86 follows the marginalized Eighty-Six soldiers as they battle autonomous drones in a war-torn nation, exposing systemic racism and the dehumanization of oppressed groups.
The series masterfully blends mecha action with themes of identity, resilience, and the cost of resistance.
This list highlights 15 underrated anime that mirror its emotional depth, sociopolitical critique, and focus on underdog protagonists.
1. Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans (2015)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Plot: Orphaned child soldiers form a mercenary group to fight for independence in a war-torn solar system.
Similarities: Explores systemic oppression, found family dynamics, and the moral complexity of rebellion.
MAL: 8.04 | Episodes: 50 | Studio: Sunrise | Awards: Newtype Anime Award for Best TV Series (2016).
2. Aldnoah.Zero (2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A tactician leads underpowered Earth forces against Martian colonists wielding alien-powered mechas.
Similarities: Features strategic underdog battles and a Sawano Hiroyuki score, akin to 86’s tone.
MAL: 7.14 | Episodes: 24 | Studio: A-1 Pictures | Legacy: Polarizing finale like 86’s Season 1 cliffhanger.
3. Valvrave the Liberator (2013)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: Students pilot vampiric mechas to defend their space colony from galactic superpowers.
Similarities: Blends school-life drama with body horror and political subterfuge.
MAL: 7.03 | Episodes: 24 | Studio: Sunrise | Style: High-risk storytelling with divisive twists.
4. RahXephon (2002)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: Ayato Kamina pilots a divine mecha to combat alien Dolems while uncovering his ties to a hidden civilization.
Similarities: Merges existential themes with operatic mecha battles and questions of identity.
MAL: 7.62 | Episodes: 26 | Studio: Bones | Awards: Tokyo Anime Award for Art Direction (2003).
5. Cross Ange (2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A princess pilots mechas to battle dragons after being exiled for lacking magic in a prejudiced society.
Similarities: Tackles systemic discrimination and features a defiant, traumatized protagonist.
MAL: 7.03 | Episodes: 25 | Studio: Sunrise | Trait: Unflinching critique of societal norms.
6. Guilty Crown (2011)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: Shu Ouma gains the “Power of Kings” to extract weapons from souls, leading a rebellion against a corrupt regime.
Similarities: Explores moral ambiguity and the psychological toll of wielding power.
MAL: 7.56 | Episodes: 22 | Studio: Production I.G | Director: Tetsurō Araki (Attack on Titan).
7. Violet Evergarden (2018)
Streaming: Netflix
Plot: A former child soldier becomes a ghostwriter, grappling with post-war trauma and human connection.
Similarities: Focuses on healing and the lingering scars of conflict, similar to 86’s emotional beats.
MAL: 8.67 | Episodes: 13 | Studio: Kyoto Animation | Awards: Crunchyroll Anime Award for Best Drama (2019).
8. Psycho-Pass (2012)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime
Plot: In a dystopian future, inspectors and enforcers pursue criminals predetermined by a psychometric system.
Similarities: Critiques dehumanizing systems and features marginalized characters weaponized by the state.
MAL: 8.30 | Episodes: 41 | Studio: Production I.G | Creator: Gen Urobuchi (Madoka Magica).
9. The Third: The Girl with the Blue Eye (2006)
Streaming: RetroCrush
Plot: Honoka, a lone warrior, navigates a post-apocalyptic desert with her AI tank, confronting rogue AI and human greed.
Similarities: Explores isolation and humanity’s resilience in a broken world.
MAL: 7.26 | Episodes: 24 | Studio: Xebec | Tone: Slow-burn existential journey.
10. Schwarzesmarken (2016)
Streaming: HiDive
Plot: East German pilots battle alien invaders while navigating Stasi conspiracies during the Cold War.
Similarities: Combines political intrigue, wartime trauma, and mecha combat.
MAL: 6.66 | Episodes: 12 | Studio: LIDENFILMS | Setting: Alternate-history 1980s.
11. Heavy Object (2015)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: Two soldiers use guerrilla tactics to destroy indestructible war machines in a futuristic conflict.
Similarities: Focuses on underdog strategies and anti-war themes.
MAL: 7.07 | Episodes: 24 | Studio: J.C.Staff | Author: Kazuma Kamachi (A Certain Magical Index).
12. Blue Gender (1999)
Streaming: HiDive
Plot: Humanity battles insectoid aliens in a post-apocalyptic Earth, questioning what it means to be human.
Similarities: Dark survival narrative with psychological depth.
MAL: 7.19 | Episodes: 26 | Studio: AIC | Legacy: Cult classic for its gritty realism.
13. Flag (2006)
Streaming: Not streamable (DVD-only)
Plot: A photojournalist documents a UN team’s mission to retrieve a sacred flag using experimental mechas.
Similarities: Documentary-style storytelling and critique of war journalism.
MAL: 7.05 | Episodes: 13 | Studio: Studio Xebec | Format: Unique found-footage approach.
14. Canaan (2009)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A mercenary with synesthetic abilities battles a bioterrorist group in Shanghai.
Similarities: High-stakes combat and themes of biological warfare.
MAL: 7.22 | Episodes: 13 | Studio: P.A. Works | Inspiration: Based on a 428: Shibuya Scramble spin-off.
15. Jormungand (2012)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: An arms dealer and her child bodyguard navigate global conflicts while questioning the morality of war.
Similarities: Explores the gray morality of warfare and profiteering.
MAL: 7.87 | Episodes: 24 | Studio: White Fox | Manga: Written by Keitarō Takahashi (Black Lagoon).
Why These Anime Work for 86 Fans
These series resonate through their exploration of systemic oppression, the human cost of war, and the resilience of marginalized protagonists.
Whether via Iron-Blooded Orphans’ gritty rebellion, Psycho-Pass’ dystopian critique, or Violet Evergarden’s emotional healing, each offers a unique lens on fighting for dignity in broken systems.
Their underrated status often stems from niche themes or bold narrative choices, making them perfect for fans seeking 86’s blend of heart and societal commentary. Dive in to discover stories where mechas and morality collide.
