Steampunk is a unique genre that combines historical settings with a twist. It’s all about going back to the time of the Industrial Revolution but with a fascinating twist: everything is powered by steam. Creativity and excellent animation skills are crucial to make a great steampunk anime.
Steampunk anime can play out in different ways. Some stick closely to real-world history, while others create new fantasy worlds. You’ll find anime fully immersed in steampunk vibes and others that just dabble in some of its elements.
Besides all the steam-powered machines and iron contraptions, steampunk often throws in some magical or alchemical elements for an extra layer of fantasy.
Steampunk is a genre that promises a unique and enjoyable anime experience.
Best Steampunk Anime
1. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
- Episode 1 Film
- Genre Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
- Studio Topcraft
A top anime list wouldn’t be complete without at least one film from Hayao Miyazaki. Therefore, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is a steampunk anime that must be included here. This is Miyazaki’s work before founding Studio Ghibli, although it is often included in the “Ghibli film” category.
This film is different from other steampunk anime because the plot is set a thousand years after civilization collapsed. Forests filled with large insects and poisonous spores threaten humanity’s remaining lives.
Forests continue to spread, endangering human lives. The Valley of the Wind is a peaceful village far from the forest. The protagonist of this anime is Nausicaä, a young village princess. He is responsible for protecting his town from the Tolmekians, who suddenly attack his village for their greedy purposes.
2. Castle in the Sky
- Episode 1 Film
- Genre Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
- Studio Ghibli
Castle in the Sky was voted the best steampunk film of all time by fans in an animation poll in 2008. It’s no surprise that the 1980s Studio Ghibli film topped this list.
This anime is a masterpiece. It has beautiful music, beautiful works of art, steam-powered cities, creative planes, and a mysterious flying castle. This anime ticks all the boxes needed for the best steampunk anime.
The anime follows the story of a young girl named Sheeta, whom government agents kidnap because they are after her precious crystal necklace. His plane was raided by pirates who were also chasing him, so he ran away from the ship.
After reaching a village, he meets a boy named Pazu who hopes to find Laputa, a flying castle from ancient times. The two embark on a journey to reach the court and are helped by pirates.
3. Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water
- Episode 39, 1 Film
- Genre Adventure, Comedy, Romance, Sci-Fi
- Studio Gainax
Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water is an anime series inspired by the classic novel 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne—an anime series directed by Hideaki Anno, the creator of Neon Genesis Evangelion.
The plot is set in 1889 and follows Nadia, a young girl who doesn’t remember where she came from.
Jewel thieves chase her for her locket, and an inventor named Jean helps her escape. They meet Captain Nemo, who rescues them and takes them to their submarine Nautilus.
Together, they go to war against the Gargoyle, a man trying to take over the world for evil reasons.
4. Steamboy
- Episode 1 Film
- Genre Action, Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi
- Studio Sunrise
Steamboy is an anime film that has set the standard for steampunk anime and inspired the creation of many steampunk anime afterward.
The title clearly shows that this is indeed a genre. Steamboy is an anime that shows the evolution of steam-powered machines in the Victorian era.
This anime film follows the story of a young inventor named Ray. His life changed when he received a package from his grandfather from the United States, who had a machine called the Steam Ball. An advanced device that could provide unlimited power to any steam-powered machine.
Ray has been responsible for not letting the Steam Ball fall into the hands of the wrong people who wish to use it for fraud. This begins Ray’s journey to use all his intelligence to save the Steam Ball from the enemies sent to him.
5. Last Exile
- Episode 26
- Genre Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
- Studio Gonzo
Last Exile is a series that entirely fits the steampunk genre and is a perfect example of anime from this genre.
This steampunk anime follows two teenagers, Claus Valca and Lavie Head, who are on a quest to surpass their parents, who are vans pilots and navigators.
They want to be the best pilot-navigator combo in the world. However, they become entangled in a major conflict by sending mysterious orphans to a warship.
Last Exile is an anime full of adventure, action, mystery, and betrayal.
6. Howl’s Moving Castle
- Episode 1 Film
- Genre Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Romance
- Studio Ghibli
Another Ghibli film on this steampunk anime list, with its main element being a moving castle house.
Sophie, a quiet girl who works in a hat shop, is thrown into chaos when she is ultimately swept away by a handsome but mysterious wizard named Howl.
Another vengeful witch, jealous of their friendship, casts a spell on Sophie. In a life-changing adventure, Sophie ascends Howl’s majestic, magical castle and enters a magical world to break the spell and the disaster of an approaching war.
7. Samurai 7
- Episode 26
- Genre Action, Mecha, Sci-Fi
- Studio Gonzo
Samurai 7 is an anime that shows how truly innovative the steampunk genre can be. This is a steampunk anime married with samurai. Therefore, different from other steampunk anime, Samurai 7 has a traditional Japanese setting.
This anime is inspired by the classic film Seven Samurai by the famous Akira Kurosawa. The anime focuses on the post-war period, where the samurai have mechanized their bodies.
A village faces kidnapping and starvation from samurai with mechanical bodies called “Nobuseri.” The villagers used all their remaining resources to hire seven samurai to protect them.
Samurai 7 is an action-packed anime between samurai and bandits. Many entertaining and powerful characters are introduced, and steampunk elements are heavily highlighted.
8. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
- Episode 64
- Genre Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
- Studio Bones
Over ten years have passed since this anime ended, but it remains a fan favorite. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a perfect blend of an ancient setting with technology added to it.
As one of the best anime with high ratings, FMAB is full of emotion, action, and extraordinary characters. It follows the story of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse.
The brothers use forbidden alchemy to bring back their dead mother, which makes Edward lose his leg, and Alphonse lose his entire body.
Alphonse’s soul is then bound to a suit of armor, and Edward is given a prosthetic leg. The brothers then journey to find the philosopher’s stone that will help them restore their bodies.
9. D.Gray Man
- Episode 103
- Genre Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
- Studio TMS Entertainment
Towards the end of the 19th century, Allen Walker officially joined an organization of exorcists who destroyed creatures known as Akuma. This mechanical weapon was created by the Millennium Earl with the souls of the suffering dead.
Allen has cursed eyes and an anti-Akuma weapon as an arm, carrying the power of “Innocence”, a gift given to him as a messenger of God.
Allen and other colleagues must stop the Millennium Earl’s final plan, which could destroy the world and all who live in it.
10. Attack on Titan
- Episode 25, 12 (S02), 22 (S03), On Going
- Genre Action, Drama, Fantasy, Mystery
- Studio WIT Studio, MAP
Today, who doesn’t know Shingeki no Kyoujin or Attack on Titan? Even though it looks like the World War era, the various technologies used are very strong with steampunk elements.
He was following Eren and his adopted sister Mikasa, who, as children, witnessed something terrible when the city walls were destroyed by a colossal titan that appeared out of thin air.
As the smaller giants flood the city, the two children watch in horror as their mother is eaten alive. Eren swears that he will kill every titan and take revenge for all of humanity.
Attack on Titan is now entering its final season, broken up into several parts so it doesn’t end quickly.
11. Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress
- Episode 12, 1 Film
- Genre Action, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Supernatural
- Studio WIT Studio
Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress is a relatively newer anime, made in 2016, but it is one of the best and craziest steampunk anime.
This anime is set during the Industrial Revolution when a mysterious virus outbreak that turns humans into zombies.
The only way to kill them is to hit their armored heart. The last human race created a fortified civilization with a huge wall on an island. The only way to get through is by an armored train built by the protagonist Ikoma.
Ikoma also makes a deadly weapon that can kill Kabane. Though he had yet to try out the weapon, and fortunately or unluckily, the opportunity to try it out was soon after the unexpected battle with Kabane began.
12. Violet Evergarden
- Episode 13
- Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Slice of Life
- Studio Kyoto Animation
“Violet Evergarden” stands out as one of the top series in the past decade, earning accolades for its exceptional animation, captivating music, historical backdrop, storytelling, and character growth.
This anime is a game-changer, blending in steampunk elements. Brace yourself for an emotional rollercoaster, and keep those tissues nearby.
The story unfolds after the conclusion of a devastating four-year Great War. It revolves around a young girl, Violet Evergarden, whose formative years were marred by the war.
She lost both her arms during the conflict. The memory of her Major, her mentor, and the significance of his last words, “I love you, ” plagues her.”
This anime beautifully portrays Violet’s journey as she endeavors to integrate into society and decipher the profound meaning behind those three heartfelt words. It’s a heartfelt and touching story that will tug at your heartstrings.
13. Princess Principal
- Episode 12
- Genre Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
- Studio Minutes, Studio 3Hz
“Princess Principal” takes place in the early 20th century, when a special substance called Cavorite brought significant advancements in military technology. But it also stirred up conflicts.
London and the Commonwealth were divided by a wall, yet the quiet war persisted. Against this backdrop, five young girls are employed as spies for the Commonwealth while posing as Queen’s Mayfaire school students.
This steampunk anime blends an engaging and unpredictable plot with elements of the genre, making it a top pick for fans seeking action and mystery. It’s a must-see for anyone into steampunk anime.
14. Made in Abyss
- Episode 13, 1 Movie, 12 (S02)
- Genre Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi
- Studio Cinema Citrus
The “Abyss” is the most mysterious place left unexplored. It’s a land filled with bizarre creatures with ancient treasures that modern humans can’t replicate.
People who venture into this abyss are called “Cave Raiders.” Riko, an orphaned girl, lives on the outskirts of this enigmatic place. Her biggest dream is to become a Cave Raider like her mother and uncover the secrets deep within the cave system.
One fateful day, Riko embarks on a journey into the abyss and stumbles upon a robot that looks like a human child. But don’t let the charming appearance fool you, as “Made in Abyss” takes you on an adventure filled with wonder and darkness.
15. The Case Study of Vanitas
- Episode 24
- Genre Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Supernatural
- Studio Bones
If you’re into steampunk anime, you might want to check out “The Case Study of Vanitas.” It’s a steampunk series with a heavy dose of gothic vibes. The story unfolds in 19th-century Paris, following a young vampire named Noé in his quest to find a legendary book known as Vanitas.
During his journey, Noé encounters a crazed vampire, and a human intervenes to help the ailing creature. This human claims to be Vanitas, the owner of the mysterious book, and he lures Noé into a plan to “cure” the entire vampire race.
So, there you have it, a list of steampunk anime recommendations for you to enjoy.
