Top 10 Must-Watch Anime for Metal Gear Fans

Summary

Plenty of anime shows have the same aesthetic and themes as Metal Gear Solid, offering complex storylines, military technology, and larger-than-life characters.

Shows such as Spriggan, Genocidal Organ, and Lycoris Recoil offer exciting and adrenaline-pumping spy adventures that evoke the essence of Metal Gear Solid. Delving into the realms of grim military tales, dystopian futures, and the plight of super soldiers, these anime series encompass a diverse range of themes that strike a chord with fans of Metal Gear.

With the release of the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 1, the demand for complex espionage stories is on the rise. Thankfully, the world of anime is fully equipped to deliver. Just like the outlandish adventures of Snake, there are numerous anime shows that boast the same aesthetic, featuring science-fiction technology, intense gun battles, and intricate conspiracies. Whether it's the thrilling action or the captivating plot twists, these anime series will undoubtedly satiate the appetite of spy aficionados.

Similar to Metal Gear, many anime series delve into the captivating realm of clandestine operations, where alliances are fleeting and danger lurks around every corner. While the characters themselves may find themselves entangled in perplexing predicaments, fans of spy stories won't have to search far to find a gripping thriller. Regardless of what one may be seeking, they will undoubtedly discover a tale that matches the intense excitement of Konami's beloved stealth-action franchise.

10. Spriggan

Yu Ominae is a Spriggan, a super soldier assigned with the mission of retrieving "Out Of Place Artifacts" from a lost civilization while confronting rival factions with the same interest in obtaining these "OOPArts". Metal Gear enthusiasts would likely find it familiar to witness secret paramilitary conflicts involving augmented troops. To witness this, one can choose to watch the beautifully animated 1998 movie or the more recent adaptation by David Productions on Netflix. Regardless of the chosen medium, observing a single teenager bravely encountering countless armed soldiers and enhanced criminals with aliases like "Fatman", "Little Boy", or "Hummingbat" inevitably brings to mind the diverse and formidable super-powered bosses in Metal Gear that significantly contributed to the games' lasting impact.

9. Genocidal Organ

This gripping military tale centers around Clavis Shepard's global pursuit of John Paul, a man mysteriously triggering genocides in the countries he visits. The author of the novel, Project ITOH, also generated the novelization for Metal Gear Solid 4, and the resemblances are now apparent. The profound philosophical deliberations on humanity's connection to their culture and language could seamlessly fit into a Kojima game, along with the cutting-edge gun battles and military technology intertwined throughout. Only a hasty conclusion detracts from an otherwise compelling and gritty espionage film.

8. Lycoris Recoil

7. Obsolete

Hideo Kojima's tweet of admiration for this anime is well-known. The banter between two agents of Japan's covert police force discussing underwear does undeniably capture the distinctive quirkiness of the Metal Gear series. Lycoris represents a more light-hearted approach to the genre, which may border on being excessively so for a fictional Japan where criminals are secretly eliminated for the sake of public safety. Nonetheless, Chisato and Takina leave a lasting impression as protagonists, both through their skilled marksmanship and the development of their relationship. With a blend of humor and seriousness, along with ample action, Lycoris Recoil is certainly the type of spy story that is both entertaining and stylish in its mission to apprehend wrongdoers discreetly.

This Netflix Original delves into the military implications of affordable and accessible robots when enigmatic extraterrestrials begin bartering Exoframes for limestone. Across a series of concise and gripping episodes, audiences experience global events through different lenses: scientists, mercenaries, child soldiers, and ultimately, a collective of dedicated soldiers striving to thwart the acts of the notorious "Outcast Brigade" terrorists. Admirers of Metal Gear will find comfort in the somewhat believable mech suits and the depiction of battlegrounds altered by these formidable machines. As all episodes are conveniently available on YouTube, Obsolete presents an effortless military narrative that appeals to all, much like its Exoframes.

6. Golgo 13

This long-running manga follows the exploits of Duke Togo, the titular sniper, who is willing to take on any target for the right price. Reminiscent of James Bond, Togo travels the world, enthralling women and maintaining impeccable appearances throughout his adventures. Throughout his extensive career, which has been adapted into two films and a 52-episode anime, Golgo 13 has faced off against a variety of peculiar adversaries and successfully executed seemingly impossible shots, all with a tactical finesse comparable to that of 007 or Solid Snake. Golgo 13 warrants greater recognition for its truly unique formula.

5. Psycho-Pass

Fans of Metal Gear Solid 2 and its thought-provoking exploration of information control and societal harmony will appreciate the dystopian world portrayed in Psycho-Pass, set in a futuristic Japan where individuals are judged based on their potential for criminal activity by an advanced computer system called the Sybil System. Both works share a similar visual style, featuring sleek stainless steel and advanced electronics as prominent elements. In addition to the noir mystery formula followed by Psycho-Pass in its TV broadcasts, its later movies introduce militarized elements as the characters confront threats beyond the borders of Japan. Regardless of the format, Psycho-Pass presents a gritty and unapologetic conspiracy thriller, delving into humanity's complex relationship with technology, much like Metal Gear.

4. Gunslinger Girl

This manga offers a dark twist on the concept of super soldiers, highlighting the tragedy of young girls being transformed into ruthless killing machines. Fans particularly appreciate Madhouse's 2003 adaptation for its atmospheric visuals and realistic depiction of firearms, which add weight to the covert operations carried out by the Social Welfare Agency. In the anime, the focus shifts towards slow-paced drama, as the cyborg girls strive to balance their lives alongside their missions. Although not as action-packed as its counterparts, Gunslinger Girl provides a thought-provoking addition to spy stories, delivering maximum moral ambiguity.

3. Ghost in the Shell

This franchise has had a significant influence on all cyberpunk imagery from that point forward, making it unsurprising that Metal Gear has drawn inspiration from it in some way. The 1995 movie, featuring massive spider tanks and cloaking devices, offers the greatest value for experiencing the thrill of being an elite agent like Snake. On the other hand, its TV continuities such as Stand Alone Complex or Arise, deliver a wealth of compelling intrigue as Section 9 confronts corrupt armies, officials, and hackers. Regardless of the version one chooses to watch, Ghost in the Shell showcases some of the most formidable sci-fi special operations teams in fiction.

2. Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade

Set in an alternate version of the 1950s, Japan utilizes secret police to eliminate radical left terrorists. Jin-Roh is a gripping and somber story set in the Cold War era, featuring elements of speculative dieselpunk that are reminiscent of Metal Gear Solid 3's space-age 1960s. While the movie's plot progresses slowly, some may argue too slowly, it ultimately delivers an unpredictable narrative of internal government conflicts that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats, all the way to its infamous ending. Jin-Roh serves as an ideal companion to MGS3 for those who crave historical fiction centered around the darkest and most cutthroat forms of espionage, where trust is a deadly weapon.

1. Spy X Family

With its diverse ensemble cast, clever use of humor, and a nostalgic 1960s German backdrop, this series has gained a strong following in recent years. Super Spy Twilight's unconventional "make-believe" family, consisting of an assassin, a telepathic child, and a clairvoyant canine, only lacks a colossal robot to match the absurdities found in MGS3. This manga flawlessly combines espionage and everyday life in a farcical manner, resulting in an entertaining blend of drama and comedy that has earned Spy X Family widespread adoration.

Defining what exactly makes Metal Gear, Metal Gear can be quite challenging. While Konami's franchise may appear too peculiar to categorize, these shows manage to capture its various elements, whether it's military technology, intricate storylines, or larger-than-life characters. Spies, secret agents, and murky government secrets remain perennially popular themes for storytelling, although it can be quite a feat to find an anime that effectively balances the genre's darker tones without becoming overly gloomy or absurd. Fortunately, for those craving more of what Metal Gear Solid offers, these shows promise to satisfy that craving.