Known for extremely influential anime such as Neon Genesis Evangelion, FLCL and Gurren Lagaan, Studio Gainax revealed that they had filed for bankruptcy on May 29, 2024 at the Tokyo District Court and that it had been accepted.
Established in December 1984, the studio had been known for its bold ventures into anime that set new standards of visual storytelling. However, due to mismanagement of the company’s financials and misgivings in areas such as Tax evasions, poor loan agreements and faulty ventures, the company has struggled to produce content since 2018. After losing staff, falling trust and scandals involving the company president, the studio has finally decided to file for bankruptcy after nearly 4 decades of operations.
Studio Khara, which was established by Hideaki Anno – the creator of Evangelion, will be assisting Gaimax in the transfer of their property to rightful owners.
Best Anime from Studio Gainax
At the end of a legendary run from a beloved studio, let us take a look at some of their most popular anime.
1. Neon Genesis Evangelion
In a battle against celestial beings known as Angels, humanity’s only sign of hope are large robots called “Evas”. Shinji is a young boy who is dragged into this battle and forced to operate an Eva while trying to meet his father – the creator of the robots. During this, he faces a lot of psychological battles of his own while uncovering the dark secrets of this world.
2. Gurren Lagann
Simon and Kamina are extremely close friends who have lived their life underground. Despite not being very interested in the bigger world, Simon is pulled in by Kamina’s free-spirited nature and the duo finally make their way above ground. With a vast surrounding that was completely different from their expectations, they began travelling and meeting several allies and foes on the way. However, their days can remain carefree only for so long as a secret that could threaten the entire galaxy is soon revealed.
3. FLCL
Naota is an ordinary young man who leads a boring life in a quiet town where nothing happens. This changes when a mysterious girl named Haruko begins staying at his house and keeps engaging in wild activities. While confused by her antics, Naota can’t help but join her life of excitement.
4. His and Her Circumstances
Yukino is a model student who works hard to maintain her image despite being very vain inside. Her life changes when the perfect male representative of their school, Souichirou, confesses his love to her. After rejecting him, she ends up being blackmailed and eventually spending more and more time with him. Together, the pair discover that they share a lot in common and keep growing closer to each other.
5. Gunbuster
When the world is threatened by insectoids known as space monsters, the youth are selected to pilot giant fighting robots and defend mankind. Noriko and Kazumi, two distinctively different girls with circumstances of their own, decide to take part and fight to protect everything they love from getting destroyed.