Gundam is a classic franchise that brings back all the nostalgic feels for older fans. And those mecha figures are just too damn cool to resist, even for newbies.
Gundam was a game-changer in the robot/mecha anime genre, inspiring numerous shows globally. With so many series to choose from and new ones popping up all the time, I’ve created a list of the top 15 best Gundam anime ever made.
We all know that every series in this franchise has its lovers and haters. And when it comes to which ones are the best, it’s a very personal choice. I mean, no two people in this fandom have the same top 15 or even top 5 lists. But hey, if you find someone who does, they might just be your soulmate.
15 Mobile Suit Gundam Wing (1995)
Gundam Wing is one of the most iconic entries in the franchise. The story starts with a bang, quite literally, as five young boys are sent to Earth in their ultra-advanced Gundam to seek revenge against the oppressive OZ military.
These boys, chosen and trained by five rogue scientists, each pilots a Gundam unique in design and power. But here’s the twist – they think they are enemies when they first meet!
It is a true masterpiece that blends intense action and complex characters seamlessly, and wastes no time in thrusting us into a world of political intrigue and betrayal.
14Mobile Fighter G Gundam (1994)
Mobile Fighter G Gundam starts with a competition between countries to determine Earth’s ruler for the next four years. And in the middle of all this chaos, we have Domon Kasshu, trying to save his father and defeat his evil brother.
Who wouldn’t love a redemption story set against interstellar politics? The stakes are high, and the emotions run deep in this action-packed show that will keep you hooked until the very end.
13Turn A Gundam (1999)
The series is set in a world where a group of humans has been living on the moon for 2000 years. They’re called the Moonrace, and they’ve decided it’s time to take back their original home, the Earth.
In Turn A Gundam, 3 teenagers, Loran, Keith, and Fran, are sent to Earth. Loran starts to feel at home, but suddenly Moonrace launches a surprise attack. Loran starts to feel torn between his loyalties to Earth and the Moonrace.
During the attack, Loran and Sochie discover a white mobile suit, and Loran can pilot it easily, thanks to his Moonrace skills. Little does he know, he’s putting himself smack in the middle of a war!
12Gundam Build Fighters (2019)
Picture this: the future is here, Gunpla has become a global sensation, and people can even pilot their Gunpla creations!
Gundam Build Fighters follows the story of Sei Iori, a Gunpla builder who dreams of becoming a world champion. But there’s just one problem – he sucks at piloting. But then he meets Reiji, whose skills are out of this world.
Together, they become a dynamic duo and enter the global tournament to take on the best of the best.
11 Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt (2015)
Set in the One Year War of UC 0079, this series is not for the faint of heart.
In Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt, our hero, Io Fleming, is a jazz-loving ace pilot who’s given control of the latest Gundam prototype after successfully infiltrating Zeon’s sniper field.
But what really sets this series apart is the incredible soundtrack. From intense battle themes to hauntingly beautiful ballads, the music perfectly captures the mood and emotion of each scene.
10Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket (1989)
This is one of the best mini-series in the franchise; set against the backdrop of the intense One Year War, it will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket follows a young boy named Al, who lives in a neutral space colony called Side 6. Al is fascinated by the ongoing war, and his life takes a turn when a Zeon commando team arrives in his colony.
But don’t be fooled by its seemingly straightforward plot – the execution is nothing short of exceptional. Al, serves as a symbol of the innocence lost in times of war, and his journey is as heart-wrenching as it is captivating.
9Mobile Suit Gundam Seed (2002)
Get ready for a showdown between two former friends-turned-enemies in one of the most emotionally charged Gundam series of all time!
Mobile Suit Gundam Seed takes place during the peak of the war between PLANT and the Earth Alliance. Kira’s life turned upside down as he was caught in a fierce firefight between Alliance and ZAFT soldiers.
Kira had to fight his old friend Athrun Zala, who was now on the enemy’s side. Prepare to have your heartstrings pulled in every direction, because this one is a real tear-jerker!
8Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury (2022)
In this latest edition to the Gundam franchise, there is a tale of love, loss and mecha mayhem.
The story of The Witch from Mercury takes place in a future where space has become the new economic frontier. Suletta Mercury transfers to Asticassia School of Technology, where the best mobile suit engineers are trained.
Despite arriving on the scene decades after the original series, the show has outdone many of its older predecessors with its gripping storyline.
It is introducing a whole new generation of fans to the legendary franchise as for many viewers, it’s their very first foray into the world of Gundam.
7Mobile Suit Gundam (1979)
Mobile Suit Gundam is set in the year Universal Century 0079. The Federation is testing a newly piloted robot, the RX-78 Gundam when they’re forced into battle with Zeon.
With a start this good, it’s no wonder that even after all these years, fans can’t get enough of the Gundam universe!
Did you know that this series almost got canceled when it first aired? Thank goodness Bandai saw the potential in the mecha designs, or we might have missed out on a classic.
6Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team (1996)
This is a tale of love and war, where passion and bullets collide in a fiery explosion of action. Fans were just as smitten with this series as Shiro was with Aina.
Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS follows Ensign Shiro Amada as he commands the 08th Mobile Suit Team, a group of soldiers tasked with finding Zeon’s hidden base in Southeast Asia.
But things get complicated when Shiro falls in love with Aina Sahalin, a
pilot who happens to be fighting for the enemy. Talk about a star-crossed romance!
5Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans (2015)
Step into the future where peace is a distant memory and a new conflict is brewing on the red planet of Mars!
Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans follows the story of Mikazuki, member of Chryse Guard Security. His mission is to escort Kudelia Aina Bernstein, but things don’t go as planned when they get attacked by Gjallarhorn.
It’s no surprise that this saga of courage and deceit has solidified its place as one of the top 5 Gundam series.
4Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam (1985)
In Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, AEUG and Karaba fight against the Titans’ oppression. But things get complicated when a contract killer executes his plan to take over the Titans and dominate the Earth Sphere.
The complex and thought-provoking exploration of themes such as oppression, rebellion, and corruption make this series standout in the Gundam franchise.
3Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn (2010)
Get ready for an exhilarating ride through the UC timeline, with the third best Gundam series on the list!
Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn begins with a terrorist attack known as the Laplace terror incident in UC 0001. This incident sets the course for human history, leading to the events that take place in UC 0096.
But that’s not all, as the plot thickens, we are introduced to the enigmatic Laplace’s Box. The stakes are high, and the tension is palpable as the fate of the world hangs in the balance.
2Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin (2015)
This series has a special place in the heart of Gundam fans as it expands on the original story, filling in the gaps and adding a whole new layer of depth.
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin shows how the Autonomous Republic of Munzo transformed into the Principality of Zeon after the death of Zeon Zum Deikun.
But don’t worry, it’s not all talk and no action. It’s got crazy mecha battles and high stakes drama around every corner.
1Mobile Suit Gundam 00 (2007)
This series is a non-stop thrill ride that’ll leave you gasping for air. The mechas pack some serious firepower, and the action scenes are absolutely insane.
Mobile Suit Gundam 00 (2007) is the best Gundam anime of all time. It takes place in a world where fossil fuels are scarce, and countries are constantly at war with each other. It’s a unique premise rooted in reality which makes it a popular choice among the fandom.
So, if you’re looking for a Gundam series that’s action-packed, full of suspense, and will keep you guessing until the very end, then Mobile Suit Gundam 00 is the show for you.
It’s the king of all Gundam series, and once you start watching, you’ll see why!
About Gundam
The Gundam series is a science fiction anime created by Yoshiyuki Tomino and Sunrise, featuring huge robots, known as “Gundam.”
The series changes its setting in each part, ranging from Earth to far-off planets. All the shows have their own story, and some of them take place in an alternative universe.
In every story, Gundam has unique purposes. Sometimes it’s a deadly war weapon, sometimes a beautiful art or sometimes even an outdated technology.
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