Mech Anime

[Slitzkin]

Okay...so after finishing Gurren Lagann I'm left with a severe need for some more mecha anime. I've considered watching Evangelion again but I think it is time for something new.


I haven't seen any of the Mobile Suit Gundam series, so which would I start with? The very first from the late 70s? I hear that MSG Zeta is the series golden series and is universally considered the best of them all.

What is Code Geass like? I dont' know much about it but it always looked like the Naruto of mecha anime, I've never been remotely interested in it. Try to change my mind.

 

[Zontar]

Gundam is a series you can pretty much jump in at any point, though personally I like Zeta and Turn A the most.

I'd avoid Code Geass, it's a little over the place in terms of tone and plot lines, and it isn't very consistent in a lot of ways that matter. It also has absolutely no rewatchability, as the second or more viewing will ruin it as you realize how dumb it actually is.

Personally I'd recommend one of the Macross series (again, any of the shows or movies you can just jump into, though I'd recommend the original just because it's pretty dame good. The 2006 ADV dub was amazing, they even got one of the original Japanese cast to reprise their role).

 

[njrk97]

Code Gease is basically death note with mechs, if you enjoyed the mind games and elaborately awesome plans then you will like Code Gease. Basically if you have watched Death Note and liked it, you will most likely enjoy Code Gease. It hard to explain it without going into spoiler territory and that why im using the Death Note analogy.

Spoiler: very light synopsis

Basically it about a genius high school student who gains a form of mind control powers and intends to use it against a government super power that has taken over japan and remained it area 11. He joins up with a group of rebels and using his brilliant mind and the Gease basically acts as the general for them commanding their small resistance. Both sides have mechs that they use for combat. Granted though the war is not as black and white as i have made it out to be here and the plot is much deeper aswell.

Overall i recommend it highly after watching it.

Oh yeah another good Mech Anime is zoids, its main distinction is that the mechs are based off animals and it set on another planet with two warring factions, the series acutally does really well as neither side is portrayed as evil in the war. Infact through the series the Main characters spend half the series with each Faction.
zoids:Chaotic Century
then
Zoids: New Century

Spoiler: Mechs for reference

 

[Slitzkin]

Oh yeah another good Mech Anime is zoids, its main distinction is that the mechs are based off animals and it set on another planet with two warring factions, the series acutally does really well as neither side is portrayed as evil in the war. Infact through the series the Main characters spend half the series with each Faction.
zoids:Chaotic Century
then
Zoids: New Century

Spoiler: Mechs for reference

I've seen Zoids. I remember watching them on Cartoon Network when I was a child. I even owned the Elephant-like Zoid. Those toys were so difficult to put together. I rewatched it a few years back and really enjoyed it. The show is so over-the-top and stupid it's hard not to enjoy. Plus nostalgia goggles.

 

[Redryhno]

Depends on what you're looking for in MechAnime.

Linebarrels of Iron and Vandread are fun for light deconstruction and general funtimes

FLCL and Infinite Stratos for just general batshit insanity to watch for braindead times

Big O, Zone of the Enders, and Samurai 7 for fights and a slightly more adult world

That's just off the top of my head, though, there's alot more out there I'm probably forgetting, but that should get you started.

As for Code Geass, I will say that it is worth the watch if you're into anime generally at all. It's got rough parts and sometimes dips into contradiction, but there's alot of heart put into it, and I dare you not to tear up or have unbearable loathing at some parts towards some characters and their actions. Also be prepared for great setups and alot of great backdrops.

 

[Scarim Coral]

Exclusing what others has said already, let's see-

Martain Sucessor Nadesico (avoid the film!)

Eureka 7 (avoid the sequel!)

Samurai 7

As for the Gundam, I can't really say since the only Universal Century Gundam series I watches was Unicorn. I personally would go for Build Fighter as while it has reference to the past series, it is not mandatory to watch it.

 

[CrimsonBlaze]

I would also recommend Eureka seveN, especially if you have Netflix.

It is my favorite anime and a short one, so it won't take up a lot of your time.

The animation style is great, the characters are deep and get a lot of development, the mech fights are awesome, and there are a lot of twists and revelations that make the series a little weird, but in a good way.

The sequel is pretty meh, but the original is where it's at.

 

[VanQ]

I'm gonna recommend one that no one evet does here.

Isekai no Seikishi Monogatari aka War in Gemini

This anime is known affectionately as the best anime no one ever watched. With a mostly female cast who don't fall into any of the usual anime tropes, gorgeously animated 45min long episodes and a really interesting take on living mechs, its a very unique experience.

 

[natenate95]

IS is really just a harem anime, not sure how i got wrangled into that for as long as i did.

I mean you can easily start with almost any Gundam and get a relatively similar experience, personally you could watch Gundam Unicorn and save yourself the trouble in going back to 80s/90s animation, all the while getting the gist of what the hell Gundam was shooting for all these years plot/thematically. Also it has one of the best mobile suits in the form of the NZ-666 Kshatriya.

Forgive my crappy non-player link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKXSn1ZxrLE

Anyway, their are so many mech animes out there(albeit most of the follow the same tried and true formula).

I mean to second a few of the earlier comments:

Code Geass - I guess it's death note/mecha, i mean anti-hero protagonist are really the only similarities and such, good show, oddly doesn't age too well. But....

Code Geass: Akito the Exiled - Newer OVA, yeah yeah requires code geass to "get", but still a generally more interesting protagonist. I actually regret that prior sentence...fuck it, committing to it. No one call me out.

Eureka Seven/Astral Ocean - Solid show, differs itself from most other shows due to its interesting premise, good characters and such. AO is slightly less impressive, but mainly because the MC isn't as interesting as his parents.

FLCL - I'd personally say a must watch. 6 episodes anyway. Nothing else quite like it, not really a mecha anime also. The feels though.

Big 0 - I want to call it a classic, i fucking really do, but main that thing needed a second season. I'd reccomend watching it for the old school episode structures/scenarios, but good characters, good mech design and a setting that needed to be expanded upon.

Samurai 7 - Like FLCL, its got mechs in it, not really a mecha anime. Excellent show on its own however.

Zoids? - Man a zoids nod. Not even sure what to say. It's certainly unique, pretty fun but forgettable show. I'd say watch the 1st series and then lay it to rest.

Macross - Also a classic, if you're already gonna time travel with Gundam, might as well make that shot a double.

Shows no one hopefully mentioned so far--------------------------

Broken Blade - Yeah its a pretty straightforward MC finds mech, things happen, but the setting is certainly interesting. The show has its moments for sure.

Aldnoah.Zero - im sure between me typing this and posting it, someone will bring it up. I'd say fucking watch it, its certainly an excellent addition to the genre that champions tactics to win and a interesting(if kinda standard) plot.

Buddy Complex - Im pretty sure i enjoyed the show, yet couldn't remember its name for like 3 mins over here sipping whiskey. Besides the name and time travel nonsense, its a pretty fun ride.

That one anime i forgot which the like 18 kids gotta pilot the mech using their life force to save the planet and no one gives a shit about their sacrifice show???? cant remember that 1's title either.

Oh well, probly missed a few.

 

[Subbies]

A lot of people are recommending FLCL, which is a great anime, but not really mecha. I'd recommend Diebuster, basically FLCL with mechas or gurren lagan in 6 eps. It's really good. Patlabor is good too if you don't mind looking at oldies.

Edit: I completely forgot about this one, but Cross Ange is currently showing and it's a pretty good show (if the first few episodes don't put you off, they're quite controversial).

 

[Username Redacted]

A lot of people are recommending FLCL, which is a great anime, but not really mecha. I'd recommend Diebuster, basically FLCL with mechas or gurren lagan in 6 eps. It's really good. Patlabor is good too if you don't mind looking at oldies.

Yeah, I don't get the FLCL or Samurai 7 recommendations. Don't get me wrong they're both really good shows but I wouldn't really think of either as Mecha animes. OP can however put me down as one more recommendation in favor of Big O and Code Geass and as a down-vote for Eureka Seven. I watched the first 43 episodes of that series and couldn't be bothered to finish it. It's been a while but as best as I can recall the reasons I stuck with the show that long was a combination of finding one character kind of interesting and a badly misguided sense of "it gets better later".

 

[Hochmeister]

Okay...so after finishing Gurren Lagann I'm left with a severe need for some more mecha anime. I've considered watching Evangelion again but I think it is time for something new.


I haven't seen any of the Mobile Suit Gundam series, so which would I start with? The very first from the late 70s? I hear that MSG Zeta is the series golden series and is universally considered the best of them all.

What is Code Geass like? I dont' know much about it but it always looked like the Naruto of mecha anime, I've never been remotely interested in it. Try to change my mind.

I've been watching Gundam UC over the last year, r/gundam has a good overview to all the series. I'd actually recommend Gundam 00 as it's modern, well animated, relatively short, doesn't rely on any other lore, and overall quite good. The original Mobile Suit Gundam 0079 is great if you can look past the 70's style animation. As for MSG Zeta I just finished it and thought it was inferior to 0079 in every way except animation quality. Its political and strategic exposition was whacked, Newtype powers were blatantly used to drive the plot, romances were abrupt, nonsensical, and in many cases sexist, and characters rather uncompelling. I suspect there's a large amount of nostalgia behind people's love of it.

As others have said Code Geass is basically Death Note with Mechas. Not at all like the Naruto of Mecha (that's Gundam if anything) and definitely worth a watch. For alternate Mecha, here are some good ones that haven't been mentioned yet:

Valvrave the Liberator - Space vampires piloting mecha. It's weird and crazy, but has some great action scenes and is entertaining.

Majestic Prince - An oft overlooked series from a couple of years ago about a team of genetically engineered soldiers defending Earth against an alien menace.

Full Metal Panic - More a romcom than a mecha, but when the giant robots get out the action get awesome. Overall a great show.

 

[Guffe]

Only one I know is Full Metal Panic.
I liked it, has good action and funny characters.

 

[Worgen]

Godannar is a really good one, the first few episodes are a bit in your face but after that it gets really good. It does have a bunch of fan service but its also got really good characters and does some rather hard hitting moments quite well. Its also got multi-national robot teams and they are awesome.

 

[Marik2]

Go watch IGPX, it is really underrated and it is refreshing to see robots race instead of being used in war.

 

[ZiggyE]

If you wanna give VNs a try, then the Muv Luv trilogy is really good.

 

[RedDeadFred]

Code Geass is probably my favourite anime. This is coming from someone who really dislikes Naruto. It's kind of like Death Note, but you don't have the second really shitty season and the main character doesn't become completely evil. Also, it has probably the best ending I've ever seen. Some of the second season is a little annoying since there's a lot of each side just one-upping each other in mech power level.

 

[Just Ebola]

If you want an interesting recent one you can try Knights of Sidonia, it has pretty nice 3d, the characters are good and it's pretty heavy in science fiction.

Also, to make the thread 300% more awesome

My eyes rolled of their own accord when I saw it was a Netflix original, but after finishing it, I have to second and third this. Really enjoyed it, especially the animation, it's not easy to get that Attack on Titan feel in a space-age anime.

Anyways, Knights of Sidonia is a winner. And FLCL isn't a mech anime, but it's a fun experience. Kill la Kill could probably be considered a mech anime, depending on how you look at it.

 

[ecoho]

Okay...so after finishing Gurren Lagann I'm left with a severe need for some more mecha anime. I've considered watching Evangelion again but I think it is time for something new.


I haven't seen any of the Mobile Suit Gundam series, so which would I start with? The very first from the late 70s? I hear that MSG Zeta is the series golden series and is universally considered the best of them all.

What is Code Geass like? I dont' know much about it but it always looked like the Naruto of mecha anime, I've never been remotely interested in it. Try to change my mind.

vandread: if you liked Gurren Lagann youll like this, its about as off the wall and the dubs not bad.

Duel: parallel trouble adventures; this is what happens when the guys who animated Evangelion get together with the guys who made the tenchi series, great fight scenes and dear god the laughs.

 

[Zetatrain]

Okay...so after finishing Gurren Lagann I'm left with a severe need for some more mecha anime. I've considered watching Evangelion again but I think it is time for something new.


I haven't seen any of the Mobile Suit Gundam series, so which would I start with? The very first from the late 70s? I hear that MSG Zeta is the series golden series and is universally considered the best of them all.

What is Code Geass like? I dont' know much about it but it always looked like the Naruto of mecha anime, I've never been remotely interested in it. Try to change my mind.

Code Geass is the Naruto of Mecha? In what way exactly?

I personally recommend Code Geass, its got some questionable writing, depending on your suspension of disbelief but overall is a fun mecha series with solid mecha action and a MC whose not your average mecha protagonist . First season is solid though the 2nd season is where the majority of the series flaws crop up but at least manages to end on a high note. Like others have said its kinda like Death Note crossed with mecha.

As for the Gundam franchise

Universal Century Timeline

Mobile Suit Gundam (original)- If you can look past the dated animation (which personally I don't find to be a problem at all) I'd say its a must. It may be 35 years old but the writing still hold up really well and it will allow a for a better under of events that transpire in the sequels and side stories that occur in the Universal Century. There is the Original 43 episode series and the movie trilogy. The movie trilogy is the better of the two due to the fact the it cuts out a lot of the pointless material in the TV series. However, the TV series is still good so give it a try if you like the movies and have the time.

Zeta Gundam- Yeah there are lot of people that hold Zeta to be the gold standard, but in truth the fanbase is really divided about that. The older fans (Universal Century fans) love it but a lot of the newer fans seem to dislike it. Be sure to temper your expectations before jumping in.

Now I liked it, but I never really thought it was better than the original MSG. Zeta Gundam is to the Gundam franchise what "The Dark Knight" (comic book) is to the Batman franchise. Zeta Gundam was a lot darker and depressing ( lot of people die) than its predecessor so lot of people saw it as being more mature. Now as a series about war this does work at times, but there also time when it feels like its trying too hard and is doing it purely for shock value. The writing can also be pretty weird at times. Still if you like the first series then definitely give Zeta Gundam a try though watch the original before Zeta.

Some people here recommend the Unicorn Gundam OVA and while I do believe it is one of the best entities in the Gundam franchise it is not for newcomers. Gundam Unicorn builds upon the themes and events from the gundam series that came before it and the OVA kind of acts like a finale. I personally wouldn't recommend it until you have seen the original MSG, Zeta, and "Char's Counterattack" (movie). It would also be a good idea to briefly read about the events that transpired in ZZ gundam (sequel to Zeta gundam) from a wiki page.

The side story OVAs (0080: War in the Pocket, The 08th MS team, and 0083: Stardust Memory) are probably the best place for newcomers to start (at least for those interested in the Universal Century timeline) since their animation is not nearly as old as the original. They don't require you to have seen the original MSG, but it would not hurt to quickly look up some info about the "One year War" (the central conflict in MSG) if only to provide a little bit of context to the conflict present in these side stories. They each range from 6-12 episodes and I recommend all three of them

0080: War in the Pocket- To me this is probably the best entry in the franchise in terms of story. Its only six episode so it doesn't require a huge time investment. Now the only possible downside is that compared to other gundam entries there is significantly less mecha action. But this makes sense since the story is about an 11 year old boy who becomes friends with an enemy solider who has infiltrated his colony.

The 08th MS Team- This is generally the most well liked entry in the Gundam franchise (in the West). Personally I don't think its the best, but you will be hard pressed to find someone who dislikes it. Most people like it because it focuses on the grunts and its combat is more realistic compared to other gundam shows. It's story and characters are not as good as 0080, but the characters are likable and the story is alright.

0083: Stardust Memory- While this series has arguably the weakest story and characters of the three OVAs, its animation is the gold standard when it comes to the Gundam franchise. So if you are looking for giant robots blowing each other up then you should definitely give this series a try. Now its a prequel to Zeta gundam so the significance of its ending might be a little unclear to you if you don't know the basic outline of Zeta Gundam.


Any of the Alternate Universes are as good a place to start since they aren't connected to the original MSG or its timeline.

Gundam 00 (AD era)- If you are looking for a more modern gundam series then this is probably the best place to start. The 1st season is good and 2nd season is alright but it loses a lot of the complexities that made the first season good. The movie is kind of meh in the writing department, but it does manage to bring the series to satisfying, if flawed, end.

Gundam Seed (Cosmic Era)- Most fans will describe this as a modern re-imagining of the original MSG, which is true up until the the halfway point. Its definitely not as good as the original, but I still really liked it. Stick to the TV series and stay away from the compilation movies. I also recommend staying away from its sequel Gundam Seed Destiny (so much wasted potential).

Turn A Gundam (Correct Century)- Arguably the best Gundam TV series in terms of characters and story, but has a some very...unorthodox mecha designs that might turn you away. I recommend you watch some gundam shows (ones that aired before Turn A) to truly appreciate it.

Gundam Wing (After Colony era)- Its the one that brought the gundam franchise to the west. Personally I don't think it hold up as well as it did when it first aired in the US, but its still not a bad place to start.

G Gundam (Future Century)- This series is a lot closer to Gurren Lagann than any of the other gundam entries since it is much more of a super robot anime. It has nothing to do with war and is centered around a fighting tournament.

Gundam X (After War Era)- Gundam in a post apocalyptic setting.


Non-Gundam series

Super Dimensional Fortress Macross: Second only to Gundam in terms of popularity. Definitely a must for anyone mecha anime enthusiast. If the animation is too dated for you then try Macross Plus (basically Top Gun the anime) which is completely stand alone. There is also Macross Zero(prequel) and Macross Frontier(most recent one) and while they do have some connections to the original Macross it is not vital to have seen it.

Rahxephon- Best way to describe it is an Eva clone. You got humanity being pushed to the brink of extinction by an abstract alien race and the only way to fight them is with a mysterious robot. Despite being an Eva clone its still very good and shouldn't deter you from seeing it. Some even say that it's Evangeline done right. Do not watch the movie (its a retelling) unless you have seen the series

Fafner: Dead Aggressor- Another Eva clone, but again a very good Eva clone. One of my personal favorites and woefully underrated. One thing that stood out to me is that it actually attempts to address the moral and practical complications of using children in war machines. Not as psychological as Evangeline, but it does delve into a decent amount of existentialism. Can get really sad and depressing at times. Overall, good story and characters. Animation hasn't aged as well but its decent. Has a prequel Right of Left, movie sequel Heaven and Earth, and sequel series Exodus(currently airing). Original series is a must in order to view the other entries.

Full Metal Panic- High school Comedy meets Giant Robots. May seem like an odd combination but it works pretty well. The first season is good, but its season 2 (Fumoffu) and season 3 (The Second Raid) where it truly shines. Though granted Fumoffu doesn't count as mecha since in focuses solely on the comedy and light hearted elements of the series. Probably my second favorite mecha anime series after Mobile Suit Gundam.