The mecha genre, tracing its roots back to the late 1950s, serves as a testament to the timeless ingenuity of anime. Not only is it one of the most longstanding and varied genres, but it also holds great significance in the history of anime. Many creators have utilized it as a means to portray the harsh truths of war, often through the perspective of young protagonists, leaving a lasting impression on the medium.
Despite the overwhelming number of mecha anime series, there are still plenty of top-quality options to choose from. Whether you’re new to the genre or a dedicated fan, there is a diverse range of mecha anime waiting to be explored, each with its own captivating story and style. It’s not just about giant robots, but a medium that addresses numerous modern issues and societal themes, making it a relevant and compelling choice for all.
Below is a compilation of the top ten mecha anime that are a must-watch:
Promare
Thirty years ago, a catastrophic event devastated half of the world, resulting in a mutation that gave rise to a new race known as the Burnish. These individuals possess the ability to manipulate and control fire. As a response, the ‘Burning Rescue’ fire squad was established to combat fires caused by the Burnish. The story begins with the introduction of Galo, the newest member of Burning Rescue. Galo is a fiery and passionate individual who wields the ‘Matoi-Tech,’ a tool named after the ‘matoi’ banners used by firefighting units during the Edo period. His encounter with Lio, the leader of a Burnish terrorist group known as Mad Burnish, sets the narrative in motion.
9. Eureka 7 Anime Series
In a dystopian society, 14-year-old Renton, the son of a renowned figure, finds himself joining the rebel GekkoState ship in opposition to a tyrannical government. He becomes the co-pilot of a unique mecha TypeZero, alongside a mysterious young woman. However, he soon discovers that the seemingly innocent group of mercenaries is hiding a dark truth, and he unknowingly becomes entangled in a larger plan.
Darling in the Franxx
In a dystopian society where monstrous creatures have pushed humanity to the brink of extinction, a team of young boys and girls is formed to protect the world. Despite being a former prodigy, Hiro loses his ability to connect with his assigned partner. However, everything changes when he encounters Zero Two, who invites him to join her as a “Darling.”Together with their fellow Parasites, they battle against the Klaxosaurs and confront the mysteries surrounding their enemies and humanity’s darkest secrets, breaking free from their sheltered upbringing.
7th Flcl
Despite living in a city where nothing out of the ordinary ever occurs, 12-year-old Naota Nandaba’s life is about to be forever changed. It all begins when he meets a mysterious woman on a Vespa who wields a large guitar. This peculiar encounter with Haruko Haruhara, a pink-haired psychopath, leaves Naota with tire tracks on his back and a giant horn on his head. Little does he know, he is now a part of the biggest battle for dominance that the Earth, and possibly the entire universe, has ever experienced.
6. Macross Frontier
In the year 2059, humanity and the Zentradi join forces to colonize planets through the use of advanced warp fold technology. As the Macross Frontier fleet approaches the center of the universe, a formidable new enemy known as the Vajra emerges. Struggling with bureaucratic obstacles and outdated weapons, the military is unable to protect the Frontier, leaving the responsibility in the hands of the private security contractor SMS. Alongside the young and ambitious ex-kabuki actor pilot Alto Saotome, galactic superstar singer Sheryl Nome, and cheerful quarter-Zentradi schoolgirl Ranka Lee, these individuals become the key players in the ultimate battle for survival.
5.86
For nine years, the Republic of San Magnolia has been engaged in a war against the Giadian Empire. In this conflict, both sides rely on unmanned drones to carry out attacks without risking human casualties. However, a group of young men and women, known as the Eighty-Six, are forced to pilot these “unmanned”weapons, stripped of their humanity. On the battlefield, Shinn leads a squad of Eighty-Sixers known as the “Spearhead”, while Lena acts as their commander from a safe distance, utilizing special communication. This is the story of their ongoing struggle.
Code Geass
After the Brittannian Empire invaded Japan using mobile humanoid armor vehicles known as ‘Knightmare Frames,’ the country was rebranded as “Area 11.”Lelouch Lamperouge, a clever prince exiled from the Britannian Royal Family, is determined to bring down the Empire. By chance, he meets a mysterious woman named C.C. who grants him the power of Geass, allowing him to manipulate others. With this new ability, Lelouch takes on the persona of the masked terrorist Zero and begins a war against Britannia, bringing his dream of its destruction closer to reality.
Mobile Suit Gundam
In the year Universal Century 0079, the Earth Federation is at war with the space colonies, who are being led by the Principality of Zeon. In one of these colonies, the Earth Federation is conducting tests on a new piloted robot, the RX-78 Gundam, to use in their battle against Zeon. Unexpectedly, the Gundam is thrust into a life-or-death situation, manned by a civilian pilot and an untested crew. Despite the odds, they must escape Zeon’s grasp and deliver the RX-78 to Earth, as the outcome of the war could depend on it.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Evangelion, a staple in the world of mecha anime, is not a show for the faint of heart. It is complex and can be difficult to comprehend. Set fifteen years after the catastrophic event known as the Second Impact, the series follows the story of Shinji Ikari, a teenage boy who is recruited by his father Gendo to join the enigmatic organization Nerv. His role? To pilot a massive biomechanical mecha, known as an Evangelion, and help the Nerv members in their fight against the Angels, who are determined to cause further destruction. In their battle, they must also uncover the true reasons behind these events and the driving force behind human behavior.
1 . Gurren Lagann
Despite living in a dystopian future where humanity is suppressed by an army of mutants and forced to reside underground in their secluded village, Kamina and Simon both feel constrained by the rules set by their village elder. However, their lives take an unexpected turn when Simon discovers a remarkable device and their village is suddenly attacked. With the help of their lively comrade Kamina, skilled sharpshooter Yoko, and other allies, they embark on a mission to rebel against the tyrannical Spiral King and reclaim the surface using the power of their newfound robot.
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