10 Anime That Are Great Because They Aren’t Afraid Of Politics

The notion that all art carries a political message is a constant source of discussion, and anime is frequently brought into the conversation. When this debate surfaces, anime is often cited as either being overtly political or completely apolitical, and both sides often use isolated or misinterpreted scenes and quotes to support their arguments.

Whether or not all art is political is open for discussion, but many fantastic anime are powerful *because* they explore political ideas. There are a few particularly noteworthy examples, and even if you don’t usually enjoy political themes, these anime are well worth watching.

10) Revolutionary Girl Utena

In the anime *Revolutionary Girl Utena*, Utena Tenjou, a student who acts like a prince, surprisingly wins the right to marry Anthy Himemiya, known as the Rose Bride, after winning the school’s dueling tournament. After this, Utena finds herself constantly defending their relationship against challengers, not only because they‘re falling in love, but also because Anthy possesses a mysterious power that could change the world.

Though *Revolutionary Girl Utena* appears to follow the conventions of a typical *shoujo* anime, it uses those familiar elements in a dreamlike way to explore themes of gender, sexuality, and societal expectations. Director Kunihiko Ikuhara is celebrated for his forward-thinking work, and *Utena* is a prime example of his innovative style.

9) Princess Mononoke

In Studio Ghibli’s *Princess Mononoke*, Ashitaka, a young prince, embarks on a journey to lift a dangerous curse. His travels lead him into a fierce battle between the humans of Iron Town, who are rapidly industrializing, and Princess Mononoke, a woman raised by the forest spirits and dedicated to protecting their home. Ultimately, Ashitaka’s actions become crucial to resolving the conflict and finding peace between the two sides.

Studio Ghibli is well-known for films that promote environmentalism and peace, and *Princess Mononoke* is a prime example. The movie powerfully explores the senselessness of war and the need to protect our natural world. Many consider *Princess Mononoke* to be among Studio Ghibli’s greatest works, largely because of its meaningful and impactful story.

8) Code Geass

The anime *Code Geass* centers around Lelouch vi Britannia, a prince who was exiled to Japan with his sister, Nunnally, who has a disability. After gaining a supernatural ability called a Geass—which allows him to control others with a glance—Lelouch becomes the masked hero Zero and begins a rebellion against the Britannian Empire, hoping to build a better future for Nunnally.

I’m a huge fan of *Code Geass* – it’s amazing how it blends these incredible, explosive mecha battles with really powerful themes like prejudice, the horrors of war, and complex political issues. It just *works*, and it always keeps you hooked. And the best part? With all the new spinoffs and sequels coming out, the story is still going strong, and I can’t wait to see where it goes next – there’s always something fresh and thought-provoking happening in the *Code Geass* universe!

7) Pluto

Studio M2’s *Pluto* is a fresh take on Osamu Tezuka’s classic manga, *Astro Boy*. When a powerful robot named Pluto begins systematically eliminating the world’s strongest robots, robot detective Gesicht is tasked with solving the case, leading him down a path more complex than he ever anticipated.

Pluto doesn’t just highlight the themes of racism and inequality in Astro Boy—it makes them even clearer. It also skillfully weaves these ideas into a larger story that thoughtfully addresses the difficult realities of the Iraq War. Astro Boy is a legendary anime, and Pluto is a fantastic modern reimagining of the original.

6) Psycho-Pass

The anime *Psycho-Pass*, created by Production I.G, revolves around the Sibyl System – a futuristic technology that predicts a person’s likelihood of committing a crime. Inspectors work with Enforcers (criminals themselves) to arrest people who are likely to break the law *before* they actually do. New Inspector Akane Tsunemori soon discovers that the system isn’t as simple as it seems.

Dystopian stories often include political themes, and the anime *Psycho-Pass* is no different. It heavily critiques how justice systems and mental healthcare can become flawed and harmful. *Psycho-Pass* is a truly unique anime, and it’s widely considered to be one of the best works by renowned creator Gen Urobuchi.

5) Fullmetal Alchemist

The movie *Fullmetal Alchemist* from Bones Film follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, two alchemists trying to restore their bodies after a failed experiment. While a 2003 anime series took its own path with the story, a 2009 reboot, *Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood*, closely followed the original manga.

Fullmetal Alchemist is a critically acclaimed anime known for its powerful anti-war themes and exploration of government corruption. The original anime series draws clear parallels to the War on Terror, adding depth to its already compelling story. It’s easy to understand why many consider it one of the best anime ever made, given its intelligent and nuanced storytelling.

4) Attack On Titan

In the anime *Attack on Titan* produced by MAPPA, humanity’s final safe haven is shattered after 100 years of peace, as giant, man-eating Titans break through its defenses. When Eren Yeager’s mother is killed, he vows to eliminate all Titans, but quickly discovers the fight is much more complex than he initially thought.

Attack on Titan explores themes of militarism and fascism, and these ideas become even more prominent as the story draws parallels to World War II and the Holocaust. While how well these sensitive topics are handled is often discussed, it’s clear that they played a significant role in making Attack on Titan a standout anime of its time.

3) One Piece

Following the death of the pirate Gold Roger, a new era of piracy began as everyone searched for his hidden treasure, the One Piece. Among those seeking the treasure is Monkey D. Luffy, who, despite having a stretchy, rubber-like body, is determined to assemble a crew, navigate the dangerous Grand Line, and ultimately become the King of the Pirates.

Although it looks like a fun cartoon, *One Piece* actually tackles serious issues like slavery and government corruption, and argues that everyone deserves to live freely and without being unfairly targeted. The fact that protestors are now using the show’s flag at real-world demonstrations really shows how powerfully the story connects with people.

2) Mobile Suit Gundam

Mobile Suit Gundam is a famous and long-running anime series about giant robots (called ‘mecha’) created by the Sunrise studio. Though each Gundam story is usually separate, they often center around a war between Earth’s inhabitants and those who live in space, with a powerful mobile suit called the Gundam playing a central role.

I’ve always noticed how *Gundam* wasn’t just about robots fighting; it really tackled political themes and consistently showed the horrors of war. And it’s been that way for over 45 years, with every new series continuing that strong message. What really sets *Gundam* apart is how openly it presents its ideas, and I think that’s a huge reason why it’s become such a beloved and important anime franchise.

1) Grave Of The Fireflies

Studio Ghibli’s *Grave of the Fireflies* tells the heartbreaking story of Seita and Setsuko, two siblings who become orphans during the final months of World War II. Seita does his best to care for Setsuko, but they quickly face the harsh realities of war, and their already difficult situation becomes increasingly tragic.

Grave of the Fireflies doesn’t shy away from showing the harsh physical and emotional toll of war, and it doesn’t offer a hopeful resolution. Widely considered one of Studio Ghibli’s finest works, it’s a prime example of anime excelling through its willingness to address political themes.

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2025-10-15 00:15