Top Desert Anime Recommendations

Hagane no Renkinjutsushi: FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST

Also known as Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

Studio: bones
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Drama , Fantasy

"In order for something to be obtained, something of equal value must be lost."

Alchemy is bound by this Law of Equivalent Exchange—something the young brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric only realize after attempting human transmutation: the one forbidden act of alchemy. They pay a terrible price for their transgression—Edward loses his left leg, Alphonse his physical body. It is only by the desperate sacrifice of Edward's right arm that he is able to affix Alphonse's soul to a suit of armor. Devastated and alone, it is the hope that they would both eventually return to their original bodies that gives Edward the inspiration to obtain metal limbs called "automail" and become a state alchemist, the Fullmetal Alchemist.

Three years of searching later, the brothers seek the Philosopher's Stone, a mythical relic that allows an alchemist to overcome the Law of Equivalent Exchange. Even with military allies Colonel Roy Mustang, Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye, and Lieutenant Colonel Maes Hughes on their side, the brothers find themselves caught up in a nationwide conspiracy that leads them not only to the true nature of the elusive Philosopher's Stone, but their country's murky history as well. In between finding a serial killer and racing against time, Edward and Alphonse must ask themselves if what they are doing will make them human again... or take away their humanity.



Tags: Alchemy , Conspiracy , Military , War , Tragedy , Shounen , Politics , Male Protagonist , Philosophy , Ensemble Cast , Coming of Age , Super Power , Fugitive , Foreign , Gods , Cyborg , Steampunk , Disability , Necromancy , Lost Civilization , Dissociative Identities , Anachronism , Revenge , Travel , Chimera , Primarily Male Cast , Religion , Gore , Body Horror , Slapstick , Kuudere , Demons , Trains , Chibi , Adoption , Guns , Tomboy , Cannibalism , Swordplay , Desert , Heterosexual , Tanned Skin , Crossdressing , Shapeshifting , Vore , Tsundere , Snowscape

ONE PIECE

Also known as ONE PIECE.

Studio: Toei Animation
Status: Releasing
Genres: Action , Adventure , Comedy , Drama , Fantasy

Gold Roger was known as the Pirate King, the strongest and most infamous being to have sailed the Grand Line. The capture and death of Roger by the World Government brought a change throughout the world. His last words before his death revealed the location of the greatest treasure in the world, One Piece. It was this revelation that brought about the Grand Age of Pirates, men who dreamed of finding One Piece (which promises an unlimited amount of riches and fame), and quite possibly the most coveted of titles for the person who found it, the title of the Pirate King.

Enter Monkey D. Luffy, a 17-year-old boy that defies your standard definition of a pirate. Rather than the popular persona of a wicked, hardened, toothless pirate who ransacks villages for fun, Luffy’s reason for being a pirate is one of pure wonder; the thought of an exciting adventure and meeting new and intriguing people, along with finding One Piece, are his reasons of becoming a pirate. Following in the footsteps of his childhood hero, Luffy and his crew travel across the Grand Line, experiencing crazy adventures, unveiling dark mysteries and battling strong enemies, all in order to reach One Piece.

*This includes following special episodes:
- Chopperman to the Rescue! Protect the TV Station by the Shore! (Episode 336)
- The Strongest Tag-Team! Luffy and Toriko's Hard Struggle! (Episode 492)
- Team Formation! Save Chopper (Episode 542)
- History's Strongest Collaboration vs. Glutton of the Sea (Episode 590)
- 20th Anniversary! Special Romance Dawn (Episode 907)

Tags: Pirates , Shounen , Ensemble Cast , Travel , Super Power , Found Family , Male Protagonist , Ships , Conspiracy , Slapstick , Time Skip , Tragedy , Anthropomorphism , Slavery , Politics , War , Fugitive , Crime , Dystopian , Gods , Prison , Lost Civilization , Swordplay , Food , Samurai , Monster Boy , Henshin , Medicine , Shapeshifting , Cyborg , Robots , Artificial Intelligence , Primarily Adult Cast , Desert , Animals , Guns , Skeleton , Anti-Hero , Dragons , Anachronism , Marriage , Post-Apocalyptic , Espionage , Asexual , Monster Girl , Fairy , Philosophy , Drugs , Kuudere , Assassins , Clone , Battle Royale , Aromantic , Trains , Ninja , Adoption , Revenge , Female Protagonist , Mermaid , Gender Bending , Time Manipulation , Musical Theater , CGI , Angels , Unrequited Love , Zombie , Body Swapping , Acting

Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann

Also known as Gurren Lagann.

Studio: Gainax
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Comedy , Drama , Mecha , Romance , Sci-Fi

In a far away future, mankind lives underground in huge caves, unknowing of a world above with a sky and stars.

In the small village of Jiha, Simon, a shy boy who works as a digger discovers a strange glowing object during excavation. The enterprising Kamina, a young man with a pair of rakish sunglasses and the passion of a firey sun, befriends Simon and forms a small band of brothers, the Gurren Brigade, to escape the village and break through the ceiling of the cave to reach the surface, which few believe exist.

The village elder won't hear of such foolishness and punishes the Brigade. However, when disaster strikes from the world above and the entire village is in jeopardy, it's up to Simon, Kamina, a girl with a big gun named Yoko, and the small yet sturdy robot, Lagann, to save the day.

The new friends journey to the world above and find that the surface is a harsh battlefield, and it's up to them to fight back against the rampaging Beastmen to turn the tide in the humans' favor! Pierce the heavens, Gurren Lagann!

Tags: Super Robot , Coming of Age , Found Family , Dystopian , Male Protagonist , Post-Apocalyptic , Primarily Adult Cast , Space Opera , Tragedy , Travel , Space , Class Struggle , War , Time Skip , Aliens , Politics , Desert , Anthropomorphism , Heterosexual , Outdoor , Henshin , Military , Animals , Alternate Universe , Guns , Cosmic Horror , Shounen , Urban , Nudity , CGI , Love Triangle , Suicide , Swordplay , Boys' Love

JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken: Stardust Crusaders

Also known as JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders.

Studio: David Production
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Supernatural

In a Japanese jail sits 17-year-old Jotaro Kujo: punk, fighter, delinquent...and possessed by a force beyond his control! Around the world, evil spirits are awakening: "Stands," monstrous invisible creatures which give their bearers incredible powers. To save his mother's life, Jotaro must tame his dark forces and travel around the world to Cairo, Egypt, where a hundred-year-old vampire thirsts for the blood of his family. But the road is long, and an army of evil Stand Users waits to kill JoJo and his friends...



Tags: Super Power , Foreign , Primarily Male Cast , Travel , Shounen , Male Protagonist , Urban Fantasy , Revenge , Tragedy , Primarily Adult Cast , Gore , Ensemble Cast , Vampire , Body Horror , Desert , Time Manipulation , Found Family , Bisexual , Delinquents , Ships , CGI , Cowboys

Mushoku Tensei: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu Part 2

Also known as Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Cour 2.

Studio: Studio Bind
Status: Finished
Genres: Adventure , Drama , Ecchi , Fantasy

After the mysterious mana calamity, Rudeus Greyrat and his fierce student Eris Boreas Greyrat are teleported to the Demon Continent. There, they team up with their newfound companion Ruijerd Supardia—the former leader of the Superd's Warrior group—to form "Dead End," a successful adventurer party. Making a name for themselves, the trio journeys across the continent to make their way back home to Fittoa.

Following the advice he received from the faceless god Hitogami, Rudeus saves Kishirika Kishirisu, the Great Emperor of the Demon World, who rewards him by granting him a strange power. Now, as Rudeus masters the powerful ability that offers a number of new opportunities, it might prove to be more than what he bargained for when unexpected dangers threaten to hinder their travels.



Tags: Isekai , Reincarnation , Magic , Travel , Coming of Age , Male Protagonist , Tragedy , Survival , Rehabilitation , Hikikomori , Demons , Foreign , Gods , Swordplay , Tsundere , Language Barrier , Female Harem , Kemonomimi , Gore , Polyamorous , Slavery , Nudity , Incest , Nekomimi , Post-Apocalyptic , Desert , Prison , Dragons , Elf , Maids

JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken: Stardust Crusaders - Egypt-hen

Also known as JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders - Battle in Egypt.

Studio: David Production
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Drama , Supernatural

After 30 days of travel across the world, plagued with countless battles, Jotaro and his companions have finally arrived in Egypt! Now only the strongest "Stand" users remain to rebuff our heroes' final march on Cairo: The Nine Egyptian Gods, Dio's most zealous servants. Will the Joestar line fall to the monstrous vampire, or can Jotaro defeat Dio and save his mother's life?



Tags: Super Power , Male Protagonist , Primarily Male Cast , Travel , Shounen , Foreign , Ensemble Cast , Tragedy , Time Manipulation , Primarily Adult Cast , Revenge , Urban Fantasy , Gore , Vampire , Desert , Body Horror , Parody , Animals , Video Games , Gambling , Age Regression , Cosplay , Poker , Zombie , Bisexual , Death Game , Shapeshifting , CGI , Disability , Suicide

Magi: The labyrinth of magic

Also known as Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic.

Studio: A-1 Pictures
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Fantasy

This story is about the flow of fate and the battle to keep the world on the right path. Aladdin is a boy who has set out to explore the world after being trapped in a room for most of his life. His best friend is a flute with a djinn in it named Ugo. Soon enough, Aladdin discovers he is a Magi, a magician who chooses kings, and he was born to choose kings who will follow the righteous path, battling against those who want to destroy fate. Follow his adventures as he meets others from 1001 Arabian Nights, like Ali Baba and Sinbad, and fights to keep the balance of the world in check!

Tags: Magic , Shounen , Male Protagonist , Politics , Tragedy , Royal Affairs , Dungeon , War , Desert , Foreign , Slavery , Primarily Male Cast , Travel , Swordplay , Economics , Nudity , Tanned Skin , Kingdom Management

Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works 2nd Season

Also known as Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works 2nd Season.

Studio: ufotable
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Drama , Fantasy , Supernatural

The Holy Grail War continues, with each Master and Servant duo making their move for the omnipotent wish granter. Caster’s plans have been set in motion, beginning with taking Saber captive while Rin and Archer go their separate ways to continue their fights on their own. Without Saber’s aid, Shirou’s principles are put to the ultimate test. With many battles to come with expected and unexpected enemies, Shirou’s resolve begins to take form. Is his desire to protect people and become a hero, genuine? Or are they simply borrowed feelings? And will it be enough to carry him to the end?



Tags: Magic , Battle Royale , Death Game , Mythology , Urban Fantasy , Spearplay , Philosophy , Time Manipulation , Swordplay , Super Power , Tsundere , Archery , Tanned Skin , Kuudere , Body Horror , Anti-Hero , CGI , Witch , Slavery , Heterosexual , Desert

Magi: The kingdom of magic

Also known as Magi: The Kingdom of Magic.

Studio: A-1 Pictures
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Fantasy

After celebrating their victory against Al-Thamen, Aladdin and his friends depart the land of Sindria. With the end of the battle, however, comes the time for each of them to go their separate ways. Hakuryuu and Kougyoku are ordered to go back to their home country, the Kou Empire. Meanwhile Aladdin announces he needs to head for Magnostadt—a mysterious country ruled by magicians—to investigate the mysterious events occurring in this new kingdom and become more proficient in magic. For their part, encouraged by Aladdin's words, Alibaba and Morgiana also set off in pursuit of their own goals: training and going to her homeland, respectively.

Magi: The Kingdom of Magic follows these friends as they all go about their separate adventures, each facing their own challenges. However, a new threat begins to rise as a great war looms over the horizon...

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Tags: Magic , Shounen , Foreign , Male Protagonist , Desert , War , Politics , Dungeon , Tragedy , Tanned Skin , Royal Affairs , Reincarnation , Pirates , Cult , Nudity , Anti-Hero

TRIGUN

Also known as Trigun.

Studio: MADHOUSE
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Comedy , Drama , Sci-Fi

Vash the Stampede is a wanted man with a habit of turning entire towns into rubble. The price on his head is a fortune, and his path of destruction reaches across the arid wastelands of a desert planet. Unfortunately, most encounters with the spiky-haired gunslinger don't end well for the bounty hunters who catch up with him; someone almost always gets hurt - and it's never Vash.

Oddly enough, for such an infamous fugitive, there's no proof that he's ever taken a life. In fact, he's a pacifist with a doughnut obsession who's more doofus than desperado. There's a whole lot more to him than his reputation lets on - Vash the Stampede definitely ain't your typical outlaw.



Tags: Guns , Fugitive , Male Protagonist , Philosophy , Incest , Primarily Adult Cast , Crime , Travel , Tragedy , Desert , Steampunk , Post-Apocalyptic , Shounen , Episodic , Twins , Aliens , Cowboys , Space , Slapstick , Religion , Body Horror

Mushoku Tensei II: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu Part 2

Also known as Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Part 2.

Studio: Studio Bind
Status: Finished
Genres: Adventure , Drama , Ecchi , Fantasy

The second cour of Mushoku Tensei II: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu.

Following the faceless god Hitogami's advice seems to have worked wonders for Rudeus Greyrat. After enrolling into the University of Magic as he was told, Rudeus reunites with his childhood friend Sylphiette, who put a valiant effort into curing his condition. The two grow ever closer together and decide to host a wedding party, inviting the friends they have made over the years to announce and formalize their relationship.

For all his recent blessings, however, Rudeus' troubles are far from over. The research he is helping Shizuka Nanahoshi conduct hits a bottleneck, sending her into a deep slump much like he experienced in his previous life. Furthermore, a letter from his father, Paul, brings complications to Rudeus' relationships, and Sylphiette still knows next to nothing about his real background. In the face of these issues, Rudeus will have to apply the lessons he has learned in this new world to navigate through the challenges that come with living a life to its fullest.



Tags: Reincarnation , Isekai , Tragedy , Magic , Coming of Age , Family Life , Male Protagonist , Marriage , Female Harem , Polyamorous , Dungeon , Elf , Swordplay , Heterosexual , Love Triangle , Desert , Hikikomori , Maids , Age Gap , Survival , College , Demons , Gods , Kemonomimi , Disability , Amnesia , Super Power , Language Barrier , Body Horror , Shounen , Delinquents , Gore , School , Pregnant

Katanagatari

Also known as Katanagatari.

Studio: White Fox
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Romance

Yasuri Shichika, seventh successor of the Kyotouryuu (bladeless) sword art, lives on an isolated island with his older sister, Nanami.

One day Shichika is visited by a woman named Togame, who requests his aid in her quest to find and collect the final twelve swords forged by the legendary master swordsmith, Shikizaki Kiki. Shichika and Togame begin their odyssey by leaving the island he called home for over 20 years. They will face twelve individuals who possess and protect Shikizaki's legendary swords.

Join Shichika and Togame on an exciting, epic adventure that defies reality as they discover the true potential of the Kyoutoryuu sword style!



Tags: Swordplay , Martial Arts , Tragedy , Historical , Samurai , Revenge , Travel , Philosophy , Gore , Male Protagonist , Heterosexual , Ninja , Anachronism , Female Protagonist , Meta , Episodic , Coming of Age , Primarily Adult Cast , Rural , Politics , Time Manipulation , Body Horror , Slapstick , Nudity , Body Swapping , Shapeshifting , Guns , Shrine Maiden , Desert , Ghost , Urban , Robots

Sonny Boy

Also known as Sonny Boy.

Studio: MADHOUSE
Status: Finished
Genres: Drama , Mystery , Psychological , Sci-Fi , Supernatural

It’s an ordinary summer vacation...except for the fact that Nagara’s high school has mysteriously drifted into another dimension. As the students begin to develop strange new powers, will they work together to survive the alien environment and find a way home, or will their newly formed factions and rivalries turn on each other?



Note: The first episode received an advance release on YouTube on June 19, 2021. The regular TV broadcast started on July 16, 2021.

Tags: Alternate Universe , Philosophy , Denpa , Super Power , Survival , Coming of Age , Primarily Teen Cast , Isekai , Achronological Order , Meta , School , Cosmic Horror , Male Protagonist , Episodic , Tragedy , Baseball , Heterosexual , Rotoscoping , Gods , Religion , Animals , Desert , Suicide , Space

NieR:Automata Ver1.1a

Also known as NieR:Automata Ver1.1a.

Studio: A-1 Pictures
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Drama , Fantasy , Psychological , Sci-Fi

The distant future, 5012.
The sudden aerial invasion of Earth by ＜Aliens＞ and their creations ＜Machine Lifeforms＞led mankind to the brink of extinction. The surviving number of humans who took refuge on the moon to organize a counterattack using ＜android＞ soldiers to recapture Earth.

However, the war reaches a stalemate as the ＜Machine Lifeforms＞ continue to multiply infinitely. In turn, humanity deploys anew unit of android soldiers as an ultimate weapon: ＜YoRHa＞

Newly dispatched to Earth ＜2B＞ joins＜9S＞, the analyst currently stationed there, where amid their mission, they encounter a myriad of mysterious phenomena...

This is the story of these lifeless ＜androids＞ and their endless fight for the sake of mankind.



Note: Episodes 9, 10, 11, 12 aired back-to-back on July 23, 2023.

Tags: Artificial Intelligence , Robots , Tragedy , Lost Civilization , Post-Apocalyptic , Female Protagonist , Philosophy , Aliens , CGI , Swordplay , Dystopian , War , Real Robot , Memory Manipulation , Heterosexual , Male Protagonist , Amnesia , Body Swapping , Puppetry , Gods , Desert , Virtual World , Proxy Battle

Sabikui Bisco

Also known as Sabikui Bisco.

Studio: OZ , NAZ
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Fantasy

Japan’s post-apocalyptic wasteland replete with dust can only be saved by one thing—fungus. Bisco Akaboshi, a wanted criminal and skilled archer, searches for a legendary mushroom, known as Sabikui, said to devour any and all rust. Joining him on this epic saga to save the country is a giant crab and a young doctor. Can this unlikely trio find the fabled fungi and save the land?



Tags: Post-Apocalyptic , Medicine , Male Protagonist , Pandemic , Archery , Drugs , Boys' Love , Terrorism , Tragedy , Desert , Anti-Hero , Kaiju , Cyberpunk , Bisexual , Heterosexual , Animals , Guns , Motorcycles

TRIGUN STAMPEDE

Also known as TRIGUN STAMPEDE.

Studio: Orange
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Drama , Sci-Fi

Vash the Stampede’s a joyful gunslinging pacifist, so why does he have a $6 million bounty on his head? That’s what’s puzzling rookie reporter Meryl Stryfe and her jaded veteran partner when looking into the vigilante only to find someone who hates blood. But their investigation turns out to uncover something heinous—his evil twin brother, Millions Knives.



Tags: Full CGI , Tragedy , Guns , Desert , Dystopian , Male Protagonist , Fugitive , Twins , Philosophy , Travel , Primarily Adult Cast , CGI , Steampunk , Crime , Gore , Aliens , Body Horror , Shounen , Religion , Primarily Male Cast , Transgender , Slapstick

Arslan Senki (TV)

Also known as The Heroic Legend of Arslan.

Studio: LIDENFILMS
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Drama , Fantasy

The manga’s story: In the prosperous kingdom of Pars lies the Royal Capital of Ecbatana, a city of splendor and wonder, ruled by the undefeated and fearsome King Andragoras. Arslan is the young and curious prince of Pars who, despite his best efforts, doesn't seem to have what it takes to be a proper king like his father.

At the age of 14, Arslan goes to his first battle and loses everything as the blood-soaked mist of war gives way to scorching flames, bringing him to face the demise of his once glorious kingdom. However, it is Arslan's destiny to be a ruler, and despite the trials that face him, he must now embark on a journey to reclaim his fallen kingdom.



Tags: Military , War , Politics , Royal Affairs , Swordplay , Historical , Shounen , Male Protagonist , Slavery , Foreign , Primarily Adult Cast , Tomboy , Ensemble Cast , Spearplay , Orphan , Found Family , Primarily Male Cast , Desert , Crossdressing , Magic

Isekai Shikkaku

Also known as No Longer Allowed in Another World.

Studio: Atelier Pontdarc
Status: Finished
Genres: Comedy , Fantasy , Romance , Slice of Life , Supernatural

Pulled into an otherworldly adventure with cute sidekicks and superpowers, you’d think Osamu hit the jackpot. Nope! From a time before pixels, the early 20th-century gloomy author just wants to find a quiet place to meet his maker, not to rack up XP. Sadly, his poetic demise is constantly thwarted by inconvenient heroics. Dive into the hilariously tragic life of the most reluctant hero!



Tags: Isekai , Suicide , Male Protagonist , Seinen , Nekomimi , Magic , Satire , Philosophy , Travel , Heterosexual , Elf , Drugs , Writing , Gore , Disability , Desert , Werewolf , Royal Affairs

Fate/stay night Movie: UNLIMITED BLADE WORKS

Also known as Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (Movie).

Studio: Studio DEEN
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Drama , Fantasy , Supernatural

This is the adaptation of the 2nd route of the popular visual novel: Fate/Stay Night. In this route, Tohsaka Rin will be the major female character. Revelations about Shirou and his destiny will be made.



Tags: Magic , Urban Fantasy , Male Protagonist , Witch , Super Power , Swordplay , Desert , School , Spearplay , Female Protagonist , Archery , Philosophy , Time Manipulation , Mythology , Kuudere , Tsundere , Urban

JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken

Also known as JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.

Studio: APPP
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Drama , Horror , Supernatural

Kujo Jotaro is a normal, popular Japanese high-schooler, until he thinks that he is possessed by a spirit, and locks himself in prison. After seeing his grandfather, Joseph Joestar, and fighting Joseph's friend Muhammad Abdul, Jotaro learns that the "Spirit" is actually Star Platinum, his Stand, or fighting energy given a semi-solid form. Later, his mother gains a Stand, and becomes sick. Jotaro learns that it is because the vampire Dio Brando has been revived 100 years after his defeat to Jonathan Joestar, Jotaro's great-great-grandfather. Jotaro decides to join Joseph and Abdul in a trip to Egypt to defeat Dio once and for all.


Tags: Shounen , Vampire , Super Power , Body Horror , Primarily Male Cast , Male Protagonist , Desert , Urban Fantasy , Gore , Foreign , Travel , Gambling , Tragedy , Poker , Nudity , Time Manipulation , LGBTQ+ Themes , Cars , Tanned Skin , Motorcycles