Introduction
The mecha genre, which is famed for gigantic robot fights, sophisticated narratives, and profound explorations of mankind, has generated some of anime’s most memorable programs. Whether you’re new to the genre or a longtime fan, these shows deliver action, drama, and profound ideas, making each one stand out. Here are the ten best mecha anime to watch right now, with each series offering a unique perspective on huge robot warfare and the human spirit.
1. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Plot: In a post-apocalyptic world, teenage pilot Shinji Ikari must fight against monstrous beings known as Angels.
However, as Shinji and his fellow pilots struggle with their pasts and identities, it becomes clear that their battles are about more than just survival.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Mecha, Psychological Thriller, Drama |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Director | Hideaki Anno |
| Production Company | Gainax, Tatsunoko Production |
| Release Date | October 1995 |
| Runtime | 26 episodes, approximately 24 minutes each |
| Watch at | Netflix |
Neon Genesis Evangelion combines mind-bending philosophical themes with heart-pounding action and remains a cultural landmark in anime history.
2. Mobile Suit Gundam Wing
Plot: Five young pilots from the future generation are sent to Earth onboard five of the most powerful, mighty mobile suits known as Gundams. The mission is to wage war against the Earth Alliance and liberate the colonies from their oppression.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Mecha, Military, Drama |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Director | Masashi Ikeda |
| Production Company | Sunrise |
| Release Date | April 1995 |
| Runtime | 49 episodes, approximately 24 minutes each |
| Watch at | Crunchyroll, Funimation |
Gundam Wing became a global hit and is celebrated for its engaging characters and political storylines, helping introduce the Gundam franchise to a Western audience.
3. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Plot: In a world where the Holy Britannian Empire has conquered Japan, Lelouch vi Britannia gains the power of Geass, allowing him to control others. With his new ability, he leads a rebellion against the empire to avenge his mother and free Japan.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Mecha, Sci-Fi, Thriller |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Director | GorÅ Taniguchi |
| Production Company | Sunrise |
| Release Date | October 2006 |
| Runtime | 25 episodes, approximately 24 minutes each |
| Watch at | Netflix, Crunchyroll |
Code Geass is renowned for its intense plot twists, brilliant strategy sequences, and thought-provoking themes on power and rebellion.
4. Gurren Lagann
Plot: In a world where humanity lives underground, Simon and Kamina discover a powerful mecha and use it to escape to the surface. Alongside a resistance group, they fight to free humanity from the forces that keep them underground.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Mecha, Action, Adventure |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Director | Hiroyuki Imaishi |
| Production Company | Gainax |
| Release Date | April 2007 |
| Runtime | 27 episodes, approximately 24 minutes each |
| Watch at | Netflix, Crunchyroll |
With its energetic animation style and exhilarating battles, Gurren Lagann inspires with its themes of perseverance and friendship.
5. Eureka Seven
Plot: Renton Thurston joins the Gekkostate, a group of rebels led by the charismatic Holland and his mysterious co-pilot, Eureka. As Renton develops as a pilot and forms a bond with Eureka, he learns the truth about their world and their battles.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Mecha, Romance, Adventure |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Director | Tomoki Kyoda |
| Production Company | Bones |
| Release Date | April 2005 |
| Runtime | 50 episodes, approximately 24 minutes each |
| Watch at | Crunchyroll, Funimation |
Eureka Seven is beloved for its strong character development, beautiful animation, and rich emotional depth.
6. Aldnoah.Zero
Plot: After a Martian princess survives an assassination attempt, war breaks out between Earth and Mars. High school student Inaho Kaizuka and his friends are forced to battle against Martian forces and their powerful Aldnoah technology.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Mecha, Sci-Fi, Military |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Director | Ei Aoki |
| Production Company | A-1 Pictures, Troyca |
| Release Date | July 2014 |
| Runtime | 24 episodes, approximately 24 minutes each |
| Watch at | Crunchyroll, Hulu |
With its high-stakes battles and unique military tactics, Aldnoah.Zero is an intense series that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
7. Macross Frontier
Plot: As humanity expands into space, the Macross fleet encounters a deadly alien species known as the Vajra. Pilots Alto Saotome and his friends must defend their fleet, while romantic tensions and secrets from their pasts add to the drama.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Mecha, Sci-Fi, Romance |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Director | Shoji Kawamori |
| Production Company | Satelight |
| Release Date | April 2008 |
| Runtime | 25 episodes, approximately 24 minutes each |
| Watch at | Funimation |
Macross Frontier is known for its vibrant music, complex characters, and exciting space battles.
8. Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans
Plot: In a war-torn future, child soldiers use Gundam units to fight for the independence of Mars. Led by Mikazuki Augus and Orga Itsuka, they form the Tekkadan mercenary group and fight against powerful Earth forces.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Mecha, Military, Drama |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Director | Tatsuyuki Nagai |
| Production Company | Sunrise |
| Release Date | October 2015 |
| Runtime | 50 episodes, approximately 24 minutes each |
| Watch at | Crunchyroll, Funimation |
This Gundam series is gritty, realistic, and powerful, focusing on the struggles of child soldiers in a war-driven society.
9. Knights of Sidonia
Plot: Humanityâs last survivors live on a massive spaceship after Earthâs destruction. The genetically engineered pilot Nagate Tanikaze defends them against an alien species called Gauna, uncovering secrets of his own origin along the way.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Mecha, Sci-Fi, Action |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Director | KÅbun Shizuno |
| Production Company | Polygon Pictures |
| Release Date | April 2014 |
| Runtime | 24 episodes, approximately 24 minutes each |
| Watch at | Netflix |
With its intense space battles and unique animation style, Knights of Sidonia explores survival in a bleak and hostile universe.
10. Patlabor: The Mobile Police
Plot: Set in a near-future Tokyo, police officers use mecha, or âLabors,â to fight crime. The series follows Special Vehicles Section 2, a team of quirky officers dealing with rogue Labors and complex criminal cases.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Mecha, Police, Comedy |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Director | Naoyuki Yoshinaga, Mamoru Oshii |
| Production Company | Studio Deen, Sunrise |
| Release Date | April 1989 |
| Runtime | 47 episodes, approximately 24 minutes each |
| Watch at | RetroCrush, Crunchyroll |
Patlabor blends humor, action, and insightful commentary on technology, making it a unique entry in the mecha genre.
Conclusion
These top 10 mecha anime show the best of the genre, from philosophical dramas to action-packed adventures. From the complex relationship between humans and technology, these series have each made their impacts onto anime culture.
Whether a fan or not of mecha, these series are great strong storytelling, unforgettable characters, and awesome battles in which robots are pitted against each other. Enjoy discovering giant mecha warriors!