10 Best Studio Sunrise Anime (Ranked by MyAnimeList)

Founded by the former staff members of Mushi Production in 1972, Sunrise Inc. has a vast repository of critically acclaimed anime shows, movies, and OVAs. Among these, most series fall into the mecha genre, sporting slambang action scenes, war-centric drama, and complex characterizations.

While the narrative elements of the studio’s anime have always been top-notch, its animation quality also rarely falters. That explains why many refer to their fluid animation as “Sunrise Smooth.” On that note, regardless of whether a viewer is an anime newbie or connoisseur, the studio has offerings that befit every taste and mood.

10 InuYasha (7.85)

InuYasha was among the first few shows that introduced the world to anime. Like many other well-known franchises of the late ’90s and mid-aughts, InuYasha, too, was labeled as a shounen but dipped its feet into many genres. Even to this day, both its action and fantastical elements hold up because of the quality of its animation and subtle world-building.

But more than that, what makes it a memorable classic is its interspecies romantic explorations of its two leading characters, Kagome and Inuyasha. No matter how repetitive some of its gags may get and how many fillers it involves in its hefty runtime, the series never fails to leave viewers all warm-hearted with its scintillating romantic melodrama.

9 City Hunter (7.92)

With an anti-hero character named Ryou Saeba at its fore, City Hunter manages to avoid all the major pitfalls of long-running anime. It brings something new with each episode despite its hefty runtime, its humor rarely runs dry, and most of all, its animation quality hardly falters. What more can a viewer ask for from a long-running 80s shounen?

The series follows the day-to-day adventures of Ryou and his contractor group who take on some of the most complex and perilous criminal cases of their city. Once they’re deadset on completing a mission, no one can stop them.

8 Yakitate!! Japan (7.94)

Yakitate!! Japan might fill the big hole that viewers were left with after the end of Food Wars. Akin to Food Wars, the show features epic bake-offs that are both educational and absolutely drool-worthy. All of this is coupled with a typical shounen narrative and some silly comedy, both of which are enough to keep most viewers hooked.

The show tells the story of Kazuma Azuma, who sets out to make a name for his country by inventing a unique national bread. But the more he rises up in ranks as a professional baker, the more runs into friends and rivals who contribute to his journey to the top.

7 Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans (8.03)

Known to be one of the most popular and acclaimed installments of the renowned Gundam franchise, Iron-Blooded Orphans centers on aristocrat Kudelia Aina Bernstein, who aspires to free the inhabitants of Mars from their dire conditions after an intergalactic war. But her revolutionary interests aren’t supported by all and lead to the inception of a whole new conflict.

Beyond its war-centric action, the show sheds light on didactic subject matters such as the impact of war on children and post-war imperialism. While doing so, it rarely seems preachy but often quite impactful. Along with that, the anime’s also a perfect example of Sunrise’s forte, as everything from its mecha battles to its intricate character and background designs is breathtakingly beautiful.

6 Mobile Suit Gundam 00 (8.13)

Akin to other Gundam installments, Mobile Suit Gundam 00 ensues amidst a chaotic future world where fossil fuels deplete Earth, due to which a massive shift to solar power ensues. However, this results in war and strife among nations that heavily relied on the sales of fossil fuels. When things get out of hand, a mysterious paramilitary organization steps in, and using Mobile Suits known as Gundams, it sets out to make the world a better place.

As its premise suggests, Mobile Suit Gundam 00 is a lot more than a typical action mecha series. In its fairly linear storyline, there are several moral philosophies and thought-provoking political notions, and as the involvement Studio Sunrise always promises, even its animation is as slick as it gets.

5 Daily Lives Of High School Boys (8.26)

The reason why a few comedy anime like Gintama and Saiki K. have received worldwide acclaim is that their humor is heavily character-driven and does not rely on cheap fanservice. Daily Lives of High School Boys treads a similar path and with each episode, it introduces new oddities and gimmicks surrounding the otherwise ordinary high school setup of the cast.

While it’s at it, the anime unfolds as a rite of passage for its adolescent characters who run free from the everyday problems of the real world, embracing their youth. All in all, it’s these elements that make it comical, nostalgic, and utterly heart-warming.

4 Planetes (8.30)

This one not only boasts a high production value but also promises an intriguing and poignant plot. While its title suggests that it’s a typical sci-fi space opera, it is far from being one. Set in the year 2075, Planetes presents some beautiful visuals of outer space that accommodate large human corporations and colonies.

But beneath its extraordinary sci-fi demeanor is a simple premise that follows the lives of ordinary — and often underappreciated — space debris cleaners, who dream of finding their place in the wide cosmos they call home.

3 Code Geass: Lelouch Of The Rebellion (8.71)

Often held in the same league as Death Note, Code Geass is thought-provoking, replete with war strategies, and at times, emotionally overwhelming. It unravels in a world where a brutal war between the Holy Empire of Britannia and Japan’s rebel armed forces is underway.

After narrowly escaping the crossfire between the two, Britannian student Lelouch is honored with the “power of absolute obedience” by a girl named C.C. With his newfound ability, he takes it upon himself to further aggravate Japan’s revolution against Britain. Leaving no stones unturned, the series portrays a harrowing war drama that rarely leaves a dull moment.

2 Cowboy Bebop (8.77)

Known to be everyone’s favorite gateway anime, Cowboy Bebop influenced western pop culture like no other anime. In fact, considering how Netflix is now creating its live-action adaptation, its impact still lingers. While many factors contribute to its worldwide success, its appeal primarily comes from its upbeat jazz scores and brilliantly written characters.

Shinichiro’s Watanabe’s unique episodic approach doesn’t sound too good on paper. However, as he does in Samurai Champloo, the director effortlessly separates each episode with different storylines while weaving them all together into a taut overarching plot. This series is highly recommended for viewers who haven’t seen it yet.

1 Gintama (8.95)

Perhaps because of cultural and language boundaries, most comedy anime shows aren’t well acclaimed on a global scale. Gintama, though, is among the few exceptions. The show is almost like a Stephen Chow film where it preserves the very essence of anime tropes and archetypes, but at the same time, draws in western references to please anime fans from all over the world.

Even the show’s samurai sit-com approach isn’t unique, but its ability to turn the most ordinary plot points into bone-tickling humor is highly commendable. Viewers looking for some utterly infectious feel-good humor should certainly put this one on top of their watch lists.

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