Anime With Best 3D Animation

What if I told you that 3D animation isn’t just for Pixar or DreamWorks, but that it’s been quietly revolutionizing the world of anime, too? For years, anime purists shied away from 3D animation, calling it stiff, lifeless, or “not anime enough.” But now, we’re witnessing a new age where 3D animation is no longer a compromise—it’s a bold artistic choice that adds depth, texture, and realism to the medium we all adore.

From shimmering gemstones to dystopian worlds dripping with shadows, these anime prove that 3D animation isn’t just a technical tool—it’s an art form in its own right. Today, we’re diving into a list of anime that pushed the boundaries of 3D animation, blending breathtaking visuals with powerful storytelling.

But this isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about the emotions these shows evoke. Each series is a testament to how 3D animation can breathe life into worlds we could only dream of. So, buckle up as we explore the stories, the genres, and the groundbreaking animation styles that have redefined anime as we know it.

1: Beastars

Imagine a world where carnivores and herbivores coexist, bound by fragile social contracts yet driven by primal instincts. That’s the setting of Beastars, an anthropomorphic drama that feels like a Shakespearean tragedy wrapped in neon-lit noir.

What makes Beastars stand out is its impeccable 3D animation by Studio Orange, a pioneer in blending CGI with traditional anime aesthetics. Every movement of Legoshi, the socially awkward gray wolf, feels fluid and lifelike, from the way his ears twitch to the tension in his gait as he battles his inner demons. Studio Orange’s animators use motion-capture technology combined with hand-crafted touch-ups to make the characters’ expressions resonate deeply with viewers.

This anime, falling under the drama and psychological thriller genres, masterfully uses its animation to heighten emotional tension. Whether it’s the awkward intimacy of a stolen glance or the ferocity of a fight scene, Beastars feels like watching a stage play come to life.

Official Rating: 7.9/10 on MyAnimeList
Seasons Animated: Two seasons (2019 and 2021), both beautifully rendered with an evolving style that matches the characters’ growth.

The 3D animation isn’t just a technical gimmick—it’s an emotional amplifier. The lighting captures the warmth of the midday sun or the shadows of a late-night confrontation, grounding the anthropomorphic characters in a world that feels real. Think of it as a metaphorical mirror: the animation reflects the story’s raw themes of identity, prejudice, and acceptance.

2: Land of the Lustrous (Houseki no Kuni)

If Beastars is a Shakespearean drama, then Land of the Lustrous is a poetic odyssey carved in crystal. Set in a fantastical world where genderless, jewel-bodied beings fight against celestial enemies called the Lunarians, this anime by Studio Orange is nothing short of a visual masterpiece.

The 3D animation isn’t just a stylistic choice here—it’s a necessity. Each character is a literal gemstone, with bodies that refract light and shatter like glass during battle. The animation captures this fragility with painstaking detail, making every glimmer, crack, and shard feel tangible. Phos, the protagonist, evolves alongside the animation, their transformation from a brittle, naïve gem to a hardened fighter reflecting the show’s central theme: growth through adversity.

Land of the Lustrous falls into the genres of fantasy and seinen, offering a meditative and deeply emotional narrative. The animation amplifies the surreal beauty of its world, where lush landscapes and celestial battles are rendered with a painterly elegance.

Official Rating: 8.4/10 on MyAnimeList
Seasons Animated: One season (2017), yet it remains a timeless example of how 3D animation can convey both action and introspection.

Studio Orange’s use of dynamic camera angles and fluid movement brings an otherworldly grace to the fight sequences, while still allowing quieter moments to breathe. Watching Land of the Lustrous is like stepping into a stained glass window brought to life—a blend of fragility, beauty, and heartbreak that stays with you long after the credits roll.

3: Ajin: Demi-Human

Stepping into darker territory, Ajin: Demi-Human is a supernatural thriller that proves 3D animation can be gritty, tense, and downright chilling. The anime follows Kei Nagai, a high school student who discovers he’s an “Ajin”—an immortal being hunted by the government. The story spirals into a relentless chase, with betrayals, moral dilemmas, and brutal action at every turn.

Animated by Polygon Pictures, Ajin embraces a more minimalist approach to 3D, using stark lighting and muted colors to create a world that feels oppressive and dangerous. The jerky, almost uncanny movement of the characters adds to the tension, giving the series a uniquely unsettling vibe that matches its tone.

Falling into the action, mystery, and supernatural genres, Ajin doesn’t hold back on its psychological depth. The animation makes every shadow, every flicker of light feel like a threat, pulling viewers deeper into Kei’s world of paranoia and survival.

Official Rating: 7.4/10 on MyAnimeList
Seasons Animated: Two seasons (2016 and 2017), with a fast-paced plot that keeps you hooked until the very end.

The 3D animation shines brightest during the intense battles, particularly the fights involving the Ajin’s spectral “Black Ghosts.” These shadowy creatures are hauntingly rendered, their fluid, smoky movements contrasting sharply with the rigid, angular world around them. It’s a dance of chaos and control, perfectly encapsulating the show’s central conflict.

4: Knights of Sidonia

Few series capture the loneliness of space quite like Knights of Sidonia. Set aboard a massive spaceship carrying the remnants of humanity, this sci-fi epic follows Nagate Tanikaze, a young pilot fighting alien threats known as the Gauna.

Once again animated by Polygon Pictures, the series leans heavily on 3D animation to bring its sprawling space battles and futuristic setting to life. The mecha designs are intricate, the starfields vast, and the Gauna terrifyingly alien. The weightlessness of space is perfectly conveyed through fluid animation, making every battle feel like a high-stakes chess game played in zero gravity.

Knights of Sidonia fits snugly within the sci-fi and mecha genres, offering a blend of action, romance, and existential dread. The 3D animation creates a stark contrast between the cold, metallic interiors of the Sidonia and the organic, otherworldly designs of the Gauna.

Official Rating: 7.6/10 on MyAnimeList
Seasons Animated: Two seasons (2014 and 2015), with a movie sequel that wraps up the story in stunning fashion.

The series doesn’t shy away from quiet, contemplative moments either. Shots of the Sidonia drifting silently through the void or characters reflecting on their losses add an emotional depth that complements the high-octane action. It’s a visual and narrative feast, proving that 3D animation can be as evocative as traditional hand-drawn styles.

5: Ghost in the Shell

When you hear the name Ghost in the Shell, you probably think of its iconic blend of cyberpunk aesthetics and philosophical storytelling. With SAC_2045, this legendary franchise embraces full 3D animation, bringing Major Motoko Kusanagi and her team into the modern era.

Animated by Production I.G and Sola Digital Arts, SAC_2045 is a bold reimagining of the Ghost in the Shell universe. The series retains its cyberpunk roots, diving into themes like artificial intelligence, identity, and the ethics of technology. The animation style gives it a polished, futuristic feel, with neon-lit cityscapes, hyper-realistic robotics, and sleek character designs.

Falling under the sci-fi, action, and psychological genres, SAC_2045 mixes thought-provoking narratives with adrenaline-pumping action. The 3D animation particularly shines during the combat sequences, with fluid choreography and detailed effects that make every bullet, explosion, and tactical maneuver feel dynamic and impactful.

Official Rating: 6.2/10 on MyAnimeList
Seasons Animated: Two seasons (2020 and 2022), continuing the story of Section 9 as they navigate a world on the brink of “Sustainable War.”

The 3D animation divides opinions, with some fans missing the gritty hand-drawn style of earlier installments. However, the sleek, polished look of SAC_2045 captures the cold, mechanical essence of its cyberpunk world. It’s a visual style that complements the show’s exploration of humanity’s relationship with technology, making it a standout entry in the Ghost in the Shell franchise.

6: Dorohedoro

If Dorohedoro were a dish, it’d be a messy stew of dark humor, grotesque violence, and oddly heartwarming moments. Set in the grimy, magical wasteland known as the Hole, the series follows Caiman, a lizard-headed man searching for the sorcerer who cursed him.

MAPPA’s use of 3D animation in Dorohedoro is as chaotic and unconventional as the story itself. The gritty textures, exaggerated character designs, and vibrant color palette create a world that feels alive, filthy, and unapologetically bizarre. The 3D animation is seamlessly blended with 2D elements, giving the series a unique visual style that matches its eccentric tone.

This anime, a mix of action, comedy, and fantasy, thrives on its unpredictable nature. One moment, you’re watching a brutal fight scene; the next, you’re laughing at a surreal cooking montage. The animation captures this balance perfectly, switching from smooth, dynamic action to quirky, offbeat humor without missing a beat.

Official Rating: 8.0/10 on MyAnimeList
Seasons Animated: One season (2020), with fans eagerly awaiting more from this twisted masterpiece.

The fight scenes are a highlight, with MAPPA’s animators using 3D to add depth and weight to every punch, spell, and explosion. Meanwhile, the grotesque yet charming world-building makes Dorohedoro an unforgettable experience, proving that 3D animation can be just as wild and experimental as traditional anime styles.

7: Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters (Trilogy)

The Godzilla franchise has always been about scale—massive creatures, massive destruction, and massive stakes. The Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters trilogy takes this concept to new heights with its bold use of 3D animation, offering a futuristic reimagining of the iconic kaiju saga.

Produced by Polygon Pictures, the trilogy explores a post-apocalyptic Earth where humanity has been driven to the stars by Godzilla’s reign of terror. When they return to reclaim their planet, they discover that Godzilla has evolved into an even more colossal threat.

The 3D animation excels in portraying the sheer size and power of the kaiju. Godzilla’s movements are slow and deliberate, emphasizing his weight and invincibility. The futuristic setting, complete with sleek spaceships and advanced technology, contrasts sharply with the primal destruction wrought by the monsters.

Falling into the sci-fi and action genres, the trilogy is a visual spectacle that pairs its epic battles with a darker, more introspective narrative about humanity’s hubris and survival instincts.

Official Rating: 6.5/10 on MyAnimeList
Movies Animated: Three films (Planet of the Monsters (2017), City on the Edge of Battle (2018), and The Planet Eater (2018)), forming a cohesive trilogy.

The animation’s greatest strength lies in its ability to convey scale. The towering presence of Godzilla and the apocalyptic landscapes around him are rendered with meticulous detail, making every scene feel monumental. It’s a testament to how 3D animation can bring larger-than-life stories to the screen.

8: Dragon Quest: Your Story

Based on the beloved Dragon Quest V game, Dragon Quest: Your Story is a heartfelt journey that captures the essence of the classic RPG while embracing modern 3D animation techniques.

The film, animated by Shirogumi, is a vibrant blend of fantasy, adventure, and family-friendly storytelling. The 3D animation is polished and colorful, bringing the game’s iconic characters, monsters, and landscapes to life. From lush forests to fiery battlefields, the animation immerses viewers in a world that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

What sets Dragon Quest: Your Story apart is its ability to evoke the spirit of the original game while updating its visuals for a new generation. The character designs are faithful to Akira Toriyama’s style, yet the 3D animation adds depth and texture that make them feel tangible.

Official Rating: 6.8/10 on MyAnimeList
Release: A standalone film (2019), making it accessible to both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

The animation truly shines during the battle sequences, where spells light up the screen and iconic monsters like Slimes and Dragons leap to life. It’s a love letter to the Dragon Quest franchise, proving that 3D animation can capture the heart of a classic while adding its own modern twist.

Conclusion: The Evolution of Anime with 3D Animation

Anime with 3D animation has come a long way, proving that innovation and creativity can coexist with tradition. From the animalistic drama of Beastars to the cyberpunk depths of Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045, and from the chaotic brilliance of Dorohedoro to the colossal spectacle of Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters, each entry on this list demonstrates how 3D animation pushes boundaries while staying true to the heart of storytelling.

These series and films show that 3D isn’t just a tool for visual enhancement—it’s a way to craft worlds and experiences that immerse us in ways 2D sometimes can’t. Whether it’s the lifelike fur of Beastars’ characters, the surreal shine of Land of the Lustrous, or the mind-blowing battles of Dragon Quest: Your Story, 3D animation allows anime to stand on par with other cutting-edge global media while keeping its unique charm intact.

For anime fans, 3D animation opens doors to new artistic expressions while staying rooted in the genres we love—whether it’s action, sci-fi, fantasy, or slice-of-life. If you’ve yet to dive into these titles, now’s the time to embrace the future of anime!

What do you think? Did we miss your favorite 3D-animated masterpiece? Let us know in the comments below and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more anime deep dives!