Azur Lane is an anime that features a unique and excellent combination of action and war with an all-female cast set in a beautiful aquatic environment.
If you enjoyed watching it, we agree with you, also if you’re looking for similar anime that contain these elements.
Fortunately, we have already gathered a list of the best anime like Azure Lane: The Animation, which you should not miss if you loved it.
So why wait any longer? Prepare some popcorn and choose which anime you want to watch tonight!
Table of Contents
8. Assault Lily: Boquet
Assault Lily: Boquet is a multimedia project that includes an anime released in 2020. Similar to Azur Lane: The Animation, it features a female cast, action-packed scenes, and sci-fi-style enemies.
The story is set on Earth in a future where mysterious creatures known as Huge have caused massive destruction.
To combat the threat, scientists and magicians join forces to create Counter Huge Arms, weapons that are particularly compatible with young girls.
As you may have noticed, the premises are basically the same in both anime, with the only difference being the type of weapon used in the war, so give it a chance.
7. Senran Kagura Ninja Flash
With Senran Kagura Ninja Flash we have different plot, settings, and vibes than Azur Lane, but we still feel to recommend it for a specific reason.
And that’s because both series are adapted from a mobile videogame, so the target audience and the pacing are quite similar.
The plot centers on five young female ninja apprentices: Asuka, Katsuragi, Hibari, Ikaruga, and Yagyuu. Each is assigned a scroll containing secret techniques that must be defended at all costs.
And meanwhile, we’ll also see their daily lives and relationship.
Senran Kagura shares nothing with Azurl Lane in terms of plot and setting, but we still feel like you’ll love it if you enjoyed Azure Lane, so trust us with this one.
6. Strike Witches
Strike Witches is an anime that bears a striking resemblance to Azur Lane, but with one key difference: it’s much more comical and eccentric.
The show takes place in an alternate version of World War II, where young girls fight against the Neuroi, a mysterious Sci-Fi enemy.
These girls are known as Witches and fight while equipped with Striker Units, armor pieces that enhance their attacks and allow for flight.
Both series feature a female cast fighting against a mysterious enemy in a war, so the resemblance is striking. The only minor difference, aside from the comical atmosphere, is that Strike Witches does not have a sea setting.
5. GIRLS und PANZER
If you enjoyed Azur Lane’s winning combination of war, weaponry, and especially an all-female cast fighting in the conflict, then you will certainly enjoy GIRLS und PANZER.
The protagonist, Miho Nishizumi, is the last descendant of a family known for manufacturing tanks.
But due to past traumas, Miho wants to distance herself from this tradition, but fate has other plans and she must take up arms and fight.
Despite the similarities mentioned earlier, the two anime also have some significant differences.
GIRLS und PANZER has a setting that is primarily school-based and focused on land, while Azur Lane is predominantly sea-based in its setting. But other than this twist, trust us, you’ll love it.
4. High School Fleet
High School Fleet is basically Azur Lane: The Animation, with the same sea-based setting and female cast, but with one key difference: it takes a slice-of-life approach and lacks any military or war themes.
In an alternate world where Japan relies heavily on sea resources, girls’ schools train students to become Blue Mermaids, young women dedicated to protecting and caring for the sea.
We will follow the quirky events of a group of these girls in a great setting with a chill and comic atmosphere.
If you enjoyed Azur Lane’s setting and you’re looking for a more relaxing and lighthearted series, High School Fleet is worth checking out.
3. Symphogear
Symphogear is a great anime that features a female cast in an action and combat-based series, just like Azur Lane.
The story follows Hibiki Tachibana, who attends a concert by her favorite singers, the Zwei Wing duo, composed of Kanade Amou and Tsubasa Kazanari.
But during the concert, the auditorium is attacked by mysterious beings that cause death and destruction, while Kanade and Tsubasa fight back using special armor that harnesses the power of music.
Two years later, Hibiki discovers that she too possesses these powers and joins the fight against the enemy.
One key difference between Symphogear and Azur Lane is that Symphogear focuses more on the action suit theme and less on war and military themes.
But if you’re looking for an excellent girl power action series, then don’t think twice.
2. Kancolle: Kantai Collection
Kancolle: Kantai Collection is basically identical to Azur Lane, with the main difference being its bizarre power system. In Kancolle, the girls draw power from past ships to become anthropomorphic vessels.
The story takes place in a world where humanity has lost control of the seas to powerful and mysterious enemies called the Abyssals.
The only hope for survival lies in the hands of the Kan-Musume, girls who can transform into ships and use the strength of famous vessels from the past to fight and protect the planet.
Overall, Kancolle is quite a safe shot if you liked Azur Lane, if you don’t mind a bit of wacky and nonsense.
1. Arpeggio of Blue Steel Ars Nova
Arpeggio of Blue Steel Ars Nova is probably the anime that comes closest to Azur Lane: The Animation on this list, and that’s why it deserves the number one spot.
The story begins with the sudden appearance of the Fleets of Fog, warships equipped with super-weapons, that have taken over the seas and left humanity helpless and unable to defend itself.
That is until a group of specially trained girls with exceptional powers step up to seek revenge and take back control.
While both anime feature a female cast in action-packed battles, Arpeggio of Blue Steel Ars Nova leans more towards psychological and action elements, rather than military discourse like Azur Lane.
But if you enjoyed the combination of war, weapons, and a female cast in Azur Lane, then we’re more than 100% sure that you’ll love Blue Steel Ars Nova as a watch
Minor nitpick here, but this article fails to mention the fact Kantai Collection actually not only predates Azur Lane, but is the main inspiration for Azur Lane. The original Kancolle game came out in Japan in 2013, and the anime came out in 2015. Azur Lane the game though only came out in China (yes, it’s actually a Chinese game) in 2017, and it’s anime only came out in 2019.
However, I understand where you’re coming from, since outside of Japan, Kantai Collection is virtually unknown due to never getting any international releases. Azur Lane, however, saw the hole in the international market and went ham releasing English language material to cash in on the not yet tapped English language shipgirl otaku market.