Top 10 Anime Like 86 Eighty-Six
27 October 2025
Introduction
86 Eighty-Six has captured the hearts of anime fans with its gripping story, intense mecha battles, and deeply emotional character arcs. It’s a show that combines political intrigue, military strategy, and the harsh realities of war, all while exploring themes of discrimination, sacrifice, and humanity. If you’ve finished 86 and are looking for more anime that deliver a similar blend of action, drama, and thought-provoking storytelling, you’ve come to the right place.
In this list, we’ve compiled 10 anime series that share the intense battles, character-driven stories, or dystopian settings that 86 fans will love. Whether you’re drawn to the tactical warfare, the mecha action, or the emotional depth of the characters, each of these series offers something to satisfy your cravings for epic storytelling.
Top 10 Anime Like 86 Eighty-Six
10. Valkyria Chronicles
Summary: Set in a fictional European-inspired world at war, this anime follows a group of soldiers fighting for their homeland.
Why It’s Similar: Features military strategy, camaraderie among soldiers, and the struggles of war.
Watch If You Love: Tactical battles, emotional storytelling, and strong character bonds.
9. Aldnoah.Zero
Summary: A high-tech war erupts between Earth and Mars, with pilots controlling advanced mechs.
Why It’s Similar: Mecha battles, political tension, and the emotional toll of warfare.
Watch If You Love: Strategic mecha fights and intense character drama.
8. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Summary: A student gains the power to control anyone and starts a rebellion against a tyrannical empire.
Why It’s Similar: Explores war, rebellion, and moral dilemmas with compelling characters.
Watch If You Love: Political intrigue, strategic battles, and morally complex protagonists.
7. Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans
Summary: Child soldiers fight in mechs to survive in a harsh, war-torn world.
Why It’s Similar: Focus on young soldiers, mecha combat, and the human cost of war.
Watch If You Love: Emotional stakes, realistic military tactics, and epic mech action.
6. God Eater
Summary: In a post-apocalyptic world, humanity fights monstrous creatures with advanced weaponry.
Why It’s Similar: Action-packed battles, dystopian settings, and a focus on teamwork under pressure.
Watch If You Love: High-stakes combat and intense group dynamics.
5. Knights of Sidonia
Summary: Humanity battles alien threats aboard a massive spaceship, relying on mechs to survive.
Why It’s Similar: Sci-fi mecha, survival under extreme conditions, and strategic warfare.
Watch If You Love: Sci-fi world-building, epic mecha battles, and character-driven drama.
4. Heavy Object
Summary: Soldiers battle using massive weapons of war known as “Objects” in a futuristic world.
Why It’s Similar: Military tactics, large-scale conflicts, and teamwork under pressure.
Watch If You Love: Mecha-style action and strategic warfare scenarios.
3. Terra Formars
Summary: Humans attempt to colonize Mars, fighting evolved humanoid cockroaches in deadly missions.
Why It’s Similar: Survival against harsh conditions, intense combat, and moral dilemmas.
Watch If You Love: Gritty battles and high-stakes survival stories.
2. Darling in the Franxx
Summary: Teens pilot giant robots to defend humanity from mysterious monsters.
Why It’s Similar: Emotional storytelling, dystopian society, and mecha action.
Watch If You Love: Character-driven drama and futuristic warfare.
1. The Legend of the Galactic Heroes (OVA and Die Neue These)
Summary: An epic space opera depicting the conflict between two interstellar factions.
Why It’s Similar: Explores war, politics, strategy, and complex character relationships.
Watch If You Love: Deep storytelling, political intrigue, and large-scale battles.
Conclusion
If you loved 86 Eighty-Six for its mix of heart-wrenching drama, intense battles, and complex world-building, these anime are guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. From emotional mecha sagas to political thrillers, each series offers a unique take on war, strategy, and the human spirit. So gear up, pick your next anime, and dive into worlds where courage and sacrifice define the fate of many.
