J.C. Staff has long been a cornerstone of the anime industry, known for producing series that span a wide range of genres, from laugh-out-loud comedies and heartfelt romances to sprawling fantasy adventures. The studio has repeatedly proven its ability to adapt beloved manga with care, bringing memorable characters and engaging stories to life through polished animation and strong direction. While not every series has been flawless, their overall catalog reflects a dedication to quality and creativity that keeps fans coming back for more.
Over the years, J.C. Staff has worked on projects that have become modern classics, from iconic shojo romances to action-packed fantasy epics. Their work often balances humor, drama, and emotional resonance, ensuring that each series leaves a lasting impression. Whether it is a slow-burning character drama, a high-energy battle series, or a whimsical slice-of-life story, J.C. Staff continues to shape anime in ways that both honor the source material and expand its reach to new audiences.
15
Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?
Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?, also called Danmachi, a short form of the Japanese title, is a unique twist on the dungeon-hunting fantasy anime genre. The series follows Bell Cranel, as he ventures through the streets of Orario and the ranks of supernatural humans and Gods who explore the city’s dungeons. After making a contract with the lonely goddess, Hestia, Bell embarks on a revolutionary retelling of all sorts of mythology, often mixing Greek gods like Zeus and Apollo with figures like Takemikazuchi, the Japanese god of thunder.
14
Maid Sama!
Maid Sama!, often referred to by its Japanese name, Kaichou wa Maid-sama is one of the greatest shojo anime series of recent decades despite its cancelation, as it not only targets a female demographic, but bleeds into the universality of pure romance. The story follows Ayuzawa Misaki, who has arduously climbed to the position of student council president at a school with a glaringly dominant male-to-female ratio.
Despite this, Misaki is still able to build an image of strength and authority, cementing her place in the school’s government, which is often boosted to exaggeration in most anime series. However, everything hangs in the balance once Misaki’s part-time job at a maid café is discovered by the ladykiller, Usui Takumi. Maid Sama! is a slow-burning romance full of support and secrets.
13
Honey and Clover
Honey and Clover is a classic but frequently overlooked anime that follows a group of students through the ups and downs of art school. The main character, Takemoto Yuuta, studies architecture, but doesn’t exactly know where his post-graduation life will take him. However, when Takemoto meets the talented Hanamoto Hagumi, he immediately falls in love. As the series continues, the two grow closer, but Takemoto is unable to voice his feelings, and instead Honey and Clover expands into a growingly complex drama involving Takemoto’s flatmates and friends as well.
12
A Certain Scientific Railgun
A Certain Scientific Railgun is an anime perfect for science nerds, as it concocts a fresh mix of fantasy and science fiction, and branches off from its parent story, A Certain Magical Index. A Certain Scientific Railgun is a side-story based on one of the most beloved characters from the latter series, Misaka Mikoto, one of the strongest espers in Academy City, ranked “Level 5” and nicknamed “The Railgun.”
Taking a step away from the original story, A Certain Scientific Railgun still expertly and strictly adheres to the same universe, as Mikoto and her friends, who almost all make appearances as supporting characters of A Certain Magical Index, set out to cook up a magical story even more moving than the original.
11
Nodame Cantabile 
Nodame Cantabile is a romantic comedy that takes eccentricity in the classical music world to its limit, as the story follows the talented pianist and violinist, Chiaki Shinichi. Nodame Cantabile is highly recommended to fans of Your Lie in April, as Nodame Cantabile touches on similar communities, but provides a more mature perspective on the classical musical world and rather tones down the angst and sorrow that underlines the majority of Your Lie in April.
Despite Shinichi’s dream of playing among the best of the best musicians abroad, his fear of planes has him grounded in his home country of Japan. However, this conveniently leads to the budding story of love through music school, as Noda Megumi, a pianist who refers to herself as “Nodame,” moves in next door. Sooner than later, the two meet and Megumi falls madly in love, unraveling a touching but often hilarious story of music and romance.
10
Food Wars!
Food Wars! Shokugeki no Souma is one of J.C. Staff’s most popular and successful anime for many reasons, branching beyond its detailed and exaggerated take on the culinary scene. Not only does the main character, Yukihira Souma, fight against elitism through talent and hard work alone, the series provides a somewhat controversial but perfectly integrated mindset about the sensation of eating.
As Souma battles his way through one cooking challenge after another at Totsuki Culinary Academy, he gathers a supporting cast full of personality, and concocts recipes so delicious that they have everybody’s clothes bursting at the seams.
9
Edens Zero
Edens Zero is J.C. Staff’s foray into space-faring adventure, blending sci-fi action with Mashima’s signature sense of humor and heartfelt character moments. The story follows Shiki Granbell as he travels through galaxies with friends Rebecca and Happy, seeking new worlds and uncovering the secrets of humanity’s lost past. J.C. Staff balances flashy cosmic battles with emotional stakes, delivering an engaging mix of adventure and camaraderie.
What sets Edens Zero apart is its creative world-building. Robots, space pirates, and mystical relics populate a universe that feels alive and unpredictable. Each new planet visited expands both the story and the emotional depth of its characters. Fans of Fairy Tail will recognize Mashima’s influence, but Edens Zero carves its own niche, making it one of J.C. Staff’s more ambitious fantasy projects.
8
Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest
The sequel to the original Fairy Tail series, 100 Years Quest follows the familiar guild as they take on an unprecedented challenge: a century-old mission untouched by any wizard before them. J.C. Staff returns with dynamic fight choreography, magical spectacle, and the heartwarming team camaraderie fans loved in the original series. The animation highlights both high-stakes battles and moments of humor, keeping Mashima’s tone intact.
Beyond the action, the series emphasizes character growth and legacy. Natsu, Lucy, and the guild members are confronted with challenges that test both their skills and friendships. By blending nostalgia with fresh storylines, Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest reaffirms J.C. Staff’s ability to continue a beloved franchise while introducing new audiences to the guild’s magical world.
7
The Way of the Househusband
The Way of the Househusband is a hilarious slice-of-life comedy that flips the yakuza genre on its head. The series follows former mob boss Tatsu as he trades his criminal empire for domestic duties, tackling grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning with the same intensity he once reserved for gang wars. J.C. Staff’s clean animation and comedic timing perfectly complement the absurdity of a feared gangster in mundane everyday situations.
Tatsu’s interactions with neighbors, friends, and even former rivals create endless comedic scenarios. Each episode blends deadpan humor with a unique sense of style, showcasing J.C. Staff’s flair for gag-driven storytelling. The studio transforms simple domestic life into absurdly entertaining content, making The Way of the Househusband one of their most widely appreciated comedic works.
6
Sugar Apple Fairy Tale
Sugar Apple Fairytale brings romance and adventure together in a fantasy world filled with living dolls, magic, and medieval settings. The story follows Anne Halford, a young girl seeking to become a renowned “doll handler,” and her journey alongside Gunter, a stoic and mysterious knight. J.C. Staff captures both the delicate romance and high-stakes adventure through detailed animation and rich character interactions.
The series balances tender moments with thrilling action, emphasizing themes of courage, growth, and the importance of bonds. Fans of shojo fantasy will appreciate the studio’s ability to combine whimsical charm with real stakes, making Sugar Apple Fairytale a compelling new addition to J.C. Staff’s diverse catalog.
