Best Anime To Watch If You Love Code Geass

Key Takeaways

• Fans looking for more anime like Code Geass will find Neon Genesis Evangelion, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, and Log Horizon as series that match its allure with mecha battles, rebellions, and strategic focus.
• Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, RahXephon, and Fang Of The Sun Dougram provide unique mecha action, grounded military tactics, diverse character backgrounds, and elaborate war stories that Code Geass fans will appreciate.
• Guilty Crown, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, and Death Note offer compelling narratives, thematic depth, and strategic mind games similar to those seen in Code Geass.

When Code Geass released its two seasons from 2006 to 2012, it was unsurprising to see the anime series earn various accolades – such as awards from the Tokyo International Anime Fair. And the awards made sense given the anime and its ambitious premise – that of the exiled prince Lelouch vi Britannia’s quest to overthrow the global Holy Britannian Empire with the help of awesome mecha and his Geass, a “power” that forces anyone to obey his commands.

Given the backdrop of awesome mecha battles, the masked costume premise, and the rebellion-versus-the-world undertone, it makes sense for fans to look for more anime like Code Geass to provide exactly the kind of allure the show has given fans. Thankfully, the world of anime has a couple of series that match exactly the awesomeness of Lelouch and the Order of the Black Knights.

Updated on October 7, 2024 by Rhenn Taguiam: With Code Geass: Roze of the Recapture aiming to provide Code Geass fans with a fresh take on a world with the Britannian Empire after Lelouch’s death. However, fans who have just watched Roze and Ash’s adventures might be itching for more intense mecha action and suspense storytelling. Anime fans who remain mystified by Lelouch’s strategic prowess and riveting journey might want to check out stories with a similar focus on mecha, vengeance, or the plain horrors of war. Recommendations include one of the most popular Gundam titles, and a classic known for its deconstruction of anime and the mecha genre.

22 Neon Genesis Evangelion

Mecha Take The Front Seat As Philosophical Themes Take Center Stage

Anyone who’s ever been a fan of anime will likely have encountered a meme involving someone forcing Shinji Ikari to “get into the EVA” – and funnily enough, this meme does encapsulate much of the surface level of Neon Genesis Evangelion. Contrary to the story of mecha anime protagonists reluctantly piloting a star mecha only to become the world’s savior, Neon Genesis Evangelion has its protagonist guilt-trip into doing so. Set in a world where aliens known as Angels have brought Earth close to the brink of destruction, teenager Shinji reluctantly accepts the invitation of his estranged father to help out with work at NERV, an organization dedicated to fight the extraterrestrial threat.

Unbeknownst to Shinji, his father had everything planned out for him – the teenager was manipulated into “piloting” the EVA, practically forcing him to fight for the Earth’s safety at a time when Shinji couldn’t even decide to fight for himself. An exploration of purpose, growth, and self-exploration become part of surface-level discussions regarding Evangelion – with two sets of films expanding on its ever-evolving mythos with philosophical undertones bordering on the existential.

Neon Genesis Evangelion: How Similar Is It To Code Geass?

While Shinji doesn’t get nowhere near the kind of power Lelouch has, Shinji’s resentment towards his dad is extremely similar to Lelouch’s own hatred for his father – feelings that drove them to eventual extremes of their personalities. Fortunately for Shinji, he didn’t develop the same delusions of grandeur Lelouch had when he acquired his Geass. Instead, Shinji tried reconciling suddenly being responsible to save the world when he couldn’t even bring himself to stand up towards his father. Lelouch spearheading a rebellion against the world’s largest nation is similar to Shinji and NERV bringing what little resources Earth had to defeating the nigh-undefeatable threat of the Angels. However, fans who want a protagonist who is just as complex as Lelouch but from another angle can certainly appreciate Shinji forcing viewers to give their own lives a quick introspection.

21 Mobile Suit Gundam SEED

War Turns Best Friends Into Bitter Rivals

When the genetically-advanced Coordinators of the PLANT space colonies launch a full-scale attack against the Naturals of Earth Federation, the former’s ZAFT military arm attempt to steal the latter’s G-Project Mobile Suits to stop them from getting an edge in the conflict. The events of Mobile Suit Gundam SEED begins when engineering Kira Yamato becomes entangled in a ZAFT attack in their neutral colony, which inadvertently housed the said Mobile Suits they wanted to steal. Driven to a corner, Kira is forced to pilot the one machine the ZAFT didn’t manage to get – the Strike Gundam. Unfortunately for Kira, an encounter with the ZAFT reveals his best friend Athrun Zala was among the soldiers assigned to this attack.

Since this fateful encounter, the rest of Gundam SEED involves Kira thrust smack dab in the middle of a war he never wanted to be a part of. Discovered as a Coordinator among Naturals, it fell on Kira’s inexperienced hands to defend the motley crew and civilians of the Federation’s Archangel ship as they attempt to outrun Athrun and the team sent to steal the Strike. While Kira’s relationship with his peers (and the introduction to the idol-diplomat Lacus Clyne) taps into modern sensibilities, Gundam SEED seems designed to be a love letter to the original Mobile Suit Gundam.

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: How Similar Is It To Code Geass?

Imagine two versions of the Holy Empire of Britannia at war with each other, with the Order of the Black Knights at the center – not knowing it’s a faction in the first place. The first act of Gundam SEED is spent as somewhat of a chore, with ZAFT forces constantly chasing the Archangel and the world forcing Kira into the status of a savior. This is nowhere near Lelouch’s conscious decision to become the person to dismantle the Holy Britannia Empire – especially when Kira wanted nothing but to get himself out of the very war continuing to push him back in. However, the appeal of Gundam SEED as a must-try after Code Geass isn’t with finding similarities between the characters, but experiencing the brutal realities of war. Where most major deaths in Code Geass are preserved in critical moments for dramatic effect, SEED’s own tragedies are often the result of human error. Seeing Kira molded into a new version of himself as he witnesses the horrors of war makes SEED a worthwhile watch – both from the perspective of fans who want a different protagonist than Lelouch, and as a starter to the more realistic Gundam franchise.

20 Log Horizon

An Interesting Take On The Trapped-In-A-Game Concept

Despite the isekai genre already existing for quite some time, the “trapped in the game” subgenre popularized by Sword Art Online also received its fair share of subversions and unique takes through the years. One such example is Log Horizon, where its setting of long-lived MMO “Elder Tale” also trapped its players within them. When trio Shiroe as well as Akatsuki and Naotsugu become trapped alongside 30,000 other players, they decided to team up and make ado with their newfound reality.

The name Log Horizon is taken from the guild of the same name, established by Shiroe soon after the Catastrophe that trapped him and his friends in the game. Their main objective is to help improve the city of Akiba, although the many forces they meet have come to complicate their rather straightforward goal.

Log Horizon: How Similar Is It To Code Geass?

While Code Geass is nowhere near an isekai story, many fans of the series will liken Shiroe to Lelouch for his penchant for the strategic. As an avid fan and player of “Elder Tale” since middle school, Shiroe has near-encyclopedic knowledge of the game and its inner workings. This also motivated him to become an Enchanter, a class that Shiroe loves to use simply because it’s unpopular among other players. Shiroe’s fame as a strategist can make Log Horizon fights extremely entertaining, especially in situations where Shiroe and his crew become the underdog against seemingly-unbeatable threats.

19 Gundam: The Witch From Mercury

Faith In Mankind In An Unfair World

War is an ever-present theme in the Gundam series, and Gundam: The Witch from Mercury dabbles into yet another interstellar war through the ongoing conflict between the Spacians and the Earthians for the information-linking material known as Permet. The story of The Witch From Mercury begins when Mercurian Suletta Mercury encounters Miorine Rembran in the Asticassia School of Technology, and the incidents that will intertwine their fates to that of GUND-ARMS, or militarized Mobile Suits out of medical GUND technology.

Themes of The Witch from Mercury revolve around political corruption and capitalism, and the anime marks the first time that a Gundam series has a female and LGBTQ lead. Despite Sutella having a rather child-like and innocent nature, people around her being more cunning and manipulative constantly challenge her worldviews. The 24-episode run of the series can be considered quite short in the context of the usual Gundam experience, but fans of Code Geass who want a different take on themes of war can find The Witch from Mercury a worthwile watch.

The Witch From Mercury: How Similar Is It To Code Geass?

While The Witch from Mercury has the talented but innocent Suletta as its ace pilot, her experience as someone whose views in life are constantly challenged by the realities of war can be a decent alternative to Code Geass fans. Granted, Lelouch’s possession of the Geass, which allows him to push his ideals into others, is similar to how Sutella uses her skills and indomitable willpower to cement her faith in the future of mankind. However, Sutella’s point of view as someone directly fighting in the frontlines can make her more akin to Kallen Kozuki of the Black Knights or Suzaku Kururugi of Britannia, making the focus on her perspective a breath of fresh air for Code Geass fans who want more mecha action.

18 Kaiji

Gambling Becomes This Unfortunate Protagonist’s Ace In The Hole

At first glance, Kaiji protagonist Kaiji Ito has had it hard ever since he graduated high school. Post-World War 2 recession had made finding work difficult for Kaiji, making him resort to gambling and delinquency to pass the time. One misfortune after the other had Kaiji forcibly entering various gambling nights, often with more than money on the line.

Much of Kaiji depicts the protagonist getting into unsavory deals and one betrayal after the next, and both his sheer willpower and gambling prowess to help overcome them. While Kaiji being depicted as a modern Sisyphus is far from Lelouch’s constant victories, seeing a man like Kaiji constantly prevailing against a life that is seemingly against him can make each victory all the more satisfying.

Kaiji: How Similar Is It To Code Geass?

While Kaiji doesn’t necessarily have mecha fight scenes and displays of supernatural power throughout the course of its run, its frequent use of gambling mindgames to create tension can be akin to Lelouch constantly trying to one-up his opponents during skirmishes. Kaiji Ito’s persistence and will to live despite hardships across games can be comparable to Lelouch beginning his “game” against the Holy Britannian Empire at a severe disadvantage. Fans looking for a Lelouch-like figure sans the power creep could look at Kaiji as a close approximate, at least from the perspective of someone who knows how to exactly weigh his odds and make insane plays if it’s all it takes to survive.

17 Kakumeiki Valrave

A High School Becomes The Battleground Of The Future

The far future of Valrave the Liberator has much of humanity living in outer space, courtesy of the Dyson Sphere built by the neutral JIOR faction. However, Earth is thrust into war when the Dorssia Military Pact Federation attempts to invade JIOR space, and the ARUS faction takes an interest in the mysterious mecha known as the Valrave that protected it. Unbeknownst to them, Dorssia’s attack in JIOR’s Module 77 would reveal that the Sakimori High School is home to the mecha, with protagonist Haruto Tokishima piloting it to protect his home.

Events in the anime would have Sakimori High declare Module 77 as an independent state, and the discovery of other Valrave under their school would put them at the world’s crosshairs. Haruto makes an unlikely alliance with Dorrsian spy L-elf Karlstein, as the both of them try to ensure that their independent nation outlasts these new threats.

Valrave: How Similar Is It To Code Geass?

Fans of Code Geass looking for traditional robot action will appreciate what Valrave has to offer, especially in terms of unique mecha designs and fight scenes. The futuristic tech jargon of the Valrave and the special technology that powers them can be much appreciated by Code Geass fans, especially for fans who feel like the latter’s Loyd Asplund and his rival Rakshata Chawla who build their sides’ respective Knightmare aces (the Lancelot and the Guren, respectively) should have more screentime elaborating on their mecha’s inner workings. Students uniting against the world in Valrave does give an interesting spin to Lelouch being a student and a hidden rebel leader, and the former can give a look into what Lelouch could’ve been if he led the revolution from the classroom instead of behind a mask.

Brothers Journey To Find The Secret Of Alchemy

With Code Geass earning numerous accolades when it aired, fans may consider watching Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, another critically-acclaimed anime released just a few years later. Set in Amestris, Brotherhood tells the journey of Edward and Alphonse Elric, alchemist brothers in search of the Philosopher’s Stone to fix the horrid effects of forbidden Human Transmutation.

Throughout their journey, threats continue to test Ed and Al’s bond as brothers, while new allies and rivals expand their worldview and the many ways the art of Alchemy has shaped their society.

While not directly involving mechas and rebellions, Fullmetal Alchemist and Code Geass share a tendency to explore human philosophy in both dialogue and actions, particularly with how they connect to character growth. On the action side, Brotherhood has its fair share of fluid fighting scenes comparable to Lelouch’s demonstrable adaptability in Code Geass’s mecha fights.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood: How Similar Is It To Code Geass?

Alchemy in Fullmetal Alchemist could be compared to Geass, especially on a technical level where both power systems are held together by rules that its users must follow even in combat. Their similarities also extend on a philosophical level: similar to how Geass connects the realms of man with the realms of the gods, forbidden Human Transmutation reveals uncomfortable truths about the universe that no human can comprehend.

15 Monster

A Riveting Investigative Thriller About Humanity’s Worst Instincts

When Dr. Kenzo Tenma of Monster finds his former patient, a grown-up Johan Liebert, killing a man in cold blood, he’s faced with the reality that the child he saved may have become a horrific serial killer. Much of Monster involves Dr. Tenma pursuing Johan, even if much of what he could see is bloodied remnants of other killers Johan may have influenced.

Considered one of the best anime and manga series of all time, Monster explores the limits of human morality in ways similar to Lelouch’s contrived take on his goal to create the perfect world for Nunnally. Replacing mecha fight scenes are intellectual spars between Johan and Dr. Tenma, each justifying their actions much in the same way Lelouch is willing to use anyone to further his goals.

Monster: How Similar Is It To Code Geass?

The seemingly endless pursuit to catch Johan of Monster is reminiscent of the world looking at Zero’s Black Rebellion and eager to see what kind of “miracles” he can create in his impossible war against the Holy Britannian Empire. Similar to how Code Geass juxtaposes flaws of Lelouch’s psyche with his war campaign as Zero, so too does Monster explores the degrading mind of Johan beyond its horrific cases.

14 Attack On Titan

Humanity’s Last Hope Fighting Insurmountible Odds

With what’s left of humanity locked inside a three-walled city in Attack on Titan, the Survey Corps use Omni-Directional Maneuvering Gear to fight humanoid and nigh-indestructible Titans with agility and kill them before they can strike back. And strike back the Titans shall, as Attack on Titan is notorious for its death toll surrounding its characters.

Attack on Titan received critical acclaim precisely because it depicts humanity’s desperate and losing struggle against the man-eating Titans. Much like how Code Geass shows Zero and his Black Knights eventually outsmart the more powerful Britannian Empire, humans in Attack on Titan also try to get rid of Titans once and for all. When protagonist Eren Yeager transforms into a Titan while serving the Survey Corps, he’s thrust into a conspiracy that changes everything they know about the world surrounding them.

Attack On Titan: How Similar Is It To Code Geass?

The adventures of the Survey Corps and its seemingly-impossible mission of protecting the last city’s walls from the relentless assault of the Titans can remind viewers of Lelouch’s mission as Zero in his revolt against the Britannian Empire. However, unlike Lelouch who had the might of Knightmares and his Geass, the Survey Corps simply had the Omni-Directional Maneuvering Gear and ultra-hard steel blades to fight nigh-invulnerable Titans. Code Geass fans who want a breath of fresh air from Lelouch’s victory after victory may appreciate the air of terror in Attack on Titan, where every victory is savored as a Titan could kill any of the story’s protagonists at any moment.

13 Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans

Child Soldiers Rise Against Adult Oppressors

Anime fans craving a victory against insurmountable odds could compare Code Geass’s Black Knights with Tekkadan of Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans. Set in its own Post Disaster Timeline, the protagonist and child soldier Mikazuki Augus discovering Gundam Barbatos would motivate his crew to rebel against their employers and form their crew, Tekkadan.

Going against all odds, Tekkadan has been the source of controversy and conflict throughout the colonies in the Solar System. When Tekkadan is tasked to protect the somewhat idealistic Kudelia Aina Bernstein, they’re put in the crosshairs of the peace-keeping organization Gjallarhorn, whose eventual involvement with Tekkadan would put Mikazuki and his allies in constant danger. Although lacking the tactical insights of a Zero-figure, Iron-Blooded Orphans demonstrates the struggles of youngsters rebelling against an unfair status quo shares similarities with Lelouch’s own desire to destroy the Empire of Britannia.

Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans: How Similar Is It To Code Geass?

Mikazuki finally getting Gndam Barbatos up and running as the “ace in the hole” of Tekkadan is reminiscent of Kallen Kozuki and the Guren being the one Knightmare of Zero’s Black Knights that can contend with the advanced specs of the Britannian Empire’s Lancelot. However, whereas Code Geass explores Lelouch rebelling against the Holy Britannian Empire, Iron-Blooded Orphans explores how the independent child-runTekkadan becomes embroiled in a multi-faction war that they’re ill-prepared for. Lacking the intellectual prowess of someone like Lelouch, viewers are left at the edge of their seats as Mikazuki and Tekkadan leader Orga try their earnest to outwit the very adults they want to rebel against.

12 Aldnoah.Zero (2014)

A Riveting Interplanetary Conflict

Whereas other mecha anime had giant robots become a primary component in the series’ appeal, Aldnoah.Zero gives a decent balance in its emphasis between mecha-on-mecha action and internal politicking. Compared to other grander mecha sci-fi premises, Aldnoah.Zero starts with a simple premise. When the Apollo 17 mission in 1972 led to the discovery of an alien artifact dubbed the Hypergate, humanity managed to find the means to travel to Mars almost instantly, leading to its colonization.

After the discovery of alien technology on the planet called “Aldnoah,” colonists declared independence from Earth to create the Vers Empire. This started a series of conflicts that finally escalated in 2014 when the Vers Empire and its clans of Orbital Knights started a full-scale invasion of the Earth. With the odds seemingly against the Earth’s favor, Inaho Kaizuka becomes one of the planet’s last hopes with his gift of piloting mecha. Fans of mecha anime who want a grounded series featuring giant robots may want to give Aldnoah.Zero a shot.

Aldnoah.Zero: How Similar Is It To Code Geass?

Seeing the rather stoic Inaho Kaizuka of the United Forces of Earth outwit one Martian Knight after the next can remind Code Geass fans of seemingly-timid schoolgirl Kallen Kozuki hiding a rebellious heart as she skillfully pilots the Guren of the Black Knights against the Knightmares of technologically-superior Holy Britannian Empire. Moreover, Inaho and Slain’s conflict across different sides in a similar mission to “save” Asseylum is similar to the latter part of Code Geass’s story, where Lelouch’s campaign as Zero and Suzaku’s knighting were all part of their plans to save Nunnally vi Britannia in their own ways.

11 Darker Than Black (2007)

A World Where Psychic Mercenaries Hide Among Individuals

While Darker Than Black lacks the esteemed mecha component in Code Geass, its emphasis on the more profound nature of power users becomes a high point in the series. In the story of Darker Than Black, spatial anomalies known as “Heaven’s Gate” in South America and “Hell’s Gate” in Tokyo led to the emergence of Contractors or people with unique abilities. As their abilities required the sacrifice of their emotions, Contractors have slowly become apathetic and ruthless in their dealings.

And the real threat of Contractors in society reaches its apex when the organization known as the Syndicate, filled with Contractors, forces the United States to lose its status as a superpower. Series protagonist Hei is a part of the Syndicate, disguising himself as a student between his assassination missions. Armed with Electricity Manipulation, Hei dabbles into the true nature of the Hell’s Gate to find his sister, Bai, despite the dangers it might bring to him.

Darker Than Black: How Similar Is It To Code Geass?

People secretly gaining abilities from the opening of Heaven’s and Hell’s Gate in Darker than Black resembles secretive Geass users in Code Geass. Unlike Lelouch whose psychological Power of Absolute Obedience motivated him to start a revolution, Hei’s capability to manipulate electricity made him extremely valuable as an assassin. Fans who loved Lelouch’s deductive work into exploring his power’s limits in Code Geass will appreciate the grounded approach to power scaling in Darker than Black, making fights more technical and fluid.

10 RahXephon (2002)

An Interesting Take On The Mecha Genre

Fans of mecha anime who want a more grounded approach to the genre may want to give RahXephon a shot. In the world of RahXemphon, extradimensional invaders known as Mulians or Mu have begun their conquest of Earth. Being identical to humans, it’s pretty tricky to differentiate Mu from a regular Earthling, save for their blue blood and penchant for memory loss as they grow older.

While Code Geass mecha called Knightmares are smaller and much more agile compared to the stereotypical Gundam (and have wheels!), the mecha in RahXephon also boasts something unique. Instead of being purely mechanical, they are made out of clay and are called Dolems. Not only that, but the series emphasizes the power of music changing the world, with Dolems and their pilots requiring harmony and resonance to perform in combat. This rather unique take on mecha action, as well as the more somber theme of the anime, makes RahXephon a more mature series to watch for Code Geass fans.

RahXephon: How Similar Is It To Code Geass?

Unique mecha becomes the selling point of RahXephon to fans of Code Geass, especially when the Dolem “mechas” are more clay than machine, and all fights in the series seem to rely on music to unleash a wide array of abilities. This can juxtapose with the unique features of Knightmare Frames, especially when the Code Geass mechas seem to resemble bipedal tanks much smaller than the typical Gundam on top of possessing wheels on legs that let them explore the battlefield much faster.

9 Psycho-Pass (2012)

The Story Of A World Where Everyone Is Happy

In the near-future Japan of Psycho-Pass, everything is regulated by the Sibyl System. This seemingly-omniscient artificial intelligence is capable of not only managing every citizen’s future based on their aptitude but even determining their emotional states. It’s through the Sibyl System that Japan has achieved near-perfect order. It will only enlist direct action through the Criminal Investigation Division should a person reach a high-enough Criminal Coefficient, as seen through their colorful Psycho-Pass.

The first season of Psycho-Pass explores the career of Akane Tsunemori, a newbie Inspector who’s put in charge of helping the Sibyl System solve crimes involving latent criminals. Unfortunately for Akane, her journey starts unraveling the true nature of the Sibyl System, which isn’t as good-natured as it seems.

Psycho-Pass: How Similar Is It To Code Geass?

Lelouch’s double life as a high-schooler in an elite school and as a leader of a revolt had viewers always see two extremes of life under Britannia. Such isn’t the case in Psycho-Pass, as members of the Criminal Investigation Department have to dive deep into the populace of Tokyo in their mission to remove emotional “outliers” from the Sibyl System. While both Britannia and the Sibyl System’s oppressive regimes are both worth rebelling against, seeing it from an ordinary person’s point of view in Psycho-Pass makes its reality more terrifying.

8 Mobile Suit Gundam 00 (2007)

Waging War Against War Itself

The story of Gundam 00 begins in 2307 AD when a mysterious group known only as Celestial Being warned the world of armed intervention to “eradicate” all war. Protagonist Setsuna F. Seiei and his fellow Meisters pilot the superior Gundam, currently unmatched by the rest of the world’s technology, in this “rebellion” against perhaps the entire world. And while Celestial Being seems unilaterally undefeatable in their war against war itself, naturally-inventive humans of the world’s nations won’t just let Celestial Being and the Gundams get their way.

It’s one thing to have a group of Gundam pilots just showcasing awesome mecha, but it’s another thing entirely to see the world scrambling in panic against them. Not to mention, while it’s already nice to see Gundam just make piecemeal out of primitive Earth machines, it’s another level of suspense when parties among Earth’s nations have begun forming countermeasures that seem effective against the mysterious Gundams.

Mobile Suit Gundam 00: How Similar Is It To Code Geass?

While Celestial Being’s “revolt” isn’t far off from the vision of the Black Knights, the protagonsits of Gundam 00 take things up a notch when their targeted “oppression” is war itself. Moreover, Code Geass fans who delighted themselves with the intellectual fights between the seemingly-invincible Zero and Britannia’s Schneizel will appreciate similar occurrences in Gundam 00, especially when humanity’s inter-fighting factions eventually unify under one banner in facing Celestial Being’s superior anti-war tech.

7 Eureka Seven

A Water-Themed Coming Of Age Journey

It is the Year 12005, over 10,000 years since an alien lifeform known as the Scub Coral has inhabited the Earth and forced humanity to evacuate it. Now inhabiting the Land of Kanan with its own Scub Coral, humanity has begun adjusting to life with the Coral in its presence – staying away from dangerous Antibody Coralians, society making use of its Trapar light waves for technology, and with the renegade group Gekkostate promoting a counterculture of sports and “fun” in a world living in fear against the Coral.

It’s this exact society that Eureka Seven rebels against, beginning when protagonist Renton Thurston is pulled away from his “boring” life and into a world of adventure when Gekkostate craft ZERO and its pilot Eureka land in his room. Fans of Code Geass will love the subversive nature of Gekkostate, showing that the flashy pages of its “fun” magazine “ray=out” is far from the reality of the renegade group, which will have Renton participate in clashes with the government.

Eureka Seven: How Similar Is It To Code Geass?

While the adventurous teenage Renton Thurston is nowhere near the intellectual Lelouch, Code Geass fans will appreciate the rebellious spirit of Gekkostate as it opposes the United Federation in its mission to destroy the mysterious Scub Coral. On top of parallels between Gekkostate and the Black Knights, the series’ star mecha Nirvash Type Zero is similar to the Black Knights’ ace in the hole, the Guren. Whereas Code Geass explores a rebel group from the perspective of its leader, Eureka Seven explores an outsider perspective courtesy of Renton.

6 Guilty Crown (2012)

Using The Power Of Kings In Desperate Times

When an impact event releases a biological hazard known as the Apocalypse Virus, this “Lost Christmas” incident plunges Japan into chaos. While its pleas are heard by the United Nations, its dispatched GHQ organization saves Japan at the cost of its independence. It’s only a decade later when the resistance group known as the Funeral Parlor wages war against the GHQ to liberate the country – and it’s in these events that Guilty Crown begins.

Things should be going well for the Funeral Parlor when resistance leader Gai was to receive a special vial. However, when high schooler Ouma Shu stumbles upon this vial, it’s soon revealed that it’s the Apocalypse Virus re-engineered to grant its user special abilities. Known as the “Power of Kings” (like the “Geass” in Code Geass), Shu reluctantly joins the Funeral Parlor as his powers allow him to use the psyche of others as weapons

Guilty Crown: How Similar Is It To Code Geass?

Shu’s Void Genome that gives him the Power of Kings is quite similar title to Lelouch’s Geass. However, whereas the titular Geass of Code Geass is both supernatural and metaphysical in terms of origins, the Void Genome’s derivation from the Apocalypse Virus gives the Guilt Crown power source a more scientific point of view. Sci-fi fans interested in a unique take on a Geass-like power could appreciate Guilty Crown’s take on the power source, especially when Shu’s Power allows him to manifest people’s psyche through Void weapons.

5 Fang Of The Sun Dougram (1981)

A Mecha Anime Smaller In Scope, Grander In Ambition

Despite its age and rather simple premise, Fang Of The Sun Dougram is an essential anime about rebellion that fans of Code Geass must watch. Taking place in the Earth Federation colony planet Deloyer, Fang Of The Sun Dougram follows the story of Crinn Cashim, a governor’s son that was trained to pilot the Soltic Roundfacer mecha. However, his father’s death would prompt Crinn and his friends to form “The Fang of the Sun,” a unit of their own in the fight against the Federation, accompanied by the Dougram, a special combat armor.

Unlike other anime like Gundam, fans love Dougram for its diverse cast of characters, each with unique backgrounds, hidden motives, and tendencies to switch sides. Not only that but the series is known for its realistic use of combat armors and even support vehicles, following quite a rather tense progression whenever Crinn has to pilot the Dougram in their seemingly-futile fight against the powerful Federation.

Fang Of The Sun Dougram: How Similar Is It To Code Geass?

Despite the series’ age, Fang of the Sun Dougram will scratch a metaphorical itch Code Geass fans had whenever Lelouch engages Britannian forces on the battlefield. However, instead of flashy displays of Zero’s plans executed via chess, Dougram is known for its rather grounded take on military tactics on a sci-fi setting. While the titular Fang of the Sun rebel group does have the powerful Dougram mecha, their limited numbers and having only one mecha forces them to use guerilla tactics against their enemies, making the series a treat for military strategists.

4 Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann (2007)

A Deconstruction Of Modern Anime

Despite its comedic premise, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann combines over-the-top comedy with over-the-top action, all under the backdrop of a revolutionary movement against the oppressive Spiral King, Lordgenome. When the Spiral King’s forces ensured mankind lived underground, his troops conscripted the likes of Simon to continuously dig to expand their homes. These things change when Simon is thrust into a war against Lordgenome, all thanks to mecha called Gunmen he can combine to form giant mecha against the oppressive lord’s forces.

In Gurren Lagann, Simon in particular combines the Gunmen Gurren and Lagann to form Gurren Lagann, inspiring other humans on the surface to hijack their own Gunmen and participate in the revolution. Despite its comedic premise, fans of Code Geass will appreciate the anime’s stellar action and rather impressive approach to its narrative, making for an unforgettable story with its unique brand of punk.

Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann: How Similar Is It To Code Geass?

While Gurren Lagann’s Team Dai-Gurren resembles Zero’s Black Knights as a rebel force aiming to free mankind from an oppressive ruler, fans may appreciate this series based on its cultural impact. Whereas Code Geass “rehashes” the mecha genre to fit modern audiences with multi-faceted themes, Gurren Lagann is more of a “subversion” by giving the otherwise-serious genre a pop, punk, and “cool” twist that shows mechas don’t always have to be so stiff and uptight.

3 Legend Of The Galactic Heroes (2018)

A Space Epic Of Grand Proportions

At first glance, Legend Of The Galactic Heroes seems to be too broad and too serious for its own good, but while its similarities to Gundam are reflected in an interstellar war, their shared premise ends here. When the story of Legend Of The Galactic Heroes begins, it starts during the war of space powers Galactic Empire and Free Planets Alliance, both vying for control over the galaxy.

Things become heated when two rising geniuses from both sides clash in terms of both principles and strategies. On one side, military genius Reinhard von Musel has become dedicated to overthrowing the oppressive Goldenbaum dynasty and unifying the galaxy under his rule. And on the other, the genius yet passive Yang Wen-li is studying as a historian, only to be pulled into the frontlines for his tactical genius.

Legend Of The Galactic Heroes: How Similar Is It To Code Geass?

While Legend of the Galactic Heroes is best appreciated in the novel’s more personal war stories, Code Geass fans can finally view a fictional war from two accounts with the two Galactic Heroes anime. Whereas Code Geass has viewers see Lelouch adjust his take on the rebellion based on personal events, Galactic Heroes does this in two ways: a vast interconnected web of political plays and social interactions as seen in the 1988-1997 anime, and broad strokes within a large war in the 2018 version.