Bringing a story from the script to the screen is no small feat, especially in the world of anime. With unique storylines that exist anywhere from strange new lands to the most mundane Japanese households, the art and animation styles make a lot of difference to the story and how invested the audience can be. Some anime are so excellent at world-building that their signature art styles become instantly recognizable.

Update August 5, 2023: This article has been updated with even more visually stunning animes that are worth checking out.

Whether they are anime films or TV series, some are sure to leave a big impact in the world of animation. For instance, animated films from Studio Ghibli not only offer brilliant storylines, but also alluring animation as well. As a result, the unique flavor of these animes stand out from all others. From traditional Japanese art to cyberpunk goodness, here are the most visually stunning anime, ranked:

13 Fate/Zero (2011)

Adapted from Gen Urobuchi’s light novel and illustrated by Takashi Takeuchi, this anime is directed by Ei Aoki, and produced by Ufotable, famous for works like Demon Slayer and Garden of Sinners.

Fate/Zero follows the events of the Fourth Holy Grail War tournament, as the seven Masters compete against each other. The art style throughout the anime changes as the audience is introduced to the magical abilities of each new Servant. For example, a Victorian style for Saber, and a mix of Ottoman/Grecian art style for Rider. These stunning little details are what earn Fate/Zero immense praise within its own franchise and beyond.

12 Violet Evergarden (2018)

The anime Violet Evergarden is based on the novel by the talented illustrator Akiko Kakase and remarkable writer Kana Akatsuki. They created the foundation for this incredible anime, which was picked up by Kyoto Animation and turned into the series Violet Evergarden as well as two movies that followed.

The protagonist, Violet, is an ex-solider, who tries to find her purpose in a world after the war and struggles to understand emotions. The young girl has to cross some big hurdles, since she is used to being the weapon she was trained to be. Learning how to recover from her physical pain, and how to understand and handle her grief and loss of a beloved one, she dives into her new day-to-day life as a transcriber at a postal service.

The storyline is a heartfelt journey, gliding through a river of various emotions, which leaves an impact in every way possible. Encouraging conversations and sharing feelings before it is too late, the anime hits the right spot. It is not only the story behind it, which is marvelous, but especially the visuals that are captivating beyond imagination. Set in the Victorian era, Violet Evergarden uses eye-catching flowers to convey messages and includes vibrant colors in the backgrounds, which are always in line with the emotions that are portrayed.

11 Promare (2019)

Directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi, Promare is an anime film produced by Sanzigen Inc., famous for works like the BanG Dream! series, and The Heroic Legend of Arslan.

Promare is an action-packed, tightly-paced tale of mutants and supernatural beings at war. This is why its animation is equally fast-paced, to match with the timed fight sequences, making each shot incredibly sharp and vibrant. The combination of the futuristic art style mixed with the energetic music is what sets this film apart from others, making it a visually stunning masterpiece.

10 Natsume Yuujinchou (2008-2017)

Adapted from the manga series by Yuki Midorikawa, Natsume Yuujinchou is an anime TV series directed by Takahiro Omori and Kotomi Deai. It is produced by Brain's Base and Shuka Co.; famous for works like Assassination Classroom and Durarara!!, respectively.

Related: The Most Visually Stunning Anime Fights, Ranked

Natsume Yuujinchou is an eerie, yet heartbreaking tale about Natsume, a boy who sets out to free the Yōkai (monsters) in his grandma's book. To complement the story, the anime offers a clean, flowing art style, borrowing elements from traditional Yōkai art. An impressive feat is how each Yōkai is drawn in a unique way, inspired by their dedicated legends. This unique mix of the classic anime art style with a rather distinct traditional animation makes this anime visually stunning and a feast for the eyes.

9 The Garden of Words (2013)

The Garden of Words is a movie that was written as well as directed by Makoto Shinkai. The animation was done by CoMix Wave Films, and it is needless to say that they did an impeccable job. Everything about this anime feels beautifully realistic while still giving enough space to its charm as an anime.

From the emotions that are shared to the rain that falls from the sky, The Garden of Words is a masterpiece, especially visually, beyond description. It effortlessly conveys a soothing feeling as it takes the audience away from the narrowness within their own four walls and straight to the freedom of the cool, vibrant park.

8 Jujutsu Kaisen (2020)

Adapted from the manga series by Gege Akutami and directed by Sunghoo Park, Jujutsu Kaisen is an anime TV series produced by MAPPA, famous for works like Attack on Titan: The Final Season and Yuri!!! on Ice.

Jujutsu Kaisen tells the tale of high school student Yuji, who joins a secret organization of sorcerers to defeat a powerful curse. The anime takes this concept to the max, offering visuals that are classic to the shonen genre, aimed at young teenage boys. The stunningly choreographed fight sequences are animated with a clean magical flair, making them memorable for a long time to come.

7 Mononoke (2007)

Directed by Kenji Nakamura, Mononoke is an anime TV series produced by Toei Animation, famous for works like the Dragon Ball series and Sailor Moon.

Related: 21 Short Anime Series to Binge in One Day

Mononoke follows the tale of a man called the Medicine Seller as he travels through the Edo and Meiji periods in Japan. The anime introduces the audience to traditional Japanese arts in the midst of a transition period. With impressive decorative visuals and beautiful recreations of classical paintings in every episode, Mononoke is a history lesson and a visual masterpiece combined into one anime.

6 Horimiya (2021)

Based on a web manga written and illustrated by Hiroki Adachi, Horimiya is directed by Masashi Ishihama. Ishihama is known for his work directing Horimiya, as well as From the New World and Your Lie in April.

Kyoko Hori is one of the most popular girls in school. She seems to have such a carefree life, but none of her classmates know that at home, Hori is really a no-nonsense caretaker. Her world gets turned upside down when she realizes shy and nerdy classmate Izumi Miyamura is a punk kid who struggles at school.

Everyone is more complex than they seem on the surface, and Horimiya explores this duality wonderfully. While the visuals are normally very realistic and standard for an anime, there are frames of abstract art where color is used to show how each character has another side to them that no one can see. This is not to say that the average frame in the anime is not worth noting. Even the simplest of moments in the lives of Hori and Miyamura is captured with dreamy lighting and vibrant colors that make this anime a treat to watch.

5 Princess Mononoke (1997)

Princess Mononoke, a film directed by Hayao Miyazaki, conveys the exact magic that Studio Ghibli stands for. To this day, the movie manages to convince people with its stunning animations and exceptional storyline.

At the center of the story is a warrior named Ashitaka. As a settlement threatens to put the gods in the forest in danger, Ashitaka joins forces with Princess Mononoke. Both are stretched to their limits during an epic battle, which will have the viewers hold their breath. Tackling the topics of exploitation and industrialization, Princess Mononoke ensures that the movie is packed with impressive details and vibrant colors. Studio Ghibli created a beautiful bridge between natural and industrial elements.

4 Vampire Hunter D (1985)

Adapted from the light novel series by Hideyuki Kikuchi and directed by Toyoo Ashida, Vampire Hunter D is an anime film series produced by Ashi Productions, famous for works like Rainbow Days and Knights of Ramune.

Related: The Best Anime to Explore Dark Themes

Vampire Hunter D follows a timeless romance between a young woman who hires a mysterious half-vampire to protect her from a vampire overlord. What sets this apart from other similar anime is the classic art style of the '80s and the '90s, which adds a hint of nostalgia and makes the animation feel much more realistic for the time period. The film was also featured in Michael Jackson's music video for Scream.

3 Puella Magi Madoka Magica (2011)

Directed by Akiyuki Shinbo and Yukihiro Miyamoto, Madoka Magica is an anime TV series produced by Studio Shaft, famous for works like the Monogatari series and Nisekoi.

Madoka Magica follows fourteen-year-old Madoka, as she battles a special coven of witches. With the story's dark elements, the art offers a similar, twisted style of animation that keeps the audience glued to their seat. A mystical, dark color palette combined with eye-catching animation that mimics the feel of hand-drawn animation is what sets Madoka Magica apart from other anime in a similar genre. Each witch comes with their own set of mesmerizing background patterns and character designs that are sure to allure fans instantly.

2 Akatsuki No Yona/Yona of the Dawn (2014)

Akatsuki No Yona is an anime, which is based on the Manga series by the author and illustrator Kusanagi Mizuho, and tells the heart-wrenching story of a young princess. Princess Yona, the rightful Queen of the Kingdom of Kouka, has to endure a series of daunting events. She is left to fight for her crown, which was violently taken by someone she trusted. In order to gain power, Hak, who has been her friend and protector almost her whole life, and Yona go on an exhausting journey to find the four dragon warriors.

Apart from the thrilling storyline, the visuals set this anime apart from many others. Yona's fiery, red hair is already an indicator of how colorful and lively the entire series is. Vibrant backgrounds and wonderful details make Akatsuki No Yona irresistible. Especially when new characters are introduced, the importance of bright colors becomes even clearer, and the thought-out visuals in this anime definitely ask for a second season.

1 Kimetsu no Yaiba/Demon Slayer (2019)

Adapted from the manga series by Koyoharu Gotouge and directed by Haruo Sotozaki, Demon Slayer is an anime TV series produced by Ufotable, famous for works like Garden of Sinners and the Fate Unlimited Bladeworks saga.

Kimetsu no Yaiba follows young Tanjiro, as he is forced to become a demon slayer when his family is killed and his younger sister Nezuko turns into a demon. With such an emotionally-charged story, it is important for the animation style to be equally impactful. Kimetsu no Yaiba's animation has a personality of its own, fight sequences with breathtaking sword skills, vibrancy in atmosphere that brings clarity to the story, and, most importantly, stunning character designs that make the story unforgettable. Each sword style mimics a traditional Japanese art style that makes the animation look more authentic to the depicted timeline.