Summary
Studio Trigger’s reputation for creating imaginative, high-energy anime sets them apart in the industry. While some of their work may have flaws, Trigger’s talent and creativity shine through in their animations. From highly anticipated products to collaborations and remakes, Trigger always delivers unique and memorable content.
Since 2013, Studio Activator has made a name for itself by creating high-energy anime, often depicting wild stories that allow the staff to push their imaginations to the limit. While their output isn’t as prolific as other big-name anime production companies, that only makes their current work all the more noteworthy.
With production of Delicious in Dungeon highly anticipated next year, the studio is in talks again. While the studio is famous for creating wacky animated shows for the sake of being wacky, there’s no denying the studio’s creativity, even if it doesn’t always come to fruition.
10 Cyberpunk: The Fugitive
2022, Directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi (10 episodes)
Enough ink has been spilled on their 2022 masterpiece, which proves that CD Projekt Red’s vision of Night City is more than just a buggy mess, and that Trigger can do more than it was given credit for “wild and wacky,” even if the animation still over-exaggerates its story. Cyberpunk’s success was a much-needed shot in the arm for Trigger to restore its reputation, after some of its final work was considered passable but not particularly noteworthy. Even though 10 episodes means the plot moves at a breakneck pace, the anime still manages to achieve a satisfyingly tragic ending in no time.
Watch now on Netflix
9 Lover in Franxx
2018, Directed by Atsushi Nishigori (24 episodes)
This collaborative effort with A-1 Pictures and Cloverworks depicts a post-apocalyptic world where a duo of teenagers pilot machines known as “Franxx” in combat. Meanwhile, main character Hiro must resolve his troubled relationship with the mysterious girl Zero Two. Trigger brings clear, sophisticated artistry to its examination of human identity and types of love. Its first 13 episodes manage to keep focus and atmosphere, but sadly, the anime botches its second half, as Trigger’s tendency to create grand finales works against it here with wild twists. Still, Franxx provides a sympathetic cast to bring its plot to a fitting conclusion.
Watch now on Crunchyroll
8 Star Wars: Vision
2021, The Twins directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi, The Elder directed by Masahiko Otsuka (2 episodes)
Trigger was commissioned by Disney to produce two short films for the anthology series’ first season, resulting in The Twins and The Elders. Both represent the studio’s dichotomy as they choose to rely on their reputation and what they could have done differently. The Twins begins its self-parody when Luke Skywalker imitates a duel while aboard a speeding X-Wing, while The Elder has one of the more creative battles and stories set in space. Star Wars pillar. Both stories showcase Trigger’s talent, perfect for those who are short on time or just want to see everything the studio has to offer.
Watch now on Disney+
7 BNA: Brand New Animals
2020, Directed by Yoh Yoshinari (12 episodes)
This anime follows Michiru, who somehow transforms into a “beastman,” forcing her to travel to Anima City and live among its anthropomorphic citizens. Short and sweet, this is one of Trigger’s tamer adventures. While its goofy energy is enjoyable to watch and its humor is constantly present, it lacks the charm that Trigger’s other anime have that makes them so timelessly memorable . By this point, Trigger’s eccentricities had become all too familiar. Still, BNA is a short and sweet adventure that proves that the studio will always have a sense of humor and playfulness.
Watch now on Netflix
6 Promare
2019, Directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi (115 minutes)
To demonstrate just how silly Trigger can make anything, the studio chose to add their usual touch of insanity to the firefighting concept, with members of Burning Rescue fighting Burnish – the humans have pyrokinetic powers – by mechh using water and ice. Thanks to the film’s budget, Promare is able to achieve some truly impressive and creative visuals, with Trigger cleverly using computer graphics to give all of the colorful fiery visuals Different neon. LGBTQ+ audiences are in for a treat too, with Lio and Galo’s fiery rivalry-turned-partnership having enough romantic subtext to not see it as an intentional move by Trigger.
Watch now on Crunchyroll
5 Kiznaiver
2016, Directed by Hiroshi Kobayashi (12 episodes)
Kiznaiver is a tragically underrated original anime produced by Studio Trigger that explores empathy and the complex connections we make with those around us. The story of a group of students chosen to become “Kiznaivers” who can share in each other’s pain, often feels hindered along the way by the interactions of many characters that seem to favor their own interests. more romantic trouble than anything else.
Trigger’s artwork is still running on all cylinders here though, with character details, background movements, and even eyes showing off the effort the studio has put into every piece. mine. On a sadder note, Kiznaiver is also notable in that its opening song is also the final work of Japanese electronic duo Boom Boom Satellites.
Watch now on Crunchyroll
4 SSSS.Gridman
2018, Directed by Akira Amemiya (12 episodes)
Trigger made headlines when it announced that it would release a remake of the little-known tokusatsu series Gridman the Hyper Agent. While it seems like a long shot, the series ends up being a huge success, despite being a slow-burning story, with the first half having an intentionally generic “monster of the week” setting ”. As the plot develops and twists begin to unravel, Gridman turns out to be a surprisingly heartfelt story, focusing on the secrets behind its central villain. Trigger’s optimism and theatricality fit well here, as the studio was essentially able to revive a dormant IP back into fighting shape.
Watch now on Crunchyroll
3 SSSS.Dynaznon
2021, Directed by Akira Amemiya (12 episodes)
The sequel to SSSS.Gridman is a worthy sequel, although not nearly as well executed. While the combination of character drama and monster fighting still rings true, the choice to expand its scope to a larger cast, all with their own baggage, stretches the plot a bit. , not helped by a group of villains that aren’t nearly as memorable as those in Gridman. However, both shows complemented each other well and even led to the Gridman Universe movie that tied the scene together. Dynazenon is for fans who want more old-fashioned transforming robot action, à la GaoGaiGar.
Watch now on Crunchyroll
2 Little Witch Academy
2017, Directed by Yoh Yoshinari (25 episodes), 2013 (30 min OVA), 2015, The Enchanted Parade (55 min OVA)
Trigger’s answer to Harry Potter has come in many versions, though all owe something to the 2013 animated short. They all follow Atsuko’s life in a magical school as She learns how to become a witch with her friends. The original anime is a captivating slice of animation filled with whimsy and humor, while the TV series uses its long running time to create an ongoing mystery. Audiences will have to decide which version of Luna Nova Academy is right for them, but this is still one of the more unique versions of a magical school to come out of Japan.
Watch now on Netflix
1 Kill is Kill
2013, Directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi (24 episodes)
Being Trigger’s first anime as an independent studio, Kill la Kill means they tend to go overboard. The rivalry between Ryuko and Satsuki in a hyper-stylized, militarized school setting delivers laughs and intricate fight scenes at any given moment. While audiences may be divided on whether its nudity/clothing motif is carefully considered or just an excuse for its raunchy humor, all that it is, along with its crazy plot makes Kill la Kill one of the most unique anime series in recent history. This is perhaps the perfect test of how much Trigger a viewer can take.
Watch now on Crunchyroll