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

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 , College , Time Loop , Surreal Comedy , 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 , Mixed Media

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 , Kids , Primarily Child Cast , Creature Taming , Episodic , Male Protagonist , Proxy Battle , Slapstick , Slavery , Female Protagonist , Rural , Environmental , Urban Fantasy , Tsundere , Super Robot , Dragons , Crossdressing , Tanned Skin , Guns , 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 , Anthropomorphism , Aliens , Swordplay , CGI , Dystopian , War , Memory Manipulation , Real Robot , Proxy Battle , Heterosexual , Male Protagonist , Amnesia , Body Swapping , Puppetry , Gods , Desert , Virtual World , Revenge

PLUTO

Also known as PLUTO.

Studio: Studio M2
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Drama , 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 , Tragedy , Memory Manipulation , Conspiracy , Philosophy , Politics , War , Urban , Foreign , Amnesia , Male Protagonist , Terrorism , Dystopian , Guns , Noir , Travel , Primarily Adult Cast , Primarily Male Cast , Adoption , Cyberpunk , Anachronism , Cult , Proxy Battle , Desert , Nudity

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 , Proxy Battle , Historical , Urban Fantasy , Reincarnation , Mythology , Male Protagonist , Magic , Dissociative Identities , Dragons , Amnesia , Death Game

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

Pocket Monsters: Mewtwo no Gyakushuu

Also known as Pokémon: The First Movie.

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

A team of scientists use the DNA of a rare Pokemon, Mew, to create the world's strongest Pokemon, Mewtwo. Not wanting to be used as an experiment, Mewtwo uses its psychic powers in a violent rage to destroy the scientists who created it. Mewtwo then tries to learn how to focus his powers with the aid of Giovanni, the man who funded the scientists' operations, but discovers that it is being used again. So Mewtwo decides to find its own purpose in life, and carry out its revenge on humans by destroying life on earth by using a deadly storm. Ash Ketchum and a group of other Pokemon Trainers are summoned by Mewtwo to have a battle with it, but they soon discover that they're only being invited so Mewtwo can clone their Pokemon for it's own purposes. Ash then tries to find a way to stop Mewtwo's plot before it can be carried out.



Tags: Animals , Philosophy , Tragedy , Proxy Battle , Clone , Kids , Male Protagonist , Memory Manipulation , Primarily Child Cast , Delinquents , Anti-Hero , CGI , Tanned Skin

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 , Wilderness , Tokusatsu , Creature Taming , Surfing , Fishing

Pocket Monsters XY

Also known as Pokémon the Series: XY.

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

Satoshi and Pikachu have arrived in Lumiose City of the illustrious Kalos region to capture more Pokémon and continue their journey toward becoming the very best. Meanwhile, a genius inventor named Citron and his little sister Eureka wander the city when they run into Satoshi who quickly challenges them to a battle. However, they are soon caught up in a dangerous incident when Team Rocket, following Satoshi into Kalos, cause a Gaburias to rampage through the city.

Far away in the quiet Vaniville Town, a young girl named Serena slogs through daily Sihorn riding practice at the behest of her mother, a professional Sihorn racer. After practice, she sees the events unfolding in Miare City on television where she recognizes a boy from her childhood. Having left a significant impact on her life, the sight of him stirs in her a desire to meet him again; and so, Serena sets off to Miare City, determined to find the boy from her past.

Pokemon XY follows the group as they travel throughout Kalos in pursuit of their ambitions—Satoshi challenging Pokémon gyms, Citron learning from Satoshi, and Serena searching for what exactly her dream is. Along the way, they meet new friends, face new rivals, and continue to thwart Team Rocket's schemes, all the while discovering a little about the mysteries of mega evolution.



Tags: Primarily Child Cast , Slapstick , Kids , Proxy Battle , Animals , Super Robot , Outdoor Activities , Yandere , Female Harem , Creature Taming

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 Activities , Episodic , Rural , Urban Fantasy , Environmental , Proxy Battle , Male Protagonist , Slapstick , Female Protagonist , Dragons , CGI , Super Robot , Creature Taming

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: Maboroshi no Pokémon Lugia Bakutan

Also known as Pokémon the Movie 2000.

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

A greedy collector, Lawrence III, wants to capture the legendary Pokémon, Lugia. But in order to do so, he must capture the Titans of Fire, Ice, and Lightning. The titans are powerful bird-like Pokémon, and if they are disturbed they will wage a war against eachother which will ultimately result in earth's destruction. Ash, Misty, and Tracey get caught up in the situation when they end up being washed ashore onto Shamouti Island. Soon after, Ash meets a girl named Melody who sends him into a mission where he must collect the 3 Orbs which will quell the fighting, but first Ash must gain help from the Beast of the Sea, Lugia, if he's to succeed.



Tags: Male Protagonist , Dragons , Mythology , Ships , Coastal , Proxy Battle , Animals , Primarily Child Cast , Love Triangle , Tsundere , Female Protagonist , CGI , Kids

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 , Proxy Battle , Animals , Slapstick , Episodic , Rural , Outdoor Activities , Female Protagonist , Urban Fantasy , Dragons , Super Robot , Creature Taming

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

Pocket Monsters XY&Z

Also known as Pokémon the Series: XYZ.

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

The journey of Satoshi and his friends through the Kalos region continues! After Satoshi obtains his seventh gym badge, the group is moving toward the next town when Eureka discovers a mysterious Pokémon resting in her pochette. Soon given the name Puni-chan, it is one that even Satoshi and Serena's new Pokémon Zukan cannot identify. However, it quickly becomes apparent that Puni-chan is the target of a mysterious group clad in bright red suits known as Team Flare, aiming to capture the new Pokémon to further their agenda. But when Satoshi and the gang realize that the enigmatic organization has no intention of treating Puni-chan with any decency, they take a stand in opposition to Team Flare's plans, daring to fight back.

With Gojika's predictions looming above them, Satoshi aims for his final gym badge while Serena contests for her last Princess Key in order to be able to compete at the TriPokalon Master Class. But as Team Flare begins to move in search of the mysterious Z, the stories of Pokemon XY and Pokemon XY: Mega Evolution cross paths as Satoshi and his friends, along with Team Rocket, get caught up in a scheme that could put Kalos in great danger.



Tags: Animals , Primarily Child Cast , Male Protagonist , War , Magic , Proxy Battle , Kids , Female Protagonist , Slapstick , Henshin , Super Robot , Love Triangle , Heterosexual , Creature Taming

Pocket Monsters: Celebi Toki wo Koeta Deai

Also known as Pokémon 4Ever.

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

40 years ago, a Celebi was being attacked by a Pokémon Hunter. Luckily, a young boy named Sammy saved Celebi. Using its Time Traveling power, Celebi transported himself and Sammy 40 years into the future. There, Ash, Misty, and Brock assist Sammy to the healing lake in the forest so they can heal the wounded Celebi. Unfortunately an evil Team Rocket member, Viscious a.k.a. "The Iron Masked Marauder", tries to capture Celebi using his technology. As Ash and Co. try to get away from Viscious, they also run into Jessie, James, and Meowth, who also want to capture Celebi. Soon it becomes a race against time to get Celebi and Sammy back to the forest before Celebi is caught and is used to destroy the forest and themselves.



Tags: Time Manipulation , Animals , Rural , Outdoor Activities , Fairy , Proxy Battle , Primarily Child Cast , Environmental , Kids , CGI , Anti-Hero , Super Robot

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 , Isekai , Card Battle , Dinosaurs , Kuudere , Anthropomorphism , Henshin , 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 , Coastal , Kids , Aliens , Proxy Battle , Primarily Child Cast , Animals , Male Protagonist , School , Episodic , Slapstick , Female Protagonist , Fishing , Dinosaurs , Creature Taming , 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 Activities , Urban Fantasy , Travel , Dinosaurs , Delinquents , Environmental , Age Regression , Alternate Universe , Cyberpunk , Creature Taming