6 Anime Like Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion [Updated Recommendations]

También puedes leer este artículo en:Español

When you’re the prince of one of the strongest nations in the world, there shouldn’t be too much for you to worry about. Unfortunately, in the case of Lelouch Lamperouge vi Britannia of the Holy Empire of Britannia, he has issues that go far beyond sibling rivalry and trivial familial disputes. We mean to say he has a score to settle and watching him manipulate his environment in order to achieve his goals for revenge was nothing short of awesome – and that’s why a list like this exists – for people who enjoyed being under the complete control of Lelouch’s Geass and would love nothing more than to experience something similar.

Code Geass being Code Geass, however, there are very few shows out there that we can say tick the boxes in order to have a certain level of… “Geassocity” – a Code Geass like quality to them, but, Honey’s Anime being Honey’s Anime, we delivered. And so, you have 6 Anime Like Code Geass right before your eyes. To make this even better, there’s an older list you can check out that is right under this one; a possible total of 12 shows with enough Geassocity for your enjoyment!
There may be some spoilers, do be careful.


Similar Anime to Code Geass

1. Akatsuki no Yona (Yona of the Dawn)

  • Episodes: 24
  • Aired: October 2014 – March 2015

The Princess of the Kingdom of Kouka, Yona, has had a pretty stress-free life living away from the harsh realities of despair and poverty in which the citizens of the kingdom experience on a daily basis. That changes; however, when her father, the King of the Kingdom of Kouka is murdered and her favourite cousin Su-Won, betrays the kingdom and places Yona’s life in danger. Forced to flee because of attempts on her life ordered by the new king, Yona goes on a journey in search of individuals who can come together and help her save her country and get to the bottom of her cousin’s betrayal.

Being a shoujo anime, Akatsuki no Yona has managed to find a fairly different way to present the themes of war and betrayal. A murder within the royal family sets everything into motion and gives the protagonist a reason to do what they do. Ring any bells? Akatsuki no Yona presents us with a fairly similar situation with the protagonist’s family history as Code Geass does, and while being fundamentally different in personality, both Lelouch and Yona wish to settle a score with people who betrayed them. In Yona’s case; however, her retribution does not come from a place of anger, she’s more saddened by the course of events more than anything else. Moreover, Akatsuki no Yona, much like Code Geass, presents the rude awakening of the protagonist, with Yona realising that the Kingdom is not as rosy as she once thought, and Lelouch coming to understand the full consequences of the abuse of power, and the effects of war. If Akatsuki no Yona hasn’t dawned on you just yet, give it a try – it will surprise you.


2. Nejimaki Seirei Senki: Tenkyou no Alderamin (Alderamin on the Sky)

  • Episodes: 13
  • Aired: July 2016 – October 2016

The Katjvarna Empire and its neighbouring country, the Kioka Republic, are at war. Despite completely detesting the concept of war, Ikta Solork prepares to take the High Grade Military Exam which will ultimately lead him into becoming a High Grade Military Officer in order to protect his country. Be that as it may, Ikta has no motivation to do anything with his life that does not involve taking naps and chasing women; however, due to his keen intellect and prowess as a strategist, the Katjvarna Empire enlist him as one of their Imperial Order of Knights, bolstering their military strength in the war against the Kioka Republic.

Much like Code Geass, we are presented with characters living in times of war and political turmoil, and, as a result of these conditions, the main characters of these shows experience fairly similar, but vastly different negative experiences which change them forever. In Ikta’s case, his father was a high-ranking military officer who, because he failed to follow a certain order, was branded a traitor, imprisoned and subsequently died a captive of the nation he used to serve. In terms of the protagonists of the shows themselves, both Lelouch and Ikta display incredible levels of intelligence and are regarded as amazing tacticians in their respective anime. Both main characters also become central figures in the wars waged by the sides they serve, Ikta as a tactician for the Katjvarna Empire and Lelouch as Zero, leading the Japanese rebels of Area 11. If you enjoyed Lelouch’s smarts, turn the tables on Ikta and give Alderamin on the Sky a chase – you’ll love it.

Alderamin on the Sky Trailer


3. Arslan Senki (The Heroic Legend of Arslan)

  • Episodes: 25
  • Aired: April 2015 – September 2015

Under the rule of King Andragoras III, the Kingdom of Pars enjoys times of prosperity, all while at war with the neighbouring empire of Lusitania. The good times continue until, on the day of his first true battle, Prince Arslan of the Kingdom of Pars, his father and the kingdom itself are betrayed by one of the country’s most trusted officials and the army completely defeated. With the country’s leadership in shambles, Arslan is forced to flee the country. Together with the Daryun the general and a few other companions, Arslan sets out to put together a band of allies that will help him take back his kingdom.

War and betrayal are central themes in Arslan Senki and the vehicle through which the plot is both created and driven. Much like in Code Geass, Arslan Senki follows the actions of a protagonist who is part of the royal family and seeks to claim power in order to resolve issues which arose due to politically-motivated betrayal. In fairly similar circumstances, both Lelouch and Arslan find themselves no longer living in their respective countries and the theme of war prevails in both anime, forming an integral part of both characters’ realities. So, when Code Geass gives you an exiled prince who seeks revenge on the royal family, Arslan Senki gives you an exiled prince who seeks to muster enough allies to take back his home. Being a prince is a lot more work than we thought.

Arslan Senki PV



Any Anime Like Code Geass?

4. Akame ga KILL!

  • Episodes: 24
  • Aired: July 2014 – December 2014

Tatsumi and his friends, Sayo and Ieyasu venture to the Empire’s capital in order to work for the military and send money to their home village. However, a few days into entering the capital, Tatsumi runs into Night Raid, a band of assassins who belong to the Revolutionary Army and work towards slowly changing the lives of the citizens of the empire. Upon coming to the realisation that darkness runs deep into the empire and that poverty, despair and corruption are rife, Tatsumi joins Night Raid and vows to put an end to the people’s suffering.

In a land where the aristocracy and government enjoy lavish lives at the expense of regular citizens, the Revolutionary Army and Night Raid seek to change the empire – and the only way to do so is by force. A war between the empire’s military and the Revolutionary Army ensues, and that is where we find our Geassocity in Akame ga KILL! Like in Code Geass, war is one of the most important aspects of the show, but moreover, much like Code Geass, Akame ga KILL! does not hold back in showing the true consequences of war on the individuals who experience it. People die – and this harsh reality weighs heavily on both Lelouch and Tatsumi; however, that is the life they chose in pursuit of the justice in which they believe.

Akame ga KILL PV


5. 91 Days

  • Episodes: TBC
  • Aired: July 2016 – TBC

When the enigmatic Avilio Bruno receives a strange letter expressing the sender’s desire to help him exact revenge on members of the Vanetti mafia family who murdered his family 7 years prior, he quickly makes his way back to the town of Lawless in order to infiltrate the Vanetti Family, gain their trust and eventually, punish the four individuals who killed his mother, father and little brother all those years ago…

91 Days is an anime that reeks of revenge! It is what keeps the protagonist alive, it is what he strives for and to that end, no amount of deceit and betrayal is too much for Avilio, and he displays the type of ambition reminiscent of none other than Lelouch Lamperouge. 91 Days and Code Geass share major similarities in the fact that betrayal leads to the deaths of the protagonists’ relatives and it is those deaths which invoke a vengeance so strong, so bitter that they truly do not care about becoming the most cunning individuals. Long story short, Code Geass and 91 Days both sport main characters capable of taking down entire organisations with their wit and ability alone and with the flame of revenge burning in their hearts, we see how one show could remind us of the other.


6. Death Note

  • Episodes: 37
  • Aired: October 2006 – June 2007

High school student Yagami Light finds a strange notebook one day. Upon opening the notebook, he notices that it claims to have an uncanny ability: the one whose name is written in the book will die. Skeptical about the notebook’s abilities, Light decides to put it to the test, ultimately ushering him into the supernatural world of the Shinigami, spirits which govern the deaths of human beings. It turns out that the notebook, or Death Note, belongs to one such Shinigami. With the Death Note’s capabilities no longer in question, Light takes it upon himself to use it to rid the world of all evil.

Whenever Code Geass is brought up in conversation, Death Note will most certainly come up at one point or another and with good reason – Death Note and Code Geass are virtually twin shows, with similar intelligent protagonists who also have a somewhat warped sense of justice as well as an over-indulgence in new-found power. The two can be seen as the pinnacle of anime’s take on themes regarding power, justice and deceit. Although Code Geass has the prevalent theme of war to differentiate it from Death Note, it simply does not change the fact that the two will always be linked to each other.

Both Lelouch and Light obtain tremendous power which they use to their own ends, to fulfil a cause which they both believe is just. Consequently, both characters end up having to deceive their loved ones in order to complete their objectives. Long story short, if you have watched Code Geass, it is imperative, in fact, we’d go as far as to say it is a law of anime that you watch Death Note. They are two sides of the same ambitious coin.

DEATH NOTE Trailer


Conclusion

After having seen an anime as complex and engaging as Code Geass, it isn’t uncommon to crave more of the same kind of anime, and that is why we do what we do. Truth be told, Code Geass will probably never be replicated, but it’s all good if we can watch other anime that give us the same feeling it gave us, right? With the ever-expanding universe that is anime, it goes without saying that there are other shows that could have made it onto this list and that is where you can help us! Drop a comment below and perhaps, one day, if Lelouch wishes it so, we’ll have another list with some of your favourites up. Only if Lelouch gives us the order though!

code-geass-Lelouch-of-Rebellion-dvd-300x419 6 Anime Like Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion [Updated Recommendations]

Writer

Author: Hoshi-kun

I’m South African, harbouring an obsession for anything remotely related to Japan, mostly anime, of course. I draw sometimes. Some people call me Naledi, it’s my real name, or something like that. People think I’m stoic because I don’t smile often (I do sometimes). I like languages. Hoshi-kun and Naledi are the same side of the same coin.

Previous Articles

Top 5 Anime by Hoshi-kun



Original Article Below

Code Geass has enjoyed commercial and critical success in both Japan and the United States, and can be comfortably called one of the most popular series of the last decade.
Remarkable characters, intriguing tactics, endless conspiracies, all the while with a high-school backdrop!

It’s easy to want something similar as such a great show as Code Geass, so here’s some suggestions!

Similar Anime to Code Geass

1. Aldnoah.Zero

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: Jul. 2014 - Sep. 2014

A Science-Fiction Mecha Anime in a world where a Humanoid empire in Mars called ‘Vers’ is at war with a technologically inferior Earth.
The empire of ‘Vers’ possesses Mechs far more powerful and advanced than the forces of earth, forcing the central protagonist, Inaho Kaizuka, to use innovative battle-tactics, in order to protect Earths independence. This is all the while Slaine Troyard, from Earth, is tasked with protecting Asseylum Vers Allusia, a ‘Versian’ princess, who is trying to bring peace with the warring factions.
The first few episodes especially, recall how Lelouch would use tactical genius, in order to defeat the forces of Britannia in ‘Code Geass.’

Aldnoah.Zero Official Trailer


2. Mobile Suit Gundam 00
[Japanese Name: Kidou Senshi Gundam 00]

  • Episodes: 25
  • Aired: Oct, 2007 to Mar, 2008

Set in a world where countries have joined to form great regional powers, The AEU, The Human Reform League, and the Union, there is constant conflict and competition between each power as well as smaller nations.
With resources depleted on Earth, orbital elevators are built, one each by the great powers, to use Solar Energy. With the lack of resources only fueling more conflict, enter ‘Celestial Being’, an organization possessing advanced Gundams, who attack and pressure the Great Powers into abandoning aggressive conflict, and intervene on behalf of smaller nations who can’t stand up to them.
Now while the technology is on Celestial Beings side, unlike in the case of the protagonists of Code Geass, The Gundams take an endless and sophisticated stream of plot and counter-plot in order to further their objectives, bringing back to mind the constant struggle between Britannia and the Japanese Independence forces in Code Geass.


3. Full Metal Panic

  • Episodes: 24
  • Aired: Jan, 2002 to Jun, 2002

Meet Sosuke Sagara, your typical highschooler, save for the fact that he’s a member of an elite military unit called ‘Mithril’ dedicated to counter-terrorism.
Sosuke originally hails from a turbulent region of Afghanistan, forcing him to join a guerilla movement to survive. He is tasked as a member of Mithril with the protection of Kaname Chidori, who also becomes tangled up with the military operations of Mithril. Despite being members of an elite, clandestine group, they must both lead a double life as soldiers and average every-day highschoolers.
Full Metal Panic is a mecha with tactical elements, but also some comedic high-school elements as well, drawing allusions to the characters in Code Geass who are attending high-schoolers, while doubling as revolutionary Agents!

Full Metal Panic Official Trailer


Any Anime Like Code Geass ?

4. Terror in Resonance
[Jpn: Zankyou no Terror]

  • Episodes: 11
  • Aired: Jul, 2014 to Sep, 2014

Zankyo no Terror may be a little bit darker than Code Geass, but the similarity exists.
The plot centers around two teenagers, only referred to as 9 and 12, who form a two-man terrorist group, active in Tokyo. The twist is, they absolutely don’t want to kill anyone, and take great lengths to ensure that no one dies as a result of their activities. The two use careful planning and brilliant strategies to ensure that no loss of life comes out of their efforts, all the while their message Is being heard. The pair draws in Lisa Mishima, a bullied high-schooler facing emotional abuse at home, as well as aging detective Shibazaki, who has a hunch that the group has something to do with a dark secret of the Japanese Government.
The troubled, but genius minds of 9 and 12, recall the brilliance of Lelouch.

Terror in Resonance (Jpn: Zankyou no Terror) Official Trailer


5. Guilty Crown

  • Episodes: 22
  • Aired: Oct, 2011 to Mar, 2012

Shu Ouma is a high-school boy who unwittingly obtains a great power, called ‘The Power of Kings’, which enables him to extracts ‘Voids’ which are tools/weapons formed as the physical manifestations of people’s hearts.
Japan, meanwhile is under the rule of a multi-national organization called GHQ, after a deadly outbreak of the ‘Apocalypse Virus’ 10 years earlier.
Shu becomes involved with a revolutionary group, called ‘Funeral Parlor’ after meeting Inori Yuzuriha, a member of the rebel group who seek to oust GHQ and restore Japanese Independence, quite like the aims of Lelouch and Karen in Code Geass.

Guilty Crown Official Trailer


6. From the New World
[Japanese Name: Shin Sekai Yori]

  • Episodes: 25
  • Aired: Sep, 2012 to Mar, 2013

Set in a Japan 1000 years from now, the country now is a pastoral utopia, under the rule of those who possess the ‘Gods Power’ of psychokinesis.
Saki Watanabe enters Zenjin Academy, in order to master this power, yet the world is perhaps not as idyllic as it first seems. Saki, along with her friends from the academy, are forced to united forces in order to learn the true history of the world, and stop it from falling even further into Chaos.
The deep plots of From the New World, will remind of you the seemingly endless conspiracies and twists in the world of Code Geass

From the New World (Jpn: Shin Sekai Yori) Official Trailer


code-geass-Lelouch-of-Rebellion-dvd-300x419 6 Anime Like Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion [Updated Recommendations]

Writer

Author: CJL

Long Islander who loves anime. Interested in politics, philosophy and also a huge fan of sports and video games. Just about any series can get me going if it’s done well. From cute girls doing cute things shows, to gritty-action or space-opera or mecha series. Comment on my articles, let’s get a conversation going.

Previous Articles

Top 5 Anime by CJL