A List of Best Animation Studios Los Angeles Has to Offer for Animators to Work

Searching for animation studios in Los Angeles that can animate your characters? You’re in good company. LA remains the epicenter of animated creativity, from Saturday morning cartoons of childhood to multi-billion-dollar films.

Animators, designers, producers, and curious dreamers flock to this creative hub every year. If you’re aiming to find the best animation companies to work with or for, buckle up. Here’s a list you’ll want to bookmark.

• Prolific Studio

Let’s start with the home team, Prolific Studio. If you’re searching for “animation studios near me” in Los Angeles, Prolific should top that list. We blend storytelling with slick visuals for brands, games, and films. Whether it’s a 2D explainer or a 3D product shot, our artists and animators do it all under one roof.

We’re not just one of the popular animation studios in California; we’re storytellers for hire, ready to help businesses and creators share ideas that stick. From social ads to game cutscenes, Prolific keeps the art alive.

• Pixar
  

Pixar barely needs an intro. As far as famous animation studios go, Pixar’s name pops up fast. Based in Emeryville with a massive creative footprint in Los Angeles, Pixar’s given us classics like Toy Story and Inside Out. It’s still one of the best animation companies for big-screen magic.

Today, it keeps pushing new stories while growing talent pipelines for fresh animators. If you’re a student or a pro, landing at Pixar means learning from the studio that changed animation forever.

• DreamWorks Animation
  

You’ve probably laughed at Shrek more times than you’d admit. DreamWorks Animation in Glendale stays busy with sequels, spin-offs, and fresh characters. They balance big franchise films with new streaming series. If you check “animation studios near me,” DreamWorks shows up for good reason.

Current projects range from Jurassic World spin-offs to How to Train Your Dragon reboots. For artists, it’s a place to flex skills in character design, VFX, and world-building.

• Walt Disney Animation Studios
  

Walking into Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank still feels like a pilgrimage. It’s amongst the oldest and most renowned animation studios in the world—Disneyland’s vault of jewels, including Snow White and Frozen, shaped generations of children.

Animators here craft in hand-drawn, CGI, and hybrid styles. With Disney+, this studio turns out fresh shows alongside iconic movie releases. Looking for the big leagues? Walt Disney Animation Studios tops lists of best animation companies to work for in Los Angeles.

• Industrial Light & Magic
  

Head over to Van Nuys and you’ll find Industrial Light & Magic (ILM). George Lucas built ILM to shake up special effects in Hollywood, and the studio’s done exactly that. From Star Wars prequels to modern MCU giants, ILM is a go-to for big effects and stunning CGI.

Animators here do more than explosions. They craft creatures, characters, and digital environments. If you crave technical wizardry mixed with animation, ILM’s worth chasing.

• Nickelodeon Animation Studio
  

Burbank’s Nickelodeon Animation Studio gave us SpongeBob, Doug, and so many others. It stays fresh with Paw Patrol and Baby Shark for the younger crowd. Behind the scenes, Nick’s crew mixes traditional 2D charm with new tech.

Beyond animation jobs, they run fellowships and residencies. It’s a solid entry point for new artists looking at animation studios in LA.

• Warner Bros. Animation
  

Ask any Saturday morning cartoon fan, and Warner Bros. Animation owns a chunk of pop culture. From The LEGO Movie to Space Jam: A New Legacy, they blend familiar franchises with new series.

This Burbank-based production powerhouse gives artists a shot to reimagine old heroes or create fresh ones. For many, it’s one of the top animation companies in Los Angeles.

• Cartoon Network Studios
  

Cartoon Network Studios in Burbank made Dexter’s Laboratory and The Powerpuff Girls household names. They continue to produce shows for kids and families for Cartoon Network and Cartoonito, renewing the brand’s trust for capturing and retaining attention in laughter-packed programming.

From timeless slapstick cartoons that have aged like fine wine to new, experimental shorts, CN Studios remains a popular destination for artists seeking low-pressure, idea-forward creative spaces.

Read also: The Use of Forensic Animation for Legal Cases in 2025

• Sony Pictures Animation
  

Sony Pictures Animation in Culver City isn’t shy about trying new looks. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse flipped the script on what an animated movie could look like. They’re also behind Hotel Transylvania and The Smurfs.

Animation pros here tackle both blockbuster hits and experimental shorts. If you want to stretch your style, Sony Pictures Animation is among the best animation companies in California for that.

• 20th Century Animation
  

Sitting under the Disney umbrella, 20th Century Animation in Century City is a solid name among animation studios in Los Angeles. Known for Ice Age, The Bob’s Burgers Movie, and collaborations with Disney+, the studio combines traditional animation with CGI across a diverse range of projects.

Working with timeless family tales, layered with beloved characters, gives freedom within established frameworks. If you’re searching for animation studios in California that combine stable employment and some creative license, 20th Century Animation might surprise you.

• Amazon Studios Animation
  

Culver City is home to Amazon Studios, where animation pushes boundaries for streaming platforms. Amazon Studios Animation crafts shows for all ages, from Costume Quest to The Boys Presents: Diabolical. It’s one of those production studios in Los Angeles that constantly seeks new ideas.

The studio also collaborates with character design teams and smaller animation studios in LA to keep a steady flow of experimental and polished projects.

• Avatar Studios
  

At Avatar Studios, Nickelodeon expands on the award-winning IP Avatar: The Last Airbender. Based in Burbank, they produce and create series, shorts, and feature films with hybrid 2D and computer-generated animation.

This is one of the popular animation studios focused on expanding a beloved universe while providing new opportunities for animators to grow within an established IP.

• Digital Domain
  

Digital Domain, located in Playa Vista, is the go-to destination for those seeking to incorporate animation with modern visual effects. They have had their share of adding their magic to projects such as Avengers: Endgame and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

For Los Angeles animation studios, Digital Domain is best suited for animators seeking to create CGI and photorealistic characters for blockbuster films.

• Hasbro Studios
  

Hasbro Studios in Burbank has produced over 1,500 episodes of animation tied to their iconic toy lines, including Transformers and My Little Pony. They are one of the best animation companies for those interested in character-driven content tied to merchandising powerhouses.

Upcoming projects include Transformers 5 and GI Joe 3, allowing animators to work on franchises that have a built-in, loyal fan base.

• Luma Pictures
  

For Los Angeles-based Luma Pictures, major projects such as Loki, Spider-Man, and Deadpool offer the opportunity to create creatures, environments, and full CG animation. This is the type of studio that offers work to fuel the imagination of animators, where the challenge is to intertwine technology and animation seamlessly.

Both feature films and high-profile series offer the chance to write compelling parts.

• Mana Animation
  

Mana Animation is both an animation studio and a directors’ collective based in Los Angeles. With brands like Hewlett-Packard and Kiehl’s, they collaborated on projects like Marvel Snap and Robot Chicken.

For animators seeking animation studios near me that offer creative freedom, Mana’s flexible structure enables the refinement of their skills, making it stand out.

• Marvel Animation
  

Marvel Animation in Glendale is where Spider-Man and Ant-Man get their animated stories. As a subsidiary of Marvel Studios, the team produces shows and mini-series for Hulu and Disney+.

If your dream is to work on superhero stories and bring comic characters to life, Marvel Animation is one of the top animation companies to consider.

• Marvel Studios
  

Marvel Studios, located in Burbank, is the epicenter of the MCU. The animators have shows like WandaVision and films such as Avengers and Spider-Man offered to them continuously, which aids in their career development. That said, the work offered by Marvel is due to the studio’s reputation; Marvel Animation is held in high regard globally.

Marvel Studios is one of the best and most well-known animation studios in Los Angeles. For those just starting in the field, gaining experience in large-scale productions is critical to their career advancement.

• Method Studios
  

Los Angeles Method Studios is nominated for awards thanks to their work on Thor: Love and Thunder and Ms. Marvel. This studio focuses on animation the CGI, and visual effects for these works. 

Method Studios is a combination of art and science, which has led their studios to create peripheral eyeglasses for the Method. These eyeglasses are a very useful addition to the world of science fiction.

They’re one of the production studios Los Angeles offers for artists who want variety across genres.

• Monkeyhead
  

Monkeyhead is located in Long Beach and specializes in animation, visual effects, live-action, and branding services for a diverse range of clients. They work with big names, including Walmart, ESPN, and Disney. Although they do not produce feature-length films, they create commercial material and digital content.

Monkeyhead, as a starting studio, is great for all who need to gain more industry experience, as they will have the chance to work in a tight-knit environment.

• MTV Animation
  

MTV Animation in Hollywood are known for producing edgy, pop-culture driven animated content like Beavis and Butthead and Daria. The studio is recognized for its dark humor and cultural commentary.

For animators seeking unusual animation studios in LA, MTV Animation is a good option, as they reportedly look for innovative ideas.

• Netflix Animation
  

Netflix Animation in Los Gatos has spent billions acquiring an impressive library of animated content. Shows like BoJack Horseman and Love, Death & Robots prove Netflix’s commitment to storytelling through animation.

Netflix Animation has a strategic location, with an in-house team and collaborations with animation studios in Los Angeles, making it a significant hub for creative professionals seeking diverse opportunities.

• Paramount Animation
  

Paramount Animation in Los Angeles continues to produce family-oriented content, including the franchises of SpongeBob and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. This studio offers steady employment, as well as the opportunity to work on iconic characters while exploring various animation styles.

• Powerhouse Animation Studios
  

Powerhouse Animation in Los Angeles specializes in creating television, gaming, and explainer videos. They also created Masters of the Universe: Revelation and Castlevania, which showcase a range of styles.

Because they work with a range of freelancers, animation studios in California offering flexible employment frequently look for new hires.

• Rough Draft Studios
  

Rough Draft Studios in Glendale is recognized for its contributions to award-winning animated series, including Disenchantment, Futurama, and Clash-A-Rama. They blend traditional animation and CGI, focusing on comedy.

• ShadowMachine
  

ShadowMachine in Los Angeles works across stop-motion, traditional, and digital animation. Their projects include Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio and BoJack Horseman.

They’re one of the animation studios Los Angeles creatives love for unique projects with room for experimentation.

• Six Point Harness
  

In Los Angeles, Six Point Harness earned Emmys and Academy Awards for projects such as Hair Love and Black-ish. They handle socially relevant stories and maintain artistic merit.

If you need a firm that excels in animation and has won industry accolades, Six Point Harness serves the purpose.

• Sony Pictures Animation & Imageworks
  

At Culver City, Sony Pictures Animation is known for ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ and the ‘Hotel Transylvania’ franchises, while Sony Pictures Imageworks does advanced VFX and CGI on The Mitchells vs. The Machines’ animation.

These studios are among the best animation companies for animators wanting to work on high-profile, innovative projects.

• Titmouse Inc.
  

Los Angeles-based Titmouse Inc. has studios that create content for TV, film, and digital platforms. They have a diverse catalog with shows like Trivia Quest and Frog and Toad.

• Vanguard Animation
  

Vanguard Animation in Los Angeles has roots in Shrek and Puss in Boots. They focus on family-friendly animated films, making it a solid choice for animators looking for studios with a lighter tone.

• Walt Disney Television Animation
  

Television Animation Burbank works on shows that air on Disney Channel and Disney+. From DuckTales to Lilo & Stitch, they have produced popular animated series for engaged families.

If you want experience in episodic storytelling while working alongside skilled teams, Disney TVA is a solid option among animation studios in Burbank.

• Zynga
  

Zynga in San Mateo may not focus on traditional animation, but it creates engaging animations for mobile games like FarmVille and Words with Friends. It’s one of the game studios in the Los Angeles region that blends animation with gameplay to enhance user experiences.

For animators interested in interactive storytelling, Zynga offers a different but valuable path within animation studios in California.

You may also like: What’s New in 2D & 3D Cartoon Animation in 2025? Movies, Series, and More

Why Los Angeles Attracts the Best Animation Talent

Los Angeles isn’t just about beaches and traffic. It’s a magnet for creative talent because of:

• Access to top production studios in Los Angeles.
• Animation companies in Los Angeles tied to global franchises.
• Endless networking opportunities and film festivals.
• A pipeline of fresh talent from nearby art and animation schools.

These factors make animation studios in Los Angeles some of the most active, stable, and creative in the industry.

Top Benefits of Working at Animation Studios in LA

1. Steady Work and Career Growth

Los Angeles hosts a constant flow of projects for TV, film, gaming, and commercials.

2. Networking Opportunities

You’re surrounded by professionals in animation, production, and VFX, expanding your industry connections.

3. Variety of Styles

From hand-drawn to advanced CGI, animation studios in Los Angeles cover every technique.

4. Learning from the Best

Studios like Prolific Studio, Pixar, and DreamWorks give you a chance to work under mentors who have shaped global storytelling.

Animation Studios in Los Angeles with Internship and Entry-Level Opportunities

If you’re looking to start your animation journey, these are some of the best animation companies that often have internships, residencies, or junior positions:

• Prolific Studio – Offers mentorship and real client projects.
• Nickelodeon Animation Studio – Known for its artist programs.
• Cartoon Network Studios – Accepts students and graduates for production assistance.
• Disney TVA – Hosts internships across departments.
• Pixar – Offers a competitive internship program for new animators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to Start if You’re Searching “Animation Studios Near Me”

If you’ve been googling “animation studios near me” and you’re in California, you’re in the right place. Here’s how to approach it:

• List your goals: TV, film, gaming, or branded content.
• Target your style: 2D, 3D, stop-motion, or hybrid.
• Check studio culture: Each studio offers different environments, from structured pipelines to experimental freedom.
• Apply widely: Animation is competitive, so reach out to multiple studios to increase your chances.

Ready to Work with the Best Animation Studios in Los Angeles?

Whether you want to launch your career, switch studios, or bring your project to life, Los Angeles is the place where animation careers grow. It’s not about waiting for your chance; it’s about taking it.

Prolific Studio is ready to help you transform your vision into animated content that engages, inspires, and converts. From social campaigns to game trailers, we bring ideas to life with precision and passion. Looking to collaborate? Let’s get your story moving.

Contact Prolific Studio today to start your animation journey with a team that values storytelling as much as you do.

Final Words

Los Angeles is packed with animation studios shaping entertainment globally. From big players like Pixar and Disney to flexible collectives like Mana and Prolific Studio, opportunities exist for every animator, producer, and brand aiming to tell stories that matter.

Bookmark this guide, reach out to studios, and take your next step. Your animation career deserves a place where your creativity can thrive.