Top Proxy Battle Anime Recommendations

86: Eighty Six

Also known as 86 EIGHTY-SIX.

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

Called “Juggernaut,” these are the unmanned combat drones developed by the Republic of San Magnolia in answer to the attacks by the autonomous unmanned drones of the neighboring Empire of Giad, the “Legion”. But they’re only unmanned in name. In reality, they are piloted by the Eighty-sixers—those considered to be less than human and treated as mere tools.

Determined to achieve his own mysterious ends, Shin, the captain of Spearhead Squadron, which is comprised of Eighty-sixers, continues to fight a hopeless war on a battlefield where only death awaits him.



Tags: Class Struggle , War , Military , Tragedy , Dystopian , Survival , Politics , Post-Apocalyptic , Female Protagonist , Proxy Battle , Memory Manipulation , Seinen , Robots , Male Protagonist , Conspiracy , Real Robot , Guns , Primarily Teen Cast , Ghost , Artificial Intelligence , Necromancy , Achronological Order , Ensemble Cast , Unrequited Love , CGI , Lost Civilization , Kuudere , Travel , POV , Nudity , Gore , Super Power

Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei

Also known as The Tatami Galaxy.

Studio: MADHOUSE
Status: Finished
Genres: Comedy , Mystery , Psychological , Romance

When a college dropout stops for a late night bite at a mysterious ramen stand, he crosses paths with a self-proclaimed deity of matrimony. This bizarre meeting sends the young man hurtling through a horrifying flashback to his not-so-glorious college days when the influence of a cruel new friend turned him from a hopeless romantic into a mischievous “black cupid.”



Tags: Coming of Age , Surreal Comedy , College , Time Loop , Philosophy , Male Protagonist , Alternate Universe , Primarily Adult Cast , Episodic , School Club , Time Manipulation , Achronological Order , Cult , Meta , Heterosexual , Satire , Ensemble Cast , Proxy Battle , LGBTQ+ Themes , Cowboys , Mythology , Cycling , Tennis , Gods

Pocket Monsters

Also known as Pokémon.

Studio: OLM
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Comedy , Fantasy

A young boy named Satoshi embarks on a journey to become a "Pokémon Master" with his first Pokémon, Pikachu. Joining him on his travels are Takeshi, a girl-obsessed Rock Pokemon Trainer, and Kasumi, a tomboyish Water Pokémon Trainer who may have a crush on him. Satoshi and Co. end up traveling through various regions, including Kanto, the Orange Islands, and Johto, and then enter the Pokémon League competitions there. Along the way, they run into many confrontations with Musashi, Kojirou, and Nyarth, a trio of Pokémon thieves who are apart of an evil organization called "Team Rocket". But everytime Team Rocket try to do their evil deeds, they fail thanks to Satoshi and his Pokémon.



Tags: Travel , Animals , Primarily Child Cast , Kids , Episodic , Male Protagonist , Proxy Battle , Slapstick , Female Protagonist , Rural , Environmental , Urban Fantasy , Tsundere , Super Robot , Dragons , Tanned Skin , Crossdressing , Guns , Slavery , Photography

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

Yu☆Gi☆Oh! Duel Monsters

Also known as Yu-Gi-Oh!.

Studio: Studio Gallop
Status: Finished
Genres: Adventure , Fantasy

Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters centers around the journey of the spirit of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh who is trying to re-discover who he was many years ago, since he has lost his memories. With the help of a boy, Yugi Mutou, the one who awakened the spirit, and his friends, he battles many villains and adversaries. Many of the villains have been linked to the Nameless Pharaoh's past, due to the Millennium Puzzle he holds and many try to take the puzzle and his power away from him.

The series focuses on the card game aspect of it and the main theme represented throughout the series is friendship.

Tags: Card Battle , Shounen , Historical , Proxy Battle , Urban Fantasy , Reincarnation , Magic , Mythology , Male Protagonist , Dragons , Dissociative Identities , Death Game

PLUTO

Also known as PLUTO.

Studio: Studio M2
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Mecha , Mystery , Psychological , Sci-Fi

A murder occurs in an orderly world where robots are unable to kill humans. The robotic Europol investigator Gesicht takes the case, but the mystery deepens when he finds no trace of a human at the scene of the crime. As he pursues the truth, Gesicht uncovers the most evil manifestation of hate that history has ever seen, one that is bent on bringing destruction to the world ...



Tags: Robots , Artificial Intelligence , Revenge , Detective , Seinen , Police , Ensemble Cast , Crime , Conspiracy , Tragedy , Memory Manipulation , Philosophy , Politics , War , Urban , Foreign , Male Protagonist , Amnesia , Dystopian , Terrorism , Noir , Travel , Guns , Primarily Adult Cast , Primarily Male Cast , Adoption , Cyberpunk , Anachronism , Cult , Proxy Battle , Nudity

Digimon Adventure

Also known as Digimon: Digital Monsters.

Studio: Toei Animation
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Comedy , Drama , Fantasy , Sci-Fi

Seven kids are transported to the Digital World, a strange place where digital creatures called "Digimon" reside. A group of Digimon soon befriend them and keep the kids out of harm's way. The children then discover they are the Chosen Children, which protect the Digital World from evil Digimon like Devimon and Vamdemon.

Tags: Isekai , Coming of Age , Virtual World , Primarily Child Cast , Ensemble Cast , Artificial Intelligence , Kaiju , Kids , Family Life , Angels , Animals , Time Skip , Proxy Battle , Cosmic Horror , Dinosaurs , Male Protagonist , Henshin , Anthropomorphism , Dragons , Demons , Primarily Animal Cast , Adoption

Pocket Monsters: THE ORIGIN

Also known as Pokémon Origins.

Studio: Production I.G , Xebec , OLM
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Fantasy

One day, Red, a boy filled with dreams of going on a Pokémon journey, is called to Professor Okido's lab. There, he and his rival Green are given a Pokédex in order to collect data on all of the Pokémon in the region. As Red works his way to become champion with his Charmander, he meets many people on his journey, including Old Man Fuji, a man who runs the home for abandoned Pokémon, and Reina, a girl who works there. As danger in Red's journey begins to peak, he and his partner Pokémon experience a transformation like never before...



Tags: Kids , Animals , Travel , Proxy Battle , Male Protagonist , Primarily Male Cast , Henshin , Dragons , Tokusatsu , Surfing , Fishing

Pocket Monsters Advanced Generation

Also known as Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire.

Studio: OLM
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Comedy , Fantasy

After participating in the Johto League, Ash decides to begin anew in yet another journey; this time by himself and Pikachu, in the land of Hoenn. Though he isn't alone for long, as 10-year-old May (whom dislikes Pokemon, but just wants to come along to see the world) travels with him after Pikachu destroys her bicycle. Ash also meets up with his old companion, Brock, and May's younger brother, Max. Together, they travel along in Hoenn, battling Gym Leaders, entering Contests, and other events on the way to the Hoenn League.



Tags: Primarily Child Cast , Animals , Kids , Outdoor , Episodic , Rural , Urban Fantasy , Environmental , Male Protagonist , Slapstick , Female Protagonist , Proxy Battle , Dragons , CGI , Super Robot

Yu☆Gi☆Oh! Duel Monsters GX

Also known as Yu-Gi-Oh! GX.

Studio: Studio Gallop
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Comedy , Fantasy

Duel Academy, one of the most prestigious schools in Duel Monsters history. There, students learn the fundamentals of becoming not just duelists, but large business owners. Judai Yuki is a new student with only one thing on his mind: to become the next King of Games. Judai meets several friends, teachers, and even enemies at the large Dueling school. There, he'll have to face off against several different dorms—Slifer Red, Ra Yellow, and Obelisk Blue—to become the number one duelist. Will Judai be able to pass all of them? Based on Kazuki Takahashi's world-famous anime and manga, Yu-Gi-Oh!.

Tags: Card Battle , School , Male Protagonist , Primarily Teen Cast , Coming of Age , Dragons , Shounen , Urban Fantasy , Super Power , Aliens , Superhero , Alternate Universe , Proxy Battle

Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl

Also known as Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl.

Studio: OLM
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Comedy , Fantasy

After defeating Brandon and declining the offer to be a Frontier Brain, Ash sets off to travel through the far away land of Sinnoh. Once he gets there, he meets up with Hikari, a local trainer from the region, and they decide to travel together.

Tags: Primarily Child Cast , Kids , Male Protagonist , Environmental , Animals , Slapstick , Episodic , Rural , Outdoor , Female Protagonist , Proxy Battle , Urban Fantasy , Dragons , Super Robot

Digimon Adventure 02

Also known as Digimon: Digital Monsters 02.

Studio: Toei Animation
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Comedy , Drama , Fantasy , Sci-Fi

A few years after the adventures of the Chosen Children in the Digital World, a new batch of Chosen Children are summoned to save the Digital World. An evil ruler known as the Digimon Kaiser, or Digimon Emperor, is forcing the Digital World's Digimon into enslavement. The new group of Chosen Children, with the help of their Digimon, then begin a journey to stop the evil Digimon Emperor.


Tags: Primarily Child Cast , Artificial Intelligence , Henshin , Male Protagonist , Primarily Animal Cast , Virtual World , Kaiju , Kids , Alternate Universe , Anthropomorphism , Cosmic Horror , Animals , Dragons , Gods , Dinosaurs , Proxy Battle

Digimon Tamers

Studio: Toei Animation
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Drama , Fantasy , Sci-Fi

Takato Matsuda, Ruki Matsuno, and Lee Jenrya are children who have, by fate, received real Digimon, unlike the imaginary ones in the card game they play. Each of the children, or "Digimon Tamers", have their different views on how Digimon should be treated. But when other Digimon begin to appear around Japan, they must put aside their differences to fend off the digital intruders; even though Yamaki, who is the head of a secret organization called Hypnos is trying to eliminate all of the Digimon himself.



Tags: Primarily Child Cast , Artificial Intelligence , Virtual World , Tragedy , Denpa , Animals , Kids , Cosmic Horror , Male Protagonist , Kaiju , Henshin , Isekai , Card Battle , Dinosaurs , Kuudere , Anthropomorphism , Proxy Battle

Pocket Monsters Sun & Moon

Also known as Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon.

Studio: OLM
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Comedy , Fantasy , Slice of Life

After his mom wins a free vacation trip, Satoshi and Pikachu are off on another adventure. This time in the tropical land of Alola. There they meet new friends, Pokémon and explore new islands.
We also get introduced to Z-Rings, a device used for Z-Moves. What kind of mysterious Pokémon and challenges will come their way, and why is Kapu-Kokeko so interested in our young trainer?!

Tags: Ensemble Cast , Kids , Aliens , Coastal , Primarily Child Cast , Male Protagonist , Animals , School , Episodic , Slapstick , Female Protagonist , Fishing , Dinosaurs , Proxy Battle , Super Robot

Pocket Monsters (2019)

Also known as Pokémon Journeys: The Series.

Studio: OLM
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Comedy , Fantasy

Pokémon Trainer Satoshi has a new plan: see the world! But first, he and his partner Pikachu are headed to the opening of the Sakuragi Institute, a research facility dedicated to uncovering the mysteries of Pokémon in every region. Satoshi meets Gou, another boy with boundless curiosity about Pokémon, and both are overjoyed when Professor Sakuragi asks them to become official research fellows. With Satoshi as determined as ever to become a Pokémon Master, and Gou aiming to catch one of every Pokémon (including the Mythical Mew), our heroes are in for adventure and excitement as they explore the wide world of Pokémon!



Note: Episode 119, 121, 126 and 128 are recap episodes that did not air outside of Japan.

Tags: Animals , Episodic , Primarily Child Cast , Kids , Male Protagonist , Meta , Slapstick , Rural , Proxy Battle , Outdoor , Urban Fantasy , Travel , Dinosaurs , Delinquents , Environmental , Age Regression , Alternate Universe , Cyberpunk

Pocket Monsters Best Wishes!

Also known as Pokémon: Black & White.

Studio: OLM
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Comedy , Fantasy

As with both the Advanced Generation and Diamond & Pearl series before it, the Best Wishes! series begins with only Ash Ketchum, headed off to the Unova region, located far away from Kanto, Johto, Hoenn and Sinnoh, with his Pikachu. After he meets up with the new trainer and rival Trip and the region's Professor Juniper, he gains traveling companions in Iris, a girl from a town known for its Dragon Pokémon, and Cilan, Pokémon Connoisseur and the Grass Pokémon specialist of the three Straition City Gym Leaders.

Tags: Primarily Child Cast , Episodic , Male Protagonist , Kids , Animals , Slapstick , Outdoor , Dragons , Proxy Battle

Yu☆Gi☆Oh! 5D's

Also known as Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's.

Studio: Studio Gallop
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Sci-Fi

Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's is set in Neo Domino City some time after the events concerning Yugi Mutou (DM) and Judai Yuki (GX). A new form of dueling, "Riding Duels", now take place on motorcycles called "D-Wheels". While regular dueling still exists, Riding Duels have become a popular form of entertainment for spectators, who watch them in specially-designed stadiums.

Tags: Card Battle , Urban Fantasy , Shounen , Cyberpunk , Motorcycles , Dragons , Revenge , Time Manipulation , Male Protagonist , Cult , CGI , Twins , Dystopian , Class Struggle , Delinquents , Prison , Ensemble Cast , Primarily Teen Cast , Mythology , Proxy Battle

Pocket Monsters Advanced Generation: Rekkuu no Houmonsha Deoxys

Also known as Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys.

Studio: OLM
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Comedy , Fantasy , Sci-Fi , Supernatural

Satoshi and his friends travel to LaRousse, where they meet a boy named Tooi who is afraid of Pokemon due to an incident that happened four years earlier. Meanwhile, Deoxys, a Pokemon from space, has reappeared, putting a barrier around the city and kidnapping people. Rayquaza, a Pokemon that lives in the atmosphere, comes to fight it.



Tags: Aliens , Dragons , Animals , Ensemble Cast , Kids , CGI , Primarily Child Cast , Proxy Battle

NieR:Automata Ver1.1a 2nd Season

Also known as NieR:Automata Ver1.1a Cour 2.

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

The second season of NieR:Automata Ver1.1a.

The year 11954. YoRHa Soldiers 2B and 9S are newly dispatched to Earth to carry out and support the 243rd Descent Operation. There, they succeed in destroying the machine lifeform core units, Adam and Eve. With the annihilation of these enemies, the Army of Humanity takes this chance to end this long-lasting war and decides on an all-out attack against the machine lifeforms. This is a record of the battles and hopes of Androids and the fate which dictates them all…

As war rages on, Unit 2B and others like her question their role. Reclaiming the planet will take sacrifice, but how much more can they give and is humanity worth the cost?



Tags: Post-Apocalyptic , Philosophy , Lost Civilization , Revenge , Robots , Artificial Intelligence , Tragedy , War , Female Protagonist , Guns , Real Robot , Swordplay , Heterosexual , Puppetry , Aliens , Suicide , Male Protagonist , Space , Dystopian , Proxy Battle , Desert , Twins , CGI , Gods

Bakugan Battle Brawlers

Also known as Bakugan Battle Brawlers.

Studio: TMS Entertainment
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Fantasy

The Bakugan battle brawlers began when two young boys by the name of Dan and Shun made the rules to a mysterious game played with bakupearls, gate cards and ability cards. No one would ever have guessed what was going to happen next as Dan and his new internet friends battle their way to the bitter end.

Tags: Card Battle , Kids , Kaiju , Proxy Battle , Primarily Child Cast , Dragons , Dissociative Identities , Isekai , CGI