Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Code Geass is often brought up when talking about the best mecha anime, and for good reason. It’s a hugely complex show that’s just mecha on at first glance, but underneath weaves themes of political strife, psychological problems, moral ambiguity, and more.
Code Geass revolves around a young boy named Lelouch, who after getting trapped in a terrorist attack gains a strange otherworldly power that lets him bend other people to his will. The world of Code Geass takes place in an alternate timeline where Earth has been separated into three superpowers; the Holy Brittanian Empire, Chinese Federation, and European Union.
The show weaves a lengthy, complex narrative with Lelouch at its center, as he tries to force the world to change with his newfound powers. As a main character, Lelouch is quite similar to Shinji from Evangelion, suffering from psychological issues and a checkered past, despite being so young.
The show also does a great job of fleshing out its other main and side characters and explaining those that appose Lelouche, casting even more doubt on the main character’s morality. If you’re looking for more mecha series with complex themes, Code Geass should be at the top of your list, and it’s yet another show that more than earns its status as an all-time classic.
