Best Mecha Anime of 2024, Ranked

Summary

• Mecha anime is declining in popularity in 2024.
• Only 13 of the approximately 200 anime aired were mecha.
• Notable mecha anime in 2024 include Shinkalion and Code Geass.

Mecha used to be one of the biggest genres of anime. Every year there is always a new and exciting anime that revolves around mecha, each with its own unique story such as Evangelion, Code Geass, Eureka Seven, Macrossand of course the most iconic of all, Gundam Franchise. Unfortunately, as the isekai genre became popular around the world, some other genres saw a noticeable decline in popularity, including mecha.

Mecha anime has become a rare genre. Gundam remains the only massive franchise still thriving in the space. In 2024, there were approximately 200 anime broadcast across four seasons, but only about 13 were in the mecha genre. Among them are the best mecha anime of 2024.

7 Shinkalion: Change the World

Fun Mecha series for all ages

• Japanese title: Shinkalion: Change the World
• MyAnimeList Score: 5.66
• Release date: April 7, 2024

Shinkalion: Change the World is the third season of the Shinkalion series. The series revolves around a group of teenagers and their “Transforming Bullet Train Robot” called the Shinkalions, who were developed to fight mysterious mechanical creatures called UNKNOWN. This season, the story focuses on Taisei Onari, a high school student who tries to find traces of his missing sister.

A MyAnimeList score of less than 6.0 would not normally make it to the “Year-End Best List”. His presence here says a lot about the state of mecha anime in 2024. That being said, don't discount Shinkalion just yet. It won't stand anywhere near the pantheon of iconic mecha anime. Still, it's pretty fun to watch.

6 Grendizer U

A respectable reimagining of the old Mecha series

• Japanese name: Grendizer U
• MyAnimeList Score: 5.91
• Release date: July 6, 2024

The story of Grendizer U revolves 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 attack his planet. Currently, Duke Fleed lives on Earth under the name Daisuke Umon. Unfortunately, his peaceful days are disrupted when strange objects appear over the city skyline. Daisuke has no choice but to fight his old enemy to save his new home.

Grendizer U is a spin-off of legendary Mazinger series from the 1970s based on the manga by Go Nagai. Grendizer U is a reboot of the original anime titled UFO robot Grendizer, was released back in 1976. In short, it's a spin-off reboot of a famous anime adaptation of a popular mecha manga from the 70s. Grendizer U brings a much needed visual upgrade to this legendary franchise and it's interesting to see what they do with it in the future.

5 Mobile Suit Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance

An exciting look at the front lines through the lens of Zeon soldiers

• Japanese name: Kidou Senshi Gundam: Fukushuu no Requiem
• MyAnimeList Score: 6.45
• Release date: October 17, 2024

Mobile Suit Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance will take viewers to the front lines of the war through the eyes of Zeon soldiers trying to defend the European front against the ruthless counterattacks of the Earth Federation. The story follows Iria Solari, a Zaku pilot who commands a squadron of Red Wolves. Survive a barrage of air and ground attacks on the front line. He undertakes a daring infiltration mission into the enemy headquarters to fend off the merciless attacks of the brand new Gundam EX. Mobile Suit Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance brings maximum action and emotions.

One of the most consistent story elements in the Gundam franchise is that the GUNDAM is the most advanced piece of Mobile Suit for its time. Therefore, it is possible for him to wage a one-man war against an enemy of much greater strength. Requiem for revenge follows this principle, but with a camera that focuses on the other side. It's refreshing to experience the story from the perspective of the Zeon forces fighting for survival against the unstoppable power of the Gundam.

4 Code Geass: Rose of the Recapture

The long-awaited new series from the iconic franchise

• Japanese name: Code Geass: Dakkan no Rozé
• MyAnimeList Score: 6.57
• Release date: June 21, 2024

After the fall of the Holy Britannic Empire following the death of Emperor Lelouch Lamperouge, regions that had been under the rule of the Empire began to declare their sovereignty. However, some remnants of the Empire amassed considerable military power, reclaimed some of these territories, and united them under the banner of the New British Empire. They even went so far as to conquer the island of Hokkaido from the United States of Japan and enslave the natives. This story follows Ash, a skilled Knightmare pilot, and his brother Rozé, a brilliant tactician, as they try to free Hokkaido from the Empire.

Code Geass: Rose of the Recapture is a direct continuation of 2019 Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;resurrection. Code Geass used to be one of the biggest mecha franchises, rivaling giants like Gundam and Macross. But after the spin-off Code Geass: Akito Banished, this franchise stopped producing big series. This series is their attempt to regain their lost popularity. Rosé from Recapture it may not make as much noise as its famous predecessor, but the solid rebel story and exciting mecha fights are a step in the right direction.

3 Synduality: Noir Part II

Continuation of the unique idea presented in the first part

• Japanese name: Synduality: Noir Part 2
• MyAnimeList Score: 7.07
• Release date: January 9, 2024

Synduality: Noir Part II takes place immediately after the end of the first Synduality: Noir. The story still follows Kanata, his friends and his amnesiac mage Noira. This time, however, Noir has regained some of her memories and restored her original personality, complicating things. There is also a new evil organization called Ideal that is actively trying to hurt and sabotage Kanata's group. Kanata is still steadfast in his ambition to find the legendary city of Histoire, but first he must uncover the mystery that surrounds him, his friends, and the enemy.

Synduality: Noir was conceived as part of Bandai Namco Entertainment's massive mixed media project Synduality Project, which includes anime, manga, light novels, and video games. With that said, Synduality: Noir the anime itself has proven to be a solid mecha series and more than capable of standing on its own.

2 Brave Bang Bravern!

A mecha series that combines comedy and fighting

• Japanese name: Yuuki Bakuhatsu Bang Bravern
• MyAnimeList Score: 7.56
• Release date: January 11, 2024

The Titanotostrider (TS) is humanity's most advanced piloted mecha, and Ao Isami of the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) is among its best pilots. Still, TS proves powerless against the invading alien mecha force. When all seems lost, a sentient mecha named Bravern arrives in front of Isami and asks him to be his pilot. Although confused, he agrees. Together, they wipe out the alien invaders and mark Earth's first refuge. Yet it also signals the beginning of Isami's darkest days.

Paradoxical is the word to describe it Brave Bang Bravern! On the one hand, it offers a somewhat realistic approach to military conflict similar to serious mecha series Gundam or Evangelion. On the other hand, it has the exaggerated silliness and absurdity of a tokusatsu series like it Power Rangers from Ultraman. The robots and monsters are highly expressive, in an almost comedic way. This unlikely marriage may not seem to work on paper, but Brave Bang Bravern! proves otherwise.

1 Gundam SEED Freedom mobile suit

Another stellar entry in Gundam Seed's catalog

• Japanese name: Kidou Senshi Gundam SEED Freedom
• MyAnimeList Score: 7.64
• Release date: January 26, 2024

Although the war between the PLANT and the Earth Alliance is over, bloody conflicts are still taking place across the universe. The one responsible for this bloodbath is none other than the Blue Universe, a radical group hell-bent on waging war against the Coordinators. In an effort to neutralize conflicts and minimize civilian casualties, the various major factions agreed to create a global peacekeeping agency. This is the Compass, led by Lacus Clyn with Kira Yamato as commander.

Just as the conflict with the Blus Cosmos reached a stalemate, a newly independent nation called the Kingdom of Foundation expressed its interest in joining the Compass and eradicating the Blue Cosmos. Unfortunately, there is something much more sinister behind this gesture.

Despite the Gundam franchise's extensive catalog of films and TV series, Gundam Seed mobile suit it stands out as one of his most iconic, successful and popular items. As expected, the movie Gundam Seed Freedom mobile suit manages to surpass all expectations with its gripping story, heart-wrenching drama and of course edge-of-your-seat action sequences.