For many in the West, their first taste of mecha came through the popular Transformers series. However, this is merely a small slice of the mecha genre’s rich and expansive history.
Mecha anime has been a significant part of Japanese pop culture for over fifty years, with its origins tracing back to even earlier manga.
Trailblazing titles like Mitsuteru Yokoyama’s Giant Robo and Go Nagai’s Mazinger Z set the stage for legendary series such as Gundam and Neon Genesis Evangelion.
Despite its longstanding presence, mecha anime remains somewhat niche. Each anime season typically features only a handful of mecha series, and those that aren’t part of well-known franchises often fly under the radar.
This scarcity can make it challenging for new fans to handle the genre and discover noteworthy titles beyond the mainstream hits.
For newcomers eager to explore mecha anime, a guide to the genre’s standout series can be invaluable. From the genre-defining classics to contemporary favorites, familiarizing oneself with these key titles can provide a deeper appreciation for mecha anime’s unique and enduring appeal.
Understanding these essential series helps in grasping the full scope of what makes the mecha genre so special.
1) FLCL
FLCL is often described as a surreal and chaotic anime that blends bizarre comedy with deep philosophical themes.
Seen as an avant-garde masterpiece, the series demands multiple viewings to fully grasp its layers of meaning.
While some viewers may find it pretentious or overly focused on style, its unique approach has cemented its place in the anime world.
Opinions on FLCL vary widely, from those who love it to those who are indifferent or even dislike it. Regardless of these differing views, the 2000 OVA series and its more controversial sequels have established FLCL as an important entry in the mecha genre.
Its storytelling is unlike anything else, featuring unforgettable moments such as robots emerging from the protagonist’s forehead, which set it apart from other anime.
The significance of FLCL in mecha anime cannot be overstated. It breaks traditional boundaries and offers a unique viewing experience that combines absurdity with profound insights.
This distinctive blend ensures that FLCL remains a landmark series, remembered and discussed for its innovative approach and lasting impact on audiences.
2) Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex
When the series based on the renowned Ghost in the Shell movie was announced in 2002, many fans were unsure about its potential.
However, with Yutaka Maseba producer of beloved anime such as Akira, Trigun, and Sailor Moon at the helm, the project had strong backing.
Stand Alone Complex quickly won over fans with its amazing storyline. The series followed Section 9, a special police force dealing with complex and distinctive villains, including the infamous The Laughing Man.
Its well-crafted story and deep character development set it apart and earned it widespread acclaim.
The success of Stand Alone Complex led to the creation of multiple sequels and spin-offs, all preserving the original’s high standard.
The series’ mix of gripping action and intricate plots helped it maintain its popularity and secure a lasting place in anime history.
3) Gargantia On The Verdurous Planet
Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet is set in a future where humanity leaves a dying Earth to live in space. In this new era, humans form an alliance and brainwash their soldiers to focus only on fighting alien enemies.
One of these soldiers, Ledo, crashes back on Earth and finds that the water-covered planet still supports life. As Ledo interacts with the locals, he starts to question everything he was taught about his mission and his role.
The anime is notable for its detailed world-building, creating a rich and immersive environment. While there are action scenes throughout the series, its true strength lies in exploring the world and its history.
The story examines the remnants of human civilization and how they have adapted to their new reality.
Ledo, the main character, is portrayed as a grounded and relatable figure. His transformation from a brainwashed soldier to someone who begins to think independently is shown realistically.
As Ledo learns more about Earth and its inhabitants, his development becomes a key part of the series, making it both engaging and thought-provoking.
4) SSSS.Gridman
SSSS.Gridman can be a hit-or-miss for viewers, primarily because of its central antagonist, Akane Shinjou. Akane dominates the series with the most substantial character growth and is the key force driving the storyline.
If her character doesn’t resonate with someone, they may find the show less engaging. Conversely, those who find Akane compelling are likely to enjoy the series much more.
The anime showcases the Gridman mecha in action against a range of creative kaiju monsters. These battles are brought to life with stunning animation and an impressive soundtrack, making them visually and sonically appealing.
Although the series takes a while to find its rhythm, it gains momentum in the latter half as it explores Akane’s character more deeply.
While Akane is well-developed, the protagonist of SSSS.Gridman lacks depth and mainly functions as a plot device.
This difference in character development can affect viewers’ enjoyment, but the high-quality animation and music help keep the series engaging throughout.
5) Promare
Promare is a dynamic film from Studio Trigger, known for its energetic and bold style. Released in 2019, the movie depicts a world where a group called the “Burnish” faces discrimination.
The plot centers on two individuals from opposing backgrounds who unite to protect the planet from impending disaster.
The film is packed with high-octane action and visual flair. It engages viewers with its striking animation and lively soundtrack, providing an exhilarating viewing experience.
The combination of vivid colors and upbeat music ensures that the film grabs attention and keeps it throughout.
Featuring impressive mecha battles, charismatic characters, and a well-crafted setting, Promare stands out for its visual and auditory impact.
It’s a vibrant and thrilling ride, making it a must-watch for fans of high-energy, action-filled anime.
6) Knights Of Sidonia
Knights of Sidonia was the first anime to debut exclusively on Netflix, and it encountered some initial challenges, primarily due to its use of 3D CG animation.
This style of animation is often polarizing among viewers, but it complements the series’ sci-fi and mecha themes, especially in the cold, vast expanse of space.
The plot follows a young, isolated protagonist who excels in operating an older type of mecha, which proves essential for humanity’s defense against an alien threat.
The show features intense and dynamic battle scenes that are a highlight of the series. Beyond its action-packed sequences, Knights of Sidonia offers a deeper exploration of humanity’s future.
The story is set in a distant future where the remnants of Earth’s population have established a colony on an asteroid.
This setting combines remarkable technological achievements with a complex power structure among its inhabitants.
The series uses this backdrop to build a rich story that goes beyond the typical mecha genre, adding layers of social and political intrigue.
Knights of Sidonia successfully blends high-energy mecha battles with an in-depth look at humanity’s evolution.
While its 3D CG animation may not appeal to everyone, it effectively conveys the series’ futuristic and harsh space environment.
By merging traditional mecha action with thoughtful storytelling about society and technology, the show stands out as a distinct and engaging addition to the anime.
7) Bokurano
Bokurano takes a realistic look at the mecha genre by exploring how large-scale battles with giant robots and monstrous creatures would affect the world.
In this series, a group of children is chosen to pilot a powerful robot to defend Earth from these threats. The grim twist is that the pilots are doomed to die as a result of their mission.
The show is known for its dark and intense atmosphere, which can be both challenging and amazing. Although Bokurano has some weaknesses, like characters that aren’t fully developed, its most moving and dramatic moments make it worth watching.
The series effectively shows the heavy emotional impact and moral consequences of its story. Bokurano stands out with its serious and grounded take on the mecha genre.
Even with its flaws, its powerful and emotionally charged scenes provide a compelling experience for viewers who appreciate a more somber and thought-provoking approach to giant robot anime.
8) The Vision Of Escaflowne
The Vision of Escaflowne is a distinctive anime that combines multiple genres to tell an amazing story.
It intertwines fantasy, romance, and mecha action, centering on Hitomi, a girl with the ability to foresee the future.
Transported to the mystical world of Gaea by Van, a king, Hitomi finds herself at the heart of a significant conflict that will shape the destiny of this new world.
Van, utilizing a powerful mecha named Escaflowne, is a pivotal figure in this struggle. Premiering in the 1990s, The Vision of Escaflowne has earned its place as a cherished classic.
Although its animation and art style may appear dated compared to today’s standards, the series remains visually appealing, thanks to its thoughtful design and memorable scenes.
What truly sets the anime apart is its timeless story, which continues to resonate with viewers, maintaining its relevance and appeal over the years.
The enduring popularity of The Vision of Escaflowne speaks to its engaging story and unforgettable characters.
Hitomi’s adventure in Gaea, her foresight abilities, and the epic battles involving Escaflowne create a compelling watch.
The anime’s successful fusion of different genres and its rich, immersive world have firmly established it as a cult favorite among anime fans.
9) Gunbuster
Gunbuster was Hideaki Anno’s first anime as a director, setting the stage for his future successes like Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water and Neon Genesis Evangelion.
This OVA series is notable for blending sci-fi robot action with deep characters, social themes, and a nod to the Aim for the Ace! tennis manga.
Gunbuster balances these elements well, creating an engaging and seamless story. Even though it is short, Gunbuster achieves a lot.
The storyline moves smoothly, leading to a powerful and unforgettable climax. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is both amazing and thought-provoking, making it a lasting favorite.
The high-quality animation and dynamic action scenes further enhance the series, keeping it prominent in the genre.
The sequel, Diebuster, does not quite match Gunbuster’s story depth but excels in action and visual appeal. While its story isn’t as strong, Diebuster amazes viewers with its thrilling and visually stunning scenes.
Gunbuster and Diebuster offer different experiences: Gunbuster is known for its storytelling, while Diebuster stands out for its vibrant and energetic action.
10) Star Driver
Star Driver maintains a steady and unique style from its opening episode, and it sticks to this approach throughout its run. Viewers who aren’t hooked by the early episodes might find the series isn’t to their taste.
The series unfolds on an island where advanced mecha, known as Cybodies, are only operable in a mystical world separate from reality.
A clandestine group aims to shatter the seal protecting the last shrine maiden to gain unrestricted access to these formidable machines. Takuto Tsunashi arrives to safeguard the maiden and becomes her carefree guardian.
The show primarily revolves around Takuto battling members of this secretive group, following a fairly predictable pattern.
Despite the formulaic approach, the series is kept fresh and engaging thanks to its vibrant animation, dynamic soundtrack, and charismatic characters, which help maintain viewer interest.
11) The Big O
The Big O is an anime that became more popular in Western countries than in Japan. Its combination of neo-noir visuals and a charismatic main character appealed to audiences, especially during the era of shows like Batman: The Animated Series.
The story is set in a city where people have forgotten their past, exploring a world where everyone lives without knowing their history. This city, with no clear future, often sees dramatic battles with giant robots.
Roger Smith, the main character, often pilots one of these large mechs to maintain order in the city. Known for its dark and intriguing setting, The Big O mixes exciting mecha action with a unique atmosphere.
Its blend of noir style and giant robot drama makes it a memorable series for fans of the genre.
12) Magic Knight Rayearth
Magic Knight Rayearth uniquely combines elements of isekai, magical girl, and mecha anime, creating a distinctive and engaging ’90s cult classic.
The story revolves around three female protagonists, each with a strong, well-defined personality that grows and evolves as the series progresses.
This character development is a central strength of the show, keeping viewers invested in their journey. The series starts off with a lighthearted, comedic tone but isn’t afraid to venture into darker, more serious territory when the plot demands it.
This mix of humor and drama helps maintain a balanced and compelling story. Although Magic Knight Rayearth features mecha elements, they are not the primary focus, and the mecha fight scenes, while enjoyable, are not the highlight of the series.
Magic Knight Rayearth shines due to its character-driven storytelling and seamless integration of different genres.
The protagonists’ development and the shift between comedy and seriousness amaze the audience.
Despite the mecha aspect not being central, the show remains a beloved classic for its unique blend of genres and memorable characters.
13) Fafner
Fafner is an unusually lengthy anime that first aired in 2004 and has since expanded to include several sequel seasons and movies.
The story is set in a future where aliens have attacked and devastated Japan. It follows a group of teenagers who pilot giant robots to defend against these extraterrestrial threats, with strong support from their families.
What sets Fafner apart from many other mecha series is its focus on the relationships between the pilots and their parents.
The anime spends a considerable amount of time exploring these family dynamics, presenting them in a generally positive way.
This is different from other mecha shows like Neon Genesis Evangelion, which often portray these relationships in a more troubled or complex light.
Fafner combines its intense mecha action with a deeper exploration of family bonds, providing a unique and emotionally rich experience within the genre.
14) Giant Robo The Animation: The Day The Earth Stood Still
Giant Robo the Animation offers a unique take on the mecha genre by not making the Giant Robo robot the central focus.
Set in a world where a fantastical energy source drives a hidden, decade-long struggle, the series pits the sinister organization Big Fire against the noble Experts of Justice.
This group, comprising Earth’s finest warriors and a young boy who commands the Giant Robo, is at the heart of the ongoing conflict.
Although Giant Robo itself isn’t always in the spotlight, the anime is highly regarded as a classic in the mecha genre.
It is noted for its impressive production values, engaging characters, and well-crafted world-building. These aspects come together to create a compelling and memorable viewing experience.
The series gets better as it progresses, culminating in a particularly impactful final episode. This conclusion wraps up the long-standing battle with a sense of resolution, leaving a strong impression on its audience.
Despite the occasional sidelining of Giant Robo, the anime succeeds in delivering a amazing and rewarding story.
15) Brave Bang Bravern!
Brave Bang Bravern! may seem like a typical mecha anime at first, focusing on a military exercise where soldiers fight against advanced, alien-like enemies.
As humanity faces destruction, Isami Ao discovers a giant, colorful, and talkative robot named Bravern.
Despite his initial doubts, Isami decides to pilot Bravern, leading them to push back the invaders and starting a long war where humanity relies on the mysterious Super Robot.
The anime is known for its quirky and humorous dialogue, especially from Bravern, who often makes suggestive remarks.
Meanwhile, Isami is usually portrayed as nervous and flustered. Brave Bang Bravern! mixes a serious military mecha plot with elements from ’80s Super Robot shows, creating a blend that sometimes feels like a parody.
This combination of intense action and comedic moments gives the series a unique and engaging tone, despite occasional shifts in mood.
Although it has a funny side, the show also features many action-packed sequences that balance the lighter moments.
Bravern’s charismatic personality stands out, while characters like Isami and the American, Lewis Smith, add depth to the story.
Isami evolves from a nervous pilot into a skilled fighter, and Lewis adds extra interest to the cast, making him a memorable part of the series.
16) The King Of Braves GaoGaiGar
In the ’90s, as Transformers’ popularity began to wane, Sunrise and Takara developed the Brave franchise to capture some of that same magic.
This franchise includes eight distinct series, each set in its own unique timeline. It wasn’t until the final series, The King of Braves GaoGaiGar, that the franchise truly made a significant impact.
The story follows a child who arrives on Earth inside a powerful mecha lion and joins a team of heroes fighting against an alien invasion.
GaoGaiGar stands out for its high-energy action sequences. At first, the show follows a more episodic format with individual storylines, but it eventually evolves into a more serialized format.
This shift makes the later episodes more compelling and provides a deeper, more engaging experience for viewers.
The popularity of GaoGaiGar led to the creation of a spin-off called Betterman and a well-received sequel OVA series titled The King of Braves GaoGaiGar Final.
These additions expanded on the original show’s success, delivering even more thrilling battles and amazing stories that resonated with fans.
17) Mazinger Franchise
While Gundam reigns as the most popular mecha franchise, Mazinger is often seen as the most influential.
Created by Go Nagai, the Mazinger manga laid the foundation for the mecha genre by introducing the concept of giant robots piloted by humans.
This innovation makes Mazinger a landmark series that deserves to be mentioned alongside the greatest mecha titles.
However, recommending the Mazinger anime can be tricky due to its complicated continuity, limited availability, and the fact that it shows its age.
For those looking to explore Mazinger, starting with Go Nagai’s original manga is a solid choice, especially for fans familiar with his other works.
The 1972 anime series Mazinger Z is another potential entry point, as it holds a significant place in anime history.
However, it comes with the limitations of its time, including stiff animation, repetitive plots, and slow pacing. With 148 episodes, plus its sequel Great Mazinger, it can be a daunting watch.
A more accessible starting point might be the 1975 spin-off UFO Robot Grendizer. Set in the Mazinger world but following its own storyline, Grendizer features better action, world-building, and character development.
While still dated, it holds up better than Mazinger Z. Alternatively, the 2009 reboot Mazinger Edition Z: The Impact! offers a modern retelling of the original manga, blending elements from various series.
This reboot is generally well-received and provides a more approachable introduction to the Mazinger franchise for new viewers.
18) Space Runaway Ideon
Space Runaway Ideon originally aired in 1980 and concluded with the film The Ideon: Be Invoked in 1982. The story is set on a planet called Solo, where humanity battles an alien faction known as the Buff Clan.
This planet is important because it harbors a powerful energy source that both sides want to control.
From the beginning, the series adopts a somber and intense atmosphere, maintaining this tone throughout its episodes.
Although the anime is more than 40 years old and shows some signs of its age, its story and themes continue to resonate. The depth of its story remains engaging and impactful.
The concluding movie is also well-regarded, enhancing the significance of Space Runaway Ideon.
Despite its vintage, both the series and its film stand out for their strong storytelling and the depth of their thematic elements.
19) Getter Robo: Armageddon
Getter Robo stands out as a pioneering series in the super robot genre, mixing mecha with elements of superpowers and mythology.
Originally debuting as both an anime and manga in 1974, it made a significant impact on the genre. However, its classic version might feel dated to contemporary audiences.
Newcomers to the franchise might find the 2004 series New Getter Robo to be a more accessible and updated introduction.
Another key entry in the franchise is Getter Robo: Armageddon. This anime depicts humanity’s struggle against the Invaders, a race of shape-shifting aliens.
Set in a ravaged Earth that resembles a wasteland, the Getter team fights to survive and defeat their enemies.
The series starts strong with three exceptional episodes, though it encounters some issues when a change in director affects its consistency.
Despite this, it recovers in the later episodes and showcases some thrilling battle scenes. Getter Robo: Armageddon delivers a mix of high-octane action and an engaging storyline.
While the series experiences some fluctuations in quality, its dramatic battles and post-apocalyptic setting make it a standout installment in the Getter Robo series, particularly for fans who enjoy intense confrontations and epic battles.
20) Patlabor: The Mobile Police
Patlabor became a prominent franchise in the late ’80s and early ’90s, known for its OVAs, TV series, and two very different but well-regarded movies.
The series is set in an alternate world where robots are commonly used for various tasks. It follows a special division of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police that manages these robots.
This unit uses their own mechas, called Patlabors, to keep things under control. The TV series and the first film, Patlabor: The Movie, present exciting and engaging stories with a well-crafted cast of characters.
The TV episodes and movie focus on the daily challenges and missions of the task force, blending action and humor in a way that still feels fresh today.
The first film is especially notable for its gripping story and strong character interactions. On the other hand, Patlabor 2: The Movie takes a different approach, exploring more serious social and political topics.
Directed by Mamoru Oshii, who also created Ghost in the Shell, this movie explores complex themes, offering a deeper and more thought-provoking experience compared to the rest of the series.
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