whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Sci-Fi

The best mecha sci-fi anime you can start from the beginning

319 anime that are both sci-fi and mecha, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, Koukaku Kidoutai: Stand Alone Complex.

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The list

1. 1 Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion TV · 2006 · 25 episodes · Sunrise · #61 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
2. 2 Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann Gurren Lagann TV · 2007 · 27 episodes · Gainax · #89 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
3. 3 Koukaku Kidoutai: Stand Alone Complex Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex TV · 2002 · 26 episodes · Production I.G · #213 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
4. 4 Shinseiki Evangelion Neon Genesis Evangelion TV · 1995 · 26 episodes · Gainax · #265 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
5. 5 86 86 Eighty-Six TV · 2021 · 11 episodes · A-1 Pictures · #281 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
6. 6 Kidou Senshi Gundam: The Origin Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin OVA · 2015 · 6 episodes · Sunrise · #307 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
7. 7 Koukaku Kidoutai Ghost in the Shell Film · 1995 · Production I.G · #364 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
8. 8 Kidou Senshi Gundam: The Origin - Zenya Akai Suisei Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin - Advent of the Red Comet TV · 2019 · 13 episodes · Sunrise · #503 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
9. 9 Koukyoushihen Eureka Seven Eureka Seven TV · 2005 · 50 episodes · Bones · #672 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
10. 10 FLCL OVA · 2000 · 6 episodes · Gainax · #683 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
11. 11 Evangelion Movie 1: Jo Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone Film · 2007 · Khara · #752 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
12. 12 Koukaku Kidoutai 2.0 Ghost in the Shell 2.0 Film · 2008 · Production I.G · #821 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
13. 13 Macross Super Dimension Fortress Macross TV · 1982 · 36 episodes · Tatsunoko Production · #955 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
14. 14 Yuusha-Ou GaoGaiGar King of Braves GaoGaiGar TV · 1997 · 49 episodes · Sunrise · #993 on MyAnimeList 82% would recommend
15. 15 Top wo Nerae! Gunbuster Gunbuster OVA · 1988 · 6 episodes · Gainax · #1055 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
16. 16 Giant Robo the Animation: Chikyuu ga Seishi Suru Hi Giant Robo the Animation: The Day the Earth Stood Still OVA · 1992 · 7 episodes · Phoenix Entertainment · #1065 on MyAnimeList 81% would recommend
17. 17 Kidou Senshi Gundam: Suisei no Majo Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury TV · 2022 · 12 episodes · Sunrise · #1069 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
18. 18 Change!! Getter Robo: Sekai Saigo no Hi Getter Robo: Armageddon OVA · 1998 · 13 episodes · Brain's Base · #1189 on MyAnimeList 83% would recommend
19. 19 Kidou Senshi Gundam Mobile Suit Gundam TV · 1979 · 43 episodes · Sunrise · #1220 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
20. 20 Kidou Keisatsu Patlabor: On Television Patlabor: The Mobile Police - The TV Series TV · 1989 · 47 episodes · Sunrise · #1363 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
21. 21 Soukou Kihei Votoms Armored Trooper Votoms TV · 1983 · 52 episodes · Sunrise · #1374 on MyAnimeList 81% would recommend
22. 22 Kidou Senshi Gundam Unicorn RE:0096 Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn RE:0096 TV · 2016 · 22 episodes · Sunrise · #1489 on MyAnimeList 83% would recommend
23. 23 Sidonia no Kishi Knights of Sidonia TV · 2014 · 12 episodes · Polygon Pictures · #1686 on MyAnimeList 82% would recommend
24. 24 UFO Robo Grendizer TV · 1975 · 74 episodes · Toei Animation · #1766 on MyAnimeList 78% would recommend
25. 25 Bokura no Bokurano TV · 2007 · 24 episodes · Gonzo · #1807 on MyAnimeList 80% would recommend

Why this is not a MyAnimeList search. Every entry here is one you can start from the beginning. Anything with a prequel or a parent story is left out, as are recaps and compilation editions — about half of what MyAnimeList ranks. Ordered by MyAnimeList position. The percentage is the share of MyAnimeList scorers who rated a title 7 or higher.