What are Anime-style SDXL Models?

New models like Flux and Qwen-Image have increased, but SDXL-based models are still active when it comes to anime style.

To be more precise, models that appeared after SDXL are large in size, and cases of full fine-tuning have decreased considerably.

For photorealistic or CG styles, the performance of the base model itself has become sufficient, but there is still no definitive base model strong in anime style, so the situation is that we have to rely on SDXL.

To be honest, I am not very knowledgeable about anime-style models. I think the ones listed here are representative, but I plan to research again if I have time.

Anime-style models are often fine-tuned sharply, and parameters are unique. When actually using them, be sure to read the model creator's explanation carefully.

In this page, I will briefly introduce only the following 5 lineages as representative anime-style SDXL models.

  • Animagine XL
  • Illustrious XL
  • Pony Diffusion V6 XL
  • Anything XL
  • WAI-illustrious

Animagine XL Family

Animagine XL appeared in the very early stages as an anime-style fine-tuning model. Updates have been continued until relatively recently, and it is a general-purpose model with new knowledge.

Model

Workflow

animagine_xl_4_0_opt.json

Illustrious XL Family

Illustrious XL is a model being developed by OnomaAI. Wait is clearly different from other models is that it is developed by a company. I recall that at one time, alongside Pony Diffusion V6 XL below, it was one of the two giants of the anime style.

Model

Workflow

illustrious_xl_v2_0.json

Pony Diffusion V6 XL

Pony Diffusion V6 XL is a community-created model made to generate My Little Pony as the name suggests. It is stronger in fantasy, beastmen, and furry styles rather than Japanese anime.

Model

Workflow

ponydiffusionv6xl_v6startwiththisone.json

Anything XL

Anything XL is a merged model of several famous anime-style SDXL models (Animagine, Pony, etc.).

Model

Workflow

anythingxl_xl.json

WAI-illustrious Family

WAI-illustrious is one of the derivative models based on Illustrious XL, and it is a popular lineage whose name is still often mentioned now. Even in 2025, version upgrades such as v15 are continuing, and it is a relatively new model among those listed here.

Model

Workflow

waiillustrioussdxl_v150.json