What are the best Mecha anime out there?
Robot battles just hit differently from the usual shounen, magic induced or even sport type of fights we see in anime. Though the Mecha genre is dated as one of the oldest types of anime out there, it will never go out of style.
Here are 10 action packed Mecha anime that have greatly influenced the genre and have withstood the test of time.
10. Mobile Suit Gundam Wing
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann Trailer
Earth is now ruled by the Spiral King, Lordgenome—who forced humans to live in underground villages. Simon and Kamina stumble upon an ignition key to a mecha which the duo named Lagann. After the duo meet up with Yoko Littner they set off on a journey to the surface. The three of them fight several enemies alongside other human survivors in order to reclaim the surface.
While Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann is first and foremost an action mecha series, its characters and plot would want to make you sit and watch for hours and hours. It’s serious enough to get you hooked to the edge of your seat. But also, it will hit you with light-hearted and inspirational scenes from time-to-time making it less monotone and dramatic from other mecha anime. All-in-all Guren Lagann has a great balance of all its elements.
2. Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron Blooded Orphans
Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron Blooded Orphans Trailer
After breaking free from the control of Chryse Guard Security, the orphans took control of the CSG, refounding it as a mercenary company under the name Tekkadan. Mikazuki Augus, the new pilot of the legendary Gundam Barbatos, forges a path to establish the newly founded Tekkadan as a military company. Their first mission: Escort Kudelia Aina Bernstein to earth so she may take part in the negotiations with the government of Arbrau.
It’s a good break from the usual things the Gundam franchise has to offer. The series is easily one of the more unique gundam titles I’ve seen, especially since there is no clear-cut with who is good or evil in this show. It’s also one of the more brutal Gundam shows as the mechas are built to deal damage using melee weapons over the ranged beams. You’ll see heavier hits and epic maneuverability throughout the course of this show.
1. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion Trailer
With the death of half the human population on Earth due to the “Second Impact”, Nerv is now humanity's last hope in defeating the “Angels” who heralds the Earth’s doom. 14-year-old Shinji Ikari is whisked away from his ordinary life to join his father’s organization and pilot the Evangelion Unit -01 in order to defeat the Angels.
One of the most over analyzed anime out there. Can you believe people are still trying to understand Neon Genesis Evangelion up to this date? You can also say Evangelion managed to change and revive Mecha anime as a classic genre favorite for anime fans. Evangelion has a lot of timeless themes and even focused on the characters psychological traumas. This move caused the series to become more than just an ordinary Mecha anime.
