If you’re a fan of 86 Eighty-Six, the military sci-fi anime that portrays the harsh realities of war and the fight for humanity in a dystopian future, you’re probably craving more series that delve into similar themes of rebellion, sacrifice, and survival. 86 Eighty-Six tells the story of Vladilena Milizé, an officer in the Republic of San Magnolia, and Shinei Nouzen, the leader of the “Eighty-Six” squadron, as they fight against a corrupt system that forces marginalized soldiers into battle. If you’re looking for more anime with thrilling military plots, mecha elements, and emotional character arcs, this list is for you.
1. Attack on Titan
Why You’d Like This Show:Both Attack on Titan and 86 Eighty-Six explore the grim realities of war, focusing on underdog soldiers fighting against overwhelming odds to protect humanity. Both series feature protagonists fighting against unjust systems and navigating themes of political control and societal mistreatment.
About the Anime:Set in a world besieged by monstrous Titans, Attack on Titan follows a group of young soldiers, including Eren Yeager, as they struggle to reclaim their world from destruction.
2. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Why You’d Like This Show:In Code Geass, like 86 Eighty-Six, the main characters challenge oppressive regimes, driven by personal and political motivations. Both shows feature intense rebellion, sacrifice, and strategic military battles.
About the Anime:Lelouch Lamperouge, a former prince of Britannia, uses the mystical “Power of Kings” to lead a rebellion against the oppressive government, fighting to free the people from tyranny.
3. Darling in the Franxx
Why You’d Like This Show:Set in a dystopian future, Darling in the Franxx explores themes of survival, identity, and societal expectations, much like 86 Eighty-Six. Both anime involve young soldiers piloting mechas to combat existential threats to humanity.
About the Anime:Teenagers Hiro and Zero Two pilot giant mechs called Franxx to defend humanity from monstrous invaders, all while confronting complex emotional and existential struggles.
4. Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans
Why You’d Like This Show:Similar to 86 Eighty-Six, Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans follows young soldiers fighting for freedom within a war-torn world. The anime also touches on themes of rebellion, sacrifice, and the bond formed in the heat of battle.
About the Anime:Mikazuki Augus and his fellow orphans fight to free Mars from Earth’s control in this mecha-heavy series, where they struggle to survive in a brutal, unforgiving society.
5. Violet Evergarden
Why You’d Like This Show:While Violet Evergarden focuses more on emotional healing, it shares the theme of dealing with the aftermath of war, similar to 86 Eighty-Six. Both series follow former soldiers as they attempt to find meaning and peace after experiencing the horrors of battle.
About the Anime:Violet Evergarden, a former soldier, adapts to civilian life and searches for meaning behind her commander’s final words.
6. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Why You’d Like This Show:Both Neon Genesis Evangelion and 86 Eighty-Six combine mecha battles with deep psychological and emotional conflict. The characters, such as Shinji Ikari in Evangelion, grapple with the psychological toll of war, making both series resonate with fans seeking emotional depth.
About the Anime:Teens pilot massive robots to combat terrifying creatures in Neon Genesis Evangelion, while struggling with existential crises and the psychological burdens of their missions.
7. Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse
Why You’d Like This Show:Set in a world under siege by alien forces, Muv-Luv Alternative shares similar themes of resilience and sacrifice found in 86 Eighty-Six. The anime follows soldiers who pilot mechas in their fight against overwhelming alien invaders.
About the Anime:In an alternate timeline, Earth is under invasion by an alien race known as the BETA, and humanity’s only hope lies in mechas known as Tactical Surface Fighters.
8. Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance
Why You’d Like This Show:Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance follows the Zeon colonies as they rebel against the Earth Federation, much like the resistance themes explored in 86 Eighty-Six. Both anime depict intense battles and strategic warfare, with characters driven by ideals of freedom and justice.
About the Anime:The Principality of Zeon’s rebellion against the Earth Federation sparks a war that pits rebels against a powerful government.
9. Cross Ange
Why You’d Like This Show:Like 86 Eighty-Six, Cross Ange follows characters who are marginalized and must fight for survival in a hostile world. Both anime focus on protagonists who lead groups of outcasts in battles, fighting against corrupt and oppressive systems.
About the Anime:Princess Ange, a young woman betrayed and exiled, leads a group of outcasts in a battle against an enemy that threatens their existence.
10. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Why You’d Like This Show:Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood shares thematic similarities with 86 Eighty-Six, including military intrigue, personal sacrifice, and a quest for truth. Both series feature protagonists who fight against oppressive systems while seeking redemption and justice.
About the Anime:Brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric search for the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies after a failed alchemical experiment.
11. Akame ga Kill!
Why You’d Like This Show:Akame ga Kill! explores themes of rebellion, justice, and sacrifice, much like 86 Eighty-Six. The series focuses on a group of rebels who fight against a corrupt empire, with intense battles and high stakes.
About the Anime:Tatsumi joins the Night Raid, a group of assassins who seek to overthrow the corrupt government that oppresses the people.
12. Vinland Saga
Why You’d Like This Show:Like 86 Eighty-Six, Vinland Saga delves into the personal cost of war. Both series focus on characters seeking revenge and redemption, grappling with the harsh realities of violence and oppression.
About the Anime:Thorfinn, a young Viking, seeks revenge against the man who killed his father, embarking on a journey filled with conflict and emotional growth.
13. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
Why You’d Like This Show:Cyberpunk: Edgerunners explores themes of survival in a dystopian world, much like 86 Eighty-Six. Both series feature characters who fight against overwhelming odds while questioning their identities and challenging systemic forces.
About the Anime:A street kid named David Martinez navigates a dangerous, high-tech world of crime and corruption, fighting for survival in a futuristic society.
14. The Saga of Tanya the Evil
Why You’d Like This Show:In The Saga of Tanya the Evil, Tanya, a military prodigy, is reincarnated and forced into brutal warfare, much like the soldiers in 86 Eighty-Six. Both series explore survival, power, and personal conviction in the midst of war.
About the Anime:A reincarnated salaryman is reborn as a young military officer, and her ruthless tactics and strategic mind propel her through a brutal world at war.
15. Martian Successor Nadesico
Why You’d Like This Show:Martian Successor Nadesico is a lighter mecha series but shares themes of survival and rebellion with 86 Eighty-Six. It involves characters who are thrust into war and must navigate complex emotional and political landscapes.
About the Anime:Set in a future where Earth is at war with Martian forces, the crew of the Nadesico battles to protect humanity, all while dealing with their personal struggles.
These anime, much like 86 Eighty-Six, bring their characters through intense military conflicts, deep personal growth, and rebellions against corrupt powers. If you’re looking for more anime that mix mecha, military drama, and emotional storytelling, this list is a great place to start. Vote for the anime you’d recommend to other fans!
Related Topics
10 Pokémon Ash Ketchum Should Have Used More in the Anime, Ranked
The 10 Best Mascot Characters in Shojo Anime, Ranked
10 Completely Unhinged Anime Characters Like Yakuza Fiancé’s Kirishima