Top 10 Giant Robots

One aspect of science fiction that I can always get behind is the concept of a giant robot. Ever since I saw Mechagodzilla as a kid I've always had a fascination with similar kinds of machines. So just for fun I decided to make a list of some of my favorites. They're not in any particular order, so I'm not saying any single one is better than the others, but they're all close to my heart.

Dragonzord- MMPR (Dragon Caesar - Zyuranger)

While the original Megazord was enough to get me to watch Power Rangers, it was the Dragonzord that kept me coming back. Controlled by the Dragon Dagger, the Dragonzord was a Godzilla-like powerhouse that could take on anything thrown at it. Especially giant monsters made of clay by a space witch.

Gundam MK II (Titans Color) - Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a massive Gundam fan. I've seen just about every series and movie, but no matter what incarnation of the original RX-78-2 that gets designed I can't stray away from the MK II. The dark blue paint job doesn't hurt it either.

The Sentinels - X-Men

Whenever these giant purple baddies appeared in the comics or on the screen I would squeal with delight. Nothing sounds cooler than mutants fighting giant genocidal robots. Am I right? If I'm wrong don't correct me. I want to keep the illusion going.

Imperial Walker - The Empire Strikes Back

One of the most iconic images from my childhood was when I saw The Empire Strikes Back for the first time and watched the Battle of Hoth. I had just seen Star Wars and went directly to the sequel. How did Star Wars get even better from the first installment? The second one had giant snowbound robots attacking Luke Skywalker and the rest of the Rebel Alliance. I feel like the AT-AT gets overlooked as a giant robot, but it's definitely an effective mix between a camel and a tank in the world of mecha.

Gipsy Danger - Pacific Rim

Gipsy Danger is a love letter to the giant robot anime series that Guillermo del Toro grew up watching. He and I could have some very nostalgic conversations, because part of Gipsy's charm is that it's an almagmation between mecha from series like Mobile Suit Gundam, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Gigantor, and The Big O. But Gipsy also stands alone as an asskicker in her own right. While Pacific Rim is a polarizing movie, you can't argue that watching this giant robot punch monsters in the face wasn't fun.

Mechagodzilla - Godzilla Film Franchise

The one that probably started it all for me. I watched this bot in any film that he appeared in and owned as many toys and replicas of his various forms that I could. As cool as Godzilla is as a monster, Mechagodzilla always seemed cooler to me.

Eva Unit 1 - Neon Genesis Evangelion

I had never seen a giant robot look so menacing, creepy, and heroic all at the same time. It's skeletal structure and square teeth scream villain (as well as the color scheme), but this thing was the only line of defense against the bizarre "Angels" that threatened the future it protected. While it's part of a cool story, this one almost makes the list based on design alone.

Aloha Oe (Robot Mode) - Space Dandy

My friends have listened to me talk about Space Dandy all winter. That's because it's one of the best anime series I've ever watched. While the show plays with all of the anime genres that it can, I always get excited when the Aloha Oe, Dandy's ship, ejects its giant robot form. What's not to love about this retro-styled mecha? I mean, come on, he's wearing a Hawaiian shirt!

VF-1S Valkyrie - Macross (Robotech)

One of my favorite types of giant robots are the ones that are military-based. The Valkyrie is the most practical transforming mecha that I've ever seen. It starts out as a space-worthy jet and can morph into a robotic weapon in mid-battle. Tactically it can't be beat when it comes to science fiction warfare.

Voltron (Lion Force) - Voltron: Defender of the Universe

This was another show that I ate up as a kid. While it might not be as cool as the Megazord in terms of being different animals, Voltron makes up for it in brawler-status. The pilots of Voltron fight a war while also fending off giant Robeasts and other galactic threats. He represents the bright, colorful fun that science fiction can have when it comes to piloting giant machinery.

Honorable Mentions:

1. Optimus Prime - Transformers
2. Megazord - MMPR
3. Zaku II - Mobile Suit Gundam
4. Hot Rod/Starscream - Transformers
5. The Iron Giant - The Iron Giant