Mecha anime, known in Japan as robot anime, are anime that feature robots in battle, and it is broken down into two subcategories of Super Robot and Real Robot.

Mecha series cover a wide variety of genres from comedy to drama, though are always fantastical and larger-than-life in nature and feature large-scale battles and/or action sequences. Giant robots piloted by feisty teenagers or grizzled heroes is just such a cool concept. Let's take a look at the top 10 best mecha anime.

10. Full Metal Panic!

With a storyline soaked in romance, comic relief, and a ton of action, it is hard to categorize Full Metal Panic! in one single genre. But with its fair share of threats to humanity by robotic forces, Full Metal Panic! has most definitely earned its place in this list of mecha anime.

9. Mobile Police Patlabor 2: The Movie

All three Patlabor anime films are awesome, but the second one is definitely the best. As expected by a director of Mamoru Oshii's caliber, attention to detail, high production values and a sophisticated plot are part of the package.

Patlabor 2 is filled with political intrigue while the mecha action is somewhat restrained. Nevertheless, those few action sequences are masterfully crafted.

8. Gunbuster

Gainax is best known for their Neon Genesis Evangelion series. But it's their Gunbuster 6-episode OVA that truly showcased their talent for the mecha genre.

Furthermore, Gunbuster is easier to follow than Evangelion with its more cohesive storyline. High concepts such as Schwarzschild radius and space travel are covered with a considerable amount of detail.

7. Valvrave the Liberator

Coupled with superb battle robots and an exceptional conspiracy story, Valvrave the Liberator easily passes through to snag the top 10 list.

Overall, Valvrave the Liberator is a mecha-anime truly deserving of being remembered forever.

6. Eureka Seven

The unique world of Eureka Seven is made up of special LFO robots, waves in the sky, and tons of colorful creatures called Coralians who are constantly terrorizing the poor human race. Nothing special there.

What earns this series its spot on this list is its breathtaking art and music, which makes every single scene unforgettable.

5. Aldnoah.Zero

Aldnoah.Zero is one of the most unique mecha anime ever created. The story revolves around an intergalactical war between Earth and Mars, which sounds normal enough, but the abundance of complex ideas and out-of-this-world battle tactics make it stand out from the rest of the bunch.

While most mecha anime focus on a set of skilled fighters piloting well-equipped, ridiculously powerful robots, the main protagonists of this series are far less experienced and are forced to make due with low-level training robots.

4. Mobile Suit Gundam

Mobile Suit Gundam has always been a household name since its release in the late 70's and revolutionized the entire anime world with its highly detailed mecha warriors and spectacular action scenes.

Over the course of its original release, we have seen an array of gundam shows that to this day are still considered to be some of the best of all time.

3. Neon Genesis Evangelion

Yet another one of the classics that showed the world how a mecha anime can be so unique and realistically relevant at the same time, Neon Genesis Evangelion is a pioneer of its own style and flair.

Yes there are robots in this one, but the focus is on the characters and how realistic it is for an ordinary kid to pilot a mecha-unit and try to save the world.

2. Code Geass

This is a breathtaking mecha anime series about a teenage genius who happens to be the son of an emperor, albeit having renounced his heir to the throne.

Code Geass is not just a mindless mecha-action anime, it uses brains and wits as a main component in battles - and it does so in such a way that will make you say AWESOME!

1. Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann

In the anime world, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann is accepted as the most epic anime ever produced. Gurren Lagann is in itself a love letter to the Mecha genre.

At various points in the show it's called back through different time periods in Mecha history, through themes characters and visuals. The love of the genre that the production team had is clear in the final product of the show.

Are you an avid spectator of the mecha genre in anime?