It is an indisputable fact that the most successful anime with Ufotable’s trademark isDemon Slayer. The series is known for its complementary blend of action and emotionally-stirring touchpoints, wrapped in seemingly budget-heavy animation that vividly captures the franchise’s peculiar battle choreography.
While the “Infinity Castle arc” promises to go beyond the peaks of earlier seasons,Demon Slayeris not the studio’s only masterpiece. Founded more than two decades ago, Ufotable has been delivering visually stunning and emotionally gripping anime; they excel in using profoundly elevating CGI hacks strong enough to distract viewers from subpar storytelling.
For those patiently waiting for theDemon SlayerInfinity Castle arc’s United States release in September, these shows are the perfect pastime. And yes, they portray Ufotable’s prodigious production skills in eye-catching ways.
8Fate/Zero
The Philosophical Holy War That Got Elevated By Ufotable’s Signature Touch
Regarded as one of Ufotable’s best works,Fate/Zerofollows Kiritsugu Emiya, a mercenary hired by the Einzbern family for the fourth Holy Grail War. InFate/Zero,a war is fought between seven mages, using heroic spirits as their champions, to claim ownership of an all-wish-granting item.
What makes this series so enjoyable is the chess-like, philosophical manner in which the war plays out, devoid of mindless action and excessive plot armor. Ufotable elevated the story further through crisp animation that perfectly captured intense moments.
Ufotable paid attention to every tiny detail from the source material that could contribute to the overall outlook of the series, down to the subtle differences in characters’ movements and the unique master-slave dynamic. If anything, watchingFate/Zerois its own reward.
7Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works
A Masterful Blend Of Several Concepts And Themes In Another Journey For The Holy Grail
A sequel toFate/Zero, this series dives into the story of Shirou Emiya, a boy who becomes a master by accident, and Rin Toosaka, whose eyes are set on the ultimate prize — the Holy Grail. Both individuals join forces to navigate the calculated brutality of the fifth Holy Grail War.
Once again, Ufotable set the bar high with the animation. From the backgrounds to the epic fight scenes with quick movement and clever camera angles that do justice to the action theme, every moment looks lavishly done.
Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Workscuts across multiple genres: mystery, pacing, comedy, romance, and a sprinkle of slice-of-life. It is a must-watch forDemon Slayer-influenced devotees.
6Fate/Stay Night: Heaven’s Feel
A Dark Yet Captivating Exploration Of The Holy Grail War Secrets
Although this trilogy’s base plot shares some semblance to that ofUnlimited Blade Works, the change of heroines takes the storyline down an entirely different, “darker” route. It focuses on Sakura Matou, Shirou’s friend, as she leads the protagonist to the tragically dark secrets of the Holy Grail War.
The story pulls no punches with the psychological tension and emotional turmoil, putting Shirou in a position where he heavily questions his ideals. The trilogy has the kind of tragic storytelling thatDemon Slayerfans wouldrecognize from arcs like Mugen Train, making it one of the darkest adaptations of theFateseries.
5The Garden Of Sinners (The Movies)
A Slow-Burn Film Series That Turns Into A Masterpiece With Each Passing Movie
Garden of Seriesis a collection of anime movies that follow Shiki Ryougi, a character with a split personality, and a special power called the Mystic Eyes of Death Perception. Throughout the series, Shiki, alongside Mikiya Kokuto, solves dark and disturbing supernatural mysteries.
The eight-movie collection begins with seemingly incoherent scenes, cryptic dialogue, and disturbing concepts, such as gruesome murder and incest, that can discourage viewers with a preference for lighter stories. Movie after movie, those cryptic and incoherent scenes connect into a masterpiece, rewarding fans eager to see the big picture.
For those who resonate withDemon Slayer’ssupernatural violence, TheGarden of Sinnerswill feel like a haunting echo. Frontlining smooth and stylish sequences, Ufotable’s impeccable animation style is also present throughout the series, despite the earliest of the films being released in 2007.
4Tales Of Zestiria The X
Ufotable Brings Classic Fantasy Adventure To Life With Their Animation Flair
Considering that this anime is based on the popular RPG series, there was not much Ufotable could tweak in terms of storyline. Essentially, the anime is about the life of a chosen hero with a magic sword who goes on a fantasy quest to defeat evil and bring peace to the world, bearing almost the same determination as Tanjiro in defeating Muzan.
The plot is a bit generic, and the story is slow-paced. Regardless, Ufotable’s spectacular production saves the day once more. With their consistent delivery of fluid action scenes, beautiful landscapes, and near lore-perfect adaptations of monsters such as dragons,the animation has become the primary reason for its recommendation among fans.
3God Eater
The Classic Good Against Evil RPG Adaptation Struck Again, And Ufotable Did Not Falter
In a post-apocalyptic world overrun by monstrous creatures called Aragami, humanity’s last hope lies in God Eaters, elite weapon-wielding fighters that are the bane of the Aragami’s existence, just asDemon Slayers use special breathing techniques to slay demons. For those who have played the video game this anime is based on, they more or less know the story’s progression.
Thankfully, it delves further into certain mysteries like the origin of the Aragami and how non-God Eaters survive, so the gamers have something new to look forward to. While Ufotable switched up their style for this anime, their fingerprints are still all over it. From the lighting to the particle effects, every scene was enhanced, no matter the mood.
2Katsugeki/Touken Ranbu
The Journey Of Attractive Sword Warriors Battling To Protect Japan’s History Never Looked Better
Not many shows can navigate the concept of an object turning human, and do it as well as this series. This anime is about samurai swords turned into exceptionally attractive male characters on a mission to prevent an alteration in Japanese history.
It does not take much for the average gamer and anime fan to piece together that this is ananime adaptation of a game. The characters often act as a gamer would: they complain about unnecessary missions and share classic NPC traits.
Katsugeki/Touken Ranbuis a slow-burn title that eventually rewards viewers. The animation and fight scenes? Crisp, eye-catching, and fluid. The character designs? It’s almost as if they were drawn to take the spotlight amidst all the blood and gore. The plot may be emotionally shallow, but the style and heart make it worth watching.
1Gyo: Tokyo Fish Attack
Gyo: Tokyo Fish Attack Is Weird, Grotesque, And Surprisingly Ufotable
As the first of Junji Ito’s works to be animated, knowing that Ufotable was in charge of it was reassuring because, as usual, the studio strikes the right chords in line with animation delivery. Gyo is a bizarre horror anime where dead and rotting fish have managed to acquire mechanical legs to invade Japan.
Bizarre generally sums up most of Ito’s works, but Ufotable managed to adapt this without inheriting most of the manga’s flaws. Some scenes don’t make sense on the surface, and some are downright unpleasant and disturbing, but that’s the point. For fans of horror, this Junji Ito-Ufotable collab should be at the top of your watch list.
Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaibais a wildly popular anime and manga franchise created by Koyoharu Gotouge. Set in Taishō-era Japan, it follows Tanjiro Kamado as he battles demons and seeks a cure for his sister, Nezuko, who was turned into one. The franchise includes a manga, anime TV series, films, video games, and spin-offs. Known for its stunning animation and gripping storyline,Demon Slayeris one of the highest-grossing media franchises of all time.
