Anime & Manga
5 Criminally Underrated Madhouse Anime Series
Since 1972, Madhouse created various shows, contributing much to the Japanese animation industry. And, needless to say, brought great joy to anime fanatics across…
Anime Studio Hub
Madhouse
Madhouse anime news and releases, a veteran studio behind acclaimed films and series.
About Madhouse
Madhouse is a veteran Japanese animation studio founded in 1972, with a long history of producing acclaimed anime films and series across a wide range of genres and visual styles. The studio has worked with numerous celebrated directors over the decades, building a reputation for artistic ambition alongside commercial success.
Madhouse's catalog spans sports anime, psychological thrillers, and superhero adaptations, reflecting the studio's versatility compared to studios that specialize more narrowly in a single genre or style.
Key People
Masao Maruyama
Co-founder of Madhouse, who later left to found MAPPA in 2011
Satoshi Kon
Acclaimed director whose landmark films, including Perfect Blue and Paprika, were produced at Madhouse
Notable Madhouse Productions
| Title | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Perfect Blue | 1997 | A critically acclaimed psychological thriller film |
| Death Note | 2006 | One of the most internationally popular anime series ever produced |
| One Punch Man | 2015 | Madhouse animated the widely praised first season |
Financials
How It Compares
| Compared To | Key Difference |
|---|---|
| MAPPA | Madhouse and MAPPA share a direct lineage, as MAPPA founder Masao Maruyama previously co-founded and led Madhouse before departing in 2011. |
| Studio Ghibli | Both studios are known for directorial auteurs, though Madhouse's Satoshi Kon built a reputation for psychological, often surreal storytelling distinct from Ghibli's family-oriented fantasy. |
Trivia & Fan Culture
Founded by Mushi Production alumni
Madhouse was established in 1972 by former staff of Mushi Production, the studio founded by manga legend Osamu Tezuka.
A launchpad for acclaimed directors
Madhouse has been home to some of anime's most celebrated directors, including Satoshi Kon, whose films are frequently cited as influences on Western filmmakers.
Linked to MAPPA's founding
Madhouse co-founder Masao Maruyama left the studio in 2011 to establish MAPPA, creating a direct creative lineage between the two companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Madhouse animate every season of One Punch Man?
No, Madhouse animated the first season; later seasons moved to other studios.
Is Madhouse still an active studio?
Yes, Madhouse continues to produce anime series and films as one of the industry's long-established studios.
Is Madhouse related to MAPPA?
Yes. MAPPA founder Masao Maruyama previously co-founded and ran Madhouse before leaving to establish MAPPA in 2011.
What is Madhouse best known for?
Madhouse is best known for Death Note and the acclaimed films of director Satoshi Kon, including Perfect Blue and Paprika.
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