What is No. 6?#
No. 6 is a compelling blend of science fiction, psychological drama, and adventure. The story takes place in a world devastated by a great war, leaving only six remaining city-states created by the Babylon Treaty. The plot follows Sion, a bright teenager living a privileged life in the city-state of No. 6, whose world is turned upside down on his twelfth birthday when he meets Nezumi (meaning “Rat”), a fugitive attempting to escape the authorities.
After helping Nezumi, Sion is stripped of his status and privileges. The two reunite four years later, leading Sion to uncover the dark, guarded secrets hidden deep within the utopia of No. 6. If you are looking to dive into this dystopian world, you can watch the anime on Prime Video.
Is the anime really finished?#
For viewers wondering if the anime provides a complete experience, the series ran from July to September 2011. While the anime provides a focused narrative of Sion and Nezumi’s journey, the story exists across multiple formats. There is a related manga and original novels—the latter of which are popular enough to be receiving a stage musical adaptation in November 2024.
If you find yourself craving more depth or a more exhaustive conclusion than what the anime provides, we highly recommend exploring the written source material. You can buy the No. 6 manga or novels here to fill in the gaps and fully unravel the mysteries of the city-state.
Who is No. 6 for?#
This series is best suited for audiences who enjoy high-stakes psychological drama and dystopian world-building. Its themes of shounen-ai and the evolving bond between Sion and Nezumi provide an emotional core to the sci-fi mystery. It appeals to those who like stories about social stratification, political secrets, and the cost of freedom.
If you enjoy collecting items from the series you love, you can also find No. 6 merchandise here.
Recommended Watch and Read Order#
Depending on how much of the story you want to consume, here are the best ways to approach the series. For specific details on how these versions connect, please refer to the relationship tree below the article.
The Standard Order (Release Order)#
If you prefer the visual experience first, simply start with the No. 6 anime (2011). This is the most accessible way to enter the story.
The Completionist Order#
For those who want every detail and the full scope of the world, we recommend:
- No. 6 Anime
- No. 6 Manga
The Source Material Path#
If you don’t mind starting with reading or prefer a more detailed narrative from the beginning, starting with the manga or the original novels is the best route for those who want the most comprehensive version of the plot.
Enjoying our guides? Help us keep the lights on and continue investigating your favorite series by supporting us on Ko-fi!
No. 6 • anime • 2011-07-07 to 2011-09-15
└─(related)→ No. 6 • manga • 2011-01-28 (serialized in ARIA)
