Toei Animation, with roots dating back to the establishment of Japan Animated Films in 1948, is significant in shaping anime’s global influence. From its iconic mascot, Pero the Cat, to its pioneering hand-drawn series, Toei Animation has been a driving force behind numerous beloved franchises spanning various genres.
Classics like Dragon Ball Z, Sailor Moon, and One Piece have solidified Toei’s cultural impact and introduced anime to a broader audience. The company’s diverse portfolio includes action, comedy, and sci-fi, with a legacy that continues to attract new fans.
So, here’s the anime from Toei Animation. To maintain variety in the roster, a single title appears only once and represents the entire franchise.
Best Anime by Toei Animation
1. Dragon Ball
- Broadcast: 1986-1996
- Episodes: 153 (Dragon Ball), 291 (Dragon Ball Z)
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy
Dragon Ball stands out as one of Toei Animation’s biggest achievements. It’s not just a show but has expanded into sequels, movies, video games, and merchandise – a whole world beyond our imagination.
This series holds a special place as one of the most impactful anime franchises ever. Characters like Son Goku have become iconic, showing kids worldwide what it means to be a hero they can admire and enjoy.
2. Fist of the North Star
- Broadcast: 1984-1988
- Episodes: 109 (Season 1), 43 (Season 2)
- Genres: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
Fist of the North Star marks Toei Animation’s early venture into blending martial arts with a post-apocalyptic backdrop.
Set in a world ravaged by nuclear war, only a few survivors remain. Enter Kenshiro, the heir to “Hokuto Shinken,” a lethal martial art that strikes enemies from within, causing them to meet explosive fates.
As the narrative unfolds, Kenshiro faces challenges maintaining a peaceful life due to his main rival, the power-hungry Raoh, who is a formidable foe and a martial brother studying the same Hokuto Shinken.
3. Saint Seiya
- Broadcast: 1986-1989, 2002
- Episodes: 114, 13 (Hades Arc)
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Like Dragon Ball, Saint Seiya is an iconic Toei Animation anime and a precursor to the modern Shonen series.
The plot revolves around gods vying to eradicate the natural world, sparing no one, and it falls on Athena and her zodiac knights to prevent this catastrophic event.
Drawing inspiration from Greek mythology, the anime introduces powerful gods like Poseidon and Hades, adding a cool and mythic dimension to the narrative.
4. Sailor Moon
- Broadcast: 1992-1996
- Episodes: 46 (Season 1), 43 (Season 2), 38 (Season 3), 39 (Season 4), 34 (Season 5)
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Mahou Shoujo, Romance
Sailor Moon is undoubtedly one of the most iconic magical girl anime, and Toei Animation has played a significant role in bringing this highly successful shojo series to life.
The protagonist, Usagi, stands out as one of the most iconic anime girls, navigating the challenges of being a student by day and a heroine by night, creating a delightful and dramatic narrative.
It’s worth mentioning that the portrayal of characters may vary depending on the version, whether it’s the anime or the manga.
5. Slam Dunks
- Released: 1993
- Episodes: 101
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Slice of Life, Sport
Slam Dunk is one of Toei Animation’s highest-rated and best-loved anime, and its acclaim is well-deserved.
Adapted from the manga of the same name, the series follows Hanamichi Sakuragi, a high school student with a rebellious streak who transforms into a basketball star.
Sakuragi’s entry into the basketball club reveals that the sport is more than just a means to impress his crush, Haruko Akagi. The narrative unfolds with Sakuragi’s captivating journey from a childish first-year student to a professional athlete.
What makes Slam Dunk exceptional is its adept balance between comedy and intense scenes within the sports anime genre. This delicate equilibrium contributes to its widespread appeal and enduring popularity.
6. Yu-Gi-Oh!
- Released: 1998
- Episodes: 24
- Genres: Action, Comedy, Fantasy
Toei Animation was responsible for the first season and the film Yu-Gi-Oh!, making it a notable contribution to the landscape of 1990s anime.
This version of Yu-Gi-Oh! Distinguishes itself with a unique setting and plot. Yami Yugi frequently engages in Penalty Games within a school environment, offering a distinctive twist compared to the more widely recognized sequels.
It might feel a bit peculiar for viewers accustomed to the later iterations, especially considering the introduction of several exclusive characters in this particular anime version.
7. One Piece
- Broadcast: 1999-present
- Episodes: 1000+
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
It’s impossible to list Toei Animation, or “the best anime ever,” without including the modern saga One Piece.
This expansive series, boasting over 1000 episodes, revolves around Monkey D. Luffy and his crew, the Straw Hat Pirates. Premiering in 1999, it has earned critical acclaim, giving rise to numerous spin-off films and diverse video game titles. The release of new episodes continues to captivate longtime and newfound fans.
Following the established storytelling tradition of shonen titles, One Piece adeptly blends elements of lighthearted comedy with intense action. Its enduring entertainment value delights the fandom and impacts the anime landscape for generations to come.
8. Lovely★Complex
- Released: 2007
- Episodes: 24
- Genre: Comedy, Romance, Shoujo, Slice of Life
Lovely★Complex, or Love Com, is a delightful addition to Toei Animation’s repertoire. This anime, spanning only one season, exemplifies the studio’s versatility in catering to a diverse audience.
The plot unfolds around the unique dynamic between Risa Koizumi, a tall teenage girl, and Atsushi Otani, a short teenage boy, who develops a friendship that blossoms into a romantic connection. Positioned within high school romantic comedy, Lovely★Complex is cherished by fans as a standout in the rom-com genre.
The series skillfully captures the spectrum of teenage emotions, placing well-developed characters in humorous scenarios that evoke laughter and endearment.
9. Mononokes
- Released: 2007
- Episodes: 12
- Genre: Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Psychological, Supernatural
Mononoke stands as Toei Animation’s most experimental anime on this list, offering a unique and captivating viewing experience.
In historical Japan, Mononoke unfolds the tale of a sword-wielding medicine peddler when only the samurai class was legally allowed to carry such weapons. The enigmatic “medicine peddler” traverses the country, dispelling evil spirits that latch onto negative emotions and moods.
Armed with a sword, the medicine peddler can only banish these demons by discerning their form, truth, and reason. Mononoke’s art style sets it apart, elevating it beyond conventional animation boundaries. The series delivers a supernatural visual feast, making it a distinctive and enjoyable watch.
10. World Triggers
- Broadcast: 2014-2016, 2021, 2022
- Episodes: 73 (Season 1), 21 (Season 2), 14 (Season 3)
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Supernatural
Toei Animation appears to maintain a strategy of leveraging long-running and successful franchise titles. World Trigger might be the next contender to join the ranks of its illustrious predecessors.
The story unfolds in Mikado Town when a gate to another world unexpectedly opens. Aliens, impervious to Earth’s conventional weaponry, begin pouring in.
To counter this extraterrestrial threat, Earth relies on a secretive defense force known as “Border,” equipped with specialized devices called “Triggers.”
