Plot armor typically surrounds the main character of a show, allowing them to survive situations where they would otherwise die or get seriously hurt. Every piece of media has some amount of plot armor, but the actual amount can vary.
Here, you may check out some of the bestanimeout there with the least amount of plot armor. It’s nearly impossible to find a show with none, but these anime don’t rely on this armor all the time. Lack of plot armor typically causes deaths; we won’t spoil the deaths for you, so these entries will just briefly touch on each anime without going into too much detail.
8Higurashi When They Cry
Although we said no spoilers, main character deaths are basically the plot of Higurashi When They Cry. This show doesn’t hold back when it comes to killing off main characters, but you’ll quickly learn that there is some sort of time loop, letting us meet the previously-dead characters once again.
There is a lot to the Higurashi When They Cry series, with the first anime airing back in 2006 and the most recent airing in 2021. We also suggest checking out Umineko When They Cry, which has a similar concept in a different setting.
786
Next up, we have 86. This anime takes a step back from our modern world, bringing us into a world where people are divided by their appearance. The war propaganda fed to those with silver hair states that the war has no casualties, but this is because those who look different are essentially seen as nothing.
86 is as realistic as it can be, depicting a gritty war, discrimination, and racism in a serious manner. As with most other anime on our list,zero plot armor is practically impossible, but 86 still manages to keep the stakes high.
6Akame Ga Kill!
In terms of little to no plot armor, Akame Ga Kill! is often brought up. This show follows the swordsman Tatsumi and an assassin named Akame. Together, the two are part of Night Raid, which is an assassin group.
Death is not something to be taken lightly in the world of Akame Ga Kill!, and you will get to know this as the show goes on. The show has a fair amount of violence, but that makes sense for an assassin show set in a world with a corrupt government.
5Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners was created after the launch of Cyberpunk 2077. Thoughthe anime and game share a setting(Night City), Edgerunners stands for itself and can be enjoyed even if you’ve never played the game.
This anime deals with themes such as the connection of technology and humanity, and doesn’t shy away from the consequences of the futuristic world. What’s more, the animation for this show is absolutely gorgeous.
4Attack On Titan
At this point, you probably know what Attack on Titan is. First airing in 2013, Attack on Titan has remained popular since then. While the show does involve some plot armor for essential characters, there is a fair amount of realism in terms of the consequences of battle and warfare.
This anime has a fantastic (and bleak) storyline that only gets more intense as the show progresses. Thankfully,there are nearly 100 episodesfor you to enjoy spread across four seasons.
3Legend Of The Galactic Heroes
Legend of the Galactic Heroes is one of the older anime options on our list, originally airing in 1988. If you want to really get all there is out of it, we suggest watching all of it. If, on the other hand, you just want to watch the remake, you may start with Legend of the Galactic Heroes: The New Thesis.
This show is perfect if you are a fan of classic military dramas and sci-fi. The characters are incredibly interesting and the plot itself is compelling. There is also a lot to get through, leaving you watching for a while.
2Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Would it surprise you if we said that Puella Magi Madoka Magica is a dark and psychological anime? If you’ve already heard of this anime, then this comes as no surprise. For newcomers though, this initially seems like a cute magical girl show.
Consequences (and enemies) are a real threat in Madoka Magica, even if the show does happen to focus on cute magical girls. This anime is also filled with plot twists and surreal environments that will leave you hanging on to every episode (and the movie!).
1Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans
It seems that anime that featurelarge-scale wars and conflicthave less plot armor than other anime. Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans is no exception, as this show takes place in a world with child soldiers and interplanetary wars.
Make no mistake; Iron-Blooded Orphans is a serious show that has a complicated story and compelling characters. Not everyone gets a happy ending, and overall, many people note that this show is a bit of a tear-jerker.
