Introduction
Anime is a popular form of entertainment all over the world, and the production of anime episodes can be very expensive. The cost of an anime episode can vary depending on a number of factors, but the most expensive anime episodes typically have high production quality, are long, are heavily marketed, are from popular series, or are produced by prestigious studios.
While exact numbers per episode may be elusive, it’s undeniable that producing high-quality anime demands significant financial resources. Anime studios pour substantial budgets into the creation of each episode, aiming to deliver unparalleled visual experiences and compelling narratives. These investments are spread across various aspects of production, ensuring that every frame meets the lofty standards set by both creators and fans alike.
The money spent on anime episodes can be broken down into a few different categories:
- Animation: The animation process is very time-consuming and labor-intensive, and this is where the majority of the money is spent on anime episodes. The animators must draw each frame of the episode by hand, and this can take a lot of time and effort.
- Character design: The character designs for anime episodes are also very important, and they can add to the cost of production. The character designers must create unique and appealing designs for the characters, and this can take a lot of time and creativity.
- Special effects: Anime episodes often feature complex fight scenes and special effects, and these can also add to the cost of production. The special effects artists must create realistic and visually stunning effects, and this can be a very time-consuming and expensive process.
- Voice acting: The voice acting for anime episodes is also important, and it can add to the cost of production. The voice actors must bring the characters to life, and this can require a lot of talent and training.
- Marketing: Anime episodes are often heavily marketed, and this can also add to the cost of production. The marketing team must create promotional materials, such as trailers and posters, and they must also purchase advertising space.
Most Expensive Anime per Episode
We will present a list of anime with the highest budget per episode. The average budget of the anime episodes will be calculated by the over all budget of the anime series divided by number of episodes it has produced. We will also take some valid sources into account while creating this list.
1. Dragon Ball Super
1. The Dragon Ball franchise has a reputation for intense battles and epic clashes, and Dragon Ball Super continues this legacy with an impressive $160,000 investment per episode. The series maintains top-notch animation quality and dynamic choreography, honoring the franchise’s cultural significance and thrilling fans.
Produced by Toei Animation, a renowned Japanese animation studio with a rich history. Toei Animation is widely recognized for its involvement in creating popular and iconic anime series, including the “Dragon Ball” franchise.
2. Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War
2. Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War Arc secures its position with a significant budget of $160,000. This arc, an adaptation of the final manga storyline, demonstrates a commitment to maintaining consistent animation quality while surpassing the standards set by its predecessor.
The “Bleach” anime series was produced by Studio Pierrot, which has a long-standing history in the anime industry.
3. Attack on Titan
With its detailed animation, intense battles, and immersive post-apocalyptic world, Attack on Titan demands a substantial budget of $150,000 per episode. The faithful adaptation of the source material contributes to the impressive visual quality.
Animated by Wit Studio, which gained prominence through its work on “Attack on Titan.” The studio is known for its attention to detail and bringing the intense and gory-filled world of the series to life.
4. Jujutsu Kaisen
Known for its breathtaking animation, intricate battles, and captivating character designs, Jujutsu Kaisen justifies its cost of around $150,000 per episode. The series showcases stunning visuals and maintains exceptional production values.
Animated by MAPPA (Maruyama Animation Produce Project Association), a studio that has gained attention for its distinctive visual style and involvement in various successful anime projects.
5. Black Clover
5. The magical world of Black Clover comes to life with epic fights and intricate magical effects, resulting in a budget of $140,000 per episode. The series invests in animation and visual effects to showcase its immersive universe.
Created by Studio Pierrot, a well-established animation studio known for its contributions to numerous popular anime series, including the long-running “Naruto” franchise.
6. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure (2012)
Known for its visually striking animation, flamboyant characters, and creative effects, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure maintains its distinctiveness with a budget of around $120,000 per episode. The series captivates fans with over-the-top battles and a unique multi-generational narrative.
Produced by David Production, a studio that has gained acclaim for its faithful adaptations of the “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” manga, capturing the series’ unique art style and unconventional narrative.
7. My Hero Academia
The dynamic animation of My Hero Academia brings intense action sequences and detailed environments to life, costing around $110,000 per episode. Studio Bones invests in technology and resources to portray the diverse cast of characters and their unique powers, solidifying the anime’s top-tier status.
Animated by Studio Bones, a respected studio known for its dynamic animation and contributions to various successful anime series, including “Fullmetal Alchemist” and “Mob Psycho 100.”
8. Naruto Shippuden
8. With its exceptional fight scenes and impressive transformations, Naruto Shippuden invests between $90,000 and $100,000 per episode. The sequel maintains quality consistency and faithful manga adaptation.
Also produced by Studio Pierrot, continuing the legacy of its predecessor “Naruto.” The studio’s dedication to bringing the beloved characters and world to life contributed to the show’s success.
9. Demon Slayer
9. Known for its visually stunning battles, Demon Slayer allocates around $80,000 per episode. The anime’s unique style and artistic quality contribute to its expenses.
Animated by Ufotable, a studio renowned for its high-quality animation and attention to detail. Ufotable’s work on “Demon Slayer” has contributed to the anime’s visually stunning battles and artistic quality.
10. One Punch Man
10. With visually appealing fight scenes, One Punch Man justifies an average budget of $70,000 to $80,000 per episode. The unique facial expressions and prolonged fight sequences contribute to the expenses.
Produced by Madhouse, a studio with a history of creating visually striking and impactful anime series. Madhouse’s involvement contributed to the impressive visual appeal of “One Punch Man.”
These anime series showcase the dedication and financial investment required to deliver visually stunning and action-packed episodes, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide.
FAQs about the Most Expensive Anime
1. What is the average cost of an anime episode?
A: The average cost of an anime episode is around $140,000 to $180,000. However, the cost can vary depending on the factors mentioned above.
2. What is the most expensive anime ever made?
A: The most expensive anime ever made is “One Piece – Gear 5 episode”. This episode’s cost has not been publicly announced but it is anticipated from many sources that it is going to be the most expensive anime episode in history.
3. Why are anime episodes so expensive?
A: Anime episodes are expensive to produce for a number of reasons. First, the animation process is very time-consuming and labor-intensive. Second, anime studios often use high-quality materials, such as cels and watercolors, which can be expensive. Third, anime episodes often feature complex fight scenes and special effects, which can also add to the cost.
