Sunrise Inc., founded in 1972 by former members of Mushi Production, has built a strong legacy with a wide range of acclaimed anime series, films, and OVAs. Their storytelling often explores themes like mecha battles, morally complex protagonists, wartime struggles, and deeply layered character arcs.
The studio is especially known for its smooth, polished animation style—often referred to by fans as “Sunrise Smooth.” This attention to visual detail helps bring their stories to life in a striking and engaging way.
If you’re just getting into anime or have been watching for years, Sunrise’s diverse lineup offers something to match almost any interest or mood, making it easy to discover a series you’ll enjoy.
Best Anime from Studio Sunrise
1. Mobile Suit Gundam
Studio Sunrise is renowned for its Gundam franchise, which has become synonymous with the best mecha anime, much like Toei Animation is with Dragon Ball.
The series primarily revolves around the conflict between the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon, focusing on the rivalry between pilots Amuro Ray and Char Aznable. Their dynamic as the top pilots in their respective factions became iconic and set a precedent for future Gundam series.
The original series consisted of 43 episodes, but a trilogy of films condensed the story, improving audio quality and making it more accessible to new fans.
“Mobile Suit Gundam” marked the beginning of a new era in mecha anime, laying the foundation for the numerous Gundam series that would follow.
2. City Hunter
City Hunter is one of Sunrise Inc.’s most memorable titles, centered around the charismatic character Ryo Saeba. The series has remained a fan favorite over the years, carrying a strong sense of nostalgia while still attracting new viewers.
The story follows Ryo, a skilled private detective—also known as “City Hunter”—who takes on dangerous cases to keep Tokyo safe from crime. Despite his laid-back and often playful personality, he’s highly capable when it comes to handling serious threats.
After the tragic death of his partner, Ryo ends up looking after his partner’s younger sister, Kaori Makimura. What begins as an unexpected responsibility soon turns into a working partnership, as Kaori joins him in his crime-fighting efforts, adding both emotional depth and humor to the story.
The series was widely praised and expanded into multiple films and spin-offs. One of the most well-known adaptations featured Jackie Chan, further boosting its recognition and cementing its place as a classic in anime history.
3. Patlabor
“Patlabor” (short for Patrol Labor), a mecha franchise from Studio Sunrise, was born in 1988 from the minds of Headgear, a group consisting of manga artist Masami Yuki, anime director Mamoru Oshii, screenwriter Kazunori Ito, mecha designer Yutaka Izubuchi, and character designer Akemi Takada.
Between 1998 and 2002, “Patlabor” infuses its narrative with sci-fi elements, following the Tokyo police force as they combat crime with their giant robots.
The series centres around the squad’s newest recruit, Noa Izumi, but each team member plays a significant role in the story.
“Patlabor” offers a unique twist on the mecha genre by grounding itself in reality and infusing comedic elements, particularly sarcasm.
4. Mobile Suit Gundam Wing
“Mobile Suit Gundam Wing” stands out as one of the most internationally beloved entries in the Gundam franchise, credited with introducing many to the genre and popularising mecha anime on a global scale.
Set in the 1990s, the anime revolves around the conflict between Earth and extraterrestrial colonies. It follows a group of five teenage mobile suit pilots tasked with liberating each country from oppression. Their mission is aided by a young pacifist named Relena Peacecraft.
Although “Mobile Suit Gundam Wing” succeeded in Japan, its popularity soared overseas. For many fans, it served as a gateway anime, introducing them to the world of mecha anime and sparking a lifelong passion for the genre.
5. Cowboy Bebops
“Cowboy Bebop” is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential anime series ever created, seamlessly blending animation, storytelling, and stylish action.
The show follows Spike Spiegel and his eclectic crew of bounty hunters aboard the spaceship Bebop as they navigate their pasts while chasing bounties in the present.
Even today, “Cowboy Bebop” is lauded for its meticulous attention to detail, clever humor, and mature exploration of existential themes such as boredom, death, violence, and romance.
At its core, the series is a poignant reflection on the human condition, blending elements of comedy, action, noir thriller, and societal commentary.
6. Inuyasha
The story revolves around Kagome, a teenage girl, and Inuyasha, a half-dog, half-demon, as they set out to retrieve the Shikon no Tama, also known as the Jewel of Four Souls. This powerful artefact was originally inside Kagome before the villainous demon Naraku sought to claim it for himself.
Despite its challenges, “Inuyasha” became one of Studio Sunrise’s most beloved anime series, captivating audiences with its rich storyline and memorable characters. Even today, fans eagerly await news of sequels and reboots, underscoring the series’ enduring popularity.
7. Gintama
In an alternate reality where aliens rule Japan, the anime series “Gintama” follows the adventures of Gintoki and his friends, Shinpachi and Kagura, as they navigate through odd jobs and unemployment.
“Gintama” received widespread acclaim for its sharp wit, diverse cast of characters, and knack for breaking the fourth wall. It seamlessly blends drama and comedy in various situations, captivating audiences.
The series’s success led to the creation of numerous animated films, light novels, live-action adaptations, and even CDs.
A production of Studio Sunrise, “Gintama” is a must-watch for anime fans, promising endless laughter and entertainment.
8. Code Geass: Lelouch Of The Rebellion
Studio Sunrise’s monumental achievement, “Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion,” is a groundbreaking series that has inspired countless others and set the standard for mecha anime.
The story centers around Lelouch Lamperouge, a young man with the power of Geass, who leads a rebellion against his father and the Britannian Empire.
“Code Geass” is celebrated for exploring themes such as morality, class conflict, political upheaval, and radical ideologies. Its intelligent storytelling, richly developed characters, and thrilling action sequences drive the narrative forward with unstoppable momentum.
9. Mobile Suit Gundam 00
“Mobile Suit Gundam 00” marks the 11th instalment in the Gundam franchise, maintaining its signature focus on nations at war and their mechanised robot forces.
Set in the distant future, when Earth’s resources are depleted, the story follows humanity’s struggle for survival.
A secretive group called Celestial Being emerges as conflicts escalate between the world’s colonies over solar energy. Their mission is to restore peace by intervening in global conflicts.
10. Planetes
Comparing it to critically acclaimed films like “Gravity” and “Planetes” shines as a hidden gem filled with themes of existential philosophy, human psychology, and political corruption.
The narrative centers on the crew of the Toy Box, a spacecraft tasked with collecting space debris. Amidst the backdrop of garbage disposal jobs and the vast emptiness of outer space, the series delves into its characters’ lives, aspirations, fears, and personalities.
What sets “Planetes” apart is its exploration of mature themes such as loneliness, isolation, anxiety, and self-discovery, offering a depth rarely seen in anime.
Both the series and the manga garnered critical acclaim, solidifying their status as among the most fabulous sci-fi anime ever crafted.
11. Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphan
“Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans,” the 14th instalment of the renowned mecha franchise, follows a group of child soldiers on their quest for freedom and purpose. They protect Kudelia Bernstein, a young revolutionary fighting against the oppressive military organisation Gjallarhorn.
In a departure from the franchise’s usual focus on action and mecha combat, this series from Studio Sunrise tackles mature themes such as war, slavery, child soldiers, poverty, politics, corruption, and colonialism. It offers a gritty and realistic portrayal of these issues, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.
12. Daily Lives Of High School Boys
Comedy anime like “Gintama” and “The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.” have gained global acclaim because their humour revolves around well-developed characters rather than relying on cheap fan service.
Similarly, “Daily Lives of High School Boys” follows this path by introducing new quirks and antics with each episode, set in the backdrop of an ordinary high school.
Produced by Studio Sunrise, this anime is a coming-of-age story about its teenage characters, allowing them to escape everyday problems and embrace the joy of youth.
Overall, these elements contribute to the charm of “Daily Lives of High School Boys,” making it both cute and nostalgic, with a heartwarming touch that resonates with audiences.
