34 Post Apocalyptic Anime To Put On Your End-Of-The-World Watch List

Akira

Akira is set in a dystopian future Tokyo, the film follows Kaneda, a biker gang leader who becomes involved in a government conspiracy involving a group of powerful psychics and the mysterious entity known as “Akira.” The film explores themes of power, corruption, and the consequences of scientific experimentation. The animation is known for its innovative techniques and highly detailed depictions of the cityscape, and the film is considered a classic of both anime and science fiction.

Black Bullet

The story is set in the year 2021, where humanity is threatened by a virus called Gastrea, which turns infected humans into monstrous creatures. In order to fight Gastrea, humans have developed special weapons called “Varanium,” and a group of warriors known as “Cursed Children,” who are infected with the virus but also possess special powers that make them effective against Gastrea.

The anime follows the story of Rentaro Satomi, a high school student and member of the Tendo Civil Security Agency, who partners with a Cursed Child named Enju Aihara to protect the city from the Gastrea attacks. As they battle the monsters, Rentaro and Enju uncover a dark conspiracy involving the government and a powerful corporation that threatens not only their city but the entire world.

Casshern Sins

Casshern Sins follows the story of a robot named Casshern, who has lost his memory and is on a journey to discover his true identity. In this world, robots have become the dominant species, and they are immortal. However, a mysterious disease called the “ruin” has begun to spread, causing robots to rust and die. Casshern is believed to be the cause of this disease and is hunted by many robots seeking revenge. Along the way, he meets various characters and learns about the truth behind the ruin and his role in it. The anime explores themes of life, death, redemption, and the consequences of immortality.

Darling in the Franxx

Darling in the Franxx takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where children are raised in mobile fortresses known as Plantations to fight against giant creatures called Klaxosaurs. These children, who are referred to as “Parasites,” are paired up in male-female pairs to pilot the FranXX, which are giant mechas that can only be operated by two pilots.

The story primarily follows Hiro, a former prodigy Parasite who lost his ability to pilot after a failed mission, and Zero Two, a mysterious and powerful Parasite with Klaxosaur blood who is rumoured to be a “partner killer.” As Hiro becomes Zero Two’s new partner, they begin to develop a close relationship and uncover the truth behind their society’s secrets and the nature of the Klaxosaurs.

Deadman Wonderland

Deadman Wonderland is set in a world where a massive earthquake has destroyed most of Tokyo, leaving a new city in its place. The main character, Ganta Igarashi, is a middle school student who is falsely accused of murdering his entire class and is sent to Deadman Wonderland, a privatized prison where inmates are forced to participate in deadly games to entertain the public and earn their freedom.

In the prison, Ganta discovers that he has a strange power that allows him to control his own blood. He is forced to fight against other inmates with similar powers, known as “Deadmen,” in brutal battles called “Carnival Corpse.” As he fights to survive and uncover the truth behind his false accusations, he befriends a mysterious girl named Shiro who seems to know more about the prison and Ganta’s past than she lets on.

Desert Punk

Desert Punk is set in a post-apocalyptic world where the deserts have taken over most of the land. The story follows the adventures of a skilled mercenary known as Desert Punk, who roams the wastelands with his female sidekick, a talented marksman named Kosuna.

Desert Punk takes on various jobs and missions, ranging from protecting a small village to retrieving a valuable artefact from a dangerous gang. Along the way, he faces numerous challenges, including rival mercenaries, mutant creatures, and treacherous terrain. Despite his tough exterior, Desert Punk also has a soft side and often shows compassion towards those in need.

Dr Stone

Dr Stone is set in a post-apocalyptic world where all of humanity has been turned into stone by a mysterious phenomenon. The story follows a genius high school student named Senku Ishigami, who emerges from his stone shell thousands of years later and resolves to rebuild civilization using science.

With the help of his childhood friend Taiju Oki, Senku sets out to uncover the secrets behind the petrification and create a new world from scratch. They gather a group of allies, including the strong-willed warrior Kohaku and the cautious, resourceful Suika, and face challenges such as reviving other humans from stone and battling against a primitive tribe that opposes their scientific progress.

As Senku and his team explore the world and invent new technologies, they also encounter others who have emerged from their stone slumber, some of whom are willing to join their cause while others seek to exploit their knowledge for their own gain.

Ergo Proxy

Ergo Proxy is set in a futuristic, dystopian world where humans and androids coexist in a domed city called Romdeau. The story follows Re-l Mayer, an inspector tasked with investigating a series of mysterious murders committed by robots known as AutoReivs.

As Re-l delves deeper into the case, she uncovers a web of secrets surrounding the true nature of the city, its ruling class, and the relationship between humans and androids. She is aided in her quest by an enigmatic android named Vincent Law, who harbours his own dark past.

As the story progresses, Re-l and Vincent encounter various obstacles, including dangerous experiments gone wrong, rogue AutoReivs, and rival factions vying for power. They eventually discover the truth about their world and their own identities, leading to a climactic battle for the fate of humanity.

Fist Of The North Star

Fist Of The North Star is set in a post-apocalyptic world where society has collapsed, and violence reigns supreme. The story follows the adventures of Kenshiro, a powerful martial artist and master of the Hokuto Shinken style, as he travels through the wasteland in search of his lost love, Yuria.

Kenshiro is often called upon to help those in need, using his incredible strength and deadly fighting techniques to defeat the various raiders, bandits, and warlords who terrorize the land. Along the way, he meets several allies, including the orphaned warrior Bat and the skilled fighter Rei, who share his goals and ideals.

As Kenshiro and his companions battle their way across the wasteland, they face numerous challenges, including rival martial artists, mutated beasts, and powerful warlords with their own unique fighting styles. They also uncover the secrets behind the apocalypse that destroyed their world and the true nature of the Hokuto Shinken style.

Future Boy Conan

Future Boy Conan is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has regressed to a primitive state following a devastating global war. The story follows the adventures of Conan, a young boy living on a remote island, who discovers a girl named Lana who has been washed ashore after a shipwreck.

Together with Lana and his friends, Conan sets out on a journey to stop a group of evil scientists who seek to use their advanced technology to dominate the world. Along the way, they encounter various challenges, including treacherous terrain, fierce enemies, and the hardships of survival in a world without modern conveniences.

As Conan and his companions travel across the sea and through ruined cities, they learn more about the history of their world and the true nature of the conflict between the forces of good and evil. They also discover their own inner strengths and abilities, culminating in a final battle against the villainous group, and the hope of rebuilding a better world.

Girls’ Last Tour

Girls’ last tour is set in a post-apocalyptic world where two young girls, Chito and Yuuri, travel through a vast, abandoned city on their modified motorbike, seeking supplies and exploring the ruins of civilization.

As they navigate through the empty streets, the girls encounter various remnants of human technology and culture, leading to philosophical discussions about the meaning of life and the legacy of humanity. Despite the desolation of their surroundings, Chito and Yuuri maintain their curiosity and wonder, finding beauty and humour in even the bleakest of situations.

As their journey continues, the girls face numerous challenges, including dangerous weather, scarce resources, and encounters with hostile robots and other survivors. Through it all, they maintain their bond of friendship and their optimism for the future, even as they learn more about the tragedy that befell their world.

God Eater

God Eater is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is on the brink of extinction after being overrun by monstrous beings called Aragami. The story follows a young man named Lenka Utsugi, who joins a special military unit called the God Eaters, who wield powerful weapons known as God Arcs, to fight against the Aragami and protect what remains of humanity.

As Lenka trains and fights alongside his fellow God Eaters, he learns more about the nature of the Aragami, the history of their world, and the secrets of his own past. Along the way, he faces numerous challenges, including powerful new enemies, rival factions with their own agendas, and the harsh realities of life in a world on the brink of collapse.

Guilty Crown

Guilty Crown is set in a dystopian future where a deadly virus has devastated Japan, leading to the establishment of a totalitarian government called the GHQ. The story follows a high school student named Shu Ouma, who gains a special power called the “Power of the Kings,” which allows him to extract weapons or abilities from people’s hearts and use them in battle.

As Shu becomes embroiled in the conflict between the GHQ and a rebel group called Funeral Parlor, he discovers the true extent of the GHQ’s corruption and the secrets behind the virus that destroyed Japan. Along the way, he forms alliances and rivalries with various characters, including the charismatic leader of Funeral Parlor, Inori Yuzuriha, and the ruthless commander of the GHQ, Gai Tsutsugami.

As the war between the GHQ and Funeral Parlor intensifies, Shu must grapple with the moral implications of his powers, the weight of leadership, and the difficult choices that come with being a hero.

Gurren Lagann

Gurren Lagann is set in a future where humans live in underground villages due to the surface being uninhabitable. The story follows two young men, Simon and Kamina, who dream of reaching the surface and exploring the world beyond.

With the help of a mysterious girl named Yoko and the power of their mecha, the Lagann, Simon and Kamina lead a rebellion against the tyrannical Spiral King and his army of Beastmen, who seek to keep humanity trapped underground.

As they journey towards the surface, Simon and Kamina encounter new allies and enemies, engage in epic battles, and face increasingly difficult challenges that test their courage and determination. Along the way, they discover the true nature of the Spiral King’s power and the secrets of their own pasts.

Highschool of the Dead

Highschool of the Dead is set in a world overrun by a zombie apocalypse. The story follows a group of high school students and their school nurse, who band together to survive the outbreak and search for their families.

As they navigate through the zombie-infested city, the group faces numerous challenges, including other survivors with their own agendas, dwindling supplies, and the constant threat of the undead. Along the way, they uncover a government conspiracy and search for a safe haven in this new, dangerous world.

Humanity Has Declined

Humanity Has Declined is set in a world where humanity has undergone a mysterious decline, leaving only a small population of humans living alongside fairies. The story follows a young woman known only as the “Mediator,” who works to maintain peaceful relations between humans and fairies.

As the Mediator goes about her duties, she encounters various absurd situations and bizarre phenomena, from a food shortage crisis caused by sentient bread to a town populated by clones of the same person. Despite the surreal nature of her experiences, the Mediator maintains a detached and sardonic attitude towards the world around her.

Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress

Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity lives in walled cities to protect itself from Kabane, zombie-like creatures who feed on human flesh. The story follows a young engineer named Ikoma, who develops a new weapon to fight against the Kabane: the piercing gun.

After being bitten by a Kabane but managing to halt its transformation by using his invention, Ikoma sets out with a group of survivors to find a way to defeat the Kabane and save humanity. Along the way, they encounter various allies and enemies, including a mysterious girl named Mumei, who possesses special abilities that may hold the key to defeating the Kabane.

As Ikoma and his companions fight to survive and uncover the truth behind the Kabane, they must also confront the harsh realities of a world that values survival above all else.

Knights of Sidonia

Knights of Sidonia is set in a dystopian future where humanity lives aboard a massive spaceship called Sidonia, which is constantly on the run from giant alien creatures known as Gauna. The story follows Nagate Tanikaze, a young man who has lived his entire life in the underground tunnels of Sidonia but possesses extraordinary piloting skills.

As Nagate rises through the ranks of the Sidonian military, he becomes embroiled in a conflict with the Gauna, which threatens to destroy the last bastion of humanity. Along the way, he forges relationships with his fellow pilots and learns the truth about his past, which holds the key to humanity’s survival.

Made In Abyss

Made In Abyss is set in a mysterious world where a massive, seemingly bottomless pit called the Abyss exists. The story follows an orphaned girl named Riko, who dreams of becoming a Cave Raider, someone who ventures into the Abyss to uncover its secrets and treasures.

When Riko discovers a mysterious robot boy named Reg in the Abyss, the two embark on a dangerous journey to the bottom of the pit in search of Riko’s mother, a legendary Cave Raider who disappeared years ago. As they descend deeper into the Abyss, Riko and Reg encounter numerous deadly creatures and face increasingly difficult challenges that test their resolve and bond.

Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans

Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans is set in a distant future where humanity has colonized Mars and other parts of the solar system. The story follows a group of child soldiers known as the “Tekkadan” as they work to establish themselves as a mercenary group and gain their independence.

Led by the charismatic orphan Mikazuki Augus and his friends, the Tekkadan become embroiled in a power struggle between various factions, including the Earth’s military and a rival Mars organization. Along the way, they encounter various allies and enemies and must use all their skills and resources to survive and achieve their goals.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is an anime film set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity struggles to survive in a toxic wasteland. The story follows Nausicaä, the princess of the Valley of the Wind, who has a deep connection with the natural world and the giant insects that inhabit it.

When a powerful kingdom tries to harness the power of an ancient, long-dormant weapon, Nausicaä must use her unique skills and perspective to prevent a catastrophic war. Along the way, she encounters various allies and enemies and discovers the truth about the toxic wasteland and the role humanity played in its creation.

Neon Genesis Evangelion

Neon Genesis Evangelion is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is on the brink of extinction. The story follows a group of teenagers who pilot giant bio-mechanical beings called “Evangelions” to fight against mysterious and powerful beings known as “Angels.”

The main protagonist, Shinji Ikari, is forced to pilot the Evangelion Unit-01 by his estranged father Gendo, who leads the organization responsible for defending humanity against the Angels. As Shinji battles the Angels, he struggles with his own feelings of loneliness and worthlessness, as well as his complex relationship with his father and the other pilots.

No. 6

No. 6 is set in a dystopian future where humanity lives in six highly advanced city-states. The story follows Shion, a gifted young student living in the privileged and idyllic city of No. 6, who has his life turned upside down when he helps a fugitive named Nezumi escape from the city’s authorities.

As Shion and Nezumi grow closer, they uncover the dark secrets behind the seemingly perfect society of No. 6, including government surveillance, medical experiments, and a plan to eradicate a large portion of the population. Together, they work to uncover the truth and fight against the oppressive regime.

Now and Then, Here and There

Now and Then, Here and There is set in a post-apocalyptic world where water is scarce and war is constant. The story follows a young boy named Shu, who is transported from his world to a dystopian, desert wasteland by a mysterious girl named Lala-Ru.

In this new world, Shu finds himself caught up in a brutal conflict between two warring factions, with Lala-Ru being held captive by the sinister leader of one of the factions. Shu is forced to confront the horrors of war and the cruelty of those who seek power, all while trying to find a way back to his own world.