Must-watch anime by Ufotable

When you hear the news that your all-time favorite manga or video game is going to be transformed into an anime by none other than Ufotable, it’s like fireworks of excitement bursting inside you!

Ufotable has built an extraordinary reputation for its mind-blowing adaptations of popular video games like Fate/Stay Night, God Eater, and various games from the Tales series.

They take the action scenes to a whole new level, delivering visuals that will blow your mind and animations so smooth they’ll make your jaw drop.

Ufotable truly stands out when it comes to crafting action sequences that flow like a river and dazzle like fireworks.

Their animations breathe life into vibrant and vivid paintings, turning each moment into a feast for your eyes.

If you’re in search of a stunning and thrilling experience, anything brought to life by Ufotable will undoubtedly exceed your expectations.

Since its establishment back in 2000, Ufotable has worked on numerous awe-inspiring shows, but some shine brighter than others.

As a die-hard fan of the studio, we’ve meticulously ranked their absolute best creations just for you.

Ufotable animation

Ufotable is a well-known Japanese animation studio that has produced some of the most clever and visually stunning anime series in the last decade.

From Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba to God Eater and the Fate/stay franchise, their work is truly exceptional.

While recent reports of tax evasion schemes have put the company under fire, it’s important to remember the incredible art that has come out of this unique animation studio.

While Ufotable may not have the same reputation or experience as some of the more established Japanese animation studios, they have a special quality that sets them apart: their animations are crisp, vibrant, and flow with an unmatched level of skill.

Ufotable is renowned for its animation style, which creates some of the smoothest and most fluid visuals in the industry.

Despite recent controversy surrounding the company’s tax evasion schemes, the incredible art that has come out of this unique animation studio should not be overshadowed.

The studio’s ambition shines through in every second of their animations, making each frame feel like a vivid and creative masterpiece.

It’s as if a thousand moving paintings come to life in perfect synchronization, resulting in jaw-dropping action sequences.

This is evident in their biggest and most popular titles.

If you want a feast for your eyes, you absolutely have to check out Ufotable’s greatest anime.

15. Coyote Ragtime Show

• No. of Seasons: 1
• No. of Episodes: 12
• Status: Completed
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Mecha
• Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation

Imagine going on a thrilling treasure hunt through space, just like the cool pirates in One Piece.

But hold on tight because things are about to get wild! Meet Mister, a daring outlaw who’s up against a legendary gang of deadly android assassins known as the Twelve Sisters.

These fierce killers, named after the months of the Julian calendar, are constantly hot on Mister’s trail, trying to hunt him down.

In this thrilling space adventure, we follow the daring escapades of Mister, a character who manages to break free from prison just before his scheduled release.

His mission is crystal clear: he must locate an enormous hidden treasure.

Fortunately, he’s not embarking on this journey alone; he has the unwavering support of an innocent and spirited girl named Franka by his side, always ready to lend a helping hand.

Franka assembles a motley crew of unlikely heroes to assist her in reclaiming her precious loot.

But guess what? They encounter even more extraordinary android assassins and space pirates, all hungry for a piece of Franca’s wealth.

It’s a captivating science fiction series that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

If you’re craving more awesome space anime with a relaxed vibe like Cowboy Bebop or Outlaw Star, then the Coyote Ragtime Show is the perfect choice for you.

14. Ninin ga Shinobuden (Ninja Nonsense)

• No. of Seasons: 1
• No. of Episodes: 12
• Status: Completed
• Genre: Martial Arts,, Comedy, Parody
• Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation

Naruto showed us just how obsessed people could get with ninjas when they had their own platform to showcase their incredible abilities.

But Ninja Nonsense decided to shake things up and turn all those ninja stereotypes upside down.

Based on Ryoichi Koga’s manga, this hilarious series takes us on a wild journey with Shinobu, a clueless and innocent ninja-in-training, as she embarks on misadventures with her new buddy Kaede, her younger sister Miyabi, and her ridiculously perverted teacher Onsokumaru.

The best part? Ninja Nonsense is a lighthearted show that you can binge-watch in just a few days.

Its quirky cast of characters and humor, which strikes the perfect balance between maturity and universal appeal, will leave fans who know all about the skillful ninja world in stitches.

13. Futakoi Alternative (Twin Love Alternative)

• No. of Seasons: 1
• No. of Episodes: 12
• Status: Completed
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Parody
• Where to watch: HIDIVE

Futakoi Alternative rocks as a mind-blowing Ufotable series that totally defies any single anime genre.

It’s a 13-episode rollercoaster ride centered around Rentaro Futaba, the boss of a kickass detective agency.

His life takes a crazy turn when two genius twins, Sara and Soju, barge into our agency and become our fresh secretaries.

Futakoi Alternative dives into some mind-bending mysteries, but more often than not, it’s a super fun romantic comedy.

The chemistry between Futaba, Sara, and Soju is off-the-charts entertaining.

As the anime unfolds, it gradually reveals a deeper, more serious side.

Ufotable joined forces with Studio Flag and Feel.

When they were starting out, and together, they cooked up a wild premise that fuses romance and comedy into one wild package.

Our hero, Rentarou, steps up to run the Futaba Detective Agency after his old man’s unfortunate demise.

Helping out in this family biz are two stunning identical twin sisters who also happen to live with us.

Life could’ve been perfect for the three of us, but Rentarou had to go and mess things up by ticking off the local Yakuza.

And let me tell you, it’s pure entertainment for us viewers!

12. Sumeba Miyako no Cosmos-sou Suttoko Taisen Dokkoida (Dokkoida?!)

• No. of Seasons: 1
• No. of Episodes: 12
• Status: Completed
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Parody
• Where to watch: HIDIVE

While the majority of this list features serious tales of characters risking their lives to save the world, Dokkoida?! takes a different approach.

It’s like a hilarious mix of Ninja Nonsense and Power Rangers, offering a comedic twist on common superhero tropes.

The story begins with Suzuo Sakurazaki, a struggling country boy, in search of a job.

However, everything changes when Tanpopo, a teenage space alien working for the Galaxy Federation Police, enters the scene. She recruits Suzuo to test their new prototype mechanical power suits.

With the help of a transformation belt, Suzuo becomes the hero known as Dokkoida.

Consequently, his mission is clear: to defeat the villains hired by the Galaxy Federation Police and push his power suit to the limit.

What makes this mission even more interesting is the twist that all the heroes and villains live under one roof.

This unique living arrangement carries the constant risk of job loss, as their true identities must remain hidden.

The humor in Dokkoida?! is so outrageously over the top that it deserves a high spot on this list.

Dokkoida?! presents a tonal shift from Ufotable’s usual portfolio. It offers a quirky adventure filled with off-beat humor.

The anime follows Suzuo, a boy who lands a job as a mechanized police impersonator due to his physique and positive attitude.

But here’s the twist: Suzuo has competition.

There’s another girl with the same job, and they must avoid recognizing each other outside of their suits to keep their employment secure.

It sounds easy, but things get complicated when they end up living in the same house to save money.

11. Weiß Kreuz Glühen (Knight Hunters Eternity)

• No. of Seasons: 2
• No. of Episodes: 37 + 1 ONA
• Status: Completed
• Genre: Action, Drama
• Where to watch: Tubi

Also known as WeiB Kreuz Gluhen or “White Cross Glow” in German, Knight Hunters Eternity is the third installment in the Knight Hunters series.

In a world plagued by constant terrorist attacks linked to a series of student suicides at Koua Academy, a team of assassins uncovers the evil lurking within the school’s hierarchy.

You don’t need to have seen the previous series to grasp the story.

Knight Hunters Eternity delivers a well-paced, dramatic anime with a dark and gritty feel that might make you reconsider sending your kids to a fancy private school nearby.

This anime serves as a sequel to the 1998 Knight Hunters, initially produced by Plum and Magic Bus.

Ufotable took over for the follow-up, but as their first project, the animation may not fully represent their legendary reputation.

Nonetheless, the storyline follows the action anime trend of the early 2000s.

It’s set in an academy where the world’s brightest students gather. Still, recently, the school’s reputation has been tainted by the rising suicide rates.

Protagonist Fujimiya Aya is sent to infiltrate the school and unravel the mystery behind these troubling events.

10. Katsugeki Touken Ranbu

• No. of Seasons: 3
• No. of Episodes: 51 + 3 Movies
• Status: Completed
• Genre: Action, Fantasy, Historical, Samurai
• Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation, ASI Play

Katsugeki Touken Ranbu served as a testing ground for Ufotable, honing its artists’ skills for the masterpiece that is Demon Slayer.

This historical samurai action anime features lightning-fast katana combat that leaves you in awe.

It’s no wonder the license holders of Demon Slayer chose Ufotable.

This adaptation of an Edo period tale, with time travel and altered timelines, showcases some of the smoothest and most intricate sword fights ever seen.

Game anime adaptations often have a bad reputation, and it’s easy to see why. Their complex narratives rarely translate well on screen.

However, Ufotable’s Katsugeki Touken Ranbu breaks the mold, captivating both gamers and non-gamers alike.

Even if you’re unfamiliar with the game, the alternate-history premise and thrilling samurai action make it a must-watch.

And for those who know the game, the anime’s stellar production and deep character development beautifully complement the game’s storyline.

09. Tales Of Symphonia The Animation

• Type: OVA (Original Video Animation)
• No. of Seasons: 3
• No. of Episodes: 11 + 4 Special
• Status: Completed
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Martial Arts
• Where to watch: Crunchyroll

The relationship between anime and video games is symbiotic, and sometimes, the lines between the two become blurred when anime adaptations bring beloved video game series to life.

Ufotable, a renowned studio, took on the task of creating the Tales of Symphonia: The Animation OVA, and it’s the Sylvarant Chapter that leaves the greatest impact.

The heart of the anime lies in the connection between two intertwined worlds, bound by both prosperity and destruction.

Watching Colette Brunel and her party embark on a journey to mend her world is truly captivating.

Still, it also reveals the ripple effect of loss that follows.

Tales of Symphonia was a massively successful JRPG in the early-2000s.

Years later, Ufotable secured the rights to adapt it into an anime, and it quickly became one of the studio’s early triumphs.

Ufotable chose to divide the story into several OVAs, each comprising only a few episodes.

The first of these OVAs is Tales of Symphonia The Animation: Sylvarant-hen.

It portrays a tale of two worlds, where one must perish in order for the other to survive.

The world facing its demise finds hope in the form of a chosen one, Colette Brunel.

However, as Colette embarks on her journey to fulfill her destiny, she uncovers a more sinister truth about their world.

The Sylvarant Chapter of Tales of Symphonia The Animation is an enthralling adventure that explores the intertwined fate of two worlds.

With Ufotable’s expert touch, this anime adaptation brings the beloved video game series to life, leaving a lasting impression on its viewers.

08. Gakuen Utopia Manabi Straight!

• No. of Seasons: 1
• No. of Episodes: 12 + 1 Special
• Status: Completed
• Genre: Comedy, Slice of Life, CGDCT, School
• Where to watch: N/A

Also known as Manabi Straight, this show is set in the year 2035, when the world is facing a decline in birth rates.

Schools have lost their liveliness, lacking the vibrant energy of children filling the halls.

Meet Manami Amamiya, the main character, who joins the student council with her boundless enthusiasm.

She is determined to uplift everyone by organizing the best student festival ever!

Despite the dark future it presents, Manabi Straight is not a plot to be taken too seriously.

The characters may seem young for their age.

Still, at its core, the anime is about finding your passion, taking charge of your life, and making a positive change in your environment.

Interestingly, Gakuen Utopia Manabi Straight! is one of the few titles in Ufotable’s portfolio that’s based on manga.

However, Ufotable spared no effort in animating this delightful school-themed slice-of-life comedy.

In the alternate future of 2035, where birth rates are dangerously low, Seioh Private High School for Girls is about to undergo a transformation.

Thanks to the lively transfer student, Manami Amamiya, the school is in for a rejuvenation!

Manabi Straight! Takes us on a nostalgic journey through bustling school life, annual festivals, and the daily challenges of being a teenager.

Amidst its futuristic and slightly dystopian backdrop, where birthrates have plummeted and schools are closing down, the anime still manages to warm our hearts.

Watching Manabi Straight! Feels like savoring a cup of hot chocolate on a chilly winter night.

It doesn’t overdo the drama but still delivers touching themes and wonderfully humorous character quirks that will leave you delighted.

07. God Eater

• No. of Seasons: 1
• No. of Episodes: 13 + 4 ONAs + 2 Special
• Status: Completed
• Genre: Action, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
• Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Netflix

Ufotable, the studio known for its stunning animation, has a knack for adapting video games into amazing anime series.

God Eater is one such gem. Set in a future where monstrous creatures called Aragami rule, humanity’s last hope lies with the courageous “God Eaters,” soldiers who can defeat these beasts.

While not groundbreaking, God Eater draws inspiration from Attack on Titan.

Its main character seeks vengeance for his family’s loss to the Aragami and strives to grow stronger.

With its beautiful animation and a strong fanbase, the popularity of God Eater continues to grow.

Ufotable excels at adapting video games into anime. God Eater is a prime example.

Set in 2071, the story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is endangered by Aragami.

The special “God Eaters” rise to fight these monsters, and one promising hero stands out: Lenka Utsugi.

God Eater may not have the intricate world-building of Attack on Titan.

Still, it captivates with its dark, futuristic setting and action-packed narrative.

Ufotable’s mastery shines through, delivering intense battles and excitement.

So, if you crave post-apocalyptic thrills and epic fights, look no further than God Eater!

06. Tales Of Zestiria The Cross

• No. of Seasons: 2
• No. of Episodes: 25
• Status: Completed
• Genre: Adventure, Action, Fantasy
• Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Tubi, YouTube

There’s this awesome anime called Tales of Zestiria the X that’s based on a super popular video game.

It takes place in a dying world desperately in need of redemption.

You see, there used to be these legendary beings called Seraphim who controlled the elements, and the awesome guys and gals who controlled them were known as Shepherds.

But now, they’re all gone, vanished into thin air! Enter Sorey, our main dude.

He’s a regular guy who suddenly discovers he’s become a Shepherd.

His childhood friend, Mikleo, turns out to be a Seraph, one of those cool elemental beings.

And then, just by chance, they stumble upon Princess Alisha, who gets lost in a stone labyrinth.

So, Sorey, Mikleo, and Alisha team up on a mission to restore their world to the way it used to be.

They want to bring back the good ol’ days when humans and Seraphim could live together peacefully. It’s a classic storyline, but trust me, there’s so much more to it!

What makes Tales of Zestiria the X stand out is its mind-blowing magical spells and epic battles.

Ufotable did an amazing job bringing the game to life. They’ve captured the essence of the source material perfectly.

So, if you’re a fan of the game, consider yourself lucky! Ufotable’s adaptation does justice to the franchise.

They’ve created a fantastical world that’ll suck you right in. Plus, the characters are so relatable and lovable.

05. Emiya-san Chi no Kyou no Gohan (Today’s Menu For The Emiya Family)

• Type: ONA
• No. of Seasons: 1
• No. of Episodes: 13
• Status: Completed
• Genre:  Comedy, Gourmet, Slice of Life, Iyashikei
• Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation

Today’s Menu for the Emiya Family, a 13-episode ONA series from Ufotable, takes characters from the Fate/Stay Night series and places them in radically more cheerful circumstances.

In this delightful anime, the fierce warriors from the original franchise become unassuming allies, focusing on the simple joys of life and honing their culinary skills.

It’s a refreshing change of pace for those who love the serious fantasy elements but also yearn to see their beloved characters find happiness.

Today’s Menu for the Emiya Family is a heartfelt love letter to all the Fate/Stay Night fans.

For those unfamiliar with the franchise, Fate/Stay Night features chosen heroes selecting warriors to fight for them in an eternal power struggle.

In this side story, we get to witness a brief and precious time of peace after the intense war has concluded.

While the anime is more targeted toward fans of the Fate franchise, it offers a delightful respite, showcasing our favorite fierce fighters engaged in cooking and grocery shopping in this charming slice-of-life setting.

Although Today’s Menu for the Emiya Family has some references to the central Holy Grail War of Fate/Stay Night, it takes a completely different approach as a slice-of-life drama devoid of any action.

Set in the serene backdrop of Fuyuki City, the anime follows Shirou’s gastronomic journey as he explores markets and ingredients to prepare savory meals for the Emiya family.

From sumptuous salmon dishes to mouthwatering shrimp tempura, the anime takes viewers on a culinary adventure.

While doing so, it creates a feel-good atmosphere that helps fans unwind from the intense action and drama of other Fate installments.

04. Kara no Kyoukai (The Garden Of Sinners)

• Number of Movies: 7 (In addition to the films, there is an epilogue released as an extra called “The Garden of Sinners: Future Gospel” (Mirai Fukuin) in 2013, which consists of two parts.)
• No. of Episodes: 25
• Status: Completed
• Genre: Supernatural, Action, Fantasy, 
• Where to watch: Crunchyroll

If you want to discover the best of Ufotable’s anime, look for anything related to Type-Moon. One hidden gem worth exploring is The Garden of Sinners.

Though not as famous as Fate, it has its own well-deserved recognition in both light novels and anime adaptations.

Originally an 8-part movie franchise with a couple of OVAs, The Garden of Sinners was later adapted into a 13-episode series.

The story is not easy to summarize, but at its core, it revolves around a supernatural investigation agency.

Yet, that description doesn’t do justice to the anime’s true essence.

It’s more of a character study, focusing on Shiki Ryougi and her mysterious ability to see death lines, which defines her life.

However, at its best, The Garden of Sinners offers complex characters driving captivating stories, all beautifully and creatively animated.

The story centers around Shiki Ryougi, a unique protagonist with the ability to perceive death lines and an enigmatic connection to the supernatural.

As she unravels dark secrets and confronts supernatural entities, viewers are drawn into a captivating and mysterious narrative.

The anime’s dark and eerie quality permeates throughout the entire series.

With its noir-like visuals and rich earth tones, every scene evokes a feeling of unease and can give you goosebumps.

Interestingly, The Garden of Sinners might be set in the same universe as the highly successful Fate franchise, another masterpiece by Ufotable.

The deliberate pace filled with suspense only enhances the story, making it even more engaging and rewarding.

So, if you’re up for a hauntingly beautiful and suspenseful journey into the supernatural, don’t miss out on The Garden of Sinners.

03. Fate/Zero

• No. of Seasons: 2
• No. of Episodes: 25 + 2 Special
• Status: Completed
• Genre: Supernatural, Action, Fantasy, 
• Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Funimation, Netflix

This incredible anime takes place during the Fourth Holy Grail War, which is a prequel to Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works.

The story revolves around Kiritsugu Emiya, a unique competitor known for his love of guns and modern technology rather than traditional spells.

The characters in Fate/Zero are top-notch, and it’s fascinating to see how the Servants and Masters interact with each other.

And let’s talk about that animation! It’s flawless, making every battle a jaw-dropping spectacle.

It’s one of the highest-rated entries in the Fate anime lineup, and for good reason!

In this world, the Holy Grail is a powerful device that can grant any wish, and noble families and notorious factions are always vying for it.

Fate/Zero takes you on an intense battle for survival, following Kiritsugu Emiya, also known as the “Magus Killer.”

The action scenes are slam-bang, and the soundtracks are upbeat, making it a thrilling ride from start to finish.

And the best part? There are practically no filler episodes to slow you down!

One thing that sets Fate/Zero apart and adds to its high rating is how it handles its characters. With a large roster, the show cleverly weaves its development throughout the runtime.

Instead of focusing on individual personalities, it treats them as a united force that grows together as the story unfolds. Surprisingly, this approach works incredibly well and keeps you hooked!

So, if you want a gripping tale of magic, battles, and unforgettable characters, Fate/Zero is the way to go.

02. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba

• No. of Seasons: 3
• No. of Episodes: 55
• Status: Ongoing
• Genre: Adventure, Thrilling
• Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Funimation, Netflix

There is no doubt about it: Demon Slayer is hands down the highest-rated anime series from Ufotable, and we totally get why!

The whole show is like a breathtaking work of art, following a young boy named Tanjiro Kamado on a quest to save his sister, who turned into a demon after a brutal attack that took away his family.

It’s a dark and unforgiving anime, but what sets it apart is that Tanjiro isn’t your typical revenge-driven protagonist found in many Shonen series.

Tanjiro is a kind-hearted guy and gets this: he actually feels sympathy for the demons he’s meant to kill.

With season two on the horizon, Demon Slayer is bound to reach even greater heights.

It’s not just about the quality; it’s the most popular anime from Ufotable, and some say it’s their crowning achievement.

The manga by Koyoharu Gotouge is great, no doubt. Still, it’s Ufotable’s breathtaking animation that made it explode into a worldwide phenomenon.

Every new sequel becomes the talk of the town.

This anime took the world by storm back in 2019, and the follow-up movie set the bar even higher!

Sure, the show might follow a familiar Shonen storyline, starting with a training arc where Tanjiro hones his skills to join the Demon Slayers Corps.

He’s determined to avenge his family’s murder and sets out to slay every demon that destroyed his life.

The future of Demon Slayer is unknown, but we can’t deny fans’ high expectations for what’s to come.

This series has solidified its place among the best Shounen of our time!

01. Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works

• No. of Seasons: 2
• No. of Episodes: 25 + 1 Movie + 2 Special
• Status: Completed
• Genre: Supernatural, Action, Fantasy, 
• Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Funimation

There’s this amazing anime called Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works, and we’re here to tell you all about it!

It follows the story of Rin Tosaka, a fierce competitor in the deadly “Holy Grail War” tournament.

In this intense battle, Rin and six other participants must fight to the death with their summoned “Servant” companions by their side.

Now, here’s the catch: the ultimate prize is none other than the Holy Grail itself, a mystical chalice that grants wishes.

And let us tell you, the battles in this show are mind-blowing!

The animation is simply stunning, and that’s why people often refer to it as “Unlimited Budget Works.”

The studio behind it, Ufotable, has an endless pool of money for their jaw-dropping visuals.

But wait, there’s more! Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works has an alternate ending, just like the original visual novel.

This means you can enjoy different outcomes and keep the excitement going.

The anime takes place during the Fifth Holy Grail War, bringing back familiar faces and introducing fresh new contenders.

If you’re new to the Fate series, don’t worry! This is the perfect starting point.

The action and animation alone are enough to hook anyone, especially if you found Fate/Zero a bit slow-paced.

Believe us when we say this adaptation sets the bar high for visual novel adaptations.

The production quality is flawless from start to finish, and it expertly balances thrilling action with deep character development.

It’s a visual feast and an epic adventure all rolled into one.