10 Best Alternative History Anime You Must See

Anime often takes us to fantastical worlds, but some stories twist real history into something fresh and exciting. Alternate history anime reimagines the past with bold changes, blending familiar events with creative what-ifs, from reimagined wars to entirely new empires.
These shows mix action, drama, and clever worldbuilding to keep us hooked. Whether it’s steampunk spies or magical battles, here are the 10 best alternate history anime you need to check out, ranked from 10 to 1.
10. ‘Strike Witches’ (2008-2021)
In a world where aliens invade during World War II, nations unite to fight back with magical girls wielding mechanical flying gear. The series tosses history aside, replacing soldiers with young women who sprout animal ears and tails while battling extraterrestrial foes.
The charm lies in its wild mix of historical settings and absurd fantasy. With a focus on teamwork and flashy aerial combat, ‘Strike Witches’ delivers a quirky take on a war-torn era, though its fan service can overshadow the deeper themes.
9. ‘The Ambition of Oda Nobuna’ (2012)
Imagine Japan’s Sengoku period where most warlords are women, and a modern teen gets isekai’d into this chaotic era. The show follows Yoshiharu Sagara as he aids Nobuna Oda, a female version of the historical Oda Nobunaga, in her quest to unify Japan.
It’s a fun blend of historical figures and gender-swapped antics, with vibrant battles and light comedy. The mix of video game-like reality and historical drama keeps things lively, even if the plot sometimes leans more on humor than depth.
8. ‘Full Metal Panic!’ (2002-2018)
Set in a world where the Cold War never ended, ‘Full Metal Panic!’ throws mecha into a tense geopolitical landscape. Sousuke Sagara, a young mercenary, protects a high school girl while juggling covert missions and awkward teen life.
The show balances intense action with rom-com moments, grounded by its alternate history where global powers wield advanced tech. Its detailed worldbuilding and character-driven story make it a standout, though the mecha focus might not click for everyone.
7. ‘Princess Principal’ (2017)
In an alternate 19th-century London split by a wall, spies navigate a steampunk world powered by a mysterious mineral. The story follows five girls running covert operations in a city torn between rival kingdoms, blending espionage with anime flair.
The gritty spy drama paired with a richly imagined setting makes this a gem. Each episode weaves personal stakes with political intrigue, keeping us glued to the screen, though the complex plot can feel dense at times.
6. ‘Astra Lost in Space’ (2019)
This sci-fi adventure kicks off with a twist on the 1960s, where the Cuban Missile Crisis sparks World War III, reshaping humanity’s path to space. A group of teens on a school trip gets stranded in space, unraveling secrets about their world’s history.
The mix of survival drama and alternate history hooks you early. Its tight 12-episode run delivers emotional punches and clever reveals, though the historical backdrop takes a backseat to character-driven mysteries.
5. ‘Ōoku: The Inner Chambers’ (2023)
In an alternate Edo-period Japan, a deadly plague wipes out most men, leaving women to rule society. The story dives into the shogunate’s inner workings, where gender roles flip, and a male concubine navigates court politics.
This anime tackles heavy themes like power and tradition with stunning visuals. Its fresh take on feudal Japan feels grounded yet bold, though the slower pace might not suit those craving constant action.
4. ‘Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade’ (1999)
Set in a post-World War II Japan occupied by Nazi Germany, this dark anime follows a soldier caught in a brutal counterinsurgency. The gritty tale explores loyalty, morality, and rebellion in a world where history took a grim turn.
Its slow, haunting narrative and stark animation hit hard. The focus on psychological depth over action makes it a unique entry, but its heavy tone can feel unrelenting for some viewers.
3. ‘The Place Promised in Our Early Days’ (2004)
In an alternate Japan split after World War II, two teens work to reach a mysterious tower in a Soviet-controlled zone. The story weaves sci-fi and romance against a backdrop of a divided nation, with stunning visuals from Makoto Shinkai.
Its emotional core and gorgeous art make it unforgettable. The historical divergence adds depth to the personal drama, though the pacing can drag for those wanting faster resolutions.
2. ‘The Saga of Tanya the Evil’ (2017-2023)
In an alternate World War I, a ruthless Japanese salaryman is reincarnated as Tanya Degurechaff, a young girl with magical powers in a war-torn empire resembling early 20th-century Europe. She rises through the military ranks, driven by ambition and survival.
The show’s dark humor and intense battles shine, with Tanya’s cunning personality stealing the spotlight. Its detailed take on an alternate war, blending magic and strategy, keeps you hooked, though the grim tone might not suit everyone.
1. ‘Steins;Gate’ (2011-2015)
Set in a world where time travel alters modern history, ‘Steins;Gate’ follows Rintarou Okabe, a quirky scientist who accidentally invents a device that sends messages to the past. The story spirals into a thriller as his actions reshape historical events, with roots in a dystopian timeline tied to real-world tech conspiracies.
Its gripping plot, memorable characters, and clever use of time travel to twist history make it a masterpiece. The slow start builds into a heart-pounding narrative, cementing its place as a top alternate history anime.
Which alternate history anime is your favorite, or did we miss a time-twisting classic? Share your picks in the comments!