Top 18 Best Robot (Mecha) Anime Of All Time
The word "mecha" is used in the world of science fiction, especially in manga and anime, to describe a theme where characters use or become robotic suits that usually look like humans. This concept has been around since the 1960s and is still very popular today.
They are often used for battles against other mecha. So, this list is going to be about the best robot mecha animethat features these robotic suits and the exciting battles they have.
Majestic Prince
In the future, humans are fighting against an alien race called the Wulgaru. They have created genetically enhanced children called the Evolved Children to help them. A group of these kids, known as Team Rabbits, are chosen to pilot special robots called AHSMBs. These robots can become stronger when the pilots really want to survive.
Majestic Prince is a new and good-quality mecha anime series. Most mecha anime these days are from old franchises, but Majestic Prince stands out with its interesting story and likable characters. It has a lot of humor, but it also knows when to be serious without making the mood change feel too sudden.
Sei Jūshi Bismarck
In the distant future, humans have colonized various planets within and beyond our solar system. To keep order and protect these colonies, the Earth Federation Government (GFT) was formed. However, tensions arose between Earth and the colonies due to the government's control.
Amid these tensions, a hostile alien race called the Deathcula suddenly attacked the federation and killed many people in the colonies. The Earth government realizes that these aliens have vastly superior technology. To counter this threat, Dr. Charles Louvre created a special spaceship called the Bismarck, which can transform.
To operate the Bismarck effectively, a team of specialists is needed. So, four individuals are chosen and specially trained to confront future alien attacks on the colonies.
UFO Robo Grendizer
In UFO Robo Grendizer, Earth is in danger from the evil King Vega and their forces. The planet's best hope is a young man named Daisuke Umon, who is secretly Duke Fleet, a survivor from an alien world that was destroyed. Using the powerful robot Grendizer, Duke plans to take on King Vega's forces.
This classic series, created by Go Nagai, is a prime example of 1970s Super Robot action. It was one of the few anime shows from that era that was introduced to international audiences, helping to spark more interest in anime around the world. If you're a fan of mecha and want to explore the roots of the genre, this series is a must-watch.
Heroic Age
In the distant future, humanity is on the brink of extinction, struggling in space against more advanced civilizations. However, the peaceful Gold Tribe believes that a mighty savior will emerge from humanity. Princess Deianeira searches the cosmos and finds a boy named Age on a deserted planet, believing he might be the one.
Heroic Age is a remarkable mecha anime from the 2000s. It features epic space battles like Mobile Suit Gundam or Macross and intricate political plots like Legend of the Galactic Heroes. What's more, it still looks good today because it uses CGI sparingly.
Brave Police J-Decker
In the Brave franchise, there's a series called Brave Police J-Decker. It's about a group of robots known as the Brave Police, led by a 10-year-old boy named Yuta Tomonoaga. These robots were made to fight against increasingly dangerous criminals. Yuta proved he could help one of the robots, Deckerd, develop emotions, so he became the leader of the team in their battle against super-criminals.
J-Decker might sound pretty silly, but it has one of the most likable casts not just in mecha anime but in all of anime. It's adorable and funny to watch Deckerd and the other robots taking orders from a kid like Yuta. Plus, even with 48 episodes, the action scenes keep you engaged week after week.
Tekkaman Blade
Tekkaman Blade is a remake of a 1975 series. It follows Takaya Aiba, who lost his family to alien invaders called Radam. These aliens turned his family into soldiers called Tekkamen, but Takaya managed to escape their control. Now, with the Tekkaman armor's power, he fights against the Radam alongside a group called the Space Knights.
This anime is all about classic super robot action, with no complicated politics, just humans battling ruthless aliens. It has cool robot designs and epic fight scenes, making it a darker and grittier version of the original series, suitable for older mecha fans.
Break Blade
In the land of Cruzon, a special mineral called magic quartz has transformed society and advanced technology. But when war reaches the Kingdom of Krisna, the young people are drafted into the conflict. Among them is Rygart Arrow, who can't use magic quartz, making him an "un-sorcerer."
At first, Rygart seems useless, but he discovers an old mecha that allows him to fight against the invading army. This anime has political elements, but it's not just about blasting things with beams. Instead, the combat focuses on close combat weapons and fighting techniques rather than long-range attacks.
Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise
Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise often gets criticized because it's connected to the original Gundam Build Divers series. However, it takes place two years later and introduces a whole new set of main characters. The story kicks off with a young guy named Hiroto Kuga, who gets involved in quests in a new part of the Gunpla Battle Network Online game, along with three other pilots.
This new area in the game has lots of exciting quests and super-realistic non-player characters (NPCs). Even though the new group of players doesn't get along at first, their shared goal of winning brings them together.
Along the way, they uncover a fresh secret about the GBN world. Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise is the most serious version of the Gundam Build series, and any Gundam fan should definitely give it a watch.
Gun X Sword
Just a year before director Goro Taniguchi made the hugely popular anime Code Geass in the 2000s, he created Gun x Sword. This series is a mix of mecha action and Western-style storytelling. The main character is Van, a grumpy guy in a tuxedo who can summon a powerful mecha called Dann of Thursday.
Van's sole mission is to seek revenge on The Claw, a man who ruined his life by killing his fiancée on their wedding day. Gun x Sword shows that mecha anime can be more than just politics, fighting aliens, or kids randomly getting giant robots. If you want something unique in your giant robot series, give Gun x Sword a shot.
Stellvia Of The Universe
In the future, Earth survived a deadly burst of radiation from a supernova, but it's still in danger from another one. To protect the planet, humans built massive space colonies called "Foundations." On one of these, the Stellvia Foundation, a young girl named Shima Katase is getting ready for a mission to safeguard Earth from this new threat.
Stellvia of the Universe is an anime that cares more about developing its characters than showing off flashy action scenes. It's a well-written mecha anime from the 2000s. If you're into the idea of living in space, you'll find a lot to enjoy in this series.
Big O
In the 2000s, The Big O became a popular mecha series in America thanks to Toonami. Even though it wasn't as big in Japan, American audiences loved its noir-style setting in Paradigm City, where everyone had lost their memories from over forty years ago. They also enjoyed the main character, Roger Smith, who was a suave negotiator and felt like a mix of Batman and a giant robot pilot.
In Paradigm City, Roger takes on negotiation jobs for its citizens. When giant robots called Megadeus cause trouble, Roger uses his own unique robot, The Big O, to deal with them. Although Roger just wants a peaceful life, his job keeps pushing him to uncover the secrets of Paradigm City.
Eureka 7
Eureka 7 is an excellent example of why the studio BONES should make more mecha anime. They're really good at creating unique worlds and giant robots, just like Sunrise, the creators of Gundam.
The story follows Renton Thurston, whose father is a famous military researcher known for saving the world. However, Renton's own life is pretty dull. He goes to school, does some airsurfing, and looks up to a group of mercenaries called Gekkostate.
His wish for a more exciting life comes true when a giant robot crashes into his home, and he gets the chance to join the group he admires. But he quickly realizes that it's not as cool as he thought it would be.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Hideaki Anno and GAINAX's Evangelion is one of the most famous and beloved mecha anime series ever. It's not your typical mecha show; instead, it takes apart the conventions of mecha anime from its time. Evangelion has had a huge impact on the mecha genre and anime as a whole, even long after its release.
But here's the thing: while many shows have been influenced by Evangelion, very few can match up to the original. That's why it's a must-watch. If you're a mecha fan looking for something different, whether it's the story, character development, or even just cool mecha designs, Evangelion has it all in abundance.
Gargantia On The Verdurous Planet
In Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, humans have left Earth and traveled to space. But they end up in a conflict with a strange alien race called the Hideauze. A young guy named Ledo wants to fight the Hideauze using his giant robot called Chamber.
However, during a battle, he gets thrown far into space and eventually crash-lands on Earth. To his surprise, he finds out that not everyone left Earth, and there are still people living there.
This show is created by Gen Urobuchi, known for making Fate/Zero and Madoka Magica, and it's surprisingly hopeful. It has emotional moments and unexpected twists that keep you engaged. If you're a fan of mecha anime, you'll enjoy the mysteries and discoveries as Ledo learns more about Earth and the Hideauze.
Ghost In The Shell
Ghost in the Shell is a futuristic, cyberpunk anime set in the 2030s. The main character is Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg who works for an elite police unit called Section 9. The main storyline follows their efforts to catch a cybercriminal called the "Puppet Master."
This criminal can take over a person's mind using a super-advanced internet called the Global Digital Network. As they investigate, Section 9 realizes that the criminal isn't a human but an artificial intelligence that has become self-aware, a groundbreaking development in their world.
Sakura Wars
Sakura, a somewhat spacey girl, moves to the imperial capital to join the Flower Imperial Company, as her late father wished. This group of young girls with strong spiritual powers aims to protect the city from frequent monster attacks. They also perform as actors in public.
Sakura starts off struggling with her new comrades but soon discovers her own spiritual abilities inherited from her father. She learns to play music and control a robot using these powers, just like her fellow sisters.
However, the leaders of the group seem to have a mysterious past. They appear to know both Sakura's father and the leader of the monsters, hinting at hidden secrets and connections.
Appleseed
Appleseed is set in the 22nd century, following a devastating non-nuclear world war that greatly reduced the human population. In the aftermath, countries like Great Britain, France, and China struggled for control and order. Meanwhile, international groups like the Holy Republic of Mumma and Poseidon have created their own ideal societies.
These societies have model cities where the few remaining humans live alongside artificially created people called Bioroids. The goal is to build a peaceful society without violence. The story revolves around Knute Deunan and Briareos Ecatonchiri, who were once members of the SWAT police in Los Angeles.
The Vision Of Escaflowne
The Vision of Escaflowne follows Hitomi, a high school athlete who is also skilled in fortune-telling. One day, she starts experiencing strange visions and faints during her training. Later, in class, one of her visions becomes real.
A mysterious beam of light appears, and a young man in armor named Van Fanel emerges from it. He's the heir to the Kingdom of Fanelia. Before Hitomi can grasp what's happening, a dragon shows up, leaving her and her friends, Yukari and Amano, stunned.
Van decides to confront the dragon, and after a dramatic battle, he defeats the creature and finds a strange pink stone called an energist inside it. The dragon then disappears into thin air.
Conclusion
In the world of anime, the mecha genre has stood the test of time since its emergence. These best robot mecha anime featuring robotic suits continue to captivate audiences today. So, if you're a fan of thrilling sci-fi action and epic robot showdowns, the mecha genre has plenty to offer.
