Since its founding in 1987, Production I.G. has carved out a reputation as one of Japan's most innovative animation studios. Known for marrying cutting-edge visuals with cerebral storytelling, the studio has left a lasting mark on multiple genres, from sci-fi to sports. With a resume that bridges commercial hits and artistic experiments, I.G. has consistently pushed the medium of anime forward.

From cyberpunk thrillers to sports anime and fantasy epics, Production I.G. has not been afraid to take big swings in an industry that often prefers to play it safe. As the studio nears four decades of operation and expands its global presence via streaming and co-productions, now is the perfect time to revisit its finest achievements. Here are ten must-see works that define the Production I.G. legacy.

1 Ghost in the Shell

Based on the Manga by Masamune Shirow

A landmark in cyberpunk animation, this 1995 film follows Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg agent in pursuit of a rogue hacker known as the Puppet Master. The story unfolds in a sprawling metropolis that blurs the line between human consciousness and artificial intelligence. The film asks pointed questions about identity and free will, using its sleek, dystopian setting to evoke a future that feels eerily like our present.

To create the film’s unique look, director Mamoru Oshii combined traditional cel techniques with pioneering digital effects. Hiroyuki Okiura’s character designs and Toshihiko Nishikubo’s layered compositions helped to bring Masamune Shirow’s original manga to life. Oshii told Animage magazine that his goal was to “depict the invisible line between man and machine.” The result stunned audiences. Critics around the world praised Ghost in the Shell as a redefinition of what animation could be. Its influence touched films like The Matrix and inspired decades of anime to come.

2 Haikyuu!!

Based on the Manga by Haruichi Furudate

A fiery underdog tale, Haikyuu!! centers on Hinata Shoyo, a high school student determined to excel at volleyball despite his short stature. Alongside his rival-turned-teammate Kageyama, he s the Karasuno team in their climb back to the national stage. Each match is more than a game; it’s a test of heart, teamwork, and perseverance. It’s a series that captures the spirit of youth and the thrill of competition like few others.

Premiering in 2014, Haikyuu!! was directed by Susumu Mitsunaka and animated with an eye for dynamic movement. Staff studied real athletes and even used rotoscoping techniques for spike sequences. In Newtype magazine, Mitsunaka noted they wanted animation “that moved like real sports, but also carried emotion.” The gamble paid off. Viewership soared, school clubs saw a volleyball boom, and critics called it the Slam Dunk of its generation.

3 Psycho-

Original Work by Gen Urobuchi

Set in a surveillance-heavy near future, Psycho- imagines a world where criminal intent is measured and judged by AI before crimes even occur. At its core is rookie inspector Akane Tsunemori, who begins to question the justice system she’s meant to uphold. As she digs deeper, she uncovers the dark truths behind the Sibyl System and faces criminals who defy easy categorization.

Commenting on the series’ themes, Director Shiotani said, “We wanted to question whether a safe society is necessarily a just one.”

Debuting in 2012, Psycho- was helmed by Naoyoshi Shiotani with writing by Gen Urobuchi and character designs by Akira Amano. The production stood out for its fluid action scenes and noir-inspired cityscapes. Commenting on the series’ themes, Shiotani said, “We wanted to question whether a safe society is necessarily a just one.” The series resonated with adult viewers, earned top ratings on Japanese TV, and spawned sequels, films, and global acclaim.

4 Blood: The Last Vampire

Original Concept by Mamoru Oshii

Set in 1960s Japan, Blood: The Last Vampire tells the story of Saya, a lone vampire slayer embedded in a U.S. military base. Armed with a katana and a cold stare, she hunts down bat-like monsters that feed on humans. Based on an original idea by Mamoru Oshii, Blood wastes no time on backstory. At just under 50 minutes, it delivers tight, atmospheric action in a world of shadows and secrecy.

Directed by Hiroyuki Kitakubo and released in 2000, Blood was Production I.G.’s first fully digital project, and the film used English dialogue to target global audiences, attracting fans like Robin Williams along the way. It was a groundbreaking effort that helped pave the way for future digital anime and became the cornerstone of the Blood franchise in the process.

5 Eden of the East

Original work by Kenji Kamiyama

A young man wakes up naked outside the White House with a phone, a gun, and no memory. From here, Eden of the East unfolds as a whirlwind conspiracy thriller with a surreal edge. The protagonist Takizawa finds himself caught in a secret game where he must “save Japan” using ten billion yen. Alongside college student Saki, he uncovers layers of political and technological intrigue.

Directed by Kenji Kamiyama (Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex) and originally airing in 2009, Eden of the East was a bold original project. Production I.G. delivered stylish visuals with character designs by Chika Umino and music by Kenji Kawai. Kamiyama told the Japanese press that he wanted to make a “modern fairy tale for a disillusioned generation.” Viewers responded, and the series became a favorite with older audiences.

6 Mushi-Shi

Based on the manga by Yuki Urushibara

Ginko is a soft-spoken traveler who investigates primordial lifeforms that exist beyond normal perception, known as “mushi.” Each episode of Mushi-Shi is a self-contained tale of humans unknowingly caught in the mushi’s influence. Blending folklore, nature, and introspection, the series explores themes of impermanence and the unseen connections between people and the world around them.

Though animated by Artland, Production I.G. contributed critical in mastering, post-production, and distribution for Mushi-Shi. Directed by Hiroshi Nagahama, the series aired in 2005 and quickly stood out for its watercolor aesthetic and deliberate pacing. As Nagahama said of his approach to the material, “We wanted every frame to feel like a scroll painting.” The results won praise from Japanese critics who called it “a quiet revolution in storytelling.”

7 The End of Evangelion

Based on the Anime Series by Hideaki Anno and Gainax

Serving as an alternate ending to the TV series, The End of Evangelion pushes its characters and viewers into wild territory. Shinji, Asuka, and Rei face apocalyptic choices as humanity approaches its final evolution. Dreams and reality blur in a visual and emotional storm that’s equal parts philosophical reckoning and artistic exorcism for director Hideaki Anno.

A co-production with Gainax, the 1997 film relied heavily on Production I.G. for key animation and backgrounds. Studio founder Mitsuhisa Ishikawa later described the project as “a battlefield.” Its raw, fragmented style divided fans but earned acclaim for ambition and execution. Film Art magazine called it “a fever dream of animation.” Love it or hate it, the impact of The End of Evangelion is undeniable.

8 The Garden of Sinners

Based on the Light Novel by Kinoko Nasu

Dark, moody, and philosophical, The Garden of Sinners follows Shiki Ryougi, a woman cursed with the ability to see visual manifestations of mortality known as “lines of death.” Set in a shadowy version of Tokyo, the film series weaves themes of reincarnation, murder, and morality through a nonlinear narrative. Each installment builds upon the last, creating a surreal, slow-burning saga.

Though ufotable led the animation work, Production I.G.’s contribution to compositing and sound design was essential to The Garden of Sinners. Staff interviews often credited I.G. with giving the films their refined, cohesive finish. Otaku USA called the series “arthouse horror with a light novel heart,” and it’s I.G.’s post-production precision that helped lift the project beyond typical anime territory.

9 The Vision of Escaflowne

Based on the Original Concept by Shoji Kawamori and Sunrise

Hitomi is a high school girl with clairvoyant abilities who’s whisked away to the mystical world of Gaea. There, she encounters dragons, floating kingdoms, and a tragic prince named Van. The Vision of Escaflowne is a rare mix of fantasy romance and mecha action, blending tarot symbolism with high-stakes warfare.

A Sunrise production that aired in 1996, Escaflowne featured extensive animation from Production I.G. Director Kazuki Akane told Newtype that I.G. “delivered the polish” for key scenes, particularly the complex battles. With designs by Nobuteru Yuuki and music by Yoko Kanno, the show earned cult status and inspired a theatrical retelling. Fans still cite it as one of the most visually lush and emotionally resonant anime of its era.

10 B: The Beginning

Original work by Kazuto Nakazawa

A Netflix original from 2018, B: The Beginning is a high-concept blend of serial murder mystery and supernatural conspiracy. The story follows genius investigator Keith Flick and a mysterious vigilante known as “Killer B” as they uncover secrets tied to a hidden scientific agenda. It’s a fast-paced series, stylish and packed with plot twists.

Created by Kazuto Nakazawa and directed in-house at Production I.G., it was part of the studio’s global push into streaming. Nakazawa said the goal was to use B: The Beginning “as a showcase for what I.G. could achieve worldwide.” With hybrid animation workflows and international staff, it stood out in the Netflix lineup. Real Sound praised its ambition and style, calling it “a new model for global anime.”