5 Anime With Political Intrigue Even Better Than in Game of Thrones
From rival space nations to war-torn empires, there's no shortage of Game of Thrones alternatives in the anime world that will have you hooked from the first minutes with their well-thought-out plots.
From epic historical tales that delve deep into the political landscape to more modern series that focus on personal stories, there are plenty of gripping anime that explore different aspects of political intrigue.
If you're looking for elaborate plots full of betrayal, unexpected alliances, and high stakes just like in Game of Thrones, these five titles are for you.
1. Legend of the Galactic Heroes, 1988-1997
In the 35th century humanity has populated the galaxy without encountering any other intelligent creatures. Two major political forces have emerged: the Galactic Empire, which seeks to rule all planets, and the Free Planets Alliance.
On the side of the Empire fights the ambitious Reinhard von Lohengramm, who secretly dreams of overthrowing the ruling dynasty and taking the imperial seat.
In the Free Planets Alliance, Admiral Yang Wenli, praised for his intelligence and resourcefulness, becomes Lohengramm's main adversary.
2. Code Geass, 2006-2008
The story takes place in an alternate reality where the British Empire has conquered Japan. The main character, Lelouch, gains the ability to control the will of others – Code Geass.
Lelouch decides to use this dangerous power against the British Empire in order to deal with the despotism of the new government and restore freedom to Japan.
Political intrigue, intense action and ethical issues made Code Geass one of the most famous and respected anime in the alternate history genre.
3. Requiem of the Rose King, 2022
The war between England and France, red and white roses on the coats of arms. The heirs of dynasties clash in battle, make peace, fall in love, form alliances, and fight side by side. Diplomacy and the ability to convince people to follow them are the most important qualities for future rulers.
But even among blood relatives, conflicts for power and the crown arise. Making enemies, eliminating them, finding and losing friends and loved ones is the fate of the characters in this story.
4. ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept., 2017-2020
The Kingdom of Dowa is divided into 13 districts, each of which is assigned an agency to keep order. At the top of all the agencies is the ACCA organization, which has to process a huge amount of information every day.
Controlling the kingdom is a difficult task, which the main character, Inspector Jean Otus, knows firsthand. As the Inspectorate prepares to celebrate the anniversary of ACCA's founding, they must not relax, as an unexpected event could occur at any moment.
Just before the celebration, Otus is assigned to conduct an inspection of all 13 districts, and at the same time, rumors of an impending coup begin to circulate. Suddenly, Jean is suspected of organizing it.
5. Trinity Blood, 2005
The peace between the New Human Empire, the vampires' land, and the human capital Vatican is fragile. Any aggressive actions by either party could lead to another bloody war. And some vampires want just that – attacking humans and sowing unrest in the cities.
As time passes, more and more hostile citizens appear in both worlds. Some even plot to overthrow the government in order to disrupt peace negotiations. The Holy Inquisition is ready to fight the children of the night in a deadly battle.
