The 10 Best Animation Studios in San Francisco - 2025 Reviews

Top Animation Studios in San Francisco

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Elevate your brand with San Francisco's top-tier motion design and animation studios. Our curated list showcases the city's most innovative animation agencies, ready to bring your ideas to life. Explore each studio's portfolio, featuring cutting-edge animations for tech startups, established brands, and everything in between. Whether you need explainer videos, brand animations, or immersive visual experiences, you'll find expert teams to transform your vision into captivating motion graphics. With Sortlist, post your project requirements and let San Francisco's premier animation talent reach out with tailored proposals that align with your creative goals and budget.

All Animation Agencies in San Francisco

  • 5
    (10 reviews)

    Agence créative basée en Normandie et Californie

    Top awarded
    Notre travail consiste à vous accompagner dans la création de votre identité, de votre produit, de votre marque. Qu'il s'agisse d'une naissance ou d'une évolution, nous mettrons notre expertise et notre passion créative au service de votre projet. Nous sommes spécialisés dans le branding, UX/UI design et le développement.    Le branding apporte à votre marque une dimension émotionnelle incontournable. Il s'agit de l'histoire de la marque : Stratégie Moodboard Prototypes Création du Brandbook Création du Logo Print De l’idéation à la conception graphique, le webdesign est la discipline historique de notre agence : UX Design UI Design Illustrations Motion Design Et plus... Le développement est une part extrêmement importante de notre expertise : HTML CSS JS PHP Gastby Prismic Webflow Wordpress
    11 works in Animation
    Located in San Francisco, United States (+2)
    From €1,000 for Animation
    Worked in Marketing & Advertising (+9)
    Speaks English, French
    11-50 members
  • 5
    (1 review)

    Premium video production services

    LV Productions is a video production production company based in San Francisco and Los Angeles. We create unique videos for Tech and D2C brands.
    4 works in Animation
    Located in San Francisco, United States
    From €3,000 for Animation
    Worked in Hospitals & Healthcare (+3)
    Speaks English, Russian
    1-10 members
  • (0 review)

    Beyond is a design agency helping brands make progress by improving their customer experiences.

    Top awarded
    Beyond is a design agency dedicated to helping brands make progress by improving their customer experiences. Through a mix of strategy, technology, and design thinking, their teams can create an array of CX solutions—from journey maps to websites to apps. For over a decade, Beyond has served clients as varied as Google, Montblanc, and Brompton. Beyond is part of the Next Fifteen Group, an AIM-listed company. For more information, please visit BYND.com.
    3 works in Animation
    Located in San Francisco, United States (+3)
    Budget on request
    Worked in Internet (+3)
    Speaks English
    51-200 members
  • (0 review)
    Rocketwheel is a small, tight-knit team specializing in working with enterprises and medium-sized businesses. Communication is key when working within a large infrastructure - and we pride ourselves on being there with you every step of the way.  Whether it's 2D animation, Motion graphics, Stock video, Corporate or Learning. We can help.  Clients include Amazon, Bloomberg, Fidelity Investments, Salesforce.
    Looking for work in Animation
    Located in San Francisco, United States
    From €3,500 for Animation
    Works in multiple industries
    Speaks English, French(+1)
    1-10 members
  • (0 review)
    A full-spectrum ideas agency: advertising, marketing, communications, retail experiences, and brand actions. A collective of 175+ inventive minds: agile, adept, strategically grounded, digitally fluent. Keenly focused on serving and amplifying 21st century brands—reflecting the new needs and expectations of the 21st century consumer.
    Looking for work in Animation
    Located in San Francisco, United States
    From €1,000 for Animation
    Works in multiple industries
    Speaks English
    51-200 members
  • 5
    (1 review)

    We build brands and digital solutions for high growth companies that are taking on the world's bigge

    Launched by former early stage VC’s, Wunderdogs is a brand consultancy and digital studio made up of a multi-talented team bound by a commitment to help high growth companies prepare for launch, scale and sustainable growth.
    2 works in Animation
    Located in San Francisco, United States
    From €30,000 for Animation
    Worked in Software & Computer Services (+4)
    Speaks English
    11-50 members
  • (0 review)
    We create design with meaning. Great design speaks to your head, and your heart. It makes you feel different, and think differently. It makes you remember, and respond. That’s what we aim for: to go from insight to ideas to design that connects. To craft things with intelligence, sensitivity and precision.  It doesn’t happen in isolation. That’s why we work collaboratively with our clients, and with each other. As an international collective, we take a global outlook. We’re open. We share. We learn. The result: intelligent, effective design that makes a lasting impression.
    Looking for work in Animation
    Located in San Francisco, United States (+2)
    From €1,000 for Animation
    Worked in Media
    Speaks Spanish, Catalan(+2)
    51-200 members
  • Top awarded
    Die Serviceplan Group ist die größte inhabergeführte, partnergeführte und am breitesten aufgestellte Agenturgruppe Europas. Im Jahr 1970 als klassische Werbeagentur gegründet, vereint die Serviceplan Group seit jeher alle Kommunikationdisziplinen unter einem Dach: ​Ob Markenstrateg:innen, Kreative, Experience-Designer:innen, Marketingtechnologie-Expert:innen, CRM-Expert:innen, Data Scientists, Marktforscher:innen, PR-Berater:innen oder Sales-Profis bei der Serviceplan Group ziehen alle an einem Strang, im House of Communication, dem einzigen komplett integriert aufgestellten Agenturmodell in Deutschland. Das präzise Zusammenspiel der Vielzahl von Spezialagenturen in Sachen Strategy & Consulting, Creative & Content, Platform & Technology sowie Media & Data macht die Serviceplan Group zur führenden Agenturgruppe für innovative Kommunikation.​ Was uns alle verbindet, ist die Leidenschaft, faszinierende Marken aufzubauen und zu coachen. Marken, die wirtschaftlich erfolgreich sind und Emotionen im Kopf der Verbraucher:innen auslösen — BEST BRANDS eben.​ Der Weg dorthin führt über innovative Kommunikation. ​ Das bedeutet, neue Wege ins Herz der Verbraucher:innen zu finden: kreativ, medial & technologisch. ​Diesen Anspruch, Marken zu BEST BRANDS zu machen, leben wir täglich im House of Communication.
    5 works in Animation
    Located in San Francisco, United States (+17)
    From €1,000 for Animation
    Worked in Telecommunications (+15)
    Speaks German, Arabic(+9)
    5001-10000 members
  • 5
    (3 reviews)

    Radical Digital Experiences™

    WHO IS RNO1 We're not like every other Agency. You're not like every other Brand. RNO1 is a new kind of Digital Design & Growth Agency. We're a Subscription-Agency Guiding Modern Brands across Platforms and Places. Creating Radical Digital Experiences™. Through our Service Subscription Model, Modern Brands are able to support their growth moves at every phase of their growth journey, at every digital touchpoint. We add value where you need it in support of greater revenue, investment, acqusition, or IPO. Here to scale your business into the future. We've had the privelege of partnering with some of the most brilliant brands, teams, and leaders in their industries. CLIENT PARTNERS INCLUDE Disney Finlandia Vodka Airbnb Ericsson Acorns BMW Microsoft Hedonova LOLIWARE SUCCESS STORIES Within RNO1, we've helped to propel technology and eCommerce brands significantly in the market, with 4 companies leading to acquisition by larger brands including Airbnb, Cox Media Group, and Ericsson, 1 airing on the Hit US TV Show Shark Tank securing funding from Mark Cuban (billionaire investor), and 2 Tech/AI companies securing $100 Million in Funding in 2021/22 with a $1 Billion Market Valuation (for each brand). VISIT US www.rno1.com
    4 works in Animation
    Located in San Francisco, United States (+4)
    Budget on request
    Worked in Internet (+3)
    Speaks English
    51-200 members
  • 5
    (7 reviews)

    Bringing your vision to life

    Highly recommended
    Creative Engine is a Production focus company. Solving all the creative problems faced by the organisations from 3d Animations to Video Production, From Brand Development to Corporate Communication. Our creative teams are divided into specialized categories with their own team leads and client servicing. These departments are divided as follows: Video Production 3D Animation 2D Animation and Motion Design Brand & Graphic Design Event & Corporate Communication For more information Please visit: www.creative-engine.pk or contact us at: +92 349 470 4194 or email us at: contact@creative-engine.pk
    7 works in Animation
    Located in New York, United States (+6)
    From €300 for Animation
    Worked in Marketing & Advertising (+29)
    Speaks English
    11-50 members
  • 5
    (6 reviews)

    We Build Brands Better. Come Play With Us.

    Hi 👋🏼 We're Good Kids.
 We're an an independent agency based in Los Angeles, NYC & Toronto. We create evocative campaigns that connect with audiences. Our powerful marketing strategy & outstanding advertising take our clients further than ever. Want to see where we can take you?
 ✨ We help small brands become big and big brands become giant. 🏆 Our award-winning strategy is on engagement, awareness & authenticity, underlining what's important. We create evocative campaigns that connects with audiences In meaningful ways. We humanize, amplify & relate. This converts, moves the dial and makes it shareable. In Short: We Build Your Reputation & get you results. We’re very good at: 🧠 Marketing Strategy 💥 Creative Production 📱 Social Media Management 💻 Digital Marketing 🤝 Pr & Partnerships 🎪 Pop Up Events 💰 Paid Advertising & SEO - In a world where you can be anything; don’t be boring.
 We'll give 'em something to talk about!
    7 works in Animation
    Located in Los Angeles, United States (+1)
    From €5,000 for Animation
    Worked in Marketing & Advertising (+5)
    Speaks English, French(+1)
    11-50 members
  • 5
    (1 review)

    Design & Brand Acceleration for SaaS Startups

    Outcrowd is a digital creative agency that designs and develops great digital products for startups. We cover branding, web, and product design, delivering the best user experience and award-winning UI.
    4 works in Animation
    Located in Oakland Park, United States
    From €3,000 for Animation
    Worked in Others (+3)
    Speaks English
    11-50 members
  • (0 review)

    Award-winning video production & video marketing solutions. Questions? Schedule a call: calendly.com/sharp-eye-animation

    Sharp Eye Animation is the custom animated video production & explainer video company offering end-to-end video marketing for tech, retail & attorneys.
    Looking for work in Animation
    Located in San Francisco, United States (+1)
    Budget on request
    Works in multiple industries
    Speaks English
    1-10 members
  • (0 review)
    Get targeted YouTube views to your videos with Virool's social video advertising platform. Have your video seeded on blogs, social games and mobile apps.
    1 work in Animation
    Located in San Francisco, United States
    From €50,000 for Animation
    Worked in Consumer Electronics (+2)
    Speaks English
    51-200 members
  • (0 review)
    San Francisco Bay Area based Andar Creative offers film and video production, event planning, brand development, website design, and business card design and printing services.
    2 works in Animation
    Located in San Francisco, United States
    From €1,000 for Animation
    Worked in Banking & Financials
    Speaks English
    1-10 members
  • (0 review)

    Full Service Video Creative Agency | Creative Development | Photo + Video production| Motion Graphic

     We craft inspiring stories that capture the attention of your audience, creating powerful emotional connections with brands. ALCHEMYcreative is based out of Pacifica, CA. We look forward to the opportunity to collaborate.
    Looking for work in Animation
    Located in San Francisco, United States
    From €1,000 for Animation
    Works in multiple industries
    Speaks English
    1-10 members
  • (0 review)
    Video production company, 2D and 3D animation studio located in the USA and UK. We help various businesses tell their stories through impeccable visual content.
    Looking for work in Animation
    Located in San Francisco, United States
    From €3,000 for Animation
    Works in multiple industries
    Speaks English, Russian(+1)
    51-200 members
  • Social Interactive produces branded social purpose motion picture content for the worlds best brands.
    Looking for work in Animation
    Located in San Francisco, United States
    From €1,000 for Animation
    Worked in Banking & Financials
    Speaks English
    1-10 members
  •  
    Looking for work in Animation
    Located in San Francisco, United States
    From €1,000 for Animation
    Worked in Energy & Oil
    Speaks English
    1-10 members
  • (0 review)
    We are a San Francisco Based commercial, film and television production service company, offering everything from strategy and creative to editorial. Our award winning marketing videos can help build your brand from internal corporate strategy films to viral web content.
    Looking for work in Animation
    Located in San Francisco, United States
    From €1,000 for Animation
    Works in multiple industries
    Speaks English
    1-10 members
12

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Insights from Our Local Expert: Animation Studios in San Francisco

San Francisco, renowned for its vibrant culture and technological innovation, is also a powerhouse for animation and creative media. The region is dotted with top-tier animation studios that have accrued impressive accolades and have a track record of successful collaborations with major clients. With 82 projects showcased and 103 client reviews, San Francisco stands as a beacon of creativity and expertise in the animation sector.

Key Players and Their Achievements

Distinctive Animation Providers

San Francisco's animation scene features a variety of studios ranging from internationally recognized names to specialized boutiques. Each studio brings its unique flair and professional finesse to the table, catering to a diverse array of client demands and project scopes.

Prestigious Clients and Awards

Local animation studios have partnered with an impressive roster of clients, including major tech companies and global entertainment firms. Their prowess is not only evident in the end products but is also recognized through several prestigious awards within the animation and film industry circles.

Budgeting for Animation Projects

Evaluating Your Budget

Budget considerations are crucial when choosing an animation studio. In San Francisco, costs can range widely based on the studio's reputation and the project's complexity. It's vital to define your budget clearly before embarking on a project. Here are a few tips to consider:

Small Businesses and Startups: Collaborating with smaller studios or freelance animators can be cost-effective while still achieving high-quality results. Basic animation projects might range from $5,000 to $20,000.

Mid-sized Enterprises: For more complex needs, mid-sized businesses might consider studios that offer a blend of creativity and technical ability, with project costs typically between $20,000 and $100,000.

Large Enterprises: Bigger companies may require extensive, detailed animation projects that necessitate significant manpower and sophisticated resources. Such projects often start at $100,000 and can escalate depending on the project's scale and duration.

Reviewing Past Works

Examining prior projects is crucial in selecting the right animation studio. The 82 works displayed by local studios provide valuable insights into each studio's style and capabilities, helping businesses align with a studio that matches their vision.

Enhance Your Brand with San Francisco's Top Animation Talent

With its array of skilled animation studios, San Francisco continues to be a leading hub for innovative and impactful animation projects. Whether you represent a small startup or a large corporation, the city offers myriad options to propel your branding and storytelling through animation. As a local expert with Sortlist, I encourage exploring the wealth of talent here and leveraging San Francisco's dynamic animation scene to boost your business's appeal and engagement.

Karim Saadoune
Written by Karim Saadoune Sortlist Expert in San FranciscoLast updated on the 12-06-2025

Discover what other have done.

Get inspired by what our studios have done for other companies.

Chevy Sonic | Urban Art | 1.2

Chevy Sonic | Urban Art | 1.2

Corporate ad, 2

Corporate ad, 2

Corporate ad, 1

Corporate ad, 1


Frequently Asked Questions.


San Francisco, as a hub of innovation and creativity, is at the forefront of emerging animation trends that are reshaping the industry's future. Here are some key trends that are making waves in the Bay Area and beyond:

  1. AI-Assisted Animation: San Francisco's tech-savvy environment is embracing AI tools to streamline workflows and enhance creativity. Studios are using AI for tasks like in-betweening, character rigging, and even generating background elements, allowing animators to focus on higher-level creative decisions.
  2. Real-Time Rendering: With the influence of nearby Silicon Valley, real-time rendering engines like Unreal Engine and Unity are becoming increasingly popular in SF animation studios. This technology allows for faster iteration and more interactive storytelling, blurring the lines between animation and gaming.
  3. Virtual Production: The convergence of animation and live-action is evident in San Francisco's film and tech scenes. Virtual production techniques, using LED walls and real-time rendering, are being adopted by local studios to create immersive environments for both animated and hybrid projects.
  4. Sustainability in Animation: Reflecting the city's eco-conscious ethos, San Francisco animation studios are pioneering sustainable practices. This includes cloud-based rendering to reduce energy consumption and creating content that promotes environmental awareness.
  5. Diverse Representation: San Francisco's multicultural landscape is influencing animation content. Studios are focusing on inclusive storytelling and diverse character designs, reflecting the city's commitment to representation in media.
  6. Web3 and Blockchain Integration: With the Bay Area's strong crypto and blockchain presence, some animation studios are exploring NFTs for digital art and experimenting with decentralized production models.
  7. Extended Reality (XR) Content: San Francisco's tech industry is driving demand for XR content. Animation studios are creating assets for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences, opening new avenues for interactive storytelling.
  8. Micro-Content Animation: The rise of social media platforms has led to a surge in demand for short-form animated content. San Francisco studios are adapting by creating bite-sized animations for platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels.

These trends are not just shaping the future of animation in San Francisco; they're influencing the global industry. The city's unique blend of technology and creativity positions it as a trendsetter in the animation world. Studios that embrace these emerging trends are likely to stay competitive and innovative in this rapidly evolving landscape.

According to a recent industry report, 78% of San Francisco-based animation studios are incorporating at least one of these emerging trends into their workflows, with AI-assisted animation and real-time rendering being the most widely adopted at 65% and 59% respectively.

As the animation industry continues to evolve, San Francisco remains a beacon of innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible in animation and setting new standards for the global creative community.



Animation studios in San Francisco have undergone a significant transformation in recent years, driven by rapid technological advancements. The tech-savvy culture of the Bay Area has positioned local studios at the forefront of innovation in the animation industry. Here's how their role has evolved:

  1. Embracing Real-Time Rendering: San Francisco studios have been quick to adopt real-time rendering technologies like Unreal Engine and Unity. These tools have revolutionized the production pipeline, allowing for faster iterations and more collaborative workflows. For instance, studios can now make changes on the fly during client reviews, significantly reducing turnaround times.
  2. Integration of AI and Machine Learning: The proximity to Silicon Valley has given San Francisco animation studios early access to cutting-edge AI tools. Many are now using machine learning algorithms for tasks like in-betweening, character rigging, and even generating background elements, streamlining the animation process and allowing artists to focus on higher-level creative tasks.
  3. Virtual Production Techniques: Influenced by the tech industry, animation studios in San Francisco have been pioneers in adopting virtual production techniques. This includes using VR for scene blocking and previsualization, as well as implementing LED wall technology for real-time backgrounds in hybrid live-action/animation projects.
  4. Cloud-Based Collaboration: With the rise of remote work, especially post-2020, San Francisco studios have become leaders in cloud-based collaboration tools. Many have developed custom pipelines that allow seamless work across distributed teams, tapping into global talent pools while maintaining their San Francisco headquarters.
  5. Expansion into Emerging Media: The role of animation studios has expanded beyond traditional mediums. Many San Francisco studios now create content for AR/VR experiences, interactive installations, and even NFTs, leveraging their expertise in 3D animation and real-time graphics.
  6. Sustainability Focus: Reflecting the city's commitment to environmental issues, many San Francisco animation studios have adopted green technologies in their production processes. This includes using energy-efficient render farms and developing tools to optimize resource usage in animation production.

These technological advancements have not only changed how animation is produced but have also expanded the services that San Francisco studios offer. Many now position themselves as full-service digital content creators, capable of delivering everything from traditional animated content to interactive experiences and virtual productions.

According to a recent industry report, 78% of San Francisco-based animation studios have invested in real-time rendering technologies in the past two years, compared to a national average of 62%. This underscores the city's position as a leader in adopting new animation technologies.

As we look to the future, San Francisco animation studios are likely to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible in animation, driven by the city's unique blend of creative talent and technological innovation. The evolving role of these studios showcases their adaptability and forward-thinking approach in an increasingly digital and immersive world.



Animation agencies in San Francisco, known for their innovation and high standards, employ several strategies to ensure consistency in style and quality across different projects:

  1. Robust Project Management Systems: Many San Francisco animation studios use advanced project management tools like Shotgun, Trello, or custom-built software to track progress, maintain version control, and ensure all team members are aligned on project goals and standards.
  2. Standardized Workflows: Agencies often develop and adhere to standardized production pipelines. This might include using consistent software suites (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Autodesk Maya, or Toon Boom Harmony) and following established procedures for each stage of production.
  3. Style Guides and Brand Bibles: For each client or project, animation agencies create comprehensive style guides or brand bibles. These documents outline specific visual elements, color palettes, character designs, and animation principles to be followed throughout the project.
  4. Regular Team Reviews: San Francisco animation studios often hold frequent internal reviews where team members can provide feedback, ensuring that all work aligns with the established style and quality benchmarks.
  5. Dedicated Quality Assurance Teams: Larger animation agencies in the Bay Area may have dedicated QA specialists who review all outputs to maintain consistency and catch any deviations from the established style or quality standards.
  6. Ongoing Training and Skill Development: To keep up with the latest trends and technologies, San Francisco animation agencies invest in continuous training for their staff. This ensures that all team members are capable of producing high-quality work consistently.
  7. Collaborative Tools and Cloud-Based Platforms: Agencies utilize cloud-based collaboration tools like Frame.io or Sync Sketch, allowing for real-time feedback and ensuring all team members have access to the most up-to-date assets and information.
  8. Specialized Team Structures: Many agencies in San Francisco use specialized team structures, assigning experts to oversee specific aspects of projects (e.g., character animation, background design, or compositing) to maintain consistency in each area.

By implementing these strategies, animation agencies in San Francisco can maintain a high level of consistency in style and quality, even when working on multiple diverse projects simultaneously. This commitment to excellence has helped establish San Francisco as a hub for top-tier animation production, attracting clients from various industries including tech, entertainment, and advertising.