So, you just finished 86 Eighty-Six and now you’re sitting there, staring at your screen, wondering what to do with your life. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back!
Here’s a list of anime similar to 86 that’ll plunge you right back into that delightful pit of existential dread—because who needs sunshine and rainbows when you can have military tactics, emotional scars, and giant mechs?
1. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Imagine if your high school chess club was way more intense and involved actual world domination. That’s Lelouch’s life in a nutshell.
Code Geass follows Lelouch, a prince exiled from the Britannian Empire, who gains a supernatural power called Geass. Using his newfound ability, he leads a rebellion against the oppressive Britannian regime.
Like 86? Love morally ambiguous anti-heroes? Well, Lelouch is here to make you question whether taking over the world is actually a bad thing. Spoiler: It usually is.
2. Attack on Titan
A mix between “I want to see humanity win!” and “Oh my God, did that guy just get eaten?” Yes, yes he did. Attack on Titan is another anime similar to 86 Eighty-Six.
Humanity is on the brink of extinction, hiding behind massive walls to protect themselves from giant humanoid creatures known as Titans. The story follows Eren Yeager and his friends as they join the military to fight against the Titans and uncover the truth about their world.
If 86 got you hooked on tragic backstories and desperate battles, Attack on Titan is ready to push those buttons like it’s smashing through a wall.
3. Aldnoah.Zero
Ever feel like your high school drama was intense? Now add giant robots, interplanetary war, and a ridiculous number of cliffhangers. Suddenly, calculus doesn’t seem so bad.
Set in a future where Earth is at war with a Martian empire, the series follows high school students caught in the conflict as they pilot mechs to defend Earth.
For those who enjoyed 86’s strategic warfare and cold, hard reality checks, Aldnoah.Zero will deliver—with extra mecha action on the side.
4. Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans
Child soldiers? Check. Rebellions? Check. Space politics? Double check. Oh, and don’t get too attached to anyone. You’ve been warned.
Gundam IBO focuses on a group of child soldiers who rebel against their oppressive employers and seek to gain freedom by forming their own mercenary group.
If you thought 86 was heavy, Iron-Blooded Orphans will take your emotions, wring them out, and then stomp on them for good measure.
5. Violet Evergarden
This one’s like a hug from your grandma—if your grandma was a traumatized ex-soldier trying to understand the meaning of love while writing heartfelt letters. You know, typical grandma stuff.
Violet Evergarden follows Violet, a former child soldier, as she reintegrates into society after the war and seeks to understand human emotions while working as a letter writer.
Need a break from all the explosions? Violet Evergarden will soothe your soul while still making you cry like a baby. It’s the emotional rollercoaster you never knew you needed.
6. Muv-Luv Alternative
Think 86 Eighty-Six was intense? Welcome to Muv-Luv Alternative, where things get even crazier with time loops, alternate realities, and alien invaders that make you wish you stayed in bed.
Muv-Luv Alternative is set in an alternate timeline where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to an invasion by extraterrestrial beings known as the BETA. The story follows Takeru Shirogane, who is thrust into this apocalyptic world and must pilot a Tactical Surface Fighter (TSF) to fight the BETA and try to change the course of history.
If you’re craving more high-stakes, humanity-on-the-brink-of-extinction drama, this is the show for you. Just be prepared to have your mind blown—and not always in a good way.
So, grab your popcorn, strap in, and get ready for more anime similar to 86 Eighty-Six that’ll have you questioning your sanity, shedding a few tears, and possibly cheering for a robot or two. Happy watching!
