Discover the blend of Japanese animation and American settings with our curated list of the best anime set in the USA.
From bustling cityscapes to the serene countryside, these anime series integrate interesting narratives and iconic American backdrops.
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Blood Blockade Battlefront
Let’s start things with a supernatural anime series set in New York City.
In a single night, New York City vanished and was replaced by a mysterious fog of Hellsalem’s Lot.
This enigmatic fog is the nexus between reality and a fantastical realm.
Amidst this unusual convergence, a clandestine group called Libra protects the fragile equilibrium.
Enter Leo, a photographer, and journalist, drawn into their ranks upon his arrival in the transformed city.
Resembling a post-apocalyptic New York City, the visuals of Blood Blockade Battlefront showcase somber skyscrapers juxtaposed with vibrant street shops.
Baccano!
This historical anime takes viewers to Chicago in the 30s. In 1930s Chicago, the iconic train, Flying Pussyfoot, embarks on a bloodstained journey.
Elsewhere, scientist Szilard and his aide Ennis search for elixir bottles in New York, amidst escalating mafia conflict.
The series features stories with unrelated plots and but they cross each other as things get out of control.
Baccano! is filled with tales about the mafia, immortality, adventure, and crime.
Takt Op. Destiny
This is a one-of-a-kind anime that revolves around music and grotesque alien monsters.
Takt Op. Destiny explores a post-apocalyptic America where Takt, Destiny, and Anna set out on a road trip across the USA.
Despite being set in a post-apocalyptic world, Takt Op. Destiny shows a few real-life American locations such as Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Eastern Market in Detroit, St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, and many more.
The series is about music, which was once the illuminating force of hearts. But it vanished when the black Kuroya Meteorite struck.
The world shifted that night, bringing in ugly D2 monsters that overran the land.
As melodies attracted D2, music was banned. Still, resistance emerged in the form of Musicart girls who fight against the monstrous D2.
The Musicart girls are powered by humanity’s historic scores and pieces.
Banana Fish
Banana Fish is an action anime set in New York City. The story revolves around Ash Lynx, who was taken from New York’s streets and raised by Dino Golzine of the mafia.
Ash now leads his gang at 17 and rejects his devilish upbringing. However, a haunting secret from his brother’s Vietnam days falls into Dino’s hands.
Meanwhile, a young photographer named Eiji Okumura from Japan enters Ash’s life at the worst possible moment.
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Great Pretender
Great Pretender is all about a group of international con artists attempting to make it big in the USA.
A self-proclaimed top con artist in Japan, Edamura Makoto draws the interest of fellow grifter Laurent Thierry.
They unite for a massive, wealth-generating scam: peddling fake goods to a dubious Hollywood movie producer in Los Angeles. But can he trust his new business partner when they are both criminals?
Great Pretender's animation vividly depicts America, painting it with vibrant hues and breathtaking landscapes.
The beautifully animated Great Pretender is a hilarious heist series that is a must-watch for anime fans.
91 Days
Set in America’s Prohibition era, the grip of law weakened as the mafia tightened its hold on the town of Lawless, a thriving hub of the illegal liquor trade.
Avilio, prompted by an enigmatic letter, comes back to Lawless with a thirst for revenge.
Infiltrating the Vanetti family, the ones behind his family’s murder, he befriends Nero, the don’s son, to execute his plan.
A cycle of violence begets more bloodshed, and vengeance begets further violence.
The 91-day saga follows these men bound by tragic destiny, leaving us to ponder how their story will end.
91 Days shines in its impressive character development, making it a gripping and dark anime.
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Eden of the East
Naked and devoid of memories, Akira Takizawa regains consciousness outside the White House.
Armed with a cell phone and a gun, he remains oblivious to the phone’s ability to provide him with 10 billion yen and a woman capable of fulfilling any wish.
Unaware of his mission to rescue Japan, any failure could cost him his life.
Whatever enigmatic web he finds himself entangled in; Akira is immersed in complexities that merely hint at the depths of his situation.
Eden of the East is a romantic adventure anime that takes our protagonists to Washington D.C. and New York.
Gunsmith Cats
Two young women, 19-year-old Irene "Rally" Vincent and her 17-year-old partner, Minnie "May" Hopkins own a firearms emporium named Gunsmith Cats.
Their store is located in Chicago, Illinois. Rally is also a bounty hunter while May assists her.
Rally playfully calls her bounty hunting her pastime, although it effectively constitutes her main source of income.
A masterful sharpshooter, Rally possesses unparalleled combat skills and marksmanship. Her expertise extends to being a skilled driver as well.
On the other hand, May is a specialist in explosives. She understands the inner workings and diverse applications of several explosive devices.
Filled with action and fast car chase scenes, Gunsmith Cats is an adrenaline-pumping series that you cannot miss.
Chrono Crusade
Chrono Crusade is set in 1928, in the heart of New York City. The aftermath of the Great War has ushered in economic prosperity alongside a more sinister force called the malevolent Sinners.
Amidst this backdrop, the Magdalene Order appears to fight against this deadly force. Rosette Christopher and her aide, Chrono, serve as exorcists within the order.
Despite their seeming mismatch, their mission is twofold – to find Rosette’s missing brother, Joshua, while navigating the complexities of their relationships.
The concealed truths and inevitable destinies of the duo will gradually unfold with time in the anime.
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Appare-Ranman!
Appare-Ranman! chronicles the journey of an ingeniously skilled engineer called Appare Sorano.
Appare, despite his social awkwardness, partners with the wise yet timid samurai, Kosame Isshiki.
They unexpectedly become adrift in the ocean between Japan and America.
To secure the funds for their journey back, the duo decides to participate in a cross-American race with their peculiar steam-powered vehicle.
During their journey from Los Angeles to New York, they come across rivals, bandits, and a series of challenging trials.
The visuals of Appare-Ranman! are nothing short of stunning. While it might come across as a slow-burn series, this deliberate pacing allows the characters enough opportunity to shine within the storyline.
Kaleido Star
A young Japanese girl named Sora embarks on a journey to America to pursue her dream.
Her heart is set on becoming a part of the renowned Kaleido Stage, an extraordinary blend of musicals, magical effects, and acrobatics.
Supported by her friends, Sora faces challenges head-on, striving relentlessly to transform her dream into reality.
Kaleido Star is a series with a solid storyline. Plus, the characters are likable and their stage performances are breathtaking.
Red Garden
Red Garden is a horror anime set in New York, where unusual instances of suicides have been occurring.
On a particular day, four girls who attend the same high school wake up in the morning experiencing fatigue and dizziness.
Moreover, they have no recollection of the events from the night before.
Upon arriving at school, they learn that one of their classmates has tragically taken their own life.
Credit: Gonzo
As a result, classes are suspended for the rest of the day. But rather than return home, they are guided to a park by butterflies that are visible only to them.
Unexpectedly, they encounter a man and a woman who reveal the shocking truth that they had all passed away the previous night.
This mystery anime keeps the spotlight on the characters as they drive the interesting plotline home.
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