Survival anime is exactly what it looks and sounds like. These are the anime that show what the characters in the anime do in order to survive the worst around them.
It could be anything, such as a fatal accident, a deadly disease, a virus, a catastrophic event, or the undying will to get from the current situation alive.
Mostly, it is something where these characters are juggling between thin boundaries as per the demands of the story. Usually, there’s a lot of action with a bit of tragedy, but if we see the bird’s eye view, the genre only has one theme, which is to stay alive no matter what.
In this list, we will take a look at the Best Survival Anime, where the characters will go to the utmost lengths in order to see the next day. This list also has some other anime from different genres; just keep the list refreshing. The list is in no particular order; just look out for your favorite title and go for it.
Danganronpa: The Animation
The plot shows kids and everyone else getting stuck with a mad bear on a school premises who is trying to kill everyone. The name of the school is Hope’s Peak Academy.
At first, it will look like an academy for elite students, but as you will deliver deeper, you will find all kinds of shady secrets lurking around. In this school, the only way to see past everything is to survive.
The lead, Makoto Naegi, is a lucky student. There are only a few spots left when Makoto managed to get admitted into Hope’s Peak Academy. The school is not exactly prestigious and impressive, as the rumors are to be believed. On the first day of the commencement of classes, the students are caged inside the school campus.
To make it even more sketchy, a black-white bear, Monokuma, who is the principal of the school, brings this news. From here on, it becomes a do-or-die for the students. The only option to survive is by killing one another without being caught.
The show has its moments of survival, and the theme keeps the show more active and exciting. The more and more shady plot reveals itself as the episodes unfold. It is a light show with a lot of fun scenes.
Fate/Zero
A war is approaching, and it will be a fatal one, and only people with top survival instincts will see it through. Fate/Zero is all about fast action and survival skills; that’s the only thing that matters for the show, and it is a must-watch for those who like this genre.
It is based on a light novel of Japan. It aired back in 2010, written by Akihiro and Akira. The premise is set in Japan. There, a secret tournament involving magic is taking place, and the name of the tournament is the Fourth Holy Grail War.
In this tournament, a lot of servants and souls have been participating from different periods. They all compete against each other to get their hands on the Holy Grail.
With the help of the Holy Grail, one can fulfill any wish. The hero of the show, Kiritaugu, is also taking part in the tournament with the same goal in mind.
The bond between the Masters and the servants is wonderful and unique. Some are simple, some are difficult, and some are just plain strange. Additionally, there is a lot of excellent conversation in it. Every decision a character takes in a movie is deliberate. There are no meaningless conflicts or poor choices. It demonstrates just how sophisticated this anime is.
King of Thorn
King of Thorn is a survival fantasy series illustrated and written by Yuji Iwahara. The plot is about a group of people who are trying to run a mysterious phenomenon that is converting people into stone.
Moving on, there are only seven survivors, those who have managed to survive till now without turning into stone. Venus Gate, an organization, has chosen 160 people that will represent Medusa, a virus.
Kasumi is among the chosen ones, and she wakes up after being asleep for an uncountable time. Her awakening is on a bed of thorns, in total chaos, where monstrous creatures are lurking in the shadows.
Kabaneri Of The Iron Fortress
Kabaneri Of The Iron Fortress is an anime written by Wit Studios. The show has a survival, dark fantasy, and post-apocalyptic theme going on. The plot surrounds a virus that came when the Industrial Revolution was heavy on heels.
This virus converted humans into dead bodies (kabane). These dead bodies or corpses are very aggressive, and they cannot die until their heart, which is protected by an iron cage, can be shattered, broken, or finished.
The lead of the show is Hinomoto, who is seen protecting himself from these creatures and surviving. Then there is Ikoma, who has made an anti-weapon for these deadly corpses.
Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man is a very recent anime that will show us the story of Denji and how he survived. It is based on a manga written by Tatsuki. The show is filled with dark fantasy, comedy, and suspense.
The plot of the show revolves around Denji, and he’s a young man who comes in contact with a devil dog named Pochita. He made a contract with the dog, and this contract allowed him to transform into a chainsaw.
After becoming Chainsaw Man, he joins Public Safety Devil Hunters, a government agency that flights devils. He wants to kill all the devils and make a safe neighborhood for everyone.
You will love other characters, too. The plot is very detailed, and there are many characters with multiple stories and plots going in the story. Everything is blended aptly, and the story doesn’t feel rushed. It is thought out, and it looks in the scenes too.
The anime is filled with action sequences, gunfire, explosions, and whatever you can think of. It has funny scenes as Denji is a humourous character. Overall, it is an entertaining anime.
Cowboy Bepop
It’s basically an action anime with a blend of science fiction and survival themes in it. It is made by Sunrise, which was, in turn, influenced by Cian Kuga’s illustrated manga series.
The premise of the show is based in the year 2071, when there is no humanity left on Earth. It happened because of an incident that made humans flee the Earth and reside on the moon and other planets in order to survive.
Because of this interplanetary habitation, the crime rates have been rapidly increasing, and the police division, Inter Solar System, has set up a system for the residents. To fight, chase, and hunt the criminals down, the Cowboys were appointed.
The show has been a hit among the fans. Netflix recently tried to make a live-action, but it was not well received by the audience. If you want to get the true taste of this cult show, definitely check out the original anime.
The Seven Deadly Sins
The Seven Deadly Sins, a.k.a. Nanatau no Taizai, is based on a manga authored by Tabaka. The anime is considered one of the best adventure anime shows of all time.
The Seven Deadly Sins are collectively known as a group of knights who reside in Britannia. The seven of them have been scattered and hiding because they were caught in the plot against the Liones Kingdom.
Elizabeth Liones finds Melidos, the leader of the group. He is trying to find the other six members so that they can all liberate Liones.
The show has been a talking point from the very start. Because of the action, fantasy, and adventure, the show has gained a huge fandom. The plot elements are exciting and make the whole vibe of the show refreshing and funny.
Noragami
Noragami is an adventure series adapted from a Japanese series author by Adachitoka. The anime was released back in 2014 and had a supernatural element in it. The main character is Hiyori Iki, who is a middle school student.
In an accident where she was trying to protect a stranger, her soul gets out of her body. Because of this incident, she became aware of two parallel worlds. Human land is known as Near Shore.
The other world is called the Far Shore, where the souls of other humans and demons reside. There, she meets Yato. The base on which the whole show is based is quite unique and refreshing.
The story is light, as the main character is female, so it has a lot of emotional touch to it. All in all, it is for the viewers who like to watch something refreshing and non-repetitive.
That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime
That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime, a.k.a. Slime Isekai or TenSura, is based on the novel of the same name. It caters to the Isekai genre, and it came out in 2013.
The plot of the show revolves around Satoru Mikami, a 37-year-old resident of Tokyo. He doesn’t have a girlfriend but is satisfied with his life. One day, he gets stabbed by a person, which leaves him injured and bleeding.
He also starts to hear a different kind of voice in his head. He realizes that he is now reincarnated as a Slime. As a Slime, he has also gained different kinds of abilities, which are called predators. This ability allows him to change into anything and mimic it.
That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime is a very different anime; the concept is totally different, and as you watch the anime, you’ll realize the elements are very detailed. Everything around the protagonist is granular. It has many characters, which makes it fun to watch.
Spriggan
ARCAM is an organization which is hidden in the mountains of Ararat, Turkey. They believe that they have found the legendary Noah’s Ark, but a faction in the Pentagon, the U.S. Machine Corps, is focused on getting control of the Ark in pursuit of global dominance.
Standing in their way is Sprighan, an ARCAM operative. Sprighan Yu Ominae of Japan joins hands with French counterpart Jean Jacques Mondo to take down the U.S. Machine Corps led by Colonel MacDougall, a modified young boy who is genetically altered to wield fatal psionic abilities.
Time is running out, and their mission is to prevent MacDougall’s desires and stop him from exploiting the Ark technology for hideous purposes.
Dororo
It’s a show which is based on one of the best Japanese Manga. The anime first came out back in 1969, and later, it was released in 2019.
The plot of the anime revolves around Hyakkimaru, who’s an orphan. He’s also a thief from the Sengoku period. His birth was not a normal one, and there were a few problems, such as some of the facial features were missing, and even some internal organs were absent.
This happened because of Kagemitsu Daigo, his father, who had a contract with Demons so that he could rule the lands and get a lot of wealth and reputation in return. In exchange for a wish, he promised to give the demons anything in return, even his own son.
Trigun Stampede
Reporters Robert De Niro and Meryl Stryfe embark on a quest in the vast Noman’s Land desert to search and locate the infamous outlaw Vash the Stampede.
Their image of a fatal terrorist vanishes when they meet Vash in the desolate Jeneora Rock town. In reality, Vash is a totally different person, and he’s a peace-loving, easy wanderer who is lived by the people of the town.
His twin brother, Knives Millions, is the real evil man. Despite being a peaceful mind, Vash is considered the humanoid typhoon because of the chaos that is always happening around him.
As brutal bounty hunters slowly close in on him, which is not a good sign for the people of the town and the power plant that resides in the town, his superior gun skills and sharp mind become a crucial weapon in keeping the townsmen safe and out of harm’s way.
His ultimate obstacle is his brother, who is an unstoppable force in itself. How will he save the townsmen in the crossfire? One can definitely check this show if you’re into gunslinger action and fast-paced, explosive fun.
High School DxD
High School DxD is one of the best survival adventure anime that ever came into existence. The show is filled with supernatural elements alongside comedy and adventurous scenes and plots.
The anime is adapted from a light novel penned by Ichiei. The plot revolves around Issue Hyodo, and he is a high schooler who wishes to become the King of Harem.
But for a reason, he got killed on his first Eve date and is now considered as a fallen angel residing on the earth. Later, as the story moves forward, he meets Rias, a devil princess, and with her help, he comes back to life.
Because of this barter, he has to serve the family of the princess and has undergone a deeper relationship with her. In the whole story, you will see him turning into a loyal, faithful servant.
RWBY
RWBY is filled with science, action, adventure, and fantasy. The show was made by Monty Oum, and it was released back in 2013.
In the show, we have four main characters, Ruby, Blake, Yang, and Weiss, who signify various theme colors: Red, Black, Yellow, and White. All of them have been getting their training in the Beacon Academy so that one day, they can become huntresses.
This also explains why the concept is hidden behind the premise of Grimm and Dust. The anime sees a lot of action when we see the RWBY and JNPR go into the battle against King Taijitu.
All four of them fight toe and nail with the elements that are available at their disposal.
Yona Of The Dawn
Yona Of the Dawn is a Japanese anime that has a survival fantasy theme alongside action, adventure, and elements of romance. The show was initially released in 2014 and was illustrated by Mizuho Kusanagi.
The premise of the anime is based on Kouka, a nation that was present 209 years ago. Yona, the main lead, is the princess of Kouka. The nation is ruled by King II, her father.
She has all kinds of lavish and luxurious items and has never seen the reality outside the walls of her palace. She’s always protected by her bodyguard and is sometimes visited by Soo Won.
The story sees action when the nation of Kouka is on the verge of demolition, and the characters have to take it into their own hands to save the nation that they love.
Baccano
Baccano came out in 2007, and it is based on a light novel written by Ryohgo Narita. The anime is heavy on mystery, survival, and adventurous themes.
What makes this anime unique is the screenplay, which is shown from different perspectives and is mainly set up in the United States. The plot of the show focuses on a lot of roles, such as thugs, Mafiosi, alchemists, and Camorristi.
There’s no major linkage between these characters, but the story progresses with these characters, and we see their adventures as the episodes unfold.
There’s nothing much to wander as the arc for each of them is different and moves forward in their own story.
The story is set in 1930 in Manhattan, and things go out of hand when these characters somehow begin to cross paths with each other without even noticing. You will love the screenplay and the way in which the whole story is put forward in front of you.
It looks thoughtful, researched, and slow to make sure you enjoy the scenes as an audience.
Angel Beats!
Angel Beats! is an action-adventure fantasy series blended with humor and a survival theme. The series is directed by Seiji Kishi and written by Jun Maeda.
The plot of the anime focuses on the lead, Otonashi. The premise is based on the afterlife, where the lead has lost all of his memories.
After his death, he was unable to recall his memory and to get those memories back, he enrolled in the School of Afterlife. In the school, he meets Yuri, and she asks him to join an organization known as Afterlife Battlefront.
This organization has only one goal: to fight Kanade, the student council president.
Gurren Lagann
Gurren Lagann, a.k.a. Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, is a Japanese anime show written by Kazuki. It is heavy on drama, comedy, and survival themes.
One can view the anime from Super Channel and Animals Asia. The premise of the show revolves around two teen characters. The first character is Simon, and Kamina is the other character.
They both reside in a subterranean Village and also dream of living on the surface. In order to reach the surface, they both used Lagaann. As soon as they reached the surface, they began fighting humans against the army of Lord Genome.
They also came to know that most of the humans get attacked by Gunmen almost each day. They feel it is their responsibility to save humans from these gunmen, and that’s how the story sees action.
The majority of philosophical anime frequently confuses or bores the audience since it tends to drown the spectator in symbolic language. Although Gurren Lagann contains all the symbolism that frequently appears in anime, it primarily occupies the background and serves as a supporting character.
Kino’s Journey
In some regions, the show is also known as Kino’s Journey – The Beautiful World. The anime has science and philosophical elements to it. The show aired back in 2003.
The show got its adoption from a light novel penned by Kouhaku Kuroboshi. The plot of the anime focuses on Kino, who is a traveler. She has a motorcycle that can talk; its name is Hermes, and they both go on explorations together.
They both explore countries with unique modifications and also explore the lives of people in those new lands. They only spend three days in one country, and on the third day, they move to another country, and that’s how their exploration adventure is going.
The lead is very skilled, and as she’s a solo traveler, she carries knives and guns with her, plus she’s also a skilled fighter. Kino is an intriguing figure. For the first few episodes, Kino’s gender is unclear, and in different nations, he or she is occasionally referred to as a boy or a girl.
Blue Exorcist
Blue Exorcist is adapted from the Japanese Manga series written by Kazue Kato. It came out back in 2011 and is heavy on dark fantasy, survival, and adventurous themes.
The plot of the anime focuses on Rin Okumarq and his twin, Yukio. They both were raised by Shiro, their father. One day, Rin came to know that they both are the songs of Satan.
He also witnessed their father die so they could be protected. Rin has also managed to get demonic powers like Satan, and he has also started getting a tail.
He has the power of blue flames, and they are so strong that they can destroy anything or anyone who is touched by him, even accidentally.
Most of the time, the animation is fairly nice, and continuity is given a lot of thought. The animation is excellent despite the story’s numerous narrative flaws and consistency mistakes.
Also Read: 20 Adventure Anime Like One Piece To Watch [Updated 2023]
Honorable Mention
Touch To Unlock
Chiho has been unlucky his whole life, but he was actually born with a rare, most auspicious destiny. It’s just that his mother, who is a shaman, decided to share his energies with seven girls in their neighborhood to help them overcome their cursed fates.
But now that Chiho has become an adult, it’s time for him to retrieve his energies. And the way to do that is… through touch?!
Akane Wa Tsumare Somerareru
Goblin Slayer
