The Best Anime Series With Post-War Themes

Highlights

Anime delves into mature themes like war and trauma, showcasing the consequences of humanity’s actions in dark and gripping ways.
Characters in anime go through multiple growth stages, often brought on by tragedies, making them relatable and engaging to viewers.
Many iconic anime series touch on war and its aftermath, exploring how societies are affected and the cycles of violence that can arise.

As a war survivor myself, I can deeply relate to the themes portrayed in these anime series. They all delve into the heart of human conflict and its aftermath, which is something I understand all too well.

Anime, contrary to some misperceptions, delves deep into heavier subjects. In genres like shonen, themes can be deeply existential, exploring trauma, the repercussions of actions, and other darker aspects of life. Characters undergo significant development, which makes them relatable and keeps viewers engaged. This growth usually stems from hardships and tragedies they face throughout their lives.

A common serious topic explored in numerous anime is the depiction of conflict, whether set in our reality or an imaginary realm. These narratives present war from various perspectives, offering diverse insights and imagery. Furthermore, they often delve into the aftermath of war, revealing how it breeds violence and animosity that echoes through generations, making it difficult for them to construct a more peaceful society.

8 Neon Genesis Evangelion

1995

The Best Anime Series With Post-War Themes

In the series titled Neon Genesis Evangelion, we find a world that has endured a devastating war resulting in an apocalypse, leaving lasting effects on humanity. The enigmatic entities threatening our existence are known as Angels. These colossal beings boast supernatural powers capable of flattening entire urban landscapes, yet surprisingly, the narrative reveals instances where humans managed to withstand their attacks.

In this anime, characters struggle to survive amidst a war-ravaged Japan, where frequent attacks by beings known as Angels are commonplace. The only defense against these threats are mecha suits called Evas, operated by adolescent individuals. The series delves into the mental impact of piloting an EVA on its operators, revealing how prolonged stress can push them to their emotional breaking point.

7 Berserk

1997-1998

The anime titled “Berserk” presents a significantly darker narrative and ambiance compared to many other fantasy series, showcasing the grim aspects of humanity. It’s set in a medieval era where numerous kingdoms are at constant conflict, instigated by their power-hungry rulers who have no qualms sacrificing their soldiers for their ambitions. However, the primary story revolves around individuals on the fringes of this war.

As a nomadic gamer immersed in the gritty world of Guts and his Band of the Hawk, I roam from kingdom to kingdom, never finding a permanent home despite our charismatic leader, Griffith, yearning for one. We’re a band of mercenaries, forever moving, adapting, and surviving in a world that’s as unforgiving as it is beautiful.

6 Sousou No Frieren

2023-Present

In the story of Frieren, themes of love, friendship, and guidance are central, but it also delves into the aftermath of war in a fantastical realm. The protagonist is one of the warriors who played a pivotal role in vanquishing the malevolent forces and safeguarding the kingdom. Now, she finds herself on a quest to discover a fresh meaning in a world that’s found peace.

Frieren continually seeks magical wisdom, yet regularly meets individuals during her journey. Some of these people are former recipients of her aid; now, they strive to recover and rebuild their lives. As she navigates a post-conflict human society, Frieren aims to grasp more about humans, which influences her character’s progression.

5 Vinland Saga

2019-Present

The narrative core of Vinland Saga revolves around the recurring themes of conflict and resolution, featuring various characters who either seek tranquility away from war or are consumed by it entirely. This dynamic is vividly portrayed through the journey of our main character, Thorfinn, initially driven by revenge but eventually immersed in a brutal battlefield.

As a survivor of war myself, I can empathize deeply with the character Thorfinn in this show. The weight of trauma and loss that he carries is palpable, and it resonates deeply within me. The scene where he is unable to kill the man he sought revenge on left me feeling drained, much like Thorfinn must have felt. It’s a harsh reminder of how war can leave lasting scars on the soul.

4 Violet Evergarden

2018

Violet Evergarden is deeply influenced by the effects of war and its aftermath, despite the narrative not involving any direct combat. The protagonist, Violet, has spent her entire life immersed in conflict, pain, and violence since her early years. However, she now seeks to leave that past behind and discover a new role for herself as a typist.

The individuals she often interacts with have tragically lost friends or family members in war, which helps her confront her own history and release her attachment to the man who rescued and militarily tutored her. Eventually, she can begin a fresh chapter in life, healing from the painful ordeals she endured.

3 Code Geass

2006-2008

In a twisted reflection of our reality, I find myself in a world where the Empire of Britannia rules supreme, their iron fist having crushed the once proud nation of Japan, rebranding it as Area 11. Under their oppressive regime, we, the citizens of Japan, are treated as second-class inhabitants, our spirits broken but not extinguished. This brutal occupation ignites a flame within us, sparking a rebellion that echoes through the streets and whispers in the hearts of every suppressed soul.

Lelouch Lamperouge, once a Britannian prince, now seeks revenge against his royal family and aims to establish a utopia where the powerful protect the powerless. To achieve this goal, he initiates a revolution and commands an army known as Zero, uniting with the suppressed populace yearning for liberation.

2 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

2009-2010

Initially, Brotherhood might appear as a story centered around two brothers, but it swiftly transforms into a narrative encompassing much wider territories. The main characters find themselves immersed in a struggle that delves ever deeper, exposing influences shaping the affairs of numerous nations and countless individuals for personal advantage.

The main topic in “Brotherhood” revolves around war’s impact and its aftermath. Numerous key characters are associated with the military, having carried out brutal actions during the conflict, as they were obeying the dictates of a cruel ruler. They must confront this weighty responsibility and decide whether to perpetuate the cycle of hostility or disrupt it instead.

1 Attack On Titan

2013-2023

Titled “Attack on Titan,” this anime delves into the recurring themes of enmity and the impact of prolonged conflicts among generations. Initially, it appears to be a tale of mankind’s struggle against enigmatic titans threatening to devour them. However, as secrets about the world unfold, the narrative takes an unexpected twist, revealing that it is essentially a deeply human conflict rather than what it seems on the surface.

“Attack on Titan” delves into factors fueling conflicts, including a nation’s overwhelming power over another or discrimination based on race. Mainly, it underscores how humans come to distrust and accuse one another, perpetuating a vicious cycle of violence due to blaming others for the wrongdoings of their forebears, without any end in sight.

2024-08-05 01:53