In a future Japan where kids are treated like treasures and even Santa Claus is seen as a threat, Sanda Kazushige suddenly finds himself in a dangerous world. He’s a descendant of Santa and has to protect his classmates while figuring out what being “Santa” really means. If you’re searching for anime like Sanda where young characters face tough rules, uncover secrets, and stand up to those who try to control everything, this list is for you.
1. Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans
Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans is part of the larger Gundam franchise, but it’s a standalone series. Thus, you don’t need to have watched earlier Gundam series to understand it. The show is about kids who are treated like soldiers and have to fight for survival. They don’t have normal lives, but they stick together like a family.
At its core, it’s kind of like Sanda’s world, where adults control everything, but the kids find ways to fight back. There is a lot of mecha action, but most importantly, there are emotional moments that hit hard. You really feel how tough it is for these kids, and the story shows how far they’ll go to protect each other.
2. Darling in the FranXX
Sure, we might have Marin Kitagawa now, but before her, there was Zero Two. This striking, pink-haired girl with horns wasn’t just “popular in her own show”; she became an icon in anime culture. Even years after Darling in the Franxx aired, people still remember her more than the series itself.
That said, the anime follows kids who are trained to fight in giant robots and live away from adults. They have rules and roles they can’t escape, kind of like Sanda’s school, where everyone is watched.
The story is about learning who you are, forming friendships, and figuring out what’s important. There’s romance, action, and some really touching moments that make you not only care but also root for the characters.
3. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Code Geass remains one of the best anime ever created, and not even its mecha elements hold it back. Its genius protagonist, Lelouch, is a student who secretly leads a rebellion against a corrupt empire.
Even though the story isn’t really about protecting kids, Code Geass and Sanda both show teenagers handling way more responsibility than they should. Lelouch isn’t even 18 years old when the series starts, but he’s taking on powerful adults. The show’s full of wild plot twists and clever schemes, but it still keeps the protagonist feeling human.
4. Psycho-Pass
Complex psychological plots aren’t for everyone, but for those who want an adult cast, Psycho-Pass is a great choice. In the world of Psycho-Pass, society is tightly controlled and judged based on their potential for crime before they act.
The story is dark, but it tackles similar themes to Sanda — authority, rules, and personal responsibility. Characters are constantly forced to make difficult moral decisions, balancing right and wrong under intense pressure.
5. Attack on Titan
While it starts like a typical monster show, the heart of Attack on Titan is about young characters facing life-or-death situations and fights. They’re not only young, but they also have to deal with deadly secrets about their world while trying to survive. That’s very similar to what Sanda experiences, having to grow up quickly while protecting others.
The story keeps you on the edge of your seat with nonstop battles, surprising turns, and scenes that really tug at your emotions. For those who enjoy the mix of danger, suspense, and character development, Attack on Titan is definitely one to check out.
6. Neon Genesis Evangelion
It seems like almost every other anime on this list has kids piloting giant robots to save the world, but Neon Genesis Evangelion doesn’t focus only on fighting. The teens in this anime also have to deal with their feelings, fear, and pressure from adults, which adds much-needed realism to their journeys.
In both Evangelion and Sanda, teens must step up and handle responsibilities no kid should face. While not recent, the series is a timeless classic, featuring characters you can connect with and a story that’s full of twists, symbolism, and deep questions.
7. Aldnoah.Zero
An underrated gem, Aldnoah.Zero follows teens caught in a war between Earth and Mars. They’re stuck in dangerous situations and have to make smart choices fast.
In Aldnoah.Zero, as in Sanda, young protagonists are unexpectedly given the power and duty to protect others, shaping who they become. Though criticized for some rough patches, the series is a great fit for anyone who likes mecha with brains, political conflict, and a soundtrack that slaps.
8. Deca-Dence
Deca-Dence features kids and adults living in a huge moving fortress and fighting monsters. There’s a hidden system controlling everything, and the characters slowly start to rebel.
Like Sanda, they’re learning the truth and figuring out how to fight back. It’s fun, exciting, and sometimes emotional. The animation is colorful and creative, and the futuristic battles and well-developed characters keep fans engaged.
9. Gunslinger Girl
Gunslinger Girl, a 2003 anime, follows young girls who are turned into special agents and sent on dangerous missions. Although it flew under the radar, it’s a key example of tragic action and psychological anime done well.
Gunslinger Girl is similar to Sanda in that it deals with children used by an adult-controlled system, forced into very mature and dangerous roles, and it’s not just action — there’s deep emotional cost, moral ambiguity, and the fight for identity and connection.
10. Heavenly Delusions
In a post-apocalyptic world, sheltered children live in a hidden facility, unaware of the dangers outside. On the other hand, teenagers Maru and Kiruko journey across the ruined land seeking “Heaven,” facing monsters, hostile humans, and harsh truths.
In a similar fashion to Sanda, Heavenly Delusions follows kids who are forced to grow up quickly and face difficult choices in a dangerous system. Since Heavenly Delusions earned an impressive 7.9/10 on IMDb and became one of the year’s most talked-about series for its stunning animation and willingness to tackle mature themes without holding back, it’s safe to say it delivers.
