10 Recommended Anime Similar to Full Metal Panic!

Full Metal Panic! is a well-known mecha anime series that centers around Sousuke Sagara, a member of the elite mercenary group Mithril. His mission is to safeguard Kaname Chidori, a spirited high school student known as a ‘Whispered’ due to her unique intelligence.

Despite the odds, this unlikely duo must confront terrorists, engage in mecha battles, and navigate their growing feelings for each other. Viewers who love Full Metal Panic! will appreciate the perfect blend of action, humor, and romance in the series. It expertly balances light-hearted high school shenanigans with gripping military operations.

Similarly, Sousuke and Kaname’s one-of-a-kind bond captivates viewers. For those seeking more anime suggestions with a similar feel to Full Metal Panic!, here are 10 other series worth exploring. These shows share common elements such as intense action, mechas, school settings, and contrasting relationships.

10 Recommended Anime for Fans of Full Metal Panic!

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

In an alternate world where the Holy Britannian Empire has taken control of Japan, the mecha anime Code Geass is widely loved. The main character, Lelouch Lamperouge, finds out that he possesses the ability of Geass, granting him the power to compel individuals to carry out any action simply by making direct eye contact.

Despite his new abilities and exceptional strategic thinking, Lelouch assumes the identity of Zero and becomes a revolutionary leader fighting against the Empire. Similar to Full Metal Panic!, Code Geass also includes intense mecha battles and high school drama.

Lelouch leads a dual existence as both a regular high school student and a revolutionary leader of epic proportions. Those who appreciate Sousuke’s multifaceted roles would be captivated by Lelouch’s exciting transformation from an ordinary adolescent to a brilliant strategist controlling state-of-the-art robotic weaponry.

Gurren Lagann

Gurren Lagann elevates the giant robot action of Full Metal Panic! for fans. The show is based in a post-apocalyptic society where humans must live underground as the surface is dominated by beastmen.

Through the discovery of ancient mecha technology and their breakthrough to the surface, Simon and Kamina are inspired to lead a rebellion. The anime series Gurren Lagann showcases intense and exhilarating action scenes, featuring progressively larger and more imaginative mecha designs.

Just as Mithril’s advanced weaponry captivates viewers, the mechas in this series will impress with their powerful firepower. The relationship between Simon and Nia also blossoms gradually, much like the slow development of Sousuke and Kaname’s romance.

The Vision of Escaflowne

The Vision of Escaflowne is an anime series that combines fantasy mecha with a captivating romance storyline set against a backdrop of war. Hitomi Kanzaki, a typical high school student, is unexpectedly transported to the mystical world of Gaea where she becomes entangled in Van Fanel’s battle against the Zaibach empire.

Despite their different backgrounds, Hitomi and Van’s relationship blossoms as they journey together. Fans of Full Metal Panic! will find familiar elements, including adrenaline-fueled mecha fights intertwined with an unexpected and gradual love story.

As time passes, viewers will become emotionally invested in seeing Van, the standoffish loner, gradually open up to Hitomi, while Sousuke begins to comprehend the concept of love thanks to Kaname. Additionally, the series showcases incredible mech armor designs and intense fight scenes.

Eureka Seven

Renton Thurston, a teenager, has a strong desire to become a member of the rebellious Gekkostate group and pilot their incredible mechas called LFOs. By chance, he crosses paths with Eureka, a mysterious LFO pilot. As Renton grows closer to Eureka and the Gekkostate team, he discovers himself rising to the challenge of saving the world.

Eureka Seven shares many similarities with Full Metal Panic!, from its expertly choreographed mech battles to its heartwarming teenage love story. Fans will also appreciate the close-knit relationships within the Gekkostate crew, mirroring the strong bonds between Mithril’s members that extend beyond their duties as soldiers.

Similarly, just as Sousuke remains steadfastly committed to his mission, Renton demonstrates an unwavering devotion to safeguarding Eureka at any expense.

5. Neon Genesis Evangelion

Neon Genesis Evangelion (Image via Gainax)

In a world ravaged by monstrous creatures known as Angels, 14-year-old Shinji Ikari is compelled by his father to pilot Evangelion Unit-01, a massive bio-machine. As he battles against the Angels, Shinji must confront his distant father and the enigmatic Rei Ayanami.

For Full Metal Panic! enthusiasts, Evangelion offers enthralling mecha battles and imaginative designs for its angelic monsters. The series also presents intriguing enigmas and secretive schemes to uncover, similar to Mithril’s covert intentions, revolving around NERV and the Evangelion program.

Lastly, the psychological drama adds another layer of enjoyment as Shinji navigates his search for self-identity and connection with others.

Broken Blade

In the Cruzon continent, individuals who are born with the innate ability to control quartz crystals are capable of operating mechanized weapons known as Golems. However, Rygart Arrow has been labeled as an “un-sorcerer”due to his lack of this proficiency.

When the kingdoms of Krisna and Athens engage in battle, he uncovers a remarkable ancient mech known as Delphine that reacts to his supposedly nonexistent powers. Broken Blade focuses on intense mecha combat, catering to fans who enjoy that aspect of Full Metal Panic!.

Similarly, Rygart’s journey of navigating political intrigue and confronting prejudices endears him to audiences, reminiscent of following Sousuke’s unwavering morals in a morally ambiguous world. With its combination of thrilling action and thought-provoking themes, Broken Blade delivers an exceptional mecha military story that also touches on elements of romance.

RahXephon

Despite the fact that Tokyo is now enclosed within a massive spherical barrier, Ayato Kamina, a 17-year-old, finds his life completely disrupted when he becomes the target of enigmatic government agents.

This unexplainable assault brings him to the RahXephon – an enigmatic robot that establishes a unique bond with Ayato, involving parallel dimensions and musical themes. Similar to the complex universe created in Full Metal Panic!’s Mithril organization, RahXephon also presents a plethora of mysteries and secrets for viewers to unravel.

As Ayato takes control of RahXephon in combat, thrilling mech scenes and unexpected plot developments will please followers of Sousuke’s journey. Additionally, the budding romantic chemistry between Ayato and Reika Mishima is reminiscent of the push-and-pull dynamic between Kaname and Sousuke.

8. Anime: Darling in the FranXX

Darling in the FranXX (Image via Trigger and A-1 Pictures)

In a dystopian society where mankind resides in moving plantations after an apocalypse, children are trained to serve as weapon pilots known as “Parasites”in order to combat colossal creatures known as Klaxosaurs. The story of Darling in the FranXX centers on Squad 13, with a special emphasis on Zero Two, a formidable Parasite, and Hiro, a novice pilot who was previously considered a disappointment until he is paired with her.

Despite appearing to be an unlikely pair, the two make a powerful team. Darling in the FranXX blends high-octane battles against the Klaxosaurs with the blossoming love story of Hiro and Zero Two.

Viewers who were captivated by Sousuke’s abilities as a pilot of the Arbalest would be intrigued by Hiro’s journey to master the piloting of Strelizia with assistance from Zero Two. The show also delves into themes of identity and the challenges that come with being raised for the sole purpose of fighting, mirroring Sousuke’s own struggles with emotional development.

9. 86

In a different world, the Republic of San Magnolia fights against unmanned drones from the Giadian Empire. Leading the “86th unit”is young Major Vladilena Milizé, a special team made up of Eighty-six soldiers.

The Eighty-Sixers are viewed as tools rather than people, controlled from a distance to fight against the drones on the front lines. While conversing with the commander of the 86th unit, Shinei Nouzen, newly-assigned Lena is deeply touched by the strong connections among the team and their unwavering strength in the midst of seemingly futile and self-sacrificial missions.

As Lena raises concerns about the Republic’s ethical treatment of the Eighty Sixers as expendable soldiers, she develops a stronger bond with the resolute and suspicious Shinei. Fans of Full Metal Panic! who appreciated the comradery between Mithril members and the moral dilemmas faced by Tessa would discover similar stimulating themes in the 86 series.

10. Aldnoah.Zero

In the alternate timeline of Aldnoah.Zero, humans have successfully established colonies on Mars and are now facing a declaration of war from the Vers Empire. The story focuses on the journeys of Princess Asseylum of Vers and Terran pilot Inaho Kaizuka.

Despite a terrorist attack causing tension between the planets, Inaho’s strategic brilliance allows him to confront the formidable “Aldnoah”technology wielded by the Martians. The return of the supposedly deceased Asseylum and her involvement with influential figures on Mars becomes entangled with Earth’s desperate struggle for survival.

Aldnoah.Zero provides thrilling action for Full Metal Panic! enthusiasts with its strategic battles featuring mechanized robots known as Kataphrakts. In addition, viewers will admire Inaho’s strategic thinking as he employs chess-like tactics to outsmart adversaries with more advanced weaponry.

Conclusion

Despite its age, Full Metal Panic! remains a beloved and influential anime, known for its thrilling action and heartwarming romance. Its unique blend of humor, emotion, and mecha combat has paved the way for the rise of high school mecha anime in the industry.

The list of 10 recommended anime mentioned above share common elements with Full Metal Panic!. Whether you are looking for a blend of school life and covert operations, political scheming intertwined with mecha combat, or heartwarming teenage love stories amidst high-stakes conflicts, these suggestions cater to the varied interests of Full Metal Panic! enthusiasts.

10 best anime to watch if you like Gurren Lagann
10 best mecha anime that you can’t afford to miss
10 most popular original anime series of all time
5 anime to watch for the plot (and 5 anime fans love for the characters)

10 Recommended Anime Similar to Full Metal Panic!