The Rise of Original Anime (Not Based on Manga): Why Fans Are Obsessed

For years, the anime landscape has been dominated by adaptations—from manga, light novels, games, and visual novels. And while we love seeing our favorite panels come to life on screen, something’s changing. In recent years, fans have started to gravitate toward original anime—series not tied to pre-existing source material. Titles like Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song, Lycoris Recoil, and Great Pretender have sparked massive interest and fan love. Why? Because they offer something refreshingly new, unexpected, and tailored for animation from the ground up.

This shift isn’t just a trend—it’s becoming a movement.

What Is an “Original Anime”?

Before diving deeper, let’s clarify what “original anime” means.

Original anime refers to series or movies that are:

• Not based on a manga, light novel, or video game
• Created specifically for the screen (TV, film, or streaming)
• Often developed with animation as the primary storytelling vehicle

They are essentially screen-first stories—comparable to original TV series in the West.

Why Original Anime Is on the Rise

1. Creative Freedom

Manga adaptations are often limited by:

• Source material pacing
• Filler arcs to avoid overtaking the manga
• “Safe” storytelling to appeal to existing fans

In contrast, original anime allows creators to:

• Tell a complete story in one season
• Experiment with new genres and settings
• Animate for the medium, rather than adapting to it

For example, Deca-Dence presents a genre-bending twist halfway through the series—something that wouldn’t work as well in a long serialization.

2. Binge Culture + Streaming Platforms

Streaming services like Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Disney+ are hungry for exclusive anime content. Originals fill this gap beautifully.

• Easier licensing deals (no separate manga rights)
• More global appeal, especially when not tied to cultural references only found in Japanese print
• Faster turnaround time from concept to screen

These platforms are investing in original productions because they know fans want fresh, unpredictable content.

3. Surprise Factor & Fan Theories

Original anime thrives on mystery. Without manga spoilers:

• Fans don’t know what’s coming
• Theories fly on Reddit, TikTok, and YouTube
• Engagement is high from week to week

Look at Wonder Egg Priority. Despite its messy ending, it sparked deep conversations on mental health, identity, and trauma—all while keeping viewers guessing each week.

4. High Production Value

Many original anime are created with limited episode runs (often 12-13 episodes). This allows studios to:

• Allocate more budget per episode
• Deliver movie-quality visuals (see Vivy, Akudama Drive, or Takt Op. Destiny)
• Plan start-to-finish narratives without filler

Studios like WIT Studio, A-1 Pictures, and MAPPA have made originals that rival the visual quality of anime films.

Notable Original Anime That Took Fans by Storm

Let’s highlight some original anime that show why this trend is gaining momentum:

1. Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song (2021)

• Studio: Wit Studio
• Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Drama
• Plot: An AI songstress is tasked with preventing a dystopian future 100 years ahead.

Stunning animation, strong emotional core, and a non-linear time-travel story that feels cinematic.

2. Lycoris Recoil (2022)

• Studio: A-1 Pictures
• Genre: Action, Slice of Life
• Plot: Teenage girls act as secret agents in a cafe-fronted organization to keep Tokyo safe.

Wholesome character dynamics, explosive action, and an original take on espionage-meets-cute-girls genre.

3. Great Pretender (2020)

• Studio: Wit Studio
• Genre: Crime, Comedy, Drama
• Plot: A con artist and his team pull elaborate heists around the world.

Stylish art, jazzy vibes, international setting, and a story arc system that feels like a high-end Netflix crime drama.

4. Takt Op. Destiny (2021)

• Studio: Madhouse & MAPPA
• Genre: Music, Fantasy, Action
• Plot: Music is banned, and humans fight monsters using classical music-powered girls called Musicarts.

Unique premise, gorgeous battles, and jaw-dropping animation—especially in music-synced fights.

5. Buddy Daddies (2023)

• Studio: P.A. Works
• Genre: Action, Comedy, Slice of Life
• Plot: Two assassins end up raising a young girl after a hit goes wrong.

Unexpected heartwarming moments, found-family themes, and dynamic male leads with real emotional range.

Why We’re Hooked

There’s something exhilarating about watching an anime with zero idea what happens next. No spoilers. No Reddit leaks. Just raw, week-to-week storytelling like TV once was.

Original anime allows viewers to:

• Form theories
• React in real-time
• Be part of the first generation of fans

It’s the closest anime fans get to “live TV” excitement, and that community buzz is infectious.

As anime expands globally and fans crave new stories and emotional depth, original anime is becoming a pillar of modern anime culture. Yes, we still love adaptations (Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, One Piece forever!)—but there’s a new thrill in seeing what anime creators can build from scratch. If you haven’t dived into the world of original anime yet, now’s the time. Who knows? Your next favorite series might not come from a manga shelf—but straight from the minds of some of Japan’s boldest storytellers.