Must-Watch Post-Apocalyptic Anime: A Definitive Guide

Post-apocalyptic anime offers a haunting and enthralling portrayal of a world devastated by cataclysmic events. From zombie outbreaks to environmental disasters and nuclear warfare, these series highlight humanity's resilience in the midst of utter devastation.

Despite their grim backdrops, post-apocalyptic anime frequently present compelling storylines and multifaceted characters. The struggle for survival in unforgiving conditions brings forth the best and worst of human nature, resulting in thought-provoking reflections on the human experience. Furthermore, these series feature intense action as characters combat monsters, hostile factions, and scarce resources.

From Attack on Titan to Wolf's Rain: The ultimate guide to 10 must-see post-apocalyptic anime

1) Attack on Titan

The image of Attack on Titan (Courtesy of MAPPA)

In a post-apocalyptic setting, humanity now resides within cities enclosed by massive walls, safeguarding them from monstrous humanoid creatures known as "Titans." Eren Yeager, a young man, swears to seek revenge against the Titans after they breach the walls and take the life of his mother.

2) Ergo Proxy

Attack on Titan rapidly gained global popularity as a post-apocalyptic anime following its release in 2013, thanks to its gripping action scenes, gripping plot, intricate characters, and unexpected plot twists that subverted viewers’ expectations. The post-apocalyptic world, teeming with horrifying titans who mercilessly prey on humans, evokes a sense of relentless despair.

Ergo Proxy (Image via Manglobe)

In a dystopian future where humans have sought refuge in environmental domes to escape a contaminated wasteland, the citizens of Romdeau live under the watchful eye of an artificial intelligence. Civil servant Re-l Mayer delves into a puzzling case involving a mysterious creature and a string of brutal murders, leading her to uncover the many hidden truths of the domed city and unravel a far-reaching conspiracy.

3) Wolf's Rain

Ergo Proxy is an anime set in a post-apocalyptic world, featuring stunning Gothic animation and an atmospheric soundtrack that adds to the mystery of this sci-fi thriller. It offers a compelling mix of action, cyberpunk, and philosophical elements, making it a complex and captivating watch that challenges our perception of reality, existence, and the future of humanity and the planet.

Set in a post-apocalyptic future where human society has collapsed and most people have died off centuries ago, Wolf's Rain follows the journey of wolves that can assume human form, known as the Wolves of the Apocalypse. Their quest is to find the elusive Lunar Flowers, which are said to guide them to paradise.

4) Girls’ Last Tour

Trailing a group of wolves including the street-smart Kiba, battle-worn Tsume, innocent Toboe, and delicate Hige, Wolf's Rain chronicles their dangerous pursuit of purpose and liberty. The series serves as a reflective symbol of the human experience, delving into themes of political dishonesty, inner strength, and the intersection of nature and technology.

The anime Girls’ Last Tour (Image via White Fox) follows the journey of two young girls named Chito and Yuuri as they navigate a post-apocalyptic world. In their armored vehicle fueled by military rations, they scavenge for food, fuel, and means of survival in the desolate wasteland. Their solitary exploration of the abandoned city offers glimpses into the events that led to the downfall of humanity and civilization.

Despite its desolate backdrop, Girls’ Last Tour shifts its focus away from the typical survival excitement and instead delves into the bond between the two friends. Through their introspective dialogues, the series unveils a sense of hope and determination to make the most out of life. The perfect harmony between their contrasting personalities—Chito’s intellectual and stoic nature and Yuuri’s cheerful and impulsive demeanor—creates a compelling dynamic.

5) Heavenly Delusion

The image of Heavenly Delusion is courtesy of Production I.G.

Set in a post-apocalyptic anime universe, where most of humanity has perished, two distinct storylines unfold. One depicts a group of children living in a mysterious, serene facility, secluded and seemingly shielded from the outside world. The other storyline follows the journey of two travelers, Maru and Kiruko, as they navigate the perilous, barren landscapes that lay beyond.

Maru and Kiruko confront the harsh realities of their new world, discovering unsettling truths about their environment and the broader world around them.

Heavenly Delusion portrays a chilling world grappling with unspeakable horrors, delving into themes of survival, mystery, and the unknown. It explores the lives of those who have never known the old world and those who must brave the new one.

6) Dr. Stone

Dr. Stone (Image via TMS Entertainment)

After a mysterious event turns all of humanity to stone, teenage scientific prodigy Senku Ishigami emerges thousands of years later to find a world overtaken by nature. With his vast knowledge of science and technology, Senku works to rebuild civilization from the ground up, recruiting allies like the strong Taiju Ooki along the way.

But Senku's efforts are met with resistance from Tsukasa Shishio, who has his own vision for a new world order. Dr. Stone offers a fresh take on the post-apocalyptic anime genre, emphasizing the role of science in reshaping society. The series realistically portrays the gradual process of creating a sustainable community using only natural resources.

7) High School of the Dead

High School of the Dead (Image via Madhouse)

When a sudden zombie outbreak takes over Japan and transforms its residents into flesh-eating monsters, a group of high school students manages to escape and secure themselves on the school grounds. As they scavenge for resources in the zombie-infested city, they must rely on each other and their individual skills to stand a chance at surviving the apocalypse.

Under the guidance of the no-nonsense school nurse Shizuka, combat-trained devout student Saeko, and natural leader Takashi, these teens must arm themselves against the increasingly violent hordes. Along the way, they will encounter other stranded survivors—some welcoming and some dangerous.

8) Neon Genesis Evangelion

High School of the Dead offers thrilling action sequences as characters battle zombies, along with fan service and dynamic interpersonal drama, making it a must-watch in the post-apocalyptic anime genre.

Neon Genesis Evangelion (Image via Gainax)

Shinji Ikari, a high school student, is recruited by the secretive organization NERV to pilot Evangelion Unit-01, a giant bio-machine mecha designed to defend Earth against the enigmatic beings known as "Angels" in a post-apocalyptic world.

Shinji reluctantly teams up with other teenage pilots, the confident Asuka Langley and the mysterious Rei Ayanami, as they confront life-and-death battles that test their mental and emotional endurance, while unraveling shocking truths about the apocalyptic events.

Neon Genesis Evangelion is celebrated as a groundbreaking series in the mecha and post-apocalyptic anime genres, known for its profound psychological themes, intricate characters, and integration of philosophical and religious symbolism.

9) Trigun

Trigun (Image via Madhouse)

Referred to as “Vash the Stampede,” this notorious outlaw has a staggering bounty of “$60 billion” on his head. Despite his fearsome reputation, Vash is actually a pacifist who abhors violence and destruction. Unfortunately, trouble seems to find him wherever he goes. Accompanied by two insurance agents who are responsible for assessing the damages caused by Vash, the trio becomes entangled in numerous conflicts with bounty hunters and bandits on a lawless, western-themed planet.

At first glance, Trigun appears to be a lighthearted comedy set in a desert landscape with only a few small towns. However, its flashy gunfights, accompanied by a lively rock soundtrack, quickly give way to thought-provoking discussions on morality and existential themes.

10) Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress

Additionally, Vash's harrowing past, which led to his legendary status, showcases remarkable heroic traits of empathy, while his adversary embodies the antithesis. Trigun masterfully combines humor, action, and emotional depth, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress (Image via Wit Studio)

Humanity’s survival is threatened by the sudden emergence of undead corpselike beings contaminated by iron. With the fall of Station Aragane’s impenetrable walls, intended to barricade survivors of the infection, master steam smith Ikoma joins other riders in seeking asylum at Kongokaku. This massive moving fortress on rails is protected by layered barricades, providing hope for those seeking refuge.

Regrettably, the virus spreading throughout the region transforms humans into kabane – ferocious undead zombies impervious to blades, but vulnerable to destruction when struck on their luminescent "hearts."

Featuring thrilling action sequences balanced with moments of character development, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress is a noteworthy addition to the post-apocalyptic anime genre, highlighting humanity's ability to adapt and survive in a hostile world.

Conclusion

To sum up, post-apocalyptic anime immerses audiences in intense, dangerous settings, where characters confront external dangers and obstacles that are entirely different from those found in contemporary society.

If you're a fan of thrilling stories and thought-provoking social commentary, these post-apocalyptic anime series are perfect for you. They show us how the collapse of society can make us appreciate life, family, and hope even more.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I am drawn to post-apocalyptic anime for its ability to portray a haunting and enthralling world. These anime often present compelling storylines and multifaceted characters, exploring the best and worst of human nature in the face of utter devastation. The intense action and thought-provoking reflections on the human experience make these series particularly captivating.

Among the must-watch post-apocalyptic anime mentioned in the article, "Attack on Titan" stands out for its gripping plot, intricate characters, and unexpected twists. The relentless despair created by the monstrous Titans evokes a sense of urgency and survival that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. "Ergo Proxy," on the other hand, offers a unique blend of action, cyberpunk, and philosophical elements, challenging our perception of reality and existence. The stunning Gothic animation and atmospheric soundtrack add to the mystery and complexity of this sci-fi thriller.