Today, it’s nearly impossible to make an animated video without digital assistance. And rightly so! It’s better, it’s fast, and it’s convenient to make frame-by-frame animations that way. But this transition only came after the 1990s, a decade where the emergence of computers took everything by storm.
But do you know how we did it before that? We drew everything with our hands, with real colors… on celluloid sheets! Yup, that’s why it’s called cel animation. While that age is pretty much gone, cel animation still hasn’t lost its charm, and there’s still an audience who love it due to its classic touch.
In a major update to our previous list from 2023, today we will be talking about the top 15 cel animation studios who are very much dominating this niche market even in 2025. Plus, why you need to follow them as an animation nerd. But before that, let’s just start with a short, interesting history of cel animation for those who’re new.
A Sneak Peek into the History of Cell Animation
Cel animation, or hand-drawn animation as we know it, was popularized by Walt Disney Studios in the 1930s with the release of their first full-length feature film, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.” From there, the technique took off and became a favorite medium for animated films in the subsequent decades. It would go on to give us masterpieces like ‘Bambi’, ‘Alice in Wonderland’, ‘Sleeping Beauty’, and ‘Grave of Fireflies,’ until replaced by computer-generated animations in the mid-90s.
While the method of cel animation became less practical from there on due to the convenience and efficiency offered by computers, it still didn’t become entirely irrelevant. Cel animation, although niche, still maintains its charm, with many fans around the world who love it due to its nostalgic feel, warmth, and the craftsmanship involved in making it. We still see the technique used in movies, ads, and series.
Top 15 Leading Cel Animation Studios in 2025
#1 – Bifurk
Bifurk is a Montreal-based creative studio that specializes in animation and motion design.
Étienne Vigneault and Gabriel Lebeau. Boasting over 2 decades of experience, Bifurk’s team specializes in creating stellar cel animations, bringing every story to life with ultimate creativity that’s bound to impress and inspire the audience. The studio is behind many cel animation masterpieces and continues to thrive in the ever-evolving, competitive frame-by-frame animation industry.
#2 – Kasra Design®
Kasra Design is an award-winning animation studio that specializes in 2D, 3D, and cel animation.
The company’s creative team boasts over 10 years of industry experience, with multiple awards to its name. With a versatile approach, creative storytelling, and hundreds of notable projects under its name, Kasra Design has grown to be among the established players in the business animation scene.
You can send your cel animation enquiries here: Kasradesign.com/get-a-quote
#3 – Motionlab
MotionLab is an Australian animation studio that specializes in creating 2D, 3D, and cel animation. With an industry experience of over 10 years, the studio has helped many brands bring their stories to life with unmatched creativity and quality.
Boasting over 2 decades of experience, Bifurk’s team specializes in creating stellar cel animations, bringing every story to life with ultimate creativity that’s bound to impress and inspire the audience. The studio is behind many cel animation masterpieces and continues to thrive in the ever-evolving, competitive animation industry.
With a stellar track record and multiple award-winning projects, Motionlab continues to be the go-to choice when we talk about global cel animation folks.
#4 – Studio AKA
Studio AKA is a world-class creative studio primarily known for its idiosyncratic and innovative approach and an eclectic range that covers a huge number of animation and storytelling techniques.
Being Hollywood’s go-to option for animation works, the studio holds numerous accolades to its name, including but not limited to multiple BAFTA awards, Emmy awards, and an Oscars nomination. The most recent titles that Studio AKA has worked on include “Raised by Wolves” and “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.”
#5 – Cartoon Saloon
Founded in 1999, Cartoon Saloon is the OG animation studio of Ireland. The studio mainly specializes in creating animated short films, feature films, and TV series. To this date, Cartoon Salon has won over five Academy Awards, multiple BAFTA and Emmy awards, and a nomination for Golden Globe.
Some of the best works done by the studio include, but are not limited to, “The Breadwinner,” “Song of the Sea,” and “The Secret of Kells,” all of which have either won or been nominated for numerous accolades.
#6 – Acme Filmworks
Acme Filmworks is a Los Angeles-based creative studio that has been working in the field for over 3 decades.
Due to their outclass creativity and stunning hand-drawn animations blended with spellbinding storytelling, Acme’s team has made their mark at the forefront of the creative industry, whether its advertisements, movies, short films, or anything in between. The studio has multiple Academy and Oscar nominations to its name, with an elite clientele that includes Coca-Cola, Nike, Universal Pictures, and Walt Disney.
#7 – Mellow Studio
Mellow Studio is a Greek animation company that specializes in motion graphics, cel animation, 2D and 3D animation.
Mellow’s team is known for their creative storytelling techniques and their main emphasis on 2D hand-made animation blended with modern appeal. The company has worked with many leading brands around the world belonging to different industries, playing a crucial role in their advertising campaign success.
#8 – Studio SOI
Blending traditional cel animation with modern storytelling, Studio SOI is a German animation studio that has been bringing brand stories to life for the past 21 years.
Although the scope of projects the studio handles is limited in its range, Studio SOI has still been successful in bagging multiple international awards, with content that has reached millions of viewers over the years. One of the notable hand-drawn animations they’ve created is called “Amazing World of Gumball”.
#9 – Buck Studio
“Great ideas come from everywhere.” Keeping this as the ethos of its existence, Buck Studio is a small group of creatives who are set to inspire viewers with storytelling that’s inclusive of diverse perspectives.
The studio has been operating for the past 20 years and has an impressive list of clients, including FedEX, Microsoft, and Google. These guys really know their way around cel animation especially when it comes to commercials and web series.
#10 – Team Tumult
Team Tumult is a Swiss-based creative studio that has a special focus on animation, illustration, and storytelling. The main objective of the company is conveying complex stories in simple ways, with a creative touch that adds an extra layer of emotional resonance for maximum engagement.
Team Tumult boasts a long list of notable national and international clientele. Plus, many accolades, including the Lucerne Film Award, Youth Jury Award, and Highly Commended Award for their short film, “The Lonely Orbit.”
#11 – Powerhouse Animation Studios
‘Castlevania’, ‘Masters of the Universe: Revelation,’ ‘Sonic Origins.’ These are just a few names powered by the creativity of Powerhouse Animation Studios, with numerous notable works across TV, film, video games, advertising, and corporate industries.
They provide full-fledged creative services. From character design to animation and everything else. And are trusted by some of the biggest brands in the world due to their exceptional craft and creativity. Names that Powerhouse has worked with include giants like Marvel and DC comics.
#12 – Run Kick Shout
Run Kick Shout is a design-driven animation company specializing in hand-drawn 2D and 3D animation.
Their whole idea is driving narratives through engaging and elegant animations. The company is mainly centered around bringing fun, passion, and creativity to every animation project with their unique style. Some of the most notable clients of the studio include Paypal, HP, Google, and X (formerly Twitter).
#13 – The Line Animation
The Line, according to their team, “is a fully functioning studio with a global reputation for making cool AF work for some of the biggest and coolest brands on the planet.”
This London-based studio is known for coming up with out of the box ideas and operates mainly in the entertainment industry, concentrating on short films, movies, games, and comics.
The Line’s team has gained its reputation quite rapidly in the highly competitive industry and vows to continue delivering excellence through ultimate craft in the future. Definitely a team you would want to follow.
#14 – Lasso Studio
Lasso Studio is a full-fledged branding and animation company that takes pride in “creating moving brands.” Although the studio mainly specializes in design, it also provides animation and filmmaking services to clients in the advertising space.
Compared to other names, Lasso is a relatively new player in the industry with an exciting future due to their creative flair and excellent quality of services.
#15 – Golden Wolf
Golden Wolf is another Emmy-nominated addition to our list, founded in 2013.
The studio simply covers everything as far as it’s related to animation. They are popular for their distinctive style that combines irreverent humor and dynamic action with a touch of psychedelia. Although only a decade old, Golden Wolf has established itself as a reputed brand in the animation industry, with clientele that includes names like Nike, Facebook, Gatorade, Adult Swim, and Disney.
Do You Need a Production Company for Cel Animation?
Bring your vision to life with Kasra Design’s stunning cel animation services. We specialize in crafting dynamic hand-drawn animations that make your brand stand out regardless of the market competition. With our artistic minds and technical expertise, we create animations that capture emotions in every frame. Get in touch now!