Ranking of the Best French Manga & Anime!

French anime, although rare, are the source of some of the best animated series ever created.

Less well-known than their Japanese counterparts, they still maintain a lasting and strong legacy. Not all of these series have gained the recognition they deserve. But those that have become a staple of modern animated television.

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French anime has a distinctly different aesthetic compared to American or Japanese cartoons. They explore the medium in a way rarely considered. Most French anime are inspired by Japanese titles but approach their characters and stories in a way unique to their culture. It is important to reflect on the different styles that anime can adapt to.

10. The Mysterious Cities of Gold (2012) Continues the Legacy of an 80s Classic

The 2012 version of The Mysterious Cities of Gold is the modern sequel to a series that began in 1982. The story follows Esteban, an orphan who embarks on an adventure with his friends to discover the Seven Cities of Gold in the Americas. The original series marked the childhood of many children, with a unique blend of South American mythology and science fiction. The sequel continues these themes while maintaining the spirit of the original.

The new animation style takes some getting used to compared to the original. The original 2D animation still holds up for its time, and the new series strives to transpose the designs of Esteban, Zia, and Tao into 3D. The pacing is also slower than the original, taking its time to introduce new mysteries and adventures for Esteban to uncover. While less iconic than the original 80s anime, the 2012 version of this adventure series proudly continues its legacy.

9. LoliRock is a Neglected but Fun Magical Girl Animated Series

*LoliRock* is a 2014 magical girl series heavily inspired by franchises like *Sailor Moon* and *Precure*. As in the previous series, the main heroine, Iris, has her life turned upside down when she discovers that she is a magical princess tasked with saving the kingdom of Ephedia from the forces of darkness. What sets *LoliRock* apart is its focus on music as much as on its powerful conflicts. The princesses of Ephedia also lead a double life as members of the famous rock band *LoliRock*. So, while the girls are busy with their tours, they work together to battle the formidable Lord Gramorr.

The series exudes a fun and dynamic atmosphere that's hard not to enjoy. While it may not be as story-focused as other magical girl series, LoliRock is memorable thanks to its lovable characters and colorful animation. It can be challenging for new anime fans to find magical girl series that don't attempt to subvert the genre's conventions. As fans eagerly await a third season, it's the perfect time for newcomers to the magical girl universe to discover LoliRock.

8. Lastman Delivers an Intense and Impactful Anime

Lastman is a striking action series, inspired by the comic book series of the same name, first released in 2013. It follows a talented boxer, Richard Aldana, who defends a young girl named Siri from supernatural monsters. The mature tone and intense fight scenes make it an excellent way to discover French anime. Lastman also features a unique artistic style inspired by comics, setting it apart from other action anime.

Despite its unique style, the series clearly showcases its influences. Lastman primarily focuses on martial arts, with its fights heavily reminiscent of classic anime like Dragon Ball and Fist of the North Star. The anime also serves as a prequel to the comic series, offering many thought-provoking elements for curious viewers. Overall, the series provides an original take on classic shonen anime.

7. Valérian and Laureline is a Thrilling Sci-Fi Anime That Will Take You Through Time

If you're looking for a good comedic anime, check out Valérian and Laureline. This 2007 anime tells the story of a time cop, Valérian, who saves a young girl named Laureline from execution in 10th-century France. However, this creates a huge ripple effect that causes Earth to disappear in 2416. The series follows the two unlikely heroes as they work together to restore the timeline and do their best to avoid creating more serious time paradoxes.

The time-traveling adventures of the eponymous duo are perfectly captured in this 2007 anime. The dialogues between Valérian and Laureline are witty, and the chemistry between the two characters is excellent. Their adventures also take them across the galaxy, with each episode usually exploring them on extraterrestrial planets. For those looking for a lesser-known or underrated sci-fi series, Valérian and Laureline is a great option.

 

6. Wakfu is an Underrated Fantasy Anime Full of Fun Adventures

Originally a video game, Wakfu was adapted into an animated series in October 2008. Full of adventure, the series follows Yugo, a young Eliatrope, and his friends as they search for his missing family. Wakfu is a series that thrives because of its characters. Characters like Yugo, Amalia, and Percedal start the series with a certain naivety but mature into more seasoned adventurers as the seasons progress. Watching the characters evolve and transform throughout the series gives viewers the sense of accompanying them on their journey, learning about the world at Yugo's pace.

The series includes several seasons, special episodes, and OVAs. While viewers can enjoy the four main seasons of the anime, the special episodes and OVAs highlight important details about the antagonists' past and greatly enrich the universe of the series. The show does an excellent job of making its characters endearing, and watching the special episodes allows viewers to better understand their daily lives. The series has been a massive success since its original release in 2008, continuing strong with its latest season in 2024.

5. Ōban Star-Racers is an Exciting Anime Focused on Racing

Ōban Star-Racers is a thrilling anime centered around car racing, a genre often missing in today’s animation landscape. The story takes place during the Great Race of Ōban, an intergalactic competition where competitors from across the galaxy race for a prize that could determine the fate of their planet. When Eva Wei learns that her estranged father is participating in the race, she joins his team as a mechanic to get closer to him. The series offers breathtakingly animated race sequences, likely enhanced by its lengthy production cycle.

Ōban Star-Racers wouldn't be as enjoyable to watch without its characters. Eva struggles to earn her father's approval throughout the series, making her a relatable character for new viewers. Her father, Don, is also deeply developed. Although he seems unlikable at first, his decision to distance himself from his daughter stems from the trauma he suffered after losing his wife in a racing accident. Watching them gradually overcome their differences and rebuild their relationship adds an intense emotional layer to the anime alongside the fierce races.

4. MFKZ is Animated Madness in Every Sense of the Word

For fans of wild adult animation films, MFKZ easily takes the crown. Co-developed by French and Japanese animation studios, the film follows a 22-year-old ordinary young man, Angelino, who gains superpowers and is pursued by men in black suits. The story then gets even crazier as Angelino must master his newfound powers before being killed by an alien named Mr. K. When the plot of MFKZ isn't spiraling out of control, the film plunges the viewer into bloody action scenes.

The shootouts and raw action perfectly match the film’s brutal tone. Characters like Angelino, with his cartoonish eyes and oversized head, contrast with more realistic human characters. While this might typically disorient viewers, the film is so over-the-top that it strangely fits. If anime fans are looking for a film with an original artistic style and storyline, MFKZ will entertain them for hours.

3. Miraculous Ladybug Has Set a New Standard for Original Western Animated Series

Miraculous Ladybug is undoubtedly one of the first series that comes to mind when fans think of French anime. The series follows two crime-fighters who battle supervillains in Paris while juggling their studies. Initially produced by Method and Toei Animation, the series focuses on the relationships between its characters. Marinette and Adrian work together as Ladybug and Chat Noir, but initially remain unaware of each other's true identities. Naturally, this leads to many interesting conflicts between the two.

The series includes several spin-offs from the main anime. It features multiple seasons and films, including a fifth movie scheduled for release at the end of 2025. Spin-offs like Miraculous Chibi showcase the characters in charming comedic scenes animated in 2D. The adventures of Ladybug and Chat Noir have captivated fans for over a decade, and the popularity of the animated series ensures that it will continue for the foreseeable future.

2. The Summit of the Gods is an Epic French Animated Film

The Summit of the Gods is unique, even by the standards of most French anime. The series is originally based on a Japanese manga of the same name, adapted into a Netflix feature film by Folivari and Mélusine Productions. It tells the story of a journalist, Fukamachi Makoto, who climbs the heights of Mount Everest in search of George Mallory's long-lost camera. If the camera could prove that Mallory was the first to summit Everest, his search leads him to meet another solitary climber, Habu Joji.

As Habu recounts his childhood as a mountaineer, the audience learns about the immense risks involved in climbing the world’s highest peaks. The race to be the first to summit Everest has caused many deaths that could have been avoided with more caution. The film demonstrates a deep love for mountaineering, with breathtaking visuals to match. Few media have portrayed the realities of mountain climbing, but The Summit of the Gods does so beautifully.

1. Code Lyoko Remains One of the Best Sci-Fi Animated Series Produced Outside of Japan

For anyone who grew up in the 2000s, Code Lyoko was the very definition of an excellent animated series produced outside of Japan. The aesthetics and themes of digital worlds fit perfectly with anime like Serial Experiments Lain, a major source of inspiration for the series' style. The show also features characters transitioning from 2D animation to 3D CGI once they enter the virtual world of Lyoko. This unique feature helped set it apart from other action series and remains a key element of its distinctiveness.

Even today, Code Lyoko holds a special place in the hearts of many viewers. While the story starts slowly in the first season, its lovable characters are still a joy to watch. Seeing the relationship between Ulrich and Yumi evolve or hearing Odd's jokes never fails to bring a smile to the audience. Despite its CGI animation, which doesn’t always age well, the story remains a fun watch with friends.

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