Anime studios serve as the very foundation of the entire Japanese animation industry. Due to this reason, every time an anime goes viral and achieves worldwide acclaim, viewers can't help but find out the studio behind it and check out other shows created by it.
Lately, Ufotable Studio has been rising up in the ranks with its creations such as Demon Slayer and the Fate series. Founded in the year 2000, the anime studio has set high standards for the industry by consistently producing quality content. So although most fans may be familiar with their more popular shows, they might want to give their other hidden gems a shot.
Katsugeki Touken Ranbu (6.73)
Game anime adaptations have a bad rep, and it's understandable why. Their convoluted and highly complex narratives rarely translate well on screen. However, Ufotalble's Katsugeki Touken Ranbu is among the few game adaptations that can be enjoyed by both gamers and non-gamers.
For the ones not familiar with its source, its alternate-history premise and samurai action are enough to make it a worthwhile series. On the other hand, for the ones well-versed with its original game, the anime's appeal comes from its stellar production and character depth, both of which complement the storyline of the game.
Futakoi Alternative (6.90)
Well-choreographed action scenes and quality animation can only take a show so far. But a gripping storyline is what it takes to make viewers stay, and that's exactly what Futakoi Alternative offers. While it begins with a series of over-the-top action sequences, it slowly drifts into a comical melodrama with gags that hit more than they miss.
Just when a viewer starts assuming that it's a lighthearted rom-com about detectives, it morphs into a serious tone and becomes heavily character-driven. The show makes these genre transitions so seamlessly, it's hard to believe that all of its different arcs are part of the same series. Ufotable's seemingly experimental approach of juggling different genres with this one clearly works really well, though it may not befit everyone's taste.
Ninja Nonsense (6.91)
As the title of this one suggests, it is more or less of a parody that relies on absurd humor and a whole lot of fanservice. Even its premise is simple and revolves around the misadventures of a young girl who fatefully meets a ninja-in-training and gets embroiled in the bizarre little world of goofy partying ninjas.
The plot itself gives viewers the impression that it's one silly anime, but that's the whole point of it. It does not try too hard to merge genres and only delivers what it promises: endless gag reels and hilarious drama. So viewers who get into this one solely banking on its laugh value will certainly not be disappointed.
God Eater (7.26)
Attack on Titan has set some really high standards for post-apocalyptic anime. Due to this, God Eater's relatively less expansive world-building and shallow narrative may not appeal to many viewers. Using its dark futuristic set up as a mere springboard, God Eater delves straight into the action, where a special human army combats vicious monsters.
Although the show's storyline is fairly predictable, its impeccable animation and sound design give it an edge. That's why, for viewers who are looking for an anime that doesn't require much emotional and intellectual investment, this one perfectly fits the bill.
Gakuen Utopia Manabi Straight! (7.27)
Manabi Straight! takes viewers on a nostalgic journey through bustling school corridors, annual school festivals, and the day-to-day snags of being a teenager. It does this while adding a tinge of dystopia to its futuristic setup, where birthrates have fallen and schools are being dramatically shut down.
Watching Manabi Straight! is like sipping hot chocolate on a cold winter evening. Without exaggerating its melodrama, the show pleases viewers with its poignant themes and refreshingly hilarious character gimmicks.
Tales Of Zestiria The Cross (7.29)
Being an RPG adaptation (that too a CGI one) Tales of Zestiria the X divides viewers. However, many fans appreciate all the efforts Ufotable Studio has put into its animation, which clearly reflects in its impressive backgrounds and epic battle scenes.
From a storyline standpoint, although the series won't instantly knock a viewer's socks off, it does promise a whole lot of world-building and character development, with little to no fanservice. Not to mention, its central theme isn't too complex and revolves around the battle between good vs evil, making it suitable for all ages.
Today's Menu For The Emiya Family (7.81)
Since Fate/Stay Night is the parent story of Today's Menu for the Emiya Family, it does have some references to the franchise's central Holy Grail War. However, unlike the original series, this one's a slice-of-life drama, bereft of any action. Set in the peaceful backdrop of Fuyuki City, the anime follows Shirou's gastronomic journey as he ventures through markets and ingredients to cook savory meals for the Emiya family.
From steamy salmons to drool-worthy shrimp tempura, the anime walks a viewer through it all. While it's at it, it instills a feel-good vibe that can help fans recover from the intense action and drama of other Fate installments.
Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works (8.21)
Wasting no time, Unlimited Blade Works dives into the fifth Holy Grail War—the ultimate battle royale between seven magi and their Heroic Spirit servants. Among other sorcerers, Rin Toosaka finds her place in the war with her servant Archer and hopes to win it to get her hands on the highly coveted Holy Grail. Little does she know that the war will lead her to an unlikely alliance with her classmate.
Staying true to the hype surrounding the Fate series, Unlimited Blade Works sets high standards for visual novel adaptations. Keeping its production top-notch throughout its runtime, it perfectly balances its action with characterization.
Fate/Zero (8.32)
With an intense battle for survival at its fore, Fate/Zero focuses on the adventures of "Magus Killer" Kiritsugu Emiya. Akin to many other installments of the Fate series, this one boasts slambang action scenes and upbeat soundtracks. And in all of its supernatural developments and battles, it only stretches its runtime with one filler episode.
What further adds to its relatively higher rating is its treatment of its characters. Because of its large roster, the show wastes no time on the development of individual personalities and instead, treats them as a single unit that develops throughout the show's runtime. Surprisingly, this approach works incredibly in the show's favor.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba (8.59)
In 2019, Demon Slayer took the world of anime by storm. Further solidifying its place among the best shounen of our time, its follow-up movie set the bar even higher. While it's unknown whether or not its future installments will deliver, fans sure do have high expectations from it.
Following a generic shounen-esque narrative, the show begins with a training arc where its protagonist Tanjirou levels up his skills to pass the Demon Slayers Corps' qualification test. Knowing that it's the only way he can avenge the murder of his family, he leaves no stones unturned and sets out to kill the demons who destroyed his life.