CGI Anime and the Future of Animation

CGI Anime and the Future of Animation

Anime has always thrived on pushing artistic boundaries, and today, technology plays a big role in that evolution. CGI anime has emerged as a powerful medium, blending traditional artistry with digital innovation to create immersive stories that captivate audiences worldwide.

Key Takeaways:

  • CGI combines traditional 2D aesthetics with 3D technology to create a unique hybrid style.
  • It enhances action and storytelling with smoother animation, depth, and cinematic visuals.
  • The use of CGI in anime is rapidly growing, with more studios adopting it for both films and series.

15 Anime with Good CGI in Recent Years

From sprawling fantasy worlds to futuristic cityscapes, anime is expanding in scope and ambition. With the rise of CGI, creators now have the flexibility to craft stunning, cinematic visuals that immerse fans in fresh new experiences. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular recent CGI anime titles.

1. KamiErabi GOD.app Season 2

Scene from KamiErabi GOD.app
Scene from KamiErabi GOD.app (Source: Sauanime)

A visually bold series where CGI enhances its surreal battles and apocalyptic setting. 

Also Read: Creative 3D Product Animation Video Ideas for Every Industry

2. Mobile Suit Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance 

Visual of Mobile Suit Gundam anime
Visual of Mobile Suit Gundam anime (Source: Netflix Anime)

A series full of CG in a war setting, presenting fluid and menacing mecha battles.

3. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Season 4 (Hashira Training Arc) 

Anime scene of Demon Slayer
Anime scene of Demon Slayer (Source: Flashback A)

The series continues with breathtaking battles and showcases the exceptional mix of CGI, especially in the explosion scene. A beloved anime that’s considered the best CGI anime application.

4. Expelled from Paradise

Frame capturing a mecha robot in anime
Frame capturing a mecha robot in anime (Source: ToeiAnimationjp)

A visually striking sci-fi film that blends mecha action and digital landscapes, fully animated with sleek CGI design.

5. Dorohedoro

Scene from Dorohedoro featuring Caiman
Scene from Dorohedoro featuring Caiman (Source: GameSpot Univers Trailers)

A surreal series where eccentric characters and chaotic worlds come alive through its unique mix of 2D and 3D animation.

Also Read: How to Animate in Blender for Beginners Plus Easy Tips to Start

6. Beastars Final Season

Frame capturing Legoshi in Beastar
Frame capturing Legoshi in Beastar (Source: Netflix Anime)

The dramatic and expressive CGI heightens both its emotional weight and the dynamic performances of this beastly anime.

7. Lupin III: The first

CGI shot of Lupin III
CGI shot of Lupin III (Source: GKIDS Films)

Delivered entirely in glossy CGI for a cinematic experience, featuring a stylish reinvention of the classic thief’s adventure.

8. The Witch and the Beast

CGI scene of The Witch and the Beast
CGI scene of The Witch and the Beast (Source: NBCUniversal Anime/Music)

Dark fantasy meets CGI creativity, resulting in mesmerizing battles and bizarre mysteries.

9. Metallic Rouge

Anime shot of Metallic Rouge’s characters
Anime shot of Metallic Rouge’s characters (Source: IGN)

A futuristic tale of androids and intrigue, animated with sleek CGI that amplifies its cyberpunk aesthetic and action.

10 The Unwanted Undead Adventurer

Frame from The Unwanted Undead Adventurer
Frame from The Unwanted Undead Adventurer (Source: AnimeTaiyo)

CGI highlights the transformations and dungeon battles of this fantasy series.

11. Attack on Titan Season 4

CGI moment of Attack on Titan
CGI moment of Attack on Titan (Source: AnimeSelect)

The iconic series uses CGI for its colossal titans and sweeping battle sequences.

Also Read: 2D vs 3D Animation Explained: Pros, Cons, and Best Uses

12. Baki Hanma Season 2

Anime shot of Baki Hanma
Anime shot of Baki Hanma (Source: Netflix Anime)

This martial arts saga employs CGI to fuel its high-impact fight scenes.

13. Stand By Me Doraemon 2

Scene in CGI with Doraemon
Scene in CGI with Doraemon (Source: Netflix Anime)

Among the heartwarming 3D CGI anime movies, reimaginings of the classic story, blending nostalgia with modern animation.

14. Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence

A scene from Ghost in the Shell
A scene from Ghost in the Shell (Source: GKIDS Films)

CGI elevates this philosophical cyberpunk film with futuristic cityscapes and mechanical designs.

15. Girls Band Cry

Scene from featuring Girls Band Cry’s characters
Scene from featuring Girls Band Cry’s characters (Source: Crunchyroll)

Music and drama intertwine in this CGI-driven series, where expressive performances and energetic concerts are brought vividly to life.

Also Read: 3D Animation Trends 2025 That Are Too Cool to Miss

Why Anime Benefits from CGI?

To answer “Why does anime use CGI?”, we need to know the benefits of CGI first. The use of CGI in anime brings a range of advantages that enhance both the artistic and production aspects of the medium. Here are the key benefits.

1. Elevated Visual Quality

CGI enables the creation of intricate, unique fluidity that is often too demanding to draw by hand. From realistic textures and dynamic lighting to fluid movements and expansive backgrounds, CGI adds a level of visual richness deeper into the story.

2. Improved Efficiency in Production

CGI allows studios to handle complicated sequences, such as large crowds, elaborate machinery, or dynamic environments, more efficiently. Animators can achieve consistent and precise results without the need to redraw every frame.

3. Long-Term Cost Benefits

While the initial setup for CGI software and training can be expensive, it pays off over time. Once created, CGI assets can be reused, adjusted, or repurposed across different scenes and even future projects.

4. Creative Flexibility and Experimentation

CGI provides animators with the freedom to easily shift perspectives, test different camera angles, or create unique compositions without starting from scratch.

5. Blending 2D and 3D Animation

Modern anime often combines 2D character work with 3D models for action scenes, props, or environments. CGI makes this integration smooth, maintaining the emotional nuance of 2D while enhancing depth and dynamism with 3D elements.

6. Scalability and Ambitious Projects

Animators can tackle sprawling worlds, detailed lore, and complex action sequences with the help of CGI. The technology allows creators to manage the scope of such productions more effectively than relying solely on hand-drawn methods.

7. Expanding Audience Reach

High-quality CGI anime scenes often resonate with international viewers who may be more accustomed to 3D animation styles. This broader appeal helps anime gain traction in global markets, widening its cultural influence.

Did This CGI Anime Selection Spark Your Curiosity?

Innovation and tradition continue to coexist beautifully in anime, with technology helping to expand the scope of stories while keeping their heart intact. As studios refine their craft, audiences can look forward to even more visually striking adventures. How do you imagine the next era of anime will look?

If you’re interested in experimenting with your favorite anime characters, you can start by visiting Tridimensi. Here, you can enjoy high-quality assets to create your own 3D setting for your anime character.

Share :