Most Fascistic Animes

by Zoltanous

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the presence of fascistic themes and imagery in anime. In this list, I will name every fascistic themed anime series, with a focus on the ideological and aesthetic implications of these choices. In this I aim to provide a thorough list that you can enjoy. That said, these are the only animes I consider ok to watch.

Saga of Tanya The Evil

The Saga of Tanya The Evil is an anime set in a parallel universe reminiscent of World War I, imbued with magical and otherworldly aspects. It chronicles the tale of Tanya Degurechaff, a cold and strategic child soldier serving in the armed forces of a fictional nation akin to Germany. The show is marked by its incorporation of fascistic motifs and visual design elements.

The anime employs a color palette dominated by reds and blacks, such as in the Empire’s flags and uniforms that echo the stark contrasts of Nazi banners, and orchestrates scenes of grand military processions and assemblies, like the mass rallies where soldiers chant in unison under towering banners. Tanya is cast as an authoritative and influential figure who commands the respect and devotion of her troops, exemplified in episodes where she delivers rousing speeches emphasizing total obedience, such as her directive to “crush the enemy without mercy” during aerial battles. The narrative delves into concepts traditionally linked with fascism, such as aggressive militarism (seen in the relentless push for territorial expansion against neighboring republics), expansionist imperialism (through campaigns justified as “civilizing missions”), and fervent nationalism (with propaganda posters glorifying the Empire’s “eternal victory”). Through its use of military iconography — like iron crosses and eagle emblems and rhetoric, the series underscores the weight placed on hierarchy, allegiance, and subservience to the chain of command, as in the strict salute protocols and punishment for dissent. Tanya is depicted as a valiant protagonist, engaged in battle for the honor and welfare of her homeland and its citizens, often framed in heroic low-angle shots amid explosions and saluting subordinates.

Code Geass

Code Geass is a Japanese anime series that tells the tale of Lelouch, a royal who acquires the mystical ability known as Geass, granting him the power to command others. He wields this newfound power to spearhead a revolt against the Holy Britannian Empire, an oppressive force that has conquered Japan and subjugated its people. The series has faced scrutiny for its depiction of the Holy Britannian Empire, characterized as a dictatorial power with a doctrine that prioritizes military dominance. This empire is shown as a society that values technological prowess, nationalistic fervor, strict social stratification, and the survival of the fittest, as evidenced by the Social Darwinist policies where “Elevens” (Japanese people) are ranked as inferior and subjected to ghettoization and forced labor. For instance, Emperor Charles zi Britannia’s speeches, like his declaration that “all men are not created equal” in the throne room scenes, promote a eugenics-inspired hierarchy where only the strong ascend nobility ranks. Despite these representations, the overarching narrative of Code Geass serves to deliver a message that condemns fascism, culminating in Lelouch’s rebellion that exposes the Empire’s brutality through acts like the massacre at the Special Administrative Zone.

Space Battleship Yamato

Space Battleship Yamato is a renowned Japanese anime series that chronicles the adventures of its namesake’s crew as they undertake a mission to rescue Earth from the clutches of an extraterrestrial species called the Gamilas. The series skillfully blends elements of science fiction, action, and drama, securing its status as a beloved classic in Japan. Regarding its portrayal of authoritarian themes, the Gamilas are governed by an autocratic leader, Dessler, and a central council that dictates the fate of their civilization, with decisions enforced through a rigid chain of command where dissenters are executed on the spot, as seen in council meetings where officers are vaporized for questioning orders. They place a significant emphasis on the ideals of racial purity and the practice of eugenics, holding a supremacist view over other species, illustrated by their propaganda broadcasts claiming Gamilas as the “master race” destined to purify the galaxy, and their selective breeding programs that eliminate “weak” races. The Gamilas exhibit traits of an expansionist and imperialist society, aiming to subjugate and colonize other worlds through tactics like planetary bombardment and forced assimilation, mirroring historical fascist invasions. Their aggressive and oppressive tactics in achieving their objectives bear similarities to the methods of historical fascist governments, such as the use of death squads to enforce loyalty. Nonetheless, the series is crafted to convey a message that stands in opposition to fascist principles, with the human crew’s emphasis on unity and sacrifice highlighting cooperation over domination. It should be noted that among the various iterations of the show, Space Battleship Yamato 2199 is specifically recommended for its modern retelling, which sharpens these themes with updated visuals like holographic eugenics charts.

Universal Century Gundam

The Universal Century Gundam anime timeline is set in an elaborate universe where humans have extended their reach into space. The saga begins with Gundam 0079, which narrates the story of a cadre of pilots embroiled in a conflict between the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon. The Origin serves as a prequel, delving into the history of Char Aznable, the franchise’s primary villain, and the precipitating factors of the One Year War.

Within the narrative of Gundam, the Principality of Zeon is depicted as a society that reveres military strength, national pride, and a rigid social order, with citizens indoctrinated through school programs glorifying “Zeon supremacy” and mandatory salutes to the Zabi family portraits. Governed by an authoritarian regime led by the dynastic Zabi family, Zeon makes unilateral decisions for its citizens, such as the forced conscription of Spacenoids into mobile suit battalions without appeal. The society harbors ideals of racial purity and engages in eugenic practices, fostering a belief in their own racial supremacy, as shown in The Origin where genetic experiments create “Newtypes” as superior beings, and propaganda films depict Earthnoids as “inferior ground-dwellers.” The use of potent propaganda and military might to exert dominion over their populace mirrors the tactics used by historical fascist governments, including mass rallies with Sieg Zeon chants and the dropping of colonies as weapons of terror.

The figurehead of the Principality of Zeon, Gihren Zabi, is characterized as a persuasive and merciless autocrat whose ambition is to forge a new global hegemony through conquest. His representation in the series has drawn parallels to fascist leaders of the past, mainly as a anti-fascist critique of Imperial Japan. Gihren himself making explicit references to Adolf Hitler in his infamous speech at A Baoa Qu, where he quotes Hitler’s rhetoric on “total war” and “racial destiny.”

Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan is a dark fantasy anime series set in a grim world where humanity has been forced to reside within massive walls as protection from the Titans, man-eating humanoid giants that seem to prey on humans without any discernible motive. In this series, themes of militarism and nationalism are heavily emphasized. The military stands as the supreme authority within the society, and the narrative frequently showcases characters who are unwaveringly committed to the defense of their nation and people, such as the Scout Regiment’s oath ceremonies where recruits pledge “to give up their hearts” in synchronized salutes. This military force is depicted as a well-organized, disciplined entity with a stringent hierarchy and strict codes of conduct, enforced through brutal training regimens and public executions for desertion.

The anime’s nationalist overtones are apparent in the depiction of the inhabitants of the walled society. They exhibit an intense devotion to their homeland, ready to lay down their lives in its defense, as in the mass mobilizations where civilians chant Eldia forever during Titan breaches. A palpable sense of camaraderie and solidarity is prevalent among the characters as they unite to safeguard their homes and loved ones from the Titan threat, often underscored by propaganda posters showing unified soldiers under eagle-like emblems.

As the series unfolds, a shocking truth is unveiled: the Titans are, in fact, transformed humans, subjected to an enigmatic power. This revelation adds depth to the anime’s exploration of nationalism and racism, highlighting that the Titans are not an inherently distinct species but rather humans altered into fearsome creatures, as revealed in the basement scenes where historical documents expose Marley’s internment zones and forced Titanization as a tool of ethnic cleansing.

Eren, the central character, initially harbors a vehement resolve to eliminate all Titans, despite being part-Titan himself, vowing in early episodes to “kill them all” with genocidal fervor. However, his perspective evolves throughout the series. As the plot advances, Eren grows increasingly skeptical of the notion of indiscriminate Titan slaughter and starts to grapple with the ethical implications of his actions, questioning the Survey Corps’ blind patriotism after learning of the outside world’s propaganda. He becomes cognizant of the intricate web of political and societal dynamics that have fueled the strife between Titans and humans, including the fascist Marleyan regime’s youth indoctrination programs. In a further twist, Eren’s stance takes another dramatic turn. He comes to advocate for the extermination of regular humans to shield the Titans, who have become a marginalized faction within the narrative’s universe, activating the Rumbling to flatten the world in a bid for Eldian supremacy. This shift portrays a complex character journey and reflects the broader moral ambiguities and tragic cycles of violence that Attack on Titan seeks to examine.

Legend of The Galactic Heroes

Legend of The Galactic Heroes is a sprawling space opera anime that unfolds in the distant future, a time when human civilization has expanded across the galaxy. The narrative centers on the interstellar conflict between two predominant powers: the Galactic Empire, with its monarchical rule, and the Free Planets Alliance, a coalition of planets governed by democratic principles. The series delves into the political and societal ramifications of these contrasting forms of governance. It casts the Galactic Empire as an oppressive regime characterized by despotism, whereas the Free Planets Alliance is portrayed as a society embracing equality and democratic values.

A central character in the series’ exploration of autocratic rule is Rudolf von Goldenbaum. He emerges as a dynamic and driven leader who ascends to a position of power within the Galactic Empire through a coup d’état, establishing a hereditary dictatorship. Yet, his regime is marked by fascist ideologies, underscoring elements such as aggressive nationalism (via expansionist wars justified as “imperial destiny”), strict authoritarian control (with secret police purging nobles in midnight arrests), a glorification of military power (in grand parades featuring synchronized marches and salutes), and a pursuit of eugenic policies (enforcing genetic screening laws that sterilize “inferior” bloodlines). Rudolf von Goldenbaum’s portrayal serves as a critical examination of fascist leadership, particularly in his final speeches echoing historical demagogues with calls for “purification through fire.”

Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade

Set in an alternate timeline where Japan faced defeat in World War II and succumbed to occupation by a fascist regime, this Japanese anime movie depicts a history reshaped by the victorious Axis Powers, with Germany at the forefront establishing a puppet government through the installation of the “Kerberos” protectorate. The narrative centers around Kazuki Fuse, a member of the Special Unit, an elite paramilitary police squad, as he navigates through a labyrinth of political machinations and inner turmoil, including his haunted visions after shooting a terrorist courier.

The film’s portrayal of Japan’s police and military is heavily influenced by German military structures, with the Special Unit being analogous to the German Panzer Corps, complete with wolf-emblazoned armor suits modeled after Wehrmacht tanks and SS helmets. The movie is rich with the visual language of fascist rule, employing uniforms (black leather coats with red armbands), emblems (swastika-like Kerberos symbols on banners), and propaganda (posters proclaiming “Order Through Strength” plastered on urban walls) reminiscent of such regimes. These elements are particularly pronounced in the depiction of the government’s institutions and their tools of dominance, such as the armored vehicles crushing protests in street scenes. The Special Unit is presented as an embodiment of militarism and authoritarianism, with a rigid command structure — evident in the unquestioned orders during raids and an unwavering resolve to prioritize the regime’s objectives above all, including summary executions without trial.

The movie also critically examines the oppressive nature of a police state, casting the police as agents of suppression rather than guardians of safety, as in the brutal suppression of the Sect underground movement with gas and gunfire. The Special Unit operates without restraint, using harsh and coercive methods to enforce order and quash any form of resistance, like the wiretapping and torture sequences. Despite its representations of fascism, the film’s message is staunchly anti-fascist, ending with Fuse’s internal rebellion against the system. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the movie has inadvertently contributed to internet culture, giving rise to the “Right Wing Death Squad” meme through its iconic armored imagery.