We fans rarely see watchable mecha anime, and finding mecha with romance is extremely rare. Following the glittering success of the mecha romance anime Darling In The Franxx, Otakus are interested in getting something similar.
Darling In The Franxx is a collaboration effort produced by three renowned studios, “A1 Studios, Clover Works, and Trigger.” Thus, it delivers not only stunning art-style animations but also a crazy good dystopian universe rich with distinctive characters and an amazing plot.
Such characteristics have practically paid off, as a slew of anime fans are interested in seeing something similar. If you’re one of them, make sure to stay until the end.
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10: Macross
As I have said earlier, there are a handful of binge-worthy mecha romance anime shows like Darling in the Franxx, so we will try to treasure every worthy series, neglecting its airing era.
Aired just two years after the end of Mobile Suit Gundam in 1982, Macross takes the ‘humans assaulted and on the run aboard a super ship’ template and establishes its own path.
The show follows a storyline in which an alien spacecraft crash-lands on Earth, and humans reverse-engineer its technology to rebuild it as the colossal SDF-1 Macross. Three distinctive main characters are trapped inside this spaceship and embark on a unique journey. The series also focuses on the love triangle (which is my favorite aspect of the show).
9: Blue Gender
Even as an oldish mecha anime, Blue Gender stands out as one of the most underrated mecha gems that classic anime cults can’t afford to miss.
Many people believe it’s a shallow imitation of Starship Troopers. However, in the process, they are overlooking a significantly underappreciated and mature series that deserves greater attention.
The show is staged in a dystopian world where humanity has been overrun by giant mecha aliens called bugs. Now a handful of humans live in a space station and return to Earth to extract unique human Yuji Kaido.
Although there’s much less romance in this anime compared to Darling in the Franxx, bluntly speaking, it’s the best alternative for those looking for a natural and less pushy romance with a mecha theme.
8: Marriage of God & Soul Godannar!!
Despite its low popularity and average ratings, Marriage of God & Soul Godannar!! is a hidden gem that any fan service enthusiast will enjoy if they are looking for pure amusement neglecting the hassle of a complex plot.
The main characters in this anime first met five years ago while fighting Mecha invaders. Now, on the day of their wedding, these aliens return to destroy their special occasion.
While repelling the otherworldly threat, both couples’ robots fused and created a new form of their machine known as “Godannar.” Will this new combined invention make a difference? Let’s see.
7: Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse
Some people shun the mecha genre because they associate it with stereotypical sci-fi action anime, and I would completely agree if I hadn’t seen shows like “Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse.”
It has two official seasons aired between 2012 and 2016 and an alternative show with the name “Muv-Luv Alternative.” However, the above statement has been used for its official two seasons.
Set in an alternate reality, the anime follows Yui Takamura and the 1st Fuso Imperial Guards as they pilot Mecha to defend Fuse against the invading BETA aliens.
After the BETA destroys most of West Tokyo, Takeru is tasked with training new mecha pilots from the Total Eclipse organization’s many factions to combat the invading alien hordes.
6: RahXephon
RahXephon is an award-winning mecha/psychological show, and I believe it is not for everyone. To truly understand the premise of this show, you must be in a relaxed state of mind in order to concentrate on the plot.
Ayato’s normal life is turned upside down when he runs into a giant robot called RahXephon. With no clue what’s happening, Ayato finds himself able to control RahXephon! But that’s just the beginning. Strange things are happening in Tokyo, and a mysterious civilization called Mu seems connected.
Mu wants to unleash an ancient power to reshape Earth. Ayato must pilot RahXephon and unravel its secrets to help defend Tokyo from Mu and discover the truth about their intentions—are they friends or foes?
It may be less attractive due to its old-school art style, but you won’t regret its quality while emerging in its complex and thought-provoking plot with generic romance.
5: Infinite Stratos
There are exactly two main differences between Infinite Stratos and Darling In The Franxx. “Infinite Stratos is a harem mecha anime and also depicts the limelight on male MC rather than female MC like Zero Two.
The narrative of this anime is somewhat conventional, with only ladies capable of piloting enormous mecha robots. Throughout history, only one male, Ichika Orimura, has been defined as capable of controlling these massive robots.
He enrolls forcibly in all girls’ mecha training academy to learn how to operate these massive machines in order to equip himself and other academy members to fight against invaders.
4: Star Driver
Remember how we used to love Sailor Moon and Pokemon? We watched every single episode and followed all their adventures! I know the plots were so similar each time, but we didn’t care. Well, Star Driver reminds me of those shows.
The plot revolves around Takuto Tsunashi, a redhead who is rescued by a high school couple on an unknown island. Soon after awakening, he meets both and enrolls in the local academy.
To everyone’s surprise, Takuto Tsunashi has a tremendous secret concerning the operation of huge combat bodies known as Cybodies. Takuto and his pals’ lives will get more exciting when another organization follows the trail to obtain this information.
3: Guilty Crown
It’s more suitable to consider Darling In The Franxx as a trimmed replica of this 2011 mecha romance anime, “Guilty Crown.” Why am I saying this? The character designs cliche moments, and crybaby MC all point to copy-pasted work.
Shu is just a normal nerdy dude until Tokyo gets locked down by a scary virus. A Vial called Void Genome falls into the hands of a pop idol somehow, which serves as the catalyst for the meet-up between Shu and this pop idol.
Amidst a conflict, this rare Vial got shattered in the hand of Shu and transformed into a mecha robot. Since both of the characters’ lives are intertwined now, how are they going to figure a way out?
2: Eureka Seven
Whether we’re talking about adventure, mecha theme, healthy romance, or art style, everything about this anime is excellent, and its 8+ ratings speak for themselves.
If I am not skipping anything, this is perhaps the most successful mecha anime among the creations of Bones Studios.
This fifty-episode-long mecha romance follows a 14-year-old enthusiastic boy Renton Thurston, who joins a mercenary group to get rid of his mundane life.
Fatefully, a giant robot carrying a pink-haired waifu crashes on the rooftop of his garade. The girl pilot of this robot asks for help, which serves as the first step in Renton’s involvement in a mercenary group.
1: Neon Genesis Evangelion
Darling In The Franxx and Neon Genesis Evanglion both share similarities in their plots and themes where children feel oppressed and forced to do something, but what makes Neon Genesis Evanglion a legendary series is its unique, original, yet complex plot.
Shinji is summoned to NERV, “an organization led by his father,” to pilot EVA 01 against monstrous Angels. Still dealing with emotional trauma, he struggles in intense battles.
Through the fights, Shinji forms a connection with fellow pilot Rei as they learn to synchronize. But questions grow about NERV’s true goals, which are complex for even audiences to comprehend.
Conclusion:
All of the above-mentioned strong similarities with Darling In The Franxx mecha romance anime, which should be treasured by those who enjoy sci-fi blended with romance. The shows are ranked by comparing their likelihood with Darling In The Franxx, so get the idea of which is the most similar option.
