Fur is a genre, which appears to have been intended for anime. From their huge mechanical frames to their destructive power, anime's most memorable robots have captivated kids and adults alike for decades.
But what series about robots left an indelible legacy? Should all good mechanical anime contain lots of explosions?
I find mechanics to be as rich as any other genre, offering ideas for humanity, yet deeply entertaining and otherworldly.
So if you're looking to brush up on your knowledge and dive into all things mechanical, I've put together a list of the best of the best right here.
20. Hoshi no Koe (Voices of a Distant Star)
What better way to start my list than by talking about Makoto Shinkai's underrated 2002 project.
The director is known for insanely realistic (but more flamboyant) aesthetics, but Shinkai has always combined romance with elements of sci-fi, fantasy or outer space.
"Voices of a Distant Star" takes it a little further in its sci-fi aspect with aliens and a space expedition, causing the two lovers to sadly grow further apart with each passing day.
Like any Shinkai work, this one has more to do with emotions and a painful (but important) sense of yearning.
Besides, did you know that he did everything here except music?
Watch this if you want to see the first steps of one of this generation's established anime directors.
19. Apple seed (2004)
I want to clarify that I mean the 2004 film. And two more of his films, released in 2007 and 2015, respectively.
But definitely not the 1998 OVA, which is also called Appleseed - it's not very good.
But Appleseed's CGI animation from 2004 was breathtaking when I first saw it. Appleseed had different sized robots, futuristic cities, beautiful female characters, and even a decent dubbed version.
Admittedly, it looks a bit outdated these days. But you can really see the improvement in CGI/3D animation by watching three Appleseed movies one after the other.
There are elements of romance in the trilogy, but it's definitely more about cool mechanical designs, high-profile gunfights and explosions.
18. Aldnoah Zero
Let me be clear when I say that I love Aldnoah.Zero - which means I love both seasons.
Yes, even the second season, which most fans hate for destroying what was built in the first.
You see, Aldnoah.Zero is a bit like Shingeki no Kyojin, only it's not like that either.
Both anime haveepic first episode, which ensures that viewers will be asking for the next episode.
The finale of EP 01 got a huge number of views on YouTube. Also, Hiroyuki Sawano made the score for them.
But even with what happened in Season 2, I would say that people should try Aldnoah.Zero. Mecha fights are fun and Inaho Kaizuka isn't too bad for an MC.
In any case, you should at least watch the development of Slaine Troyard.
17. Kidou Keisatsu Patlabor (Patlabor: Mobile Police)
Patlabor: Mobile Police is an old gem that young anime fans should check out.
This is a good reminder of how a talented team can improve the material.
The series debuted in 1988 with a seven-episode OVA and continued with a 47-episode series and two absolutely amazing films, featuring greats like Mamoru Oshii and Satoshi Kon.
The series is like a comedy, but with fur.
But it's not Gundam. Robots here are not sophisticated creatures capable of destroying cities in a day.
In contrast, Patlabor has more practical robots. The ones that you can really imagine, someday they will appear in real life.
After all, we are talking about police robots fighting other robots primarily designed for manual labor.
16. Koukyoushihen Eureka Seven (Eureka Seven)
The award-winning Spring 2005 series was an unexpected miracle, at least for me. I thought it would be a normal anime about guys and girls, but with elements of mechanics - I was wrong.
Yes, it has serious romantic elements. But the 50 episode anime is also well written and well thought out.
I wish I could say the same about the sequel to Eureka Seven AO, but that one was average.
But in fact, the first series at the highest level. I love the character development of Renton Thurston, who is definitely more than just another teenage boy who discovers he has a special power.
A plusamazing animation andmusic .
Studio Bones did not disappoint: although mech battles are few and far between, they are well worth a look.
15. Kukaku Kidoutai (Ghost in the Shell)
Yes, the iconic Ghost in the Shell is not in my upper half. But let me explain before you pick up the pitchfork.
I only mean the 1995 movie, not the entire franchise.
So I'm only arguing that the original is less enjoyable as a mecha anime than the other parts.
Ghost in the Shell is one of the best anime movies of all time. But it's also more of a philosophical, exploratory film.
However, I can never deny that Motoko Kusanagi is one of the best characters in the medium, cyborg or not.
14. Zhou Danji machine voltage V (Super-electromagnetic machine voltage V)
Do you feel like a betrayal to see Voltes V over Ghost in the Shell?
Sometimes nostalgia and childlike surprise is enough to get a series going.
Voltes V is a national treasure. There is a generation of kids in my country (and their angry parents) who watched it every night on local television.
The animation is quite simple and the result is very predictable.
But the kids loved it - I loved it.
The music was catchy and it was great to see five good guys come together as one giant robot.
If that weren't enough, Voltes V is arguably the most socio-politically significant anime in my country - it's a symbol of democracy, hope and rebellion.
13. Macross F (Macross Frontier)
The Macross franchise is unique in scope, story, and popularity.
I didn't expect singing, music and space battles to be such a fantastic combination.
Macross is a testament to anime's mastery of storytelling. But I suggest watching Frontier if you're short on time.
Essentially, Macross Frontier is a classic space opera (mixed with singing) that introduces viewers to Alto Saotome, Ranka Lee and Cheryl Nome as they team up to overcome an alien threat.
Shoji Kawamori masterfully manages his business here, ensuring that the epic mechanical battles and character development feel deserved, that they all contribute to what makes Macross F unique.
12. Ghost in the Shell: Autonomous Complex
See? I included another Ghost in the Shell entry, especially one that offers more mechanical qualities.
The Stand Alone Complex series (with the exception of the lifeless CGI sequel, SAC_2045) is an exploration of man, machine, and social ills in a dystopian world.
It's not as intense as your standard mecha show. But Production IG ensures that its animation, sound design, and mix of 2D and 3D will stand the test of time. The way it is.
If you've watched and loved Psycho-Pass, watch SAC.
The first would not exist and would not have succeeded without the Stand Alone Complex.
11.SSSS.Gridman.
Released only in the fall of 2018, SSSS.Gridman is the most recent mecha series on my list.
So how did this almost make it into the top 10?
Well, it's an original anime, which means no one knew which direction it was heading.
Secondly, it seemed new and familiar at the same time, evoking a sense of mystery by displaying tokusatsu-style mechanical action.
It's a pity that SSSS.Gridman didn't get the praise and attention it deserves. Should this be blamed on the possibly low-quality fan service in the beginning? Maybe.
On the other hand, many anime fans want that kind of familiarity: robots and cute girls.
But beyond that, there's intrigue, crisp visuals (thanks to Studio Trigger), and a story that only intensifies in the second half.
10. Full metal panic!
Full metal panic! The franchise has gone through a lot of changes, starting with the Studio Gonzo project and ending with Kyoto Animation (this one's favorite), and then Xebec, which made a surprise return in 2018.
If you're a big fan of rom-coms, this should be for you.
Full metal panic! looks different than your average romantic comedy, but its military and mechanical setting doesn't detract from the power of humor.
Perhaps the fans of the Fumoffu series loved the most (for good reason). But you can't go wrong with the first season either.
Plus, you'll finally know who Bonta-kun is. Which you have probably seen in anime fan videos and anime stores.
9. Magic Knight Rayart
If you've never heard of Magic Knight Rayearth, I completely understand.
It shows how old I am already, but this is a special mecha anime - not only for me, but for literally millions of people.
In my country, Magic Knight Rayearth has changed the landscape of local anime series. Instead of being just another shonen or mecha with a male lead, this show highlighted a trio of women.
They were neither side characters nor just love interests. Hikaru, Umi and Fu had chemistry and everyone in my school was protective of their favorite Magic Knights.
More importantly, Magic Knight Rayearth proved that mecha can blend into genres like shojo and fantasy. Expect great mechanical designs here that you won't see anywhere else.
8 Mobile Suit Gundam: Ironblood Orphans
If you're wondering why Gundam still hasn't been mentioned, it's because his best work ranks so high on this list.
Ironically, the Iron-Blooded Orphans are nothing like the classic Gundam. You don't even have to watch the earlier shows to appreciate it.
IBO is set in a future where part of humanity lives on Mars.
The problem, however, is that it is still ruled by those on Earth, and government neglect is deeply rooted.
Young Kudelia Aina Bernstein wants to change that by visiting Earth. But first, she must endure a journey that contains relatively few but genuinely violent action films.
7 Promare
The newest anime on my list is Promare, a 2019 original anime movie.
To be honest, this doesn't seem like anything new.
This is a Studio Trigger project and the team was made up of the same people who worked on the beloved high octane series Kill la Kill and Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann.
So he really feels like the long lost child of those two shows.
Promare is ridiculously stylish and flamboyant, as if those adjectives were made for him.
The CGI isn't exactly slick (and that adds to the buzz), but the energy and passion of the creators is evident in Promare.
6. Sidonia no Kishi (Knights of Sidonia)
On the eve of the third season, Knights of Sidonia is one of the mecha hits of the latest generation.
At a time when there was already Shingeki no Kyojin in the community, was there still room for another like this?
Yes, Sidonia no Kishi and Attack on Titan have significant differences.
But they both manage to make viewers feel hopeless. As if all the efforts and sacrifices of the good guys will never lead them to victory - to a life not filled with blood and violence.
So if you want 3D/CG mecha done right, check out the two seasons of Knights of Sidonia.
You will be impressed by the scale, the accompanying score and the sound effects of the battles.
5 Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn
The Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn gave the 1980s franchise a new lease of life by introducing it to a younger generation after its debut in 2010.
It was Sunrise's anniversary project, possibly one of two major studios associated with the mecha genre.
Fan-favorite composer Hiroyuki Sawano was part of the team - so expect god-level battle music in this album.
And even though it's just an OVA, each of the seven episodes is an hour long. It's like a seven part series.
You can watch this even if you haven't seen previous Gundam entries and it has some of the very best mecha fights of all time.
It's a morally complex, politically layered epic that even non-mechanical fans should see at least once.
4 Mobile Suit Gundam Origins
Yes, I have two Gundam records in my top five.
That's how much Gundam influences the mecha genre.
The Origin is more recent than Unicorn and debuted in 2015. But like the last one, it's an OVA consisting ofsix full-length episodes .
It has some exemplary 3D/CGI which is not usually found in anime. Origin would be better if only its mechanicals were 3D/CGI, but I'm just nitpicking here.
The opening scene of EP01 will easily hook you. The same goes for the exciting fight scenes.
Like any great Gundam project, its political and emotional power is undeniable.
3. Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch
I'm sure a lot of people are wondering why I haven't mentioned the pizza girl and Mr. Lelouch Lamperouge yet.
Well, here they are.
Among all the articles presented here, it is Code Geass that has received critical acclaim and wide acclaim.
That's an accomplishment in itself: not all great anime shows get the attention they deserve.
If you haven't been spoiled yet, watch it now and get ready. If you've seen this, give me another watch.
The Code Geass highs are too good to pass up. Especially after you've moved on to the second season. Enjoy all mind games and dramas.
Gundam is what people most associate with sunrise, but it is his most ambitious mechanical offering yet.
2. Evangelion Neon Genesis + End of Evangelion
My silver medalist is the series that made Studio Gainax forever famous.
Whether you think it's overrated or it should have been my #1, no one can deny its impact on anime in general.
Apart from Gundam's mechs, Shinji's Eva, Asuka and Rei are the next most famous robots in anime.
Their design is unusual, at times creepy and awe inspiring at the same time.
If you want to mix your anguish and despair with beautifully animated mecha scenes, this is the place to be.
It is a deeply philosophical and psychological masterpiece that has changed the way critics (in Japan and beyond) view anime.
1. Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
I hope NGE fans don't get upset with my favorite.
Come on, this is also an anime original from Gainax with over 25 episodes.
So why is this my favorite mecha anime?
Simply put, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann makes me remember why I fell in love with the genre in the first place: it's outrageous, exciting, and full of color, like it has limitless creativity.
Yet Gurren Lagann is not just famous for its graphics and mind-blowing scenes:
It's also the perfect balance of humor, action, adventure, and philosophical questions.
In the latter department, it is not as heavy as NGE, but it is also more suitable for a younger audience.
Fur has the ability to inspire surprise in people of all ages. And I think it's Gurren Lagann who does it best.
