The best apocalypse anime series include Tokyo Ghoul, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Black Bullet, Blue Gender, Guilty Crown, and Dr. Stone.
You may believe that watching apocalyptic or post-apocalyptic shows during these turbulent times is like adding fuel to the fire. However, these tales serve as a hearty slice of hope.
The idea that humanity can rise like a phoenix from the ashes of destruction is oddly soothing.
Luckily, anime champions the art of human resilience like no other medium (thank the stars for Japan). An abundance of post-apocalyptic anime is at your fingertips once you’ve conquered your Netflix queue, and we’re here to steer you toward the crème de la crème.
Thrilling Apocalypse Anime Series You Need to Watch
With gripping narratives, heart-stopping action, and unforgettable characters, these shows will have you on the edge of your seat, eagerly awaiting the fate of humanity.
From dystopian societies to post-apocalyptic wastelands, these anime series showcase the resilience and courage of those who refuse to give up in the face of adversity.
26Attack on Titan: Apocalypse Anime
Brace yourself for a colossal experience as you venture into Attack on Titan. This heart-pounding anime thrusts humanity to the brink of extinction, where grotesque humanoid giants known as Titans relentlessly devour people.
Watch as protagonist Eren Yeager, alongside his friends Mikasa and Armin, join the fierce Survey Corps to wage war against these monstrous beings.
Nothing says apocalypse like gigantic creatures hell-bent on consuming the entire human race. Expect a healthy dose of blood, gore, and unforgettable plot twists that will leave you gasping for air.
25Tokyo Ghoul: A Gruesome Gourmet of Horror
Feast your eyes on Tokyo Ghoul, a spine-chilling anime where flesh-eating ghouls lurk among humans. Enter the dark underbelly of Tokyo, where protagonist Kaneki struggles with his new life after a ghoul attack leaves him half-human and half-ghoul.
Watch as he navigates the treacherous terrain between both worlds, forced to grapple with his newfound hunger for human flesh. With its unique blend of horror, action, and drama, Tokyo Ghoul guarantees an exhilarating ride through a city on the edge of doom.
24Neon Genesis Evangelion: Mech Battles for the Soul of Humanity
Experience the end of the world with a twist in Neon Genesis Evangelion. This iconic anime sees humanity’s last stand against monstrous beings called Angels, who threaten to bring about the apocalypse. Join protagonist Shinji Ikari, a teenage pilot chosen to commandeer a colossal mech known as an Evangelion.
Watch as Shinji and his comrades battle the relentless Angels while facing their demons. With its profound exploration of existential themes and groundbreaking animation, Neon Genesis Evangelion promises a mesmerizing journey through humanity’s darkest hour.
23Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign in a World Gone Mad
Sink your teeth into the post-apocalyptic world of Seraph of the End, where vampires reign supreme after a deadly virus wipes out most of humanity. Follow the blood-pumping journey of Yuichiro Hyakuya, a young survivor who vows to eradicate these nocturnal overlords.
Prepare to be captivated by intense battles, heart-wrenching friendships, and the devastating impact of power and betrayal. With its unique take on the apocalypse and an unforgettable cast of characters, Seraph of the End will leave you craving for more.
22Highschool of the Dead: Zombie 101 with a Side of Fan Service
Unleash your inner survivor with Highschool of the Dead, a thrilling zombie apocalypse anime that combines jaw-dropping action with a dash of fan service. Watch as a group of high school students, led by the quick-witted Takashi Komuro, fight their way through hordes of the undead while society crumbles around them.
Amid the chaos, witness their bonds strengthen as they confront the grim reality of a world gone mad. With its pulse-pounding pace and dramatic twists, Highschool of the Dead offers a unique take on the end of days.
21Parasyte -the maxim-: When Your Hand Has a Mind of Its Own
Get ready for a body-horror roller coaster in Parasyte -the maxim-an anime that blurs the line between monster and human. When parasitic aliens invade Earth and take control of human hosts, high school student Shinichi Izumi finds himself bonded with one such creature.
Together, they must navigate a treacherous world where humans are prey and the lines between friend and foe blur. Parasyte -the maxim- serves up a haunting, cerebral look at humanity’s struggle for survival in a monstrous apocalypse.
20Black Bullet: Bugs, Battles, and Bittersweet Bonds
Enter the world of Black Bullet, where humanity battles for survival against giant, insect-like creatures called Gastrea. The last bastion of hope lies in the hands of Civil Security, a group of specially trained agents partnered with Cursed Children—girls who possess powerful abilities due to the Gastrea virus.
Join protagonist Rentaro Satomi and his partner Enju as they fight to protect their dystopian world from the monstrous horde. With intense battles, heartwarming bonds, and tragic sacrifices, Black Bullet delivers a riveting apocalyptic experience.
19Coppelion: Radiation, Ruin, and the Resilience of the Human Spirit
Discover a world ravaged by nuclear disaster in Coppelion, an anime that captures the desolate beauty of a post-apocalyptic Tokyo. Three genetically-engineered high school girls, Ibara, Aoi, and Taeko, form the Coppelion Unit, tasked with exploring the ruined city and rescuing survivors.
Their journey unveils the dark secrets of a world left behind, even as they confront the harsh reality of their existence. Coppelion weaves a poignant tale of hope, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit in the face of the world’s end.
18Guilty Crown: Power, Rebellion, and the Weight of Choice
Immerse yourself in the gripping narrative of Guilty Crown, an anime set in a dystopian future where a deadly virus known as the Apocalypse Virus has ravaged Japan. Protagonist Shu Ouma stumbles upon a mysterious girl named Inori, leading him to acquire the “Power of Kings,” which allows him to extract weapons from people’s hearts.
As Shu joins a resistance group fighting against the oppressive government, he must face the consequences of his newfound power. Guilty Crown offers a dramatic exploration of personal responsibility, sacrifice, and the complex choices that define our humanity amid an apocalyptic backdrop.
17From the New World: The Dark Side of Utopia
Venture into the chilling utopia of From the New World, an anime that delves into the depths of human nature and the fragile balance of power. In a world where humans have developed telekinetic abilities, protagonist Saki Watanabe and her friends uncover the dark secrets behind their seemingly perfect society.
As they navigate the treacherous landscape of a world teetering on the brink of collapse, they must face the consequences of their actions and the horrifying reality of their powers. With its haunting atmosphere and thought-provoking themes, From the New World will leave you questioning the nature of utopia and the price of peace.
16Dr. Stone: Rebuilding Civilization One Stone at a Time
Witness the end of the world and its rebirth in Dr. Stone, an anime that combines science, adventure, and the indomitable human spirit. When a mysterious event petrifies all of humanity, genius high school student Senku Ishigami awakens 3,700 years later, determined to restore civilization through the power of science.
As he builds a community of survivors, including the brawny Taiju and resourceful Yuzuriha, Senku faces both the challenges of the new Stone World and opposition from those with different visions for humanity’s future. Dr. Stone offers a unique take on the apocalypse, showcasing the resilience and ingenuity of humans in the face of the unknown.
15Blue Gender: Mecha, Monsters, and the Meaning of Survival
Embark on a thrilling adventure with Blue Gender, an anime that pits humanity against monstrous insectoid creatures called Blue. Protagonist Yuji Kaido awakens from cryogenic sleep, only to find Earth transformed into a deadly battleground.
Guided by Marlene, a skilled soldier, Yuji must confront the horrors of this new world and his role in humanity’s struggle for survival. With gripping battles, mecha action, and a harrowing exploration of the human condition, Blue Gender delivers a pulse-pounding apocalyptic experience.
14Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: Steampunk Samurai vs. Undead Horde
Board the hype train with Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress, a steampunk-infused anime featuring samurai, armored trains, and zombie-like creatures called Kabane. Protagonist Ikoma, a young steamsmith, devises a weapon to combat the relentless undead, while Mumei, a mysterious girl, harbors her deadly secret.
Together, they navigate a world teetering on the brink of destruction. With its stunning visuals, heart-stopping action, and unforgettable characters, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress offers an exhilarating ride through a world overrun by the undead.
13Ergo Proxy: Delving into the Depths of Dystopia
Explore the enigmatic world of Ergo Proxy, an anime set in a post-apocalyptic future where humans coexist with androids called AutoReivs. Protagonist Re-l Mayer, an investigator, becomes embroiled in a mystery involving a deadly virus and the emergence of sentient AutoReivs called Proxies.
As Re-l uncovers the truth behind her dystopian city, she confronts the existential questions that define humanity’s place in a world on the edge of collapse. With its intricate plot, thought-provoking themes, and atmospheric visuals, Ergo Proxy is a must-watch for fans of apocalyptic anime.
12Casshern Sins: The Beauty of Ruin
Dive into the haunting world of Casshern Sins, where a cataclysmic event known as the Ruin has brought civilization to its knees. Protagonist Casshern, an amnesiac cyborg, searches for answers about his past and the world’s fate.
With its striking visuals, introspective themes, and mesmerizing atmosphere, Casshern Sins is a poetic ode to the beauty of ruin.
11Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet: Finding Home in the Apocalypse
Set sail with Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, a captivating anime that follows space pilot Ledo as he crash-lands on a waterlogged Earth. As Ledo adapts to life with the Gargantia fleet, he learns valuable lessons about humanity, hope, and the true meaning of home.
This visually stunning series is a must-watch for fans of post-apocalyptic settings with a heartwarming twist.
10Devilman Crybaby: Unleashing the Demons Within
Embrace your inner demons with Devilman Crybaby, an anime that explores the blurred lines between humans and monsters. When protagonist Akira fuses with a demon to become Devilman, he must confront his own darkness to protect those he loves.
With its visceral storytelling and unflinching portrayal of humanity’s darkest impulses, Devilman Crybaby is a raw and unforgettable apocalyptic tale.
9Desert Punk: The Comedic Cool Side of the Apocalypse
Unearth the humor in the apocalypse with Desert Punk, an anime that follows the misadventures of Kanta Mizuno, a skilled mercenary, in a post-apocalyptic desert wasteland.
With its quirky characters, witty humor, and thrilling action sequences, Desert Punk provides a lighter take on the end of the world while still delivering plenty of excitement.
8Bokurano: Unraveling the Cost of Survival
Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster with Bokurano, an anime that delves into the burden of responsibility and the price of survival. A group of teenagers become pilots for a giant robot, Zearth, only to learn that each battle could cost them their lives.
With its intricate character development and heart-wrenching story, Bokurano offers a unique take on the end of the world.
7Girls’ Last Tour: A Gentle Journey Through Desolation
Embrace the quiet moments of the apocalypse in Girls’ Last Tour, an anime that follows two girls, Chito and Yuuri, as they navigate a desolate, post-apocalyptic landscape.
They find moments of hope, wonder, and friendship amid the ruins. With its serene atmosphere and poignant storytelling, Girls’ Last Tour is a beautifully crafted tale of resilience in despair.
6Zankyou no Terror: The Countdown to Catastrophe
Race against time with Zankyou no Terror, an anime that tells the story of two teenage terrorists, Nine and Twelve, who spark a series of catastrophic events in Tokyo.
The city is plunged into chaos as they challenge the authorities with their enigmatic motives. Zankyou no Terror masterfully combines suspense, intrigue, and thought-provoking themes to create a gripping apocalyptic narrative.
5Gakkougurashi! (School-Live!): Uncovering the Truth Behind Innocence
Experience the horror of the apocalypse from a unique perspective in Gakkougurashi!, an anime that follows a group of girls trapped in their school during a zombie outbreak.
As they struggle to survive, they gradually uncover the truth about their world. With its blend of aesthetics, suspenseful storytelling, and shocking twists, Gakkougurashi! is an unforgettable journey into the heart of darkness.
4Sidonia no Kishi (Knights of Sidonia): Humanity’s Last Stand in the Stars
Venture into the vastness of space with Sidonia no Kishi, an anime that follows humanity’s last remnants as they flee a monstrous alien threat.
Protagonist Nagate Tanikaze pilots a powerful mecha against the shape-shifting Gauna while navigating the complex social dynamics aboard the spaceship Sidonia.
With its intense battles, compelling characters, and stunning visuals, Sidonia no Kishi delivers a thrilling experience in a universe on the brink of destruction.
3No.6: Utopia Unraveled in a Dystopian Future
Uncover the secrets of a seemingly perfect society in No.6, an anime exploring utopia’s dark side. Protagonist Shion, a resident of the idyllic city No.6, forms an unlikely bond with Nezumi, a fugitive outside the city walls.
As they unravel the truth behind No.6’s facade, they confront the complex challenges of a world on the edge. With its rich character development and thought-provoking themes, No.6 is a must-watch for fans of dystopian narratives.
2Owari no Seraph (Seraph of the End): Vampire Reign in a World Gone Mad
Immerse yourself in the post-apocalyptic world of Owari no Seraph, where vampires rule the remnants of humanity after a deadly virus decimates the population. Follow the journey of Yuichiro Hyakuya, a young survivor who vows to eradicate these immortal overlords.
Prepare to be captivated by intense battles, heart-wrenching friendships, and the devastating impact of power and betrayal. With its unique take on the apocalypse and an unforgettable cast of characters, Owari no Seraph will leave you craving more.
1Planetarian: The Reverie of a Little Planet
Discover the power of hope in the face of despair with Planetarian, an anime set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by war and environmental catastrophe. Protagonist Kuzuya, a scavenger, stumbles upon a derelict planetarium inhabited by a lonely android named Hoshino Yumemi.
They find solace and meaning amidst the ruins as they share their stories. Planetarian weaves a heartwarming tale of human connection in a world overshadowed by darkness.