10 Anime With Art Styles More Unique Than JoJo's Bizarre Adventure

1. "Mononoke" (2007)

Let's kick off with "Mononoke," not to be confused with "Princess Mononoke." This supernatural anime series is as unconventional as they come. Sporting a highly unique and abstract art style, "Mononoke" seems more like a moving painting than a traditional anime. The series is centered around the Medicine Seller, a mysterious character who exorcises malevolent spirits known as "Mononoke." The artistic representation of these spirits and their tales are nothing short of breathtaking. Fun Fact: The Medicine Seller's real name is never revealed throughout the series!

2. "Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo" (2004-2005)

"Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo" might be based on a classic French novel, but its art style is far from classical. With its intense use of patterns and texture, watching this anime feels like you're inside a vibrant kaleidoscope. This unique style perfectly complements the dark and intricate tale of betrayal, revenge, and redemption that unfolds within the show. With a MyAnimeList rating of 8.1/10, this 24-episode series deserves to be on your watch list.

3. "Kaiba" (2008)

"Kaiba" throws the typical anime aesthetic out the window and opts for a softer, rounder, and more child-like look. Don't let the cutesy characters fool you, though – the series delves into heavy themes of memory, identity, and love. Set in a world where memories can be manipulated, stored, and even stolen, it's a thought-provoking journey painted in pastel tones. The anime was directed by Masaaki Yuasa, known for his distinctive visual style.

4. "Katanagatari" (2010)

In contrast to the genre's common aesthetics, "Katanagatari" offers a bold, minimalist art style that is rich in details. Set in Edo-era Japan, the show follows Shichika, a swordsman who fights without a sword, and Togame, a strategist seeking twelve legendary swords. The art style, with its flat colors and thick outlines, draws from traditional Japanese art, adding to the historical flavor of the show. With an imdb rating of 7.8/10, this anime is a must-see for any anime fan craving for something different.

5. "The Tatami Galaxy" (2010)

Last on this half of the list, but not least, is "The Tatami Galaxy." Another gem from Masaaki Yuasa, this anime's visuals are as frenetic and mind-boggling as its storytelling. The series follows a nameless protagonist stuck in a time loop, reliving his two years at university over and over, each time taking a different path. Its unique visual style matches its narrative structure, bending and twisting along with the story. The series won the Grand Prize in animation at the 2010 Japan Media Arts Festival!

6. "Ping Pong The Animation" (2014)

Once again, we meet Masaaki Yuasa in "Ping Pong The Animation." Yuasa's artistry truly shines here, with raw, sketch-like animation that breathes life into the sport like never before. The story revolves around two friends, Smile and Peco, high school ping pong players with drastically different attitudes towards the game. As the plot unfolds, it probes the characters' depths, exploring themes of friendship, rivalry, and personal growth against the backdrop of the competitive world of ping pong.

7. "Tekkonkinkreet" (2006)

This feature film is a visual spectacle. Its surrealist urban landscapes and oddly drawn characters bring the story of "Tekkonkinkreet" to life in a truly unique manner. The plot follows two street urchins, Black and White, in their struggle to protect "Treasure Town" from yakuza who wish to demolish it. With underlying themes of love, violence, and survival, this anime film, directed by Michael Arias, beautifully showcases the dichotomy of chaos and beauty that defines the world of Tekkonkinkreet.

8. "Paranoia Agent" (2004)

Up next is Satoshi Kon's "Paranoia Agent," which stands out with its detailed, realistic art style and dark undertones. The anime is a chilling psychological thriller that follows a series of assaults by the enigmatic Shonen Bat (Lil' Slugger in the English version). As detectives try to crack the case, they discover that the victims share a common trait – they were all under immense psychological stress before the attack. As the plot unwinds, the anime delves deep into the human psyche, exploring themes of truth, despair, and delusion.

9. "FLCL" (2000-2001)

"FLCL" or "Fooly Cooly" is a six-episode whirlwind of madness, boasting an art style as chaotic and energetic as its plot. The series centers around Naota, a 12-year-old boy whose life turns upside down after an encounter with the bizarre Haruko, who wields a bass guitar as a weapon. This coming-of-age tale is packed with humor, strange metaphors, and enough eyebrow-raising moments to keep you on your toes. Here's a fun fact: each episode of "FLCL" showcases different genres and shifts in animation style, reflecting the protagonist's tumultuous adolescent life.

10. "Mind Game" (2004)

Finally, we close this list with "Mind Game," another Masaaki Yuasa masterpiece. This movie is a visual rollercoaster ride with its unusual, psychedelic art style. The story follows Nishi, an aspiring manga artist, who gets a second chance at life after a violent encounter with a Yakuza. As Nishi navigates his new reality, "Mind Game" explores themes of love, life, and second chances in a mind-bending, non-linear narrative. Despite its eclectic style and narrative, "Mind Game" won the Best Animation Film award at the 2005 Mainichi Film Awards.