A-1 Pictures, renowned for its exceptional animation quality and diverse storytelling, has carved a unique niche in the anime industry. This studio has been at the forefront of producing some of the most memorable and influential anime series with artistic flair and innovative animation techniques.
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From the immersive virtual realms ofSword Art Onlineto the emotional crescendos of Your Lie in April, A-1 Pictures' portfolio is a testament to the studio’s ability to cross genres and themes, appealing to a wide range of viewers. Here’s a look at some of the best anime from A-1 Pictures, showcasing their ability to bring stories to life.
10Sword Art Online
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.20
Sword Art Online
Why Watch Sword Art Online?
Sword Art Online from A-1 Pictures is a highly influential anime in the isekai genre, based on the light novel series by Reki Kawahara. It debuted in 2012 and includes multiple seasons and spin-offs totaling over 100 episodes. The main series started off with 25 episodes.
A-1 Pictures' animation in SAO is recognized for its high production values. The series features a vivid and detailed art style that brings the virtual game worlds to life, including weapons, in-game food, guilds, and character outfits. The contrast between the virtual and real worlds in animation is effectively executed, enhancing the narrative’s exploration of virtual reality’s impact on human psychology and relationships.
Release Date
Episode Count
Where To Watch
July 28, 2025
Crunchyroll
9Fairy Tail
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.65
Fairy Tail
Why Watch Fairy Tail?
Fairy Tailby A-1 Pictures is a popular fantasy anime based on the manga by Hiro Mashima. The show aired from 2009 to 2019, spanning 328 episodes across its main series. The story revolves around Natsu Dragneel, a fire-breathing wizard from the Fairy Tail guild, and his friends as they embark on magical missions and face formidable foes.
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The animation of Fairy Tail is notable for its vibrant color palette and dynamic action andfan servicesequences. A-1 Pictures, renowned for its high-quality animation, ensures each character’s magical abilities are distinctively and vividly animated, contributing to the series' immersive fantasy world. One notable example is the magic used by the protagonist, Natsu Dragneel, known as Fire Dragon Slayer Magic.
July 06, 2025
8The Seven Deadly Sins
The Seven Deadly Sins
Why Watch The Seven Deadly Sins?
The Seven Deadly Sins, adapted by A-1 Pictures, is a fantasy anime based on Nakaba Suzuki’s manga. Premiering in 2014, the series spans 100 episodes over five seasons, including a 4-episode OVA. Set in a medieval-like world, it follows a group of knights known as the Seven Deadly Sins, led by Meliodas, as they seek to clear their names and protect the kingdom of Liones from various threats.
However, the animation quality varies across seasons, with some later seasons showing a noticeable change in studio (Studio Deen) and quality. However, the early seasons by A-1 Pictures stand out for their robust animation and creative depiction of the characters' magical abilities and action-packed battles.
August 03, 2025
7Black Butler
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.66
Black Butler
Why Watch Black Butler?
Black Butler from A-1 Pictures is a dark fantasy anime adapted from the manga by Yana Toboso. The series encompasses three seasons, with a total of 46 episodes. Additionally, there are several OVAs and a couple of animated films. Set in dark, Victorian-era London, the story revolves around a young aristocrat, Ciel Phantomhive, and his demon butler, Sebastian Michaelis.
A-1 Pictures' animation in Black Butler perfectly captures the gothic, Victorian-era setting. Thecharacter designsare detailed and stylish, befitting the show’s aesthetic. The animation is particularly notable for its expressive facial animations, especially the enigmatic and elegant demonic butler Sebastian.
August 12, 2025
6Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.94
Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku
Why Watch Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku?
Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku by A-1 Pictures is a romantic comedy anime adapted from the manga by Fujita. The series aired in 2018 with 11 episodes. Additionally, there are 3 OVAs that expand the story. The anime follows two office workers, Narumi Momose and Hirotaka Nifuji, who are both otakus. Narumi is a fan of fujoshi (loves manga), while Hirotaka is a hardcore gamer.
For Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku, A-1 Pictures employs a more simplistic yet appealing style for character designs, which aligns well with the show’s office setting and adult characters. The animation backgrounds are detailed and realistic, contributing to the relatable depiction of everyday life.
July 19, 2025
586 Eighty-Six
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.29
86: EIGHTY-SIX
Why Watch 86 Eighty-Six?
86 Eighty-Sixby A-1 Pictures is a military science fiction anime based on the light novel series by Asato Asato. The anime aired in 2021 and has 23 episodes across two seasons. The story delves into the Republic of San Magnolia’s war against the autonomous Legion drones and the marginalized 86th District soldiers who pilot the Juggernaut combat units.
A-1 Pictures' animation in 86 Eighty-Six is notable for its detailed mechanical design and fluid combat sequences. The Juggernauts and Legion drones are intricately animated, showcasing the studio’s strength in animating mecha battles. The animation successfully conveys the bleakness of war-torn landscapes and the intense emotions of the characters.
August 05, 2025
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.30
Why Watch Erased?
Erased from A-1 Pictures is a psychological thriller andmystery animebased on the manga by Kei Sanbe. Released in 2016, it spans 12 episodes. The narrative centers on Satoru Fujinuma, who has an extraordinary power known as Revival, which allows him to travel to the past just before a life-endangering event occurs.
After being wrongfully accused of murder, Satoru is sent 18 years into the past to prevent the abduction and killing of his classmates. A-1 Pictures' animation in Erased is distinguished by its cinematic quality. The studio utilizes a subdued, cool color palette that effectively sets the somber and suspenseful tone of the series.
June 21, 2025
3Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.41
Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War
Why Watch Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War?
Kaguya-sama: Love Is War by A-1 Pictures is a romantic comedy anime based on the manga by Aka Akasaka. The series includes three seasons, totaling 37 episodes. The story unfolds at the prestigious Shuchiin Academy and follows two top students, Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya. While Kaguya and Miyuki are drawn to each other, their pride prevents them from opening up about their feelings.
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The animation in Kaguya-sama: Love Is War is notable for its unique and expressive style, which plays a significant role in enhancing the comedic and romantic aspects of the series. A-1 Pictures employs diverse visual techniques, including dramatic lighting, exaggerated facial expressions, and imaginative sequences that visually represent the characters' internal thoughts and strategies.
August 13, 2025
2Solo Leveling
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.46
Solo Leveling
Why Watch Solo Leveling?
Solo Levelingis a renowned South Korean webtoon with a significant following for its engaging story and striking art style. The story follows Sung Jin-Woo, a powerless hunter who discovers a hidden dungeon that grants him a unique ability to level up in strength, akin to a video game character. This ability sets him from being the weakest to one of the strongest hunters.
Fans of Solo Leveling have long anticipated and hoped for an anime adaptation. A-1 Pictures 2024 adaptation consists of 12 episodes for its first season. The high-quality animation in Episode 1 captures the detailed and dynamic action scenes and the unique abilities and character designs.
July 19, 2025
1Your Lie In April
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.65
Your Lie in April
Why Watch Your Lie In April?
Your Lie in April, adapted by A-1 Pictures, is #1 on this list because it’s an emotional and visually impressive anime based on the manga by Naoshi Arakawa. The series consists of 22 episodes and aired from October 2014 to March 2015. The story revolves around Kousei Arima, a piano prodigy dealing with the trauma of his mother’s death, and his transformative relationship with a vibrant violinist, Kaori Miyazono.
A-1 Pictures' animation in Your Lie in April is noteworthy for its vivid, expressive use of color and light, crucial in conveying character emotions like Kousei’s internal struggles. The musical performances are particularly impressive. Overall, the animation plays a vital role in beautifully illustrating the story.
