Turn A Gundam is arguably one of the most unique entries in the long-running Gundam franchise, featuring a titular mecha whose design deviated far from the traditional Gundam look. Despite this, however, the series’ engaging storyline, coupled with its memorable universe, made it into a fan favorite nonetheless. While it’s quite surprising to find a Gundam title in a steampunk list, Turn A Gundam is nonetheless one of the most memorable Gundam universes because it was able to feature both futuristic and retro-futuristic technology in its plot. With the anime being set in a world where humanity is starting over, numerous steampunk elements, such as basic Industrial Age contraptions that the characters use on an everyday basis.

This action-packed anime from 2004 features a story that is loosely based on one of the best samurai movies ever made, The Seven Samurai. The plot of the anime is quite straightforward, featuring a land that is ruled by fear under the thump of the Nobuseri, a race of brutal warriors that are part machine. To counter the threat, a young priestess travels and gathers samurai in order to protect the populace. While the plot of the anime is quite simple, its execution, as well as the numerous steampunk elements, make for a very engaging series. The action scenes, especially those involving the half machine villains are certainly a pleasure to watch. Of course, with Gonzo’s signature quality of animation, steampunk fans could rest assure that this anime is one that definitely deserves to be watched.

D. Gray Man is one of those anime that one simply cannot help but love. After all, with a cast that is extremely likable and a universe that is extremely engaging, viewers were immediately enamored as they explore the world of exorcists and Akuma. Being created in line with the manga, the storyline of the anime is pretty solid too. While the steampunk elements in D. Gray-Man are pretty subtle, the influences of the genre in several key aspects of the plot is undeniable. The Black Order, for one, uses technology that appears very anachronistic, including highly advanced machines with designs that are obviously inspired by Victorian technology, such as the second stage of Allen’s cursed eye. Apart from the technology, the presence of corruption, which is a common theme in steampunk titles, is also present in the Vatican itself.

From the title of this anime alone, one could immediately tell that this is a steampunk title. The premise of this little steampunk gem is pretty straightforward. With steam power being used as the primary source of energy in Steam City, criminals and other undesirables have begun using the white mist from the city’s steam to carry out their nefarious activities. Thus, it is up to young detective Narutaki, his nurse assistant Ling Ling and their megamaton Goriki, to solve crimes and keep the peace. The elements of the steampunk genre in this title are undeniable, from the setting of Steam City to the Megamatons that are highly featured in every episode. Though the anime is marketed towards younger anime fans, the design aspects of the title, together with its rather noir setting, makes it an enjoyable watch to anime fans of all ages nonetheless.

From the creative minds behind Neon Genesis Evangelion comes Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water, an anime inspired by the famous Jules Verne novel, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Set in an alternate universe in the year 1889, the anime features Nadia, a mysterious girl whose pendant is the focal point of a hunt by notable jewel thieves. Eventually, she gets rescued by none other than Captain Nemo, who helms the powerful submarine, the Nautilus. As Nadia, together with her inventor friend Jean, travel with the crew of the Nautilus, they find themselves in a middle of a conflict where the freedom of the world is at stake. Throughout the course of the anime, steampunk elements are abounding, from the technology used in the Nautilus itself to Jean’s inventions. In fact, the actual Jules Verne novel is widely regarded as one of the best examples of steampunk literature. With the anime inspired by the timeless classic, how could it really miss?

Sakura Taisen is a mammoth franchise from gaming giant Sega, singlehandedly creating millions in revenue for the game developer. The movie, which focuses on events a few months after the events of Sakura Taisen 3, features the Imperial Assault Force facing off against a threat that has set its sights on making the Flower Division’s Koobus, or steam-powered mecha, obsolete. With their captain in Paris, the Flower Division would need to do everything they can to counter the emerging threat. What’s particularly great about Sakura Taisen: The Movie is the fact that it honors its gaming roots very well. The battle scenes, as well as the neo-industrial setting of steampunk Japan, are exactly the way they are rendered in the games that the series came from. After all, Sakura Taisen has always had a winning formula - a killer soundtrack, a cast of really attractive females, and mecha battles. With those elements, who can not like the movie?

The Last Exile series is one of the best examples of an anime that fully embraces the steampunk genre. Fam, The Silver Wing, which is a sequel to the 2003 hit anime, is set four years after the events of the original Last Exile title. The sequel features the headstrong young female pilot, Fam, who decides to help a princess by becoming her “wings.” The steampunk elements of Last Exile - Fam, The Silver Wing, are very overt from the non-zeppelin airships and other post-Edwardian technology that is always on display. Other popular steampunk themes, such as the lack of resources and a focus on the oppressed, as well as the characterization of the leaders as being corrupt, are also present. Last Exile - Fam, The Silver Wing is definitely one of the most notable steampunk titles of recent years.

Steamboy is, in a lot of ways, anime’s love letter to the steampunk genre, featuring a story that is set in an alternate Great Britain during the middle of the 1th century. After Ray, the movie’s protagonist, receives an advanced machine from his grandfather in Russia, the young inventor finds himself in the middle of a deadly game of cat and mouse, where he would be pitted against powers far beyond his own. Though some critics stated that Steamboy featured a story that is rather simplistic in nature, everyone, critics and commercial audiences alike were unanimous in the movie’s excellent production values, with the consensus being that the movie is a satisfying visual feast. Currently, the movie is one of Japan’s most expensive anime movies to date, utilizing more than 180,000 drawings and 440 CG cuts. The film also took a full decade to make. If you are a fan of the steampunk genre, this movie definitely deserves a watch.

The tale of Edward and Alphonse Elric is one of the most notable stories that anime has ever told over the last few years. Indeed, with its rich storyline, deep philosophical undertones, and characters that are unforgettable through and through, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, stands as one of the best examples of not just the steampunk genre, but of anime as a whole. Ranked as one of the highest rated anime of recent years, it is definitely one that deserves to be on the top of every anime fan’s viewing list. The steampunk elements of FMA: Brotherhood is pretty overt as well, with the anime’s setting being influenced greatly by Industrial Age Europe. Edward’s automail arm alone is one very big steampunk element that could be seen in every episode of the anime. Overall, the series’ setting, the weapons of the main characters, as well the pervading tension between classes, are very notable examples of common tropes and themes present in the genre.

Nausicaa is not just a classic of the steampunk genre. It is a classic of anime in general. Critically-acclaimed, commercially successful and created by arguably the greatest mind behind anime, Hayao Miyazaki, Nausicaa has become a timeless classic featuring the young, brave Nausicaa and her epic conquest. Apart from a timeless story, the movie is also home to one of anime’s most notable engines of destruction, the God Warrior, which has influenced anime for decades to come. So what makes Nausicaa so steampunk? Well, it basically has everything that anime fans love about the genre. Air pirates, retro-futuristic machines, military airships, google-totting characters are just among the many elements that are commonly found in steampunk titles. Nausicaa is a masterpiece through and through, and because of this, the movie ranks as our number one entry on this list.