10 Best Anime With Political Intrigue

The anime landscape is defined by its diversity and creativity, offering stories that range from wholesome and light-hearted to serious and suspenseful. Of the latter, the best anime with political intrigue tend to be considered the most memorable by fans, as the complexity and intricacy of their worlds allow them to truly immerse and occasionally even manipulate viewers, connecting with them in a way that few other titles can.

From classic, epic tales that take their time to build a complex world and explore every aspect of its political situation, to more recent yet equally beloved series that are content with focusing on smaller scales and more personal stories, there are plenty of worthwhile anime that feature various forms of political intrigue. Whether they follow protagonists that range from difficult geopolitical stations or cautiously explore court politics, each series provides a uniquely compelling experience.

10
GATE (2015)

Produced by A-1 Pictures and Based on the Light Novel by Takumi Yanai & Daisuke Izuka

On what seems to be an ordinary day in modern Tokyo, the sudden appearance of a gate heralds a terrible event that will soon be known as the Ginza Incident. All kinds of supernatural creatures and fantasy beings emerge from the mysterious portal, attacking everything in their path and bringing Tokyo to ruins. In recognition of the lives he saved during this event, Japan Self-Defense Forces member Youji Itami ​​​​​is later tasked with leading a special unit into the other world, hoping to make peace with the locals.

Although this element isn’t as developed as many fans would like, GATE revolves around a thought-provoking political question, of what would happen if two completely different worlds were to suddenly collide, forcing people and creatures with nothing in common to come to an understanding. Although the protagonist is sent to negotiate peace in the other world, talks of diplomacy and cultural exchanges, unfortunately, tend to be overshadowed by flashy action scenes and controversial fanservice.

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9
Princess Principal (2017)

Original Series Produced by Studio 3Hz & Actas

19th-century London is divided by a great wall, with the Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Albion battling a silent war, carried out by unlikely participants. Here, 5 girls are students of the prestigious Queen’s Mayfair school by day and spies by night. Each of them has their own strengths and weaknesses, complementing each other to form a brilliant team that can see any task to completion. Dorothy is the leader and designated driver of the group, Ange la Carré is a sharpshooter, Chise is a samurai, and Beatrice possesses unparalleled talent at mimicking other voices.

Princess Principal focuses on espionage and clandestine operations, maintaining a certain level of suspense and mystery at all times. Moreover, this isn’t the type of series where cute girls become spies only for the sake of an unusual premise and absurd scenes; instead, the title tells a serious story of spies who must silently complete dangerous missions for their country. Known as one of the best steampunk anime, this series stands out thanks to its creative and intricate alternative historical setting, as well as its non-linear storytelling.

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8
The Genius Prince’s Guide to Raising a Nation Out of Debt (2022)

Produced by Yokohama Animation Lab and Based on the Manga by Tooru Toba & Fal Maro

As the king of Natra falls ill, his responsibility is passed on to his unwilling son, Prince Wein Salema Arbalest. Despite being more than capable of leading Natra to an unprecedented period of success, Wein dreams of selling the kingdom off so that he can benefit from early retirement and live a peaceful and comfortable life. The only issue is that, as Natra is currently too small and insignificant to wield any significant profit, Wein is forced to work hard to fix the many problems that ail the citizens and raise the overall value of the kingdom.

As its title implies, The Genius Prince’s Guide to Raising a Nation Out of Debt is all about high-level politics, following a leader who must navigate a complex political landscape to improve the standing of his nation. Unlike other series, which may approach similar ideas from shallow and underdeveloped angles, this title shines on the strength of its realism and complexity, immersing viewers in a captivating world with different political factions and situations. Despite its serious subject though, it also manages to incorporate a welcome amount of comedy into the story.

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7
ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept. (2017)

Produced by Madhouse and Based on the Manga by Natsume Ono

As the kingdom of Dowa is split into 13 different autonomous states, the king of Dowa created the system of ACCA, a unified syndicate tasked with protecting the peace of the kingdom, in an attempt to prevent unnecessary conflicts and maintain a certain level of peace. Although this secret organization has allowed the kingdom to thrive, with citizens now enjoying the most peaceful and flourishing period in history, there have recently been rumors of a planned coup d’état, forcing Jean Ortus, the vice chairman of the inspections department, to go out and investigate each region personally.

ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept. is a slow-burn political drama that will keep viewers guessing until the very last episode. In a landscape of fast-paced action and low-stakes fantasy, this series tells a refreshingly serious and intricate story, set in a world where peace is threatened by conspiracies and hidden enemies. Presenting viewers with some of the medium’s most captivating and engaging political games, this title understands that information must be revealed at a certain pace to maintain tension and intrigue.

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6
The Heroic Legend Of Arslan (2015)

Produced by LIDENFILMS and Based on the Manga by Yoshiki Tanaka & Hiromu Arakawa

Under the rule of the undefeated King Andragoras III, the Kingdom of Pars managed to thrive and prosper, despite being in a constant state of conflict with Lusitania, a neighboring empire. However, the king’s strength and arrogance lead to his downfall, as he finds himself betrayed by someone he trusted. Meanwhile, the young prince Arslan, eager to prove himself, enters the battlefield only to lose nearly everything in the process. Forced to flee, Arslan embarks on a difficult journey in search of allies that may help him reclaim his throne.

While its title might make it seem like a personal story of revenge and redemption, The Heroic Legend Of Arslan prominently features high politics and various power struggles. Reclaiming a kingdom is not as easy as sitting on a throne and expecting to be followed; it requires one to navigate complex political situations and cooperate and diplomatically negotiate with all kinds of factions. Beyond the politics of making the right choices for himself and his country, this series also features engaging action and a creative setting, making it one of the best high fantasy anime.

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5
Kingdom (2012)

Produced by Pierrot and Based on the Manga by Yasuhisa Hara

Despite being born as mere servants and living in troubled times, fraught with conflict and chaos, best friends Xin and Piao remain optimistic, training relentlessly toward their shared dream of becoming Great Generals of the Heavens. Unfortunately, the two of them are separated, as Piao is recruited by the royal palace, only to end up dying an untimely death protecting the king of Qin. Seeking to avenge his dear friend and accomplish the dream they once shared, Xin joins Ying Zheng, the king, in fighting to protect their country.

Kingdom immerses viewers into the captivating political world of China’s Warring States period. Personal and political stories are developed simultaneously, as the title intricately explores its various states, along with the inherent power struggles that occur between different factions vying for power. Moreover, battles are always engaging, as the winner is never determined by cheap tricks and unexpected power-ups, but rather by complex strategies and tactics. The Kingdom manga is known for rivaling One Piece in terms of length and depth, and the anime is worth checking out too.

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4
Attack on Titan (2013)

Produced by Wit Studio and Based on the Manga by Hajime Isayama

Centuries ago, humanity was nearly brought to extinction by Titans, giant creatures with a penchant for devouring humans. Now, the few remaining survivors have managed to obtain a certain level of stability by isolating themselves behind walls tall enough to block out even the biggest of Titans, living a simple yet content life. However, everything changes when a colossal Titan appears, breaking through the walls and causing unspeakable tragedies. Embarking on a quest for revenge, Eren enlists in a special military unit focused on defeating Titans, along with foster sister Mikasa and childhood friend Armin.

Beginning as a seemingly simple story of survival and drama, Attack on Titan gradually reveals itself to be far more complex and intricate than it lets on, exposing various forms of political manipulation, propaganda, and even prominently depicting elements of fascism. As one of the greatest anime of all time, this title is easy to recommend to just about anyone, but fans of political intrigue are particularly likely to appreciate its layers of politics, corruption, and overall complexity.

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3
The Apothecary Diaries (2023)

Produced by Toho Animation Studio & OLM and Based on the Manga by Natsu Hyuuga & Touko Shino

As the daughter of an apothecary who grew up in the red-light district, Maomao is as knowledgeable about medicine and poison as she is about survival, having honed both her perception and her herb expertise during her childhood. That is why, when she finds herself sold as a maid to the imperial court, she tries to hide her talents to keep a low profile. Yet, curious and righteous by nature, she ends up curing the emperor’s children when they fall ill, thus gaining the attention of Jinshi, a beautiful and sharp eunuch who rewards her with a promotion.

The Apothecary Diaries tells a compelling and creative story against the background of court politics, adjacently exploring the various power struggles, the importance of hierarchy, and the constant scheming that takes place in the palace. Moreover, The Apothecary Diaries understands exactly what fans want, combining this intricate medical detective drama with light-hearted moments, beloved tropes, and an endearing romance, that allow this series to feel simultaneously familiar and refreshing, appealing to a variety of fans.

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2
Legend Of The Galactic Heroes (1988)

Produced by Kitty Film & K-Factory and Based on the Novel by Yoshiki Tanaka

The Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance have been fighting a seemingly endless war for over a century, causing nothing but tragedies and losses on both sides, with no apparent hope of this coming to an end anytime soon. Yet, as two young commanders rise through the ranks, they bring new hopes and determinations to the battlefield. The genius tactician and overly ambitious Reinhard von Lohengramm hopes to unite humanity under his control, while the accidental hero and remarkably resourceful Wen-li Yang promises democracy and equality.

Widely regarded as one of the most intricate and compelling anime titles of all time, Legend Of The Galactic Heroes is virtually associated with political intrigue, presenting viewers with a plethora of political views and offering an insightful exploration of these. Beyond the central conflict between the ideologies of authoritarianism and democracy, both of which are depicted in a multifaceted manner, the series also explores the lower-level power dynamics negotiated within the factions, defined by corruption, conspiracies, and manipulation.

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1
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (2006)

Original Series Produced by Sunrise

Seeking to expand its territory and establish itself as a military superpower, the Holy Empire of Britannia began its conquest campaign in 2010 with Japan, with other areas soon to follow. Now renamed Area 11, Japan has become a shell of its glorious former self, yet a few rebel forces continue to fight against their oppressors, hoping to reclaim their country’s independence. Lelouch Lamperouge, a Britannian student, finds himself caught in the crossfire, thereby meeting an enigmatic girl named C.C. and gaining Geass, the “Power of Kings“, a power that is sure to prove useful in his quest for revenge.

Although its smaller scope may not allow it to expand on its politics to the extent that other epic series have, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion delivers one of the most memorable political thriller experiences, telling a focused story that is elevated by well-executed twists and genuinely high stakes. Against the titular theme of rebellion, this series explores various political aspects, such as power struggles, fragile alliances, and manipulation, making it one of the best anime with political intrigue of all time.

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