Discover the 10 Most Heart-Wrenching WWII Anime You Must Watch!

World War II was one of the most disastrous and tragic times for humankind. Every side, whether good or bad, suffered enormous consequences that left a huge scar in world history. Huge events inspired various media and arts from their beginning and World War II is not a stranger to that. Japanese animators decided to bring us their own stories of World War II in their own specific way, and boy did they leave millions of people speechless. In this article, we will rank the 10 best WWII anime of all time.

This list features anime with less serious and more light-hearted storylines that draw inspiration from World War II or are set during it, as well as deeply moving, intense anime that may cause emotional distress. Before we dive in, please be aware of the sensitive themes that could potentially trigger some individuals. Let’s kick off our top picks for anime without any more delay!

10. Girls und Panzer

First off, let’s dive into something more playful. This Japanese animated series showcases a sports competition between various girls’ high schools, where the sport is an adaptation of tank warfare. The narrative centers around Miho Nishizumi, a young lady born into a distinguished family of sensha-dō (tank warfare) practitioners who endured severe emotional distress. This traumatic experience led her parents to enroll her at Ōarai Girls High School, hoping to distance her from past events.

In Miho’s school, sensha-dō, a sport reminiscent of WWII tank warfare, resurfaces following her transfer. Initially hesitant to participate in the sensha-dō team, she is eventually persuaded by fellow students and they leap into the national championship without delay. If you’re seeking an action-packed yet lighthearted anime that’s a bit out of the ordinary, Girls und Panzer should be right up your alley. The first season can be streamed on Amazon Prime, while the movie is available for viewing on Netflix.

9. The Cockpit

This animation series is divided into three distinct segments: Slipstream, Sonic Boom Squadron, and Knight of the Iron Dragon. Each segment focuses on separate groups and characters as they serve during World War II, including Captain Erhardt Von Rheindars, a young pilot Ensign Nogami, and Privates Kodai and Utsunomiya. The first story revolves around a German Captain who finds himself in an extraordinary situation when he decides to protect an American B-17 bomber, ultimately choosing to stand firm against any compromises that would make him feel like he’d sold his soul to the devil – a compelling narrative seen from the viewpoint of a German soldier who can no longer bear the horrors of massacre.

In this sequel, we delve into the experiences of a Japanese air squadron engaged in conflicts alongside the Americans over the Pacific. The narrative focuses on Ensign Nogami, one of the Ohka pilots; an anime portrays the viewpoint of determined Japanese aviators who sacrificed their lives for their nation by crashing their aircraft onto American warships, a tactic later known as Kamikaze. This unfolds on August 6, 1945 – the day when the first atomic bomb was dropped on Japan.

The third tale centers around Privates Kodai and Utsunomiya as they make their way towards an airbase, aware that their efforts may be futile. Along their path, they encounter perils and face attacks from American troops. This series is particularly engaging because it presents a realistic portrayal of World War II, focusing on the experiences of both soldiers and pilots in such trying times. The principal characters this time around are military personnel.

You can watch The Cockpit on YouTube. The first episode is on this link.

8. Zipang

The manga, later transformed into a twenty-six episode anime, is among the well-liked WWII-themed animations. It narrates the journey of the crew from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force aboard the JDS Mirai, who find themselves mysteriously transported to the year 1942. Upon witnessing history unfold, they also identify vessels that belonged to the Imperial Japanese Navy, which were attacked by American forces in 1942, resulting in a tragic loss of approximately 3000 lives.

In essence, the team from Mirai aims to preserve the vessels as they boast an extraordinary technological edge in the ongoing conflict. Yet, despite their initial intent to return home and avoid interfering with the timeline, they gradually become entangled deeper within the war. A pivotal moment occurs when they rescue a Japanese lieutenant who was destined to perish, resulting in profound alterations to the past. The series offers enlightening themes that delve into ruthless regimes and militaristic powers willing to sacrifice their troops for victory. It also explores the grim impact of World War II on the Japanese populace from a futuristic perspective. This thought-provoking anime can be streamed on Amazon Prime.

7. First Squad

The narrative shifts from Japan to the Soviet Union in 1941 and 1942, as we delve into “The First Squad.” This group consists of exceptional Soviet teenagers who are conscripted into a unique military unit due to their abilities. Their mission is initially focused on combating Germans. However, they encounter an officer from the Schutzstaffel, who intends to revive the Order of Sacred Cross from the 12th century, thereby enlisting them into the German Army.

Sadly, the war is ruthless, claiming the lives of most children, except for Nadya from the anime series. Her unique talents pique the interest of Soviet scientists who exploit her ability to communicate with the dead to aid their efforts in the conflict. Along the way, she reconnects with friends and inspires them to persevere. This is another science fiction-infused World War II anime that delves into the theme of children being conscripted for adult wars. You can catch this show on Amazon Prime.

6. Who’s Left Behind

A tale that traces the life of a young girl named Kayoko during the World War II era. In 1940, our protagonist Kayoko is embarking on her first-grade journey. This animated series portrays her daily life, playing with siblings, friends, and engaging with adults, as well as depicting how her community adapts to the turbulent war circumstances. Although the anime does not explicitly display the war events, it subtly illustrates the transformation of times – as the war nears its close, tragic incidents unfold.

In addition to managing food supplies, Kayoko is collecting salvageable items for the military to produce additional weapons and witnessing men from her community being conscripted into the army. The purity of her youth is lost when she observes the devastated countryside, which once was her home, and realizes that everything will never be the same again. This intriguing anime is based on a true story – Kayoko Nakane was a girl who survived post-war Japan. If you’re curious, take a look at this anime on YouTube.

5. Giovanni’s Island

In a new tale that tugs at the heartstrings, we find ourselves on an island near Japan, home to two brothers. With the country having lost the war, they now reside under foreign rule. The animation explores deep emotions as it chronicles individuals who are not only different but also strangers to one another, forced together by circumstance to survive under oppression and deal with the aftermath of conflict.

On a shared island, families of Soviet soldiers and oppressed Japanese citizens coexist. Unlikely bonds form amidst adversity, as they learn to live together and face whatever challenges come their way. This captivating anime serves as a powerful lesson about understanding, friendship, and unity in diversity. You can watch it on Crunchyroll.

4. The Wind Rises

This highly praised anime chronicles the life of Jiro Horikoshi, an engineer known for designing the renowned Japanese fighter planes Mitsubishi A5M and its successor, the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, used by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. Beyond delving into Horikoshi’s engineering journey and career, the narrative also explores his romantic tale with Naoko Satomi, whom he encountered before becoming a globally recognized engineer.

The biography presented here is a work of fiction about Horikoshi, renowned as one of Japan’s greatest engineers. What makes this tale intriguing is that Horikoshiof the fictional account eventually regretted his inventions due to their use in wartime. This story is captivating and can be enjoyed on Netflix.

In this version, I used “Horikoshiof the fictional account” to clarify that we are discussing a fictional character and not the real Horikoshi.

3. In This Corner of the World

As we approach the conclusion of our list, it’s crucial to place “In This Corner of the World” at the pinnacle among WWII-themed anime. The narrative unfolds around a woman dwelling in a humble Japanese town a decade prior to the War, during, and a decade post-War. Our protagonist, Suzu, is a carefree soul who delights in sketching the picturesque landscapes of her beloved hometown Eba, nestled close to Hiroshima.

The narrative takes an unexpected turn when she ties the knot with her husband. As events unfold, we follow her journey through the early stages and ultimate conclusion of World War II. During this time, Suzo endures immense hardships – her brother, niece are killed, she loses her dominant hand for drawing, and to make matters worse, her family is tragically wiped out during the Hiroshima bombing, leaving only her sister alive but severely affected. This heart-wrenching anime portrays a woman who has had her family and artistic talent taken away due to the actions of others.

This anime can be found on Netflix if you are interested in watching it.

2. Barefoot Gen

This anime is influenced by its creator, Keiji Nakazawa, who himself was a survivor of the Hiroshima bombing, and it’s based on his life experiences. The story unfolds in 1945, in Hiroshima and its surroundings, where we meet six-year-old Gen Nakaoka and his family. Following the detonation of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, young Gen and other survivors, including his family, must cope with the devastating consequences of this tragedy.

Among the most renowned historical manga and anime movies produced in Japan during the 1970s and 1980s, this particular one stands out due to its portrayal of the grim experiences endured by its creator, Nakazawa, alongside countless others. Given its profound impact on Japanese animation culture and its authentic storyline depicting the aftermath of the Hiroshima bombing, it is more than worthy of being included in this ranking, earning a prestigious second place. You can stream this anime on Amazon Prime.

1. Grave of the Fireflies

Upon reaching our destination, we encountered a truly exceptional war-themed film, irrespective of its format. The critically acclaimed anime “Grave of Fireflies” left audiences worldwide spellbound with its poignant portrayal of Japanese children enduring World War II. This is an animation that, once viewed, tends to be remembered indelibly due to its raw honesty and profound beauty, albeit in a heartrending manner.

The narrative centers around two siblings, a brother and sister, who are left to fend for themselves after the U.S. initiated air raids on Kobe, Japan. Their struggle to stay alive is complicated by illnesses and hunger following their mother’s death in the bombing and their aunt’s abandonment. In search of sustenance, Seita’s younger sister, Setsuko, succumbs to malnutrition. Mourning her loss, Seita performs her cremation and carries her ashes with him. After the war ended, starvation claimed Seita’s life at a train station. A janitor later discards Setsuko’s ashes in a field, allowing her spirit to be reunited with Seita. As fireflies illuminate their gravesites, their spirits hitch a ride on a train and eventually gaze over the modern-day Kobe from above, surrounded by more fireflies.

Despite its emotionally tough content, we strongly encourage you to check out this anime. It’s not just a popular trend, but a true work of art that deserves recognition. You can find the film streaming on Apple TV.

2025-05-22 07:49