Political chaos, power struggles, and the complexities of governance provide a fertile ground for compelling storytelling in the world of anime. These political anime dive into the realm of complex narratives, moral dilemmas, and examinations of power dynamics faced by the individuals inhabiting it.

No matter what the setting is, they provide viewers with a thought-provoking exploration of the political landscape, both real and imagined. In this article, we’ll explore the best political anime series that have left audiences enthralled. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

10. Heroic Legend Of Arslan

Before turning into an anime, The Heroic Legend of Arslan started out as a light novel series that became widely popular for its cultural backdrop, characters, and overall storyline. The series also deals with serious issues of slavery, religion, and governance while navigating a world that is in a state of political chaos.

Set in the fictional kingdom of Pars, which is inspired by ancient Persia, the series follows the journey of Crown Prince Arslan who finds himself at the height of a nation that’s been destroyed by the neighboring country. Burning with flames of enmity, Arslan sets out to reclaim his throne and restore Pars to its former glory.

9. Joker Game

Opposed to stereotypical spy anime shows, Joker Game gives an intricate angle to its plot by adding over-the-top supernatural concepts and complex themes that make it a political military drama with spies taking center stage in the race to obtain information.

In the high-tension Japan of the 1930s, the Japanese government established a new spy organization known as the “D Agency” to gather intelligence on other countries. However, as the truth tolls in, they soon come to realize that things may not be as they first appeared on the surface!

8. ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept.

Slow-burn political anime drama ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept. is an intriguing series that develops constantly amidst its government conspiracy and worldbuilding. Set in a peaceful kingdom divided into 13 sovereign territories, the story sees Inspector Jean Otus’s journey through the land auditing bureaus.

Upon investigation, Jean comes to know that a coup d’etat is brewing over royal succession. Without revealing his identity, he must now uncover the truth of it while appearing to be nothing more than a seemingly unconcerned and rather absentminded government inspector.

7. Mobile Suit Gundam

Mobile Suit Gundam weaves military sci-fi action with potent themes of ideological warfare that still resonate with the viewers. Debuting in 1979, the franchise has helped greatly in shaping the Japanese industry and is credited with inspiring every mecha anime that came afterward.

Mobile Suit Gundam is set in the Universal Century (UC) timeline and focuses on the war between the Earth Federation and Zeon. A gifted teenage pilot and a giant humanoid robot known as “Gundam” are the Federation’s only hope to make it through the warfare.

6. Yona Of The Dawn

Shojo anime built around the tropes of harem, historical fantasy, and adventure are a rare sight, and Yona of the Dawn is one of its kind. The series chronicles Princess Yona and her coming-of-age story as she transforms from a pampered princess to a badass warrior.

Based on the medieval era, the anime tracks the journey of Yona gathering allies and becoming a better fighter so she can reclaim her throne and become the true leader she was always meant to be. This epic low-fantasy classic story of a princess in a perilous power struggle is a must-watch political anime.

5. Gate

Modern military fighting against fantasy races in another world – GATE adroitly balances the two colliding worlds through persistent clashes, diplomacy, and cultural conflicts. The series follows the Japanese Self-Defense Force (JSDF) as they explore a mysterious otherworldly portal that has appeared in Tokyo.

Led by Youji Itami, the JSDF is sent to deal with the Empire of undeveloped fantasy civilization which is bringing an army of medieval creatures into the country. The JSDF must use its modern military technology to not just survive in this new world but also protect Japan from any threats that may come from the other side of the gate.

4. Fullmetal Alchemist

War and imperialism are the prime foundation of Fullmetal Alchemist’s remarkable worldbuilding and storytelling, making it a standalone example of how political anime are earnestly done right. The story primarily centers around the Elric brothers, Edward & Alphonse, who try to resurrect their deceased mother.

The failed ritual results in taking Alphonse’s entire body and limbs of Edward. To bring back whatever they lost, the brothers set out on a quest to find the Philosopher’s Stone! The way this series culminates from start to end without leaving any loose ends makes it one of the best anime to date.

3. Attack On Titan

Coming from the brilliant mind of Hajime Isayama, Attack on Titan crafts a thrilling narrative around human political tensions and the fight for survival against the menacing Titans. Needless to say, it’s a brutal and ravaging series that’s not afraid to kill off the main cast if that’s what the story requires.

Set in a dystopian world, the manga sees the struggle of humanity to protect themselves from the mindless humanoid predators called Titans while living behind a series of protective walls. Full of mysteries to uncover, Attack on Titan is worth checking out political anime and manga for beginners.

2. Code Geass

Code Geass emphasizes the political and moral turmoil between three dominions – Holy Britannian Empire, the Chinese Federation, and the European Union. The story follows Lelouch Lamperouge, the exiled prince of Britannia, who swears to take revenge on the empirical state for destroying his homeland.

After obtaining the “power of absolute disobedience” through his supernatural ability known as Geass and aided by high-powered mechs, Lelouch leads a rebellion against the rule of the Holy Britannian Empire to bring it down once and for all! Code Geass explores rebellion through strategic action and militant warfare.

1. Psycho-Pass

Psycho-Pass is a cyberpunk psychological thriller anime by Production IG taking place in an authoritarian future dystopia where omnipresent public sensors continuously scan the mental states of every passing citizen in order to determine their criminal propensity.

The series follows Akane Tsunemori, a young woman who’s part of a team tasked with apprehending individuals whose “Psycho-Pass” levels indicate they may pose a threat to society. Alongside her colleagues, Akane explores the ethical dilemmas surrounding crime prevention in a futuristic setting.

Which one of the following political anime is your favorite? Feel free to comment down your thoughts and make sure to recommend some other anime like the ones listed above, also don’t forget to share this article with your fellow otaku friends.

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