50 Most Powerful Animation Studios in The World

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Whether a hand-drawn masterpiece of the past or a modern CGI film, the art of animation has been charming us with captivating characters, stories, and worlds for nearly a century.

As always, studios all over the globe are looking for the best animators to help them create their next big project.

Check out our list of the top 2d animation software to get you started in the industry and our list of the top 100 best animated movies of all time. And to help give aspiring animators an idea of the best places they could find themselves working at, the following is a list of the top animation companies across the world.

Note: After the top 10, the rankings become much more subjective and much less precise

The Best Animation Studios in the World

Pixar

Headquarters: Emeryville, CA

Pixar was co-founded by Apple visionary Steve Jobs and was purchased by The Walt Disney Company in 2006 for more than $7 billion.

Breaking into the film industry with Toy Story, the American animation studio has gone on to produce some of the most critically and financially successful films. These include:

• The Toy Story films
• WALL-E
• Brave
• Ratatouille
• Inside Out

What Makes It Great

• Pioneering in CGI Animation: Originally a quirky computer division of Lucasfilms, Pixar revolutionized the animation industry by normalizing computer-generated imagery (CGI) for fully animated films.
• Storytelling Excellence: Pixar’s films are known for their innovative approach to storytelling, exploring complex themes in a family-friendly manner. They have the unique ability to appeal to both children and adults.
• Cultural and Artistic Significance: Pixar’s movies are considered artistically and culturally significant. Even their weaker films have been critical and commercial successes.

Walt Disney Animation Studios

Headquarters: Burbank, CA

Disney’s acclaimed studio has been making feature films since 1937 with the release of the critically successful Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Since then, they have been behind some of the highest-grossing animated films of all time, including The Lion King and Aladdin.

Although the animation studio suffered a recent decade-long decline, they bounced back stronger than ever with hits like:

• Frozen
• Wreck-It Ralph
• Big Hero 6

What Makes It Great

• Consistent Quality and Recognition: Of the 21 films that have won the Best Animated Feature Oscar, 15 have been from Disney. Nine of the last ten winners have also been Disney films.
• Founded on October 16, 1923, by Walt Disney and Roy O. Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios is the oldest-running animation studio in the world.
• Films like “Frozen,” “Zootopia,” and “Frozen II” are among the 50 highest-grossing films of all time.

DreamWorks Animation

Headquarters: Glendale, CA

DreamWorks Animation films have been distributed all over the world, earning them 22 Emmys, several Annie Awards, 3 Academy Awards, and many BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations.

They are behind major franchises like:

• Shrek
• How to Train Your Dragon
• Madagascar
• Kung Fu Panda

What Makes It Great

• Founding Trio: DreamWorks Animation was founded by a trio of entertainment giants: Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and David Geffen. This combination of film, animation, and music expertise set the studio on a path to success from the very beginning.
• Firsts in CGI: DreamWorks Animation was the first animation studio to produce two CGI animated features in a single year with the releases of “Shrek 2” and “Shark Tale.” They were also among the first to fully embrace 3D animation technology.Academy Awards and More: The studio’s productions have received various accolades, including three Academy Awards, 41 Emmy Awards, numerous Annie Awards, and multiple Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations.
• Academy Awards and More: The DreamWorks Animation production team has received various accolades, including three Academy Awards, 41 Emmy Awards, numerous Annie Awards, and multiple Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations.

Industrial Light & Magic

Headquarters: San Francisco, CA

ILM has worked on hundreds of projects, including countless box office hits. They are pioneers of many innovative computer technology feats such as being the first to do human skin, a partially-computer-generation main character, photo-realistic hair and fur, and more.

Notable projects include every Star Wars film, all but the first Terminator films, the Pirates of the Caribbean series, Avatar, and Jurassic World.

What Makes It Great

• 50 Years of Innovation: ILM has been a part of some of the biggest blockbusters over the last 50 years, proving that technological innovation and attention to detail can sell a story.
• Morphing: ILM took digital image processing to the next level by creating transformation scenes that were previously only possible with makeup and camera cuts. This technology was showcased in the 1988 fantasy film “Willow.”
• Iconic Films: From “Star Wars” to “Jurassic Park,” ILM’s technological contributions have made it possible for filmmakers to bring some of the most iconic stories to life.

Studio Ghibli

Headquarters: Koganei, Tokyo, Japan

Arguably one of the top Japanese film animation studios in the entire country, if not the world. Out of the 15 top-grossing anime films made in Japan, eight of them have been their work.

Among their numerous awards are four Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year, an Animage Anime Grand Prix, countless Academy Award nominations in the U.S., and an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film.

What Makes It Great

• Distribution Challenges: Rocky Relationship with Walt Disney Animation Studios: Studio Ghibli had a nearly two-decade-long partnership with Disney for international distribution. However, the relationship had its bumps, including alleged unauthorized edits to films like “Kiki’s Delivery Service.”
• Standing Up for Creative Vision: Samurai Sword Threat to Harvey Weinstein: When Harvey Weinstein wanted to edit “Princess Mononoke,” Studio Ghibli sent him a samurai sword with a note that said “no cuts,” ensuring the film remained uncut.

Top Grossing Films From Studio Ghibli

Framestore

Headquarters: London, England

Founded in 1986, Framestore has helped create some of the most successful films in recent times.

This includes Guardians of the Galaxy, several of the Harry Potter films, and Avengers: Age of Ultron, including several scenes for 2009’s Avatar.

The British company has also won several Oscar and BAFTA awards in recent years for their projects.

What Makes It Great

• Expansion into Various Media: Framestore doesn’t limit itself to just films; it specializes in effects for television, video games, and other media as well.
• Diverse Portfolio: Framestore has worked on a wide range of projects, from blockbuster movies to TV series like “Black Mirror,” showcasing their versatility in the industry.
• Scientific and Technical Academy Awards: Apart from the Oscars and BAFTAs, Framestore has been awarded two Scientific and Technical Academy Awards, highlighting their contribution to technological advancements in the field.

Cartoon Network Studios

Headquarters: Burbank, CA

Despite only being around since 1994, this animation studio has risen to become one of the most successful animation studios in the industry.

Early hits like Dexter’s Laboratory, Johnny Bravo, The Powerpuff Girls, and Samurai Jack helped them become a household name in America. Current popular series include Adventure Time, Regular Show, Clarence, Uncle Grandpa, We Bare Bears, and Steven Universe.

What Makes It Great

• Diverse Portfolio: Besides children’s content, the studio has also developed properties for Adult Swim, TBS, and Max. This shows its versatility in content creation.
• Adaptability and Evolution: The studio has not only produced animated shows but also ventured into live-action series and hybrids.

Blue Sky Studios

Headquarters: Greenwich, Connecticut

Blue Sky Studios was founded in 1987 and has been owned by 20th Century Fox since 1997. Between 2002 and 2014 they released some of the most successful animated films, including the Ice Age series, Rio and Rio 2, educational toys, and Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!

What Makes It Great

• Commercial Success: Before venturing into feature films, the studio was heavily involved in creating commercials and visual effects. They animated commercials that depicted the mechanisms of time-release capsules for pharmaceutical corporations and even developed the first computer-animated M&M’s.
• Academy Award for Short Film: Their short film “Bunny” received the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 1998. This success paved the way for them to produce feature-length films.
  The Studio was closed in 2021.

Weta Digital

Headquarters: Wellington, New Zealand

Weta Digital is one of the many animation companies co-owned by legendary director Peter Jackson and winner of five Academy Awards for Best Visual Effects.

The New Zealand digital visuals effects company is behind some of the biggest films of the last decade, including the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, 2005’s King Kong, and Avatar.

What Makes It Great

• Innovative Software Development: Wētā FX has developed several proprietary software packages to achieve groundbreaking visual effects. For instance, they created MASSIVE, a program that can animate huge numbers of agents, specifically for the large-scale battles in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. They also developed CityBot for recreating 1933 New York in King Kong.
• Pioneering Motion Capture Techniques: The studio has been a leader in motion capture technology, even taking it out of the studio for on-location shooting. This was particularly evident in the Planet of the Apes series, where the technology was continually refined.
• Diverse Portfolio: Beyond visual effects, Wētā FX has also ventured into full animation, as seen in The Adventures of Tintin, which was their first fully animated feature film.

Nickelodeon Animation Studios

Headquarters: Burbank, CA

This Nickelodeon-owned was founded in 1990 and hit the ground running with popular original shows like Rugrats, Doug, and The Ren & Stimpy Show.

It’s one of the most successful American animation studios that has gone on to produce an incredible number of recognizable shows. Among Nickelodeon’s best shows are Hey Arnold!, Invader Zim, The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, the two Avatar series, and of course, SpongeBob SquarePants.

What Makes It Great

• Innovative Hiring Practices: Unlike other studios that often go for established talents, Nickelodeon sought out young, innovative animators and gave them creative freedom. This approach led to the creation of iconic shows like “Doug,” “Rugrats,” and “The Ren & Stimpy Show.”
• Creative Environment: The Burbank studio is designed to be a “playful, inspirational, and cutting-edge lab,” complete with a miniature golf course, an indoor basketball court/screening room, and a fountain that shoots green water. Each production unit has its own color and design environment, including a living room and a writer’s lounge.
• Collaboration with DreamWorks: For a period, Nickelodeon collaborated with DreamWorks Animation to create shows based on DreamWorks’ films, such as “The Penguins of Madagascar.”

Warner Bros. Pictures Animation

Headquarters: Burbank, CA

Warner Bros’ animation division got its start in the early 70s and went on to help American animation into a golden era.

They grew to compete directly with Disney thanks to Looney Tunes and its popular characters like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, and also provided memorable DC Comic shows like the animated series starring Batman and Superman.

While mostly focused on television, Warner Bros Animation has produced several memorable feature-length hits like The Lego Movie, Space Jam, and The Iron Giant.

What Makes It Great

• Think Tank Approach: The studio has a screenplay department that functions like a “think tank,” similar to Pixar Animation Studios’ “brain trust.” This collaborative approach allows for creative consultation and feedback among its members, fostering innovation and quality in their projects.
• Budget Flexibility: The budgets for their films range from $60–80 million, allowing for a wide scope of projects from modest to high-budget productions. Their most expensive films to date include “Space Jam: A New Legacy” with a budget of $150 million.
• Commercial Success: Films produced by Warner Bros. Pictures Animation have grossed a total of $2 billion at the box office, demonstrating their commercial viability.

Sunrise

Headquarters: Suginami, Tokyo, Japan

A Japanese animation studio with more Animage Anime Grand Prix Awards than any other studio in on the globe, including serving as the runner-up more than a dozen times. Sunrise is behind many popular anime series like Cowboy Bebop and every Gundam series.

As of this writing, 6 animation studios have been founded by former Sunrise animators, including the new Bandai Namco Pictures in 2015.

What Makes It Great

• Versatility in Genres: Beyond mecha and action, the studio has also produced a wide range of genres including magical girl series, sports anime, and adaptations of light novels and manga. This shows their versatility and ability to cater to different audiences.
• Collective Pseudonym, Hajime Yatate: Most of their work is created in-house under a collective pseudonym, Hajime Yatate, emphasizing teamwork and collective creativity.
• Multiple Studios with Specializations: Bandai Namco Filmworks (formerly Sunrise) operates multiple studios, each with its own specialization. For example, Studio 1 is known for Mobile Suit Gundam, while Studio 10 is known for Outlaw Star.

Moving Picture Company

Headquarters: London, England

MPC is a subsidiary of Technicolor that provides computer animation and digital visual effects for films and other mediums. Notable projects by them include Furious 7, Guardians of the Galaxy, X-men: First Class, and Terminator Genisys.

They now boast studios all over the world, including Mexico City, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Paris, New York, London, Amsterdam, Bangalore, Shanghai, and Montreal.

What Makes It Great

• Long History and Evolution: Founded in 1970, MPC initially started as a production company for TV commercials. Over the years, it has evolved into a multifaceted studio known for post-production and visual effects, not just in advertising but also in feature films.
• Diverse Portfolio of Sponsors: MPC’s most frequent sponsors include big names like Sony, Coca-Cola, Warner Bros., Disney, HBO, and Samsung, indicating the wide range of industries they serve.
• Innovation in Digital Humans: MPC has a specialized R&D lab called “Shadow Lab” that focuses on developing new technologies, including digital humans. They have worked on creating realistic digital versions of characters like Rachael in Blade Runner 2049 and a young Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator Genisys.

Toei Animation

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan

Toei is one of the top Japanese animation companies and known across the globe for a large number of works. They are largely recognized for working with big manga artists to produce iconic anime shows like Dragon Ball Z, One Piece, Saint Seiya, and Sailor Moon.

They are also known for their anime adaptation of Digimon and Yu-Gi-Oh!, numerous feature-length films, and work on several video games.

What Makes It Great

• Historical Significance: Founded in 1948, Toei Animation is one of the oldest animation studios in Japan. It was initially called Japan Animated Films and was renamed Toei Doga Co., Ltd. in 1956 before finally becoming Toei Animation.
• Influential Alumni: The studio has been a training ground for renowned animators and directors like Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, who later went on to establish Studio Ghibli.
• Genre-Defining Contributions: Toei Animation was instrumental in popularizing the Magical Girl and Super Robot genres. They produced the first magical-girl anime series, Mahoutsukai Sally, and set the standard for Super Robot anime with Mazinger Z.

Double Negative

Headquarters: Fitzrovia, London

This British visual effects and computer animation company began with only 30 people in 1998 but now boasts more than a thousand employees.

They have received many Visual Effects Society, Academy Award, BAFTA awards for films such as Interstellar, Inception, Sherlock Holmes, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2. They also helped work on the acclaimed Batman trilogy directed by Christopher Nolan.

What Makes It Great

• Global Presence: DNEG has expanded its operations globally, with locations in Vancouver, Mumbai, Los Angeles, Chennai, Montréal, Mohali, Bangalore, Toronto, and a new studio opening in Sydney in 2023.
• Innovative in Stereo Conversion: DNEG Stereo was the first in the world to convert a full Hollywood film from 2-D to 3-D, making them a leader in the stereo conversion industry.
• Diverse Portfolio: DNEG has worked on a wide range of projects, from the Marvel Cinematic Universe to the James Bond series, and even TV series like “Chernobyl” and “Star Trek: Discovery.”

Method Studios

Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA

Method Studios produces visual effects for high-end feature films, games, commercials, television, and more. They have worked in collaboration with the best Hollywood studios, including Paramount and Twentieth Century Fox, to create box office hits like The Wolf of Wall Street, Iron Man 3, Transformers: Age of Extinction, Guardians of the Galaxy, and more.

What Makes It Great

• Diverse Clientele: Method Studios has collaborated with top animation companies like Warner Bros., Twentieth Century Fox, Walt Disney Studios, Marvel Studios, and Paramount. They also maintain working relationships with award-winning directors and commercial clients like Verizon, DirecTV, and Microsoft.
• Multiple Awards: They have won several awards in different categories, including VFX, animation, and compositing, from organizations like the Visual Effects Society, AICP Awards, Clio Awards, and more.
• Commercial Work: Apart from feature films, they have also produced visual effects for commercials, including those for big brands like Ford, Microsoft Surface, and Nature Valley.

OLM, Inc

Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan

Although OLM, has provided several different TV shows and films, it is known for the long-running anime TV series based on a Nintendo game– Pokémon. The show began in 1997 and continues today with more than 900 episodes.

OLM has also developed nearly 20 Pokémon films and is also making shows and films based on another Nintendo RPG sensation, Yo-Kai Watch.

What Makes It Great

• Broad Portfolio Beyond Anime: OLM doesn’t just produce anime; they have a division that produces live-action works under the direction of Takashi Miike. This shows the studio’s versatility in the types of media they can produce.
• Longevity and Adaptability: Founded in 1990, the studio has been around for over three decades. Over the years, they have adapted to changes in the industry, including the shift towards digital animation and global distribution.

Sony Pictures Imageworks

Headquarters: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

The Canadian character animation and visual effects company is a unit of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group and has earned several accolades, including Oscars for Spider-Man 2.

They have worked on nearly 100 films, including Watchmen, the Men in Black sequels, both the Spider-Man and The Amazing Spider-Man films, and more.

What Makes It Great

• Technological Advancements: SPI transitioned from traditional biased, multi-pass rendering systems to a global illumination system incorporating modern ray-tracing and physically based shading techniques. They achieved this with Arnold Renderer, an unbiased stochastic ray tracer co-developed with SPI.
• Sister Company Collaboration: Since the foundation of its sister company Sony Pictures Animation in 2002, SPI has animated nearly all of SPA’s films, including those in the “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,” “Smurfs,” and “Hotel Transylvania” franchises.
• Diverse Filmography: In addition to working on Sony Pictures films, they have also animated films for other studios like Aardman Animations, Warner Animation Group, Rovio Animation, Pearl Studio, and Netflix Animation.

Image Engine

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Image Engine is a Canadian visual effects company founded in 1995.

They got their start with a few feature films before growing in recognition for their work on military science fiction series Stargate SG-1. Recent major projects include The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and Elysium. Their work on Peter Jackson’s District 9 earned them an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects nomination.

What Makes It Great

• Partnerships and Collaborations: In July 2015, Image Engine partnered with Cinesite, a well-known visual effects and animation studio. They also have other partner companies like Trixter, Squeeze, L’Atelier, FX3X, Assemblage, and the Imaginarium Studios. These partnerships allow them to pool resources and expertise for larger projects.
• Emmy Award Recognition: In 2022, Image Engine won a Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Visual Effects In A Season Or A Movie for “The Book of Boba Fett.” This adds to their already impressive list of accolades and highlights their excellence in the field of visual effects.

Nippon Animation

Headquarters: Koganei, Tokyo, Japan

Like Toei, Nippon Animation boasts a talent for producing anime shows based on other works and at one time employed the legendary Hayao Miyazaki.

Nippon Animedia, a department of Nippon Animation, has helped anime shows for popular Takara toys like the Beyblade series, Crash B-Daman, and Zero Duel Masters.

What Makes It Great

• Adaptations of Western Literature: Nippon Animation is particularly known for producing anime series based on classic Western literature like “Anne of Green Gables” and “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.” This makes them unique in the anime industry, which often focuses on original stories or adaptations of Japanese manga.
• World Masterpiece Theater Series: They have a long-running series known as the World Masterpiece Theater, where they adapt various classic literature into anime form. This series has been a significant part of their production line-up.

Illumination Studios Paris

Headquarters: Paris, France

Formerly known as Illumination Mac Guff, the company was renamed to Illumination Studios Paris. A French animated feature production company created only in 2011. Their first film, Despicable Me, was well-received by critics and has the third biggest opening of the year behind Toy Story 3 and Shrek Forever After.

Their most recent film, Minions, is one of the highest-grossing films of 2015 and served as the first non-Disney animated film to break $1 billion worldwide.

What Makes It Great

• Filmography and Box Office Success: Their films have consistently performed well at the box office. For instance, “Despicable Me 2” grossed $970.8 million, and “The Secret Life of Pets” made $894.3 million. Their ability to produce high-grossing films is a testament to their quality and market appeal.
• Short Films and Specials: In addition to feature-length films, they have also produced a range of short films and television specials, like the “Minions Holiday Special.” This diversifies their portfolio and allows them to explore different formats and storytelling techniques.
• Industry Recognition: They provided the animation for Kevin, Stuart, and Bob presenting the award for Best Animated Short Film at the 88th Academy Awards in 2016. This kind of industry recognition is not just an honor but also serves as a testament to their quality and influence in the animation world. Illumination is undoubtedly one of the best animation companies the film industry is privileged to have.

Toon City

Headquarters: Manila, Philippines

Founded in 1993 with only 10 animators, their studio today is large enough to accommodate more than 1,000 artists. Toon City grew by collaborating with big companies like Warner Bros, Universal, Nickelodeon, and The Walt Disney Company.

Notable projects include Aladdin: The Animated Series, Hercules, Kim Possible, and Gravity Falls.

What Makes It Great

• Filipino Roots: Toon City is based in Manila, Philippines, making it one of the few animation studios in Southeast Asia with a global reach. Its location allows it to tap into local talent and offer a unique perspective on the animation industry.
• Diverse Clientele: While its primary contractor is The Walt Disney Company, Toon City has also worked on projects for Nickelodeon, Universal, Warner Bros., HBO, and Cinegroupe. This wide range of clients speaks to the studio’s versatility and reputation for quality.
• Technological Versatility: Toon City is not limited to one form of animation. They produce animation in traditional 2D, Flash, CGI, and paperless Harmony, making them adaptable to various project needs.

Pixomondo

Headquarters: Frankfurt, Germany

Pixomondo has several studios worldwide producing visual effects for film, television, and more. Combined, their Los Angeles, Shanghai, Frankfurt, Munich, Beijing, Toronto, Stuttgart, and Baton Rouge studios employ over 400 artists.

Some of their recent works include Furious 7, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, Star Trek Into Darkness, and The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2.

What Makes It Great

• Versatile Origins: The company was initially founded as a design studio in Pfungstadt, Germany, in 2001. It began by creating video installations and 3D animations for high-end corporate clients like Porsche and Bertelsmann, before transitioning into the entertainment industry.
• Academy Awards: In addition to winning an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects for its work on the film Hugo, the company was also nominated for its work on Star Trek Into Darkness.
• Diverse Portfolio: Pixomondo has worked on a wide range of projects, from TV series like Star Trek and Game of Thrones to feature films like Hugo and Star Trek Into Darkness. They have also been involved in Apple TV+’s historic launch by providing VFX for series like “See” and “For All Mankind.”

Studio Pierrot

Headquarters: Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan

Started by former employees of other renowned Japanese studios, Pierrot produced many popular anime series known across the globe.

These include YuYu Hakusho, Bleach, Naruto, Saiyuki, and Tokyo Ghoul. They have won the prestigious Animage Anime Grand Prix Award twice and helped produce several episodes for Nickelodeon’s The Legend of Korra.

What Makes It Great

• Diverse Portfolio: Pierrot is renowned for producing a wide range of popular anime series, including “Naruto,” “Bleach,” “Tokyo Ghoul,” “Yu Yu Hakusho,” “Black Clover,” and “Boruto: Naruto Next Generations,” among others.
• Longevity and Experience: Founded in May 1979, the studio has over four decades of experience in the animation industry, making it one of the older and more established studios in Japan.
• Awards and Recognition: Two of the company’s anime series, “Yu Yu Hakusho” and “Saiyuki,” won the Animage Anime Grand Prix Award in 1994 and 1995, and 2000, respectively.

Hybride Technologies

Headquarters: Piedmont, Quebec

Hybride originally focused on creating digital visual effects for advertisements for major companies like Volkswagen, Coca Cola, and CCM.

They now have signed visual effects for many big budget titles, including Jurassic World, 2014’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Hunger Games series, and Avatar. In 2008 they were acquired by Ubisoft, one of the largest video game developers and publishers in the world.

What Makes It Great

• Division of Ubisoft: Being a part of Ubisoft, a global leader in video game development, provides Hybride with access to cutting-edge technology and a wide range of creative resources.
• Impressive Project Scale: During the pandemic, the studio delivered a total of 883 VFX shots for the second season of “The Mandalorian,” marking the largest amount of visual effects produced by the company for a Disney project.
• Emmy Recognition: The studio won an Emmy for Outstanding Special Visual Effects In A Season Or A Movie, alongside Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), for their work on “The Mandalorian.”

Rodeo FX

Headquarters: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Rodeo FX is an international visual effects company with studios in Quebec City, Montreal, and Los Angeles.

They specialize in film, advertising, and television and have won many awards for their work, including a VES Award for Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects. Recent projects include Furious 7, Cinderella, Edge of Tomorrow, and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

What Makes It Great

• Game of Thrones Contributions: The studio gained significant recognition for its work on the HBO fantasy series Game of Thrones, creating over 150 visually altered shots for the show’s fourth season. This work has earned them multiple awards, including three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Special Effects.
• Diverse Portfolio: Rodeo FX has been involved in a wide range of films, from blockbusters like “Black Panther” and “Thor: Ragnarok” to critically acclaimed films like “Birdman” and “Blade Runner 2049.”
• Visual Effects Society Awards: The studio has won six Visual Effects Society Awards, including two for Game of Thrones and four for motion pictures, showcasing their expertise in both television and film.

Digital Domain

Headquarters: Playa Vista, California

Digital Domain has studios in both California and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada that both produce visual/digital effects for games, films, and advertising.

The company has more than 100 films under its belt, including the acclaimed Titanic, and is the winner of five Academy Awards. Other recent films include Furious 7, Maleficent, and X-Men: Days of Future Past.

What Makes It Great

• Versatile Portfolio: Digital Domain has produced effects for a wide range of films, from “Titanic” and “Apollo 13” to “Avengers: Endgame” and “Sonic the Hedgehog,” showcasing their adaptability and range.
• Innovative Software: The company launched a wholly-owned subsidiary, D2 Software, Inc., to market and distribute its Academy Award-winning compositing software, Nuke, which has become one of the world’s top-selling visual effects software solutions.
• Ownership Changes and Resilience: Despite going through financial difficulties and changes in ownership, including a Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the company has managed to survive and adapt, showing resilience and adaptability.

Luma Pictures

Headquarters: Santa Monica, CA

A visual effects studio founded in 2002 recognized for their talent in creating environments and creatures.

Every year they work on between 3 and 8 big-budget films, with recent ones being Avengers: Age of Ultron, Ant-Man, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and Guardians of the Galaxy. Luma Pictures has two studios, one in Santa Monica and another in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

What Makes It Great

• Specialization in Creatures, Environments, and Effects: Luma Pictures has carved a niche for itself by specializing in creating creatures, environments, and effects, making it a go-to studio for projects requiring these elements.
• AACTA and VES Recognition: The studio has won an AACTA Award for Best Visual Effects on “Spider-Man: Far From Home” and has also earned several Visual Effects Society (VES) nominations, including those for “Doctor Strange” and “Ant-Man.”
• Diverse Filmography: Luma Pictures has worked on over 150 films and episodics, including high-profile franchises like “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Underworld,” and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They were the lead VFX provider for the first season of “I Am Groot.

South Park Studios

Headquarters: Culver City, CA

This company is of course known for South Park, one of the longest-running and most successful animated shows of all time.

With 325 episodes across 26 seasons and counting, South Park has received many accolades: a Peabody Award, five Primetime Emmy Awards, and more than ten nominations for Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program.

What Makes It Great

• Pioneering Speed of Production: Unlike other animated shows that take months to produce, South Park episodes are typically completed in one week, with some even in as little as three to four days. This allows the show to stay topical and respond quickly to current events.
• Unique Animation Style: Inspired by the paper cut-out cartoons made by Terry Gilliam for Monty Python’s Flying Circus, South Park uses a unique animation style that intentionally looks like cutout animation, even though it’s produced digitally.
• Versatility in Themes and Styles: South Park is known for its ability to tackle a wide range of themes, from politics to pop culture, using various styles of animation. For example, some episodes feature anime or machinima styles, and others incorporate live-action footage.

Rising Sun Pictures

Headquarters: Adelaide, Australia

An Australian visual effects company founded in 1995.

In less than 20 short years Rising Sun Pictures has been able to work on some of the biggest of the last two decades, including The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Batman Begins, Superman Returns, The Hunger Games, The Wolverine, and three Harry Potter films.

What Makes It Great

• Impressive Clientele: RSP has worked with major studios and companies like Disney, Marvel, Warner Bros., Netflix, Amazon, and MGM. This speaks volumes about the studio’s credibility and quality of work.
• Custom Pipeline and Flexibility: RSP focuses on producing only the highest quality and innovative solutions. They have an extremely flexible, custom pipeline that allows them to scale up quickly and adjust their workflow to meet the needs of clients and audiences.
• Multiple Awards and Nominations: The studio has received numerous awards, including the 2020 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Award for Best Visual Effects or Animation for its work on “The Eight Hundred.” They have also received a plethora of Visual Effects Society (VES) and AEAF awards.

Animal Logic

Headquarters: Sydney, Australia

Animal Logic was founded in 1991 and quickly rose to prominence with films like Babe, The Matrix, and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.

The studio has helped produce many other successful movies and has won many awards, including five for The Lego Movie alone. Animal Logic currently has two studios in Sydney and Los Angeles.

What Makes It Great

• Academy Award-Winning: The studio produced the Academy Award-winning animated film “Happy Feet,” which was also the first computer-animated feature film produced in Australia
• Diverse Portfolio: Animal Logic has worked on a wide range of films, from animated features like “The Lego Movie” and “Peter Rabbit” to visual effects for “The Matrix” and “The Great Gatsby.”
• Innovation in 3D: They were the first in Australia to release an animated feature in 3D stereoscopic, “Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole.”

Encore Hollywood

Headquarters: Hollywood, CA

Encore Hollywood is a post-production team that has been producing high-quality visual effects since 1985.

Despite not being a household name, Encore Hollywood has worked on some of the most recognizable shows in America. These include The Flash, Glee, Gotham, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, House of Cards, NCIS, CSI, and more.

What Makes It Great

• Surviving Business Unit: Encore VFX is the only surviving business unit of Encore Hollywood and is now part of Company 3/Method Inc.
• Diverse Television Credits: The studio has worked on a variety of television shows, including “Alias,” “Castle,” “Drop Dead Diva,” “Big Love,” “House,” “Lie to Me,” “Melrose Place,” “NCIS,” and “Elementary,” showcasing its versatility.

Shade VFX

Headquarters: Santa Monica, CA

Shade VFX has studios in Los Angeles in New York that together handle 4K VFX, virtual reality, concept art, stereoscopic, beauty work, pre-viz, photo real VFX, and design.

They have worked with other top companies to create recent films like The Wolverine, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and The Amazing Spider-Man 2.

Aardman Animations

Headquarters: Bristol, England, UK

A British studio that is known for their proficiency in stop-motion clay animation. Although they do a lot of television series and short films, Aardman Animations has collaborated with DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures Animation, and StudioCanal to make feature films.

All their films between 2000 and 2015 have grossed more than their budget and received very high Rotten Tomatoes ratings.

What Makes It Great

• Pioneers in Stop-Motion Animation: Aardman is renowned for its stop-motion and clay animation techniques, especially with characters like Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, and Morph.
• Academy Award Recognition: The studio’s short film, “Creature Comforts,” won an Academy Award, and their Wallace and Gromit films have also received Academy Awards.
• High Grossing Films: As of February 2020, Aardman’s films had earned $1.1 billion worldwide, with an average of $135.6 million per film.

Sony Pictures Animation

Headquarters: Culver City, CA

Sony Pictures Animation was founded in 2002 to work alongside Sony Pictures Imageworks.

Almost every one of their feature films between 2006 and 2015 have been a commercial success. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Arthur Christmas, and The Pirates! Band of Misfits earned a Rotten Tomato aggregate score of 87%, 92%, and 86%, respectively.

Disney Television Animation

Headquarters: Glendale, CA

An animation production studio focused on creating films, television series, and other content for Disney Channels Worldwide.

It was founded in 1984 and developed some of the most popular cartoons of the late ’80s and ’90s, including DuckTales, Darkwing Duck, Goof Troop, and Timon & Pumba. More recent hit shows done for Disney Channel are Kim Possible, The Proud Family, and Phineas and Ferb.

Production I.G

Headquarters: Kokubunji, Tokyo, Japan

A Japanese anime studio responsible for many feature films and TV shows, including Ghost in the Shell, The Last Vampire, Pokemon the Movie: Black, Pokemon the Movie: White, and Guilty Crown. They won an Animage Anime Grand Prix Award in 2013 and are known for their animated sequences for Kill Bill Volume 1.

What Makes It Great

• Video Game Collaborations: The studio is also known for developing intros, cut-scenes, and artwork for video games, particularly for Bandai Namco’s Tales series.
• Innovation in Anime: The studio has been involved in the production of numerous original video animations (OVAs) and original net animations (ONAs), pushing the boundaries of what is possible in anime.
• Sports Anime: Production I.G has produced a number of sports-related anime series like “Kuroko’s Basketball” and “Haikyu!!,” showcasing their versatility in genre.

Scanline VFX

Headquarters: Munich, Germany

A German visual effects company with studios in Munich, Vancouver, and Los Angeles.

They are recognized for their Flowline software used to create fluid effects like fire and water. Notable projects they were involved with include 300: Rise of an Empire, Iron Man 3, The Avengers, Man of Steel, and The Wolf of Wall Street.

What Makes It Great

• Global Presence: Scanline VFX has studios in seven core locations worldwide, including London, Los Angeles, Montreal, Munich, Seoul, Stuttgart, and Vancouver. This gives them a global reach and the ability to tap into diverse talent pools.
• Netflix Partnership: Netflix’s investment in Scanline VFX has allowed the studio to push the boundaries of what is possible in visual effects. This partnership also provides Scanline with the resources to innovate further in the VFX industry.
• Proprietary Software: Scanline VFX developed its own fluid simulation software called Flowline. This software was so groundbreaking that it earned the studio a Scientific and Technical Achievement Academy Award® in 2008.

Whiskytree

Headquarters: San Rafael, CA

Whiskytree is another low profile VFX studio that works on several high profile projects a year, including films, games, TV shows, and commercials. They also provide concept art and have worked on recent hits like Captain America: The Winter Soldier, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, and Elysium, as well as big MMO games like Rift and Defiance.

What Makes It Great

• Hybrid Nature: Whiskytree is not just a visual effects studio but also operates as an agency and a production company. This multi-faceted approach allows them to offer a wide range of services.
• Cross-Platform Expertise: Their work is not limited to any single medium. You can find Whiskytree’s creations on the silver screen, television, the internet, mobile apps, games, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and even on book covers.
• Location and History: Situated in San Rafael, California, at a historic address, the studio is committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality in both art and technology.

Fuzzy Door Productions

Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA

Also known as The Spotted Door, Fuzzy Door Productions was founded in 1996 by Seth MacFarlane to create many of his notable animated series. These include Family Guy, American Dad!, and The Cleveland Show. The company has also produced a few films, including Ted, A Million Ways to Die in the West, and Ted 2.

What Makes It Great

• Versatility in Content: Fuzzy Door Productions is not just limited to animation. They have produced live-action sitcoms like “The Winner,” science documentaries like “Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey,” and sci-fi comedy-dramas like “The Orville.”
• Longevity and Consistency: Shows like “Family Guy” and “American Dad!” have been on air for years, showcasing the studio’s ability to produce content that stands the test of time.
• Diverse Co-Productions: Fuzzy Door has collaborated with various other production companies and networks, such as 20th Television, Cosmos Studios, and Media Rights Capital, to produce a wide range of content.

Rise FX

Headquarters: Berlin, Germany

Starting with only four artists in one room, Rise FX has grown to employ almost 100 artists. They have worked mostly on European projects but have also provided their services on various American films, including Iron Man 3, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier

What Makes It Great

• Marvel Cinematic Universe: The studio has worked on several films of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including “Avengers: Endgame,” “Black Panther,” and “Doctor Strange,” showcasing their ability to contribute to blockbuster hits.
• Diverse Portfolio: In addition to Marvel films, Rise FX has credits in movies like “The King’s Man,” “Doctor Sleep,” “Hobbs & Shaw,” and “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.” They have also worked on TV shows like “Stranger Things,” “Dark,” and “Sense8.”
• Adaptability: The studio has shown its versatility by working on a wide range of genres, from superhero films to historical dramas and even psychological thrillers like “A Cure for Wellness.”

DisneyToon Studios

Headquarters: Glendale, CA

DisneyToon Studios was founded in 1988 to work on direct-to-video films, although they have produced many theatrical feature films.

They have created more than 47 films based on top Disney IPs like Aladdin, Goofy, Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse, Tarzan, 101 Dalmatians, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid.

What Makes It Great

• Pioneering Direct-to-Video Market: Disneytoon Studios was a pioneer in the direct-to-video (DTV) market, starting with the sequel to Aladdin, “The Return of Jafar,” in 1994. This move made DTV an important segment for Disney.
• Global Animation Collaboration: Disneytoon Studios worked with various internal overseas studios like Disney Animation Japan and Disney Animation Australia, making it a global operation.
• Budget Efficiency: As of 2002, the films that Disneytoon had made often had budgets less than $15 million for production but had taken in $100 million in sales and rentals, showcasing their cost-effectiveness.
• Closure and Legacy: The studio closed on June 28, 2018, but its building has since been used for new productions for Disney Television Animation. This indicates the lasting impact of the studio’s infrastructure.

Rough Draft Studios

Headquarters: Glendale, CA

An animation production company founded in 1991 inside the garage of Gregg and Nikki Vanzo, two animators working on The Ren & Stimpy Show at the time.

Rough Draft Studios has two studios, one in California and the other in South Korea, and has helped with many recognizable films and shows like Futurama, The Simpsons Movie, Star Wars Clone Wars, Rocko’s Modern Life, and more.

What Makes It Great

• Innovative Technology: The studio is known for its blending of 2-D with computer animation, or non-photorealistic rendering. This was first used on “The Maxx” and has been a staple in other projects like “Futurama” and “The Simpsons Movie.”
• Longevity and Growth: Founded in 1991, the studio has seen significant growth over the years. They started with shows like “The Ren & Stimpy Show” and have since expanded to work on popular series like “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “The Powerpuff Girls,” and “Family Guy.”
• Annie Award Nomination: Their first series produced outside of South Korea, “The Maxx,” was nominated for an Annie Award, highlighting the studio’s quality and recognition in the industry.

Rhythm & Hues Studios

Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA

A character animation and visual effects studio that has won four scientific and Technical Academy Awards and an Oscar for their work on 2012’s Life of Pi.

The company has also won three Academy Award for Best Visual Effects for 1995’s Babe, 2008’s The Golden Compass, and Life of Pi.

What Makes It Great

• Industry Impact: Their bankruptcy and subsequent protests led to a significant conversation about the state of the visual effects industry, raising awareness about the challenges faced by VFX artists.
• Continued Success Post-Bankruptcy: After being purchased by an affiliate of Prana Studios, the studio continued to win multiple Emmy Awards and a Visual Effects Society award for their work on “Game of Thrones.”

9 Story Entertainment

Headquarters: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

A Canadian animation and distribution company known for their children’s television shows. They also work with Arthur, the longest-running children’s animated show in the U.S. and only behind The Simpsons for longest-running animated series.

Arthur has also received many awards, including four Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Children’s Animated Program.

What Makes It Great

• Diverse Portfolio: 9 Story Media Group has a wide range of programming that includes shows like “Blue’s Clues & You!”, “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood”, and “Wild Kratts”, showcasing their versatility in content creation.
• Award Recognition: In 2022, Vince Commisso, the President and CEO, was named alongside John Galway as a winner of the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television’s Board of Directors Tribute Award.

Brand New School

Headquarters: New York City, New York

A creative design and production studio, they’ known as one of the best when it comes to making content for commercials and interactive media. Brand New School has helped develop commercials for big names like Starbucks, Target, Pepsi, Cartoon Network, IKEA, Coca-Cola, and Apple. Their work on National Geographic’s Brain Games earned them an Emmy nomination.

What Makes It Great

• Diverse Director Roster: The studio has a variety of directors leading projects, each with their own unique achievements and specialties. For example, Chris Dooley’s music videos for Selena Gomez have garnered over 200 million views each on Vevo.
• Global Clientele: The studio has worked with global brands like Google, Nike, and BBC, indicating a wide reach and international recognition.
• Awards and Recognition: Apart from the known Emmy nomination, the company has been recognized by multiple prestigious organizations like AICP, Art Directors Club, D&AD, and Cannes Lions.
• Innovative Media: They have ventured into live-action films and interactive media, in addition to their core services of animation and design, making them a versatile studio.

Lucasfilm Animation

Headquarters: San Francisco, CA

Founded by legendary director George Lucas, Lucasfilm Animation’s first production was the acclaimed and Emmy-winning TV series Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

They currently produce the 3D CGI series Star Wars Rebels which has already earned several accolades since its premiere in October of 2014, including 42nd Annie Awards and Best Animated Series at the 5th Critics Choice Television Awards.

What Makes It Great

• Global Talent Pool: Lucasfilm Animation Singapore was established to tap into the global talent pool, showing the studio’s commitment to international collaboration.
• Game Development: The studio developed Star Wars-themed games for the Nintendo DS, showcasing its versatility beyond just animation.
• Diverse Portfolio: Beyond Star Wars, the studio has also produced other feature films like “Strange Magic,” and a variety of shorts and specials for YouTube.

Zoic Studios

Headquarters: Culver City, CA

An American visual effects company that specializes in visual effects for video games, advertising design, films, television, commercials, and online media. They have worked on several important films and television shows like Firefly, Mad Men, District 9, The Day After Tomorrow, Fast & Furious, Once Upon a Time, Van Helsing, and Falling Skies.

What Makes It Great

• Diverse TV Show Portfolio: Zoic has created visual effects for a wide range of TV shows, including “Sweet Tooth,” “Underground Railroad,” “For All Mankind,” “Superman & Lois,” “Mosquito Coast,” “WandaVision,” and many more, demonstrating their adaptability and wide-ranging expertise.
• Emmy Award-Winning: The studio is an Emmy Award-winning visual effects company, adding a layer of prestige to their name.
• First Project: Their first project was creating visual effects for the action-western-science fiction television series “Firefly,” which has since become a cult classic.

Studio 4°C

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan

A Japanese animation studio that has worked on a good number of feature films, OVA projects, and TV series. The studio has several films with many awards under their belt, including 2006’s Tekkon Kinkreet that won Best Animated Film, the Lancia Platinum Grand Prize at the Future Film Festival, and Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year.

What Makes It Great

• Versatility in Production: Studio 4°C has not only produced feature films but also OVAs (Original Video Animations), shorts, and even anthology films like “Genius Party” and “Genius Party Beyond,” which are collections of short films.
• International Recognition: The studio’s film “First Squad: The Moment of Truth” was awarded at the Moscow International Film Festival, showcasing its global appeal.
• Diverse Portfolio: They have worked on a wide range of projects, from anime series to video games like “Ace Combat” and “Street Fighter IV,” demonstrating their versatility in the animation industry.
• Collaboration with Big Brands: Studio 4°C has produced commercials for well-known brands like Nike and Honda, extending their expertise beyond traditional animation.

Madhouse

Headquarters: Honchō, Nakano, Tokyo

Founded more than 40 years ago in 1972, Madhouse is a Japanese animation studio that has always focused mostly on television shows and theatrical features.

They have worked on more than 100 projects and have collaborated with big companies, including Square Enix (OVA for Last Order: Final Fantasy VII), Capcom (Devil May Cry: The Animated Series), and several Studio Ghibli, Disney, and Marvel Entertainment works.

What Makes It Great

• Manga Artist Collaborations: The studio often collaborates with renowned manga artists like Naoki Urasawa and Clamp. This has led to the creation of critically acclaimed adaptations like Urasawa’s “Yawara!”, “Master Keaton”, and “Monster”, as well as several of Clamp’s titles.
• Versatility in Productions: Unlike other studios that may focus on a specific type of content, Madhouse has a wide range of works, from TV anime series like “Death Note” and “One-Punch Man” to films like “Perfect Blue” and “Paprika”.
• International Recognition: One of their films, “Nasu: Summer in Andalusia,” was the first Japanese animated film ever selected for screening at the Cannes Film Festival.

Sources

https://www.rsp.com.au/about-rsp/our-story/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walt_Disney_Animation_Studios
https://www.goalcast.com/pixar-quality-drop-and-return/
https://vfx-montreal.com/hybride-technologies-30-years-visual-effects/

Written by Dustin Tyler [Updated November 4, 2024]

Initially focused on web dev, Dustin was introduced to game design by a friend after college and was immediately attracted to the combination of technical skill and creativity required to make an awesome game.

While not a professional game developer himself, he’s utilized his web dev skills and desire to help others by creating a resource where expert game designers can share what they’ve learned with the next generation of aspiring game makers.