5 Mecha Anime That Are Actually Better Than Evangelion

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This anime is still considered a classic and a cornerstone of the mecha genre. Released in the 1990s, it significantly impacted the anime world and is often hailed as one of the best of its kind, with a lasting influence on the industry. However, while its popularity is well-deserved, other shows have emerged that are just as good, and some even exceed its quality.

Many highly-regarded mecha anime, even those considered better than Neon Genesis Evangelion, actually owe a debt to it, demonstrating its huge influence on both creators and viewers. Other shows explore the genre in fresh and unique ways, while some are simply the strongest installments in their respective series – earning them a place alongside, or even above, Evangelion in terms of quality.

Rahxephon Is the Best Evangelion Copycat

RahXephon was created during a surge of mecha anime inspired by Evangelion, and it’s often compared to it. The shows share noticeable similarities – both feature unique, technologically-organic robots, strange enemies, and complex, symbolic storytelling, particularly drawing on religious themes. However, RahXephon distinguished itself through its own unique approach to these familiar elements.

Though RahXephon could be confusing at times, it generally explained its characters and plot points, ultimately providing satisfying answers. This made its finale more complete than the ending of Evangelion, and it didn’t leave viewers needing a movie to understand the story. Unlike Evangelion, which often used religious symbols simply for effect, RahXephon actually delved into the meaning behind its religious imagery.

War in the Pocket Revealed the Darkest Side of Gundam

Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket is an early installment in the larger Gundam series. Because it was created before many other Gundam stories, it’s set within the original Universal Century timeline. The title refers to a small, often-forgotten battle between the forces of Zeon and the Earth Federation. Unlike other Gundam stories that follow famous characters like Amuro Ray and Char Aznable, this one centers on a Gundam pilot named Bernie and his unexpected friendship with a young boy and a hidden enemy.

I found War in the Pocket to be incredibly tense. While it definitely has some big action moments, it feels different from other Gundam series – it avoids being overly flashy and opts for a much more realistic, dark, and personal story. In fact, I’d say it’s one of the most strongly anti-war entries in the whole Gundam franchise, and the ending really drives that point home. Because of this, I think it’s a perfect starting point for anyone new to Gundam, and it’s nice that it’s relatively short – you don’t need a huge time commitment to watch it.

Gunbuster Was Evangelion’s Polar Opposite Predecessor

I’m a huge fan of Aim for the Top! – it’s such a cool OVA from the late ’80s! What’s really neat is it came from the same team at Gainax who later made Evangelion, and it’s often talked about alongside their earlier works like Daicon III and IV and Otaku no Video. It’s totally different from the deep, psychological mecha anime they became known for, though. This one’s a really fun, satirical comedy that playfully mixes elements of Top Gun with a classic Japanese tennis series. It’s just a blast!

Despite dealing with themes of loss, loneliness, and isolation – even exploring how time affects these feelings – Gunbuster ultimately feels more hopeful than other anime like Evangelion. Both shows touch on similar struggles, but Gunbuster emphasizes heroism and overcoming challenges. While it shares the tragic elements of later Gainax works, it also offers a brighter perspective, and its large-scale robot battles are genuinely uplifting.

Patlabor 2 Is the Best Part of This Undisputed Classic Franchise

The Patlabor franchise stands out as a unique take on the mecha genre. Instead of focusing on epic battles, the giant robots are primarily used for everyday police work and manual tasks. The series blends a slice-of-life approach with crime drama and sci-fi elements, often featuring a humorous and somewhat melancholic tone. The second film, directed by Mamoru Oshii (later known for Ghost in the Shell), is a particularly dark and highly regarded classic in the mecha genre.

Unlike the comedic tone of the Patlabor TV series, the second movie takes a much darker turn, diving into a complex political thriller. It explores rising tensions and a conspiracy that could shatter Japan’s commitment to peace. Patlabor 2 really leans into the franchise’s bleak, almost end-of-the-world setting, portraying a Japan dangerously close to collapse. With everything going on today, it’s a particularly relevant time to watch it again.

Macross Plus Is One of the All-Time Peaks of the Macross Universe

Following Macross II (which wasn’t considered part of the main storyline), Macross Plus was the first official sequel to the original Super Dimension Fortress Macross. This animated series was notable for being one of the earliest to combine traditional animation with computer-generated imagery. The 1994 project was led by Shoji Kawamori, a veteran of both the Macross and Transformers franchises, and Shinichiro Watanabe, who later became famous for works like Cowboy Bebop.

I’ve often heard people compare Macross Plus to Top Gun, but what really stands out is its surprisingly mature story, especially when you look at other shows in the Macross series. The animation is just fantastic – it really makes the aerial battles feel real. Beyond that, the characters are well-developed, and the love triangle adds a lot of drama. What’s great is you don’t need to have seen any other Macross shows to enjoy it; it’s a complete story on its own. For some, that makes it a bit easier to get into than something like Evangelion. And now, finally, it and other titles like it are available for streaming outside of Japan, which is awesome.

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2026-03-21 17:12