Europe is home to some of the world's most interesting animation studios, working across animated films, TV series, commercials, branded content and original IP.
There is no single “best” animation studio. The right partner depends on the type of project, visual style, production scale and audience. Here are five European studios worth knowing.
1. DogHead Animation - Italy
DogHead Animation is an Italian 2D animation studio with studios in Florence and Bari. Founded in 2019, it works across animated series, films, commercials and international productions.
The studio has contributed to projects including Bat-Fam, Hazbin Hotel Season 2 and Mortina, with capabilities covering storyboards, layout, backgrounds, rigging, animation and compositing.
DogHead is particularly interesting for productions requiring substantial 2D animation capacity.
2. Animwood - Poland
Animwood is a Polish animation studio based in Kraków, producing animated commercials, explainer videos, brand films, documentaries, series and original animated content.
The studio works across 2D, cel animation, mixed media, motion graphics and 3D, adapting the technique to the project rather than working within one fixed style.
Its portfolio includes projects for Amazon Studios Technology, Brainly, Acumen and other international clients. The Animwood Showreel gives an overview of the studio's range, while projects such as Brainly and Acumen show different approaches to commercial storytelling.
For brands and agencies looking for a European animation production company, Animwood combines creative development with full-service production.
3. Studio AKA - United Kingdom
London-based Studio AKA is an independent animation and design studio known for character-driven storytelling and distinctive visual work.
Its productions include Hey Duggee, animated shorts, commercials, title sequences and projects for companies such as Netflix, Apple TV+ and the BBC.
The studio has received BAFTAs and Emmys and has been nominated for an Academy Award. Its work on Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth is a good example of its approach to animated storytelling.
4. Thuristar - Belgium
Thuristar is a Belgian animation production company based in Ghent. Founded in 2008, it develops and produces animated films and series for international audiences.
Its projects include Mush-Mush and the Mushables and the award-winning short film Luce and the Rock.
Thuristar is particularly relevant for producers looking for experience in original IP, children's animation and international co-productions.
5. Aardman - United Kingdom
Aardman is one of Europe's most recognised animation studios, best known for its distinctive stop-motion work and characters such as Wallace & Gromit.
Founded in the 1970s, the Bristol-based studio has developed films, television series and original entertainment for international audiences.
Aardman's long history demonstrates how a strong visual identity and memorable characters can become the foundation of a global animation brand.
Explore Aardman's official website to see its latest productions and creative work.
Looking for an animation studio in Europe?
Animwood works with brands, agencies and producers on animated commercials, explainer videos, brand films, documentaries, series and original animated projects.
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