Mecha anime is famous for its sci-fi action and giant robots, but it offers much more than just action. It can reinvent itself while keeping its core identity intact. While giant robot battles and intergalactic conflicts are daily, mecha anime can also tell engaging love stories. The genre doesn’t limit the possibilities when a romance is well-executed.
Many mecha series have explored into romance, offering mixed but captivating results. You’ll have plenty of options if you’re a fan of mecha romance anime that combines action and love.
12 Mecha Romance Anime
1. Macross: Do You Remember Love?
The Macross franchise is nearly as old as Mobile Suit Gundam, with just a few years between them. You could say that the original Macross anime is like the ancestor of mecha romance anime.
But it’s not just any kind of love; it’s a love triangle drama set against the backdrop of humanity fighting against alien monsters to survive.
Macross is a mecha series with enormous robots, love triangles, and pop music. The romance between pilot Hikaru, commander Misa Hayase, and singer Lynn Minmay is exciting and captivating.
2. Mobile Suit Gundam SEED
In Gundam, there have been many romantic relationships over the years, and fans have their favorite couples.
One such series is Gundam SEED, which came out in 2002. It arrived during a time when internet discussions about anime relationships were popular.
Gundam SEED is set in the cosmic era and follows the growing conflict between humans on Earth and genetically enhanced “coordinators” who have moved to live in space.
Fans of Gundam are known for their dedication to the franchise, which extends to their support for the various anime couples that appear in Gundam SEED.
3. RahXephon
RahXephon is often compared to Neon Genesis Evangelion, and there’s a good reason. Both series have a more serious tone and look than many other mecha shows.
Just like Evangelion, RahXephon tries to push the boundaries for mecha anime. It features a nostalgic art style, references to ancient civilizations, a world influenced by the power of music, and sometimes complex storytelling.
While not all of these elements work perfectly, RahXephon stands out as a mecha romance anime. One unique aspect is the strange romantic relationship between the two main characters, Ayato and Haruka, who might have a deeper connection that spans multiple lifetimes.
4. Genesis of Aquarion
Sousei no Aquarium and its sequel, Aquarion Evolution, bring a more uplifting vibe than many recent mecha anime.
These series draw inspiration from the giant robot shows popular in Japan during the 70s and 80s, blending nostalgic themes with modern animation and storytelling.
In Genesis of Aquarius, humanity faces a threat from beings called Shadow Angels, but a hero who falls in love with humans uses mechas to save the day.
Aquarion Evolution puts a strong focus on character development. The mecha pilots are divided by gender, and they’re forbidden from falling in love. But you can bet that forbidden love only makes the characters more likely to fall for each other.
5. Mars Daybreak
Mars Daybreak mainly explores the challenges of terraforming. It’s set on Mars, mostly covered by a massive ocean, and people live in floating cities.
The story follows Gram River, a young man whose ship is attacked by submarine pirates. He gets saved by a giant mecha and becomes a mecha pilot for the pirates.
His childhood friend, Vess, works for the government and disapproves of his decision. While the romance between them isn’t the main focus, it’s a recurring theme that drives the characters.
6. Full Metal Panic
Full Metal Panic! is an excellent mix of action and humor. It does a fantastic job of balancing these elements.
The anime has a unique blend, combining military action with high school romance comedy. This makes the storyline intriguing and enjoyable.
The plot of Full Metal Panic! revolves around a conspiracy related to World War 3 and the Soviet Union. It features advanced weapons and guerrilla warfare, which appeals to fans of mecha and military genres.
The romantic relationship between Sousuke Sagara and Kaname Chidori adds another layer of depth to Full Metal Panic! This makes it a must-watch anime for those who love mecha romance.
7. Eureka Seven
Eureka Seven is a unique anime that combines surfing culture with mecha robots. The story takes place thousands of years ago when humanity conflicts with an alien race called the “Scub Corals.” These aliens might want to live peacefully with humans.
Renton Thurston, who wants to follow in his father’s footsteps, joins a rebel group called the Gekkostate. He meets Eureka, a mysterious pilot of a mecha robot.
As Renton and Eureka spend time together, their love story feels natural and meaningful. It’s based on mutual respect and care for each other. Eureka Seven is one of the best mecha romance anime you can watch.
8. Macross Frontier
One of the things that fans liked about Macross is the well-known love triangle that played out in many parts of the series. In Macross Frontier, there was a considerable debate among fans about who’s the better “waifu” – Sheryl or Ranka.
Macross had a significant impact on the mecha genre and was one of the first to mix in a lot of different themes.
9. Valverave the Liberator
Valvrave The Liberator, despite its bleak future setting, attracted a lot of romance fans.
The story is set in the far-off future and centers around Haruto Tokushima and a group of students who become pilots of the Valvrave mechas. But this comes at a significant cost – they lose their memories and empathy.
Haruto, determined to regain his humanity, embarks on a challenging journey. Despite its dark premise, this anime offers plenty of opportunities for romance to bloom.
10. Gargantia of the Verdurous Planet
Gargantia of the Verdurous Planet explores real-life themes and the consequences of living in a man-made dystopian future.
The story follows mecha pilot Ledo, who ends up on a planet covered in the ocean after battling aliens through a wormhole. He’s forced to live with the people of Gargantia, a city made up of ships.
Ledo’s character development is satisfying, and the diverse cast around him adds depth to the story.
This mecha romance anime is worth watching for many reasons, including the budding romance between Ledo and Amy, a resident of the Gargantia ship.
11. Darling in the Franxx
Darling in the Franxx, a modern mecha series, disappointed many fans recently. The first half showed promise, but the rest of the story didn’t meet expectations.
The story is set in a future where humanity is divided into real and artificial beings. It revolves around Hiro and Zero Two, who team up to pilot Franxx mechas.
Unfortunately, the final part of the series was not satisfying, making it hard to recommend as a whole. However, the romance in the beginning attracted many viewers to this anime.
12. SSS. Dynazenon
SSS. Dynazenon is a mecha anime series by Studio Trigger, part of the SSS—Gridman franchise.
It involves four people, Gauma, Yomogi, Minami, and Koyomi Yamanaka, who are brought together by a mecha. They encounter a kaiju, which sets off a series of events involving a kaiju eugenicist who controls kaiju for bad purposes. Their mission is to unlock Dynazenon’s full potential.
The romance between Yomogi and Minami is one of the compelling love stories in this mecha anime, and it has a happy ending.
