Although Transformers has taken over the market of transforming robots, there's a lot more that Mecha Anime has to offer. From robots that can pack a punch to ones that become the main characters' best friends, these series have captivated audiences with new ways of looking at transforming robots.

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Some have become main characters in their own right, or at the very least played an enormous role in the main character's development. Not all these Anime are centered around robots, but the design and impact of these transformations make for worthy picks.

10 Murasame Liger Arrives As Zoids Dies

Arashi From The Series Zoids: Wild Riding On His Liger

While most Mecha Anime have robots in the shape of humans, Zoids is one of few with robots taking the shape of animals. These robotic animals make an interesting change in the series Zoids Genesis, sadly considered the "franchise killer" for Zoids. The only great thing to come from it was the Murasame Liger, which could change forms and abilities to match its opponent.

The concept of a robot utilizing nanotechnology to rebuild itself in the heat of battle is thrilling⁠. If only the storyline and characters could have kept up with that, Zoids Genesis could have been great. Nonetheless, the Murasame Liger remains a remarkable transforming robot.

9 Phoron's One-Man-Orchestra Makes A Musical Debut

The Cast Of Polyphonica: Crimson S

Polyphonica: Crimson S (aka Shinkyoku Soukai Polyphonica) might not be as popular as other Anime, but the series' creative idea of using the power of music to tame and control wild spirits is interesting enough in itself. It also does include a very peculiar mech.

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The main character Phoron has a weapon called the "one-man-orchestra" which he uses to transform a motorbike while in use. It's a go-to tactic the character has ready when he's on the road and something that has never been seen before.

8 A Dancing Fuego Charges The Rebellion

Rin Ogata From Rideback Riding On Fuego

In the semi-futuristic series Rideback, the fictional people of Japan are under the reign of the oppressive government, the GGP, and their only hope becomes a fallen ballerina on a transforming motorcycle called a Rideback. These machines are mainly used for sport, as a hostile weapon of control, or for the rising rebellion, the BMA.

These high-speed and powerful machines are the rebellion's only weapon to fight against the government and have a supernatural way of reaching into the rider's soul. The robot-motorbikes transform from regular bikes to bipedal robots in a flash. The recurring Rideback, Fuego, syncs with our heroine's movements, including her formerly revered ballet skills, which work flawlessly in battle. This syncing between Fuego and its rider, Rin, beautifully reflects the plot and character development.

7 A Forgotten Pook Threatens The Gang

Anime astro-boy (1)

Although Astro Boy may be a bit old for some, its impact on the sci-fi genre can't be ignored. Surely everyone knows or is at least familiar with the character Astro Boy, but there's one character who's been completely forgotten.

Back in the 1980 version of the series, there was the character Pook, formerly known as Bobo, a shape-shifting robot who could transform into anything. Considering this character was an antagonist within the series, his presence is pretty scary. With the episodes lost to time, one can only imagine how this transforming ability could have endangered Astro Boy and his friends.

6 A Deadly Knightmare Frame Reigns Over The Skies

Lelouch from Code Geass

Granted, Code Geass: Lelouch of The Rebellion is not popular for its battling robots, but the mechs certainly can't be ignored. There is one robot in the series known to have transforming abilities: the Tristan. This fighting robot called a Knightmare Frame is seventh-generation tech from the overpowered Holy Britannian Empire. The empire's advanced arsenal of military technology is what put them in power in the first place, and the Tristan is on a whole other level.

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With more speed and power, and a smoother design than older generations, the Tristan transforms from the shape of a battle Knight to a fighter jet in seconds, and in mid-air to boot. It comes equipped with machine guns, a powerful energy blast, and a double-edged scythe to be prepared for any foe.

5 LFOs Soar Higher Than Any Mech Before

Renton Thurston And Eureka Standing Atop A LFO

The LFOs were the perfect addition to the remarkable sci-fi series Eureka Seven. Coupled with the extraordinary idea of riding waves of energy in the sky, the multi-functionality of the LFO's design is something unique in Mecha Anime. Even though half the fun is to see what crazy idea will be thought up next, it's nice to see that there's more of a purpose to this transformation.

While riding the waves in the sky, hover technology makes for a smoother ride. Closer to the ground, the waves are weaker and won't provide any support, which would mean trouble if not for the "land mode" the LFOs have. Some lucky LFOs can even transform into fighter jets, which could make for an even stronger and faster flight when flown by the right pilot.

4 Voltron Stands To Defend Once More

The Paladins Stand Before Voltron

The great defender of the Universe has gone through various forms, but fans took to the robotic lions much better than any other. With all the lore and new abilities that came with Dreamworks' version, it's no wonder Voltron: Legendary Defender was a huge success.

The five lions each have strength, character, and lore all on their own, but combine to make Voltron immensely more powerful. Although it's not a first to see this idea of combining robots to create a more powerful one, it's the series' lore and purpose that make it so thrilling. The characters of the series are also a part of that success⁠ — their development as fighters and working as a team to defeat the villains make it impactful. There's a purpose behind the transformations, both with each lion and its pilot as well as with Voltron itself. It's exciting to see all its capabilities throughout the series.

3 The Deadly Red Glow of The Unicorn Gundam

The Unicorn Gundam Charging Up A Deadly Attack

Gundam has stood the test of time, and the giant mechs — the Gundams — are what's keeping the series going. Not all transform, but the ones that do have set the bar high, especially the Unicorn Gundam from Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn.

There are many transforming mechs throughout the franchise; the Wing Gundam could fully transform into a high-speed cruising mode, and the Epyon, could transform into a dragon. The Unicorn is unique to the Gundam universe since its powered-up transformation and ominous red glow are terrifyingly effective in battle and never seen before in the franchise.

2 Aquarion Shakes Up The Mecha Mold

The Cast Of Genesis Of Aquarion Stands Before The Mech Aquarion

Although the series is not so well-known, Genesis of Aquarion deserves recognition for its original approach to a transforming mech. Sure, the general idea of three separate fighters combining into one powerful robot is nothing new, even when the series was released. However, Aquarion is unique in the extra step it takes to be clever and original.

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Rather than three pilots combining into the same giant robot, the variations can change, and therefore the abilities and attacks change also. The lore is also unique, needing three people to balance out each other spiritually and mentally on top of learning to work as a team.

1 Gurren Lagann Spirals To The Top

The Cast Of Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann Stands Before Gurren Lagann

Simultaneously riveting and outrageous, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann made a huge impact on fans in 2007. All the giant mechs, called "Gunmen," can transform, but the most unique is Gurren Lagann. The giant robot is the combination of Gurren, acting as the torso and limbs, and Lagann, the cockpit and head. What's unique about this combination is the characters had no idea that was even possible until Kamina, decided to give it a try on a whim.

With the use of cosmic powers, Lagann can combine and upgrade with any other Gunmen or their parts to take on new abilities. Like most transforming robots, Gurren Lagann transforms for different terrain and use, and although there is a crucial syncing between the pilot and the machine, it's not as complicated as in other series.

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