Whether set in historical settings, futuristic worlds, or alternate realities, these series bring the captivating world of spies and secret agents to life in the realm of anime. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best spy anime series that have thrilled audiences with their entertaining stories. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

10. Spy Classroom

Spy Classroom is a spy thriller that premiered in Winter 2023 and gained popularity for its harem anime trope set in a dystopian post-war setting. The story follows a team of seven aspiring spies who are tasked with completing a “Mission Impossible” after just one month of training.

Led by the enigmatic strategist Klaus, the girls eventually agree to work together to prove their worth as spies. As the team grows stronger in their pursuit of justice, they must overcome personal obstacles and unravel a vast conspiracy that threatens the balance of power across the globe.

9. 009-1

009-1 is a spin-off of the spy anime genre from one of the most influential figures in the Japanese industry, Shotaro Ishinomori, who is credited with developing Kamen Rider and Power Rangers. The series features Mylene Hoffman, a beautiful cyborg spy codenamed "009-1" who works as a secret agent for the Western Bloc.

Often surrounded by high-risk missions and dangerous tasks assigned to her by superiors, Mylene must find a way to deal with her dual nature as a cyborg agent and her desire to preserve her own humanity in a world filled with conflict and deception.

8. Night Raid 1931

Set in the political and social turmoil of 1931 China, Night Raid takes viewers on a journey to Shanghai, where the city is caught up in the turmoil of the Chinese Civil War. Amidst the chaos, a secret agency known as Sakurai Kikan is sent to protect the city from the various factions vying for power.

Gifted with supernatural abilities, the members of Sakurai Kikan operate in the shadows to deal with political intrigue and supernatural forces working behind the scenes while caught up in the complex and dangerous world of espionage. Night Raid 1931 is packed with espionage missions and a must-watch series.

7. Joker Game

As opposed to stereotypical spy anime shows, Joker Game gives an intricate angle to its plot, adding exaggerated supernatural concepts and complex themes that make it a political-military drama with spies taking center stage in the race to obtain information.

In the high-tension Japan of the 1930s, the Japanese government has created a new spy organization known as “Agency D” to gather information about other countries. However, as the truth comes out, they soon realize that things may not be as they appeared on the surface!

6. Eden of the East

Eden of the East is a forgotten but fascinating spy anime series about a college student Akira Takizaka and her strange friend Saki Morimi who wake up in the real world in Washington D.C. with no memories, a gun in their hand, and a strange cell phone loaded with 8.2 billion yen in digital money.

Unaware of Saki’s current predicament, Akira soon finds herself drawn into a deadly game of fortune, action, and the fate of Japan. “Spend the money and save the people, or failure to do so could lead to disaster” – this is just the beginning of the chaos!

5. Darker Than Black

Mafia sci-fi anime Darker Than Black is set in an alternate present where a spatial anomaly known as Hell's Gate appears over Tokyo, altering the sky and landscapes. As the gates appear, individuals known as "Contractors" gain supernatural abilities in exchange for their humanity.

Operating in this world is Contractor Hei, an elite agent who is recognized as one of the most terrifying figures in the world. Working as an assassin for a shadowy group called the Syndicate, Hei sets out to uncover the secrets of Hell's Gate while saving his sister from potential threats.

4. Ghost in the Shell

Ghost in the Shell is a cyberpunk espionage anime franchise praised for its action, drama, and science fiction elements mixed with dark and psychological themes. Featuring a female protagonist, this mecha anime series explores the norms of a cyborg-human society.

Set in a post-apocalyptic dystopian world where technology is increasingly blurring the lines between humans and robots, the film follows cyborg police officer Major Motoko Kusanagi as she investigates a mysterious hacker known as the Puppet Master.

3. Goal 13

The Japanese equivalent of Hollywood’s classic James Bond series, Golgo 13 offers a real-life look into the world of professional assassins. The anime follows Duke Togo, also known as Golgo, a full-time hitman who works for any organization that will pay the right price to execute people all over the world.

Very little is known about his true identity or personal life, but one thing is certain: no one is safe when they are in Golgo's crosshairs. Armed with a custom M16 and surrounded by beautiful women, Golgo faces a variety of challenges, including other assassins, law enforcement officers, and even the military.

2. Spy × Family

One of the best spy animes to premiere in recent years, Spy × Family is a rising action-comedy title in the modern shonen category. The story is set in a Cold War setting, where the nations of Westalis and Ostania are on the brink of war and spies are everywhere.

Operating as Westalis' spymaster, Twilight must assume the guise of an ordinary family man and infiltrate Eden School Academy, keeping a low profile and dealing with a family consisting of a mischievous esper child and a deadly assassin.

1. 91 Days

Fans of “V for Vendetta” will be able to relate to the entire narrative of 91 Days, as it offers a somewhat similar experience. The series plays on the central theme of the revenge anime trope by focusing on the fictional form of America during Prohibition, when there was no law and illegal mobs and gangs ruled the land.

The anime follows Angelo Lagusa's retaliation against the powerful Vanetti family after witnessing their brutal murder of his family. After leaving his hometown, Angelo returns seven years later to inflict pain on anyone connected to his family's death.

Which of the following spy anime is your favorite? Feel free to comment your opinion and recommend any other anime like the ones listed above. Also, don’t forget to share this article with your otaku friends.