How do you define an anime as being aesthetically pleasing? Because of its animation? or through the arts? There are many anime series with stunning animation, but none of them can compare to these.
Studio Ghibli films are some of the best examples. The vibrant colours, laborious character designs, eye-catching environments, and even minor details will move us to tears.
This article is for you if you’re looking for some anime aesthetics that will entice you with unique worlds and storylines. So, shall we venture into the beautiful yet distinct world of Aesthetic anime?
Aesthetic Anime List!
1. Your Name
Mitsuha and Taki, two strangers, are strangely linked. They appear to body swap alternately and live each other’s lives. What fate awaits them?
Every scene in this anime can be turned into beautiful wallpaper. The visuals are breathtaking, and Makoto Shinkai’s masterpiece never fails to entertain viewers with its aesthesis.
2. Spirited Away
Chihiro and her family move to a new town and come across an abandoned amusement park. Unfortunately, Chihiro finds herself in an unfamiliar environment and must also save her parents.
I don’t need to say anything about Miyazaki’s films. They are undeniably beautiful to look at, and the majority of them are masterpieces. Spirited Away even won an Oscar for being so outstanding.
3. Violet Evergarden
Violet has been a weapon for war since she was a child. But everything changed when Gilbert discovered her. But in his final moments, she couldn’t figure out what the words “I Love You” meant.
Violet Evergarden’s artwork and animation are the first things you’ll notice. The visuals aren’t as intense as in an action anime, but they are visually appealing. It’s as if you’re watching an anime with stunning scenery.
4. Beyond the Boundary
Akihito is a half-youmu and immortal who lives in a supernatural world where Spirit World Warriors hunt youmu. Then he meets Mirai, who uses her blood to kill the youmu and can’t seem to get away from her.
While Kyoto Animation is known for its aesthetically pleasing visuals, this anime only proves that claim. It completely immerses the viewer in animation quality, and you won’t care about the storyline.
5. Clannad After Story
This anime follows Tomoya as he begins his new semester and continues to live with Nagisa and her family after the events of Clannad. Will his life be kind to him?
Kyoto Animation has done it once more. The details wowed me, and while the story is excellent (or on par with animation), the background visuals and characters wowed me even more.
6. Made in Abyss
Riko had always wanted to explore the Abyss where her mother had vanished. But then she meets a boy with a robotic appearance who appears to be from the Abyss. Will she embark on her journey?
What could be more appealing than a one-of-a-kind animation and character design? Because the scenery and characters feel so different and simply beautiful, Made in Abyss fits perfectly in the anime aesthetic genre.
7. Katanagari
The plot revolves around a swordsman who fights without a sword and an army strategist who seeks “12 deviant blades” for the sake of the Bakufu government. How thrilling will their journey be?
If you’ve seen a few Chinese anime, you might recognise this one. The character designs are fantastic, almost too good, and the animation as a whole is out of this world. The animators did an excellent job of making it unique and beautiful.
8. Land of the Lustrous
In the far future, only new life forms known as Houseki have survived, and they face a dangerous foe known as Moon Dwellers. Can they fight back and triumph over these ruthless foes?
I can’t help but think that this is the most beautiful anime with incredible CGI I’ve seen in a long time. The art quality is incredible, and you can’t take your gaze away from the screen for even a second.
9. The Garden of Words
After skipping school, Takao meets a woman in the garden. They quickly become close, but their relationship is put to the test due to their personal issues.
The Garden of Words is both a visual feast and an emotional roller coaster. The amount of time and effort animators put into making this anime is unfathomable. When I first saw it, I was stunned.
10. Birthday Wonderland
Akane meets a mysterious alchemist just before her birthday, who later transports her to a fantastical world and asks her to save it. But all she wants to do is go home and throw a good birthday party.
It’s a simple anime with nothing out of the ordinary, but there’s a reason you should watch it. The animation isn’t particularly inventive, but the characters’ eyes, in particular, are among the best I’ve seen.
11. No Game No Life
Sora and Shiro are unbeatable gamers who go by the alias “Blank.” However, when they receive an invitation from an unknown person, they easily defeat him.
They are, however, immediately transported to a world where games determine everything. While this world would be ideal for them, what is the main reason for their summoning?
When I first saw MADHOUSE, I was pleasantly surprised. The animation is too distinct, and it only works well in action scenes. The character designs are ridiculously awesome, and it’s a joy to watch.
12. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
In the year 2029, the government creates Section 9 to combat criminals who use advanced technology. However, Motoko Kusanagi encounters a formidable hacker who disrupts the entire plan.
Ghost in the Shell is a fantastic franchise with some of the best parts, but this film in particular nailed it. The animation is simply stunning, and the colours and cityscapes look incredible. It is a visual feast.
13. The Ancient Magus’ Bride
Chise Hitari has been through a lot in her life, and she eventually sold herself as a slave. But she is bought by a mysterious being who introduces her to a new fantasy world and promises to marry her.
We need to come across these kinds of aesthetic treasures every now and then. The stunning visuals are a joy to watch, and the characters are endearing. We strongly advise you to watch it!
14. Redline
Only hover cars rule in this world, and speedsters compete in a deadly race known as “Redline.” JP was defeated in a qualifying Yellow line race, but he’s determined to win this one regardless. Will he succeed?
Redline may not have the best story or characters, but it shines like a diamond in terms of animation. We should expect at least seven years of hand-drawn animation.
15. The King’s Avatar
Ye Xiu is a top-tier player in the game Glory, and he was kicked off their professional team. He eventually retires and works in an internet cafe. However, after Glory launches a new server, he returns with his best friend’s freelancer gear.
Chinese anime has always been distinct, but “The King’s Avatar” captures the essence of Japanese animation with breathtaking visuals. It truly is a visual feast, and if you haven’t seen it yet, you should.
16. Carole & Tuesday
Carole and Tuesday are the protagonists of this story. One lives on the streets, collecting trash and making music. The other is wealthy, but no one comprehends her. Will their lives be altered as a result of her meeting with the other?
I compare the artwork in this anime to Violet Evergarden’s. The soundtracks, characters, and plot make the anime even more enjoyable.
17. The Tatami Galaxy
The plot revolves around a depressed man who tries and fails to live an exciting life. But every time he does it, the same thing happens. Can he ever have a happy life?
Let’s just focus on how fresh and engaging the animation is because the rest of the anime is pretty good. You can watch this if you want to watch something different than usual.
18. Kekkai Sensen
When a rift opens between Earth and the Netherworld, both creatures from other dimensions and humans are trapped. Libra is now the only group capable of keeping the peace between them.
Kekkai Sensen is grossly underappreciated. Studio Bones has once again delivered masterpiece-level visuals, and the character designs are drawn with care. Try it out if you haven’t already.
19. Hakumei to Mikocchi
The plot revolves around Hakumei, a cheerful girl who enjoys exploring the outside world, and Mikocchi, an introvert who prefers to stay inside. How will their disparate tastes affect their friendship?
I’d love to live in the world depicted in the show. The visuals are so beautiful that you’ll want to rewind the scenes just for the scenery. It’s a lovely slice of life with a fantasy twist.
20. Flip Flappers
Cocona is a typical middle-schooler who has yet to decide on a career path. But then she meets Papika, a strange girl who introduces her to a whole new world. But can they stand it?
I’m glad I decided to watch this anime after seeing a clip on YouTube. The animation is excellent, and the fights are among the best I’ve seen in a long time. The background colours and character designs are very pleasing to the eye.
21. The Night is Short, Walk on Girl
The plot revolves around a college student who pursues his underclassmen with black hair. He always uses the same strategy of running into each other by chance, but how long will it last? Is he ever going to get her attention?
It will most likely take you a full 93 minutes to notice the animators’ efforts. You can watch the movie for entertainment because every scene shows the true essence of the art style and is a little funny.
22. A Lull in the Sea
The plot revolves around four friends who attend the Oshiooshi land village middle school from Shioshisho, the Sea Village. They discover the true meaning of friendship with the help of a friend from the Village of Land.
You’ll probably pause the anime every now and then to admire its beauty. The animation is fantastic, and the character designs are equally so. If you haven’t already, watch it.
23. Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo
Albert has it all: money, good parents, and even some great friends. But his life had always been boring until he met a man named Count of Monte Cristo. After this event, his life always takes a tragic turn.
A story about lost love, vengeance, and betrayal. What could be more intriguing than this idea? Leaving everything else aside, the visuals in this anime are stunning and one-of-a-kind.
24. Kyousougiga
Kyoto, a fourteen-year-old girl, searches for her mother in a city populated by humans, robots, and monsters. Can he find her while both the city and his family are in danger?
The first thing I noticed about this anime was its fantastic imagery, which included a stunning background that gave the impression of being in an unreal setting. Be my guest if you’re looking for a fantasy action anime with a supernatural setting.
25. K Project
The plot revolves around Yashiro, an ordinary boy who is blamed for the murder of one of the HOMURA organization’s members. Can he now prove his innocence and save his own life?
K-Project is an underappreciated anime. I’d give it a 10/10 for visual presentation alone, and an 8/10 for all other aspects. Textures, effects, and lighting action scenes will not disappoint.
Concluding Aesthetic Anime List!
These are the anime series that I personally adored, and some of them blew my expectations out of the water.
We highly recommend going with 1080p quality if you want to have a good experience while watching these beautifully animated anime.
So, did you find our list useful? If you have any other anime suggestions, please leave them in the comments section below.
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