The main event of the 1940s is World War II, the conflict that forever changed the world and its balance.
Ergo as is obvious, with a few exceptions which show us a fictional reality and not in our world, all the anime on this list focus on it.
So get ready for a roundup of anime that shows us the conflict from any point of view. From the soldiers who fought it, the victims, or even innocent children who don’t even understand the gravity of the situation.
Rankings are based on our experience and historical accuracy. There may be spoilers throughout the article too.
Table of Contents
7. Strike Witches

A bizarre anime that shows us an alternate WWII that takes place in the same years fought by young girls against the Neuroi, mysterious enemies.
The girls will be called Witches, who fight equipped at the Striker Unit, empowering pieces of armor that allow for enhanced attacks and flight.
Plus, of course, ecchi, lots of ecchi. Worth seeing if you are interested in these elements, but if you want historical accuracy, better to turn away.
6. Joker Game

A highly political and espionage-focused anime with lots of action.
We are at the gates of WWII, and we are made to understand with appropriate references. For this, Lieutenant Colonel Yuuki forms The D Agency, an intelligence and counterintelligence unit.
Their purpose is to keep an eye on enemy nations, so the air of war is perceptible in every frame.
The enemies to be monitored are the same that will make up the great powers of the Second Conflict.
Historical accuracy in this anime is quite good as espionage was a key component of the interplay between the Allies and the Axis.
5. The Cockpit

A series of 3 OVAs set amid World War II, where each tells a different story themed to the war and its aftermath.
In the first Erhart, Von Reindhas is a highly respected German airplane pilot until an event occurs that disgraces him.
In the second episode, Japanese lieutenant Nogami is chosen to carry out a suicide mission in which he must crash his plane into an American aircraft carrier, but something goes wrong.
In the third episode, Kurato, a Japanese child, will tell of the tragic fate of the 28th Karakechiru Regiment, which perished as a result of an American attack.
It’s no secret that kamikaze operations were carried out by Japanese soldiers. The Cockpit is a short but nice experience if you like war anime.
4. Giovanni’s Island

Inspired by true events, Giovanni’s Island is set on a small island in northern Japan, disputed between Japan and Russia at the time of World War II.
Here we will see Junpei and Hirota, two small Japanese brothers, who, while living in terror over the war, meet a Russian girl who arrived with the enemies and befriend her.
A lighter anime than the others, which doesn’t directly show the barbarities of war. Giovanni’s Island displays the innocence of children and how it can go beyond even adversities, giving a message of hope.
3. Barefoot Gen

Barefoot Gen is a bare-bones film and may not be suitable for every spectator.
It shows the events of the 1945 Hiroshima bombing with extreme rawness. The unparalleled terror and destruction of those moments really shine through and are central.
The main character is Gen, a 6-year-old child who is forced to helplessly witness the event that will inevitably change his life.
Japan has suffered a lot from the bombings and many of their works manifest their fear and hopelessness on this event.
2. In This Corner of the World

A 2018 Best Picture award-winning movie, In this Corner of the World, tells the story of a family trying to start over in the context of a world ruined by WWII in Hiroshima.
The protagonist is sunny and honest Suzu Urano, who marries Hojo, a naval officer.
Driven by the best of intentions, Suzu becomes animated by the idea of starting a new life with Hojo and his family. After leaving her hometown, the young woman begins to adjust to her new life in Kure, a small country town.
Being set in Hiroshima in those years, we all know sadly what the main event will be.
1. Grave of the Fireflies

Based on a semi-autobiographical short story by Akiyuki Nosaka, A Grave for Fireflies is one of Studio Ghibli’s best movies, or animation in general, directed by master Isao Takahata.
The film begins with the ending: it’s 1945, at Kobe Station, and a boy is starving to death amid the indifference of passersby.
The only thing in his possession is a small tin box containing bones, which will be thrown away by an attendant. Here the ghost of the little girl appears and picks it up, soon being followed by the spirit of her dead brother.
We then move three months earlier, still in Kobe.
The boy from earlier, Seita, is forced to flee to an air raid shelter with his little sister, separating from his mother and father.
Having escaped the bombing, Seita returns to the school to search for his mother, only to find her dead in suffering agony.
This film doesn’t discount and shows you war and its barbarities in all its most terrifying cruelty. A sad viewing and not suitable for everyone, but one that can cause a strong emotional impact. We also recommend it if you’re looking for some great anime set in Osaka.