Main Insights
- The mecha anime genre introduced immensely powerful machines, setting the stage for the concept of dominant anime heroes.
- Eva Unit 01 from Neon Genesis Evangelion boasts near invulnerability with unlimited energy and an almost impenetrable shield.
- The Devil Gundam from Mobile Fighter G Gundam can evolve, taint other Gundams, and exert control over organic forms due to its DG Cells.
In the current anime landscape, enthusiasts are inundated with diverse genres. However, the past was markedly different, with the mecha anime genre reigning supreme. This genre is often credited with the emergence of the archetype of the overpowering anime protagonist, showcasing colossal mechas that are exceptionally strong. Over the years, much like modern shonen series, the capabilities of these mecha have become increasingly extravagant as competing series vie for viewer attention.
Throughout the decades, an abundance of mecha anime has been created, many spotlighting fantastically strong machines. This makes pinpointing the “most powerful” a challenging task. For this ranking, we have focused on well-recognized examples within the anime realm and abstained from considering those whose capabilities were only fully depicted in their manga counterparts. Our method involves evaluating these mechanical titans not only on their documented abilities but also on their demonstrated accomplishments.
8 Eva Unit 01 – Neon Genesis Evangelion
Annihilates Enemy Angels and Is Nearly Invulnerable
The EVA units in Neon Genesis Evangelion defy conventional mecha categorization. Instead of traditional robots, these are immense, kaiju-like entities encased in mechanical shells. While typically controlled by pilots like standard mecha, Unit 01 stands out as the most formidable among them.
When assessing its armament, Unit 01 appears to possess underwhelming weaponry—oversized pistols, knives, and rifles. However, its true uniqueness lies in its S2 Engine, which provides it with unending energy and regenerative abilities. Moreover, Unit 01’s AT (Absolute Terror) Field serves as an exceptionally resilient barrier, impervious except to attacks from other EVAs and angels. With its S2 Engine and AT Field, Unit 01 is nearly indestructible; its exceptional agility alongside its arsenal allows it to obliterate enemy angels with ease.
7 Devil Gundam – Mobile Fighter G Gundam
Can Evolve Repeatedly and Manipulate Others Using DG Cells
- Year Introduced: 1994
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Mecha
- Creator : Yoshiyuki Tomino
True to its name, the Devil Gundam emerges as a primary antagonist in Mobile Fighter G Gundam. Originally intended for Earth rehabilitation through highly advanced nanotechnology, a malfunction turned it into a force of destruction. The Devil Gundam initially wielded standard weaponry typical of Gundams, such as vulcan guns and a powerful beam cannon, but its real strength comes from its DG Cells.
These DG Cells enable the Devil Gundam to self-repair, reproduce, and evolve. It can also commandeer any Gundam it touches and exert control over biological life forms. Additionally, the DG Cells can transform touched Gundams into downgraded versions of themselves. At its most formidable, the Devil Gundam evolved into the vast Devil Colony after merging with the Neo-Japan space colony, capable of reckoning entire cities and only vanquishable by the God Gundam. Had it remained unchecked, the Devil Gundam could have ascended even higher on this list through further evolutions.
6 System-∀99 ∀ Gundam – Turn A Gundam
Utilizes the Force of a Black Hole and Deploys Lethal Nanomachines
- Date Released: April 9, 1999
- Creator : Yoshiyuki Tomino
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Mecha, Drama
System-∀99 ∀ Gundam, known as Turn A Gundam, represents a culmination of advancements in mecha technology within the Gundam universe. Predominantly piloted by Loran Cehack, this machine was developed with interstellar conflicts in mind, if the solar system were to face invasion from alien forces. Consequently, it emerges as one of the most dominant mecha in the franchise.
The immense capability of Turn A stems from a synthetic black hole that powers its various systems. This black hole fuels its weaponry and nanomachines used for both offensive and defensive maneuvers. These nanomachines grant Turn A a remarkable regenerative capacity, enabling it to repair any inflicted damage in an instant. Moreover, these machines can annihilate any organic or artificial entity when activated in the Gundam’s Moonlight Butterfly assault. According to post-series novelizations, Turn A possesses further abilities that fans never witnessed in the show, amplifying its already impressive power. Turn A has also been featured in some prominent Gundam video games, but its representation has often not done it justice for gameplay balance reasons.
5 Gunbuster – Gunbuster
Boasts Light Speed Travel and Wields a Black Hole Bomb
Hideaki Anno has produced numerous iconic anime, yet Gunbuster stands out among his works. This series marked his directorial debut and is a quintessential representation of over-the-top 80s anime. The protagonist’s mecha, Gunbuster, is renowned for obliterating massive space adversaries with its powerful arsenal.
Gunbuster is tailored for cosmic combat. Its primary offensive move is the Buster Collider, where it delivers crushing punches to its foes. In terms of ranged attacks, it harnesses the Buster Beam, effective at slicing through fleets, compounded by its homing lasers and missiles. Its most significant advantage, however, lies in its velocity. The Gunbuster can accelerate at 99% the speed of light and can even surpass this threshold using its FTL warp capability. It also features a secret weapon, the Black Hole Bomb, showcased in the series finale. This formidable weapon generates a black hole capable of eradicating entire solar systems. In the narrative, this bomb was deployed against a swarm of space creatures threatening humanity. As revealed in the next segments, Gunbuster is nearly at the pinnacle of mecha power before tipping into absurdity.
4 Mazinger Z – Mazinger Z
Capable of Anything Required by the Narrative and More
Conceived by the iconic Go Nagai, Mazinger Z represents one of the first and most pivotal entries in mecha anime history. Originating in 1972, this legendary robot showcases exceptional abilities, augmenting its powers with new weapons or skills in nearly every episode to combat foes of the week, exhibiting an array of strengths, some impressive and others borderline ridiculous.
While the anime rendition of Mazinger Z showcases formidable powers, it is not substantially stronger than those earlier on this list. Its most notable attributes include its Super-Alloy Z construction material and an engine with solar-scale power. The most powerful version of Mazinger Z only appears in the manga Shin Mazinger Zero and Shin Mazinger Zero vs. The Great General of Darkness, where it is revealed to harbor seven black boxes that, when activated, grant it extraordinary abilities. When accessed in its Mazinger Zero form, it can inflict devastation on a planetary or even galactic scale. Since these powers are not depicted in the animated series, placing Mazinger Z higher feels somewhat unfair.
3 Ideon – Space Runaway Ideon
Capable of Slicing Planets Apart and Annihilating Galaxies
At this juncture, the hyperbolic nature of mecha capabilities complicates the ranking process. Ideon exemplifies this phenomenon, being designed ostensibly to safeguard humanity against the hostile Buff Clan; however, its arsenal suggests a more aggressive stance.
Ideon comprises three starships that merge to form the mecha. Initially, it possesses average weaponry, including firearms and missiles typical of the genre. However, its true power rapidly escalates. Ideon can materialize twin swords, aptly named Ideon Swords, which can cleave planets in half. Furthermore, it has a Black Hole Cannon that launches a micro singularity capable of annihilating anything within its vicinity.
Its ultimate weapon is the Wave Leader Cannon, delivering a beam potent enough to obliterate several planets and entire fleets with a single strike. This barrage of attacks matches the caliber of machines found in premier isekai mecha series, but the capabilities of Ideon do not end there. Its last resort is a monumental self-destruct sequence said to have the potential to erase the entire universe (though, in the series, the explosion seems to have a more galaxy-wide effect).
2 Zinv – Dual! Parallel Trouble Adventure
When Its Limiter Is Disengaged, Zinv Can Annihilate and Recreate Entire Dimensions
- Date of Release: 1999
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Mecha
- Creator : Masaki Kajishima
Dual! Parallel Trouble Adventure stands out as a premier mecha anime for enthusiasts who appreciate powerful robots and do not shy away from whimsical elements. Piloted by Kazuki Youtsug, who discovers his knack for mecha control, Zinv is engineered to rectify multiversal disparities, proving more than just a weapon. The synergy between Zinv and Kazuki amplifies the mecha’s capabilities.
Even in its early stages, Zinv can unleash energy bursts capable of decimating planets and overpower enemy mecha with its impressive shields granting near invulnerability. However, when its limiter is lifted, and the bond with its pilot is strengthened, Zinv augments its powers to a dimension-warping level. It can traverse parallel universes and manipulate them at will. Upon Zinv’s demise toward the series conclusion, it regenerates and generates an entirely new universe for Kazuki and companions. While Zinv’s overwhelming power may suggest it should top the list, its reliance on the pilot’s strong connection limits its actions.
1 Super Dragon Ball Super Saiyan God – Goku
Surpasses the Size of the Universe and Employs Galaxies as Projectiles
Gurren Lagann is not tailored for fans of a realistic mecha narrative; instead, the series constantly escalates its power levels, culminating in the introduction of Super Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann during Simon’s climactic battle against the Antispiral, marking a final effort to rescue all existence.
This mecha is delightfully absurd. It is purported to surpass the observable universe’s dimensions (about 93 billion light-years) and attains astronomical speeds (with estimates suggesting around 50 trillion light-years per second). It operates outside conventional time and spatial constructs, able to hurl entire galaxies as projectiles and obliterate universes with minimal effort. To truly appreciate this mecha in action, one must readily suspend disbelief.
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