20 Best Steampunk Animes Of All Time, Ranked (2024)

What is a Steampunk Anime?

Visually striking and richly expressive, steampunk is a unique subgenre of retrofuturistic science fiction that envisions a society dependent on steam-powered technology. Its aesthetic draws heavily from the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century, often reflecting both the advancements in technology and the socio-economic challenges faced during that era. Unlike other science fiction tales, steampunk narratives follow an alternative historical path where steam engines dominate. This genre merges the sophistication of Victorian fashion with a gritty mechanical ambiance.Steampunk anime often features elaborate settings with retro-futuristic inventions, airships, gears, and Victorian-era clothing, creating a unique and visually rich world. The genre also commonly explores themes of adventure, conflict between technology and nature, and societal hierarchies.

Now that the subject is clearer, let's take a look at the 20 best Steampunk anime!

20. Code: Realize − Guardian of Rebirth

Following her father's death, Cardia Beckford becomes an outcast in her community. The reason for this is the horrific object within her — a heart that beats eternally and produces boundless energy. Known as the Horologium, this heart brings destruction to everything she contacts, rendering her a target for both the British military and a shadowy group named Twilight, which may have connections to her late father. Just when it seems she will be captured by the military forces, she is abducted by a thief who goes by Arsène Lupin.Consequently, she is able to learn about the Horologium, a fascinating piece of arcane technology that is embedded in Cardia's body. Although it looks like jewels, it functions like a heart and turns her skin and blood into something deadly. In addition to her heart, the atmosphere and character designs suit the steampunk aesthetic well. What it is and where it came from is a central mystery in the series.

19. Appare-Ranman!

As an inventor, Appare Sorano hopes to reach the moon by using his steam-powered inventions. When he is stranded in the middle of the ocean along with Kosame Ishikki, his plan crumbles. They're rescued by a large steamship that takes them to Los Angeles. There, they decide to participate in the Trans-America Wild Race, a race in which entrants build their own cars and race them across the country.For anyone who loves steampunk in its literal sense, this series is a perfect choice. Appare is fascinated by the technology, and it's hard not to feel the same way. As the contestants build different vehicles, it is a pleasure to see them all. The race itself generates plenty of excitement as they blast through different cities. Of course, Kosame and Appare discover some of themselves along the way.From the Deca-Dence fortress to the strappy outfits and goggles the characters wear, this series screams steampunk. The fact that the elite soldiers are called Gears doesn't hurt either. Aside from its aesthetic, it is a good show about surviving an apocalypse. Usually, such shows have male protagonists, so it is refreshing to see a girl at the forefront.

17. Samouraï 7

This shonen anime filled with action from 2004 has an underlying story loosely based on the best Samuraifilm of all time, The 7 Samourai. This anime has an interesting plotline, with people being oppressed on a territory ruled by fear under the brutal leadership of the Nobuseri, a race of guerriers who are also machines. To protect the population from the menace, a young nun travels and gathers samouras.

15. Drifting Dragons

Among the many popular anime series that came out in 2020, Drifting Dragons stands out as a gentler version of Moby-Dick. For all intents and purposes, the crew of Quin Zaza is a steampunk whaler. The sky is like an ocean and dragons are whales. Given the real-life reputation of whaling, the concept may be controversial or disturbing to some viewers. However, the premise is undeniably unique, despite its potentially uncomfortable aspects.It's possible for some anime viewers to be turned away by the series' 3D, but it actually looks quite good in motion. With its blend of steampunk and fantasy tropes, Drifting Dragons stands out from the competition, and there aren't many anime series it can easily be compared to. The series' art direction also has a unique visual profile that complements the novel's premise.

14. The Case Study Of Vanitas

In order to exact revenge on his kind, Vanitas created an artifact - the Book of Vanitas - that allows him to interfere with the core of vampires' power: their names.Vanitas’ human apprentice returns years later, calling himself Vanitas, carrying the book of Vanitas. The same time, he meets a vampire known as Noé Archiviste who wants the book of Vanitas. In this steampunk adventure, the duo faces vampires and delivers justice or cures to them as they journey through a steampunk world.

13. Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water

This series draws inspiration from the writings of Jules Verne, a foundational figure in steampunk literature. Set in a parallel 19th-century universe, it centers on Nadia, a girl with an uncertain heritage, and Jean, an inventive ally who assists her in fleeing from thieves intent on seizing her blue pendant. Their escape leads them to Captain Nemo and his submarine Nautilus—names directly lifted from Verne's novels—and together they confront the malevolent forces aiming for global domination.

12. Clockwork Planet

A genius clockmaker named Y revived the earth with gears and clockwork, hence the title "Clockwork Planet." The story revolves around a young boy named Naoto Miura, who is fascinated with machines.

11. Kabaneri Of The Iron Fortress

In Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress, humans are transformed into undead monsters by a mysterious virus spreading during the Industrial Revolution.
Fortresses are connected by steam locomotives, battle with steam-pressure guns, and are powered by coal to power their cities since the virus hindered humanity's progress. Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress is a dangerous and daunting steampunk game set in a post-apocalyptic post-apocalyptic world where zombies threaten humanity's last refuges.

10.Steam Detectives

Steam Detectives stands out as a prime example of steampunk literature, evident even from its title. The narrative unfolds in a coal-powered retrofuturistic setting known as Steam City, where traditional technology has been replaced with steam-driven inventions. This advancement includes the creation of massive steam robots called Megamatons, which are often exploited by criminals for their devious plots. Young detective Narutaki, along with nurse Lingling and robot Gohliki, bravely navigates the city’s pervasive smog to combat the growing tide of crime. The series is both stylish and imbued with an enchanting noir ambiance.

9. The Empire of Corpses

In the backstory of this anime, we encounter Viktor Frankenstein, who succeeded in creating “The One” — a reanimated corpse that could communicate, experience emotions, and possess a soul. Things take a dark turn quickly. Set in 19th century England, these revived beings support the economy but remain lifeless puppets bound by their programming. John Watson, a physician, revives his friend Friday's body as part of an effort to replicate Viktor’s creation and demonstrate that there is indeed a soul present within these entities.In search of Viktor's notes, he finds more than he expected. We won't spoil too much, but once you start, you won't be able to put it down.

8. Princess Principal

Princess Principal stands out as a unique contemporary anime that embraces the steampunk style. Set in an alternate 20th-century London caught in a covert conflict, it explores the struggle between the elite and the masses through the lens of espionage. The story revolves around a team of spies who have embedded themselves within the esteemed Queen's Mayfair school, functioning as intelligence operatives for the Commonwealth. Aesthetically, Princess Principal immerses viewers in classic steampunk visuals, adorning its female characters in elaborate period costumes, utilizing a palette rich in earthy tones like browns and blacks, while integrating gears and mechanical elements into every aspect of its design.

7. Metropolis

Often seen as a quintessential representation of anime's steampunk genre, Metropolis adheres to traditional conventions in both tone and visual design. This unique work seamlessly blends elements from Osamu Tezuka's renowned manga with inspiration from the 1927 silent film, transporting viewers into a retrofuturistic realm where humans and robots exist in a precarious balance. Within this city rife with bias and hidden plots, Japanese detective Shunsaku Ban and his nephew Kenichi work diligently to reveal the truth. However, what truly distinguishes Metropolis is not its intricate storyline but rather its stunning visuals.Instead of delighting in innovation, they paint a sprawling steampunk cityscape.

6. Laputa: Castle In The Sky

The iconic Hayao Miyazaki is a visionary known for his deep appreciation of the steampunk style. Many of his films are crafted within retrofuturistic settings that seamlessly blend elements of simplicity, progress, and enchantment in their technological aspects. "Laputa: Castle in the Sky" exemplifies this influence prominently, transporting audiences into an adventure amid steam-driven cities. The director's artistic brilliance is evident in the film's aircraft designs, which combine organic inspiration with sleek technology.Sheeta and Pazu's flight through the skies in search of the rumored flying castle is infused with the bittersweet nostalgia that the steampunk genre thrives on.

5. Last Exile

Two couriers deliver goods between warring nations in Last Exile, one of the most elaborate steampunk worlds in anime. In the world of Last Exile, air travel plays an important role. As the conflict intensifies, communication between Anatoray and Disith is reduced to small two-person vanships traveling through the Grand Stream air current.The aesthetic charm of Last Exile draws heavily from the Industrial Revolution, and even 20 years later, it is still stunning, unlike some contemporary fictional worlds.

4. Violet Evergarden

In Violet Evergarden's universe, futuristic technology is blended with subtle retro nostalgia in a fictional country of Leidenschaftlich, which is reminiscent of early 20th-century Western Europe. As an Auto Memory Doll, the titular protagonist is an ex-child soldier who must adjust to civilian life after losing her arms.