Great Worldbuilding
Anime
Anime with great worldbuilding, or the development of the fantastical environment and world! None of these anime take place in what you would call 'our universe', rather taking place in an alternative universe or fantasy/ sci-fi setting with amazingly well-tailored and fitting details in technologies and architecture that makes every world unique.
TV, 2015,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Reimagines the recognizable bustling setting of New York City as a now-altered area in which humans and monsters live congruently. Many themes that take place in the show revolve around the conflicts of the two clashing worlds and how everyday peace can be both achieved and jeopardized under such turmoil in which the concept of 'civil' and 'humanity' is not the same for everyone in a single society.
TV, 2017,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:5
One man's casual tour in a country this is only just starting to settle comfortably into its monarchial ruling that is surprisingly quite similar from our world. In fact, the most surprising thing of all is the similarities! Hitting home with corrupt politicians, government drama, factions of people with different ideas about the same concepts, and the subtle causalities of everyday life, it's a sad reality that not even fiction can let us escape from life's unfortunate affairs and continuous strings of consequences.
TV, 2008,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Discusses a loss of morality in a world that holds a doomed majority of its population. The revelation of the calamity has already taken place before the time where the story begins in the anime, so the consequences of inner and outer turmoil in both people and robots are explored greatly with a strong focus on what makes the two 'species' of the world different.
TV, 2002,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:9
From the same creator of Serial Experiments Lain, Haibane Renmei develops as a similarly philosophical and thoughtful piece using subtle worldbuilding techniques to create a setting that is as interesting as it is metaphorical. What this intriguing world has to offer can be a fun one to pull apart and interpret with its layers of unique tradition and strange yet familiar sense of religion.
TV, 2004,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Unique sci-fi setting combined with the classic story of the Count of Monte Cristo. Works extremely well with the thematic layout and all technologies work in an extremely believable fashion.
TV, 1998,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Seamlessly integrating both a narrative of aimless and wandering people with a stagnant universe that doesn't seem to want to move on from the past. The world is intricate and littered with unique characteristics to match its broad array of peoples and planets. It blends multiple directive and artistic styles its writing and environmental setup to further themes of individuals' different outlooks on life (which can be seen in diverse cast) and how humanity attempts to tame itself and its ever-developing technologies in an uncertain world with little enforcement for laws.
OVA, 2002,
4 eps
Me:-
Author:6
The origin of Redline that contains very different material. Although the usage of different planets is similar, Trava: Fist planet has much more organic take on the matter, featuring new plants and animals through the travels of a single band of characters than focusing on a technologically-based society like Redline. One major feature is supernatural phenomenon that isn't present at all in Redline.
TV, 2017,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
A species of humanoid gemstone beings occupy a whimsical land, occasionally battling beings from the sky. This setting is fantastical and creative, creating a truly unique atmosphere, and is known for its subtlety. Using its strange system of unique elements, this series delicately weaves unique theming and philosophy as an interpretive piece of media.
TV, 1997,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:9
In times where corruption and violence wages between countries, Berserk utilizes the inhumanity of the wartime of the world to emphasize its themes about the true 'monster' of the world. Also, it has many instances of displaying subtle but powerful interpersonal relationships that reflect the governmental tensions of the different regions.
TV, 1995,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Takes place in a post apocalyptic future for humanity. The constant red sky and constant fear of alien beings called "angels" descending from the sky punctuates the dread hanging throughout the series. This tension only further illustrates the importance of the mecha pilot's duty in saving the world. Alien elements in this series has completely redefined what the genre of mecha entails.
Movie, 1984,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:7
One of Ghibli's most imaginative works. Utilizes the team's talent for detailed backgrounds and organic lifeforms and gives an otherworldly feeling like no other film.
TV, 2008,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
The same creator of the Kemonozume and Tatami Galaxy uses his imaginative and animated direction choices to develop a completely alien world, pushing the boundaries of eastern animation. Different planets and species are showcased when one's memories are the only thing that truly defines the self. Kaiba plays on the fact that its world relies on otherworldly technologies that we may not understand and uses our foreign perspective to its advantage as it shows the loss of morality in its citizens' lives.
TV, 2013,
10 eps
Me:-
Author:6
An intriguing world that combines the physical with the metaphysical. As everything in the universe of Kyousougiga is based on the multiple understandings of different religions, there are a lot of cultural references that are blended into the landscape and rendering it as quite the mish-mash of imagery. Artistic principals such as color usage are used symbolically regarding such religious connotation and overall create a unique setting.
TV, 2002,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Taking place in the future where cyborg and artificial intelligence is extremely relevant and developed, the series blends the new technologies without fail into every aspect of the world's setting from governance, entertainment, food, militia- Practically every aspect of the world is characterized to fit the setting. The world also fits the themes of humanity and the ideology of individualism and what constitutes as societal order.
TV, 2007,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:8
With a strong display of the integration of new technologies in every day life, Dennou Coil pushes the boundaries of what comes with accepting sciences that dabble into the unknown.
TV, 2012,
22 eps
Me:-
Author:6
Slowly immerses its viewers to take a different approach to the word 'morality' by slowing displaying the differences of the familiar yet similar technologically-governed society and its flaws. Pollical and civil unrest is a tightly woven with its intricate main narrative of following the main characters around as they perform their duties.
Movie, 1988,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:8
A dystopian and high-action sci-fi setting where as events unfold, government experimentation into the psychic realm offer some of anime's most recognizable and unique imagery. With an amazing soundtrack to perpetuate the new territory of technologies integrated into its unique cyberpunk-city landscapes, Akira offers a dueling tale of both friendship and revenge when toiling with the unknown territories of sciences and the subconscious.
TV, 2019,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:8
A reimagining of societal structures when different species are pushed to be accounted for. Finely developed in the way it expresses the differences of different animal species beyond broad standards. Also expands upon other societal aspects far beyond simply what species each animal is, but details its impact on beliefs, structure, hierarchy, politics, class systems, etc.
Movie, 2009,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:6
An enjoyable racing film with an interesting space setting featuring not only unfamiliar life forms to race against with unknown strengths and weaknesses as people and contestants, but also accounts for different planet terrains and new racing vehicle technologies for the races themselves.
TV, 2020,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Dorohedoro's world is intriguing and chaotic- setting the mood is what the series is best known for. Two worlds oppose each other, one being a "regular" world, and the other, the magic user's. Taking place in the Hole where regular beings are experimented on, it initiates a lightning-paced story through the environment which sucks you into the world.
TV, 1999,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:10
Subtly uncovers a unique past of a futuristic society when its members have forgotten how they got there. The world that The Big O takes place in is a utopia with dystopian qualities, with an underlying fear of the unknown that haunts its inhabitants despite their seemingly fortunate circumstances.
TV, 2019,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Utilizes smoothly the readers' unknowing perspective of the truths of its universe by following its unsuspecting main characters as they navigate and explore their surroundings, which develops into a theme about new generations in society and responsibilities as individuals as they grow older. Furthermore, what is defined as 'family' and 'human' is also discussed as the truths of the world and its differing species and order is exposed. The relationships between the two separate worlds of both dominating species of the Earth are finely written to render both sympathetic and corrupt.
Movie, 2001,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:8
The surrealness that comes from heavy Western cartoon visual inspiration works fantastically well with the overall outlandish landscape of the city in Metropolis, allowing for exaggerated characters of all kinds being able to blend in with the environment around them for a delightful picture. The governance and societal structure of the utopian-dystopian world plays a large part of defining metaphorical barriers in the main story of romance and familial bondage, giving both a dynamic touch through worldbuilding done right.
TV, 2020,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Takes a step back from the usual Shounen tropes and takes the time to more realistically integrate the existence of spiritualism into a world that viewers can identify with their current world. It seamlessly references modern peoples and places while equally distributing key traits of how spirits can thrive in what we may call sophisticated times.
TV, 1998,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Trigun is masterful at subtly revealing a unique desert-like sci-fi/steampunk landscape that appears normal at first, but contains lore of a bleak past that remains forgotten to the current survivors of "Earth" in its devastated state.
TV, 2009,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Built in a unique world that has no sun and takes heavy aesthetic inspiration from astronomy. The characters often discuss in a subtle yet important way the influence of governance, domestic unrest, and the state of affairs of different regions that truly brings the series to life.
TV, 2008,
51 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Although exploration into Soul Eater’s unique setting isn’t a main focus, this anime always stuck out amongst others for its unique and memorable stylization and settings, along with other surreal elements that gives the show a unique and high-energy feeling. The cartoony and exaggerated visual design is one of Soul Eater’s most enjoyable features, and, although the premise may be zany and wacky, does not clash with new elements. It roots mostly in the fantastical and absurd, distinguishing itself amongst other anime.
TV, 2012,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Practically the entire show is based on deciphering how the world and society functions, and discusses the flaws in its wavering order. It handles the disturbance of powers exceedingly realistically and interweaves its messages of morality seamlessly with finely developed environment.
Movie, 2015,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:4
This movie's saving quality was the exceptional way that it presented new technologies and represented a time of the past. The retro-futuristic setting made sense with its themes and was extraordinary at using its primitive wartime mindset to correlate and exemplify ideas of morality when reanimating corpses is relevant in the characters' daily lives.
TV, 2003,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Despite the futuristic setting in which space travel is possible and accessible to everyone on Earth, Planetes does a fantastic job at retaining realism and providing an intriguing outook on where humanity stands in regards to the universe and how one finds meaning in their lives. Furthermore, the futuristic setting is not characterized with supercomputers and technologies that seem impossible to attain in our reality, rather staying in a more subtly advanced route. Corruption of governance, disrupt societies, and unstable access to space are all very explored in subdued but powerful ways and truly make the world seem alive.
TV, 1999,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:7
With an abrupt change of world, an equally abrupt contrasting universe with new technologies and environmental landscape comes about. It is slowly explored as it follows a character confined by distrust in himself and the new world. Relationships between the citizens and politics are finely-tuned and intricate.
TV, 2021,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:10
In a world comprised of countless other worlds, it may be hard to think that Sonny Boy can pull off worldbuilding with such little time, but it does so seamlessly. Each world has its own values, imaginative religions, obscured physics, and imagery that is represented finely not only through narrative, but visual presentation.
TV, 2013,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:5
A desolate environment mirrors the dystopian mindset. Being utterly closed off from the world and living in fear of the outside in a setting that takes place in a realistic past, the sensation of hopelessness and despair correlates greatly with the emotions that are wrought by unfortunate circumstances and situations. Political unrest due to negative civil attitude is also greatly discussed, and even a new religious order based around this sensation of hopelessness is spawned.
Movie, 2000,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:8
Much like Gankutsuou, Vampire Hunter D contains futuristic sci-fi-like technology integrated with classic tale. This makes a nice combination with the more older-styled and gothic atmosphere surrounding the vampires and other supernatural beings. The way that the newer technology is exposed is subtle but powerful at explaining how it has advanced because of the threat that the monsters pose on humanity.
TV, 2013,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:6
The unstable relationship the main characters hold with themselves and their friends parallels and their unique place as sea people in society, being outcasts to the world of the land humans. The subtle differences in the way of life of the sea people and land people is emphasized through intricate visual storytelling and pronounces their varying views on the culture presented.
TV, 2002,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:6
Taking place in a fantastical setting, many references to folktales, classic novels, and fairytales seamlessly blend into the mind-bending adventures the swashbuckling protagonists get themselves involved in, creating unique and constantly appealing aesthetics. Many of the situational themes in the show parallel with the lessons of the tales they reference, so the imagery works quite well and by design exemplifies their meanings.
TV, 2005,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:4
In a setting that is heavily inspired by Italian culture, Aria subtly integrates themes of maturing and finding happiness in life by playing upon the calm environment. Italian motif can be found not only within the culture of the people living on Aqua, but also in the architecture of the buildings, the soundtrack of the anime, and even the Catholic cultural references such as the statue of Mary and the mentioning of God from the townsfolk. The buried past of the peoples and places within the world are hidden within the lore of the show, slowly being exposed in a slow but natural pacing as Akari discovers more about her environment.
TV, 2009,
64 eps
Me:-
Author:8
As the practice of alchemy is a norm in the world that Fullmetal Alchemist builds, it rightfully renders other technologies such as electrical or steam-powered lesser developed. You can see this kind of comparison especially prominent in the Fullmetal Alchemist movies. Another aspect is the extreme focus on varying powers of politics and order such as government factions, religious factions, corruption, and other types of citizens. The landscapes of land and architecture are characterized with unique religious imagery that ties back to the war between science and morality.
ONA, 2018,
15 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Suddenly drops the audience into the life of a reincarnated warrior in a unique way that not only explores the inner workings of the fantastical magic system in the show, but also paints a picture of the unspoken hierarchy between the characters and their interactions. Intricately builds upon themes that tie back to family, legacies, morality, and political/social powers of the fictional history in the series. Also explains the many meanings of life and death metaphorically through physical means such as the fights against zombie warriors (along with undead creatures and evil spirits), the toils of immortality, and the power system being based upon the life energy of the world.
Movie, 2002,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:9
Dissects the meaning of human in a world where the border of what constitutes as 'human' as a species is blurred. Disputes between different species is presented natural and seamlessly. Distinctly stylized wildlife works well with the surrealistic narrative and helps paint the world in its own unique light. Relationships between the manmade and natural world are very intricate and well-done, and very much encourages the underlining man versus nature story.
TV, 2011,
148 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Offers an expansive array of different worlds and settings, each with their own unique conditions of living that truly give the piece a large, explorable feeling. Also uses this to seamlessly integrate new characters, concepts, and ideas to an excellent degree.
TV, 2003,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:5
In a a world that once almost faced extinction generations ago, Stellvia realistically portrays a world that has undergone such universal effects through technologies that aren't too advanced for our understanding and a realistic societal outlook on distribution of powers and governance. Even background elements such as the changing color of space correspond accordingly to events that take place in the series.
TV, 2002,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Humans inhabit the the same world as Mulians unknowingly in an extremely realistic way, especially psychologically, as humans and Mulians alike feel as though there are hidden 'monsters' within their society. The show revolves around Biblical references to help magnify its themes about finding one's true self, which is portrayed nicely through all technologies and architecture in the show with angelic-like imagery in structure. Because the Dolems are controlled by song and noise, the series pays heavy attention to vibration patterns referenced in various biblical texts and has many motifs and leitmotifs referencing music.
Movie, 2018,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:8
The value of love, death, and life is explored profoundly through a narrative that follows a practically non-aging main character who faces discrimination and hardship in a seamless, realistically-depicted fantasy setting.
OVA, 1988,
110 eps
Me:-
Author:8
While Earth is forgotten and left behind in the wake of space exploration and adaptation, humans continue their wars and gluttony for power in this series full of social and political drama that is exceedingly cohesive. Although most of Earth's history is forgotten at the time the series takes place, there are loads of cultural references that fit perfectly within the given lore and narrative that exemplify the amazing worldbuilding within the story.
TV, 2017,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:4
The Earth is barren and resources are nowhere to be found, forcing one to scavenge the cold steel landscapes. Humans are practically extinct, and it truly feels like so as the main protagonists explore and talk amongst themselves about their feelings of loneliness and hopelessness in trying to survive such a world.
TV, 2003,
22 eps
Me:-
Author:10
Drops the audience into a harsh land where everyone must fight to survive and technological advancements place people in a vicious hierarchy of power. As the Texhnolyze mechanisms are connected to the brain, themes about mentality and its ability to break physically and emotionally tie in seamlessly. As the series progresses, more details about the world are revealed, which parallels with the main characters' growing knowledge and integration into society as they evolve from a human struggling to survive to a person of stature and power heavily wrapped up in affairs between societal organizations.
ONA, 2023,
8 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Pluto subtly slips the viewer into a futuristic setting without overstating its presence. In fact, perhaps its most characterizing trait is the fact that its advanced technology so naturally meshes to our own familiar world. This very familiar background Urasawa develops perfectly contains the narrative in its proposed question of whether the robotic beings are truly any different from us.
