The drama! The action! The occasional over-the-top hairstyle! All coming your way in 3...2...1…
1. "Legend of the Galactic Heroes" (1988-1997)
Spanning 110 episodes, "Legend of the Galactic Heroes" is quite possibly the War and Peace of anime – a sprawling space epic with complex characters and enough plot twists to keep you on your toes. The series centers on the centuries-long conflict between the Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance. In this grand chessboard of cosmic conflicts, two figures emerge as the main focus – the ambitious military genius Reinhard von Lohengramm, and the tactical prodigy Yang Wen-li. Amid the intricate political intrigue, epic space battles, and multifaceted characters, this series explores the philosophical quandaries of warfare, governance, and personal ambition. "Legend of the Galactic Heroes" is based on a ten-volume novel series by Yoshiki Tanaka. If you're into deep, thoughtful narratives with war as a backdrop, then welcome to your next binge.
2. "Now and Then, Here and There" (1999-2000)
Not your typical war-themed anime, "Now and Then, Here and There" veers away from the common tropes of large-scale battles and intricate strategy, focusing instead on the harrowing reality of war's effects on ordinary individuals. The story begins with Shu, a young boy who unexpectedly gets transported to a dystopian future. Caught in a brutal conflict overseen by a tyrannical king, Shu experiences firsthand the devastating consequences of war. Despite its grim themes, this series resonates with a hopeful undertone about human resilience. A word of caution, though – this series can be quite emotional and gut-wrenching, so keep those tissues handy.
3. "Saiunkoku Monogatari" (2006-2008)
Often overlooked, "Saiunkoku Monogatari" (The Story of Saiunkoku) is a hidden gem that blends historical fantasy with warfare and political drama. The narrative revolves around Shurei Hong, a young woman in a society that restricts the roles of females. Despite these constraints, Shurei dreams of becoming a government official. When she's offered the chance to become the emperor's consort to help reform his lazy ways, Shurei sees a chance to change her country from within. This series has the unique twist of presenting war from a more political, behind-the-scenes perspective. By the way, Saiunkoku is a fictional land that bears a striking resemblance to ancient China. So, if you appreciate intricate court politics and a dash of romance amid your war stories, this one's for you.
4. "Vinland Saga" (2019-present)
Feast your eyes on "Vinland Saga," an anime that intricately weaves history and fiction to deliver a visceral depiction of war during the Viking Age. The story follows Thorfinn, a young Viking boy seeking revenge for his father's murder. As Thorfinn pursues his vendetta, he becomes entangled in a war for the crown of England. "Vinland Saga" masterfully explores the gruesome reality of wars and the toll they take on the human spirit. Its rating on Rotten Tomatoes stands impressively at 94%, which is as rare as a peaceful day in a Viking's life.
5. "Pumpkin Scissors" (2006-2007)
"Pumpkin Scissors" is a series that takes place in the aftermath of a great war. The story centers around Lieutenant Alice L. Malvin, the leader of the Imperial Army's Intelligence Section III – also known as Pumpkin Scissors – tasked with war relief efforts. They might have an amusing name, but their job is anything but – they face corruption, despair, and powerful war criminals. Amid the struggle, the group encounters a former soldier named Randel Oland, whose mysterious past plays a crucial role in the series. A lesser-known anime, "Pumpkin Scissors" presents a distinct take on the war genre by focusing on the reconstruction phase, a rarely explored perspective that's as refreshing as it is poignant.
6. "Flag" (2006)
Ever thought of war being narrated through the lens of a photojournalist's camera? "Flag" does just that. Centering around Saeko Shirasu, a journalist who snaps a photograph of a flag – an iconic image that becomes a symbol of peace for a war-torn Uddiyana. The plot thickens when this very flag is stolen, and Saeko is tasked to cover the mission to retrieve it. "Flag" is an immersive experience, drawing viewers into a realistic portrayal of conflict zones.
7. "Library War" (2008)
In a list dominated by intense dramas, "Library War" introduces a lighter, yet surprisingly poignant take on the war genre. Set in a future where the government tries to censor literature through a "Media Betterment Act," libraries rise to defend their collections through the "Library Freedom Act," essentially waging a war to protect literature. The anime follows Iku Kasahara, the first woman to join the Library Defense Force, who navigates through both military and library duties.
8. "Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit" (2007)
"Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit" combines fantasy with warfare to create an engaging narrative. It tells the story of Balsa, a skilled bodyguard, who is hired to protect a prince marked for death due to a spirit living within him. With its rich world-building, well-rounded characters, and a plot that seamlessly blends action, political intrigue, and subtle commentary on warfare's consequences, "Moribito" is a must-watch. An interesting bit of trivia for you: the series is based on the first book in a twelve-part series written by Nahoko Uehashi, providing ample material for you to explore if you get hooked!
9. "Jormungand" (2012)
"Jormungand," named after the mythical Norse serpent, is a hard-hitting anime series centered around Koko Hekmatyar, a young arms dealer, and Jonah, a child soldier who hates weapons. This contradiction forms the crux of the series, and their journey through an underworld filled with arms dealers, assassins, and soldiers is as thrilling as it is thought-provoking. While "Jormungand" doesn't shy away from depicting the gritty realities of war and the arms trade, it also injects dark humor and wit into the narrative, resulting in a unique blend that's as fascinating as its mythical namesake.
10. "Arslan Senki" (The Heroic Legend of Arslan) (2015-present)
"Arslan Senki" transports us to a fantastical world reminiscent of the historical Middle East. It's a tale of a prince, Arslan, who is forced into exile after his kingdom of Pars is taken over. What follows is an epic quest as Arslan assembles a group of allies to regain his throne, leading to large-scale battles, political intrigue, and a considerable amount of character development. A bonus for art enthusiasts – the series is a visual treat, boasting a vibrant palette and a unique art style.