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)
- Japanese Title: Shin Kidou Senki Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz Tokubetsu-hen
- Duration: 1 hour 34 minutes
- IMDB/MAL: 7.7/7.8
Starting with the sequel to the 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.
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.
9. Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt (2015-2016)
- Japanese Title: 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.
8. Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket (1989)
- Japanese Title: 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.
7. Mobile Suit Gundam SEED (2002-2003)
- Japanese Title: 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.
6. Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team (1996-1999)
- Japanese Title: 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.
5. Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans (2015-2016)
- Japanese Title: 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.
4. Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn (2010-2014)
- Japanese Title: 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.
3. Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin (2015-2018)
- Japanese Title: 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.
2. Mobile Suit Gundam (1979-1980)
- Japanese Title: 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.
1. Mobile Suit Gundam 00 (2007-2008)
- Japanese Title: 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.
Aparna Ukil
