10 Best Gundam Anime of All Time (Ranked)
From the ingenious mind of Yoshiyuki Tomino, a new animanga series was born and completely revolutionized the mecha genre. It is none other than the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise that has stood the test of time. There are tons of anime series in this franchise, and if you are interested in checking out only the best of the best, here are the 10 fan-favorite Mobile Suit Gundam anime of all time.
10. Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz (1998)
- JapaneseTitle: Shin Kidou Senki Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz Tokubetsu-hen
- Duration: 1 hour 34 minutes
- IMDB/MAL: 7.7/7.8
Kicking off our list is a sequel to the beloved Gundam Wing series, Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz was initially released as an OVA in 1997 and then transformed into an anime movie the following year. Imagine a world where advanced technology allows for giant robots, called Mobile Suits, to be used in warfare. The Gundam Wing series revolves around five pilots who are sent to Earth from space colonies to fight for freedom from their oppressors. Endless Waltz, however, takes place after the events of the original series, and focuses on the aftermath of the war and the new challenges facing the heroes. It features a captivating story with an emphasis on the relationship between the protagonists and antagonists. If you’re looking for a classic war story with a compelling plot and some awe-inspiring action, you can’t go wrong with Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz.
As a continuation of the Gundam Wing series, it wrapped up the series in a wonderful way with amazing animation quality. Thus, make sure to check out this amazing sequel after you’re done with Mobile Suit Gundam Wing.
Endless Waltz is regarded as one of the best Gundam movies, and for good reason. It’s a great way to experience the Gundam universe, even if you haven’t seen the previous series. Plus, if you’re a fan of the original Gundam Wing, you’ll be happy to see familiar faces and the continuation of the story. The movie is a must-see for any Gundam fan, and is a great way to get a taste of what this franchise has to offer.
The engaging storyline, the return of beloved characters, the captivating action sequences, and the stunning animation all make Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz a must-watch for fans of the Gundam franchise.
9. Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt (2015-2016)
- JapaneseTitle: Kidou Senshi Gundam Thunderbolt
- Episodes: 12
- IMDB/MAL: 7.3/7.94
Nearly a decade ago, we were blessed with one of the best animanga in the franchise, which is the fan-favorite Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt. This was the adaptation of Yasuo Ohtagaki’s manga of the same name.
Set in the Universal Century timeline (learn how to watch Gundam in order), this film captures the intensity of a brutal war – One Year War between the Principality of Zeon and the Earth Federation. Moreover, this ONA is known for its stellar animation and soundtrack in tandem with its incredible storyline and characters.
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Thunderbolt is a great example of how Gundam can explore the dark side of war. It follows the story of two pilots, one from the Earth Federation and the other from the Principality of Zeon, who are forced to fight each other in a brutal conflict. The series explores the psychological toll of war and the impact it has on the lives of ordinary people. Thunderbolt is a powerful and thought-provoking series that will stay with you long after you’ve finished watching it.
Thunderbolts is a must-watch for any fan of the Gundam franchise. The series is fast-paced, full of action, and is a great reminder of the human cost of war. If you’re looking for a Gundam series that will keep you on the edge of your seat, Thunderbolt is a great option.
8. Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket (1989)
- JapaneseTitle: Kidou Senshi Gundam 0080: Pocket no Naka no Sensou
- Episodes: 6
- IMDB/MAL: 7.0/7.98
Similar to Thunderbolt, Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket is a six-episode OVA that primarily focuses on the One-Year War. Though the Gundam franchise is known for its impeccable action sequences with the Mobile Suits, this movie is rather a different one.
The approach to this Gundam show was different as it explored the characters’ perspectives in War in the Pocket, which makes it stand out as one of the best in the franchise. The 80’s animation style gives off a nostalgic vibe and the movie is highly regarded as an emotional ride set in the Universal Century (UC) timeline.
War in the Pocket is a poignant reminder of the human cost of war. The series follows the story of a young man named Bernard Wiseman, who lives in a colony during the One-Year War. Bernard is caught in the crossfire of the war, and he sees firsthand the destruction and suffering that it causes. The series is a powerful and moving story about the impact of war on ordinary people.
War in the Pocket is a must-see for anyone who wants to see a different side of the Gundam franchise. It is a powerful and moving story about the human cost of war.
7. Mobile Suit Gundam SEED (2002-2003)
- JapaneseTitle: Kidou Senshi Gundam SEED
- Episodes: 50
- IMDB/MAL: 7.7/7.7
In the early 2000s, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED came to be known for the influential role it played in the history of the franchise. Unlike most of the anime, this series takes place in an alternate universe as it is set in the Cosmic Era timeline.
With around 50 episodes, this anime series kept the fans intrigued with its stunning animation and engrossing characters. Although it is set in a different timeline, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED is always remembered as a notable work in the franchise.
SEED is a great example of how Gundam can explore themes of peace and reconciliation. The series follows the story of Kira Yamato, a young man who is caught in the middle of a war between the Earth Alliance and the ZAFT. Kira is a pacifist, and he wants to find a way to end the war. The series explores the challenges of achieving peace in a world filled with conflict. SEED is a thought-provoking and engaging series that will make you think about the world around you.
SEED is a must-watch for any fan of the Gundam franchise. The series is full of action, drama, and romance. It’s a great way to experience the Gundam universe, and it will leave you wanting more.
6. Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team (1996-1999)
- JapaneseTitle: Kidou Senshi Gundam: Dai 08 MS Shoutai
- Episodes: 12
- IMDB/MAL: 7.9/8.0
Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team came out in the late 90s and is still lauded by fans for its pragmatic portrayal of the One Year War. As a result, this anime is set during the Universal Century (UC) timeline with well-written loyal characters.
The characters act as this movie’s soul, making it a more hard-hitting and fascinating portrayal of the war between the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon. Shiro Amada’s character will instantly turn this 12-episode OVA into one of the most memorable Gundam anime for you.
The 08th MS Team is a great example of how Gundam can explore the human cost of war. The series follows the story of a group of soldiers who are fighting in the One-Year War. The series is a gritty and realistic portrayal of war, and it shows the impact that it has on the lives of the soldiers who fight in it. The series is a powerful and moving story about the human condition.
The 08th MS Team is a must-watch for any fan of the Gundam franchise. The series is a gritty and realistic portrayal of war, and it shows the impact that it has on the lives of the soldiers who fight in it.
5. Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans (2015-2016)
- JapaneseTitle: Kidou Senshi Gundam: Tekketsu no Orphans
- Episodes: 50
- IMDB/MAL: 7.9/8.05
Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans arrived in 2015 as one of the franchise’s saviors when many of the recent entries in the franchise did not resonate well with the audience. It has around 50 episodes spanning two seasons and taking place three centuries after the Calamity War.
This anime features a crew of liberation warriors with a Mobile Suit seeking the ultimate form of justice. Iron-Blooded Orphans is incredibly entertaining with top-notch mecha-action and, well, an impressive set of characters.
Iron-Blooded Orphans is a great example of how Gundam can explore themes of hope and redemption. The series follows the story of a group of orphans who are fighting for their freedom from oppression. The series is a powerful and moving story about the resilience of the human spirit. Iron-Blooded Orphans is a great example of how Gundam can explore the themes of hope and redemption.
Iron-Blooded Orphans is a must-watch for any fan of the Gundam franchise. The series is full of action, drama, and heart. Iron-Blooded Orphans is a great example of how Gundam can explore themes of hope and redemption.
4. Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn (2010-2014)
- JapaneseTitle: Kidou Senshi Gundam Unicorn
- Episodes: 7
- IMDB/MAL: 7.6/8.1
MSG Unicorn features the sparking of war between the Earth Federation and Neo Zeon and sets the stage for a riveting ride with Banagher Links who has the key to solving the war. This 7-episode OVA is based on Harutoshi Fukui’s novel of the same name and is set in the UC 0096 era.
With a compelling storyline, the Gundam Unicorn anime hooks you right off the bat. Together with remarkable animation, the soundtrack by Hiroyuki Sawano (legendary composer of AOT) elevates the height of this series. Moreover, this Gundam anime is connected with a majority of other series in the UC timeline.
Unicorn is a great example of how Gundam can explore themes of destiny and responsibility. The series follows the story of Banagher Links, a young man who is thrust into the middle of a war. Banagher is a reluctant hero, and he must learn to accept his role in the conflict. The series is a powerful and moving story about the consequences of our choices.
Unicorn is a must-watch for any fan of the Gundam franchise. The series is full of action, drama, and suspense. Unicorn is a great example of how Gundam can explore themes of destiny and responsibility.
3. Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin (2015-2018)
- JapaneseTitle: Kidou Senshi Gundam: The Origin
- Episodes: 6
- IMDB/MAL: 7.8/8.33
Based on Yoshikazu Yasuhiko’s manga, a prequel titled ‘Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin’ to the OG Gundam (1979-1980) was created. It featured around 6 different theatrical OVAs namely, Blue-Eyed Casval, Artesia’s Sorrow, Dawn of Rebellion, Eve of Destiny, Clash at Loum, and Rise of the Red Comet. Thereby, the One Year War’s prelude is covered in all of these episodes.
While many were skeptical about a prequel to the classic MSG, the Origin landed as one of the best anime in the franchise. With their meticulous writing and outstanding animation, all six episodes of Gundam strengthened and expanded the series’ lore like never before.
As a result, Mobile Suit Gundam Origin is highly celebrated as one of the best Gundam anime of all time.
The Origin is a great example of how Gundam can explore the origins of its universe. The series follows the story of Char Aznable, a young man who is fighting for his beliefs. Char is a complex and fascinating character, and The Origin explores his motivations and the events that shaped him. The Origin is a powerful and moving story about the forces of change.
The Origin is a must-watch for any fan of the Gundam franchise. The series is full of action, drama, and intrigue. The Origin is a great way to experience the Gundam universe.
2. Mobile Suit Gundam (1979-1980)
- JapaneseTitle: Kidou Senshi Gundam
- Episodes: 43
- IMDB/MAL: 7.9/7.8
The classic Mobile Suit Gundam is the anime where it all began and is regarded as the forefather of the franchise. With its introduction of robot battles in military style, it completely transformed the mecha genre. Despite the series getting mixed reactions when it aired, it became a cult classic over time and it resulted in the never-ending expansion of the franchise.
To this day, many fans consider this anime close to heart and that is more than enough to qualify it as one of the best Gundam anime ever.
The original Gundam is a great example of how Gundam can explore themes of war and peace. The series follows the story of Amuro Ray, a young man who is forced to become a pilot in the One-Year War. Amuro is a reluctant hero, and he must learn to fight for what he believes in. The series is a powerful and moving story about the human cost of war.
The original Gundam is a must-watch for any fan of the Gundam franchise. The series is full of action, drama, and heart. The original Gundam is a great way to experience the Gundam universe.
1. Mobile Suit Gundam 00 (2007-2008)
- JapaneseTitle: Kidou Senshi Gundam 00
- Episodes: 50
- IMDB/MAL: 8.0/8.1
Mobile Suit Gundam 00 is set in the Anno Domini (AD) timeline and is helmed as the anime to feature the best tale of Gundam in the series’ history. It has a captivating story, intricate characters, exceptional animation, and checks everything a Gundam fan dreams of.
Basic tropes aside, the anime was critically acclaimed for its handling of mature topics. It offered a thought-provoking experience by utilizing the sci-fi genre as a tool and exploring the concerns of our real-world issues from a different perspective.
If you want an enriched view of global politics paired with themes of war and peace then Mobile Suit Gundam 00 should be your go-to. That said, what is your favorite Gundam anime of all time? Let us know in the comments below.
00 is a great example of how Gundam can explore themes of hope and humanity. The series follows the story of Setsuna F. Seiei, a young man who is fighting for a better future. Setsuna is a complex and fascinating character, and 00 explores his motivations and the events that shaped him. 00 is a powerful and moving story about the human spirit.
00 is a must-watch for any fan of the Gundam franchise. The series is full of action, drama, and heart. 00 is a great way to experience the Gundam universe.
What is Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz about?
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz is a sequel to the Gundam Wing series, focusing on the aftermath of the war and the new challenges facing the heroes. It features a captivating story with an emphasis on the relationship between the protagonists and antagonists.
Why is Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz considered one of the best Gundam movies?
Endless Waltz is regarded as one of the best Gundam movies due to its captivating storyline, the return of beloved characters, captivating action sequences, and stunning animation quality. It is a must-watch for fans of the Gundam franchise.
Is it necessary to watch the original Gundam Wing series before watching Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz?
While it is beneficial to have seen the original Gundam Wing series, Endless Waltz can be enjoyed as a standalone movie. It provides a great way to experience the Gundam universe, even for those who haven’t seen the previous series.
What makes Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz a must-watch for Gundam fans?
The engaging storyline, the return of beloved characters, the captivating action sequences, and the stunning animation all contribute to making Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz a must-watch for fans of the Gundam franchise.
