Welcome, fellow anime aficionados, to a world where colossal robots and heart-wrenching narratives collide – the world of mecha anime! In this article, we’ll explore the exhilarating universe of mechanized warriors and countdown the top 5 mecha anime (ranked). Get ready to witness awe-inspiring battles, intricate character development, and gripping plots that will leave you on the edge of your seat. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the mecha madness!
Top 5 best Mecha Anime (Ranked)
5) 86 EIGHTY-SIX
- MyAnimeList Rating: 8.29
- Release Date: April 2021
- Genre: Action, Drama, Mecha, Military, Sci-Fi
- Streaming Platforms: Crunchyroll
86 (86–EIGHTY-SIX) is a Japanese anime television series based on the light novel series of the same name written by Asato Asato.
- The series is set in a dystopian future where the Republic of San Magnolia is at war with the Giadian Empire.
- The Republic uses a special type of drone called the “Legion” to fight the war, but the truth is that the drones are actually piloted by the Eighty-Six, a group of people who are discriminated against because of their race.
- The story follows Lena, a young woman who is assigned to command the Spearhead Squadron, a group of Eighty-Six pilots.
86 is a dark and gritty anime that explores the themes of war, discrimination, and hope. If you are looking for a Mecha anime that will stay with you long after you watch it, then 86 is definitely worth checking out.
4) Neon Genesis EvangelionÂ
- MyAnimeList Rating: 8.35
- Release Date: October 1995
- Genre: Action, Dementia, Drama, Mecha, Psychological, Sci-Fi
- Streaming Platforms: Netflix, Funimation
Neon Genesis Evangelion (NGE) is a Japanese mecha anime television series produced by Gainax and animated by Tatsunoko, and directed by Hideaki Anno.
- Shinji Ikari, the show’s main character, is a teenage boy whose father Gendo joins the mysterious group Nerv to fly a massive bio-mecha called an Evangelion and battle creatures known as Angels.
- As they struggle to stop Angels from starting new cataclysms, the Evangelion pilots and Nerv’s members are explored through their experiences and feelings in the series.
NGE is a complex and multi-layered anime that has been praised for its animation, story, characters, and themes. It has been credited with helping to revitalize the mecha genre and has had a significant influence on anime and popular culture.
3) Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
- MyAnimeList Rating: 8.42
- Release Date: October 2002
- Genre: Action, Military, Sci-Fi, Police, Mecha, Seinen
- Streaming Platforms: Netflix, Funimation
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex is a Japanese anime television series produced by Production I.G and based on Masamune Shirow’s manga Ghost in the Shell. The first season aired from October 2002 to October 2003 and was positively received by critics.
- The series follows the Section 9, a special police unit that deals with cybercrime and terrorism.
- Led by Daisuke Aramaki and Motoko Kusanagi, Section 9 is tasked with investigating a series of high-profile cases, including the Laughing Man incident, which involves a mysterious hacker who is targeting the Japanese government.
The series is set in a near-future where technology has advanced to the point where humans can have their bodies augmented with cybernetics. This blurs the line between human and machine, which forms the backdrop for the series. The anime explores themes of identity, consciousness, and what it means to be human.
2) Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
- MyAnimeList Rating: 8.63
- Release Date: April 2007
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Mecha, Sci-Fi
- Streaming Platforms: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann is a 27-episode Japanese mecha anime television series produced by Gainax. It aired on TV Tokyo from April to September 2007. The series was directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi and written by Kazuki Nakashima.
The story is set in a fictional future where Earth is ruled by the Spiral King, Lordgenome, who forces mankind to live in isolated subterranean villages. Two young men, Simon and Kamina, dream of breaking free from the surface and exploring the world above. When Simon discovers a mysterious drill-like object, they team up with a hot-blooded redhead named Yoko Littner to pilot a giant mecha called Gurren Lagann and fight against the Spiral King’s forces.
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann is a coming-of-age story about the power of friendship, determination, and believing in yourself. It is a visually stunning and action-packed anime that will leave you inspired and motivated.
1) Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch
- MyAnimeList Rating: 8.7
- Release Date: October, 2006
- Genre: Action, Military, Sci-Fi, Super Power, Drama, Mecha
- Streaming Platforms: Crunchyroll, Netflix
Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch is a mecha anime series set in an alternate history where the world is divided into three superpowers: Britannia, the Holy Empire of Britannia, the European Union, and the Chinese Federation. The story follows Lelouch Lamperouge, a Britannian prince who is exiled to Japan after his father, the Emperor, destroys the country. Lelouch meets a mysterious girl named C.C., who gives him the power of Geass, which allows him to control the minds of others. Lelouch uses his power to form the Order of the Black Knights, a rebel group that fights against Britannia.
It has been praised for its mature themes and complex characters. Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch is considered one of the best Mecha anime series of all time.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our exploration of the top 5 mecha anime, we invite you to give a go to your own mecha adventure. These series offer a captivating blend of action, drama, and emotion that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re a seasoned mecha enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, these anime are sure to leave a lasting impression. So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready to witness the grandeur of giant robot battles and the intricacies of the human soul.