There is nothing stopping Japan from producing countless anime every year. Likewise, Korea and China follow closely behind, consistently releasing new titles that continue to attract anime fans worldwide. Then there's Canada, a country not traditionally known for anime, but steadily rising in the global animation scene.
The 24 best-selling manga in history
For many, their impressive sales demonstrate their quality, making the best-selling manga of all time an easy choice for manga fans.
And speaking of Canada, the Great White North has produced amazing animation that many fans are still unaware of. From entertaining series aimed at younger viewers to more mature and experimental works, these are the best Canadian animation fans should add to their growing watchlist.
8
What's up with Andy? Is a cult favorite comedy series
78 episodes
With over 70 episodes, What's up with Andy? made fans laugh with its titular protagonist's vast collection of practical jokes or pranks. In each episode, mischievous prankster Andy Larkin comes up with hilarious plans for almost every character in the series, from his teacher to his neighbors. In fact, not even Andy's parents are immune to his games.
With this setting, What's up with Andy? naturally follows an episodic format, with each episode focusing on an independent prank and its chaotic consequences. While it's fun to watch Andy do his pranks, the formula can start to feel repetitive despite its attempts to introduce unexpected twists to keep each episode unique. Regardless, the series has decent animation that holds up to this day.
7
The Raccoons is a classic series with a timeless message
60 episodes + 4 specials
Canada has a similar offering to Studio Ghibli's Pom Poko called The raccoonsa classic animated series that is ahead of its time. Released in 1985, The raccoons went on to produce more than 50 episodes, following the adventures of married raccoon couple Ralph and Melissa Raccoon, along with a group of anthropomorphic forest characters who live in the Evergreen Forest.
The raccoons are episodic in nature, with Ralph, Melissa and their friends constantly defending their homes from exploitation and destruction. Although the series is aimed at children, it still has a clear message about environmental protection and other ethical and moral issues.
6
Total spies! Is a fun mix of comedy and spy action
182 episodes
Total spies! is a blast from the previous animated series loved for its fun and colorful characters, including their shine during the most intense covert missions. It's the kind of show that often draws comparisons to popular female lead films like Charlie's Angels and DEBSfeaturing a team of strong women with distinct personalities who go undercover and take on action-packed missions and combat situations.
Join Alex, Clover and Sam as they secretly work as undercover spies while living in a regular high school. Totally spies!. With more than 180 episodes, the series gives viewers a deeper look into the girls' lives, exploring their personal struggles, family dynamics, friendships and everyday drama.
Total spies!
- Release date
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2001 – 2025-00-00
- Author
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David Michel, Vincent Chalvon-Demersay
- Franchise(s)
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Totally spies
5
Martin Mystery combines humor and supernatural mystery
66 episodes
It is easy to notice how Martin Mysterys character designs are strongly reminiscent of Japanese anime aesthetics. Martin himself looks like a typical anime protagonist, with his large eyes, expressive facial reactions, and overall stylized design. The same goes for the other characters, who also wear an anime-inspired look from head to toe.
Martin Mystery is an iconic animated series born in Canada, which tells the story of a teenage paranormal investigator working on behalf of a secret organization called The Center. Each episode, Martin and his assistants investigate paranormal phenomena, with the aim of uncovering the truth behind each mysterious case. The series in general is fun and entertaining, not to mention, suitable for teenagers.
4
The Last Kids on Earth delivers an exciting monster survival story
21 episodes + 1 special
The last children on earth reminds viewers Zom 100: Bucket List of the Deadexcept that the story follows young people instead of exhausted working adults, both of whom are determined to make the most of life and live it to the fullest despite a world overrun by chaos and danger.
The last children on earth takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where monsters of all kinds exist, except zombies. Jack Sullivan is the main character, loved for his funny but strong personality. The supporting cast is also unique in its own right, making the series a versatile and well-rounded ensemble.
3
Cybersix is ahead of its time
13 episodes
The dark and edgy aesthetic of Cybersix is one of its greatest strengths. It's catchy and interesting, inviting fans to jump into the world of Cybersixwhere a genetically modified creature protects the city from monstrous experiments and other genetically modified creatures.
Cybersix is an animated series from Canada, Japan and Argentina, making it one of the most diverse international co-productions in the history of animation. Despite its simple and straightforward premise, Cybersix delivers an iconic protagonist who fights evil with style.
2
Pirate's Passage is a touching animated film
1 movie
While Monkey D. Luffy reigns as the most iconic pirate in anime, The pirate passage also features another iconic pirate in Captain Johnson. In this Canadian animated film, a 12-year-old struggling with bullying and grief meets a helpful friend in Captain Johnson, who begins to entertain Jim with stories of pirates, hidden treasures and more.
The pirate passage is a must-see not only for its star-studded voice cast, with Donald Sutherland and Carrie-Anne Moss on board, but also for its relevant themes that explore grief and fantasy.
1
Invincible is a fresh and brave take on heroism and power
33 episodes
If you're still not watching Invinciblethen you're missing out on one of the most intense and unpredictable animated series of all time. This unconventional superhero series is one of the most popular animated shows today, following the story of Mark Grayson and his journey as he discovers his powers and rises to become the hero known as Invincible, while uncovering the dark truths behind his legendary father and the dangerous world of superheroes.
Most fans are not aware that the first season of Invincible was partially produced by Vancouver-based studio Wind Sun Sky Entertainment, before much of the production work was later distributed to other animation studios outside of Canada.
