If you’re expecting Gundam and Evangelion, you're in the wrong neighborhood. We're diving deeper, so let's suit up and blast off.
1. "Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet" (2013)
"Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet" throws Lieutenant Ledo, a young soldier from a human civilization light years away, into a situation where his advanced mecha is pretty much the most sophisticated piece of tech around. When he crash lands on a water-covered Earth, Ledo must adjust to a radically different lifestyle on the floating city-ship called Gargantia. With its touching exploration of cultural clash, interspersed with thrilling mech-on-sea-pirate battles, the series stands out. Gen Urobuchi, known for his work on the darker "Puella Magi Madoka Magica," was a key writer for the series.
2. "Knights of Sidonia" (2014-2015)
The series is set a thousand years into the future, where the remnants of humanity are aboard the spaceship Sidonia, hiding from alien creatures known as Gauna. Our protagonist, Nagate Tanikaze, emerges from the underground layer of Sidonia, becoming a Guardian pilot to defend humanity. With its unique art style that incorporates CGI for the mecha battles, "Knights of Sidonia" combines action-packed scenes with an engrossing plot. The series has a MyAnimeList approval rating of 7.64, a testament to its gripping storyline.
3. "Eureka Seven" (2005-2006)
Welcome to a world where mechs can surf the skies! "Eureka Seven" introduces us to Renton Thurston, a 14-year-old stuck in a boring town, who dreams of joining the mercenary group Gekkostate, led by his idol Holland. Things take a drastic turn when a mysterious girl named Eureka crashes into his life, and Renton is drawn into a conflict involving the mechs known as LFOs, secret government plots, and the strange phenomenon called Trapar particles. The show masterfully blends the thrilling mech battles with a deep, heartwarming coming-of-age story.
4. "Fafner in the Azure" (2004-2005)
On the peaceful island of Tatsumiyajima, life is blissfully ignorant of the horrific Festum – alien beings that eradicated much of the world's population. The island's youth, including our main character Kazuki Makabe, are trained to pilot the Fafner, humanoid fighting machines, in the hopes of one day defending their paradise. As you'd expect, that day arrives sooner rather than later. A bit of trivia: The series is named after Fafnir, a dragon from Norse mythology, which fits the theme of monsters the characters have to battle.
5. "SSSS.Gridman" (2018)
Imagine waking up with no memory and suddenly getting the ability to merge with a giant robot to fight off kaiju monsters. That's the premise of "SSSS.Gridman," a love letter to the classic Tokusatsu series of the same name. The protagonist, Yuta Hibiki, battles kaijus in increasingly creative and visually stunning fights. While the action is intense, the series also shines in its quieter moments, exploring themes of memory, identity, and reality. In 2019, "SSSS.Gridman" won the Crunchyroll Anime Award for Best Director.
6. "Gunbuster" (1988-1989)
"Gunbuster," directed by the acclaimed Hideaki Anno before he ever thought up "Neon Genesis Evangelion," is a landmark in the mecha genre. Our protagonist, Noriko Takaya, aspires to be a space pilot to avenge her father, who was killed by alien invaders. She gets her chance when she's selected for the Gunbuster program, a project designed to fight the extraterrestrial threats. As Noriko confronts the horrors of war and the pains of growing up, the series addresses themes of duty, sacrifice, and the relentless march of time. "Gunbuster" was the first OVA (Original Video Animation) produced by Gainax, who later made "Neon Genesis Evangelion."
7. "Armored Trooper VOTOMS" (1983-1984)
Set in a universe reeling from a century-long war between two superpowers, "Armored Trooper VOTOMS" follows Chirico Cuvie, a special forces Armored Trooper pilot. Betrayed by his own side, Chirico goes on the run, embarking on a quest for survival and truth that takes him across several distinct war-ravaged worlds. Its gritty, realistic depiction of mechanized warfare and compelling narrative make it a must-watch. The VOTOMS units are not the towering behemoths typical in mecha but are smaller, more utilitarian machines, adding a unique flavor to the genre.
8. "Patlabor: The Mobile Police" (1988-1989)
Set in a world where giant robots, or 'Labors,' are used in various industries, "Patlabor" focuses on the members of the Special Vehicles Division 2, a group of police tasked with Labor-related crimes. With its diverse and endearing cast, this series offers a fresh take on the mecha genre, combining police drama with comedy and slice-of-life moments. What makes "Patlabor" stand out is the fact that Labors are used for everyday tasks, not just battles, providing an intriguing look at a society heavily reliant on mecha. Fun fact: "Patlabor" was directed by Mamoru Oshii, who later directed the acclaimed "Ghost in the Shell" movie.
9. "The Big O" (1999-2000)
"The Big O" combines the mecha genre with film noir elements, all set in a city that has lost its memories after an event called "The Amnesia." The series follows Roger Smith, a negotiator by trade, and also the pilot of the city's gigantic mecha protector, The Big O. With its stylish animation, compelling mysteries, and thrilling mech battles, the series makes for a fantastic watch. When the series was first aired in the US, it gained such a cult following that Cartoon Network co-produced the second season.
10. "King Gainer" (2002-2003)
"Overman King Gainer" is set in a post-apocalyptic world where people live in domed cities controlled by the London IMA (International Management Authority). The protagonist, Gainer Sanga, becomes an unlikely hero when he pilots an Overman (mech) and leads a mass exodus to the mythical 'Yapan,' a paradise beyond the snowbound wastelands. This series is packed with intriguing characters, political intrigue, and of course, fantastic mecha battles. Even opening sequence featuring the characters doing the 'Monkey Dance' is such a unique and playful take, it has become quite iconic.