Creating an animeis a bit like going on anexciting adventure.It involves lots of creativity, hard work, and, of course, a good chunk of money. Think of it as a big treasure hunt! You see, the better the animation, the bigger the crew and the more sweat and tears poured in, but most importantly, the more coins tossed into the pot.
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Now, here’s the twist: even when an anime’s animation is just cruising in the middle lane, there are times when it still guzzles money like a luxury sports car. This peculiar phenomenon often plays out in the realm of long-running shows, where the behind-the-scenes wizards areindustry legends. But no matter how you slice it, some anime shows break free from the shackles of budgets and give you, the viewer, anunforgettable experience.
10Demon Slayer
Budget Per Episode:$80,000
Demon Slayer
Why Watch Demon Slayer:
Demon Slayertaking the tenth spot on this list is a bit of a double-take moment. On the one hand, it’s not all that surprising, given that Demon Slayer has rightfully claimed its throne as theshow of the decade, boasting animation that’s nothing short of jaw-dropping. But here’s the twist: it’s also unexpected to find it in the tenth position.
Here’s the kicker, though:each episode of Demon Slayer costs roughly $80,000 to produce, which might seem like pocket change compared to some other titles on this list. However, it’s a testament toUfotable’s magicthat they manage to deliver animation quality that eclipses even the heavyweights ranked higher. This is what we call making every dollar count!
Release Date
Episode Count
Where To Watch
April 2019
9One Piece
Budget Per Episode: $90,000
Why Watch One Piece:
One Piece, with its epic journey spanningmore than a thousand episodessince 1999, stands as one of thelongest-running anime seriesin history. Naturally, over the years, the budget for each episode has transformed dramatically.Today, crafting a single episode of One Piece commands a whopping $90,000.
Now, you might wonder why a series known for its whimsical, cartoonish animation carries such a hefty price tag. Well, that’s precisely what sets it apart and earns it the prestigious title of one of the most expensive anime of all time. And let’s not forget that the masterminds behind One Piece’s animation are industry giants, so it’s no surprise that it enjoys such a colossal budget.
October 1999
Crunchyroll
8Naruto Shippuden
Budget Per Episode: $1,00,000
Naruto: Shippuden
Why Watch Naruto Shippuden:
SpottingNaruto Shippudenon this list is bound to captivate readers, and rightfully so. This anime, which graced our screens from 2007 to 2017, holds its ground admirably amidst a sea of newer shows boasting shinier animation. What’s truly astonishing is thatNaruto Shippuden maintains its reign with an eye-popping budget of approximately $1,00,000 per episode.
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But remember, anime isn’t just about visuals; it also encompasses direction, music, storytelling, voice acting, dubbing, and a lot more. And when it comes to Naruto Shippuden, every element seems to align in perfect harmony, making that substantial budget seem entirely justified.
February 2007
7My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia
Why Watch My Hero Academia:
My Hero Academia, a shining star among shonen shows of this decade, reminds us that not all anime are created equal when it comes to animation. Shonen anime, in particular, demands exceptional creativity and a generous budget. Take My Hero Academia, for instance, a series that serves up a smorgasbord ofbreathtaking battles and epic fight sequences.It’s no wonder that it requires a substantial financial commitment.
Adding to the spectacle, the series has consistently received praise for its top-notchanimation courtesy of Studio Bones. But here’s the reality behind those jaw-dropping action scenes and vibrant colors:each episode you cherish comes with a hefty price tag of $100,000.
April 2016
6Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure
Budget Per Episode: $1,20,000
JoJo Bizarre Adventure
Why Watch Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure:
Hirohiko Araki crafted a true masterpiece in the realm of adventure and thesupernatural, a work of art that saw its birth in October 2012,thanks to David Production.What setsJojo’s Bizarre Adventureapart is its utterly unique art style, making its characters instantly recognizable and endearing to fans.
For a long time now, Jojo has been synonymous with intense battles, mind-bending animation, and expertly crafted characters. The team behind the series pours their hearts and souls into every season, all in a dedicated effort to delight their audience.And that’s precisely why Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure maintains a substantial budget, ringing in at approximately $120,000 for a single installment.
October 2012
5Black Clover
Budget Per Episode: $1,40,000
Black Clover
Why Watch Black Clover:
Studio Pierrot holds a special place in the heartsof anime enthusiasts, having lent their talents to legendary shows like Bleach, Naruto, Yu Yu Hakusho, Boruto, and the captivatingBlack Clover. However, when your anime is in the capable hands of Studio Pierrot, one thing’s for sure: the budget is non-negotiable.
Since 2017, Black Clover has whisked us away to aworld where magic reigns supreme, and to bring such a unique and mesmerizing concept to life,the creators made the bold choice of setting an average budget of $140,000 per episode.Yet, given the enthralling narrative that Black Clover holds, it’s no wonder the series has won over the hearts of fans, making the investment of such substantial funds more than worthwhile.
October 2017
4Jujutsu Kaisen
Budget Per Episode: $1,50,000
Jujutsu Kaisen
Why Watch Jujutsu Kaisen:
Jujutsu Kaisenis undeniably the reigning champ of our current anime era. It would have been nothing short of a travesty if such a captivating story didn’t receive an adaptation that did it justice. EnterMAPPA, the studio entrusted with the monumental task of bringing Jujutsu Kaisen and its mesmerizingcharactersto life.
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When you pass the baton to MAPPA, you’re essentially saying, “Deliver nothing less than perfection,” and they do just that. From the animation to the direction and voice acting, it all fits together seamlessly.It might shock you to know that it comes with a hefty price tag of $150,000 per episode,but every single penny invested in Jujutsu Kaisen was worth it, without a doubt.
October 2020
3Attack On Titan
Attack On Titan
Why Watch Attack On Titan:
The budget for a single episode ofAttack on Titanstands as colossal as the very Titans it features, ringing in at a staggering $150,000.When you’ve gotpowerhouses like WIT Studioand MAPPA behind the scenes, it’s clear that delivering an unforgettable viewer experience takes precedence over everything else.
As fans, we couldn’t have fathomed seeing iconic characters like Levi, Mikasa, and Eren brought to life with anything less than stellar animation. Elements like the Rumbling and the epic battles that Attack on Titan introduced us to demand nothing short of a top-notch budget to create the breathtaking settings and visuals we’ve come to love.
April 2013
2Dragon Ball Super
Budget Per Episode: $1,60,000
Dragon Ball Z
Why Watch Dragon Ball Super:
Of course,Dragon Ball Supertakes its rightful place on this list, and it’s a name that needs no introduction. Dragon Ball stands as a franchise even more popular than the Big Three of anime.So, when you hear that Dragon Ball Super boasts a budget of $160,000 for every episode, it’s hardly surprising.
What’s intriguing is that the series ran from 2015 to 2018, totaling 131 episodes, yet its budget eclipses that of many recent shows. But then again, we’re talking about the vast Dragon Ball universe, where grandeur is the name of the game, so a hefty budget like this certainly makes sense.
1Bleach TYBW
Why Watch Bleach TYBW:
The originalBleachseries, which graced our screens from 2002 to 2012, boasted animation that was groundbreaking for its time. However, if that same animation were presented in today’s era, it might not fare as well despite the series' compelling storyline. Taking this into consideration, Studio Pierrot took the reins for the unadapted Bleach Thousand Year Blood War arc, delivering animation that left Bleach fans questioning if they were still in the same Bleach universe they had known for years.
This adaptation,known for its gritty scenes, bloodshed, and intense action, was a far cry from the Bleach we have known for years.Given the transformation, it’s no surprise that each episode came with an average cost of $160,000.
