Is the Code Geass Anime Worth Watching?

Code Geass
Code Geass (Image Credits: Sunrise)

One can say that Code Geass is one of the most influential anime series of the 2000s, often attributed to its unique blend of mecha action and political intrigue, as well as its ethical ambiguity. The anime, released in 2006, quickly attracted attention worldwide due to its innovative portrayal of rebellion and power. As a fundamental element, it takes place following Lelouch vi Britannia, a deposed prince who receives the inexplicable Geass power, the ability to compel others to do as he wishes without question. By this strength, he goes to war with the oppressive Holy Britannian Empire and must manage his values, personal connections, and his own actions. The main difference between Code Geass and numerous other anime is the readiness to address the ethical issues of war, power, and fairness, while also providing energetic fighting and memorable plot turns.

Is Code Geass worth watching? The answer to the question is a resounding yes. The anime remains highly recommendable to new viewers almost twenty years after its initial release, and rightly so. It is not mere mecha anime, and it is a multi-dimensional narrative with strategy, drama, and philosophical undertones. Code Geass can balance the high-action scenes and the high-quality dialogue, the idea-provoking ethical issues, and the cast of complex characters. Code Geass is more than worth the time to those viewers who want a show that reinvents the traditional narrative without losing an emotional appeal. The fact that it has managed to stay within the current time indicates the power behind its storyline and performance.

Lelouch vi Britannia (Image Credits: Sunrise)
Lelouch vi Britannia (Image Credits: Sunrise)

The intricacy of the character of Lelouch is one of the principal reasons that make Code Geass popular. In contrast to conventional anime heroes, Lelouch is an anti-hero who employs ethically dubious means to attain what, in his mind, is a just cause. His intelligence and tactical genius render the series extremely entertaining, with several battles being won by wit instead of by overwhelming force. This mind game and manipulation form a refreshing contrast to merely action-oriented anime. Further, the show flourishes on surprises; after the audience feels safe knowing the course of the plot, it delivers a twist that is unexpected and changes the whole story.

Code Geass has a strong supporting cast. Other characters, such as Suzaku Kururugi, who has a more idealist approach to making change, and C.C., with her air of mystery, play an essential role in moderating the dark side of Lelouch. Each character plays a purposeful role or trajectory that leads to the bigger story so that the anime itself feels complete and purposeful. The issues of loyalty, betrayal, sacrifice, and identity are also touched upon in the series, and it seems to resonate way outside just the action anime genre.

Zero (Image Credits: Sunrise)
Zero (Image Credits: Sunrise)

Both visually and in terms of soundtracks, Code Geass is spectacular. The anime studio, Sunrise, injected the series with crisp character design courtesy of CLAMP and made it look distinctly different. The fighting scenes, particularly the Knightmare Frames (the mecha units), are smooth and involving even by the present standards. The musical accompaniment is another aspect that raises the show to greater heights, as the score is memorable and adds an emotional and dramatic weight to the most important scenes. These elements of production make the series everlasting.


Why Code Geass Remains a Must-Watch

Code Geass can be said to be appealing to the audience due to its combination of genre-bending elements. It is not only a political drama, but also a tragic character study and a gripping mecha series. Such a mix will make it attractive to a large variety of audiences. The admirers of strategic storytelling admire the master plans of Lelouch, whereas the admirers of emotional narratives can identify with the personal sacrifices of the characters. It is hard to find anime that straddles this fine line between spectacle and substance as well as Code Geass does.

The bold ending of the anime is another reason why it continues to be popular. Not to reveal any spoilers, it is possible to mention that Code Geass finishes with a strong final note that makes a memorable impression on the audience. In contrast to numerous long-running series, which often lose their momentum or end ambiguously, this anime does not leave its sense and implications unsolved, but rather evokes discussion about them. It is also a legacy because of the very ending that is often mentioned as among the most fulfilling in anime history.

Lelouch with Rolo (Image Credits: Sunrise)
Lelouch with Rolo (Image Credits: Sunrise)

In addition, Code Geass has been introduced to generations of new anime fans due to its availability in the modern streaming era. Its themes, such as struggle against tyranny, the cost of power, or the thin line between the hero and the villain, are as topical today as they were during the period of publishing. This classicism is a credit to the artistry of the people who made it, and why it remains a staple suggestion in anime circles across the planet.


In conclusion, it can be said that Code Geass is worth watching not only to seasoned viewers of anime but also to novice viewers. That is why, its clever writing, morally questionable characters, rich imagery, and emotional narration make it one of the most popular series of all time. It is not merely the action-packed mecha anime, but it is also a story that makes its viewers think, question, and feel. Almost twenty years after its release, Code Geass is a masterpiece that has rebranded what anime can accomplish.

Edited by Zainab Shaikh