There is a lot of anime out there, and in this golden age of TV streaming, the choices have never been more significant. So how do you cut through the noise and find the “Best of” for any chosen topic? We’re here to help celebrate and shine a spotlight on some of the latest, most fabulous, and unforgettable anime through the years.
For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best anime, our attention this time turns to anime with a strong survival focus. From mindless death games to universes featuring monstrous humanoids, these anime feature enough intensity and hardships to keep you glued to your screens.
Of course, if we’ve missed any of your favorites, feel free to comment below and we’ll add them when we can!
Attack On Titan
Attack On Titan is a massively popular anime that continues to grow in popularity today. It’s set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to giant humanoid creatures called Titans. The protagonist Eren vows to slay every Titan in his world after a fleet of them kills many people in his hometown. ‘
This series highlights the relentless struggle for survival, as the characters must for their lives against the Titans. The anime knows how to build suspense by placing its characters in fearsome and vulnerable scenarios. The Titans may look and act dimwitted but their mindless nature and tall stature make them a threat worth taking seriously.
Characters display strong fears of getting eaten by Titans and will make hasty decisions that’d put themselves and others in danger. On top of tackling themes like hope and resilience, Attack On Titan explores survival in a way that’s gripping and compelling for audiences.
You can read our thoughts on Attack On Titan in our full-season review here!
Now and Then, Here and There
Now and Then, Here and There is a remarkable isekai series that deserves your attention. It follows Shu, a young boy who is transported to a dystopian future rife with war and suffering. This anime paints a bleak picture of the world torn apart by conflict, where resources are scarce, and violence is a common trend.
This anime’s desolate setting places characters in constant danger, forcing them to make challenging decisions and endure gut-wrenching hardships. It doesn’t shy away from unveiling the true nature of war and its effects on everyone.
Shu’s an interesting protagonist who undergoes a vast transformation over time. He starts off as an optimistic person but will lose pieces of his joyous self after enduring severe trauma and loss. Through Shu’s character, fans will realize how much of a psychological impact one’s horrid setting can have on one’s mental state and emotions. Nevertheless, Shu will find a way to persevere through the hardship, making him a wonderful beacon of hope for viewers and other cast members.
Give this show a watch if you’re looking for a splendidly dark isekai anime about survival.
Girls’ Last Tour
The Promised Neverland
The Promised Neverland is a gripping and suspenseful anime with a great cast, fun mind games, and plentiful thrills. It’s set in an orphanage where children lead seemingly normal lives. However, the series takes a dark turn when its protagonists Emma and Norman discover the horrifying truths of the orphanage and its rules.
The Promised Neverland excels at building tension and creating a constant sense of danger. Emma and the other orphans are pitted against their sinister caretaker Isabella, who is just as cunning and deceptive as you’d expect. Every step they take towards freedom is riddled with numerous obstacles set up by Isabella. This raises the stakes and keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Fortunately, Emma, Norman, and the others aren’t typical children. They’re just as intelligent and crafty as Isabella, making their battles with her astonishing to watch.
If you’re looking for a thought-provoking thrill ride that features smart children, The Promised Neverland should entertain you.
You can read our thoughts on The Promised Neverland in our full-season review here!
Blue Gender
Blue Gender is a great anime, and one retro fan like to call the original Attack On Titan. It’s set in a dystopian future where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to a deadly alien species known as the Blue. The series follows Yuji, a young man who wakes up from cryogenic sleep to learn his world isn’t what it used to be.
This anime highlights the challenges Yuji and his fellow survivors face as they for their lives. This series presents viewers with an unforgiving reality that’s overrun by bug-like monsters. Earth is no longer a safe haven for humans as they must constantly battle these bugs if they hope to see another day.
Be warned, this anime contains some brutal action and gory scenes. You’ll see humans get ripped to shreds by these monsters in the most insane ways. But through these fights, Yuji becomes a heroic figure who is willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good. Other characters will be equally affected by these dreadful situations, leading to remarkable character growth you don’t want to miss.
If you love sci-fi anime with great action and dark themes, check out Blue Gender.
Deadman Wonderland
Deadman Wonderland is a captivating anime series with a twisted and merciless world. It revolves around Ganta, a boy accused of murdering his classmates. He gets sent to Deadman Wonderland, a privately operated prison and amusement park. Although Ganta knows he didn’t commit the crime, he must find a way to prove his innocence while surviving the brutal challenges that await him.
Deadman Wonderland delivers a high-stakes plot. Ganta’s put through many intense battles inside this deadly prison. Outside of fights, Ganta must endure the prison’s countless deadly games and competitions. From obstacle courses to deadly inmates, Ganta vows to surpass it all to find the evil Redman, the true culprit behind his friends’ demise.
Fortunately, Ganta formulates tight connections with most inmates present in the facility. He also has some blood-bending abilities that’ll assist him in combatting enemies within Deadman Wonderland.
If you adore shows with brutal fights, fun characters, and high-stakes plots, check this out.
From The New World
From The New World is a thought-provoking anime with a glorious futuristic setting and developed cast. Our story takes place in a community where humans possess supernatural powers and live in isolated areas. While our cast deals with the challenges their world brings them, they’ll also uncover the hidden secrets lurking beneath its surface.
From The New World has great world-building and presents a human society that’ll interest folks. Despite having psychokinetic powers, these characters have their own share of conflicts and power struggles they must overcome. That said, From The New World knows how to create tension and suspense. The characters will have to make grave sacrifices to protect themselves and others. Some choices may not mesh well with audiences while others will.
Give this a shot if you’re looking for a well-written, philosophical work.
Magical Girl Raising Project
Magical Girl Raising Project is an exhilarating magical girl series with a thrilling theme of survival. The series follows a group of magical girls who compete in a deadly battle royale in a virtual world to survive. Its fun premise sets the stage for a tense and unpredictable narrative that’ll keep viewers engaged from beginning to end.
This anime explores the psychological and emotional toll this competition has on its young protagonists. It explores themes like trust, betrayal, and the lengths humans will go to live. Each episode presents viewers with exciting battles that are gruesome and over-the-top. Magical Girl Raising Project delivers a distinct cast of characters. Each has an appealing personality and set of skills.
While this anime features a battle-royale-like setting, fans should expect some characters to form alliances to get by. This adds more depth and complexity to the story, making viewers emotionally invested in the fates of their favorites.
Gantz
Gantz is an old but gripping series with a gritty and ruthless world. The series follows a group of recently deceased people who are forced to participate in deadly missions involving aliens. With their lives on the line and no option to flee, the characters must adapt to their new lives if they hope to live.
This anime’s known for producing violent, gory imagery. The battles are thrilling and adrenaline-pumping, creating a sense of danger and urgency. With each mission they tackle, our characters will strengthen their knowledge of the world and their abilities. This consistent threat of death will push them to develop strategies and work together. At the same time, it’ll assist them in conquering their individual fears and personal problems.
In addition to having a story that slowly reveals its lore over time, Gantz is an exceptionally brutal series many will enjoy.
Btooom!
Btooom! is the Fortnite of anime to some fans. In it, we observe Ryouta, a man who gets trapped on a deserted island and is forced to compete in a battle royale that mimics his favorite video game, Btooom! Although he’s not a killer himself, he’ll team up with a female companion who shares the same stance. Together, they plan to leave the island and find the person responsible for bringing them here.
This show contains nerve-wracking and intense battle scenes that’ll get one’s heart racing. The visceral combat and consequential injuries our characters sustain in these fights will make viewers cringe. It adds a sense of haste and danger and makes scenarios feel more drastic and mind-numbing. Each character feels distinct in background and personality despite their shared goal of survival.
On top of exploring the psychological toll this death game has on our cast, Btooom! is a must-watch for those who love action-packed tales.
So, there we have it, our picks for the best anime about survival through the years!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!