Top 10 Flying Anime Featuring Pilots and Aviation

For decades, anime centered around aviation have captivated audiences. The excitement of soaring through the skies and engaging in aerial battles still enthralls fans today. Below are 10 of the most noteworthy flying anime that center on pilots and airplanes.

The anime genre presents a distinct viewpoint on aviation, showcasing the evolution of aerial warfare through series set during historical conflicts and featuring next-generation aircraft and advanced dogfighting in futuristic titles.

While some anime focus on students’ quests to acquire their wings, others revolve around skilled flying aces building their reputations in these airborne stories.

10 Flying Anime Soaring Through Skies and Aerial Battles

1. The Magnificent Kotobuki

The Magnificent Kotobuki (Image via GEMBA)

In the fantasy realm of The Magnificent Kotobuki, skilled female fighter pilots compete for dominance in the skies. The anime centers around the Kotobuki Squadron, a team of “airgirls”who utilize state-of-the-art fighters in high-octane aerial combat.

The Magnificent Kotobuki impresses viewers with its intricate plane models and thrilling aerial action scenes. Additionally, the plot highlights the importance of camaraderie and character growth amidst the intense dogfights.

In general, both aviation and anime enthusiasts will find great enjoyment in this flying anime as it skillfully combines thrilling flight sequences with compelling interpersonal dynamics.

Princess Principal

In a steampunk adaptation of the early 20th-century Europe, the Kingdom of Albion is divided into the Commonwealth and the Kingdom following a revolution. The story of Princess Principal centers on a group of spies who are enrolled in a prestigious girls’ academy, where they are trained in covert operations.

One individual who also happens to be a “student”takes on the role of a test pilot for experimental equipment, which includes cutting-edge gadgets and aircraft. While Princess Principal primarily revolves around espionage, the show still showcases impressive flight scenes.

The flying anime, Princess Principal, is elevated by its creative setting, intricate plotting, multifaceted characters, and social commentary. Its unique blend of genres and retro-futuristic aircraft designs contribute to making it a truly one-of-a-kind viewing experience.

3. The Sky Crawlers

The Sky Crawlers (Image via Production I.G)

In this anime movie, the setting is an alternate reality where rival corporate air forces dominate. The main focus is on the actions of young pilots, known as “Kildren,”who are assigned to fly never-ending sorties in perfectly symmetrical fighter planes against evenly matched opponents without ever aging.

Despite the lack of opportunities for peace or eventual retirement, the only means of escape is through death in the cockpit. Despite the fatalistic circumstances, The Sky Crawlers prioritizes contemplative philosophy over action.

In this flying anime, audiences get an intimate look at the daily routines, rituals, and camaraderie shared by the crew members in between missions, rather than just the intense dogfights. The sleek fighter plane profiles also showcase the advancements in aviation technology, but it is the stunning aerial cinematography that truly captivates viewers.

Red Pig

The anime feature film was infused with the personal passion for aviation of legendary director Hayao Miyazaki. It chronicles the exploits of Porco Rosso, an Italian ex-fighter pilot from World War I who now works as a freelance bounty hunter, pursuing air pirates over the Adriatic Sea during the interwar period.

Despite having been transformed to have the head of a pig, Porco remains deeply in love with piloting seaplanes, although he is quite self-conscious about his appearance. The stunning aerial scenes showcase a variety of interwar aircraft designs in action.

The underlying themes of the film highlight Porco’s integrity in maintaining his craft’s independence from the growing influence of fascists and nationalists. It stands out with a poignant narrative that showcases personal redemption set against the backdrop of the early days of aviation, with period-accurate settings. This animated film serves as a testament to Miyazaki’s passion for aviation.

Area 88

The franchise has been adapted in various forms, including manga, anime TV series, and OVAs (original video animations). Each iteration follows the story of Shin, a Japanese pilot who is deceived into joining Area 88, a private military force stationed in the North African desert, and is subsequently obligated to serve as a mercenary for the group.

In this flying anime, Shin and his fellow pilots embark on various combat missions using a variety of modern jet fighters and helicopters. Throughout the series, a significant aspect is the exploration of how the effects of war gradually diminish Shin’s humanity after every battle.

The emotional trauma is enhanced by the stylized 80’s animation, adrenaline-pumping dogfighting action, and eclectic soundtrack. Additionally, the impressively detailed European-designed aircraft add to the overall experience.

6. Stratos 4

In a future where Earth is under constant threat from meteors, humanity has sought refuge in stratified tower cities and airships. Mikaze Honjo, the protagonist, is given the opportunity to realize her lifelong aspiration of becoming a member of an elite squadron of female military pilots responsible for safeguarding this newly established society.

Stratos 4 follows a similar storyline to “Top Gun”in the world of anime, as it centers around flight school challenges and developing love interests. The charming character designs, featuring short skirts, take precedence over precise technical details.

In spite of this, the series remains an uplifting coming-of-age story, with themes of pursuing ambitions and a positive tone that will surely resonate with fans of flying anime. Mikaze’s journey is one that will be thoroughly enjoyed by viewers.

Macross Plus

The Macross Plus OVA, released in 1994, is part of the extensive science fiction Macross franchise. It centers on fighter jets that have the ability to transform as they fight against an alien invasion. The story follows two test pilots as they compete with experimental aircraft in hopes of securing a contract for the next generation of United Nations space fighters.

Macross Plus is renowned for its impressive and lifelike dogfighting animation, which remains just as impressive even after decades. Additionally, the soundtrack composed by Yoko Kanno, with haunting vocals by Sharon Apple, is also highly praised.

This OVA delves into the themes of ambition and creativity, showcasing aviation excellence while also exploring the impact of AI and technology on human relationships. It is a highly recommended watch for anyone interested in aviation.

8. The Cockpit

This anthology of original video animations, created in 1993, provides a raw and unflinching perspective on air combat during World War II, showcasing the experiences of German, British, and American pilots.

In the first episode, we see a skilled new recruit in the Luftwaffe who displays great potential. However, his beliefs on bravery and honor are put to the test when he witnesses the brutalities of war. The following vignettes showcase a Japanese kamikaze pilot and a cynical Japanese bomber crew as the war comes to a close.

The Cockpit is distinguished by its raw glimpses into the mental toll of aerial combat. The realistic animation, particularly the intricate portrayal of cockpit mechanics and g-force impacts, intensifies the anti-war message expressed in this animated aviation piece.

Towards the Terra

In the 2007 science fiction anime series, humans flee a decaying Earth and establish colonies in outer space, living under stringent regulations. The plot centers on Jomy, a boy who grapples with the tension between humans and the Mu, a group of psychic individuals, delving into themes of discrimination and mistreatment.

Toward the Terra has wide appeal with its combination of futuristic fighter designs and epic space battles, all set against a backdrop of an engaging plot that delves into themes of oppression and persecution. The innovative aerial tactics, stemming from the characters’ psychic abilities, also add excitement and creativity to the combat sequences.

Despite the conclusion of the battles, the anime’s thought-provoking social commentary remains the most enduring aspect. Additionally, this aerial anime offers both exhilarating action and insightful contemplation.

Mobile Suit Anime Series

The enduring Mobile Suit Gundam franchise was instrumental in the development of “mecha”anime, which centers on giant humanoid robots known as Mobile Suits fighting in futuristic wars. In addition to ground battles, the series also showcases aerial confrontations through the use of transforming mobile suits and fighter planes.

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, and similar series, feature heart-pumping aerial battles between agile fighter planes that are equipped with state-of-the-art propulsion systems capable of achieving incredible speeds. The pilots must become proficient in using neural interfaces to control the advanced avionics, which allow them to push their planes to perform stunts reminiscent of aerobatic flight.

The aerial battles featured in the long-running Gundam meta series never fail to amaze, whether pitted against hordes of automated enemies or evenly-matched opponents. With high-speed action showcasing bold strategies and unwavering abilities, this flight-based anime consistently captivates viewers with its cutting-edge aerial warfare.

Conclusion

Flying anime has been successful in depicting aerial warfare across different time periods, while also addressing important cultural topics. The captivating sounds of engines and intense battles may capture viewers’ attention, but the stunning visuals and creative narratives offer a deeper exploration of the animation genre.

The titles highlighted above demonstrate the distinctive way in which flying anime depicts the fascination of aviation from various perspectives, whether it be through exhilarating action, detailed depictions of aircrafts, or insightful reflections on humanity’s infatuation with flight. So get ready to be taken on limitless adventures in the sky, limited only by the boundless imaginations of the creators.

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