10 Mecha Anime You Need To Watch If You Like Mobile Suit Gundam

Mecha anime reached new heights when Mobile Suit Gundam transformed giant robots from simple super-powered heroes into realistic war machines. The series pioneered complex storytelling where politics matter as much as beam sabers, creating a template that countless shows have followed. These ten series prove that piloted mechs can tell stories ranging from psychological horror to space opera romance.

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1. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

Set in an alternate world where Britannia dominates Japan, this mecha anime follows exiled prince Lelouch as he leads a rebellion against imperial forces. Armed with the supernatural Geass power that lets him command anyone through intense eye contact, Lelouch wages war using both political cunning and giant robot combat. Code Geass mixes intense political drama with high-stakes mecha battles that keep viewers hooked.

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2. Neon Genesis Evangelion

This groundbreaking mecha anime revolutionized the giant robot genre by exploring psychological themes through its troubled protagonist, Shinji. Tasked with piloting massive bio-mechanical units called Evangelions, Shinji must defend humanity against mysterious beings known as Angels. Evangelion deconstructs traditional mecha anime tropes while delivering intense robot battles. The series combines spectacular action sequences with profound character studies, creating a complex narrative.

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3. Aldnoah.Zero

This mecha anime presents a conflict between Earth and Martian colonists who possess advanced Aldnoah technology that powers their superior mechs. When Princess Asseylum's assassination attempt triggers war between the planets, Earth's forces must rely on tactical intelligence rather than raw firepower to survive against technologically superior enemies. The series focuses on strategic mech battles where underdogs overcome seemingly impossible odds through clever tactics.

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4. Gurren Lagann

Two underground miners, Simon and Kamina, discover an ancient mech that helps them fight against the tyrannical Spiral King. Joined by surface dweller Yoko, this trio uses their mechanized power to reclaim humanity's rightful place above ground through increasingly epic battles. Gurren Lagann embodies the spirit of believing in yourself and fighting against oppression. This mecha anime escalates from small-scale conflicts to universe-threatening battles.

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5. Full Metal Panic

Seventeen-year-old Sousuke Sagara works for the covert organization Mithril while protecting Japanese schoolgirl Kaname Chidori from enemy agents. Kaname possesses incredible abilities to create advanced machinery, making her a valuable target for various hostile forces seeking technological advantages. The challenge lies in Sousuke's complete lack of social skills despite his military expertise.

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6. Gunbuster

Before creating Neon Genesis Evangelion, director Hideaki Anno crafted this space-based mecha anime about humanity's fight against alien invaders. Awkward teen Noriko Takaya teams up with ace pilot Kazumi Amano to control massive RX-7 robots and protect Earth from total annihilation. This series merges military-style training scenes with jaw-dropping fights in space.

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7. Mobile Police Patlabor

Six years before Ghost in the Shell, director Mamoru Oshii created this cerebral mecha anime about robots running amok in Tokyo. The police department's special vehicle section uses advanced robots called Labors to stop berserk machines before they destroy the city completely. Mobile Police Patlabor focuses on grounded storytelling and realistic consequences. The show blends intense combat training with thrilling space battles that push the limits.

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8. Giant Robo: The Animation

This original video animation combines kung fu, superhero elements, and massive mechanized combat into one wild package. When the world's single energy source faces threats from a shadowy organization, the International Police assemble the Experts of Justice to fight back using both superpowers and giant robots. The team includes elite warriors and a twelve-year-old boy who controls the incredibly powerful Giant Robo.

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9. Macross Frontier

As a key chapter in the iconic Macross saga, Frontier centers on three individuals traveling with a human fleet in search of a new world to call home. The story centers on a pop star, a military pilot, and an aspiring singer as they encounter alien threats requiring massive transforming fighter jets. Macross Frontier features the franchise's signature elements: overwrought love triangles, jets that transform into giant robots, and unforgettable musical sequences.

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10. RahXephon

This mysterious mecha anime follows Ayato Kamina, a teenager who discovers he can pilot a massive bio-mechanical entity called RahXephon in a world where reality itself has been altered. Set in a Tokyo isolated by an impenetrable barrier, Ayato must uncover the truth about his identity while battling otherworldly enemies known as Dolems. RahXephon blends psychological complexity with stunning mech action, creating an atmospheric experience that challenges viewers' perceptions.

All these mecha anime prove that giant robots are more than just metal and missiles. So fire up your engines, adjust your targeting systems, and prepare for a sortie into storytelling territories that'll expand your mecha anime horizons beyond even Gundam's vast universe.