Studio Gainax Officially Closes After Decades of Anime Influence

Anime studio Gainax, responsible for some of the most influential titles in animation history, has been officially dissolved following bankruptcy proceedings that concluded on December 11th, 2025, bringing an end to a 41-year run. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2024 and ceased operations, but remained a legal entity until its dissolution. Gainax was known for pioneering works, including Neon Genesis Evangelion, FLCL, Gunbuster, Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water, Gurren Lagann, and others that shaped genre storytelling and animation style. Its influence is seen in studios formed by former staff such as Studio Trigger and Khara, the latter now holding the Evangelion franchise rights. Critics say Gainax’s creative legacy outlives its corporate demise.

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