2002 | 52 episodes

Made by Production I.G. and based on the successful manga by Masamune Shirow, Ghost in the Shell is among the most popular anime franchises out there — and with good reason. Stand Alone Complex features the members of an elite law enforcement unit specializing in cybercrime and terrorism and their pursuit of a mysterious hacker.

2006 | 50 episodes

Code Geass: Lelouch Of The Rebellion is one of those rare anime series not based on a manga but with an original concept of its own. The story centers around an exiled prince, Lelouch vi Britannia. Upon meeting a mysterious woman, C.C., he obtains a supernatural power known as Geass. From there, he starts a rebellion against the rule of the Holy Britannian Empire, battling it with a series of mecha attacks.

2007 | 27 episodes
 

Set in a future where humans are forced to live in underground villages, Gurren Lagann follows the story of two orphans finding their way to the surface. Here, they hope to restore peace and defeat the Beastmen and their robots, who terrorized humans for a long time. The show gave life to a whole franchise, including manga, a video game, a light novel, and two movies.

1995 | 26 episodes

When the world descends into violence and destruction, Shinji becomes a reluctant member of a pilot squad using sentient machines to defend humanity. It’s been almost 30 years since the release of Evangelion, but it’s still a hotly debated animation title due to its complexity. But in the end, it doesn’t matter what people say about it; Evangelion is, without any doubt, a Japanese animation milestone!

2021 | 23 episodes

An interesting recent addition to the robot anime genre, 86 follows the conflict between the Republic of San Magnolia and the Empire of Giad. While everyone in San Magnolia thinks the war is being fought by autonomous machines, the robots are piloted by humans of the Colorata minority, persecuted by the dominant Alba race and forced to risk their lives for the country.

1979 | 43 episodes

Despite initial low ratings that caused the series’ cancellation, frequent reruns made Mobile Suit Gundam a popular culture icon in Japan and a prolific mecha media and toy franchise. No surprise here: The animation is fantastic, the character development is worthy of recognition, and the battles have you glued to the edge of your seat!

2005 | 50 episodes

Here’s a recommendation for all the romance and adventure sci-fi anime fans out there! A mecha anime that topped the charts back in its day, Eureka Seven follows the story of Renton Thurston — son of the researcher who saved the world — his relationship with the mysterious mecha pilot Eureka, and the enigma surrounding the Coralians.

1982 | 36 episodes

The Macross franchise is pretty unique in terms of its story and vastness. It includes four animated series, four movies, six special episodes, one light novel, five manga series, and forty video games! The original series of this popular mecha anime, released in 1982, depicts a conflict between humans and aliens, with the aliens sent to Earth to retrieve a ship that crashed there ten years before.

1983 | 52 episodes

A noteworthy military science-fiction and mecha anime from the 80s, Armored Trooper Votoms’ narrative and action make it a meaningful classic for every mecha fan. The story centers on Chirico Cuvie, a soldier from planet Melkia, who gets accidentally caught up in a clandestine mission that will put his life on the line.

Imagine a world where three young girls are transported into a magical world and discover that they are tasked with saving the life of a princess. That’s Magic Knight Rayearth for you! This anime series from the 90s mixes elements of different genres, from isekai and mecha to the “magical girl” trope. Overall, it’s a pretty enjoyable experience.