The Gundam series, created in 1979 by Yoshiyuki Tomino, is one of the highest-grossing media franchises of all time. It's estimated to have generated a total of $20 billion. It spawned over a dozen anime series, movies, manga, and video games, and an entire industry of plastic Gundam models known as Gunpla. Gunpla, on its own, makes up 90 percent of Japanese character plastic-model sales.

Gundam is also responsible for the modern understanding of "giant robot" mecha anime. It was an inspiration for many other series to come out of both the East and West. Gundam has many beloved anime series in its canon, but some are better than others.

Updated by Sage Ashford on February 7th 2024: This list has been updated to add even more information about the best Gundam anime ever made.

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24 Gundam F91 Presents A New Vision For The Universal Century

Mobile Suit Gundam F91 Official Poster
Mobile Suit Gundam F91
PG (for moderate violence and thematic elements)
Science Fiction
Action
Drama

Thirty years after the events of Char's Counterattack, humanity enjoys a fragile peace built on the space colonies. However, the corrupt Crossbone Vanguard organization seeks to disrupt the peace and establish their own dominion. Caught in the middle is Seabook Arno, a young civilian whose life changes forever when he pilots the powerful, prototype Mobile Suit Gundam F91. He joins the Earth Federation Forces to defend the colonies against the Crossbone Vanguard, facing skilled pilots and dangerous battles while grappling with his own responsibility and the legacy of the Gundam name.

Release Date
March 16, 1991
Cast
Kazuhiko Inoue , Shōzō Iizuka , Yôji Matsuda
Main Genre
Mecha
Writers
Hajime Yatate
Studio
Sunrise

Runtime:

2 hour

MyAnimeList Score:

6.61

Decades after the war between Londo Bell and Neo-Zeon, humanity has spread out into the stars further thanks to the colonies. However, war is still prevalent, as the Federation battles against the aristocratic Crossbone Vanguard. When the war reaches Seabook Arno’s home, he’s suddenly given control over the latest Federation mobile suit, the Gundam F91. It isn’t long though before Seabook realizes that war alone might not be the only way for peace to stand a chance.

Gundam F91 is an experience every Gundam fan should check out at least once. Originally intended to be a full series, production was condensed into a single movie because of creative disputes. Despite some rushed plotting, the gorgeous '90s animation makes this a film everyone needs to see. That said, because the story is so condensed, it can't rank any higher.

23 Gundam AGE Presents Generational Gundam Pilots

The main three characters standing in front of their mechs on the Mobile Suite Gundam AGE Official Poster
Mobile Suit Gundam AGE
TV-PG
Action
Fantasy

A colonized space had finally achieved peace, until a mysterious enemy, the UE, enters the scene and attacks colonies and other targets.

Release Date
October 9, 2011
Creator
Yoshiyuki Tomino
Main Genre
Animation
Seasons
1 Season
Characters By
Sarah Hauser, Seth Leslie, Saori Hayami
Production Company
Green, Mainichi Broadcasting System (MBS), Sunrise, Wish

Episodes

49

MyAnimeList Score:

6.48

Gundam AGE presents a Gundam adventure where a universal peace gets interrupted by the Unknown Enemy (U.E). Flit Asuno, one of the victims of the U.E, receives given a family heirloom, an AGE device memory unit. The device allows Flit to build a mobile suit that can help the colonies survive further attacks.

What makes Gundam AGE different is it focuses on three time periods. When viewers first meet Asuno, he's a kid. Later, once the suit is built, an adult Asuno pilots it to help save humanity. In the last part, viewers see the protagonist as a great-grandfather. On top of the interesting story, the character designs are some of the best in the franchise.

The Asuno clan stands together in Mobile Suit Gundam AGE

22 Mobile Suit Gundam: Cucuruz Doan's Island Is A Great Return To Classic Universal Century

Mobile Suit Gundam: Cucuruz Doan's Island official poster
Mobile Suit Gundam: Cucuruz Doan's Island
PG-13 (moderate violence, war themes)
Mecha
Drama
War

Amidst the brutal One Year War, Amuro Ray and the White Base crew face an unusual mission: investigate a supposedly deserted island suspected to hide Zeon remnants. Instead, they encounter a lone Zeon soldier named Cucuruz Doan, who protects orphaned children amidst the island's ruins. Forced to question their orders and the true cost of war, Amuro and his team navigate a moral dilemma while facing unexpected threats and forging unlikely bonds.

Release Date
June 3, 2022
Creator
Yoshiyuki Tomino (original concept), Yoshikazu Yasuhiko (director)
Cast
Shūichi Ikeda , Kikuko Inoue , Akira Kamiya
Main Genre
Anime
Studio
Sunrise

Runtime:

1h 48 min

MyAnimeList Score:

7.30

On orders from the Federation, Bright Noa sends out Amuro Ray and some allies to check out a mysterious island that no Federation soldier has ever returned from. The mission goes wrong, leaving Gundam pilot Amuro Ray trapped while the rest of his friends return to White Base. To survive, Amuro must learn to get along with the children of the island, and their caretaker, Cucuruz Doan.

The first full-length Gundam film based around Amuro Ray in some time, Cucuruz Doan’s Island feels like returning to the original Mobile Suit Gundam world all over again. The art style and character designs perfectly emulate ‘70s anime, only cleaned up for the modern era. The film works well for people who are new to Gundam, but those who are major fans of the Universal Century will definitely get the most out of it.

RX-78-02 Gundam standing in Mobile Suit Gundam: Cucuruz Doan's Island (2022).
The main characters of Mobile Suit Gundam Wing against mecha robots on the poster of the series
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing
TV-PG
Animation
Action
Adventure

A squadron of giant robot pilots of a beleaguered Earth colony bring the war to their oppressive home planet.

Release Date
March 6, 2000
Creator
Kōichi Tokita
Main Genre
Animation
Seasons
1
Cast
Hikaru Midorikawa , Toshihiko Seki , Ryûzô Ishino , Akio Otsuka , David Kaye

Episodes

49

MyAnimeList Score:

7.68

While it was the sixth installment in the overall Gundam franchise, Gundam Wing is probably the first exposure most people in the US had to the series. It found much greater success there than in Japan and was the entry that popularized Gundam in the West.

Gundam Wing's writing and pacing might not stand up to either the more classic Gundam series or the more polished anime that followed, but it remains a favorite of many American fans. Gundam Wing belongs on any Gundam fan's must-watch list.

Gundam Deathscythe bears its shield in Gundam Wing

20 Gundam Build Fighters Try Adds Team Battles To The Gundam Build Franchise

The main three pose on the Gundam Build Fighters Try anime poster
Gundam Build Fighters Try
TV-PG
Action
Comedy

Seven years after it's predecessor, Fumina Hoshino is the host of the Gunpla club in her high school, and, unfortunately, she is the only member and in danger of it being shut down.

Release Date
October 8, 2014
Creator
Yoshiyuki Tomino, Hajime Yatate
Main Genre
Animation
Seasons
1 Season
Characters By
Yuma Uchida, Aya Endô, Yui Makino
Production Company
Feng Animation, GREEN Qiqihar Studio, Green

Episodes

25

MyAnimeList Score:

7.20

Seiho Academy’s once great Gunpla Battle Club has dwindled down to one passionate member, Hoshino Fumina. However, Hoshino’s passion allows her to convince both her old friend Yuuma and a new player Kamiki to increase the club’s membership by two. This gives her just enough to enter the next major Gunpla Tournament. However, it still means three inexperienced fighters will have to survive against some of the best fighters in Japan.

Gundam Build Fighters Try provides fans with more of the awesome action from the original Gundam Build Fighters series. Though it’s easy for a series like this to feel like a cheap sequel, changing the dynamic from one on one to three versus three battles adds an entirely new dimension to the fights. Meanwhile, the sheer amount of obscure references present in every episode makes it a joy for hardcore fans. Still, the weaker story compared to the other Build Fighters anime places it on the lower end amongst the greats.

19 Gundam Seed Rebooted The Classic Mobile Suit Gundam Idea

Mobile Suit Gundam Seed official poster
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED
PG-13 (moderate violence, war themes)
Mecha
Action
Drama
Romance

In a divided world driven by genetic engineering, mobile suits dominate warfare. Kira Yamato, an ordinary teenager, finds himself piloting a powerful prototype during a surprise attack. Thrust into the conflict between natural humans and Coordinators, genetically enhanced beings, Kira must choose a side while grappling with the true cost of war and the bonds of friendship.

Release Date
October 2, 2002
Creator
Yoshiyuki Tomino (original concept), Chiaki Morijima (series director)
Cast
Toshiyuki Morikawa , Shinichirô Miki , Megumi Toyoguchi , Akira Ishida
Main Genre
Anime
Seasons
1
Studio
Sunrise
Artists
Naoki Terashima

Episodes:

50 + 1 OVA

MyAnimeList Score:

7.74

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Gundam SEED was a modern attempt to take everything that worked from the popular Gundam Wing and the original Mobile Suit Gundam series and turn it into a modern classic. While it didn't quite hit the heights of the original Gundam, it was still a commendable effort.

The sequels to SEED in particular, miss the mark entirely. However, Seed itself remains a triumph in animation, and it's a great place for new fans looking for a standalone entry. In the end, there's no better way to immerse oneself in Gundam lore than to dive right in.

Seed Freedom's pilots prepare for action in Gundam SEED

18 Turn A Gundam Gave Gundam's Creator A Chance To Return To The Franchise

A young woman walks across a field with a mech in Turn a Gundam poster
Turn A Gundam
Mecha

In the distant future, technology on Earth has regressed to World War I levels. Mankind's enormous twenty-kilometer-long space colonies and advanced weapons such as mobile suits have long since been forgotten, relics of a past age. However, an advanced civilization still exists on the moon.

Release Date
April 9, 1999
Creator
Yoshiyuki Tomino
Cast
Romi Park , Takako Fuji
Franchise
Gundam

Episodes

50

MyAnimeList Score:

7.76

In the far future of the Correct Century timeline, Earth is considered completely uninhabitable. Instead, much of humanity lives on the moon, checking on Earth periodically to see if it's safe to return. A member of the Moonrace, Loran Cehack, comes to Earth initially as a spy, but comes to enjoy spending time with humans there. When other members of the Moonrace arrive at Earth, Loran has to rely on the power of one of the most powerful Gundams, the Turn A, to protect the planet.

Turn A Gundam was Yoshiyuki Tomino’s return to the Gundam franchise after years away. His entire approach to making series had changed, and the result is the comparatively light-hearted yet still brilliant Turn A Gundam. While it’s a major departure from older series, it’s still one of Tomino’s best thanks to the superior character development and storytelling.

17 Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ Presents A Different View Of The Universal Century

A close up of a mech on the Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ official poster
Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ
PG-13
Mecha
Action
Comedy
Space

Following the Gryps War, the Earth Federation and remnants of Zeon stand divided. Enter Judau Ashta, a resourceful teenager, and his friends who stumble upon a powerful mobile suit, the ZZ Gundam. They're recruited by Captain Bright Noa and join the Argama crew, fighting against the newly formed Neo Zeon under Haman Karn. As they navigate space battles, personal conflicts, and wacky situations, Judau and his team grow into skilled pilots and forge lasting bonds, all while facing off against colorful villains and epic mecha combat.

Release Date
January 2, 1986
Creator
Yoshiyuki Tomino (original concept), Tomoharu Katsura (series director)
Cast
Akira Kamiya , Hiromi Tsuru
Main Genre
Anime
Seasons
1
Studio
Sunrise
Artists
Kazuo Yamashita (character design)

Episodes:

47

MyAnimeList Score:

6.69

In the aftermath of the AEUG’s war against the Titans, Bright Noa and the crew of the Argama find themselves confronting an old threat once again. The Zeon have been revived under the banner of the Neo-Zeon, lead by the charismatic and talented pilot, Haman Karn. Bright Noa’s chance meeting with junk dealer Judau Ashta is troublesome, but it might be the only chance to repel the forces of the Neo-Zeon.

Gundam ZZ might take some getting used to for fans of the Universal Century. The series starts out considerably more comedic than the dour Zeta Gundam, even having an opening episode featuring a fight with oranges. However, the comedy gives way to a more serious show in the latter half, and seeing Judau forced to grow up to protect his friends makes the series that much better.

A close up of Carozzo Ronah in Mobile Suit Gundam F91
A close up of Carozzo Ronah in Mobile Suit Gundam F91

16 Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory Is A Crucial Part Of Universal Century History

Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory official poster
Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory
pg-13
Mecha
Action
Drama
Romance
War

Three years after the devastating One Year War, peace remains fragile. The Delaz Fleet, a group of rogue Zeon soldiers, seeks to revive their fallen nation through "Operation Stardust" - stealing a prototype Gundam with nuclear capabilities. Kou Uraki, a young Federation pilot, finds himself entrusted with a counter-prototype Gundam and tasked with stopping them. As the conflict escalates, Kou grapples with personal loss, the complexities of war, and a budding rivalry with the skilled Zeon pilot Anavel Gato. He must choose his path while navigating a sea of political intrigue, hidden agendas, and the ultimate cost of vengeance.

Release Date
April 5, 1991
Creator
Yoshiyuki Tomino (original concept), Takuo Kawagiri (director)
Cast
Kenji Hamada , Ryûsei Nakao , Megumi Hayashibara , Shinichirô Miki
Main Genre
Anime
Seasons
1
Studio
sunrise

Episodes:

13 + 1 Film

MyAnimeList Score:

7.23

1:48
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Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory continued to fill out parts of the Universal Century timeline. Set several years after the events of the One Year War, Stardust Memory focuses on the Federation dealing with the remnants of the Zeon. A group known as the Delaz Fleet steals the experimental GP02 Gundam, leaving young test pilot Kou Uraki to recover it and stop the Delaz Fleet's ultimate goal.

Gundam 0083's biggest problem is that it doesn't have the best protagonist. Kou Uraki isn't making anyone's favorite list. However, the 90s OVA animation is unmatched, making that alone worth watching it. The series also ties in nicely to Zeta Gundam in some crucial ways that become clear towards the end.

A collage of characters Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory (1991-1992)

15 Mobile Suit Gundam Is The Series That Started It All

Mobile Suit Gundam
TV-14
Anime
Action
Adventure
Sci-Fi

Original title: Kidô senshi Gandamu.
In the war between the Earth Federation and Zeon, a young and inexperienced crew find themselves on a new spaceship. Their best hope of making it through the conflict is the Gundam, a giant humanoid robot, and its gifted teenage pilot.

Release Date
April 7, 1979
Creator
Yoshiyuki Tomino, Hajime Yatate
Main Genre
Anime
Seasons
1
Production Company
Nagoya Broadcasting Network (Nagoya TV), Sotsu Agency, Sunrise
Main Cast
Tôru Furuya, Shûichi Ikeda, Hirotaka Suzuoki, Yô Inoue, Brad Swaile, Michael Kopsa, Chris Calhoon and Alaina Burnett

Episodes

43

MyAnimeList Score:

7.77

Mobile Suit Gundam represents the beginning of all Gundam to come. Released in 1979, Mobile Suit Gundam sparked a whole new era in mecha anime. The original series had a 43-episode run, but there's also a compressed movie trilogy with improved audio quality available for fans to enjoy.

The plot primarily focuses on the rivalry between Federation pilot Amuro and Zeon pilot Char. Both are the best pilots for their people, and they have an iconic relationship that several Gundam series have since tried to replicate. While some parts may not have aged perfectly, it is the quintessential Gundam experience.

14 After War Gundam X Is A Clever Way Of Redoing The Original Gundam

Mobile Suit Gundam After War Gundam X official poster
Mobile Suit Gundam After War Gundam X
pg-13
Mecha
Drama
Romance
Action

Fifteen years after a catastrophic war, humanity struggles to survive in a world ravaged by the conflict. Mobile suits, once symbols of war, now represent both hope and danger. Garrod Ran, a young scavenger, discovers the legendary Gundam X, a powerful machine capable of changing the course of the world. As he becomes entangled in the fight between the Earth Federation and the rebel Guiana Zoldark, Garrod must confront his own past, forge unlikely alliances, and navigate the complexities of a world forever changed by war.

Release Date
April 5, 1996
Creator
Sunrise
Cast
Hikaru Midorikawa , Masashi Ebara
Main Genre
Anime
Seasons
1
Studio
sunrise
Artists
Kouji Sasamoto (

Episodes:

39

MyAnimeList Score:

7.34

Unfortunately, After War Gundam X didn't receive an English localization until 2016, decades after its original 1996 release in Japan. Therefore, it's probably one of the most underrated Gundam series. That's a shame, because it brings a lot of interesting new ideas to the franchise.

After War Gundam X features a post-apocalyptic Earth set in the "After War" timeline. Following a devastating war, mobile suits have made their way to civilian hands, and it's up to a few unlikely heroes to keep the planet from falling into chaos once again.

Garrod with the Gundam X in After War Gundam X

13 Mobile Suit Victory Gundam Presented A Different Vision Of The Universal Century

Mobile Suit Victory Gundam official poster
Mobile Suit Victory Gundam
pg-13
Mecha
Action
Drama
Romance

The Universal Century year 0153. The oppressive Zanscare Empire tightens its grip on space colonies, leaving only pockets of resistance like the League Militaire. Uso Ewin, a young boy living on a colony under Zanscare rule, stumbles upon the powerful Victory Gundam. Thrust into the conflict, Uso becomes a symbol of hope for the League Militaire as he pilots the Gundam in daring missions against the Empire's forces. Along the way, he encounters allies and enemies, uncovers hidden agendas, and grapples with the harsh realities of war. His journey forces him to confront his own ideals and fight for a future where freedom prevails.

Release Date
April 2, 1993
Creator
Yoshiyuki Tomino (original concept), Toshifumi Kawase (series director)
Cast
Tomokazu Seki , Megumi Hayashibara , Shinichirô Miki
Main Genre
Anime
Seasons
1
Studio
sunrise

Episodes:

51

MyAnimeList Score:

6.79

The main reason to watch Mobile Suit Victory Gundam, released in 1993, is it was the last one based in the Universal Century timeline. Another reason to watch Mobile Suit Victory Gundam is it's a coming-of-age story that anime writers and directors do quite well.

Set about 100 years after the One Year War, the Earth comes under attack by the BEPSA. These are the space forces connected to the Zanscare Empire. Two teens are thrown into the war when they encounter a BEPSA pilot in their peaceful European town. Eventually, they join Earth's resistance movement to pilot the Victory Gundam and win their freedom.

12 Gundam Build Fighters Places A Focus On Cool Mecha Fights Between Classic Mobile Suits

The main cast in front of a close up of a mech in Mobile Suit Gundam Build Fighters
Mobile Suit Gundam Build Fighters
pg-13
Mecha
Drama
Action
Romance

In a world obsessed with Gunpla, the miniature plastic models have transcended mere hobby – they battle in virtual reality! Sei Iori, a passionate but inexperienced builder, dreams of achieving Gunpla glory. When he encounters the enigmatic Reiji and his advanced fighting skills, fate brings them together to form the ultimate team. Together, they navigate the intense Gunpla Battle Championships, customizing their mobile suits, honing their strategies, and forging a deep bond. Each battle tests their skills and pushes them to their limits, while unveiling the true meaning of friendship, competition, and the boundless potential of Gunpla.

Release Date
October 8, 2013
Creator
Kenji Nagasaki (director), Yōsuke Kuroda (writer)
Cast
Hiro Shimono , Risa Taneda
Main Genre
Anime
Seasons
2
Studio
sunrise

Episodes:

25 Episodes + 1 OVA

MyAnimeList Score:

7.73

Gundam Build Fighters is unique among most Gundam anime because it takes place in a world very similar to our own. It occurs in the near future when the Gunpla model craze has escalated into the ability to build and pilot one's own mobile suit. These Gunpla Battles culminate in an annual global tournament.

The main character Sei, a Gunpla builder, partners with a skilled pilot named Reiji. The two of them hope to take on the Gunpla Battle World Championship. While Gundam Build Fighters is, in a way, just an attempt to sell more Gundam plastic models, it also has a lot of heart. It's easy to tell it was created by the same people who grew up loving the original Gundam series.

Sei Leads The Way In Gundam Build Fighters

11 Char's Counter Attack Provides The Climactic Finish To Amuro And Char's Story

Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack anime movie poster
Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack
Science Fiction

Amuro Ray and Char Aznable settle their rivalry once and for all during the Second Neo Zeon War.

Release Date
March 12, 1988
Production Company
Sunrise
Cast
Shūichi Ikeda , Tôru Furuya , Nozomu Sasaki , Koichi Yamadera

Runtime:

1h 59min

MyAnimeList Score:

7.67

Char's Counter Attack, based in the Universal Century timeline, has a few monumental momen, it ended the rivalry between Zeon's Char Aznable and Earth's Amuro Ray. In addition, it became the first film in the Gundam series to feature computer graphics.

Set about 15 years after the One Year War, Char returns to Neo Zeon in time to launch an asteroid attack on Earth. Meanwhile, Amuro, equipped with a psycho-frame Nu Gundam, secretly works with Char and others to establish a peace treaty. Yet, things go awry, and Amuro uses his Nu Gundam to defeat Char and Neo Zeon.

Char Aznable leading the Neo Zeon in Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack

10 Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin Presented The History Of Gundam's Greatest Villain

Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin official psoter
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin
pg-13
Mecha
Drama
Action
Romance

The year is UC 0068. Casval Rem Deikun, heir to the prestigious Deikun family, navigates a complex political landscape. Amidst growing tensions between the Earth Federation and the spacenoid settlements, Casval witnesses the Zeon movement's rise, questioning his allegiances and the path towards equality for spacenoids. His journey intertwines with his sister Artesia, leading them down separate but impactful paths as the seeds of war are sown. This prequel series delves into the events and ideals that shaped the iconic rivalry between Char Aznable and Amuro Ray, offering a fresh perspective on the origins of the One Year War.

Release Date
2015-04-00
Creator
: Yoshikazu Yasuhiko (original author and director)
Cast
Mamiko Noto , Takaya Hashi
Main Genre
Anime
Seasons
1
Studio
sunrise

Episodes:

6 OVAs

MyAnimeList Score:

8.33

When viewers turned into Mobile Suit Gundam, they entered amid war and its aftermath. How it all came to pass was revealed 20 years later in the manga Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin. More than a decade later, the anime version of the story came out.

Origin recounts the death of Zeon Zun Daikun, the escape of his children to Earth, and the rise of the Principality of Zeon. The 13-episode series delves deep into the excellent manga's origin tale and focuses on Daikun's children and the events that lead to the declaration of war. It's a good starting point to get a feel for the world of the Universal Century.

9 Mobile Suit Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise Adds Stakes To The Gundam Build Universe

Characters falling from the sky in Mobile Suit Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise
Mobile Suit Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise
pg-13
Mecha
Romance
Drama

Two years after the legendary Build Divers protected EL-Diver, GBN undergoes a major upgrade, offering stunning sensory feedback for a more immersive experience. This attracts new Divers like Hiroto, a lone mercenary pilot; Kazami, a flamboyant party hopper; May, a dedicated solo player; and Parviz, a shy newcomer eager to team up. Their paths intertwine as they confront anomalies within GBN, leading them to uncover a hidden purpose behind the upgraded platform. Together, they form a new team, combining their diverse skills and strategies to navigate the ever-evolving virtual world, battle formidable opponents, and uncover the secrets of GBN's true potential.

Release Date
October 10, 2019
Creator
Sunrise Beyond
Cast
Daisuke Ono , Aoi Yuki , Natsumi Fujiwara
Main Genre
Anime
Seasons
2
Studio
sunrise

Episodes:

26 + 1 OVA

MyAnimeList Score:

7.47

The Gundam Build franchise started out strong, but by the time Divers launched the series had experienced a steep decline in quality and popularity. So it isn't a surprise that people ignored the sequel series, Gundam Build Divers Re:RISE, which was set in the same universe but used an entirely different cast.

In the aftermath of the EL-Diver incident, a new protagonist named Hiroto Kuga finds himself diving into GBN on his own. However, while exploring the world, this loner must team up with three other Divers when he's sent to the land of Eldora. Build Divers Re:Rise has everything people loved about the Gundam Build series, but also introduces the real-life stakes that fans of classic Gundam might've missed.

The cast standing in front of their mechs Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise

8 Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt Presents A Nuanced Version Of The One Year War

The cast in front of their mechs in Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt
Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt
pg-13
Mecha
Drama
Action
Romance

In the midst of the devastating One Year War, the "Thunderbolt Sector," a debris field littered with wrecked ships and mobile suits, becomes a battleground for two skilled pilots: Io Fleming, a hot-headed Federation ace, and Daryl Lorenz, a calm and calculating Zeon sniper. Driven by personal grudges and contrasting ideologies, they engage in thrilling duels aboard their customized mobile suits - the Gundam Thunderbolt and the Dom Thunderbolt. As the conflict escalates, they grapple with the emotional burdens of war, questioning their roles and fighting for their beliefs. This intense story unfolds against a backdrop of pulsating jazz music and a stark, almost monochromatic visual style, immersing viewers in the harsh realities of war and its impact on individuals.

Release Date
2015-12-00
Creator
Yasuo Ohtagaki (manga author), Koudai Mori (director)
Cast
Daisuke Hirakawa , Hiroaki Hirata
Main Genre
Anime
Seasons
1
Studio
sunrise

Episodes:

8 + 2 Films

MyAnimeList Score:

7.94

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Even though people claim to be tired of the One Year War, it's hard to ignore Sunrise when they put out quality series like Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt. The anime takes place near the end of the One Year War, in a place known as the Thunderbolt Sector. Amidst the debris of destroyed colonies, the Federation and Zeon forces remain locked in a battle for control of a crucial supply route.

While the series once again has early-era mobile suits using weapons that feel like they come from much later in the timeline, that's overall a tiny complaint. Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt is a great series that won't take up too much of a viewer's time. It also displays how grey the war between the Federation and the Zeon really was. While Io Fleming might be a Federation pilot, he's far from anyone's hero, and it's hard not to root for the Zeon's Living Dead division.

The FA-78 as seen in its docking bay in Gundam Thunderbolt: December Sky

7 Gundam: Witch From Mercury Balances Gundam Tropes With A Beautiful Romance

Suletta, Miorine and the rest of the characters falling with a mech in Gundam Witch from Mercury Poster
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury
TV-14
Action
Anime
Drama
Mecha

humanity has been split between those born on Earth (Earthians) and those in space (Spacians), with those inhabiting Earth living in poverty. On Mercury, the development of a format known as GUND to allow people to better survive in space is underway.

Release Date
October 2, 2022
Cast
Kana Ichinose , Lynn , Yōhei Azakami , Natsuki Hanae , Makoto Furukawa , Yume Miyamoto , Miyu Tomita , Mamiko Noto
Main Genre
Drama
Seasons
1
Studio
Sunrise
Franchise
Mobile Suit Gundam
Cinematographer
Shôta Kodera
Distributor
Sunrise, Crunchyroll
Main Characters
Suletta Mercury, Miorine Rembran, Guel Jeturk, Elan Ceres, Shaddiq Zenelli, Nika Nanaura, Chuatury Panlunch, Elnora Samaya / Prospera Mercury
Producer
Naohiro Ogata
Production Company
Bandai Namco Filmworks, Mainichi Broadcasting System (MBS), Sotsu, Sunrise
Writers
Ichirō Ōkouchi

Episodes

13

MyAnimeList Score:

7.88

It didn't take long for Witch From Mercury to steal everyone's heart. For one, it started with one of the best opening episodes in Gundam history, enhanced by its prologue. Afterward, it dialed back the melodrama to introduce viewers to a world where society is once again split between Earthians and Spacians. At the Asticassia School of Technology, a young girl named Suletta Mercury enters the school with the purpose of making friends.

However, a chance meeting with Miorine Rembran changes not just Suletta Mercury's own life, but has the potential to shake up society itself. After a season with fairly low-key start, Witch From Mercury kicked into high gear at the end of season one and never let go. It's also got one of the best romances of any mecha series ever.

6 Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron Blooded Orphans Pits A Group Of Orphans Against The World

The cast standing near a mech in Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron Blooded Orphans official poster
Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron Blooded Orphans
pg-13
Mecha
Drama
Romance
Action

300 years after the Calamity War, Mars holds immense economic importance but marginalizes its inhabitants. Under Martian Mobile Authority rule, Orphans, children raised as indentured laborers, dream of a brighter future. One day, they stumble upon the Gundam Barbatos, a powerful mobile suit from the past. Led by the fiery Mikazuki Augus, Orphans seize the Gundam and join forces with CGS, a private security company offering them a path to independence. However, their fight for freedom leads them down a dark path fraught with betrayal, sacrifice, and the ever-present question of how much revenge is worth freedom. As they navigate a complex political landscape and face off against formidable enemies, Orphans must grapple with their ideals and find their own true meaning of justice.

Release Date
October 5, 2015
Creator
Tatsuyuki Nagai (director), Mari Okada (writer)
Cast
Yuu Kobayashi , Kana Hanazawa , Mamoru Miyano
Main Genre
Anime
Seasons
2
Studio
sunrise

Episodes:

50

MyAnimeList Score:

8.05

Iron Blooded Orphans is one of the darker entries in the Gundam franchise. Over the course of its 50 episodes, it deals with heavy themes such as slavery, child soldiers, and neocolonialism. Three hundred years after a conflict known as the Calamity War, humans colonized Mars. However, many Martian nations live in poverty and entirely depend on Earth's powers.

The plot begins when Martian noblewoman Kudelia Bernstein hires a security company to transport her to Earth, where she hopes to negotiate the independence of her nation of Chryse. The Earth military attacks them, and all seems lost until the hero, orphan Mikazuki Augus, enters the battle piloting an ancient repaired Gundam. The quick, natural pace of the action and the instantly likable cast of characters make Iron Blooded Orphans one to check out. The grim ending makes it hard to place it any higher, though.

5 Gundam Unicorn Is A Key Part Of Understanding The Universal Century

Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn
Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn
pg-13
Mecha
Drama
Action
Romance

Set three years after Char's Counterattack, Banagher Links stumbles upon the Unicorn Gundam, a powerful mobile suit with hidden secrets. He's thrust into a war between the Earth Federation and the Sleeves, a Neo Zeon splinter group, uncovering a conspiracy surrounding the mysterious "Laplace's Box" that could rewrite history.

Release Date
2010-00-00
Creator
Harutoshi Fukui (novels), Sunrise (anime)
Cast
Hiro Shimono , Mamoru Miyano , Yui Horie
Main Genre
Anime
Seasons
1
Studio
sunrise

Episodes:

7 OVAs

MyAnimeList Score:

8.10

Originally a novel by Harutoshi Fukui, Gundam Unicorn was adapted into a 7-episode series in 2010 and wrapped up in 2014. It served as the final entry into the original "Universal Century" timeline in which the original '79 series took place.

Gundam Unicorn takes place 16 years after the One Year War, just as humans begin to colonize space. An anti-Federation group destroys a residential space station. Then Banagher Links, an apparently typical boy, enters the conflict when he realizes his connection to a dangerous item called Laplace's Box. Gundam Unicorn has some of the highest production value in the entire franchise, and the spectacle alone makes it worth the watch.

The Sinanju In Gundam Unicorn