Ocean-themed anime have been incredibly well-received in the world of animation, featuring a range of settings from intense submarine warfare to mystical occurrences in the depths of the sea. Some transport audiences to fantastical versions of Atlantis, while others offer a glimpse into potential future scenarios where cities have been submerged due to rising water levels.
In this article, we will delve into the world of ocean anime and its diverse genres, from sci-fi thrillers to comedies, that showcase the wonders of underwater settings. Some focus on the joys of scuba diving in vibrant reefs or amateur fishing with quirky friends. We will explore the top 10 ocean anime that feature deep-sea exploration.
Despite their differences, all of these anime explore the captivating beauty of the ocean and the mysteries that lie within its deep, dark depths. Get ready to be immersed in thrilling aquatic adventures filled with action, intrigue, and boundless imagination as we reveal the top ocean-based anime you won’t want to miss. Excitement awaits beneath the waves.
Exploring the Oceans: 10 Must-Watch Anime Series Set at Sea
Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water
The beloved ocean-themed anime Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water leads viewers on an exciting steampunk-influenced journey, as a talented inventor named Jean Rocque Raltique teams up with a enigmatic circus artist named Nadia. Together, they evade villains who desire Nadia’s enchanted Blue Water necklace, with Jean providing crucial assistance in their escape.
Together, the duo embarked on an adventure that took them through Europe and the Mediterranean Sea, as they searched for Nadia’s long-lost home – the legendary city of Atlantis. On board the Nautilus submarine, they worked to uncover a mystery, all while navigating the dangers posed by the formidable Captain Nemo.
By uncovering ancient alien technologies and forming new alliances with other stranded individuals, they embark on a journey of discovery. Infused with a traditional sense of adventure and a timeless narrative of self-exploration, this anime has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the most iconic sea-themed tales.
Blue Submarine No. 6
In the anime series Blue Submarine No. 6, set in a post-apocalyptic world, the villainous scientist Zorndyke wages war against humanity with his army of genetically modified sea creatures. In response, the military creates cutting-edge submarine technology and assembles the Blue Fleet, which is headed by Captain Iga, to combat this perilous threat.
Blue Submarine No. 6 is crucial in humanity’s battle for survival against the rising seas. As a significant portion of Earth is submerged, this vessel presents a glimpse of a future where undersea cities and ships are vital for survival.
The advanced anime showcases futuristic underwater battles and also includes confrontations with unusual and dangerous sea creatures.
Grand Blue Dreaming
Grand Blue Dreaming is a humorous anime set by the ocean, which portrays Iori Kitahara’s move to Izu for college in search of a thrilling new lifestyle filled with gorgeous girls.
Despite initially expecting something different, his college club turns out to revolve around diving, complete with plenty of wild and comical shenanigans. Grand Blue Dreaming is a hilariously absurd show that showcases the joys of diving in crystal clear, vibrant blue waters, amidst drinking parties and college humor.
The characters’ passion for the underwater world is evident through their utilization of extensive scuba gear and regular diving excursions. This combination of ocean exploration and college hijinks creates a distinctive blend of experiences.
Amanchu!
Amanchu! is a calming ocean-themed anime that follows the journey of a timid girl named Futaba Ooki. Through the sport of scuba diving, Futaba discovers newfound confidence and happiness. Along the way, she befriends Hikari Kohinata, a seasoned diver who shares the breathtaking wonders of the underwater world with her.
Amanchu!, an ocean anime, beautifully uses diving as a symbol for conquering obstacles in life with its cheerful and optimistic protagonists and breathtaking landscapes. It effectively conveys the calming tranquility of the ocean amidst the struggles of adolescence.
The joyous bond shared between the two female leads adds to the overall lighthearted atmosphere. Amanchu! truly captures the heartwarming sentiments that lie beneath the ocean’s surface.
Arpeggio of Blue Steel
In the science fiction anime Arpeggio of Blue Steel, a powerful fleet of sentient ships known as the “Fleet of Fog”rules over the Earth’s oceans. In response, humanity creates highly advanced submarines to combat them. These ships are controlled by human-like avatars called Mental Models, which serve as the commanders of the Fleet of Fog’s vessels.
In the anime Arpeggio of Blue Steel, gifted submarine captain Chihaya Gunzou and his vessel, the I-401, face off against the formidable Fleet of Fog in a fight for humanity’s survival. The series portrays numerous coastal areas on Earth under attack by the Fleet, forcing humans to adjust to this unfamiliar and dangerous situation.
Featuring stunning naval battles and a captivating mythological backstory, this anime delivers an abundance of action and intrigue that will satisfy any ocean enthusiast.
6) Air
The tranquil anime Aria takes place in the ocean and follows Akari Mizunashi, a female gondolier-in-training known as an Undine, on Aqua – a planet that has been transformed to resemble Venice. Alongside her fellow trainees, Akari navigates the Neo-Venetian waterways, ferrying both goods and tourists.
As Akari embarks on her slice-of-life adventures and undergoes Undine training, she learns to appreciate the meaningful relationships she forms and the simple joys of everyday life in Aqua. Every episode highlights the breathtaking oceans and canals of Aqua, beautifully captured by Studio Hal Film Maker’s magnificent backgrounds.
At its core, Aria is an iyashikei anime that centers on the exploration of joy and amazement in life’s small moments. Through its immersive world-building and hopeful messages revolving around companionship and personal growth, Aria transports its audience into a tranquil and surreal interpretation of Venice.
Anime: Tsuritama
In the vibrant ocean-themed anime Tsuritama, Yuki, who struggles with social interactions, relocates to Enoshima where he encounters the inquisitive Haru.
Coincidentally, they are both recruited into a fishing club filled with eccentric individuals and become embroiled in a convoluted scheme involving extraterrestrial beings and the destiny of the globe. Tsuritama combines fishing, amusement, and otherworldly enigma for a vibrant, suitable-for-all-ages escapade.
Despite being more lighthearted compared to the other entries, Tsuritama still captures the essence of the joy of ocean fishing and showcases numerous scenes of fishing out in the water. The show’s art style is filled with bright and vibrant colors that reflect the glistening waves of the ocean.
Seikai no Monshou (Crest of the Stars)
Despite taking place mostly in outer space, Seikai no Monshou (Crest of the Stars) centers around the story of Jinto, a young noble who embarks on a quest to enlist in the military.
He encounters Lafiel, a princess of the Abh and successor to the empire, and becomes embroiled in a galactic war as massive fleets fight for dominance across different planets and spaceships.
The Crest of the Stars is a sprawling science fiction epic set in space. While the primary focus of the series is on interstellar travel, it also incorporates elements of nautical language and references in its portrayal of naval space fleet operations, drawing parallels between the exploration of space and that of the vast ocean.
Children of the Sea
The captivating ocean-themed anime Kaijuu no Kodomo (Children of the Sea) opens with Ruka, a young girl, discovering unusual occurrences at the aquarium where her father is employed. These experiences reignite her fascination with the ocean.
Together, she joins forces with Umi and Sora, two enigmatic boys who seem to have a strong bond with the unusual occurrences. They embark on a journey to investigate the inexplicable events related to the ocean. Children of the Sea is a captivating supernatural drama that delves into the intricate connection between humanity and marine life.
Through its vibrant watercolor visuals, this anime film effectively juxtaposes the contrasting air and sea environments. The majority of the plot delves into the peculiar occurrences taking place amongst schools of fish worldwide. Children of the Sea brilliantly intertwines marine biology concepts with a mystical perspective.
One Piece
It would be impossible to compile a list of ocean-themed anime without acknowledging One Piece. This enduring series follows Monkey D. Luffy, a character with incredible physical prowess and the ability to stretch like rubber, which he obtained by consuming the Gomu Gomu no Mi, a type of Devil Fruit.
As he embarks on his journey at sea, his goal is to discover the legendary treasure known as One Piece and claim the title of King of the Pirates. However, his voyage will not be without challenges as he faces competition from the Navy and other outlaws. One Piece, being one of the longest-running and widely beloved anime, showcases a variety of thrilling sea expeditions.
Luffy and his eccentric Straw Hat Pirate crew face perilous storms, peculiar sea creatures, enigmatic undiscovered islands, and other challenges throughout their travels across the multiple seas of this fantastical pirate universe, including the Four Blues, the Grand Line, and the New World.
Summary of Findings
The vast ocean provides endless opportunities for anime creators to explore themes of adventure, mystery, and imagination. This list of 10 ocean-based anime series showcases captivating stories of underwater kingdoms, submarine battles, deep-sea exploration, fishing adventures, and more, all while celebrating the splendor and marvels of our planet’s waters.
Therefore, viewers have the opportunity to choose their preferred underwater adventure from the selection of ocean-themed anime and embark on a thrilling voyage into the depths of the sea. Whether it be bizarre and dreamlike tales, intense battles, or humorous comedies, ocean anime offers a diverse range of options to cater to all preferences of marine enthusiasts.
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