10 Anime Like Eighty Six – Intense War Stories and Emotional Sci-Fi
If you’re looking for anime like Eighty Six, you’re probably drawn to military science fiction with emotional character arcs, deep political conflict, and the harsh reality of war. 86: Eighty Six blends mecha action with themes of loss, discrimination, and survival, offering a story that’s as thrilling as it is thought-provoking. Here are 10 anime that explore similar tones of rebellion, tragedy, and hope in futuristic or war-torn settings.
1. Attack on Titan
Release Date: 2013
Studio: Wit Studio / MAPPA
Genres: Action, Drama, Fantasy, Military
IMDb Link: here
In a world under siege by towering Titans, humanity struggles for survival within massive walled cities. The soldiers who fight on the front lines face unbearable pressure and emotional trauma. Much like Eighty Six, Attack on Titan is known for its intense action and commentary on social structure, war ethics, and sacrifice. It’s a series where no one is safe, and every battle takes its toll on body and soul.
2. Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans
Release Date: 2015
Studio: Sunrise
Genres: Action, Drama, Mecha, Military
IMDb Link: here
Set in a future where Mars is oppressed by Earth’s ruling powers, this story follows a group of child soldiers who rise up to take control of their own destiny. The young protagonists form their own mercenary company and face brutal combat, political conspiracies, and internal conflicts. Like Eighty Six, this anime challenges the role of youth in warfare and shows the cost of freedom through raw emotion and powerful storytelling.
3. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Release Date: 2006
Studio: Sunrise
Genres: Mecha, Military, Supernatural, Drama
IMDb Link: here
Lelouch, a former prince of the Britannian Empire, gains a supernatural power called Geass and uses it to lead a rebellion against the empire. With high-stakes mecha battles, deep moral ambiguity, and relentless strategy, Code Geass balances thought-provoking drama with explosive action. Fans of Eighty Six will appreciate the show’s exploration of justice, leadership, and the price of rebellion.
4. Darling in the Franxx
Release Date: 2018
Studios: A-1 Pictures, Trigger, CloverWorks
Genres: Sci-Fi, Drama, Mecha
MyAnimeList Link: here
In a dystopian world where children are trained to pilot Franxx mechas, society strictly controls emotion and intimacy. The story follows a team of young pilots struggling with identity, love, and purpose as they fight against monstrous threats. Darling in the Franxx mirrors Eighty Six in its portrayal of youth weaponized by the state and its powerful emotional moments that question humanity’s future.
5. Aldnoah.Zero
Release Date: 2014
Studio: A-1 Pictures, TROYCA
Genres: Mecha, Military, Sci-Fi
MyAnimeList Link: here
Earth becomes the battleground in a war against the Martian Vers Empire, whose advanced technology and brutal tactics overwhelm Earth’s forces. The series focuses on the strategies of a calm, tactical protagonist who must outwit an almost unbeatable foe. Much like Eighty Six, Aldnoah.Zero highlights the tragic consequences of war and the tension between technological might and human will.
6. Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song
Release Date: 2021
Studio: Wit Studio
Genres: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
MyAnimeList Link: here
An AI singer named Vivy is tasked with rewriting the future to prevent a war between AI and humanity. Over the course of 100 years, she confronts the meaning of her own existence, identity, and purpose. With stunning visuals, emotional arcs, and time travel twists, Vivy combines high-stakes science fiction with philosophical depth, much like Eighty Six.
7. Ergo Proxy
Release Date: 2006
Studio: Manglobe
Genres: Mystery, Psychological, Sci-Fi
MyAnimeList Link: here
In a world damaged by environmental collapse, humans live in domed cities alongside androids called AutoReivs. When a mysterious entity called Proxy appears, an investigator uncovers disturbing truths about society and existence. Ergo Proxy shares Eighty Six’s moody atmosphere, complex questions about humanity, and a dystopian setting layered with philosophical intrigue.
8. Valkyria Chronicles
Release Date: 2009
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Genres: Action, Drama, Military, Romance
MyAnimeList Link: here
Based on the popular video game, Valkyria Chronicles tells the story of a small nation caught in the middle of a continental war. A young commander and his team fight to defend their homeland while facing overwhelming odds and deep emotional struggles. It’s a mix of strategy, character growth, and war drama that aligns well with the themes of Eighty Six.
9. Knights of Sidonia
Release Date: 2014
Studio: Polygon Pictures
Genres: Action, Mecha, Sci-Fi
MyAnimeList Link: here
Humanity survives aboard a massive spaceship, fighting alien creatures known as Gauna with giant mechs. The series dives into survival ethics, genetics, and class divide. Its dark tone, sci-fi action, and exploration of societal structure make it an intriguing match for Eighty Six fans.
10. Gunslinger Girl
Release Date: 2003
Studio: Madhouse
Genres: Action, Psychological, Drama
MyAnimeList Link: here
Orphaned girls are turned into cybernetic assassins by a government organization. As they carry out deadly missions, the series explores the cost of conditioning and the loss of innocence. Gunslinger Girl is a slower, more psychological take on child soldiers and trauma—an emotional and powerful experience reminiscent of Eighty Six.
Final Thoughts – Military Drama for Fans of Eighty Six
If you were moved by the dark realism, intense battles, and emotional themes of Eighty Six, these 10 anime are perfect additions to your watchlist. Whether it’s mecha warfare, oppressed soldiers, or powerful moral questions, each series offers something compelling, thought-provoking, and unforgettable.
Which one are you adding to your queue next? Let us know in the comments!