Everyone wants to know what will happen in the future as technology advances and AI continues to grow! So, dive into the best mecha anime. This series captivates viewers with its focus on space stories and technology-based robotic narratives, showcasing high-impact animation that highlights its aesthetic appeal. While it may seem similar to sci-fi, it sets itself apart by incorporating unique special abilities that define the show’s standout characters.
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Dive into the fantasy futuristic and robotic world with our top 6 picks for the best mecha anime!
Best Mecha Anime
1- Gurren Lagann
- IMDb: 8.3/10
- Release Date: April 1, 2007
- Directed By: Hiroyuki Imaishi
The highest viewership collector series, Gurren Lagann, stands out as the first choice in the list of best mecha anime. The story follows humans who embark on survival adventures in the future while robots take over their rule. The narrative explodes in a futuristic setup where humanity must live in an isolated underground village, Giha, away from the surface world. Spiral King Lordgenome holds all the control. In the village, two teenagers, Simon and Kamina, dream of breaking out of this system and living freely.
One day, Simon, a timid digger who his older brother Kamina always protects like a confident brother, digs and finds a mecha called Lagann. After that, their lives change when a Gunam enters their village, and Kamina seizes the opportunity to control Lagann and fight back. Teaming up with the skilled Yoko, they embark on their surface journey, where they confront Lordgenome’s Beastmen and unite others for their own purpose. Throughout this, Simon emerges as a great leader by reflecting on his true inner strength and growth.
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2- The Vision of Escaflowne
- IMDb: 7.8/10
- Release Date: April 2, 1996
- Directed By: Kazuki Akane
Loneliness frequently affects young people living alone or in joint families, as they often feel misunderstood. In The Vision of Escaflowne, a high school girl named Hitomi Kanzaki experiences this situation due to her personal crisis and typical behavior. The story highlights her journey, which transforms her into a new person and resolves all her problems. Her life changes when she lands in the fantastical world of Gaea while experiencing a beautiful dream of a young prince fighting a dragon.
There, she meets a prince named Van Fanel, who battles the strong Zaibach Empire. There, she discovers her own psychic abilities and power. Then, she joins Van on this fighting journey as a teammate to unite the Gaea kingdoms. They uncover the hidden powers of a mecha called Escaflowne. Together, they navigate the challenging path of war, friendship, and love while bearing the burden of past events and the destiny of Gaea.
3- Code Geass
- IMDb: 8.7/10
- Release Date: April 6, 2008
- Directed By: Gorō Taniguchi
The best mecha anime list features Code Geass, which follows a son’s revenge journey as he avenges his mother’s death and his sister’s disability. After conquering Japan, the Holy Britannian Empire dominates this alternate world. In the plot, Lelouch Lamperouge, who endures the disabilities of his mother and sister Nunnally, is an exiled prince living a normal life as a student at Ashford Academy. Despite this, he seeks to destroy Britannia and pursue justice for his beloved family.
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However, his life is unusually transformed when he meets a mysterious girl named C.C., who bestows upon him a unique ability known as Geass, granting him the power to command others to obey his orders. While using this power, he formed a team and adopted the personality of Zero, a masked revolutionary leader. As they navigated through this complex rebellion, facing betrayal, friendship, and some difficulties, they developed this special ability.
4- Macross Plus
- IMDb: 7.8/10
- Release Date: August 25, 1994
- Directed By: Shōji Kawamori (Chief) and Shinichirō Watanabe
What will happen after 20 years if AI takes over humans and controls their minds? We do not know, but Macross Plus makes this possible. The next best mecha anime title sets its story in 2040 on a planet called Eden with two elite pilots and former friends, Isamu Dyson and Guld Goa Bowman. Their journey as pilots begins as they compete to showcase their skills in advanced Valkyrie fighter jet projects.
Furthermore, both of them share a past with a talented singer and producer named Myung Fang Lone, which turns their rivalry into an emotionally conflicting one. However, this condition worsens when they confront the emerging threat of Sharon Apple, a virtual pop star with a mushy AI that begins to change or manipulate the events around them. Because of this, they must overcome various challenges like aerial battles and advanced technology chaos.
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5- Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans
- IMDb: 7.9/10
- Release Date: October 4, 2015
- Directed By: Tatsuyuki Nagai
An imaginary story showcases the ultimate war between the planets as they strive to save themselves, with a touch of a future world and a robotic setup. This mecha anime ambiance takes place 300 years after a calamitous war and features stunning animation. The narrative follows a gang of child soldiers living on Mars who are dedicated fighters working for Tekkadan, a security company.
Young warriors guide Kudelia Aina Bernstein, a girl fighting for Martian independence from Earth’s control. The situation becomes dangerous when the powerful organization Gjallarhorn suddenly attempts to capture Mars. Amidst this chaos, skilled pilot Mikazuki Augus discovers a mobile suit called Gundam Barbatos and uses it to save his friend’s life. This battle for freedom delivers a message about creating a safer and better future.
6- Martian Successor Nadesico
- IMDb: 7.5/10
- Release Date: October 1, 1996
- Directed By: Tatsuo Satō
The narrative of “Martian Successor Nadesico,” one of the best mecha anime, unfolds in the distant future of 2196. It centers around the world’s impending challenges, featuring simple storylines and remarkable character development. The story begins with a young man named Akito Tenkawa, who has a mysterious past. He escapes his home on Mars after alien invaders destroy his community.
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However, driven by his desire to become a chef and live a peaceful life, Akito joins the Nadesico, a unique crew of expert fighters. Each teammate brings their own talent, personality, and personal challenges to the table. As they confront a war situation, Akito steps up as the pilot of the ship’s combat robots, known as Aestivally. This journey unfolds with a blend of action, comedy, and drama, all while Akito navigates his feelings for Captain Yurika and his love for cooking.
Let’s Conclude This Futuristic Journey!
I enjoy diving into these titles, which feature fantasy future worlds brimming with challenges, action, battles, and creative storytelling. I hope you do, too. These works blend advanced technology and AI with engaging plots while powerfully preserving the original essence of anime narratives. If I missed any suggestions, please share them in the comments, and stay with us to explore the anime world!
