Summary
Mecha used to be one of the biggest genres in anime. Every year, there’s always a new and exciting anime that revolves around mecha, each with its own unique story to tell, such asEvangelion, Code Geass, Eureka Seven, Macross,and of course, the most iconic of them all, theGundamFranchise. Unfortunately, as the isekai genre became popular all over the world, some other genres saw a noticeable dip in popularity, including mecha.
Mecha anime has become a rare genre.Gundamremains the sole massive franchise still thriving in this space. In 2024, approximately 200 anime aired across four seasons, yet only about 13 belonged to the mecha genre. Among those, these are the best mecha anime of 2024.
7Shinkalion: Change the World
A Fun Mecha Series for All Ages
Shinkalion: Change the Worldis the third season of the Shinkalion series. The series revolves around a group of teenagers and their “Transforming Bullet Train Robot” called Shinkalions, which were developed to combat mysterious mechanical creatures called UNKNOWN. This season, the story focuses on Taisei Onari, a high schooler who tries to find clues about his missing sister.
A MyAnimeList score of less than 6.0 usually wouldn’t make the cut for a “Year-End Best List.” Its presence here says a lot about the state of mechaanime in 2024.That being said, don’t discount Shinkalion just yet. It won’t stand anywhere near the pantheon of iconic mecha anime. Nonetheless, it is pretty entertaining to watch.
6Grendizer U
A Respectable Reimagining of an Old Mecha Series
The story ofGrendizer Urevolves around a young man named Duke Fleed and his giant mecha, the Grendizer. Duke, the crown prince of Planet Fleed, is forced to evacuate his home planet and seek refuge on Earth when Vega’s forces launch an attack on his planet. Nowadays, Duke Fleed lives on Earth under the name of Daisuke Umon. Unfortunately, his peaceful days are disturbed when strange objects appear above the city skyline. Daisuke has no other choice but to fight his old enemy to save his new home.
Grendizer Uis a spin-off ofthe legendaryMazingerseriesfrom the 1970s,based on the manga by Go Nagai.Grendizer Uis a reboot of the original anime calledUFO Robot Grendizer,released back in 1976. In a nutshell, this is a reboot of a spin-off of a famous 1970s anime adaptation of a popular mecha manga.Grendizer Ubrings a much-needed visual upgrade to this legendary franchise, and it’s interesting to see what they’ll do with it in the future.
5Mobile Suit Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance
A Thrilling Look at the Frontlines Through the Lens of Zeon Soldiers
Mobile Suit Gundam: Requiem for Vengeancetakes viewers to the front line of the war through the eyes of Zeon soldiers who try to defend the European Front from the Earth Federation’s relentless counterattacks. The story follows Iria Solari, a Zaku pilot who commands the Red Wolf Squadron. He survives the barrage of air and ground attacks on the frontline. He executes a daring infiltration mission into the enemy’s HQ to defending against the ruthless attacks of the brand-new Gundam EX.Mobile Suit Gundam: Requiem for Vengeancedelivers maximum actions and emotions.
One of the most consistent story elements in the Gundam franchise is that GUNDAM is the most advanced piece of Mobile Suit in its time. That’s why it is possible for it to wage a one-man war against an enemy with a much larger force.Requiem for Vengeanceadheres to that principle, but with a camera that focuses on the other side.It’s refreshing to experience the storyfrom the perspective of the Zeon Forces as they struggle to survive against the unstoppable power of Gundam.
4Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture
A Long-Awaited New Series from the Iconic Franchise
After the fall of the Holy Britannian Empire following the death of Emperor Lelouch Lamperouge, regions that used to be under the rule of the Empire began to announce their sovereignty. However, some remnants of the Empire amassed sizable military power, regaining some of those territories and uniting them under the banner of the Neo-Britaninan Empire. They even went as far as capturing the island of Hokkaido from the United States of Japan and enslaving the native people. This story follows Ash, a skillful Knightmare pilot, and his brother Rozé, a genius tactician, as they try to free Hokkaido from the Empire.
Code Geass: Rozé of the Recaptureis a direct sequel to 2019’sCode Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection.Code Geassused to be one of the biggest mecha franchises, rivaling giants likeGundamandMacross.But after the spin-offCode Geass: Akito the Exiled,this franchise stopped producing major series. This series is their attempt to recapture that lost popularity.Rozé of the Recapturemay not make as much noise as its famous predecessor, but the solid rebellion story and the thrilling mecha fights are a step in the right direction.
3Synduality: Noir Part II
A Continuation of the Unique Idea Presented in the First Part
Synduality: Noir Part IItakes place directly after the end of the firstSynduality: Noir. The story still follows Kanata, his friends, and his amnesiac magus, Noir. This time around, however, Noir has regained some of her memories and recovered her original personality, which complicates things. There’s alsoa new evil organizationcalled Ideal, which actively tries to hurt and sabotage Kanata’s group. Kanata is still steadfast in his ambition to find the legendary city Histoire, but first, he needs to uncover the mystery surrounding him, his friends, and his enemy.
Synduality: Noirwas conceived as part of a massive mixed media project called Synduality Project by Bandai Namco Entertainment, which encompasses anime, manga, light novels, and video games. With that being said,Synduality: Noiranime in itself has proven to be a solid mecha series and more than capable of standing on its own.
2Brave Bang Bravern!
A Mecha Series That Combines Comedy and Combat
The Titanotostrider (TS)is humanity’s most advanced manned mecha, and Ao Isami of the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) is among its top pilots. Yet the TS proves powerless against an invading alien mecha force. When all seems lost, a sentient mecha named Bravern arrives before Isami, asking him to be its pilot. Though bewildered, he agrees. Together, they obliterate the alien attackers, marking Earth’s first stand. Yet, it also signals the beginning of Isami’s darkest days.
Paradoxical is the word to describeBrave Bang Bravern!On one hand, it offers a somewhat realistic approach to military conflict similar to serious mecha series likeGundamorEvangelion.On the other hand, it has the over-the-top silliness and absurdity of a tokusatsu series likePower RangersofUltraman.The robots and the monsters are highly expressive, almost in a comedic way. This unlikely marriage might not seem to work on paper, butBrave Bang Bravern!proves otherwise.
1Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom
Another Stellar Entry Into Gundam Seed’s Catalog
Although the war between PLANT and the Earth Alliance is already over, bloody conflicts still happen all over the universe. The one who is responsible for this bloodbath is none other than the Blue Cosmos, a radical group that is hell-bent on waging war against Coordinators. In an effort to neutralize conflicts and minimize civilian casualties, various major factions agreed to form a global peace monitoring agency. This is Compass, led by Lacus Clynewith Kira Yamato as the Commander.
Just when the conflict with the Blus Cosmos reached a stalemate, however, a newly independent nation called the Kingdom of Foundation expressed its interest in joining Compass to eradicate Blue Cosmos. Unfortunately, there is something far more sinister behind this gesture.
Despite the Gundam franchise’s extensive catalog of movies and TV series,Mobile Suit Gundam Seedstands out as one of its most iconic, successful, and beloved entries. As expected, the movieMobile Suit Gundam Seed Freedommanages to exceed all expectations with its gripping story, heartbreaking drama, and of course, the edge-of-your-seat action sequences.
