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 wonders. 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

Unlike most of its predecessors, Knights of Sidonia premiered on Netflix as an original anime. The series received positive reviews for its unique art style and space opera setting. Knights of Sidonia is set a thousand years after Earth was destroyed by an alien race called the Gauna.

The only survivors are those living 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 old-fashioned brand of mecha that proves to be his most reliable line of defense against the aliens.

9. Full Metal Panic!

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

With a lot of military experience and few social skills, Sousuke finds it hard to fit in at school. Despite being seen as a military maniac by his classmates, Sousuke gives his all to complete the task, no matter what he has to face.

8. Eureka Seven,

Studio Bones' Eureka Seven is one of the highest-quality mecha anime out there. The series follows the coming-of-age story of Renton Thurston, a 14-year-old boy who wants to leave his home behind and join the outlaw group Gekkostate in the hopes of finding some adventure to brighten up his mundane life.

Luckily, Renton's wish for a more exciting life is granted when a giant robot invades his home, giving him the chance to join the group he so admires. Accompanied by the enigmatic mecha pilot Eureka, Renton sets out to discover the truth about the Coralians, a race of alien beings.

7. 86 (eighty-six)

A1 Pictures’ military sci-fi mecha anime, 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" of a military group called the Eighty-Six. The Handlers are responsible for remotely controlling the Legion's drones, and Lena is determined to help the Eighty-Six win the war and achieve freedom.

6. Promare

Promare serves as a foundational work of Trigger's anime, featuring 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 the Burnish have 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 discover the truth about these mutants, leading him to question everything he held true.

5. Ghost in the Shell

Ghost in the Shell is a cyberpunk anime franchise praised for its action, drama, and science fiction elements mixed with dark and psychological themes. Featuring a female protagonist, this mecha anime series explores the norms of a cyborg-human society.

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

4. Mobile Suit Gundam

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

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

3. Code Geass

Code Geass focuses on the political and moral turmoil between three domains – the Holy Britannia Empire, the Chinese Federation, and the European Union. The story follows Lelouch Lamperouge, the exiled prince of Britannia, who vows revenge against 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 overthrow it once and for all.

2. Gurren Lagann

From the creators 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 transforms into a badass leader in the end.

Taking place in a fictional future where humanity 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 join forces with other humans to liberate the planet.

1. Neon Genesis Evangelion

Neon Genesis Evangelion is one of the most critically acclaimed mecha anime ever made. The series is a perfect representation 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 squadron of pilots under the command of his cold and dictatorial father to repel the angelic threat using giant humanoid bio-machines called “Evangelions” that seem to have a mind of their own! Notably, there are several Hollywood films inspired by NGE anime.

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