series of challenging opponents, each more powerful than the last. Victory, loss, and a cycle of dedicated training await Ippo on his journey to achieve greatness. With his tough body and unstoppable fighting spirit, the kind young man seeks to take on the world.

5. Monster

Monster is arguably the best crime-thriller psychological anime series fans ever got to know. Hailed for the suspense-filled story & unexpected turn of events, Monster is a series which can give you chills anytime. The series author, Naoki Urasawa has done the portrayal of each character beautifully which is why it’s also the highest-rated manga on MAL.

Monster is a story about a Japanese brain surgeon, Kenzo Tenma whose life turns upside down when he gets involved with one of his former patients who is revealed to be a dangerous serial killer now. Consisting of stirring 74 episodes, the series received a lot of positive reviews for its intense storyline and in-depth illustration of the characters. Thanks to the efforts of Madhouse for making this anime a piece of artwork.

4. One Punch Man

Action-comedy anime series One Punch Man debuted in 2015 and the exciting thing about the series was even after having some intense action-packed fights and an overpowered protagonist the show somehow turned out to be very hilarious for the fans. However, Madhouse worked only on the first season as J.C. Staff took over from the second season which later received middling reviews.

From the same creator as that of Mob Psycho 100, One Punch Man tells the story of Saitama, a superhero who can defeat any opponent with a single punch but seeks to find a worthy opponent after growing bored by a lack of challenge due to his overwhelming strength. In hopes of it, he joins a hero agency and tags along with his first pupil, Genos who helps his master in finding a worthy contender.

3. Parasyte: The Maxim

The popular seinen anime by Madhouse Studios, Parasyte: The Maxim is well-known for its body horror theme and sci-fi elements. Parasyte is dark from the beginning and features a great number of gore scenes that can be disturbing for anyone. The original manga was initially published in the early 90s and it’s one of the few anime that are banned in China for the public.

Produced by Madhouse, Parasyte is a story of a 17-year-old Shinichi Izumi who is partially infected by a space Parasyte that butchers and consumes humans. In order to survive, he must learn to co-exist with the creature and live the life of both a Parasyte and a human. Plus point of Parasyte is that it never downgrades because of its storyline, in fact, it evolves further with more intense and horror moments.

2. Hunter × Hunter

Hunter × Hunter is a popular manga series written by Yoshihiro Togashi which received an anime adaptation in 1999 however, the most talked about was the 2011 sequel produced by Madhouse. Instead of continuing the series, Madhouse adapted the story from the beginning of the manga in an attempt to adapt it more accurately and they succeeded in it very well.

The 2011 sequel is still one of the best shōnen series in the history of anime as it set standards for other anime as well. It made such a huge impact on fans that they can never forget this series, even if they try to. The incredible direction and storytelling by Madhouse made this series what it deserved to be. And, as Hunter x Hunter is returning maybe we’ll someday see the studio in action again.

Hunter × Hunter follows Gon Freecss who discovers that his father, who left him at a young age, is actually a world-renowned Hunter, a licensed professional who specializes in fantastical pursuits. After knowing the truth, Gon departs on a journey to become a Hunter and eventually find his father. Along the way, Gon meets various other Hunters and encounters the paranormal.

1. Death Note

One of the most popular crime thriller anime Death Note is a top-tier show. There will not be a single fan who would have disliked this series. And, once you start this anime then leaving it in the middle is almost impossible! What makes this series so special? Well, the appealing storytelling by the pair of Tsugumi Ohba & Takeshi Obata and, also the perfect implementation of Madhouse.

Death Note follows the fascinating story of a high school student Light Yagami who gets his hand on a notebook that grants him the power to eliminate anyone. Aware of the terrifying godlike power that has fallen into his hands, Light – under the alias “Kira” – follows his wicked sense of justice with the ultimate goal of cleansing the world of all evil-doers. However, mastermind detective L is already on his trail, but as Light’s brilliance rivals L’s, the grand chase for Kira turns into an intense battle of wits that can only end when one of them is dead.

Which one of the following anime by Madhouse is your favorite? Feel free to comment down your thoughts and make sure to recommend some other anime like the ones listed above, also don’t forget to share this article with your fellow otaku friends.

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