The mecha anime subgenre is spreading its roots in the landscape by providing awe-inspiring battles between colossal robotic machines piloted by humans. Over the years, this genre has delivered an impressive array of riveting adventurous stories that have captured the imagination of anime enthusiasts worldwide.

From the mind-bending psychological journey of “Neon Genesis Evangelion” to the political intrigue of “Code Geass,” each series promises an unforgettable adventure into the world of mechanical marvels. In today’s article, we’ll take a look at some of the best mecha anime. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

10. Knights Of Sidonia

Contrary to most of its predecessors, Knights of Sidonia debuted on Netflix as an original anime. The series received positive reviews for its unique art style and space opera setting. Knights of Sidonia takes place a thousand years after Earth has been destroyed by an alien race called Gauna.

The only survivors are those who live on a giant spaceship called Sidonia, which is constantly under attack by the Gauna. The story follows Nagate Tanikaze, an outcast who has a talent for an antiquated brand of mecha that proves to be the most dependable line of defense against the aliens.

9. Full Metal Panic!

Based on a light novel series, this mecha anime by Kyoto Animation follows the 17-year-old Sousuke Sagara, a member of an anti-terrorist private military organization. For his new assignment, he’s tasked with protecting a spirited Japanese High school girl while studying alongside her.

With a ton of military experience and very few social skills, Sousuke finds it difficult to get along in school life. Despite being seen as a military maniac by his classmates, Sousuke gives it all to complete the task at hand no matter what he has to deal with.

8. Eureka Seven

Studio Bones’ Eureka Seven is one of the highest-quality mecha anime out there. The series sees the coming-of-age story of Renton Thurston, a 14-year-old who desires to leave his home behind and join the outlaw group Gekkostate, hoping to find some adventure to brighten up his mundane life.

As luck has it, Renton’s wish for a more exciting life is granted when a giant robot crashes into his house, giving him the chance to join the group he admires so much. Joined by enigmatic mecha pilot Eureka, Renton sets out to find out the truth about Coralians, a race of alien beings.

7. 86 (Eighty-Six)

Military sci-fi mecha anime by A1 Pictures, 86 is a war drama set in a fictional world where the Republic of San Magnolia is at war with the Empire of Giad. While the Republic uses unmanned drones called “Legion” to fight the war, the Empire uses human soldiers.

The series follows Lena Milizé, a young woman who is the “Handler” for a military group called Eighty-Six. Handlers are responsible for remotely controlling the Legion drones, and Lena is determined to help the Eighty-Six win the war and achieve freedom.

6. Promare

Promare serves as a cornerstone work of anime by Trigger that boasts the studio’s trademark stylized visuals full of vibrant colors, dynamic action sequences, and detailed character designs. The film is set in a futuristic world where a race of flame-wielding mutants called Burnish has appeared.

Galo Thymos, a young firefighter, joins the Burning Rescue team to fight the Burnish and protect the innocent. Soon, Galo sets out on his fated journey to find the truth about these mutants, ultimately leading him to question everything he previously held to be true.

5. Ghost In The Shell

Ghost in the Shell is a cyberpunk anime franchise lauded for its action, drama, and sci-fi elements blended with dark and psychological themes. Featuring a female lead, this mecha anime series explores the norms of a cyborg-human society.

Set in the post-apocalyptic dystopian world where technology is increasingly blurring the lines between humans and robots, the film follows cyborg policewoman Major Motoko Kusanagi who investigates a mysterious hacker known as the Puppet Master.

4. Mobile Suit Gundam

One of Sunrise’s most celebrated franchises Mobile Suit Gundam has helped to shape the mecha genre as we know it today. Debuting in 1979, the franchise spawned several anime sequels, video games, and other media that revolutionized the industry and inspired every mecha anime that came afterward.

Mobile Suit Gundam is set in the Universal Century (UC) timeline and focuses on the war between the Earth Federation and Zeon. A gifted teenage pilot and a giant humanoid robot known as “Gundam” are the Federation’s only hope to make it through the warfare.

3. Code Geass

Code Geass emphasizes the political and moral turmoil between three dominions – Holy Britannian Empire, Chinese Federation, and European Union. The story follows Lelouch Lamperouge, the exiled prince of Britannia, who swears to take revenge on the empirical state for destroying his homeland.

After obtaining the “power of absolute disobedience” through his supernatural ability known as Geass and aided by high-powered mechs, Lelouch leads a rebellion against the rule of the Holy Britannian Empire to bring it down once and for all.

2. Gurren Lagann

From the makers of “Neon Genesis Evangelion”, Gurren Lagann is an original mecha anime that follows Simon, a shy and extremely withdrawn boy who is initially afraid to stand up for himself, but eventually turns into a badass leader by the end.

Taking place in a fictional future where mankind is forced to live under the rule of the Spiral King, two friends, Simon and Kamina, become the symbols of rebellion. They pilot a giant mecha called “Gurren Lagann” and fight their way to the surface, where they unite with other humans to liberate the planet.

1. Neon Genesis Evangelion

Neon Genesis Evangelion is one of the most critically acclaimed mecha anime to be ever made. The series is a perfect picturization of a psychological drama seen through the eyes of the protagonist in a dystopian setting where monstrous celestial beings called “Angels” have invaded the futuristic city of Tokyo-3.

Shinji Ikari, a reluctant young man joins a small squad of pilots under the command of his cold and dictatorial father to drive back the angelic threat using giant humanoid bio-machines named “Evangelions” that seem to have minds of their own! Notably, there are several Hollywood movies inspired by anime of NGE.

Which one of the following mecha anime is your favorite? Feel free to comment down your thoughts and make sure to recommend some other anime like the ones listed above, also don’t forget to share this article with your fellow otaku friends.

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