10 Most expensive anime series ever made from Dragon Ball Super to Jujutsu Kaisen

You won’t believe how much these anime cost to make; over Rs 1 crore per episode! Anime production has always been a costly endeavour, especially for shonen series known for their epic battles, cinematic visuals, and complex animation.

In 2025, the budgets will climb even higher, driven by global demand and streaming competition. Some titles have now become the most expensive anime of all time, with studios investing hundreds of thousands of dollars per episode. These shows, including Dragon Ball Super, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Attack on Titan, are also ranked among the costliest anime series ever made. Let’s dive into what makes these high-budget anime episodes stand out—and why they’re worth every yen.

Expensive anime series of all time

Dragon Ball Super (2017 – Present) – Rs 1.41 Crore (~$200,000) per episode

The king of high-budget anime, Dragon Ball Super continues to dominate with jaw-dropping battles and god-level transformations. Toei Animation spares no expense, investing around $200,000 per episode for arcs like the “Galactic War” in 2025. The intense animation quality, explosive fight choreography, and global fanbase keep this franchise at the top.

Attack on Titan (2013 – 2023) – Rs 1.05 Crore (~$150,000) per episode

Attack on Titan is a masterpiece of emotional storytelling and brutal action.

Wit Studio and MAPPA collaborated on the final seasons, each episode costing around $150,000. The mix of 3D manoeuvre gear sequences, massive titan battles, and detailed backgrounds makes it one of the most visually intense anime ever.

Jujutsu Kaisen (2020 – Present) – Rs 1.12 Crore (~$160,000) per episode

MAPPA’s Jujutsu Kaisen sets a modern standard with cinematic animation and fluid fight scenes. Season 3’s “Culling Game” arc pushes budgets to $160,000 per episode in 2025, thanks to elaborate cursed techniques and stunning domain expansions.

It’s a visual feast that blends supernatural horror with shonen action.

Black Clover (2017 – 2021) – Rs 1.05 Crore (~$150,000) per episode (movies/OVA)

Though the TV series ended, the 2025 Black Clover movie and OVAs maintain high production values, costing about $150,000 per episode. Studio Pierrot’s magic battles and character transformations keep fans hooked with vibrant animation and fast-paced action.

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (2012 – Present) – Rs 98 Lakh (~$140,000) per episode

David Production’s JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is famous for its surreal art style and flamboyant battles.

The “Steel Ball Run” arc in 2025 is the priciest yet, with $140,000 per episode spent on bold colors, CGI-enhanced Stand fights, and unique poses. It’s an artistic spectacle unlike any other.

My Hero Academia (2016 – Present) – Rs 91 Lakh (~$130,000) per episode

Studio Bones’ My Hero Academia continues to grow with the “Final War” arc, featuring explosive hero-villain battles and emotional moments. The budget has risen to $130,000 per episode to deliver top-notch animation that matches its worldwide popularity.

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations (2017 – 2025) – Rs 84 Lakh (~$120,000) per episode (finale)

The concluding episodes of Boruto in early 2025 saw a spike in budget to $120,000 per episode, especially for the climactic battles and heartfelt goodbyes. Studio Pierrot invested heavily to honour the legacy of the Naruto universe with spectacular animation.

One Piece (1999 – Present) – Rs 77 Lakh (~$110,000) per episode

Toei Animation’s One Piece remains a titan in anime, with the 2024–25 Egghead Island arc pushing budgets to $110,000 per episode. The vast world, diverse characters, and intricate fight scenes demand high production values to keep the adventure fresh and captivating.

Demon Slayer (2019 – Present) – Rs 70 Lakh (~$100,000) per episode

Ufotable’s Demon Slayer is renowned for its breathtaking visuals and fluid sword fights. The “Infinity Castle” arc (2024–2025) costs around $100,000 per episode, thanks to 4K backgrounds, CGI effects, and meticulous animation that brings Taisho-era Japan to life.

One Punch Man (2015 – Present) – Rs 63 Lakh (~$90,000) per episode

Despite Saitama’s effortless victories, One Punch Man demands high budgets for its hyper-detailed expressions and epic fight sequences. With Season 3 coming in 2025, the budget has increased to $90,000 per episode, reflecting the show's growing complexity and fanbase.

What makes anime so expensive to create

Fluid fight scenes, detailed backgrounds, and 3D effects require large teams of skilled animators, top-notch equipment, and long hours of rendering.

Top-tier episodes can take months of meticulous planning, storyboarding, drawing, and post-production.

International demand for anime on platforms like Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Disney+ raises expectations for consistent and professional quality.

Big budgets help produce episodes that resonate with fans, which fuels merchandise sales, movie tie-ins, and long-term profitability.