There is limitless storytelling potential in the anime industry. The versatile and fearless medium of animation has only become more ambitious over time and it’s led to an abundance of content that caters towards every audience imaginable. The heightened action that’s created through the mecha genre, where humans pilot incredible machines in combat, has helped it become one of the medium’s most popular series.
There are a broad range of mecha anime series that all have different priorities, whether it’s the visuals, battle choreography, or mecha designs. However, there are lots of mecha anime where the writing is the series’ strongest asset and leaves the greatest impression.
10 Neon Genesis Evangelion Looks Into The Abyss With Its Oppressive Apocalypse
Neon Genesis Evangelion is one of the more popular anime series to break through to the mainstream and get the attention of many audiences who might otherwise avoid the medium. Neon Genesis Evangelion certainly delivers when it comes to the mecha combat and the titular Evangelion can go up against some of the most unique villains from any mecha series.
The real masterstroke of the series is how director Hideaki Anno channels his own depression and existential malaise into the daunting apocalypse that consumes its characters, particularly the beleaguered protagonist, Shinji Ikari. It’s decades later and there are still only a few anime that cut as deep as Neon Genesis Evangelion.
9 Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team Is Mecha Storytelling Without The Theatrics
It’s hard to touch upon anime’s mecha genre and not mention Mobile Suit Gundam in some capacity. This prolific mecha franchise has transformed in important ways over the years, many of which prioritize dramatic storytelling and complex characters over giant robot theatrics.
Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team from 1996 is way ahead of the curve in terms of telling a deeply grounded examination of humanity that just so happens to exist within the Gundam universe. The 12-episode OVA looks at a brutal war for power where no one comes across as a villain. The 08th MS Team highlights the casualties of war in a way that wasn’t yet prevalent in the Gundam franchise.
8 Gurren Lagann Is As Visually Beautiful As It Is Thoughtful And Contemplative
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann is a breathtaking mecha story of oppression that’s put together by many of the people who would go on to create the animation studio, TRIGGER – their trademark art style is absolutely on display in Gurren Lagann. This series explores a lot of themes and characters that are prevalent in mecha series, but there’s a passion for it all that shines through.
It’s also a series that isn’t afraid to poke fun at itself and the mecha genre as a whole when it comes to the grandiose nature of the robots that fuel this genre. The ultimate mecha in Gurren Lagann is literally the size of a universe, which establishes quite a precedent.
7 Code Geass Is A Heartbreaking Look Into How Power Corrupts
Code Geass is one of the more subversive anime series to come along from the past decade and it helped pave the way for current series like Attack on Titan when it comes to heroic protagonists who are pushed down dark paths. Code Geass makes prevalent use of mecha, and they're the baseline tool of destruction in the territorial war that breaks out.
That said, Code Geass finds success with the introduction of a tool that's much more powerful and ultimately becomes proof that Lelouch isn't above corruption when he's given the power to make it happen.
6 RahXephon Looks Deep And Gets Dark With Its Robotic Burdens
RahXephon is a 26-episode mecha anime from the early 2000s that's slipped through the cracks for many people, but it very much feels like a successor to Neon Genesis Evangelion. Ayato is a put-upon a teenage protagonist who's burdened with the task of piloting the mighty RahXephon against an alien invasion, yet Ayato struggles to get by in his everyday life.
RahXephon is a bold blend of action, music, and deep character studies. RahXephon doesn't have the same notoriety as Neon Genesis Evangelion, but a lot of people consider it to be the superior series simply because it's better at reining in the heavy, nihilistic themes that are in play.
5 Full Metal Panic! Lets Its Lighter Sensibilities Rise As It Has Fun With The Mecha Genre
There’s definitely a tendency for many mecha anime series to take themselves a little too seriously and get lost in the cold, dour nature of machines and warfare. Full Metal Panic! is a strong example of how mecha material can act as the springboard for other ideas and different genres.
This anime doesn’t belittle the mecha concept, but its sense of humor and ability to create suspense is just as precise as its action instincts. An anti-terrorist military organization that’s full of mecha are tasked with the protection of a precocious high school girl, which turns into their most difficult mission yet.
4 Gunbuster Is A Staggering Look Into The Heavy Weight Of War
Gunbuster is a six-episode OVA series from the late ‘80s that feels like Gainax’s trial run for Neon Genesis Evangelion, right down to Hideaki Anno leading the production. Gunbuster concludes with a galactic spectacle where hordes of aliens are taken on by giant robots, but the best parts of this series are its intensive look into the training process to become a mecha pilot.
Gunbuster, as well as its sequel successor Diebuster, do an excellent job with how they highlight how war is a commitment that can completely take over somebody’s life and alienate them from their loved ones even after they’ve returned from the battlefield.
3 The Vision Of Escaflowne Recontextualizes Mecha Through The Isekai Lens
The mecha genre frequently skews more towards a male audience and can be seen as an antidote to magical girl and fantasy content. The Vision of Escaflowne is such a unique vehicle because it begins like any other isekai series once Hitomi gets magically whisked away to a fantasy kingdom.
Hitomi becomes an important player in the war that this nation, Gaea, is lost in. Fantasy, politics, and even romance dominate in this series where the titular mecha fulfills the role of a prince’s dragon as well as a gallant knight.
2 Eureka Seven Breaks From The Mecha Mold With Its Exciting Adventure
Eureka Seven is an underrated science fiction-adventure hybrid that got lost in the shuffle during the 2000s. Eureka Seven is another mecha series where the most interesting things about it are the evolving relationships between the mecha pilots.
Those that appreciate unique and detailed mecha designs will absolutely love Eureka Seven, which really goes above and beyond with the different mecha that are present. At 50 episodes, Eureka Seven is more of a commitment than some other mecha series, but it doesn't squander this time and it's able to build to greater emotional heights as a result.
1 Re:Creators Blurs The Lines Between Fantasy And Reality With Its Meta Material
Re:Creators is an inventive twist on the isekai genre that's only more relevant today in an age where multiverse and franchise crossovers are increasingly the norm. Re:Creators looks at the invasion of multiple fictional characters from anime, manga, video games, and beyond who come into the real world as a destructive force threatens all existence.
Mecha becomes a valuable tool in this war, but there's so much more at play in Re:Creators as it effortlessly blends multiple genres and character tropes. It's an enlightening commentary on the creative process and fandom.