The Most Popular Mecha Anime: A Ranking of Fan-Favorites
Voting rules: Choose the Mech anime you think is the most popular!
Jun 16, 2023 10:18 (Updated on Dec 1, 2023 08:31)
Welcome to the ultimate battleground of the most popular mecha anime, where colossal mechanized warriors clash in a fierce battle for supremacy! At StrawPoll, we've assembled a spectacular roster of the most thrilling and iconic mecha anime series that have captured the imaginations of fans worldwide. Now it's time for you to decide which titan will reign supreme! Join the ranks of thousands of passionate mecha devotees and make your voice heard by voting for your all-time favorite or championing an underdog. Will it be the legendary Gundam, the timeless classic Neon Genesis Evangelion, or perhaps a dark horse contender that will conquer the ranks? The fate of the mecha universe lies in your hands! Unleash your inner pilot, fuel your passion for massive metallic mayhem, and dive into the action-packed world of mecha anime by participating in our epic ranking poll. The clock is ticking, and every vote counts - may the best mecha reign victorious!
What Is the Most Popular Mecha Anime?
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155votesThis franchise has been around for over four decades and has a massive fan following. It has a rich lore, complex characters, and epic battles.DescriptionGundam is a long-running mecha anime franchise that has become a symbol of the genre. It features giant humanoid robots known as mobile suits and is set in various timelines and universes. The Gundam series explores themes of war, politics, and the consequences of advanced technology. It has captured the imaginations of fans around the world with its intricate plotlines and intense robot battles.
- Height: Around 18 meters
- Weight: Varies between models, typically 40-60 tons
- Armor: Laminated ceramic composite
- Power Source: Minovsky Ultracompact Fusion Reactor
- Armaments: Various, including beam rifles, beam sabers, and missile launchers
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241votes
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Hideaki AnnoThis anime is known for its psychological themes, symbolism, and unique mecha designs. It has a cult following and is considered a classic.DescriptionNeon Genesis Evangelion is a groundbreaking mecha anime series set in a post-apocalyptic world. It follows the story of teenagers piloting giant humanoid mechas, known as Evangelions, to protect Earth from mysterious beings called Angels. The series delves into themes of existentialism, identity, and the psychological struggles of the main characters.- Original release: October 4, 1995 – March 27, 1996
- Genre: Science Fiction, Mecha, Psychological Drama
- Episodes: 26
- Running time: Approximately 23 minutes per episode
- Studio: Gainax, Tatsunoko Production
Neon Genesis Evangelion in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular old-school anime
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312votesThis anime is a blend of mecha battles, music, and romance. It has a long history and has spawned multiple spin-offs and adaptations.DescriptionMacross is a popular mecha anime series that originated in Japan. The franchise combines elements of science fiction, action, and romance, and focuses on the adventures of various characters involved in interstellar conflicts. The central theme revolves around the use of transforming fighter planes called Variable Fighters, which can change into humanoid robots known as Valkyries. Macross has gained a significant following worldwide and has spawned numerous sequels, movies, and spin-offs.
- First Release: April 3, 1982
- Number of TV Series: 8
- Number of Movies: 5
- Number of OVAs: 11
- Total Episodes: 210+
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413votesThis anime is known for its strategic battles, political intrigue, and complex characters. It has a unique mecha design and an engaging story.DescriptionCode Geass is a critically acclaimed mecha anime series set in an alternate reality during the year 2010. The story follows the protagonist, Lelouch Lamperouge, who obtains the power of Geass, allowing him to control others. With this power, Lelouch seeks to overthrow the oppressive Britannian Empire and create a better world for his sister.
- Genre: Mecha, Science Fiction, Action, Drama, Psychological
- Episodes: 50
- Original Run: October 5, 2006 – July 28, 2007
- Animation Studio: Sunrise
- Characters: Lelouch Lamperouge, C.C., Suzaku Kururugi
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522votes
Full Metal Panic!
Shoji GatohThis anime combines mecha battles with high school comedy and romance. It has a likable cast of characters and a unique premise.DescriptionFull Metal Panic! is a mecha anime series that combines elements of action, comedy, and romance. It follows the story of Sousuke Sagara, a young military specialist who is assigned to protect a high school girl named Kaname Chidori from various threats. The series features intense mecha battles, character-driven storytelling, and a blend of lighthearted humor with dramatic moments.- Genre: Mecha, Action, Comedy, Romance
- Release Date: January 8, 2002
- Episodes: 3 seasons, 37 episodes
- Studio: Gonzo
- Main Characters: Sousuke Sagara, Kaname Chidori, Teletha Testarossa
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616votesThis anime is known for its over-the-top action, inspirational themes, and unique mecha designs. It has a cult following and is considered a classic.DescriptionTengen Toppa Gurren Lagann is a mecha anime series set in a post-apocalyptic future where humanity is forced to live underground. The story follows a young boy named Simon and his comrades as they embark on an epic journey to fight against tyrannical rulers and reclaim the surface world. Filled with intense action, vibrant animation, and memorable characters, the series explores themes of courage, determination, and the power of the human spirit.
- Original Run: April 1, 2007 - September 30, 2007
- Episodes: 27
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Mecha
- Animation Studio: Gainax
- Music: Taku Iwasaki
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77votesThis anime is a coming-of-age story that combines mecha battles with romance and sci-fi elements. It has a unique setting and a likable cast of characters.DescriptionEureka Seven is a popular mecha anime series that combines elements of science fiction, coming-of-age, and romance. The story takes place in a future where humanity faces threats from mysterious creatures called Scub Coral. The main protagonist, Renton Thurston, lives a mundane life until he encounters a humanoid robot named Nirvash, piloted by the enigmatic Eureka, a member of the rebel organization Gekkostate. Renton joins Gekkostate and embarks on a journey filled with adventure, personal growth, and self-discovery.
- Genre: Mecha, Science fiction, Coming-of-age, Romance
- Original run: April 17, 2005 – April 2, 2006
- Episodes: 50
- Director: Tomoki Kyoda
- Writer: Dai Satō
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810votesThis anime is known for its political intrigue, epic battles, and unique mecha designs. It has a complex story and a diverse cast of characters.DescriptionAldnoah.Zero is a popular mecha anime that takes place in an alternate reality where humans have discovered an ancient hypergate on the moon, leading to the colonization of Mars. The story follows the conflict between the people of Earth and the Martian colonists, who possess advanced technology known as Aldnoah. The series explores the political intrigue, intense battles, and emotional turmoil that arise as the two factions clash.
- Genre: Mecha, Sci-Fi, Action, Drama
- Episodes: 24
- Original run: July 5, 2014 – March 28, 2015
- Animation Studio: A-1 Pictures, TROYCA
- Director: Ei Aoki
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95votesThis anime is a blend of mecha battles, romance, and fantasy elements. It has a unique world and a likable cast of characters.DescriptionEscaflowne, also known as The Vision of Escaflowne, is a popular mecha anime series that combines elements of fantasy, mecha, and romance. The story follows a young high school girl named Hitomi, who finds herself transported to the world of Gaea, a medieval realm filled with giant humanoid mechas known as Guymelefs. There, she becomes involved in a war between the Zaibach Empire and the Kingdom of Fanelia, all while discovering her own mysterious powers of divination and unraveling her destiny.
- Original air date: April 2, 1996 – September 24, 1996
- Episodes: 26
- Animation studio: Sunrise
- Genre: Fantasy, Mecha, Romance
- Music: Yoko Kanno
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102votes
Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam
Yoshiyuki TominoThis anime is a sequel to the original Gundam series and is known for its darker tone, complex characters, and epic battles. It has a rich lore and is considered a classic.DescriptionMobile Suit Zeta Gundam is a popular mecha anime series set in the Universal Century Gundam universe. It serves as a direct sequel to the original Mobile Suit Gundam series and was created by Yoshiyuki Tomino. The show follows the story of a young pilot, Kamille Bidan, as he becomes involved in the war between the Earth Federation and rebel forces known as the Anti-Earth Union Group (AEUG). As the war escalates, Kamille and his teammates pilot advanced mobile suits called Gundams to fight against their enemies and bring about peace. Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam explores deeper themes such as war, politics, and the consequences of human actions.- First Aired: March 2, 1985
- Episodes: 50
- Running Time: Approx. 24 minutes per episode
- Animation Studio: Sunrise
- Genre: Science Fiction, Drama
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Ranking factors for popular mecha anime
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Sales and revenueAnalyzing the sales of Blu-rays, DVDs, merchandise, and other related products can indicate the popularity of a mecha anime.
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Viewer ratings and reviewsThe ratings and reviews on various platforms like MyAnimeList, IMDb, and other anime-dedicated websites can provide an idea of how well-received a mecha anime is among viewers.
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Cultural impactThe impact a mecha anime has had on the anime industry, pop culture, and its influence on subsequent mecha series should be considered.
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Awards and recognitionsThe number of awards, nominations, and other recognitions a mecha anime receives can be a good indicator of its quality and popularity.
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Longevity and number of episodesA long-running mecha anime with multiple seasons, episodes, or spin-offs can be a sign of its sustained popularity.
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Audience engagement and fanbaseThe size and enthusiasm of a mecha anime's fanbase, as well as their engagement through fan art, fan fiction, and discussions on online forums, are important factors to consider.
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Online presenceThe number of views, likes, and subscribers on video streaming platforms like YouTube and Crunchyroll, as well as the number of followers and interactions on social media platforms, can help determine the popularity of a mecha anime.
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Critical reception and analysisThe opinions of critics, reviewers, and scholars on the mecha anime's story, animation, characters, and other aspects should be taken into account.
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Theme, innovation, and plotThe uniqueness of the mecha designs, originality in the plot, and the handling of themes and concepts within the anime are essential factors to consider.
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International appealThe popularity of a mecha anime outside its home country, such as in North America and other non-Japanese regions, can be an indicator of its overall appeal and popularity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular mecha anime. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Mech anime is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1359 views
- 183 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Mech anime once every 24 hours. The rank of each Mech anime is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular mecha anime
Mecha anime has been a popular genre in Japanese animation for decades, with giant robots and high-tech weaponry being the hallmark of the genre. From classics like Gundam to newer shows like Evangelion, mecha anime has continued to captivate audiences across the world. The genre typically features young protagonists piloting giant robots in battles against either other robots or alien invaders. With numerous franchises and spin-offs, the mecha anime world is vast and varied, offering something for fans of all ages and interests. So, what is the most popular mecha anime? Let's find out.
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