Looking for anime like 86 Eighty-Six? This military sci-fi anime is set in a world where the Republic of San Magnolia claims to fight a war without casualties, but secretly sacrifices the 'Eighty-Six' in battles. Vladilena Milizé, an officer, and Shinei Nouzen, the leader of the Eighty-Six squadron, confront the corrupt system and the realities of war. For more thrilling anime with political intrigue, underdog soldiers, and humanity's fight, check out our recommendations. Attack on Titan is a clear pick, with The Survey Corps sacrificing themselves to save humanity from 'Titans.' Code Geass is another popular mecha series with sci-fi elements and a gritty war backdrop. Other series like Eighty-Six include Darling in the Franxx, Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans, Violent Evergarden, and Akame ga Kill!. Browse our list and vote for the series you'd recommend to fans.
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Why You'd Like This Show:
Like86 Eighty-Six,Darling in the FranxxThis dystopian sci-fi anime puts teenagers in giant robots to fight threats to humanity. The show explores survival and identity. Characters like Hiro and Zero Two face personal and societal problems. Both series use mecha to address the emotional and existence issues young soldiers face.
About the Anime:
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Why You'd Like This Show:
Attack on Titanand86 Eighty-SixBoth shows show the harshness of war. They focus on underdog soldiers facing massive threats to humanity. Both anime address political control and society's mistreatment. Main characters fight unfair systems.
About the Anime:
27 - 3

Why You'd Like This Show:
Although the tone differs,Violet Evergardenshares with86 Eighty-SixThis series deals with the aftermath of war. Violet, a former soldier, seeks meaning in civilian life. She reflects on personal losses, similar to the soldiers' struggles in 86.86. This series is a drama, focusing on character growth and emotional recovery.
About the Anime:
26 - 4

Why You'd Like This Show:
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellionand86 Eighty-SixBoth anime feature characters who challenge harsh governments. They act based on personal and political goals. Both share themes of rebellion and sacrifice; main characters lead groups against powerful forces. Also, both fit the military sci-fi genre, using intense battles and strategy.
About the Anime:
19 - 5

Why You'd Like This Show:
The series follows Tatsumi and Night Raid. They try to overthrow a tyrannical regime. This mirrors the fight against oppressive forces in 86.86. This anime is action-drama. It highlights sacrifice and justice. Like86 Eighty-Six,Akame ga Kill!This series shows fighters challenging a corrupt system. It features intense battles and high stakes.
About the Anime:
18 - 6

Why You'd Like This Show:
Vinland Sagacaptures themes found in 86. The series focuses on vengeance and the harshness of war. Thorfinn seeks revenge, raised by Vikings who killed his family. Both anime show character growth through violence and oppression, set in a historical, adventurous setting.86 Eighty-Six, with a focus on vengeance and the harsh realities of war. The series follows Thorfinn, raised by the Vikings who killed his family, as he seeks revenge. Both anime highlight character growth through violence and oppression, set in a historical, adventurous backdrop.
About the Anime:
15 - 7

Why You'd Like This Show:
This anime builds a gritty world. Characters fight for survival in a tech-heavy society.Cyberpunk: EdgerunnersThis follows a street kid battling challenges in a cybernetic future. It echoes the existence struggles of soldiers in 86.86. This show is sci-fi action, focusing on identity and resistance against system forces.
About the Anime:
12 - 8

Why You'd Like This Show:
While lighter, this series shares with86 Eighty-SixMartian Successor Nadesico offers a theme: defending humanity from alien threats in a sci-fi setting.Martian Successor NadesicoThe series follows a crew aboard a battleship. It mixes comedy and mecha action.
About the Anime:
11 - 9

Why You'd Like This Show:
The show echoes the sci-fi and psychological elements of86 Eighty-Six, Neon Genesis EvangelionTeens pilot giant machines to fight existential threats. Characters like Shinji Ikari face intense personal and psychological battles, mirroring the internal conflicts of86'sBoth series examine the psychological effects of warfare in the mecha genre. They blend action with deep character exploration.
About the Anime:
10 - 10

Why You'd Like This Show:
Fullmetal Alchemist: BrotherhoodBrothers Edward and Alphonse Elric search for the Philosopher's Stone to restore their bodies. This reflects the deep personal motivations driving characters in86. Akin to86 Eighty-SixIt weaves a tale of military intrigue and personal quests for truth and freedom.
About the Anime:
10 - 11

Why You'd Like This Show:
Cross Angeshares themes with86 Eighty-Six, focuses on marginalized characters fighting for survival in a hostile world. Protagonist Ange faces betrayal and exile, leading outcasts in battles. This mirrors the struggle of Shinei and the Eighty-Six. The series mixes mecha and fantasy, exploring identity and resistance.
About the Anime:
9 - 12

Why You'd Like This Show:
Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipsemirrors86 Eighty-SixThe series shows a world under alien siege. Humanity uses mecha technology for survival. Characters pilot Tactical Surface Fighters against the BETA, showing resilience and sacrifice.
About the Anime:
8 - 13

Why You'd Like This Show:
Gundam: Requiem for VengeanceThe Zeon space colonies rebel against the Earth Federation. Both series show intense battles and strategic warfare. Characters fight for freedom and justice in the mecha genre. ThisGundamThe series features themes of rebellion and conflict against an oppressive regime.
About the Anime:
7 - 14

Why You'd Like This Show:
This anime mirrors86 Eighty-SixIt focuses on young soldiers fighting for freedom in a war-torn setting. Characters like Mikazuki Augus lead battles against dominating powers. The series fits the action sci-fi mecha genre, showing bonds formed in war and the fight against oppressive systems.
About the Anime:
7 - 15

Why You'd Like This Show:
The series follows Tanya, a reincarnated Japanese salaryman turned young military prodigy fighting relentless warfare. Both anime use military narratives exploring survival, power, and personal belief.The Saga of Tanya the Evil, like86 Eighty-SixThe Saga of Tanya the Evil explores war and how it affects people forced onto harsh, strategic battlefields.
The Saga of Tanya the Evil appears in the list 'Best Anime Like '86 Eighty-Six'.
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