The realm of anime is incredibly expansive, showcasing a multitude of series that span every genre imaginable. One prominent animation studio that has made its mark is A-1 Pictures. Founded in 2006, A-1 Pictures is renowned for its adaptations of various works, most notably the acclaimed Sword Art Online light novel series. Among its many productions, the studio introduced 86 Eighty-Six, which premiered in April 2021 and quickly gained recognition.
86 Eighty-Six revolves around the enduring conflict between the Republic of San Magnolia and the Empire of Giad, which has raged for nine years. Initially, the Empire held the advantage thanks to its advanced mechs, but the tide shifted when San Magnolia unveiled its Juggernaughts. Notably, these mechs are operated by the Colorata minority, a group that faces severe discrimination, being labeled as subhuman. The series received much acclaim, sparking interest in other anime that share thematic elements or storytelling styles.
Updated on March 30, 2025, by Mark Sammut: As of now, the anticipation for a new cour of 86 Eighty-Six seems to be dwindling, despite the initial two-part season being well-received. Nonetheless, fans of the series have a variety of alternative titles to explore.
21 KanColle
Both Anime Feature Young Characters Sacrificing for Their Cause
Primarily recognized for its mobile game success in Japan, KanColle has also spawned two anime seasons and a film. The narrative centers on anthropomorphized military ship girls tasked with defending Earth amid an alien invasion. While it incorporates fantasy elements, many of its battles draw inspiration from historical conflicts such as World War II, generating a persistent atmosphere of impending doom, particularly in its second season.
Though KanColle struggles to maintain consistent quality, its first season blends charming characters with action. However, the tone shifts substantially in the second season, which adopts a far somber and focused narrative involving a group of girls on a desperate mission. This season’s darker themes resonate more closely with the tone of 86 Eighty-Six, albeit without reaching its narrative heights.
20 Pumpkin Scissors
Both Series Narrate Character-Driven War Tales
Don’t let the peculiar title fool you—Pumpkin Scissors is an underappreciated gem that unfolds after a dreadful war. The storyline focuses on a military relief unit led by the optimistic Alice, who embarks on diverse missions aimed at aiding the numerous civilians attempting to rebuild their lives post-conflict.
While it diverges from themes like mechs or child soldiers, similar to those in 86 Eighty-Six, Pumpkin Scissors poignantly addresses PTSD through the eyes of a soldier who faced unimaginable horrors and played a crucial role in the war’s devastation.
19 Gungrave
Both Series Offer Rich Narratives and Complex Characters
Although Gungrave and 86 Eighty-Six differ significantly in setting and genre, they both deliver deeply engaging stories and well-developed characters. While Gungrave intertwines supernatural elements, it fundamentally explores themes of betrayal and organized crime.
The narrative follows Brandon Heat, a small-time gangster who is tragically betrayed and murdered by his closest friend. Thirteen years later, he is resurrected by a scientist, setting off on a vengeful quest to dismantle his old friend’s crime syndicate. The series features gripping action sequences and effectively employs flashbacks to enrich character development.
18 Coppelion
Teenagers in Both Series Undertake Risky Missions
Coppelion, set in 2036, portrays a decimated Tokyo following a nuclear disaster two decades earlier. When a distress signal is received from the city, a specialized team of genetically-engineered teenage girls is dispatched for a rescue operation.
These protagonists possess unique abilities, including radiation immunity. While 86 Eighty-Six may feature more action, fans will identify thematic parallels, including the perilous missions undertaken by youth and the strong bonds between characters. Additionally, Coppelion‘s distinctive animation style merits attention.
17 No.6
Both Series Address Dark and Complex Themes with Young Protagonists
No.6 provides a captivating yet succinct narrative set in a dystopian future. The protagonist, Shion, enjoys a privileged life in an idealized city until a chance encounter with a boy named Nezumi changes everything. After briefly sheltering him, Shion is later hailed as a hero when Nezumi rescues him from false murder accusations.
As Shion unravels the government’s grim secrets surrounding a parasitic wasp, he is drawn into a complex world teeming with death and brutality. Although it may lack the robust mech battles akin to 86 Eighty-Six, both series feature young characters confronting treacherous institutions, making Shion and Nezumi’s journey engaging for fans.
16 God Eater
Unique Stories Centered on Conflict Evoke Similar Themes
Set in the year 2071, God Eater presents a post-apocalyptic narrative where a group of soldiers, known as God Eaters, strives to preserve humanity. Tasked with exterminating deadly creatures known as Aragami, the God Eaters wield powerful weapons referred to as God Arcs, which are derived from the very same monsters.
Both God Eater and 86 Eighty-Six share a focus on intense conflict-driven stories, featuring epic battles and dynamic character interactions that captivate audiences.
15 Gurren Lagann
Energetic Mech Combat Drives Both Series
First airing in 2007, Gurren Lagann remains a staple due to its lively animation and imaginative storytelling. Set in a future ruled by the Spiral King, the series follows Simon, a digger, along with Kamina and Yoko Litner, as they strive to reclaim the surface.
The show features an ever-evolving mech that grows to colossal proportions, ultimately facing off against the Antispiral, a being capable of annihilating universes. Although its action has a more cartoonish flair compared to 86 Eighty-Six, Gurren Lagann guarantees an exhilarating viewing experience.
14 Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury
Captivating Stories with Teen Mechs and Societal Commentary
The Witch from Mercury represents the latest addition to the esteemed Gundam franchise, being notable for its female lead. This iteration presents a conflict between Earthians and Spacians, highlighting stark socio-economic disparities. The protagonist, Suletta Mercury, navigates life at the Asticassia School of Technology amidst corruption from the Benerit Group.
Even though Gundams are technically prohibited due to their lethal nature, this does not hinder Aerial from becoming a sought-after mobile suit. Both this series and 86 Eighty-Six feature young pilots grappling with the moral implications of warfare and the repercussions of unchecked technological advancement.
13 Valkyria Chronicles
Military Focus with Balanced Humor, Action, and Drama
Valkyria Chronicles, a tactical RPG developed by Sega in 2008, was adapted into a 26-episode anime in 2009. It follows Welkin, the son of a celebrated war hero, as he joins a militia to defend Gallia against an invading Empire.
While Valkyria Chronicles sidesteps the sci-fi elements present in 86 Eighty-Six, both series effectively portray the challenges faced by military units during conflict. They highlight the nuances of camaraderie, humor, and tragedy experienced by characters on the battlefield.
12 Deca-Dence
Shared Themes and Shocking Plot Twists
Deca-Dence draws inspiration from notable works like *Attack on Titan*, depicting a future ravaged by pollution and monster assaults that have decimated humanity by 90%. The narrative unfolds within Deca-dence, a moving fortress city that categorizes its inhabitants into Tankers and Gears based on their roles in battling Gadoll threats.
With Natsume, a Tanker mourning her father’s death in a Gadoll attack, aspiring to become a Gear, the series delves into dark themes akin to those present in 86 Eighty-Six. The unexpected twists will keep viewers engaged.
11 Gunparade March
Youth in Both Series Confront the Harsh Realities of War
Despite its humorous moments, 86 Eighty-Six predominantly showcases the militaristic side of its narrative. Similarly, Gunparade March, which debuted in 2003, while occasionally light-hearted, contains substantial action within its 12 episodes. Set in an alternate history where humanity unites to combat alien invaders known as Phantom Beasts, the series follows a group of school students drafted into military service.
The plot captures these young recruits as they pilot formidable humanoid mechs and engage in an ongoing struggle for survival against the extraterrestrial threat.
10 WorldEnd
Exploring Militaristic and Sci-Fi Components
WorldEnd transports viewers into a world nearly doomed by monstrous “Beasts,”leading to humanity’s near-extinction. The surviving remnants pass their days on floating islands, still threatened by these creatures. The tale follows Willem, a warrior from the earlier conflict, who awakens 500 years after a dramatic defeat.
Assuming the role of a guardian to the Leprechauns, young girls equipped with the means to combat the Beasts, Willem’s narrative weaves themes of family dynamics and sacrifice into its rich sci-fi and military backdrops, aligning closely with the essence of 86 Eighty-Six.
9 Aldnoah.Zero
Common Themes, Characters, and Company Origins
Aldnoah.Zero, though not universally acclaimed as the ultimate mecha series, effectively narrates a captivating story within its 24 episodes. Sharing similar themes and character dynamics with 86 Eighty-Six, both series were produced by A-1 Pictures. This connection enhances their focuses on war and societal discrimination.
The narrative of Aldnoah.Zero revolves around the discovery of a hypergate on the moon that leads to Martian colonization, giving rise to the Vers Empire. Conflict ensues as tensions escalate between Earth and Mars, culminating in warfare that sees the moon’s destruction and a fragile ceasefire shattered by perceived betrayals.
8 Code Geass
Thematic Parallels in Mechas, Conflict, and Human Rights
Code Geass stands out as a hallmark of 2000s anime, closely mirroring 86 Eighty-Six through its exploration of oppression and warfare. The story follows Lelouch vi Britannia, an exiled prince whose life’s trajectory changes after his mother’s death and his father’s invasion of Japan.
Endowed with Geass—an ability to control others through eye contact—Lelouch, known as Zero, becomes the reluctant leader of a resistance movement aiming to overthrow the tyrannical Britannia. Both series delve deep into themes of discrimination and warfare, showcasing the struggles of those caught in the crossfire of violence.
7 Psycho-Pass
Characters Transformed into Instruments of Combat in Both Series
Psycho-Pass spans three seasons detailing the experiences of Akane Tsunemori, an inspector navigating a dystopian Japan governed by the Sibyl System. This system categorizes citizens based on their likelihood to commit crimes, often reducing them to mere statistics.
Akane’s journey, though not marked by overwhelming physical prowess, reveals her commitment to confronting the flaws within the Sibyl System. Both Psycho-Pass and 86 Eighty-Six challenge the morality of using individuals as weapons, echoing narratives of dehumanization and the cost of survival in oppressive environments.
6 Violet Evergarden
Exploring the Aftermath of War in Both Series
Though Violet Evergarden diverges from 86 Eighty-Six in its narrative structure, significant parallels can be drawn. The series focuses on Violet, a “memory doll,”who strives to reintegrate into society following a devastating war.
By serving as a ghostwriter for individuals unable to articulate their thoughts, Violet uncovers deeply emotional stories that resonate on multiple levels. Both series effectively apply somber soundtracks and exquisite animation to explore the profound consequences of conflict.
5 Akame Ga Kill!
Themes of Sacrifice and Violence Dominate Both Series
Despite criticisms regarding its conclusion, Akame Ga Kill! remains a compelling watch, sharing thematic resonance with 86 Eighty-Six. The narrative follows Tatsumi, a young man venturing to the capital in search of fortune for his impoverished village, only to confront the pervasive corruption of the empire.
Joining the assassin group known as Night Raid, Tatsumi becomes embroiled in a violent struggle against the oppressive regime. Both series vividly illustrate the themes of sacrifice, complex backstories, and the harsh realities of conflict, appealing to audiences seeking depth amidst action.
4 Darling In The FranXX
Characters Struggling with Discrimination Through Mech Piloting
Darling in the FranXX, produced by the same studio as 86 Eighty-Six, A-1 Pictures, highlights a similar animation style. Both narratives feature children piloting mechs in defense of those who discriminate against them, navigating themes of identity and societal expectations.
The story follows Hiro and his peers, who must combat monstrous entities known as Klaxosaurs through their interconnected Franxx robots. As the dangers rise, the dynamics of their partnerships deepen, especially when Hiro teams up with a girl reputed for her troubled past with partners.
3 Attack On Titan
Expansive Casts and Intricate Narratives in Both Series
Attack on Titan presents a rich tale set within immense protective walls shielding humanity from terrifying titan beings. As protagonist Eren Yeager evolves from desperation to complexity throughout the series, so does the multifaceted nature of the narrative.
Though initially appearing to diverge from 86 Eighty-Six, both series grapple with profound themes of war and discrimination, showcasing extensive character development and mature storytelling. The surprises and revelations embedded in AoT keep the plot refreshing and engaging at each turn.
2 Mobile Suit Gundam SEED
Mature Themes Explored in Both Series
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED unfolds during the Cosmic Era, addressing the conflict between genetically altered humans and naturally born individuals. Kira Yamato, an ordinary teen, grapples with a paradigm shift after an attack from ZAFT disrupts his neutral existence.
The dynamics between Kira and his childhood friend Athrun evolve through a turbulent journey encompassing contrasting ideologies – from adversaries to allies. With its nuanced themes and captivating animation, Gundam SEED stands out as one of the franchise’s top entries and resonates similarly with the weighty content in 86 Eighty-Six.