The mecha genre is a vast well of creativity within the anime community, encompassing multiple themes of futuristic warfare that utilize massive mobile robotic weapons. Mecha delivers a level of action that is unrivaled as planetary battles and interstellar combat hit like nothing else. One of the most prominent franchises in Mecha is the Gundam franchise, and rightfully so.
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Gundam has dominated the genre for over sixty years, continuing to deliver exceptional stories and creative concepts year after year. However, there are numerous mecha anime that go unnoticed that deserve the same level of respect as Gundam. Here are some mecha anime that do it just as well, if not better, than the Gundam franchise.
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
An Emotionally Charged Story With Distinct Mecha Designs
Gurren Lagann has garnered an enormous and dedicated fanbase since its release and continues to be a highly praised series for its fantastic action sequences and amazingly written characters. Gurren Lagann is a story of rebellion in a world where humanity is forced underground.
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Simon and Kamina are on their mission to liberate the world through sheer force of will, utilizing powerful mecha to carve their own path and perhaps save the entire universe in the process. Gurren Lagann has a sensational story accompanied by a unique art style that allows it to stand out from the Gundam series.
Gurren Lagann
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- 2007 - 2007
WHERE TO WATCH
Vision Of Escaflowne
A Merging Of Isekai And Mecha In A Beautiful Adventure
Visions of Escaflowne is an anime that was ahead of its time, helping pave the way for many series of the modern day with its unique blend of science fiction and fantasy. A young girl with psychic abilities finds herself in the middle of a war in another world as she joins King Van in defending his kingdom and his people utilizing the powerful machine known as Escaflowne to fend off the authoritarian Zaiban Empire, who seek to enforce their rule over the entire world. Visions of Escaflown e presents an engaging story with stunning action that culminates in a creative masterpiece.
The Vision of Escaflowne
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- 1996 - 1996
The Big O
Larger Than Life Robots With A High-Concept Story
The Big O is a mecha series with one of the most unique settings and concepts that layers a mysterious noir plot over explosive robot vs. Robot action. The Big O follows Roger Smith, who pilots a massive mechanical weapon of mass destruction in an attempt to keep dangerous technology from falling into the wrong hands. The world of Big O captures a distinct tone set in a world plagued by a mysterious event that has robbed humanity of its memories of the past in an effort to save the future. The Big O's smaller scale of battle and deep plot make it a great series to dive into without the investment needed for many Gundam series.
The Big O
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- 1999 - 2003
- Network
- WOWOW Prime, Tokyo MX, Chiba TV
- Directors
- Ikuro Sato, Tooru Kitahata, Kazuyoshi Katayama, Masakazu Obara, Sumio Watanabe
Macross Plus
Updated Action-Packed Series Of A Classic Franchise
The Macross franchise is a mecha series that has been around just as long as Gundam, and for a time, rivaled the franchise with its creative mecha designs that featured transformable units and high-octane action. Macross Plus is the fourth series in the franchise, delivering a complex plot that revolves around Love, Pride, and Technology. A love triangle fuels the development of a highly advanced AI that becomes sentient, placing the world at risk. Macross Plus strips away the global scale warfare with a more compact series that fans can jump right into.
Macross Plus
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- 1994 - 1995-00-00
WHERE TO WATCH
Eighty Six
A Brutal War Epic With An Impactful Story
Eighty Six delves deeply into the horrors of war on a more grounded level than the Gundam franchise, with a compelling narrative and a focused setting that addresses cultural and societal issues. In a world where a bitter conflict sees a nation utilize human weapons to fight on a battlefield against a drone-operated armada. As the story progresses and follows a single squad's fight for survival, the series explores the discrimination and dehumanization of the pilots by the empire. Eighty Six is one of the first modern mecha anime series to have such a profound impact on the anime community, which has earned it a second season.
86: EIGHTY-SIX
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- 2021 - 2022
Cast
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Ikumi HasegawaVladilena Lena Milizé -
Shoya ChibaShinei Nouzen
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Natsumi FujiwaraTheoto Rikka
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Seiichiro YamashitaRaiden Shuga
Aldnoah Zero
A Violent Conflict With An Amazing Main Character
Aldnoah Zero delivers the grand-scale conflicts of the Gundam franchise with a more centralized plot that follows a student who must become a soldier to protect the ones he loves. In a sudden show of force, the Martina Empire invades Earth, wielding highly advanced technology.
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Inaho Kaizuka becomes entangled in an interstellar conflict when he and his friends are caught in the crossfire of the invasion during a school training exercise. From start to finish, Aldnoah Zero has an expanding story that ramps in scale, political themes, and action as Inaho becomes a one-man army against an entire empire.
Aldnoah.Zero
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- 2014 - 2015
- Directors
- Ei Aoki
- Writers
- Olympus Knights
Neon Genesis Evangelion
One Of The Most Unique Mecha Anime Ever Made
One of the most polarizing and celebrated anime series of its time, Neon Genesis Evangelion is largely responsible for what many anime are today. In a dark and twisted tale, Neon Genesis Evangelion seamlessly blends folklore, science fiction, and psychological horror into a masterful work of originality and quality.
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These anime don't just show off impressive war machines; they also delve deep into the themes surrounding large-scale conflict.
Shinji Ikari is brought back into the life of his abusive father and put on the front line of a violent war against interdimensional beings called Angels. Neon Genesis Evangelion has stunning action with a story and series of sequels that stand in a league of their own in every facet of creativity.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
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- 1995 - 1996
WHERE TO WATCH
Code Geass
Unique Designs, Interesting Story, And Supernatural Themes
Code Geass is a spectacular tale of rebellion, war, and mecha warfare. Checking all the boxes of drama, action, and supernatural themes, Code Geass is one of the greats that is highly underrated among the most talked-about series. Lelouche V. Bratania is the banished prince of the Bratnaian empire who sets out on a mission of revenge and rebellion after obtaining strange powers that allow him to control the minds of his enemies. Forging a marmy, Lelouche seeks to rid the world of his own blood and make a paradise free of their tyranny. Code Geass has incredible animation, flashy mecha designs, intriguing characters, and a captivating story, making it a must-watch for all types of anime enthusiasts.
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
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- 2006 - 2008
- Directors
- Gorō Taniguchi
- Writers
- Ichirō Ōkouchi
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