13 Best Mecha Anime & Robot Anime of All Time!

best mecha anime

Featured Image Titles:

  • Gen: Lock
  • Gurren Lagann
  • Valvrave The Liberator

Mecha is one of the rarest and distinctive genres in the anime industry. While some of the genres like a slice of life and fantasy are mostly famous in the east, mecha anime shows are surprisingly famous all over the world. From the classic mecha anime/robot anime like Neon Genesis Evangelion to recent sensation Gundam, all of them have won the hearts of the fandom over the world.

Well, it isn’t so surprising considering how good these anime are made. Mecha anime/robot anime always involve complex character designs and takes a lot of time to air each season. However, the artists have been giving it all to bring these masterpieces to us. So, can’t we appreciate them by watching them delightfully? Let’s get into the list, shall we?

Also read: 10 Best Sci-Fi Anime That’ll Hook You Up Right From the Beginning!

Best Mecha Anime/Robot Anime to Watch!

13. Aldnoah Zero

Aldnoah Zero- best mecha anime/robot anime

Aldnoah Zero is known for one of the best animations in the mecha anime genre. Not just visuals but amazing character designs to support the stunning animation. We get a ton of copy-cat concepts these days, and most of them became knockoffs.

But Aldnoah Zero really brought us a wonderful concept in the mecha anime/robot anime genre. While it does have a drawback in world-building, you can’t possibly ignore it for the rest positive aspects. Thus, Aldnoah Zero is one of the best mecha anime/robot anime.

When a hypergate is discovered on Mars that connected to the earth, humans teleported there. Those who settled there developed far better technology than the people on earth and somehow this discovery of the Empire on Mars led to a declaration of war against the people on earth.

Later, a battle on the moon destroyed the hypergate. Fifteen years later, Inaho Kaizuka witnesses the assassination of the princess of Mars who came to repair their relationship with Mars. Now he must fight to solve the mystery and bring peace.

12. Buddy Complex

Buddy Complex- best mecha anime/robot anime

At first, this mecha anime totally seems weird and confusing but don’t give up on watching it. With each episode, the interactions between the characters progress gradually. It implicates two different lives in a single drama, and the presentation is really good.

It presents you with two different personalities simultaneously and the screenplay makes you wonder what happens next. You might think this is just a mecha anime/robot anime like another Gundam rip-off but it’s very rare of a kind.

When a high school student named Aoba Watase finds himself targeted by a robot known as “Valiancer,” his classmate Hina Yumihara saves him. She also reveals that the robot and herself are from the future and Hina takes him 70 years into the future.

There he finds a compatible robot and becomes a pilot through the coupling with Dio Weinberg. Why did Hina and the robotic enemy come to the past for him? Will he be able to find the answers to his questions?

11. Full Metal Panic

Full Metal Panic- best mecha anime/robot anime

Despite being a mecha anime/robot anime, this series has humor, suspense, and action aspects to keep you going on to further episodes. The animation is quite great, and the art is also realistic which makes you wonder if it’s really is an art.

As per the story, you’ll get a clear view once you watch it, and overall, it is a decent plot for the show. The characters in the show are a great positive aspect since most of them have diverse personalities.

The story revolves around a private military organization named Mithril whose main aim is to extinguish terrorism over the world. But this organization needs the help of individuals known as “whispered” who can create powerful machinery.

Sousuke Sagara is assigned to protect Kaname Chidori, a candidate of whispered who studies in a high school. Now Sagara has to blend in with the rest of the students, despite his inability of being friendly and also shouldn’t reveal his identity.

Also read: 15 Best School Life Anime to Remind You of Good Old Days!

10. Tenkai Knights

Tenkai Knights- best mecha anime

If you ever heard the name of one of the best animation studios Bones, then you should probably know what to expect from this anime. And as you’d expect, this anime offers you everything with humor to action.

While the story is pretty simple, the screenplay and the characters are what make it exciting. So, if you’re looking for a mecha anime/robot anime with good action and characters, then make sure to add this to your list.

Ages ago, a war broke out on a planet named Quarton between two factions to obtain the ultimate source of Tenkai Knights. When Vilius, the corrupted and ruthless warlord fought against the four knights of Tenkai with the mighty Tenkai dragon and lost.

However, its fragments were scattered into space. In 2034, Guren, Toxsa, Ceylan, and Chooki gets chosen by the Guardians when they find an interdimensional portal for Quarton. Can these newly formed Tenkai Knights save the Quarton from Vilius?

09. The Vision of Escaflowne

The Vision of Escaflowne- best mecha anime

Despite having a standard storyline, this mecha anime/robot anime has an epic screenplay and wondrous visuals. While it does lack a few aspects, the remaining aspects can make up for it. You’ll have plenty of moments to get stunned while watching it.

The best aspect could be none other than character development. The way the characters are developed is really a great part of this anime’s success. Thus, we brought this mecha anime into the list.

Hitomi Kanzaki is a schoolgirl with an interest in card games and when a boy named Van Fanel suddenly arrives from the sky by battling a vicious dragon. With a little help of Hitomi, he defeats the dragon and when a faint light appears, both Hitomi and Van get transported into another world.

Soon Van Fanel’s family gets defeated by an evil empire even though he had the power of Escaflowne (mechanized battle suit). With the help of Hitomi and some allies, his journey to reclaim the lost empire begins.

08. SSSS Gridman

SSSS Gridman- best mecha anime

When SSSS Gridman first came out, most of the people didn’t like it because it has a slow pace for the first few episodes. But when the show got into a good pace, the audience loved it.

It is a mixture of a few genres like mixing school life against mech fights and entertaining you with enough humor. This show nails the world-building and with the animation, it gets to a whole new level. Thus, SSSS Gridman is one of the best mecha anime/robot anime of all time.

One day Yuuta Hibiki finds himself waking up in Rikka Takarada’s room and notices two things: one is that he has no memories, and the second is he hears a mysterious voice calling his name from the other room.

When he finds that it is a robot that can only be seen by him, it introduces itself as Hyper Agent Gridman. To surprise him even more, a few monsters enter the vicinity and now he had to fight them along with his friends. But can he get answers to all of his questions?

07. Knights of Sidonia

Knights of Sidonia- best mecha anime

Knights of Sidonia is a Post-apocalyptic sci-fi anime with an amazing premise. Though the premise in the anime has been overused, you’ll witness a new angle of the presentation here.

Personally, I like its art and music because compared to other mecha anime, the background score and art are quite unique. Every moment is intense, and the story keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end. So, we’d like to add this anime on the list of best mech anime/robot anime.

Many years after the destruction of the earth, the alien race Gauna tries to pursue the remaining survivors who escaped through the galaxy. In the year 3394, Nagate Takizake ends up finding the seed ship Sidonia while searching for food but he doesn’t know about the upcoming threats.

Now he must defend against Gauna using Sidonia, and that’s the only way to protect his friends and fellow soldiers. What would be the mystery behind this fate?

Also read: 13 Best Vampire Anime You Must Watch At Least Once in Your Life!

06. Macross Frontier

Macross Frontier- best mecha anime

If you think Macross Frontier is just another mecha anime/robot anime with some good action, then you are mistaken. It tends to create something that fulfills the pre-fixed genre with a lot of moments.

In the beginning, I didn’t expect much from it and while we watch further, you grow fond of it. It is a good thing because you never regret the plot or any other aspect. In other words, you can watch this mech anime without any further hesitation since it is sure you amaze you.

When a catastrophic war takes place on the earth where humans fight against the giants, humanity escapes to the center of the galaxy using a fleet known as Macross Frontier. In the year 2059, a young mecha pilot Alto along with his friends accompany a singer who performs a concert in their region.

But when a sudden appearance of an alien species breaks through a barrier, Alto unleashes his talent. Military Services on the planet recognizes his talent and recruits him. Thus, we brought it to the list of best mecha anime.

05. Eureka Seven

Eureka Seven- best mecha anime

Eureka Seven is certainly one of the best mecha anime/robot anime out there. It has 50 episodes and there’s plenty of story setting and the character development is great too. If you’ve read the synopsis of this mecha anime, we’re sure you’ve had your doubts.

But just give it a shot for a few episodes and you’ll eventually love it. The pace in each episode is quite good with a lot of epic and hilarious moments. So, if you’re here to watch a fantastic mecha anime/robot anime, then this a must.

A 14-year-old boy named Renton leaves his town and joins a mercenary group known as Gekkostate to find some adventure in his boring life. However, he gets stuck between his grandfather’s dream of becoming a mechanic and his father’s legacy.

In his pastime, he loves to ride Trapar wave particles, an activity similar to surfing. When he crashes with a robot known as Nirvash type ZERO. Soon, due to circumstances, he becomes a co-pilot alongside Eureka.

04. Mobile Suit Gundam 00

Mobile Suit Gundam 00- best mecha anime

Gundam franchise has always been one of the path setters of mecha anime in the anime industry. While it has many parts and sequels to watch, Mobile Suit Gundam 00 gives us a completely different opinion.

It not only has a strong plot but in every aspect, it surpasses the classics of Gundam. With some stunning visuals and breathtaking action sequences, this mecha anime deserves a place on the list. So, if you’re looking for a good mecha anime to watch, go for it.

In the future where fossil fuels are completely depleted, different nations join together to form three factions: the Union of Solar Energy and Free Nations, the Advanced European Union, and the Human Reform League.

While these three sectors depend on solar energy, there are still some countries with poverty that couldn’t survive due to a lack of fossil fuel. Then a mysterious organization named “Celestial Being” with the highly advanced technology of mobile suits aids them.

03. Neon Genesis Evangelion

Neon Genesis Evangelion- best mecha anime

As you already know, Neon Genesis Evangelion is one of the most influential mecha anime in the anime industry. Though it was created in the 1990s, you won’t get such a feeling after you view it. In other words, its plot is fantastic, and the action scenes are really good.

It set its name in anime history as one of the best mecha anime/robot anime and to this day, there are countless people watch it again and again. Thus, we recommend this amazing mecha anime to you.

When the world stands on the brink of extinction in 2015, the last hope of humanity lies in Nerv, an agency under the United States that use Evangelions to defeat threats so-called ‘Angels.’

The head of the organization seeks talented pilots who can make use of the Evangelions. Shinji Ikari ends up becoming one of the selected pilots and now he must become the pilot of Evangelion Unit-01 to save mankind.

Also read: 10 Best Dark Anime Series You Cannot Find in Million Years!

02. Gurren Laggan

Gurren Laggan- best mecha anime

Only a few anime shows have the potential to make viewers scream while watching. And we can say that Gurren Laggan is definitely one of those mecha anime where epicness dwells in every scene.

In other words, it is an endless thrilling ride and every moment in the show is breathtaking. So, if you want to watch a mecha anime with some epic moments and a good plot, then go with it. Thus, we thought Gurren Laggan is one of the best mecha anime/robot anime out there.

Simon and Kamina were born and raised in an underground village. When they are excavating the earth, they find a mysterious object later it turns out to be the key to an ancient artifact Laggan.

With the new weapon, Simon and Kamina escape from the underground with a surprise attack. Soon the journey of Simon and Kamina begins as they encounter various threats to humanity. It is one of the best mecha anime of all time.

01. Code Geass

Code Geass- best mecha anime

Finally, the #1 recommendation is here and if you haven’t already watched this mecha anime, we’d recommend you do it right away. The reason Code Geass is highly rated is because the MC in the anime is insanely intelligent and uses every situation to his benefit.

This anime has some epic moments as well as one of the best endings in anime history. And more importantly, the story is too good and overall you’ll be more than happy to watch it.

In the year 2010, the Holy Empire of Brittania is the dominating nation starting their conquest in Japan. In this nation on an occupied region of Area 11, Lelouch Vi Brittania survives by seeking revenge on his father who is the Emperor because he abandoned both him and his crippled sister after the assassination of their mother.

In an accident, Lelouch encounters a mysterious girl named C.C who blesses him with the power “The Absolute Obedience.” Well, I guess you know what’ll happen next or you could find it out by watching this amazing mecha anime.

Conclusion

Well, it seems the list of best mecha anime has come to a conclusion. The list has mecha anime from the 1990s to the latest years, so we’re sure you’ll be satisfied with the recommendations.

Since the mecha anime genre is quite popular over the world, we have a lot of classics here. If you’re new to mecha anime, then we’d recommend you start with the latest ones and if you’re a fan of this genre, then you should never miss the old classics.

In the future, we’ll get more mecha anime/robot anime with some extremely cool concepts with an even greater quality of animation. So, we hope you’ll find this genre interesting and make sure to watch at least a couple of anime from the mecha anime genre. What are your thoughts on mecha anime? Do you have any favorite anime in this genre? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

Visit the anime community of India-Anime Ukiyo for more content!

For the latest anime news and reviews, follow Anime Ukiyo on TwitterFacebookInstagram, Pinterest, and Telegram Channel.

Posted by
Hanumanth Reddy

Hanumanth is an enthusiastic author who enjoys writing about anime, movies, and TV shows and aims to share his optimistic views with his readers. His favorite franchise is Star Wars, and he aspires to be a Jedi in the future, but he vows not to fall on the dark side.