SWAT Kats is a cult classic that gave ’90s animation fans a mix of high-flying action, rogue justice, and underdog heroism.
Centered around two ex-Enforcers turned vigilante pilots, T-Bone and Razor, the series thrives on brotherhood, loyalty, aerial dogfights, advanced tech, and fighting against systemic corruption.
It subverts the traditional hero narrative by making its protagonists outcasts who refuse to give up on their city.
The following 15 anime titles, though often overlooked, carry the same spirit: unorthodox heroes, inventive combat, a tech-meets-character-driven narrative, and an unapologetic sense of justice.
If you loved the energy, style, and grit of SWAT Kats, these underrated anime should be on your radar.
1. Obsolete (2019)
- Streaming: YouTube (Bandai/Namco channel)
- Episodes: 12 (short-format)
- Rating: MAL 6.9
- Studio: BUEMON
In a world transformed by alien mechs called EXOFRAMES, soldiers and mercenaries fight in shadow wars.
Similarities: Military tech realism, gritty tone, and underdog characters operating outside official systems.
2. Geneshaft (2001)
- Streaming: Not widely available
- Episodes: 13
- Rating: MAL 6.5
- Studio: Sunrise
In a genetic-engineered future, a rebellious female pilot joins an elite team to stop a space-based threat.
Similarities: Rogue heroes, sleek mech battles, and power structures challenged by personal integrity.
3. Techno Police 21C (1982)
- Streaming: DVD, fan subs
- Episodes: 1 (movie)
- Rating: MAL 6.2
- Studio: Studio Nue
Follows a futuristic police unit that uses AI-powered vehicles to stop rogue machines.
Similarities: Tech-driven law enforcement, buddy dynamic, and vehicular combat echoing the SWAT Kats’ Turbokat missions.
4. Project Blue Earth SOS (2006)
- Streaming: Funimation (DVD)
- Episodes: 6
- Rating: MAL 6.4
- Studio: A.C.G.T.
Two young geniuses fight to repel an alien invasion using retro-futuristic tech.
Similarities: Air combat, stylized retro tech, and idealistic heroes facing overwhelming odds.
5. Gatchaman Crowds (2013)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- Episodes: 12
- Rating: MAL 7.4
- Studio: Tatsunoko Production
A reboot of the Science Ninja Team series with a philosophical twist on justice and crowd-sourced heroism.
Similarities: Stylish vigilante justice, colorful tech suits, and rebellion against flawed institutions.
6. Appleseed XIII (2011)
- Streaming: Funimation, Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 13
- Rating: MAL 6.6
- Studio: Jinni’s Animation Studios
In a dystopian future, two ex-soldiers become enforcers for a supercomputer-governed utopia.
Similarities: Dual protagonists, military backgrounds, heavy tech, and frequent aerial/mechanical combat.
7. RideBack (2009)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 12
- Rating: MAL 7.3
- Studio: Madhouse
A ballerina-turned-mech pilot gets caught in political unrest when she joins a resistance movement.
Similarities: Civilian-turned-hero theme, fluid action sequences, and rogue justice themes.
8. Gun x Sword (2005)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 26
- Rating: MAL 7.3
- Studio: AIC A.S.T.A.
A wandering swordsman in a mechanized suit hunts down his fiancée’s killer across a lawless wasteland.
Similarities: Anti-hero narrative, creative mech combat, and personal mission against a corrupt system.
9. Dominion Tank Police (1988)
- Streaming: DVD/Blu-ray
- Episodes: 4 (OVA)
- Rating: MAL 7.0
- Studio: Studio Fantasia
In a dystopian city, a tank squad led by a fearless officer enforces the law with extreme firepower.
Similarities: Explosive vehicle-based action, over-the-top tech, and comical but gritty tone.
10. Vandread (2000)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 13 (plus a sequel)
- Rating: MAL 7.1
- Studio: Gonzo
In a gender-divided galaxy, a male pilot and female warriors must team up to fight a common threat.
Similarities: Team dynamics, flying mechs, and an underdog force forming its own code of honor.
11. Heroman (2010)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 26
- Rating: MAL 6.8
- Studio: Bones
A young boy teams up with a powerful robot to fight alien invaders in the U.S.—Stan Lee co-created it!
Similarities: American-style hero tropes, outsider protagonists, and stylish, gadget-based battles.
12. Bubblegum Crisis: Tokyo 2040 (1998)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 26
- Rating: MAL 7.0
- Studio: AIC
An all-female vigilante group battles rogue robots in a neon-lit cyberpunk Tokyo.
Similarities: Tech suits, underground justice, and anti-corporate resistance parallel SWAT Kats’ core.
13. Active Raid (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- Rating: MAL 6.1
- Studio: Production IMS
A special unit uses powered armor to police a near-future Tokyo, often clashing with public opinion and bureaucracy.
Similarities: Authority vs. autonomy, sleek mechs, and humor amid tactical showdowns.
14. Desert Punk (2004)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 24
- Rating: MAL 7.3
- Studio: Gonzo
A selfish mercenary navigates a lawless desert with brutal skill, dark humor, and surprising humanity.
Similarities: Anti-hero with a heart, tech-driven combat, and lone-wolf justice, SWAT Kats-style.
15. Shangri-La (2009)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 24
- Rating: MAL 6.8
- Studio: Gonzo
In a future ravaged by climate change, a rebel group fights against corrupt carbon economy overlords.
Similarities: Outsiders vs. corrupt powers, environmental subtext, and tech-meets-resistance themes.
Why These Anime Work for SWAT Kats Fans
Each of these anime shares the DNA of SWAT Kats—be it rogue protagonists, moral justice without a badge, advanced machinery, or high-flying combat sequences.
These under-the-radar series blend character loyalty, tactical brilliance, and explosive action with strong anti-establishment themes. If you rooted for T-Bone and Razor’s mission from the shadows, you’ll feel right at home with these unsung gems of anime.
