[Top 10] Best Mecha Anime of All Time
What are the best Mecha anime out there?
Robot battles just hit differently from the usual shounen, magic induced or even sport type of fights we see in anime. Though the Mecha genre is dated as one of the oldest types of anime out there, it will never go out of style.
Here are 10 action packed Mecha anime that have greatly influenced the genre and have withstood the test of time.
10. Mobile Suit Gundam Wing
Gundam Wing Trailer
The series focuses primarily on five Gundam Pilots: Heero Yuy, Duo Maxwell, Trowa Barton, Quatre Raberba Winner and Chang Wufei. The five of them are initially unaware of each other’s existence despite being sent out on the same mission: to use their Gundam to attack Oz (a.k.a. Zodiac) and free the colonies from the alliance’s oppressive rule.
Probably most of us have been introduced to the Gundam franchise due to this series. While not the first dubbed Gundam series to hit North America’s shores, it definitely was the most popular and the most memorable. Who could possibly forget the opening theme with the laser sound effects in the background?
9. Visions of Escaflowne
Vision of Escaflowne Trailer
Hitomi Kanzaki was practicing track when she suddenly witnessed a fight between Van Fanel and a dragon. After slaying the dragon, Van transports himself to Gaea accidentally taking Hitomi with him. Hitomi is then caught right in the middle of Van’s efforts to unite the countries of Gaea against the Zaibach Empire.
A weird mixture that oddly works. It’s hard to imagine a Mecha anime to have Shojo and Fantasy themes blended into it. And yet, Vision of Escaflowne exists. While there are other Mecha anime that have tried this combination out on later dates, this anime is one of the first few that managed to pull such a combo off.
8. Darling in the Franxx
Darling in the Franxx Trailer
Humanity is on the brink of extinction due to the invasion of Klaxosaurs—the only effective way to destroy these beasts is to use a giant mecha known as a FranXX. Children raised in this era are being bred and trained to defend their race as a means to prove their existence. Hiro, an aspiring pilot meets Zero Two, an infamous FranXX pilot known as the “Partner Killer”. The two partner up to defeat a Klaxosaur and find out they are compatible partners to pilot the mecha.
Despite the suggestive nature of piloting a FranXX, Darling in the Franxx did somehow raise the mecha genre after its small decline. If you’ve watched Neon Genesis Evangelion, this anime is quite similar in terms of primary themes- self-doubt, depression, love, the meaning of life and of course gigantic robots out to destroy each other.
7. Eureka Seven
Eureka Seven Trailer
Renton Thurston dreams of leaving his mundane life in Bellforest to join a mercenary group called Gekkostate. He gets his wish when Eureka, a member of Gekkostate comes crashing down with her Nirvash Type ZERO. This meeting leads to Renton’s involvement with the Gekkostate as he is taken-in as a co-polite to Eureka’s Nirvash.
One of the most visually pleasing mecha anime out there. What do you expect from a product of Studio Bones? Nothing far from aesthetic for the eyes and story. How this series shows character development, especially with the two main casts is definitely realistic and well-done compared to generic mecha anime.
6. Macross Frontier
Macross Frontier Trailer
During a big concert of the famous singer Sheryl Nome, a Vajra makes a sudden appearance and creates chaos in the venue. During the confusion Ranka Lee gets left behind and targeted by the aliens. Alto Saotome, a mecha pilot trainee who happened to be present during the commotion, manages to save Ranka at the last moment. A little bit later, the Strategic Military Service takes note of Alto’s skill as a mecha pilot and decides to utilize him. He is now tasked to combat the alien threats that now plague humanity.
You have pop idols and giant robots all-in-one anime, what’s not to like? You don’t have to worry about knowing close to nothing about the previous series, Macross Frontier is a pretty good stand alone. But, if you do get the chance to watch the others, do it! You’ll come to realize that Frontiers did a great job in paying homage to its predecessors.
5. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion Trailer
The Britannia Empire seeks world domination and gives each of their claimed territory a number. Lelouch, an exiled Prince of the Empire, vows to free Area 11 (previously known as Japan) due to him witnessing his mother’s death and the crippling of his younger sister. Years later, in high school he encounters a mysterious girl who gives him a Geass. Lelouch then becomes the masked tactician “Zero” who leads the rebellion against the empire.
If you want to dip your feet into the Mecha genre then Code Geass would be a great experience for newcomers! The anime has been known for turning non-mecha fans into mecha fans. And even if you don’t become a mecha fan, Code Geass is too good of an anime to pass up.
This particular anime has a lot of things we love about mecha anime; intense fight scenes, well-designed robots and a great plot to boot. There’s even blatant product placement in almost all of the episodes.
4. The Big O
The Big O Trailer
The show takes place in Paradigm City, where all its residents lost their memories 40 years prior to beginning of the series. Roger Smith, a private investigator/negotiator along with his android partner R. Dorothy Wayneright, and his butler Norman Burg, try to uncover the unsolved mysteries of the city.
The Big O as a Mecha anime stands out on its own. Why? Well, for once it’s not about a bunch of teens piloting giant suits of armor and battling to the death in space. For a mecha series, that’s quite rare! Several fans have also comically described this show as Batman with giant robots. The Big O is a classic Mecha Anime that utilizes great noir film style and pulp fiction.
3. Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann Trailer
Earth is now ruled by the Spiral King, Lordgenome—who forced humans to live in underground villages. Simon and Kamina stumble upon an ignition key to a mecha which the duo named Lagann. After the duo meet up with Yoko Littner they set off on a journey to the surface. The three of them fight several enemies alongside other human survivors in order to reclaim the surface.
While Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann is first and foremost an action mecha series, its characters and plot would want to make you sit and watch for hours and hours. It’s serious enough to get you hooked to the edge of your seat. But also, it will hit you with light-hearted and inspirational scenes from time-to-time making it less monotone and dramatic from other mecha anime. All-in-all Guren Lagann has a great balance of all its elements.
2. Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron Blooded Orphans
Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron Blooded Orphans Trailer
After breaking free from the control of Chryse Guard Security, the orphans took control of the CSG, refounding it as a mercenary company under the name Tekkadan. Mikazuki Augus, the new pilot of the legendary Gundam Barbatos, forges a path to establish the newly founded Tekkadan as a military company. Their first mission: Escort Kudelia Aina Bernstein to earth so she may take part in the negotiations with the government of Arbrau.
It’s a good break from the usual things the Gundam franchise has to offer. The series is easily one of the more unique gundam titles I’ve seen, especially since there is no clear-cut with who is good or evil in this show. It’s also one of the more brutal Gundam shows as the mechas are built to deal damage using melee weapons over the ranged beams. You’ll see heavier hits and epic maneuverability throughout the course of this show.
1. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion Trailer
With the death of half the human population on Earth due to the “Second Impact”, Nerv is now humanity's last hope in defeating the “Angels” who heralds the Earth’s doom. 14-year-old Shinji Ikari is whisked away from his ordinary life to join his father’s organization and pilot the Evangelion Unit -01 in order to defeat the Angels.
One of the most over analyzed anime out there. Can you believe people are still trying to understand Neon Genesis Evangelion up to this date? You can also say Evangelion managed to change and revive Mecha anime as a classic genre favorite for anime fans. Evangelion has a lot of timeless themes and even focused on the characters psychological traumas. This move caused the series to become more than just an ordinary Mecha anime.
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