10 Worst CGI Anime That Hurt to Look At

CGI in anime can create stunning visuals or jarring disasters, especially when it clashes with traditional 2D styles. Over the years, some shows have leaned into computer-generated imagery with results so clunky or unnatural they make viewers wince.

These anime, despite their stories or ambition, suffer from CGI that’s distracting at best and unwatchable at worst. Here’s my list of the 10 worst CGI-heavy anime from any era that hurt to look at, counting down from the least offensive to the absolute eyesores.

10. Kingdom (2012-present)

This historical epic follows Xin’s rise in war-torn ancient China. The story is gripping, but the early seasons’ CGI battles look stiff, with awkward character models clashing against 2D backgrounds.

Later seasons improve, but the early 3D crowd scenes and jerky animations are tough to stomach. The narrative carries it, but the visuals falter.

9. Ajin: Demi-Human (2016)

This dark thriller about immortal beings uses full CGI for its gritty action. The motion-capture fights aim for realism, but the uncanny character designs and robotic movements feel off.

The story’s intensity keeps it engaging, but the lifeless 3D faces distract. It’s a show where the CGI undermines its potential.

8. RWBY (2013-present)

Created by Rooster Teeth, this action series follows young warriors in a fantasy world. The early seasons’ low-budget CGI results in blocky models and choppy animation.

The story and voice acting have charm, but the dated visuals are hard to ignore. It’s a fan favorite that’s tough to look at initially.

7. The Seven Deadly Sins (2014-2021)

This fantasy adventure about powerful knights shines in its 2D moments, but later seasons lean heavily on CGI for battles. The 3D dragon fights and character models look cheap and clash badly.

The show’s heart and humor keep fans hooked, but the jarring CGI drops in quality hurt. It’s a series let down by inconsistent visuals.

6. Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest (2019-2022)

Hajime’s isekai journey from weakling to antihero has a decent story, but the CGI monsters and fight scenes are painfully rough. The 3D models look like early video game cutscenes.

The rushed pacing and bland 2D art don’t help. It’s an anime where bad CGI makes an already shaky adaptation worse.

5. Berserk (2016-2017)

This dark fantasy continues Guts’ brutal saga, but the CGI is a massive letdown. The clunky 3D models and jarring camera work ruin the gritty atmosphere of the manga.

Key fights lack weight, and the visuals feel like a budget betrayal of the source. Fans deserved better than this visual mess.

4. Ex-Arm (2021)

In this sci-fi tale, a teen’s brain becomes a weapon in a cyberpunk world. The CGI is some of the worst in recent anime, with stiff, low-polygon characters and unnatural movements.

The story is incoherent, and the visuals look like an unfinished video game. It’s a show that’s hard to watch for all the wrong reasons.

3. Gibiate (2020)

Set in a post-apocalyptic world with samurai fighting monsters, this anime’s CGI is a disaster. The 3D models are blocky, with awkward animations that feel like a cheap mobile game.

The messy plot and flat characters don’t help. It’s a forgettable series where the visuals actively hurt the experience.

2. Hand Shakers (2017)

This action series about paired fighters uses CGI for its vibrant battles, but the result is a chaotic eyesore. The 3D effects are dizzying, with clashing colors and shaky camera work.

The story is forgettable, and the visuals induce headaches. It’s a bold experiment that fails spectacularly in execution.

1. Tesla Note (2021)

This spy thriller follows a teen on a mission to recover Tesla’s inventions. The CGI is abysmal, with low-quality 3D models, jerky animations, and a plastic look that kills immersion.

The generic plot and stiff voice acting make it worse. It’s a visual trainwreck that stands as one of the ugliest anime ever made.

Which of these CGI anime disasters hurt your eyes the most, or is there another visual flop I missed? Share your thoughts in the comments!