5 Anime That Used AI in Production
Artificial Intelligence isn’t just a sci-fi trope anymore—it’s now part of anime production. Whether it’s used for backgrounds, voice synthesis, or animation clean-up, AI is quietly working behind the scenes of your favorite shows. Some fans love the innovation. Others worry it might steal the soul of traditional anime. So, which anime are actually using AI? Are they any good? And what does this mean for artists and studios moving forward?
Let’s dive into 5 real anime that used AI in production, how they did it, and what it tells us about the future of this beloved medium.
1. “The Dog & The Boy” – Netflix Japan (2023)
How It Used AI:
Netflix’s short anime film “The Dog & The Boy” made headlines for using AI-generated backgrounds created with a combination of human sketches and AI rendering tools.
Why It Mattered:
The anime world exploded with debate. Netflix cited Japan’s labor shortage in animation as the reason for AI use, claiming it helped fill production gaps.
But critics weren’t impressed. Artists argued that AI use didn’t solve labor issues—it bypassed them. Many feared this would encourage studios to undercut human talent rather than support it.
- Pro: Faster, cost-effective background creation
- Con: Sparked ethical concerns about replacing skilled artists
A clear example of how AI can be used efficiently—but not without consequences.
2. “P.A. Works Experiments” (2023–2024)
How It Used AI:
P.A. Works, known for Angel Beats! and Shirobako, experimented with AI-generated in-between frame interpolation. Using AI tools like Ebsynth and Adobe Frame Interpolation, they reduced the workload for animators tasked with repetitive drawing.
Why It Mattered:
This was one of the first mainstream studios to publicly admit using AI in its workflow—not as a gimmick, but as a productivity enhancer.
They were careful, though. Human animators still supervised and corrected the output, ensuring quality didn’t suffer.
- Pro: Helped artists avoid burnout
- Con: Some fear reliance on AI might hinder new animator training
A strong example of AI as a supporting tool, not a replacement.
3. “Kumi to Tulip” – NTT & WIT Studio (2024)
How It Used AI:
This experimental anime short from telecom giant NTT and WIT Studio (Attack on Titan S1, Vinland Saga) used voice synthesis AI to bring a character to life—without hiring a traditional voice actor.
They also experimented with AI-assisted lip-syncing and character animation, showing what a near-autonomous production could look like.
Why It Mattered:
This wasn’t an indie project—it involved a major studio and corporate funding. The result? A polished but slightly uncanny piece that wowed some and unsettled others.
Voice actor unions expressed concern about how this could affect jobs. Meanwhile, technophiles praised the efficiency.
- Pro: Voice synthesis can work when trained well
- Con: Risks cutting corners on emotional depth and performance
AI is capable of near-complete character creation—but the “soul” is still debated.
4. Indie YouTube Anime – “AI Anime” Channels (2023–Present)
How They Use AI:
Numerous indie creators are using tools like:
- ChatGPT for story writing
- Stable Diffusion or Midjourney for concept art
- AI voice clones for characters
- Video editors powered by machine learning
They’re releasing short anime episodes entirely created by one person using AI support.
Why It Mattered:
This trend democratized anime creation. You no longer need a 20-person team or studio-level budget. Passion projects are coming to life at a rapid pace.
Still, not all content is high quality, and some fans feel overwhelmed by the flood of AI-generated work lacking originality.
- Pro: Massive creative freedom for individuals
- Con: Oversaturation of generic content
AI has empowered creators outside the industry—but curation and originality remain key.
5. “Project ‘RABBIT’” by DeNA and Ghibli Veterans (2025)
How It Used AI:
This ongoing project (still in late 2025 development) involves Studio Ghibli alumni collaborating with mobile tech company DeNA. The aim? To create an anime mini-series using AI-generated background landscapes and smart scripting tools to assist in plot pacing.
Unlike Netflix’s “Dog & The Boy,” Project ‘RABBIT’ is more artist-led, with AI seen as a paintbrush, not a painter.
Why It Matters:
This might be the blueprint for future anime—a hybrid workflow that:
- Protects creative control
- Improves production speed
- Honors artistic quality
It’s being hailed as a balanced collaboration between AI and human vision.
- Pro: Ethical integration of AI
- Con: Still under development—real results TBD
Possibly the most promising model for future anime production.
It’s Not Just a Trend—It’s a Shift
AI in anime isn’t going away. These 5 examples show a wide spectrum of use—from small enhancements to full-on automation. While there’s real excitement, there’s also valid concern.
What matters most is how we use AI:
- To empower creators?
- To slash jobs?
- To explore new forms of storytelling?
Anime has always evolved—just think about how CGI, digital drawing, or streaming platforms changed it. AI is just the next frontier. Would you watch an anime fully made by AI? Do you think the industry is heading in the right direction—or losing its artistic heart?
