Apocalyptic Anime (Sunday Sevens)

The Otaku Author Sunday Sevens Apocalyptic Anime

Unable to leave the house or simply don’t want to, there’s never been a better time to binge some post-apocalyptic anime. I mean, there’s never a bad time, but whatever. Anyhow, here are seven titles to while away the isolation!

Apocalyptic Anime

Times are hard and there’s no denying just how serious this situation is right now. I’m sure you’ve heard plenty about COVID-19 and as I’m no doctor, I’m not going to add my speculations to the pile. It’s safe to say, however, that I am well-versed in post-apocalyptic stories and while there are plenty more to check out, these are seven that each offer a very different situation. I shall be talking about the nature of the apocalyptic event so there will likely be some spoilers. You have been warned.


7. WorldEnd: What do you do at the end of the world? Are you busy? Will you save us?

WorldEnd: What do you do at the end of the world? Are you busy? Will you save us?

In this series with the rather lengthy title, humanity has disappeared and been replaced by various species of demi-humans who live on floating islands while the planet’s surface is infested with these hideous monsters. Well, of course, it turns out the appearance of these monsters and the disappearance of humanity was no coincidence. That’s right, the monsters are the humans that have been infected with some sort of virus that turned them all into giant murderous beasts. It makes for a pretty great twist in this dark and tragic love story.


6. Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet

Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet

In the distant future, most of humanity left Earth for the stars, but since then they have been locked in a brutal war with another race. After one battle, Ledo and his autonomous robot, Chamber are thrown through space and end up on a planet covered in water. Well, it’s no surprise to learn that his planet is actually Earth and has become largely flooded which is why most of humanity left in the first place. The big twist in this series is that the race that the humans are a war with are humans that have altered their bodies to be able to survive in the void of space.


5. Fist of the North Star

Fist of the North Star

A global nuclear war is responsible for the world in which Kenshirou finds himself. It’s a brutal world where only the strong survive. As a result, this series features the toughest bunch of brutes you’ve ever seen. It’s like Mad Max 3 but with truly terrifying fighters. I’ve only seen the movie which is an abridged version of the series, so I’m certain I missed a lot of the detail, but with 109 episodes, it’s going to be great for filling your isolation time. Just be ready for exploding heads and much worse.


4. Ergo Proxy

Ergo Proxy Re-L

In Ergo Proxy, we get to see the last human civilisation slowly crumble before our eyes. Outside of the domed city, the world has been blighted by a global ecological catastrophe which has left the Earth doomed. The Proxys were man’s last attempt to create a place where they could survive and eventually rebuild, but as usual, things don’t always go as planned. This series is excellent and while it does have some truly bizarre moments, it will stick with you long after you’ve finished it.


3. A Wind Named Amnesia

A Wind Named Amnesia

Finally, it’s a disaster that humanity didn’t cause… well, possibly. An alien race has decided that humans have become too dangerous and fears what should happen when they evolve to travel the stars. So, rather than just destroy the planet and kill everyone, they erase everyone’s memories and watch to see if humanity is redeemable. This is a great movie that feels like a collection of shorter stories with an overarching theme. If you enjoy classic anime and a good apocalypse then this is definitely one for you. It is a movie, so it’s not going to fill your time, but it will be worth it.


2. School-Live!

School-live

I know that I said this section will contain spoilers, but I will say it again for this one. Please skip this section if you’ve not seen this series as not knowing is the greatest gift I can give to you. It’s best watched with no idea what is going on. That said, I’m actually not going to tell you anything about this one other than, if you like post-apocalyptic stories, then you absolutely must see this one. You can thank me when you’re done.


1. Highschool of the Dead

Highschool of the Dead Episode 1 Takashi Surrounded by Zombies

Zombies! This is fairly obvious to anyone that knows me or has followed my blogging for a while, but I still don’t think anyone is taking me too seriously. So, let me be blunt. This series is the best zombie series. Not best anime zombie series. Best ever. Yes, there is a lot of fan-service and that will either annoy you or not, but the things these characters go through and have to overcome is amazing. It hits all the usual tropes but still feels exciting and fresh. On top of that, it makes some outstanding observations on what life would be like and how things can change so quickly. I love this series.


So, these are just a handful of my favourite post-apocalyptic anime titles, but I’m always looking for more. It’s one of my favourite genres and I can’t get enough, so if you have any recommendations for me, please, please, please leave them in the comments. Anyhow, thanks for reading, wash your hands, keep your distance, and stay safe.

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9 Comments

  1. You soulless scoundrel! School-Live broke my heart, you know. . .The others all had at least a gnawing edge of despair to buffer you, but School-Live teased you with hints of hope and moments of real joy before, well, disabusing you of notions of hope or joy. . .

    • Yeah, School-Live! was excellent. I feel like I’m due a rewatch and I only saw it last year. I went in expecting a twist but that final section was incredible.

  2. I actually saw A Wind Named Amnesia. That’s an underrated movie. As far as other post-apocalyptic anime is concerned, I’d also recommend Texhnolyze, RahXephon and Kurogane Communication.

    • Definitely underrated. I really enjoyed it and like the way it mixed together a number of shorter stories.

      Thanks. I will have to add those to my watch list.

    • Sure! That’s one movie I would like to rewatch at some point.

      Those are good series. I’m a bit biased towards Texhnolyze since Yoshitoshi ABe is one of the creators. Kurogane Communication is the happiest post-apocalyptic series I’ve ever seen.

    • Hahaha! It’s not happy in shallow way, but there’s a sense of optimism which I thought was fascinating. Interestingly enough, one of the creators made parodies of EVA before making Kurogane Communication which explains why the main character Haruka is a photo negative analog of Asuka.

What did you think?