War anime frequently portrays the devastation and atrocities of war, while also exploring concepts of integrity, responsibility, and selflessness. Many exceptional war anime are grounded and authentic, while others incorporate elements of fantasy or futuristic technology.
For fans of military fiction in various forms, these anime choices are highly recommended. In recent times, war anime has gained significant traction. Timeless titles such as Legend of the Galactic Heroes are known for their complex characters and strategic space combat scenes.
More recent series such as Attack on Titan and 86 showcase the ongoing success of the genre, offering unique narratives and stunning animation. The war anime listed below cover a wide range of time periods, settings, and subgenres, but all deliver gripping tales of warfare and its consequences.
10 Unforgettable War Anime Featuring Combat and Strategy
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is widely regarded as one of the greatest anime series of all time, offering a captivating blend of emotional intensity and military fantasy elements.
In a society where alchemy is a highly developed field with strict rules and boundaries, the series centers around two brothers on a quest to find the Philosopher’s Stone in order to regain their physical forms following a botched alchemical experiment.
The characters find themselves deeply involved in a covert battle against malevolent supernatural beings who have been manipulating their government from behind the scenes. This anime delves into intense fights fueled by alchemy, as well as political schemes and moral dilemmas as the protagonists resist a corrupt regime. With its expansive narrative, compelling characters, and gripping storylines, this war anime ranks among the best.
2)Movie: Grave of the Fireflies
Grave of the Fireflies is both a powerful anti-war film and a war anime, depicting the struggles of two orphaned children as they try to survive the last months of World War II in Japan.
Despite losing their home in an air raid and being rejected by their indifferent relatives, Seita and Setsuko seek refuge in an abandoned bomb shelter. As their poverty and starvation worsen and their desperation grows, the experience of watching their struggles becomes at times excruciating.
This animated war film effectively showcases the devastating impact of war on human beings. Through its poetic visuals, it leaves a lasting impression on viewers, serving as a powerful reminder of the toll it takes on innocent civilians.
3) Attack on Titan
Currently holding the title of being the most popular anime globally, Attack on Titan presents a unique and imaginative take on the challenges of war.
Despite the massive ringed walls that shield them from the man-eating Titans, humankind is constantly threatened by these monstrous creatures who seem to have no motive for their destructive behavior. However, when the Titans eventually breach the outer wall, a dark truth about their origins is revealed.
The combination of action, world-building, and mystery in Attack on Titan is captivating, as it delves into both geopolitical warfare and intense battles between humans and monsters. As the series progresses, the later seasons unveil intricate political schemes that underlie the ongoing wars of survival.
4) Legend of the Galactic Heroes
This groundbreaking science fiction epic examines the philosophical disagreements at the core of intergalactic conflict, offering profound insights and strategic complexity.
Despite the increasing corruption, there are still idealistic factions within the Galactic Empire and the opposing Free Planets Alliance that strive to maintain justice and democracy. Reinhard von Lohengramm and Yang Wen Li, the main characters of the series, are both brilliant commanders who achieve high military ranks through vastly different means.
The Legend of the Galactic Heroes is a war anime that seamlessly combines epic fleet battles and palace intrigue with thought-provoking dilemmas about war, governance, loyalty, and human nature. The saga’s vast scope and well-developed characters make it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
5) Manga Series: Naruto
The popular ninja anime franchise created by Masashi Kishimoto heavily focuses on clan conflicts and the constant struggle for power between villages, despite efforts to maintain a fragile peace.
Despite the coming-of-age themes being the main focus, the looming threat of war pervades throughout the story, intertwining with generational conflicts, battles against monsters, and the pursuit of the demon fox spirit Kurama. Protagonist Naruto Uzumaki and his rival Sasuke Uchiha find themselves entangled in conspiracies and fights that shape the history of the ninja world.
The characters’ growth and evolution are revealed amidst the ongoing tensions between the prominent ninja villages, such as the Leaf, Stone, Cloud, Mist, and Sand, as they strive for dominance and power in this anime centered around war. The Fourth Great Ninja War is the climax of Naruto Shippuden, featuring both grand battles and intimate one-on-one fights.
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
In a parallel universe, the Holy Britannia Empire has taken control of Japan, renaming it Area 11. The story of Code Geass centers around Lelouch vi Britannia, a prince who is believed to be dead by the majority of the world and is living in hiding.
By chance, he encounters a enigmatic girl named C.C. She bestows upon him Geass, a supernatural ability that gives him the power of absolute control over anyone he establishes direct eye contact with. Lelouch utilizes this Geass, while operating under his alter ego Zero, to ignite a rebellion against his family’s oppressive and imperialistic rule.
This war anime showcases intense mecha battles intertwined with strategic warfare as Lelouch leads the resistance forces of Area 11 with his ruthless tactical genius.
7) Joker Game
In history, the crucial roles played by spies in shadow wars are often overlooked. Joker Game sheds light on the training of operatives in Japan’s pre-WWII spy agency, who were deployed to various units across East Asia to gather intelligence that would impact the Axis powers in the future. The film’s noir elements reflect the complex tradecraft and psychological manipulation involved in espionage.
Observing the D Agency’s covert agents utilizing their unique skill sets proves to be incredibly intriguing.
The Epic Tale of Arslan
Despite the enemy nation overtaking his ruling kingdom of Pars (based on ancient Persia), crown prince Arslan manages to narrowly evade capture. With the help of Daryun, he escapes the occupied capital and begins to gather allies in order to form a resistance army in this epic fantasy anime.
In Arslan Senki, we witness Arslan’s journey towards becoming a capable leader and fighter, as he navigates through exhilarating conflicts that highlight the contrasting beliefs and fighting styles of Pars, whose religion is heavily influenced by Zoroastrianism and centered around the deity Mitra, and Lusitania, which draws inspiration from Turkey and Byzantine cultures.
Despite being outmatched, Arslan displays courage and compassion, embodying the heroic moniker in this war anime and showcasing personal growth.
9) 86
In a future society where the “Colorata”people are marginalized and denied civil rights, 86 combines elements of science fiction and anti-war drama. The story follows the deployment of unmanned combat drones to the front lines by the dystopian nation.
Despite being able to control the drones from a distance, those in privileged positions still remain detached from the brutal consequences of their actions. However, this changes when we are introduced to Shin, a skilled pilot who is part of the 86th infantry squadron. This squadron is made up of former inmates from the Colorata work camp, who have been deemed expendable and are sent on suicide missions.
This war anime raises questions about both the systemic institutional discrimination that leads to the downfall of the “Eighty Sixers”and the extreme militancy embraced by Shin’s team to retaliate. 86 does not provide simple solutions, but instead presents tragic mech battles in a world consumed by unending warfare.
Vinland Saga
Set in the Middle Ages, this Nordic saga follows the ascent of Canute, a Danish leader in the 11th century. With the help of his northern raiding groups and later hired troops, he solidifies his rule over England after his father, the renowned King Sweyn Forkbeard, had previously conquered it.
Thorfinn, the protagonist, is determined to exact violent revenge on Askeladd’s group for killing his father. However, as events unfold, the vengeful child soldier is pulled into the midst of Scandinavian power struggles and the rise of King Canute, a multifaceted and forward-thinking leader in this war-themed anime.
Vinland Saga depicts the profound changes that occur within characters amidst the chaos of North Sea raids and invasions in pre-Norman England. It captures the transformative impact of war on both individuals and cultures, as they clash during the tumultuous era of Viking expansion, which saw the rise of new kingdoms.
Conclusion
The genre of war anime remains a compelling niche in the world of animation, known for its powerful portrayals of the physical and emotional consequences of combat.
No matter which genre appeals to you the most, be it action, military strategy, or contemplative anti-war messages, war anime series such as Attack On Titan, Legend of the Galactic Heroes, Naruto, and others showcase the incredible power of storytelling within the context of war.
As animation technology and storytelling techniques continue to evolve, viewers can anticipate that future war-themed anime will push boundaries and introduce new concepts.
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