20 Best “Heist” or “Infiltration” Episodes In Anime

Anime is full of thrilling stories about heists, secret missions, and daring rescues. This list highlights twenty exceptional episodes where the plot revolves around a theft, deception, raid, or undercover work – from long-running favorites to newer shows. For each episode, we’ve included background on the series, the main goal of the operation, the important characters, and details about the production or story arc to give you context.

‘Lupin the 3rd’ (1971) – ‘Is Lupin Burning?’

This first installment defines the style of the Lupin franchise, showcasing Arsène Lupin III and his team as they attempt a daring robbery while being pursued by Inspector Zenigata. It introduces Lupin’s trusty partner, Daisuke Jigen, and his complicated relationship with Fujiko Mine. Filled with clever gadgets, disguises, and betrayals, this initial series established the core elements that would define ‘Lupin the Third’ going forward, with each story typically focusing on a single, elaborate heist.

‘Cowboy Bebop’ (1998) – ‘Honky Tonk Women’

When the crew discovers a casino chip that’s been tampered with, they find themselves unexpectedly infiltrating a high-class space casino. Faye Valentine gets mixed up with a criminal organization, and Spike and Jet have to deal with security and a hostage situation. The episode is full of clever tricks, surveillance, and fast costume changes, making it a self-contained, exciting adventure – typical of the ‘Cowboy Bebop’ series.

‘Great Pretender’ (2020) – ‘Los Angeles Connection, Episode 1’

The first episode introduces the series’ complex, long-term planning with a daring scheme that crosses international borders, aiming at a Hollywood producer involved in drug trafficking. Skilled con artist Makoto Edamura joins forces with Laurent Thierry’s team and starts a careful, multi-step operation to infiltrate the target’s business, using false identities. The plan progresses in stages – first making contact with the target, then building their trust, and finally manipulating a demonstration of a fake product. This episode establishes the intricate heist methods that will be used throughout the ‘Los Angeles Connection’ storyline.

‘Attack on Titan’ (2013) – ‘Declaration of War’

Eren Jaeger goes undercover in Marley, pretending to be someone else, with a plan to start a fight during an important public event. Meanwhile, the Scout Regiment secretly enters the city, getting into position while Marley’s military police keep a close watch on everything. The attack is timed perfectly to begin as soon as a major announcement is made. This marks a turning point in ‘Attack on Titan’, where the story shifts to more proactive spying and fighting within cities.

‘Naruto Shippūden’ (2007) – ‘The Tale of Jiraiya the Gallant’

Okay, so I just watched the latest, and it was intense! Jiraiya goes undercover in Amegakure, trying to figure out who’s really running the Akatsuki. He’s using everything he’s got – summoning animals, secret codes, even disguises – to get past all their security and talk to people who might know something. The episode keeps cutting between him gathering intel and the local authorities starting to catch on, which really builds the tension. Honestly, it feels like a huge turning point in the story, because the information he digs up is going to completely change how everyone fights the Akatsuki.

‘Bleach’ (2004) – ‘Formation! The Worst Tag’

Once Ichigo and his friends break into Soul Society, they get separated and have to split up into small groups to sneak around. This episode shows them trying to get through heavily guarded areas, dodging patrols, and figuring out how the city’s gate system works. They team up with unexpected allies and use clever distractions to move closer to where they need to go – the detention area. This is a crucial part of their plan to rescue someone important.

‘Death Note’ (2006) – ‘Matsuda’

The task force goes undercover to investigate the Yotsuba Group, using Touta Matsuda as an operative with a fake identity. They employ tactics like wiretaps, carefully planned events, and controlled information releases to uncover the person within the company who is working with Kira, all while avoiding detection by security. This episode focuses on the detailed process of setting up surveillance and coordinating with external resources, showing how infiltration techniques are used against a corporate criminal organization in ‘Death Note’.

‘Princess Principal’ (2017) – ‘Case 13: Wired Liar’

The story begins right in the middle of the action, with a team of spies breaking into a research facility in a London that blends Victorian and futuristic technology. Ange and Dorothy use social classes and fake IDs to get into areas they shouldn’t. The whole mission – both the plan and how they escape – revolves around a device that can control gravity. This first episode sets up the show’s format: each “Case” is a separate mission where the team members and their roles change.

‘Akudama Drive’ (2020) – ‘Se7en’

A team of criminals is forced to carry out a daring escape from prison and a high-speed transport raid in the bright, bustling Kansai region. Each member has a specific role – hacker, driver, fighter, and killer – and they work together to break through police barricades. The action includes dodging security drones, tricking security checkpoints, and stealing a convoy while under intense observation. This initial operation is just the beginning of a much larger, more ambitious heist involving a bullet train.

‘Spy x Family’ (2022) – ‘Will They Pass or Fail?’

WISE created a detailed training exercise – a fake castle infiltration – to test ‘Operation Strix’. This included simulated dangers and a goal that changed during the exercise. Loid Forger had to move through a castle filled with agents acting as guards, carefully balancing the need to appear inconspicuous with keeping Anya safe. The exercise successfully tested the team’s communication skills, ability to think on their feet, and efficiency in clearing a path, all while under a time limit. Although presented as a game, it was actually a serious evaluation of their infiltration abilities, a key skill in the series.

‘Baccano!’ (2007) – ‘Jacuzzi Splot Cries, Gets Scared, and Musters Reckless Valor’

During the hijacking of the ‘Flying Pussyfoot’ train, several criminal groups are simultaneously attempting their own raids and rescues. This story follows one team as they secretly move through the train cars, while other groups control key areas. Their plan involves hidden spaces, fake hostages, and carefully timed movements between cars. The limited space of the train creates a tense situation, forcing all the groups to adjust their plans and race against the clock.

‘Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex’ (2002) – ‘SECTION-9’

Section 9, a public security unit, responds to a hostage situation at a secure facility that has been hacked. Major Kusanagi leads the operation, using thermal imaging, planning entry points, and preparing for cyberattacks with help from the Tachikoma. The episode details how the team systematically enters and secures the building, room by room, while also cutting off the network to prevent the terrorists from regaining control remotely. This rescue serves as a key example of the team’s standard procedures, seen throughout ‘Stand Alone Complex’.

‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind’ (2018) – ‘The Grateful Dead – Part 1’

A team from Passione is traveling by train to deliver an important package, but they’re being targeted by enemy assassins who are secretly boarding along the way. Unexpected changes in temperature and control of the train’s compartments force the team to quickly revise their security measures. They focus on monitoring passengers and searching for hidden weapons as part of their defense. This episode kicks off a longer, complex operation on the train, putting the team’s security skills to the ultimate test.

‘Hunter x Hunter’ (2011) – ‘Strengthen × And × Threaten’

I’m completely captivated by how carefully Kurapika and his team are preparing for the Yorknew City auction! It’s amazing to see them working to get inside the mafia’s circles, the very places the Phantom Troupe is likely to hit. They’re going to all lengths – getting fake IDs, making connections on the black market, even coordinating with security to watch how things are moved. It’s clear they’re gathering intelligence on every detail of the auction, learning the security schedules and everything, so they can plan the perfect interception. This episode really sets the stage for a thrilling showdown with the Troupe – you can just feel the tension building!

‘Detective Conan’ (1996) – ‘Conan vs. Kaitou Kid’

Kaito Kid publicly announces he’s going to steal a jewel, which puts the museum on high alert. He then disguises himself as a staff member or guest to blend in. Conan, however, anticipates this and sets up his own surveillance, uses decoys to confuse Kid, and creates a precise plan to catch him during the unveiling. The theft itself involves clever distractions, an escape by air, and quick costume changes. This sets the stage for a major showdown between the skilled thief and the detective in the ongoing ‘Case Closed’ series.

‘Mob Psycho 100’ (2016) – ‘Master ~Leader~’

Shigeo and his friends break into a base run by Claw’s 7th Division to save espers who have been kidnapped. The episode carefully shows how they plan their entry, where the enemy cells are located, and the levels of psychic protection. The team divides tasks – some create distractions, others focus on the rescue, and others secure the hallways – to keep the operation moving forward. This raid highlights the show’s style of showing a well-coordinated attack against a structured enemy.

‘Vinland Saga’ (2019) – ‘The Light of Dawn’

Askeladd’s group sneaks into a heavily guarded village at night, using the landscape and weather to stay hidden. Scouts quietly take out the guards, allowing the main group to enter without alerting the villagers. The episode carefully shows how they planned their route, timing, and emergency escape signals. It’s a realistic portrayal of how raids were carried out in ‘Vinland Saga’ before modern warfare.

‘One Piece’ (1999) – ‘Landing to Get Robin! Luffy vs. Blueno!’

The Straw Hat Pirates storm Enies Lobby, determined to reach Nico Robin. They fight their way past the island’s defenses, using a combination of distraction and direct attack to get inside. A key part of their initial assault involves a battle with Blueno, focused on controlling important access points like doors and bridges. This marks the official beginning of their attempt to infiltrate a heavily fortified government base, which is the central conflict of this story arc.

‘Black Lagoon’ (2006) – ‘Maid to Kill’

Roberta sneaks into a hotel controlled by a cartel to rescue a young boy, navigating through exclusive areas and past armed guards. The episode highlights the strange mix of formal hotel staff and concealed weapons, with action moving quickly between floors. Security forces put up multiple layers of defense, leading to intense close-quarters fighting in rooms and stairwells. This fast-paced, building-wide attack happens alongside the ongoing activities of the Lagoon Company.

‘Darker than Black’ (2007) – ‘The Fallen Star of a Contract… Part 1’

Hei, a skilled contractor, is sent on a secret mission to Tokyo. He must break into a research facility connected to the Heaven’s Gate event. To get inside, he relies on avoiding surveillance, moving across rooftops, and using disguises. While he’s working, the police are investigating, making it increasingly difficult for him to steal the data he needs. This mission sets the stage for the entire series, which will follow similar covert operations focused on stealth in urban environments.

Tell us about your favorite anime episode featuring a clever scheme or a secret mission in the comments! What episodes do you think we left out, and which ones were the most thrilling?

2025-11-04 21:47