If you’re an anime fan, get ready for a treat! We found the 7 best atompunk anime series that will take you to a neon-lit wonderland. These shows mix 1950s optimism, futuristic tech, and towering chrome cities. You’re gonna blast off on an adventure that’ll crank your nostalgia levels to eleven!
Last Exile
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Last Exile is an atompunk anime that takes place in a world where the ability to fly is paramount. A special liquid crystal known as Claudia Fluid is the key to flight in this world. In the land of Prester, two nations, Anatoray and Disith, are locked in an eternal conflict. The Guild, which controls the technology for fluid-powered engines, acts as the arbiter between the warring nations. Our story follows Claus Valca, the son of a legendary vanship pilot, and his BFF Lavie, a brilliant navigator. They are Sky Couriers who brave the perilous Grand Stream that divides the nations. Their lives take an exciting turn when they are tasked with a secret mission: to deliver a mysterious young girl to a battleship. This assignment pits them against the all-powerful Guild. Last Exile seamlessly blends vintage and state-of-the-art technology with stunning visuals, making it a must-watch for any atompunk aficionado!
Steamboy
“Steamboy” is a wild adventure starring Ray, a teenage genius inventor. Ray gets a mysterious package from his grandpa—the Steam Ball. The Steam Ball is the key to unlimited steam power, and everyone from good to bad wants it. Ray’s world goes topsy-turvy when he becomes the target of the shady O’Hara Foundation. They will stop at nothing to steal the Steam Ball for their evil plans.
Now, Ray must use his brains and brawn to outsmart a never-ending stream of bad guys and protect this game-changing invention. “Steamboy” throws you into a world where steam tech runs wild! It’s a perfect blend of classic steampunk style with mind-blowing inventions, all set against the backdrop of Victorian England. Think airships, wacky gadgets, and a thrilling fight for the future—all wrapped up in a visually stunning adventure. Get ready to be glued to your screen!
Deca-Dence
Deca-Dence is an anime set in a moving fortress that’s under attack by monsters. Natsume, a spunky Tanker with a prosthetic arm, dreams of fighting the monsters but gets rejected. She meets Kaburagi, a mysterious armor repairer who takes her under his wing. Their partnership challenges the established order. Deca-Dence explores themes of resilience and fighting for a better future. It also has a cool Atompunk aesthetic.
Pale Cocoon
“Pale Cocoon” is a captivating atompunk anime set in a post-apocalyptic future. In this world, history’s continuity has shattered, leaving behind vast, endless ruins. Oceans and continents are nothing but memories, preserved in ancient archives. The story follows Ura, who works in the Archive Excavation Department. His job involves restoring and analyzing the precious data from the past.
However, one day, Ura stumbles upon a deeply unsettling visual record. This discovery sets the stage for a gripping exploration of the atompunk theme, where technology and its consequences play a central role. “Pale Cocoon” delves into a world where the remnants of history are pieced together, revealing the stark contrast between the past and the bleak present. It’s a thought-provoking journey that invites viewers to ponder the implications of a broken, technologically driven society.
The Big O
“The Big O” is an anime series that mixes Atom-punk elements with mystery, action, and intrigue in a storyline about a suave negotiator who likes to wear funeral black. As he delves deeper into the city’s hidden layers, he discovers that nothing is as it appears. He is aided by a skilled butler, a human-like android, and a colossal black mecha. Together, they help him mete out justice and uncover the truth about a calamity that struck 40 years ago. “The Big O” is a must-watch for those interested in this unique subgenre.
Gankutsuou
The anime series Gankutsuou is set in the year 5053, a future where high-tech marvels coexist with historical balls. The story follows Albert and Franz, two young men who find themselves at a carnival on the moon. Albert is searching for meaning in life, while Franz is just there to party. At an opera, they meet the mysterious Count of Monte Cristo. The Count is charming, mysterious, and rich, and has a plan to get revenge on those who wronged him. The anime is about revenge and a clash between advanced technology and old-school aristocracy. It’s a great story, with interesting characters and a lot of action.
Memories
Magnetic Rose: Set in the far reaches of space, this story follows engineers Heintz Beckner and Miguel Costrela, who stumble upon a massive, abandoned space station. Inside, they discover a dilapidated mansion and a mysterious past tied to Eva Friedel, a tragic opera singer. As they explore further, hallucinations begin to haunt them, and they must battle to keep their sanity and escape the station’s mysteries. The tale combines the allure of space exploration with the eerie atmosphere of forgotten technology, a classic feature of Atompunk.
Stink Bomb: In a more humorous and absurd Atom-punk setting, we follow lab technician Nobuo Tanaka. After ingesting experimental pills meant to cure his cold, he unwittingly gains the power of deadly flatulence. With this unusual ability, he embarks on a journey to reach the company headquarters in Tokyo, all the while being pursued by various authorities and foreign adversaries. This story is a comical take on the dangers of unchecked scientific experimentation, set against a backdrop of corporate intrigue and technological mishaps.
Cannon Fodder: In a fortified city that exudes Atom-punk aesthetics, a young boy aspires to become an esteemed artillery officer, following in his father’s footsteps. The city is obsessed with its cannons and daily bombardment routines, even in the absence of any apparent enemy. The boy dreams of one day firing a cannon for the sake of his homeland, showcasing the blend of militarism and technological fervor that is characteristic of the Atompunk genre.