15 Best War Anime: Buckle Up for Battles, Bravery, and Brutal Reality

War anime is a genre that explores the conflicts and challenges of war, whether it be based on real events, fictional scenarios, or futuristic settings. This genre often delves into themes of politics, morality, loyalty, sacrifice, and survival, while also incorporating elements of action, drama, and romance.

The appeal of war anime lies in its ability to provide different perspectives and insights on war, as well as offering entertainment and excitement to a diverse range of viewers.

However, selecting the best war anime to watch can be a daunting task. There are several factors to consider, including the plot, characters, animation, music, message, and impact. Additionally, personal preference and taste also play a significant role, as some individuals may prefer realistic and gritty war anime, while others may gravitate towards more fantastical and adventurous narratives.

To assist you in making a decision, we have curated a list of the top 15 war anime that are currently available for viewing. These anime encompass various genres, such as fantasy, science fiction, historical, and psychological, and each possesses its own unique and memorable qualities.

So, without further delay, let us embark on this journey through the 15 best war anime: prepare yourself for epic battles, acts of bravery, and the harsh realities of war.

15. Record of Grancrest War

Record of Grancrest War is a fantasy romance anime that follows the adventures of Theo Cornaro, a young lord who aims to liberate his homeland from tyranny, and Siluca Meletes, a talented mage who wants to end the chaos caused by the Grancrest, a magical crest that grants power and influence. Together, they form an alliance and join the fight against the corrupt lords who exploit the Grancrest for their own gain. Along the way, they encounter various allies and enemies, as well as political intrigues and supernatural threats.

Record of Grancrest War is a good war anime for those who enjoy epic battles, magic, and romance. The anime has a fast-paced and action-packed plot, with plenty of twists and turns. The animation is also impressive, especially the fight scenes and the special effects. The characters are diverse and likable, each with their own goals and personalities. The anime also explores the themes of war, such as the cost of power, the value of peace, and the meaning of loyalty.

14. Zipang

Zipang is a historical anime that revolves around the Mirai, a modern Japanese naval destroyer that travels back in time to the Pacific War during World War II. The crew of the Mirai faces a dilemma, as they have to decide whether to intervene in the war and change history, or to remain neutral and observe the events. Their decision is complicated by the fact that they encounter both the Japanese and the American forces, as well as historical figures, such as Admiral Yamamoto and President Roosevelt.

Zipang is a good war anime for those who are interested in history, especially the Pacific War. The anime offers a realistic and detailed depiction of the war, as well as the culture and politics of the time. The anime also raises some ethical and moral questions, such as the responsibility of time travelers, the consequences of altering history, and the nature of war. The animation is decent, and the music is fitting. The characters are also well-developed, as they struggle with their emotions and choices.

13. Altair: A Record of Battles

Altair: A Record of Battles is a historical anime that centers on Mahmut Tuğrul, a young and idealistic general of the Türkiye Stratocracy, a nation based on the Ottoman Empire. Mahmut is determined to prevent a war between his country and the Balt-Rhein Empire, a nation based on the Holy Roman Empire. However, he soon realizes that there are hidden forces and conspiracies behind the scenes, and that he has to use his intelligence and diplomacy to protect his homeland and his people.

Altair: A Record of Battles is a good war anime for those who appreciate strategy, politics, and culture. The anime has a complex and intriguing plot, with many twists and surprises. The animation is also beautiful, with a distinctive and colorful art style. The characters are diverse and charismatic, each with their own motivations and backgrounds. The anime also showcases the different cultures and civilizations of the world, as well as the themes of war, such as the clash of ideals, the role of leadership, and the price of freedom.

12. The Heroic Legend of Arslan

The Heroic Legend of Arslan is a fantasy anime that follows the journey of Arslan, the crown prince of Pars, a kingdom based on ancient Persia. Arslan is forced to flee his capital after it is invaded by the Lusitanian army, a nation based on medieval Europe. Along with his loyal companions, Arslan seeks to reclaim his throne and his country, as well as to end the slavery and oppression that plague the land.

The Heroic Legend of Arslan is a good war anime for those who love adventure, friendship, and justice. The anime has a captivating and adventurous plot, with many challenges and enemies. The animation is also stunning, with a smooth and fluid motion. The characters are lovable and memorable, each with their own skills and personalities. The anime also explores the themes of war, such as the contrast of cultures, the impact of religion, and the quest for peace.

11. Jormungand

Jormungand is a modern anime that focuses on the exploits of Koko Hekmatyar, a young and eccentric arms dealer who travels around the world selling weapons and making deals. She is accompanied by her team of bodyguards, who are mostly former soldiers and mercenaries. Among them is Jonah, a child soldier who hates weapons and war, but joins Koko for his own reasons. Together, they face various dangers and enemies, as well as the secrets and mysteries of Koko’s ultimate plan.

Jormungand is a good war anime for those who enjoy action, humor, and thrill. The anime has a fast and exciting plot, with plenty of gunfights, explosions, and chases. The animation is also crisp and dynamic, with a realistic and gritty feel. The characters are fun and quirky, each with their own quirks and stories. The anime also touches on the themes of war, such as the morality of arms dealing, the effects of violence, and the meaning of life.

10. Legend of the Galactic Heroes

Legend of the Galactic Heroes is a sci-fi anime that depicts the epic and long-lasting war between the Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance, two interstellar states that vie for supremacy in the galaxy. The anime mainly follows the perspectives of two brilliant military leaders, Reinhard von Lohengramm of the Empire and Yang Wen-li of the Alliance, as they clash with each other and their own factions, while also facing the threat of a mysterious and fanatical cult, the Terraists.

Legend of the Galactic Heroes is a good war anime for those who appreciate strategy, politics, and philosophy. The anime has a complex and rich plot, with many characters and events. The animation is also well-done, with a realistic and detailed style. The characters are deep and realistic, each with their own goals and ideals. The anime also explores the themes of war, such as the nature of democracy and dictatorship, the role of history and culture, and the meaning of justice and freedom.

9. Kingdom

Kingdom is a historical anime that follows the story of Xin, a young and ambitious orphan who dreams of becoming a great general of the state of Qin, one of the seven warring states of ancient China. Xin joins the army of Qin and befriends Ying Zheng, the young king of Qin who aims to unify China under his rule. Together, they face many enemies and challenges, as well as the harsh realities of war.

Kingdom is a good war anime for those who love action, history, and ambition. The anime has a thrilling and inspiring plot, with many battles and victories. The animation is also amazing, with a blend of 2D and 3D effects. The characters are strong and determined, each with their own growth and development. The anime also portrays the themes of war, such as the cost of ambition, the value of friendship, and the spirit of courage.

8. The Saga of Tanya the Evil

The Saga of Tanya the Evil is a fantasy anime that centers on Tanya Degurechaff, a ruthless and cunning soldier who is reincarnated as a young girl in an alternate world where magic and technology are used for warfare. Tanya is actually a former Japanese salaryman who was killed by a disgruntled employee, and then challenged by a mysterious being called Being X, who claims to be God. Tanya’s goal is to survive the war and prove Being X wrong, while also rising through the ranks of the military.

The Saga of Tanya the Evil is a good war anime for those who enjoy dark humor, magic, and anti-heroes. The anime has a unique and twisted plot, with plenty of irony and sarcasm. The animation is also superb, with a vivid and colorful palette. The characters are also interesting and complex, especially Tanya, who is both evil and sympathetic. The anime also explores the themes of war, such as the role of faith, the effects of karma, and the meaning of evil.

7. 86

86 is a sci-fi anime that follows the conflict between the Republic of San Magnolia and the Empire of Giad, two nations that use unmanned drones called Legion to fight each other. However, the truth is that the Republic secretly uses human pilots, who are discriminated and oppressed by the majority, to operate the drones. The anime mainly focuses on the relationship between Shin, the leader of the 86th Strike Package, a squad of human pilots, and Lena, a military officer who communicates with them from a safe distance.

86 is a good war anime for those who enjoy drama, tragedy, and suspense. The anime has a gripping and emotional plot, with many twists and shocks. The animation is also impressive, with a realistic and dark tone. The characters are also compelling and tragic, each with their own struggles and hopes. The anime also explores the themes of war, such as the dehumanization of soldiers, the hypocrisy of society, and the value of life.

6. Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan is a fantasy anime that depicts the survival of humanity against the Titans, giant humanoid creatures that devour humans without reason. The anime follows the story of Eren Yeager, a young boy who vows to exterminate the Titans after his mother is killed by one of them. He joins the Survey Corps, an elite military unit that fights the Titans outside the walls that protect the last remnants of humanity. Along with his friends and comrades, he uncovers the secrets and mysteries behind the Titans and the world.

Attack on Titan is a good war anime for those who love action, horror, and mystery. The anime has a thrilling and epic plot, with many surprises and revelations. The animation is also spectacular, with a fluid and intense motion. The characters are also dynamic and complex, each with their own growth and development. The anime also explores the themes of war, such as the loss of innocence, the corruption of power, and the meaning of freedom.

5. Code Geass

Code Geass is a sci-fi anime that revolves around Lelouch vi Britannia, a former prince of the Holy Britannian Empire, a superpower that dominates the world. Lelouch is exiled to Japan, a colony of Britannia, where he meets C.C., a mysterious girl who grants him the power of Geass, the ability to command anyone to obey his orders. Using his new power and his genius intellect, Lelouch leads a rebellion against Britannia under the alias of Zero, the leader of the Black Knights, a group of freedom fighters.

Code Geass is a good war anime for those who enjoy strategy, mecha, and drama. The anime has a brilliant and captivating plot, with many twists and turns. The animation is also stunning, with a vibrant and colorful style. The characters are also fascinating and charismatic, each with their own motives and personalities. The anime also explores the themes of war, such as the clash of ideals, the impact of choices, and the meaning of justice.

4. Vinland Saga

Vinland Saga is a historical anime that follows the adventures of Thorfinn, a young Viking warrior who seeks revenge against Askeladd, the mercenary leader who killed his father. Thorfinn joins Askeladd’s band and fights for him in various battles and wars, while also waiting for the opportunity to challenge him in a duel. Along the way, he encounters many friends and foes, as well as the legends and myths of the Viking age.

Vinland Saga is a good war anime for those who enjoy action, history, and drama. The anime has a gripping and realistic plot, with many conflicts and emotions. The animation is also superb, with a detailed and realistic style. The characters are also complex and compelling, each with their own growth and development. The anime also explores the themes of war, such as the cycle of violence, the impact of family, and the meaning of home.

3. Violet Evergarden

Violet Evergarden is a fantasy anime that centers on Violet, a former child soldier who was used as a weapon in the war. After the war ends, Violet becomes an Auto Memory Doll, a person who writes letters for others. Through her job, Violet learns about the feelings and emotions of people, as well as her own. She also tries to understand the last words of her former commander and lover, Gilbert, who told her “I love you” before he disappeared.

Violet Evergarden is a good war anime for those who enjoy romance, drama, and beauty. The anime has a touching and emotional plot, with many stories and characters. The animation is also breathtaking, with a gorgeous and colorful style. The characters are also beautiful and charming, each with their own personalities and stories. The anime also explores the themes of war, such as the trauma of soldiers, the healing of wounds, and the value of love.

2. Darling in the Franxx

Darling in the Franxx is a sci-fi anime that follows the story of Hiro, a young pilot who has lost his motivation and passion for life. He meets Zero Two, a mysterious and rebellious girl who has horns and is part of a special race called the klaxosaurs. Together, they pilot a giant mecha called Franxx, and fight against the klaxosaurs, who threaten the existence of humanity. Along with their friends and comrades, they also discover the secrets and mysteries behind their world and themselves.

Darling in the Franxx is a good war anime for those who enjoy mecha, action, and romance. The anime has a thrilling and adventurous plot, with many twists and turns. The animation is also amazing, with a smooth and dynamic motion. The characters are also fun and lively, each with their own quirks and relationships. The anime also explores the themes of war, such as the role of emotions, the effects of society, and the meaning of existence.

1. Grave of the Fireflies

Grave of the Fireflies is a historical anime that tells the story of Seita and Setsuko, two siblings who struggle to survive in Japan during World War II. After losing their mother and their home in a firebombing, they move to their aunt’s house, where they face harsh treatment and starvation. They decide to leave and live in an abandoned bomb shelter, where they try to find happiness and hope in the midst of war and despair.

Grave of the Fireflies is a good war anime for those who enjoy tragedy, drama, and realism. The anime has a heartbreaking and powerful plot, with many scenes and moments that will make you cry. The animation is also beautiful, with a realistic and expressive style. The characters are also adorable and tragic, each with their own innocence and dreams. The anime also explores the themes of war, such as the loss of childhood, the impact of hunger, and the value of life.

Conclusion

War anime is a captivating genre that brings forth a plethora of entertainment, thrill, and heartfelt emotions to its viewers. It not only offers diverse perspectives and profound insights on war but also delves into the various themes and issues associated with it.

Whether you lean towards the realistic and gritty portrayal of war or the enchanting and adventurous aspects, there is undoubtedly a war anime that will cater to your preferences.

We sincerely hope that this article has assisted you in discovering the finest war anime to indulge in or at the very least, piqued your curiosity about this genre. If you have any thoughts or recommendations, please don't hesitate to share them with us.

Thank you for taking the time to read, and may you thoroughly enjoy your war anime viewing experience.