Disregarded soldiers fight a mechanical legion for a nation that doesn't even recognize them as human. It is a hauntingly beautiful look at war and dignity.
Why it's similar: This is the closest match for the 'child soldier' narrative and the struggle against systemic dehumanization. Both shows focus on a tight-knit squad that treats their unit as their only true family while fighting a war for someone else's politics.
Power comparison: Both feature high-stakes, lethal combat, but 86 uses spider-like 'Juggernaut' tanks rather than bipedal humanoid suits, emphasizing tactical fragility over raw physical power.
Why watch after Mobile Suit Gundam Iron Blooded Orphans: Watch this if you want the emotional weight of Tekkadan combined with a more modern, psychological approach to wartime trauma.