For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best anime, our attention this time turns to shows with a battle royale theme. From explosive action to magical duels, there’s an excellent choice to whet your appetite. Of course, if we’ve missed any of your favorites, feel free to comment below, and we’ll add them when we can!
Btooom!
This narrative follows Ryouta, who wakes up on an abandoned island without recollecting what happened before he arrived. He discovers he’s been selected to partake in a fight that’s structured similarly to his favorite online game, Btooom. He must defeat seven other players and steal their crystals to return home. Ryouta isn’t a violent individual; he meets another player who shares a similar stance against killing. With her help, Ryouta plans to escape the island and seek vengeance upon the person who placed him here. Our characters encounter a lot of shady and bizarre individuals during this competition. This isn’t a series for the faint of heart, as it offers brutal scenes and imagery. If you have the stomach to sit through intensity, give Btooom a shot.
Magical Girl Raising Project
Magical Girl Raising Project happens when you mix battle royale elements with magical girls. In this anime, children participate in a social game called Magical Girl Raising Project. At the center of it is our protagonist Koyuki, who enjoys playing this game with her friends. One day, she’s selected to become a magical girl like her in-game avatar Snow White. After accepting the offer, Koyuki and the others handle their tasks and receive a strange message on their phones once they’ve completed those missions. The game’s admins plan to reduce the number of magical girls in this world. Whoever collects the least number of Magical Candies will lose their status as magical girls and their real-world lives. With survival on everyone’s minds, these players will do whatever it takes to make it out alive. This series offers a decent amount of internal and external conflicts to keep viewers’ attention. If you’re looking for a gritty take on magical girls, check out Magical Girl Raising Project.
Rainbow: Criminal Seven of Compound Two Cell Six
The Law of Ueki
The Law of Ueki takes place amidst a godly tournament that will decide the ruler of the Heavenly World. This competition houses 100 Heavenly Beings called God Candidates who must seek out middle school students and transfer their powers to them. Our tale follows six teenagers sent to a reform school because of their crimes. At the school, they’ll meet and establish a bond with a former boxer named Rokurouta. These delinquents begin to see their hopeless situation in a better light under his leadership. As far as its story’s concerned, it can get brutal and depressing sometimes. These boys will endure harsh punishment at this school, and it will pain viewers to see them suffer despite their crimes. The show’s not dark, offering some humor, inspiration, and lighthearted scenarios. Rainbow is a character-driven anime at its core. Fans will enjoy rooting for these men as they try to succumb to the torment brought upon by a sadistic guard name Ishihara. If you like narratives that touch upon themes like friendship and survival, check out Rainbow. The chosen students will fight each other and represent their God Candidates. The winning student can choose any unique ability they desire while their victorious God Candidate becomes king of the Heavenly World. At the center of this tournament is Kousuke, who receives the power to turn trash into trees. Kousuke embarks on a justice-seeking journey and plans to help his God Candidate become king. This anime offers a simple premise but fleshes out its cast with incredible backstories and memorable moments. This series features a plethora of fights to whet fans’ appetites. The characters have fantastic personalities and goals, giving viewers reasons to root for their victory.
Basilisk: Kouga Ninpou Chou
Basilisk: Kouga Ninpou Chou (Basilisk) emphasizes killing to the tenth degree. Despite offering a new take on the classic Romeo and Juliet tale, it leans toward action. The romantic sub-plot provides some breathing room for folks. However, its characters and world feel covered in blood. This anime centers around two rival clans called Iga and Kouga. These clans engage in endless warfare but stop once a powerful warlord enters the mix. After some time, the two clans’ heirs, Gennousuke and Oboro, establish feelings for each other. They forge a plan to end the war by marrying each other, but this is thwarted by another war caused by the warlord’s two grandsons. They call for a battle royale to declare a new heir for the shogunate. This forces the nation to choose their 10 best warriors to represent them. Therefore, the anime follows Gennosuke and Oboro’s quest to establish peace between their families while uplifting their respective duties. Besides its battle royale aspects, Basilisk delivers a decent portrayal of Japanese history and culture. Many of the ninjas are depicted as savage beasts than morally-driven human beings. Each warrior offers something refreshing, whether it’s through technique or appearance. If you’re into anime with full-on bloody fights with a hint of historical and romantic value, check out Basilisk.
Fate Zero
Fate Zero is hailed as the Fate series’s best work by some fans. This anime delivers a dark atmosphere that lingers throughout the show similar to Ufotable’s Garden of Sinner films. With its tight plot, engaging dialogue, and emphasis on preparation, Fate Zero is a worthy battle royale-themed anime with mature themes. This anime starts at the beginning of the Fourth Holy Grail War, where a wealthy family lies in wait. This family is confident that they’ll achieve victory in this war because they possess the Holy Grail. Furthermore, they hired a warrior named Kiritsugu to compete in this battle for them. They bind him via a marriage contract with their only daughter Irisviel. Kiritsugu must overcome the odds in this bloody survival game alongside his familiar Saber. With six other skilled opponents in their way, Kiritsugu doesn’t plan to lose. This anime features some of the most breathtaking action scenes you’d find in anime. This is all thanks to Studio Ufotable, as they’re synonymous for create the best visuals in the industry next to Studio Mappa and Madhouse. Visuals aside, each fight offers a good mix of strategy and combat. Despite having an action-focused plot, this anime knows how to develop its characters. If you’re looking for a mesmerizing anime with a battle royale theme, I’d give Fate Zero a shot.
Battle Royal High School
Battle Royal High School is the equivalent of those terrible B-movies you’d rent at a video store. This anime offers a nonsensical cast, crazy fights, and wreaks of 80s anime tropes. While it may come across as generic to some people, this 50-minute OVA provides enough entertainment to keep you invested. This anime’s storyline is as nonsensical as its cast. It revolves around two devious spirits from an alternate dimension inhabiting specific students’ bodies. At the center of this tale is Riki an ordinary student who likes to practice kung-fu. With his fellow students being turned into freakish monsters, he must utilize his skills to survive this bloodthirsty high school. This is an insanely gory work with insane fight scenes. This anime features everything from nude fairies to people’s intestines growing out of their bodies. It’s a visual train-wreck that many can’t help but appreciate. If you’re looking for an action-packed anime to watch for its gruesome combat, check out Battle Royal High School.
Death Parade
Death Parade is a thought-provoking bundle of despair. With its thrilling mind games, detailed character studies, and funhouse vibes, it’s an anime that will enlighten anyone who watches it. In this anime’s world, many humans ascend to heaven or descend to hell. In some instances, they’ll wind up at the Quindecim bar. At this bar, they’ll meet the arbiter Demix, who’ll have them compete in deadly yet fun activities. As they compete against each other, Decim analyzes the players’ morality, personality, and decision-making. He’s responsible for deciding whether they should be sent to the void or get reincarnated. Eventually, Decim will meet a woman that’ll change his perspective on life forever. That tidbit aside, the squabble between the contestants in Death Parade is entertaining to watch. While some characters’ appearances evoke innocence, their horrid colors show when they partake in Decim’s games. It’s these instances that make Death Parade interesting to view as you’re left uncertain about how things will turn out at the start. From over-the-top mental breakdowns to heinous backstories, Decim’s mind-numbing wonderland is sure to keep you hooked.
Deadman Wonderland
Deadman Wonderland is one of those series that received a subtle boost in popularity when it aired during Toonami’s 2010 revival period. Many enjoyed this series for its mind-blowing first episode, which had our protagonist get tried in court for the murder of all his classmates. Ganta’s sent to a prison-like amusement park called Deadman Wonderland, where he’ll fight others like him who possess blood-bending abilities. With the help of his childhood friend Shiro, Ganta must uncover the truth about the evil being who’s solely responsible for getting him locked inside this horrifying establishment. This is an action-centric anime that didn’t get its dues. This is because the anime didn’t adapt its source material properly and may never get a shot at a continuation. At the same time, the anime leaves off on a crude cliffhanger that hints toward another season. Shortcomings aside, Deadman Wonderland offers enough brutal violence and colorful characters to keep you entertained.
Bokura no
Bokura no is a series that delves into the mindset of its youthful protagonists and slowly shows their descent into madness while trapped inside a virtual world. It is heartbreaking to witness the psychological trauma that these children endure. However, Bokura no’s an exciting show to watch because of how our characters persevere through these dilemmas. This tale takes place at a summer camp and centers on 15 kids. These children enter a grotto by sea and meet Kokopelli, a sole game developer. Kokopelli shows them his video game that involves aliens and a large robot. He asks the children if they want to test his game, and all of them except for one accept the offer. They’ll wish they hadn’t done so, as they’re sent directly into the game’s world. Kokopelli tells them if they die in the game, they’ll die in real life. With no escape route in sight, the children must devise a plan to defeat the alien menace through the power of a giant mech. This is a bone-chilling anime that pushes our children to their breaking points. As the series progresses, the children become more mature and wise. While it offers some favorable action, this is a thought-provoking piece that entices people to speculate. With its mellow tone and atmospheric soundtrack, fans cannot go wrong with this underrated gem. So, there we have it, our picks for the best battle royale-themed anime over the years! What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!
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