10 Shows & Movies Like Robotech (1985)

Description: A mecha anime with deep psychological and philosophical themes, exploring human emotions and existential crises amidst battles against mysterious enemies.

Fact: The series was initially intended to be a more traditional mecha show but evolved into a deeply personal project for creator Hideaki Anno, reflecting his own struggles with depression.

Description: A space-western anime blending action, drama, and jazz, featuring a ragtag crew of bounty hunters dealing with their pasts while navigating a futuristic world.

Fact: The show's iconic soundtrack was composed by Yoko Kanno and performed by her band, The Seatbelts, specifically for the series.

Description: A dark sci-fi anime where humanity fights for survival against insectoid aliens, focusing on the psychological toll of war and the struggle to retain humanity.

Fact: The series was originally planned to be much longer but was cut short due to budget constraints, leading to a condensed storyline.

Description: A cyberpunk OVA series featuring transforming mecha, a dystopian society, and a protagonist uncovering a grand conspiracy about the nature of reality.

Fact: The animation was initially intended to be part of a new Macross series but was repurposed into an original project due to licensing issues.

Description: A space opera anime with a melancholic tone, following a young boy's journey across the galaxy on a cosmic train, exploring themes of mortality and humanity.

Fact: The series was inspired by a manga by Leiji Matsumoto, who also created Space Battleship Yamato and Captain Harlock.

Description: A sci-fi series about the last remnants of humanity fleeing their destroyed homeworld, pursued by robotic Cylons, with themes of survival and what it means to be human.

Fact: The original series was heavily inspired by the Mormon exodus and incorporated many religious themes into its storyline.

Description: A seminal space opera anime about a crew on a desperate mission to save Earth, featuring epic space battles and themes of sacrifice and hope.

Fact: The series was one of the first anime to be heavily influenced by Western science fiction, particularly Star Trek, while maintaining a distinctly Japanese perspective.

Description: A groundbreaking mecha anime that revolutionized the genre by focusing on the horrors of war and the human cost of conflict, rather than just giant robot battles.

Fact: The original series was initially canceled due to low ratings but gained a massive following through reruns and model kit sales, spawning a decades-long franchise.