In 2007, Gaku Iwasa started his animation studio called White Fox. He and his team used to work at an OLM studio that makes shows like Pokémon. Iwasa wanted to try doing different kinds of shows.
White Fox made some good shows for the first few years, but they were not super famous. Then, in 2011, they made an anime called Steins; Gate, Which became very popular. After that, White Fox started making more hits and getting more attention.
Even though White Fox is still a pretty new studio, having opened only about 15 years ago, they already have made many great anime series that fans love. I picked 10 White Fox anime that are good and worth watching. Keep reading to see the list!
1. Katanagatari
- Episode: 12
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Romance
There’s a popular series of light novels called Monogatari written by Nisio Isin. He also wrote another novel series called Katanagatari.
An anime TV show based on Katanagatari came out in 2010, with one 45-minute-long episode airing monthly. It has a unique and beautiful art style.
The story is about a quest to find 12 super-powerful swords. A woman named Togame works for the shogun, and her job is to collect all these swords. In the past, the people she worked with betrayed her. So now she asks a guy named Shichika Yasuri to help instead.
Shichika practices a fighting style called Kyotouryuu, where you battle without using swords. Togame invites him to come with her to find the 12 swords and duel the most skilled swordsmen in Japan.
Katanagatari has epic adventures, cool fight scenes, and tragic moments too. There’s also romance between Togame and Shichika. The endings to each story often surprise you. Overall, it’s just a grand anime tale.
2. Steins; Gate
- Episode: 24
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Romance
Rintarou Okabe stumbles upon the secret of time travel, but knowing it brings serious consequences. At first, Steins; Gate might seem a bit slow to some, including me, in the early episodes. However, as we dive into the middle, we realize why it’s still widely regarded as a top-notch anime.
Steins; Gate is the series that put White Fox on the anime map. Adapted from a visual novel, this time-travel thriller is often considered among the best anime ever.
While the original Steins; Gate was already a psychological thriller, Steins; Gate 0 takes it even further, delving into a more profound and tragic premise.
3. Jormungand
- Episode: 12
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Seinen
Jormungand is Koko Hekmatyar’s strategy for bringing about world peace.
Koko is not your usual peacemaker; she’s an arms dealer and the boss of the European/African Arms Transport Division, which is part of her father’s shipping business.
With a team of nine bodyguards, Koko aims to achieve world peace by ensuring both sides of a conflict are armed.
In Jormungand, you get a blend of intense action with Koko as a skilled fighter and her strategic mind working towards her version of world peace.
4. Hataraku Mou Sama (The Devil is a Part-Timer)
- Episode: 12
- Genres: Comedy, Supernatural, Fantasy
After being defeated by the hero Emilia Justina, Satan and his right-hand demon, Alciel, escape Japan through a portal. They take on Sadao Maou and Shirou Ashiya in their new lives.
To make ends meet, Sadao takes up a part-time job at a fast-food restaurant, while Ashiya looks for a way to restore their lost powers. Emilia faces a similar predicament, adapting to life in this modern world and taking on work.
“The Devil Is a Part-Timer!” offers a delightful comedy experience from White Fox.
Despite the humor, the series also showcases Sadao’s challenges as he fights to protect those he cares about. The battles are exciting, but the playful interactions between characters like Sadao, Ashiya, Emi, and others make “The Devil Is a Part-Timer!” a delightful watch.
5. Akame Ga Kill!
- Episode: 24
- Genres: Action, Drama, Fantasy
Tatsumi dreams of achieving success in the Capital to support his starving village. He embarks on a journey to fulfill this goal alongside his two friends.
Upon reaching the Capital, Tatsumi realizes it’s not the idyllic place he imagined. The system is corrupt, and he witnesses its dark side.
Discovering his friends’ unfortunate fate, Tatsumi joins a group of assassins seeking justice for the corrupt. This marks the beginning of an adventure to fight corruption and stand up against those causing suffering.
While the anime’s ending sparked controversy among manga fans due to its deviation from the manga’s conclusion, “Akame ga Kill!” is praised for its impressive production values, a hallmark of White Fox animation.
6. Matoi the Sacred Slayer
- Episode: 12
- Genres: Magical Girl, Supernatural
“Matoi, the Sacred Slayer” stands as White Fox’s inaugural and, to date, exclusive original creation. Despite referring to the girls in the series as exorcist girls, it essentially falls under the familiar category of magical girl anime.
In this series, White Fox seamlessly blends the elements typical of magical girl anime with their renowned animation quality, showcasing their versatility across a spectrum of themes, from light-hearted to darker tones.
The success of “Matoi the Sacred Slayer” underscores White Fox’s adeptness at handling diverse material, affirming their ability to adapt and deliver compelling narratives across different genres.
7. Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu
- Episode: 25 (Season 1/2016), On going
- Genres: Fantasy, Isekai, Psychological, Thriller
“Re: Zero” offers a narrative that diverges from the typical isekai fantasy, surprising Subaru Natsuki and viewers alike. It’s a unique blend of romance and psychological thriller that evokes sympathy and intrigue.
When Subaru is transported to a fantasy world, he quickly realizes it’s not the familiar terrain of the games and manga he’s accustomed to. Contrary to the typical protagonist, he isn’t the chosen one and lacks any special talents or superpowers.
Unlike many White Fox series, “Re: Zero” doesn’t just take a dark turn; it explores deeper into darkness with each passing episode. If you haven’t experienced “Re: Zero” yet, be prepared for gasp-worthy moments in every episode.
The story revolves around Subaru and those close to him facing death repeatedly in a desperate quest for a way to move forward, creating a compelling and suspenseful narrative.
8. Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou (Girl’s Last Tour)
- Episode: 12
- Genres: Adventure, Sci-Fi, Slice of Life
In “Girls’ Last Tour,” the cute character design of Chito and Yuuri stands out against the backdrop of a somber post-apocalyptic world. This mix of contrasting elements is a trademark of what White Fox excels at.
Chito and Yuuri navigate this desolate landscape, searching for oil for their Kettenkrad and food for sustenance. Their sole purpose is reaching the city’s top in pursuit of something, even though their lives seem bleak.
Their existence is marked by hopelessness, but together, they find happiness in their daily struggles. While “Girls’ Last Tour” may feel like a slice of life, it’s crucial to recognize that Chito and Yuuri are battling for survival.
The genre often exudes warmth in typical slice-of-life fashion, but the irony sets in when you consider these two girls fighting to survive in a challenging environment. Chito and Yuuri’s journey becomes even more poignant as they grapple with their tragic circumstances.
9. Grimoire of Zero (Zero Kara Hajimeru Mahou no Sho)
- Episode: 12
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Magic, Fantasy
Adapted from the light novel of the same name, “Grimoire of Zero” marks White Fox’s 14th series and a decade of the studio’s existence. True to the White Fox style, “Grimoire of Zero” delivers what fans have come to expect from the studio.
The story revolves around the Beastfallen, half-human and half-beast individuals facing discrimination due to appearance. One Beastfallen aspires to become human and dreams of establishing a tavern.
A fortuitous encounter with a wizard named Zero sparks a glimmer of hope. In exchange for protection, Zero pledges to transform the Beastfallen into a human if he assists her in the quest for a magical tome called the Grimoire of Zero.
Initially presented as a lighthearted fantasy series, “Grimoire of Zero” gradually explores into darker and more complex themes as the plot unfolds.
Alongside the evolving narrative, the anime explores endearing relationships that blossom between the protagonists throughout their journey. White Fox’s 14th series, “Grimoire of Zero,” encapsulates the studio’s ability to blend fantasy, depth, and character dynamics in its storytelling.
10. Goblin Slayer
- Episode: 12
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
“Goblin Slayer” hit the screens in late 2018, and it made quite a buzz on Twitter due to its intense and brutal initial episodes.
However, the extreme violence that stirred controversy was mainly confined to the first episode. The subsequent episodes take a safer route in terms of content.
For fans of adventure series, “Goblin Slayer” offers a choice with more gore and a notably darker tone compared to many other adventure anime.
So, those were some anime recommendations crafted by White Fox Studio.
