10 Shows Like 86 EIGHTY-SIX (2021)

Description: Explores deep psychological and philosophical themes through its characters, set against a backdrop of mecha battles and apocalyptic scenarios.

Fact: The series was initially intended to be a more traditional mecha anime but evolved into a deeply personal project for creator Hideaki Anno. It has been analyzed extensively for its religious and psychological symbolism.

Description: A dark and gritty series that examines the horrors of war, child soldiers, and the loss of innocence in a dystopian world.

Fact: The series was created as a response to the Rwandan genocide and other real-world conflicts. It is known for its unflinching portrayal of violence and its emotional impact.

Description: A cyberpunk series that explores the intersection of humanity and technology, with a focus on identity, consciousness, and societal control.

Fact: The series was one of the first to blend traditional animation with CGI seamlessly. It has been cited as an influence by numerous filmmakers, including the Wachowskis for 'The Matrix'.

Description: A post-apocalyptic tale following a group of wolves searching for paradise, blending themes of hope, despair, and the search for meaning.

Fact: The series was originally planned to be 26 episodes but was extended to 30 due to its popularity. The soundtrack was composed by Yoko Kanno, known for her work on 'Cowboy Bebop'.

Description: Set in a future where humanity is nearly extinct due to insect-like creatures, focusing on themes of survival, human resilience, and the horrors of war.

Fact: The series was one of the early examples of a mecha anime with a heavy emphasis on horror elements. It was praised for its gritty and realistic portrayal of a dystopian future.

Description: A cyberpunk series that delves into existential questions, identity, and the nature of humanity in a dystopian setting.

Fact: The series features references to various philosophical works, including those of Descartes and Heidegger. Each episode's title is a reference to a different philosophical or scientific concept.

Description: Set in a futuristic society where individuals are judged by a system that measures their mental state, delving into themes of free will, justice, and the cost of maintaining order.

Fact: The series was influenced by classic dystopian literature like '1984' and 'Brave New World'. The Sibyl System's concept was inspired by real-world predictive policing technologies.

Description: Features a dystopian world where humanity is under constant threat from monstrous beings, exploring themes of survival, war, and the psychological toll on soldiers.

Fact: The series was initially rejected by multiple publishers before becoming a global phenomenon. The creator, Hajime Isayama, drew inspiration from a bad experience at an internet cafe.

Description: Depicts a post-apocalyptic world where vampires rule over humans, exploring themes of rebellion, survival, and the blurred lines between good and evil.

Fact: The series was originally a manga collaboration between Takaya Kagami and Yamato Yamamoto. The anime's soundtrack was composed by Hiroyuki Sawano, known for his epic orchestral scores.

Description: Revolves around children discovering the dark truth of their idyllic world, focusing on themes of escape, survival, and the loss of innocence.

Fact: The manga was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, known for its darker tone compared to typical shonen series. The story's setting was inspired by classic orphanage tales.