A-1 Pictures has established itself as a prominent animation studio for its remarkable contributions to the anime medium. Over the years, the anime by A1 Pictures has left an indelible mark on the audience through its vibrant art style and well-knitted emotionally resonant stories.

From the virtual realms of “Sword Art Online” to the heartfelt drama of “Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day,” the studio has showcased its ability to convey powerful emotions across a wide range of genres. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best A1 Pictures anime. So, without any further ado, let’s get started.

10. Sword Art Online

Over the years, Sword Art Online has invested heavily in exploring the eleelementsments of virtual reality gaming through anime media. First evolved as a light novel, the series presents a string of various virtual reality MMORPG worlds set in motion with the story of young beta tester Kazuto “Kirito” Kirigaya.

After finding himself trapped in the game along with several other participants, Kirito vows to beat the game and free the other players. However, the only way to escape is to clear all 100 floors of Aincrad, the game’s tower. If they die in the game, they die in real life as well.

9. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day

Anohana is a tear-jerker and heartwarming story about a group of childhood friends who drift apart after the death of their friend, Meiko “Menma” Honma. Ten years later, the ghost of an older-looking Menma appears before the leader of the group, Jinta Yadomi.

She pesters him to fulfil an old wish reasoning that she cannot pass on into the afterlife until it is fulfilled. In an effort to settle Menma’s ghost, Jinta and his childhood friends reunite as they try to heal from the past and strengthen their friendship.

8. 86 Eighty-Six

Military sci-fi anime by A1 Pictures, 86 is a war drama set in a fictional world where the Republic of San Magnolia is at war with the Empire of Giad. While the Republic uses unmanned drones called “Legion” to fight the war, the Empire uses human soldiers.

The series follows Lena Milizé, a young woman who is the “Handler” for a military group called Eighty-Six. Handlers are responsible for remotely controlling the Legion drones, and Lena is determined to help the Eighty-Six win the war and achieve freedom.

7. Darling in the Franxx

Contrary to the idea of manga being adapted into anime, Darling in the Franxx is an original anime by A1 Pictures. The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic setting where children brought up to be soldiers have to pilot mecha robots, defending mobile cities that cling to survival.

Darling in the Franxx focuses on the partnership between Hiro, a former prodigy, and Zero Two, a hybrid human and elite pilot who aspires to become entirely human. While Zero Two is portrayed as a complex and enigmatic character, she serves as the strongest asset of the series.

6. Space Brothers

Space Brothers has been praised for its realistic depiction of the space program, and is considered “one of the most inspiring anime series ever made”. The story follows Mutta Nanba and Hibito Nanba, two brothers who grew together with the dream of becoming astronauts.

Now an adult, life hasn’t turned out how Mutta had pictured it, with Mutta works in an automotive company while Hibito on his way to be the first Japanese man to step on the Moon. The series sees Mutta as he attempts to reclaim lost time and realign himself towards achieving his childhood dream.

5. Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic

Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic takes inspiration from the popular folk tale “One Thousand and One Nights”. The story chronicles Aladdin, a young mage who wanders around the world with his friend and mentor Ugo – a jinn he summons using his flute.

Along the way, Aladdin meets Alibaba Saluja who dreams of conquering the dungeon of Balbadd. Together, they set out on an epic adventure to learn the true meaning of being a Magi while experiencing various irregularities that seem more frequent than ever.

4. Fairy Tail

Fairy Tail is one of the leading shonen titles to be adapted into anime by A1 Pictures. Set in a fantasy world of magic, the series chronicles Natsu Dragneel who is part of the most powerful mage guild “Fairy Tail”, as he searches the fictional world of Earth-land for the dragon Igneel.

Possessing supreme fire powers, Natsu often travels with celestial spirit user Lucy Heartfilia, ice wizard Gray Fullbuster, and swordswoman Erza Scarlet. Together they face many challenges, including dark wizards, dragons, and even gods.

3. Erased

Erased is a suspense thriller anime with 12 episodes in totality and features Satoru Fujinama, a 29-year-old delivery guy who has an ability that sends him back in time moments before a tragic incident is about to occur. With this ability, he prevents many accidents that could have been severe.

One day being accused of his mother’s murder, Satoru’s ability triggers again and sends him 18 years back in time. This time, he has the chance to prevent his mother’s murder besides, preventing a kidnapping case as well that took the lives of his three best friends in school days.

2. Kaguya-sama: Love Is War

High school romance anime with bits of drama and comedy is what makes a series stand out! Kaguya-sama does the same thing and in a much better way. The story follows Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane, the top students at Shuchiin Academy, a prestigious high school for the elite.

Although they are attracted to each other, they refuse to admit their feelings believing that the first person to confess will lose pride. Through a series of comedy of errors, both engage in elaborate mind games in an attempt to outwit each other.

1. Your Lie In April

Your Lie in April is a critically acclaimed high school romance anime by A1 Pictures about loss, love, and music. The series tells the story of a young piano prodigy named Kōsei Arima who falls into a state of depression after his mother’s demise and he never takes the stage thereafter.

His monochrome life turns upside down the day he encounters the eccentric violinist Kaori Miyazono, who thrusts Arima back into the spotlight as her accompanist. The two of them form a duo as Kaori tries to fill Arima’s world with color.

Which one of the following anime by A1 Pictures 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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