19 Best Aviation & Airplane Anime: They Will Make You Want to Fly

Set in a world divided by class and war, The Princess and the Pilot follows Charles Karino, a skilled yet ostracized pilot assigned to escort Princess Fana Del Moral across enemy skies.

His mission? To reunite her with her fiancé while evading relentless pursuit in a single-engine fighter plane.

The mission is simple on paper, but every mile flown becomes a test of loyalty, courage, and the fragile connection between two souls from different worlds.

This aviation anime movie beautifully blends romance, adventure, and emotional depth.

The breathtaking aerial sequences capture both the beauty and peril of flight, while the growing connection between the two leads brings a quiet tenderness to the chaos of war.

For anyone who loves airplane anime that balance emotion and adventure, this film soars high above the rest.

The Princess and the Pilot info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: Toaru Hikuushi e no Tsuioku
• Episodes: 1
• Released: 2011
• Studios: Madhouse
• Genres: Adventure, Romance
• Themes: Adult Cast, Military
• Score: 7.59 (MAL), 7.0 (IMDb)

Watch The Princess and the Pilot trailer:

This is a classic aviation anime from Studio Ghibli. Porco Rosso follows Porco, a sardonic World War I fighter ace cursed to look like a pig.

Now working as a bounty hunter, he patrols the Mediterranean skies in his iconic crimson seaplane, taking on sky pirates, rival pilots, and his own past.

Porco Rosso is a rare blend of charm, melancholy, and adventure. Its aerial dogfights are thrilling yet graceful, and its Mediterranean setting feels almost dreamlike.

Beneath the humor and stunning animation lies a heartfelt reflection on war, loss, and what it means to keep flying even when the world has changed around you.

Crafted by Hayao Miyazaki, whose lifelong passion for airplanes breathes through every frame, this anime feels like a love letter to aviation itself.

It’s the kind of pilot anime that makes you feel the wind, the weight of memory, and the quiet joy of flying for no one but yourself.

Porco Rosso info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: Kurenai no Buta
• Episodes: 1
• Released: 1992
• Studios: Studio Ghibli
• Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Romance
• Themes: Historical, Military
• Score: 7.95 (MAL), 7.7 (IMDb)

Watch Porco Rosso trailer:

The Wind Rises takes a more reflective and emotional approach to aviation.

This anime tells the story of Jiro Horikoshi, a young man who longs to design aircraft so beautiful they seem to touch the heavens.

His journey, inspired by real history, unfolds in prewar Japan, where dreams and duty often collide.

This anime beautifully captures Jiro’s passion for creating planes while grappling with the moral implications of his work being used in war.

It stands as one of the most heartfelt works in aviation anime, blending historical reflection with timeless human emotion.

Fun Fact: This was originally meant to be Hayao Miyazaki’s farewell film, a personal project that reflected his lifelong fascination with flight. However, he later returned to direct The Boy and the Heron in 2023.

The Wind Rises info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: Kaze Tachinu
• Episodes: 1
• Released: 2013
• Studios: Studio Ghibli
• Genres: Drama, Romance
• Themes: Historical
• Score: 8.12 (MAL), 7.8 (IMDb)

Watch The Wind Rises trailer:

No list of aviation anime would be complete without Macross.

This legendary franchise began with Super Dimension Fortress Macross in 1982 and has since grown into a big universe of sequels, movies, and spin-offs that continue to inspire fans worldwide.

At its heart, Macross blends mecha action, music, and romance with breathtaking aerial battles, delving into the complex relationship between humanity and alien civilizations.

Its transforming fighter planes, known as Valkyries, remain some of the most iconic aircraft in anime, capturing both the thrill of dogfights and the artistry of design.

Few series have redefined a genre the way Macross has.

The combination of high-energy aerial combat, emotional storytelling, and unforgettable soundtracks makes it a must-watch aviation anime series for anyone who loves the skies.

Macross info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: Super Dimension Fortress Macross
• Episodes: 36
• Released: Fall 1982
• Studios: Tatsunoko Production
• Genres: Action, Romance, Sci-Fi
• Themes: Mecha, Military, Music, Space
• Score: 7.89 (MAL), 8.5 (IMDb)

For those who prefer their aviation anime served with a dose of introspection and philosophy, The Sky Crawlers is an unforgettable experience.

Set in an alternate world where war has become a staged spectacle, the story follows genetically engineered pilots known as Kildren who fight endlessly for entertainment and profit.

Among them is Yuichi, a skilled Kildren pilot haunted by fragments of memory and the despair of repetition.

His journey through endless skies becomes a mirror of existence itself: beautiful, fleeting, and uncertain.

Directed by Mamoru Oshii, this pilot anime film bears his signature depth, masterfully weaving intense aerial combat with haunting, disorienting experience.

It’s not just a story about flying, it’s about the search for meaning in a world that’s forgotten why it fights.

The Sky Crawlers info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 1
• Released: 2008
• Studios: Production I.G
• Genres: Drama
• Themes: Military
• Score: 7.26 (MAL), 6.7 (IMDb)

Set in a floating island city, The Pilot’s Love Song tells the story of Kal-el Albus, a young pilot-in-training burdened by a painful past.

But as he takes flight, the sky he once admired reveals its beauty and its pain. His journey to find the “End of the Sky” becomes one of love, loss, and the courage to face his past.

Blending coming-of-age drama with sweeping aerial action, this aviation anime soars on both emotional and visual levels.

The bond between its characters feels genuine, their dreams and losses carried on every flight.

With its mix of romance, mystery, and bittersweet adventure, The Pilot’s Love Song captures the magic and melancholy of flight.

The Pilot’s Love Song info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: Toaru Hikuushi e no Koiuta
• Episodes: 13
• Released: Winter 2014
• Studios: TMS Entertainment
• Genres: Adventure, Drama, Romance
• Themes: N/A
• Score: 7.15 (MAL), 7.0 (IMDb)

Watch The Pilot’s Love Song trailer:

Set in the breathtaking steampunk world of Prester, Last Exile paints a sky filled with colossal airships, daring couriers, and nations at war.

The story follows Claus and Lavie, two young pilots who make a living delivering messages between fleets, until one mission changes everything.

Tasked with escorting a mysterious girl who could decide the fate of their world, the pair become entangled in a conflict far greater than they ever imagined.

Rich with world-building and emotion, Last Exile is a steampunk aviation anime that balances tactical air battles with human connection.

Its immersive visuals and layered storytelling make it one of the most iconic entries in the genre, a true love letter to the skies.

Last Exile info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 26
• Released: Spring 2003
• Studios: Gonzo
• Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
• Themes: N/A
• Score: 7.78 (MAL), 7.8 (IMDb)

Watch Last Exile trailer:

The Cockpit is a three-episode OVA anthology that delivers raw, emotional stories about pilots and soldiers during World War II.

Each episode offers a different look at the war, from a kamikaze pilot’s final mission to a desperate effort to protect precious cargo in the middle of chaos.

Grounded in historical authenticity, this WWII pilot anime stands out for its realism and emotional depth.

The animation captures the grit and elegance of wartime aircraft, immersing viewers in the tension and tragedy of flight during war.

If you’re drawn to aviation stories with weight and heart, The Cockpit is a powerful watch that reminds us of the human cost behind every takeoff in war.

The Cockpit info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: Seisouken Kiryuu
• Episodes: 3
• Released: 1993-1994
• Studios: Madhouse
• Genres: N/A
• Themes: Adult Cast, Historical, Military
• Score: 7.19 (MAL), 7.2 (IMDb)

Blue Thermal offers a refreshing change of pace in the aviation anime world, focusing not on fighter jets or dogfights, but on the quiet beauty of glider flight.

The story follows Tamaki Tsuru, a college student who unexpectedly joins her university’s gliding club and soon discovers a newfound passion for flying.

What makes this film special is its calm, uplifting tone. It captures the freedom and tranquility of soaring through open skies while telling a heartfelt coming-of-age story about finding purpose and connection.

With its stunning animation and light touch of romance, Blue Thermal is a warm, inspiring watch for anyone who’s ever dreamed of taking flight.

Blue Thermal info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: Aonagi College Sports Festival Aviation Club
• Episodes: 1
• Released: 2022
• Studios: Telecom Animation Film
• Genres: Drama
• Themes: N/A
• Score: 6.76 (MAL), 6.5 (IMDb)

The Magnificent Kotobuki follows an all-female squad of mercenary pilots tasked with protecting trade routes across a vast desert world.

The real highlight here is the aerial action. Every dogfight is meticulously choreographed, blending fluid 3D aircraft animation with stylish 2D characters for a unique and dynamic look.

Each battle feels fast, weighty, and visually stunning, making it a treat for any airplane anime fan.

Beyond the action, the playful banter and camaraderie between the crew add warmth and humor, giving the series a lively personality.

It’s a fun, high-energy aviation anime that delivers equal parts excitement and charm.

The Magnificent Kotobuki info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: Kouya no Kotobuki Hikoutai
• Episodes: 12
• Released: Winter 2019
• Studios: WAO World, GEMBA
• Genres: Action, Adventure
• Themes: Military
• Score: 6.84 (MAL), 6.6 (IMDb)

Set in a world divided by conflict, Allison & Lillia follows a pilot named Allison and her friend Wilhelm as they uncover a secret that could bring peace to their land.

The story later continues with their children, Lillia and Treize, who take on their own journeys of discovery.

Unlike many aviation anime centered on combat, Allison & Lillia focuses on the joy of travel, diplomacy, and the human bonds that bridge divides.

Its vintage-inspired setting and warm tone give it a nostalgic charm, making it perfect for fans who love heartfelt, skybound adventures.

Allison & Lillia info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: Allison to Lillia
• Episodes: 26
• Released: Spring 2008
• Studios: Madhouse
• Genres: Action, Adventure
• Themes: N/A
• Score: 7.32 (MAL), 7.1 (IMDb)

A hidden gem among aviation anime, Yomigaeru Sora: Rescue Wings offers one of the most realistic and grounded portrayals of flight.

The story follows Kazuhiko, a reluctant rescue helicopter pilot who gradually learns the meaning of courage and duty through his life-saving missions.

Unlike other heavy-action aviation anime, this series captures the demanding reality of pilot work: from exhaustion and doubt to the profound satisfaction of saving lives.

Its realistic tone, detailed aircraft operations, and mature storytelling make Rescue Wings a standout for viewers who appreciate character-driven stories with heart and authenticity.

Yomigaeru Sora: Rescue Wings info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 12
• Released: Winter 2006
• Studios: J.C.Staff
• Genres: Drama
• Themes: Adult Cast, Military, Workplace
• Score: 7.35 (MAL), 6.6 (IMDb)

Drifting Dragons follows the airship Quin Zaza and its crew as they travel the skies hunting dragons for both survival and trade.

This airship anime blends fantasy adventure with the everyday charm of cooking and camaraderie.

The anime’s breathtaking visuals capture both the wonder of flight and the awe of its skyborne hunts.

It’s a rare mix of airship exploration and slice-of-life storytelling, blending thrilling aerial scenes with mouthwatering moments as the crew turns their catches into creative dishes.

With its warm tone and imaginative world-building, Drifting Dragons offers a fresh take on what it means to live and eat among the clouds.

Drifting Dragons info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: Kuutei Dragons
• Episodes: 12
• Released: Winter 2020
• Studios: Polygon Pictures
• Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
• Themes: N/A
• Score: 6.95 (MAL), 6.1 (IMDb)

Dragon Pilot: Hisone and Masotan offers a lighthearted and imaginative twist on aviation anime.

In this world, dragons take the form of fighter jets, and rookie pilot Hisone Amakasu finds herself unexpectedly chosen to partner with one of them, the gentle and curious Masotan.

The series stands out for its blend of fantasy, humor, and heartfelt moments. It’s all about personal growth, teamwork, and finding confidence in unexpected ways.

With its colorful animation and easygoing tone, Dragon Pilot is an enjoyable aviation anime for anyone who wants something unique, warm, and uplifting.

Dragon Pilot: Hisone and Masotan info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: Hisone to Maso-tan
• Episodes: 12
• Released: Spring 2018
• Studios: Bones
• Genres: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
• Themes: Military
• Score: 7.29 (MAL), 6.8 (IMDb)

Area 88 tells the story of Shin Kazama, a skilled pilot deceived into joining a mercenary air force locked in a relentless war.

Trapped in a contract he can’t easily escape, Shin must fight for survival, both in the air and within himself, as he dreams of returning to the life he lost.

Area 88 takes a grounded approach to warfare and the emotional cost of combat. The series balances thrilling aircraft battles with deep personal conflict, exploring themes of honor, loyalty, and the price of freedom.

The original OVA, in particular, shines for its realistic dogfight choreography and detailed aircraft designs.

For fans who enjoy mature, character-driven aviation anime, Area 88 remains one of the most powerful and enduring entries in the genre.

Area 88 info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 12
• Released: Winter 2004
• Studios: Group TAC
• Genres: Action, Drama, Romance
• Themes: Military
• Score: 6.99 (MAL), 7.6 (IMDb)

Warlords of Sigrdrifa combines Norse mythology with fast-paced aerial combat, creating a distinct twist on the aviation anime genre with its unique premise.

Set in a world threatened by mysterious beings known as Pillars, the story follows a team of Valkyries, gifted female pilots chosen by Odin, as they fight to defend the earth with their divine aircraft.

The blend of mythological elements with aviation in this anime creates a fresh take on the genre.

While it leans into fantasy elements, the series still captures the thrill of flight and the bonds formed between those who share the same sky.

For those who enjoy their pilot anime with a mythic twist, Warlords of Sigrdrifa offers a thrilling and heartfelt ride.

Warlords of Sigrdrifa info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: Senyoku no Sigrdrifa
• Episodes: 12
• Released: Fall 2020
• Studios: A-1 Pictures
• Genres: Action
• Themes: Military
• Score: 6.45 (MAL), 6.1 (IMDb)

When alien invaders known as the Zai threaten humanity, advanced fighter jets called “Daughters” and their AI copilots, the Anima, become the world’s last line of defense.

Caught in the middle of conflict is Kei Narutani, a civilian who partners with one of the Anima pilots, Gripen, to fight back from the skies.

Girly Air Force blends high-speed aerial battles with light character drama, striking a balance between action and heart.

While it’s not as heavy or grounded as other aviation anime, it makes up for it with flashy dogfights, bright visuals, and a fun, easygoing tone.

At its core, the dynamic between Kei and Gripen adds emotional warmth to the spectacle, making it an easy watch for aviation and anime fans alike.

Girly Air Force info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 12
• Released: Winter 2019
• Studios: Satelight
• Genres: Action, Sci-Fi
• Themes: Military
• Score: 6.14 (MAL), 6.4 (IMDb)

Stratos 4 takes us to a near-future world where Earth faces constant meteor threats, and the skies are humanity’s first line of defense.

The story follows a group of young female pilots training to become elite “Comet Blasters,” the heroes responsible for intercepting and destroying incoming meteors before they reach the planet.

This anime combines the excitement of aerial missions with lighthearted daily moments, showing both the thrill and the discipline of becoming a pilot.

Stratos 4 info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 13
• Released: Winter 2003
• Studios: Studio Fantasia
• Genres: Comedy, Sci-Fi
• Themes: Military
• Score: 6.62 (MAL), 6.8 (IMDb)

A fictional anime within the anime Shirobako, Third Aerial Girls Squad follows a group of high school girls piloting futuristic fighter jets in a war-torn world.

While it’s technically a “meta” anime about anime girl with flying jet, it stands out as an homage to classic aviation anime tropes.

This one’s for fans of Shirobako or anyone who loves seeing the final product of an anime after it’s been made.

It’s a fun, lighthearted dive into aviation themes with an extra layer of self-aware humor. Plus, the aerial sequences are genuinely exciting!

Third Aerial Girls Squad info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: Shirobako Specials
• Episodes: 1 (the 2nd episode)
• Released: 2015
• Studios: P.A. Works
• Genres: Adventure, Comedy
• Themes: Otaku Culture
• Score: 6.83 (MAL), 6.9 (IMDb)

Conclusion: Ready for Takeoff?

Aviation anime offers something for everyone: adrenaline-pumping action, touching human stories, and a sense of wonder about the skies.

Whether you’re into historical settings, philosophical musings, or just beautifully animated dogfights, there’s an aviation anime that fits your taste.

Each of these pilot anime series offers a unique perspective on flight, reminding us why the sky has always fascinated humanity: vast, beautiful, and full of possibilities.

So, buckle up and enjoy the journey.