The Best Gundam Anime With Adult Main Characters

Summary

  • Gundam stories explore deep themes like responsibility and morality, captivating mature audiences.
  • Some series shift focus from child prodigies to adult main characters, offering a fresh take.
  • Different Gundam series offer varied perspectives on war, with Thunderbolt highlighting its horrors effectively.

As a long-time enthusiast and connoisseur of the Gundam universe, I must say that this list has truly taken me down memory lane. Having grown up watching these masterpieces, I can attest to the fact that each one holds a special place in my heart.

The Gundam franchise is a long-time favorite of Otakus far and wide, delivering exhilarating mecha action and political drama with visually stunning animation and fluidity. While most series under this franchise are often centered on a child prodigy with struggles, some of them break out of this shell by focusing on adult main characters.

Gundam stories, whether they involve soldiers seeking peace or revolutionaries working towards a better world, provide a thought-provoking and introspective view of human nature. These anime delve into themes like responsibilities and moral complexity that resonate with an older audience, captivating them more than other demographics might be.

10. Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory

The Commencement Of War In The Hands Of A Rookie

Release Date May 23, 1991
No. of Episodes 13
Studio Sunrise
Producer Bandai Visual

This series serves as a bridge connecting the initial Gundam series with Zeta Gundam, and it does an excellent job at it. It unfolds the tale of the remaining forces from the fallen Zeon Empire seeking redemption through pilfering weapons capable of triggering another conflict. A newcomer pilot named Kou Uraki is tasked with retrieving these stolen artifacts.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but rave about the captivating experience that “Stardust Memory” offers! With its heart-pounding action sequences and a dash of enchanting romance, this masterpiece never fails to keep me hooked. What sets it apart is its refreshing take on maturity and mistakes – a breath of fresh air for longtime Gundam enthusiasts who have grown accustomed to the “child prodigy takes center stage” narrative. This time, it’s the adults who step up to the plate, making errors and learning from them – a welcome change that adds depth to the storyline.

9. Mobile Fighter G Gundam

The Space Tournament That Determines The Future

In a future age, when Earth has become inhospitable for life, humans reside in space communities known as Neo Nations. To avoid conflicts among themselves, they organize the Gundam Fight tournament, where representatives from each colony compete to decide their ultimate ruler. Domon Kasshu finds himself among these contenders, but his assignment is not just about winning; it also entails ensuring the security of the entire galaxy.

The animated series titled “Mobile Fighter G Gundam” offers a multitude of surprising plot developments while maintaining an authentic visual aesthetic reminiscent of the classic “Gundam” franchise. Despite being quite melodramatic, this very trait is what makes it endearing and cherished among fans of “Gundam”.

8. Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO: Apocalypse 0079

Zeon’s Perspective On The War

Release Date Apr 26, 2006
No. of Episodes 3
Studio Sunrise
Producer Bandai Visual

In the continuation of Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO: Apocalypse 0079, our story persists as Oliver May and the 603 Technical Division embark on a fresh journey, each episode showcasing their endeavor to construct a novel weapon, with a skilled pilot always ready for the test run.

Each installment offers a unique narrative, introducing fresh characters and delving into their pasts, with the sailor in the first episode being particularly intriguing. The subsequent episodes lean more towards action, but overall, the series brilliantly conveys Zeon’s tale, which was greatly appreciated by his fans.

7. Mobile Suit Gundam SEED C.E. 73: STARGAZER

The Darkest Side Of The SEED Series

Release Date Jul 14, 2006
No. of Episodes 3
Studio Sunrise
Producer N/A

Among the more poignant Gundam releases, I found myself deeply moved by the offshoot, “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED C.E. 73: STARGAZER.” As an observer, it was quite surprising to feel such a strong emotional resonance from this original net animation, given its spin-off status from “SEED Destiny.” This series primarily revolves around Sven, a soldier from the Earth Alliance, and Selene, a researcher from the Coordinators. Their separate journeys lead them towards each other, creating a whirlwind of confusion and turmoil.

In the realm of this extraordinary franchise, I found myself utterly engrossed by an On-air Animation (ONA) that delves deep into the somber realms of war and personal tragedy. Despite its bleak atmosphere, this masterpiece continues to enthrall fans like me, culminating in a satisfying conclusion that leaves us feeling content yet yearning for more.

6. Mobile Suit Gundam 00 The Movie: A Wakening Of The Trailblazer

A Wild Finale Against Terrestrial Threats

Release Date Sep 18, 2010
No. of Episodes 1
Studio Sunrise
Producer Bandai Visual, Sotsu, Mainichi Broadcasting System

The concluding film of the Mobile Suit Gundam 00 series, titled “A Wakening Of The Pioneer“, is one of the exceptionally thrilling movies within this franchise. With global peace now established, unexpected alien perils emerge, and the Gundam Pilots tirelessly strive to shield their world from impending disaster.

Many people think that this story, among all those the franchise has produced, is one of the wildest and least expected. Remarkably, the directors skillfully brought it together, delving into its themes effectively, and subtly conveying a secret meaning amidst the confusion.

5. Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team

The Struggles Of The Minority

The anime titled Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team revolves around Shiro Amada and Aina Sahalin, who initially bond due to a mutual crisis, leading to the blossoming of their affection. However, destiny pushes them back into opposing roles on the battlefield. This narrative explores the often-neglected perspectives of soldiers, portraying the grim realities and transformative effects of war upon them.

This series authentically depicts the hardships associated with war, including its relentless nature and the frequent malfunctions of weapons at inopportune moments. Moreover, it boasts compelling character development and an engaging plotline that has captivated numerous fans of the Gundam universe, solidifying its status as one of the franchise’s finest installments.

4. Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack

The Rivalry Finale

Release Date Mar 12, 1988
No. of Episodes 1
Studio Sunrise
Producer Sotsu, Nozomi Entertainment, Atelier Musa

This film delves into the concluding phase of the contentious relationship between Char Aznable and Amuro Ray, who are in their early thirties and late twenties respectively. Char is convinced that lasting peace for humanity lies beyond Earth, leading him to threaten the planet by hurling a colossal asteroid towards it, triggering a nuclear winter. Only Amuro has the power to prevent this catastrophe, thereby resolving their rivalry permanently.

As a die-hard fan, let me tell you that the storytelling in Char’s Counterattack is nothing short of breathtaking! The fight scenes are intense and the animation is simply stunning – it’s no wonder fans can’t get enough! But here’s a pro tip: Before diving into this masterpiece, make sure to watch Mobile Suit Gundam and Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam first. Trust me, it will enhance your experience and deepen your appreciation for the intricate narrative of Char’s Counterattack.

3. Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway

Morally Grey Choices In The Fight For Peace

Release Date Jun 11, 2021
No. of Episodes 1
Studio Sunrise
Producer N/A

In this particular series within the franchise, it’s not always straightforward to distinguish between right and wrong, as both sides often act in morally ambiguous ways. One side is the Earth Federation, which employs a military strategy to maintain order, while on the other hand, we have Mafty, led by 25-year-old Hathaway Noa, an organization striving to eliminate corrupt leadership from their world.

In breathtaking animation, captivating music, superb character growth, and authentic storytelling that portrays no one as perfect while showcasing the imperfections and flaws of all parties, Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway truly shines as an exceptional representation of the franchise’s finest offerings.

2. Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt

A Proper Portrayal Of The Horrors Of War

In contrast to the Gundam Franchise often being dominated by exhilarating mecha battles, overshadowing its intended message about war’s hellish nature, Thunderbolt stands out. Though it features action sequences, Thunderbolt remains steadfast in emphasizing this theme, effectively conveying the terrifying reality of warfare.

The story revolves around Io Fleming and Daryl Lorenz, both in their twenties and top performers in their respective forces, who engage in intense battles within the Thunderbolt Sector. This captivating anime offers visually stunning animation and sound effects that effectively convey the characters’ distinct personalities, making it a solid representation of the Gundam series.

1. Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom

The Saviour Of The SEED Series

After a long hiatus since the last Gundam series release, the Gundam franchise chose to reminisce with their dedicated fanbase by unveiling this captivating film in 2024. Although the plot may seem straightforward, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom effectively achieves its purpose and lives up to expectations.

As someone observing the Gundam SEED series fandom, it’s clear that many fans consider this film to be the standout among them, managing to surpass some of the challenges they found in the other two. However, for the most rewarding viewing experience, I would recommend watching the previous two movies first. This is because the movie contains numerous references to past events that will greatly enhance your enjoyment if you’ve seen them.

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2024-12-25 13:36