Source: Toei Animation
Looking to get your mecha anime fix? We’ve got you covered.
Almost every anime fan should watch at least one Gundam series in their lifetime. Gundam has been one of the most popular and enduring mecha anime series since it first started out with Mobile Suit Gundam in 1979. And with numerous TV series, OVAs, and movies under its belt, Gundam has proven to be the most influential mecha franchises out there.
But if you’re one of those rare few who managed to finish most of the existing Gundam series, or are just not ready to jump into the Gundam rabbit hole, we’re pretty sure you’re looking to get your mecha anime fix elsewhere. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here’s a list of the 10 best mecha anime to add to your watchlist, in no particular order:
Tengen Toppa Gurenn Lagann
Image: Gainax
An incredibly high-energy mecha anime, its story follows a timid digger named Simon and his dauntless mentor Karina, who both rise from their underground village to battle the oppressive Beastmen and their tyrannical rule over the surface. The anime features powerful mechs, amazing fight sequences, and cosmic threats.
The Super Dimension Fortress Macross
Image: Studio Nue
One of the more classic mech titles, The Super Dimension Fortress Macross is about humanity’s first contact with alien forces. After a massive alien spaceship crashes onto earth, humans reverse-engineer its technology to pursue space travel. However, the rebuilt Macross is sent into the far ends of the galaxy after an alien attack, leaving its civilian crew and military personnel stranded in space.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Image: Gainax
Neon Genesis Evangelion has stood the test of time as a veritable classic. Inundated with psychological and religious themes, the story follows a weak and cowardly teenager named Shinji Ikari, who finds himself embroiled in a battle for humanity’s survival against alien threats. Forced to man a gigantic and imposing mecha, Shinji must face his own personal issues while battling his opponents, all while struggling to find meaning.
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Image: Studio Sunrise
Code Geass blends political conspiracy and intrigue with some amazing mecha battles, and has established itself as one of the best mecha anime of all time thanks to its unforgettable story. The plot focuses on the exiled Britannian prince Lelouch Lamperouge, and his goal to dismantle the tyrannical Holy Britannian Empire with high-tech mech, and a mystical power called Geass.
Aldnoah.Zero
Image: A-1 Pictures
Set in the future where humans have colonised the planet Mars, Aldnoah.Zero follows the story of a soldier named Inaho Kaizuka. He is embroiled in an all-out war between the Martian colonists and the remaining inhabitants of Earth, and must navigate betrayal, intense mecha combat, and political intrigue.
Eureka Seven
Image: Studio Bones
Featuring themes of love, coming-of-age drama, and environmental harmony, Eureka Seven is a vibrant mecha anime that follows a teenager named Renton Thurston, who joins an outlaw group called Gekkostate out of a desire for adventure. Upon meeting a mysterious girl named Eureka, who pilots the bio-mechanical robot Nirvash, Renton is entangled in a larger conflict involving Scub Coral, government forces, and humanity’s survival.
Mazinger Z
Image: Toei Animation
Considered to be a groundbreaking mecha anime, Mazinger Z revolves around Koji Kabuto, a young pilot who inherits the powerful super robot Mazinger Z from his late grandfather. Armed with photon energy and advanced weaponry, Koji defends earth with Mazinger Z against the mechanical beast forces of the antagonistic Dr. Hell.
86 (Eighty-Six)
Image:A-1 Pictures
86 (Eighty-Six) is a sci-fi war anime that tells the harrowing experiences of the 86th District, a group of disenfranchised soldiers forced to pilot unmanned mechs in a war against autonomous Legion drones. The story focuses on the group's leader Shin Nouzen, and compassionate handler Lena, who seeks to bridge the gap created by systemic discrimination against their district.
RahXephon
Image: Studio Bones
Another mecha anime with a psychological twist, RahXephon follows Ayato Kamina, whose entire life changes upon the discovery that his city, Tokyo Jupiter, is an isolated, time-warped dome created by an alien called Mu. In a bid to resist Mu alongside humanity, Ayato discovers an ability to pilot a mysterious mecha called RahXephon, which has the power to alter reality through sound.
Knights of Sidonia
Image: Polygon Pictures
Set in the distant future where the remains of humanity has persisted aboard a massive spaceship called Sidoni, Negate Tanizake joins the fray to protect the ship using advanced mechas called Gardes. Negate faces off against alien creatures called Gauna, while also discovering secrets about Sidonia’s leadership, the Gauna’s mysterious nature, and his own past.
