Gundam Anime Series: A Complete Watch Guide

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Gundam Anime Series: A Complete Watch Guide

Hey guys! So you want to dive into the awesome world of Gundam, huh? Well, you've come to the right place! With so many series, timelines, and alternate universes, getting started with Gundam can feel like launching a mobile suit without a manual. But don't worry, I'm here to be your guide. Let's break down the Gundam anime series in a way that's easy to understand, so you can start enjoying the mecha action and deep storylines ASAP. Whether you're a newbie or just looking to get your facts straight, buckle up! This is going to be a fun ride!

What is Gundam?

Before we dive into the different series, let's quickly cover what Gundam actually is. Gundam is a massive media franchise created by Sunrise, featuring giant robots (or "mobile suits") in a military science fiction setting. What sets Gundam apart from other mecha anime is its focus on realism, complex characters, and exploration of the consequences of war. It's not just about robots smashing each other (though there's plenty of that too!). It's about the people piloting those robots, the conflicts they face, and the impact of technology on society. The original series, Mobile Suit Gundam, premiered in 1979 and revolutionized the mecha genre. It introduced themes and concepts that are still relevant today. Gundam explores the morality of war, the struggles of individuals caught in large-scale conflicts, and the psychological toll of combat. These deeper themes, combined with the exciting mecha battles, are what have kept fans hooked for over four decades. So when you start watching, remember that you're not just watching robots fight. You're diving into a world with rich history, complex characters, and thought-provoking stories. Every Gundam series offers a unique perspective on these core themes, making each one a worthwhile experience.

Universal Century (UC) Timeline

The Universal Century is the original and arguably the most important timeline in the Gundam franchise. Many fans consider it the "main" Gundam storyline. If you're new to Gundam, starting with the UC timeline is highly recommended. It provides the foundation for many of the themes and concepts explored in later series. It all begins with Mobile Suit Gundam (1979), which introduces the One Year War between the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon. This series is a classic for a reason. While the animation may look dated by today's standards, the story, characters, and themes are timeless. It sets the stage for everything that follows. Next up is Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, set several years after the One Year War. This series is darker and more complex than its predecessor, exploring the consequences of the war and the rise of new factions. Many fans consider Zeta Gundam to be one of the best in the franchise due to its compelling characters and intense storyline. Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ follows Zeta, but takes a slightly lighter tone initially, before delving into more serious themes. It's a bit of a mixed bag for fans, but it does provide important context for later UC stories. Then we have Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack, a movie that serves as the epic conclusion to the rivalry between Amuro Ray and Char Aznable, two of the most iconic characters in Gundam. This movie is a must-watch for any UC fan. Finally, there's Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn, a more recent series set later in the UC timeline. Unicorn features stunning animation and a complex story that ties together many of the loose ends from previous UC series. It's a great way to experience the UC timeline with modern animation.

UC Recommended Watch Order:

  • Mobile Suit Gundam (1979)
  • Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam
  • Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ
  • Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack (Movie)
  • Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn

Alternate Timelines

Okay, so the Universal Century is a big chunk of Gundam, but there are also several alternate timelines that offer unique stories and perspectives. These timelines are not connected to the UC, so you can jump into them without any prior knowledge. This makes them great entry points for new fans. One of the most popular alternate timelines is Mobile Fighter G Gundam. This series is unlike anything else in Gundam. It's a martial arts tournament with giant robots representing different countries. It's over-the-top, action-packed, and incredibly fun. If you're looking for something completely different from the UC, G Gundam is a great choice. Another popular timeline is Mobile Suit Gundam Wing. This series was one of the first Gundam anime to gain widespread popularity in the West. It features a group of young pilots fighting against a corrupt organization. Gundam Wing is known for its stylish designs and angsty characters. After War Gundam X is set in a post-apocalyptic world after a devastating war. It explores themes of survival, rebuilding, and the legacy of conflict. Gundam X is often overlooked, but it has a unique atmosphere and compelling characters. Turn A Gundam is a controversial but highly regarded series that brings together all of the Gundam timelines into a single continuity. It's a complex and philosophical series that explores the nature of history and conflict. Turn A Gundam is best watched after you've seen several other Gundam series. Mobile Suit Gundam SEED is a remake of the original Mobile Suit Gundam, but set in a new timeline. It's a good starting point for new fans who want a more modern take on the classic story. Mobile Suit Gundam 00 is set in a world where different factions are vying for control of energy resources. It features a group of Gundam pilots who aim to end all war through armed intervention. Gundam 00 is known for its political intrigue and complex characters. Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans is a more recent series set in a gritty and realistic world. It follows a group of orphaned soldiers who fight for their survival. Iron-Blooded Orphans is known for its dark tone and compelling characters. Each of these alternate timelines offers a unique take on the Gundam formula. Whether you're looking for over-the-top action, political intrigue, or gritty realism, there's an alternate timeline for you.

Alternate Timeline Recommendations:

  • Mobile Fighter G Gundam (Over-the-top fun)
  • Mobile Suit Gundam Wing (Classic and stylish)
  • Mobile Suit Gundam SEED (Modern remake of the original)
  • Mobile Suit Gundam 00 (Political intrigue)
  • Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans (Gritty and realistic)

Standalone Series and OVAs

Besides the main timelines, there are also several standalone series and OVAs that are worth checking out. These series are not connected to any of the main timelines, so you can watch them in any order. Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket is a short but powerful OVA that tells the story of a young boy who befriends a Zeon soldier during the One Year War. It's a tragic and human story that explores the impact of war on ordinary people. Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory is another OVA set in the UC timeline. It tells the story of a group of Zeon remnants who attempt to steal a nuclear-equipped Gundam. Stardust Memory is known for its stunning animation and exciting action sequences. Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team is an OVA that follows a squad of Earth Federation soldiers fighting on the front lines of the One Year War. It's a gritty and realistic portrayal of combat. Gundam Build Fighters and Gundam Build Divers are more lighthearted series that focus on Gunpla (Gundam model kits) battles. They're a fun and accessible way to get into the Gundam franchise. These standalone series and OVAs offer a variety of different perspectives on the Gundam universe. Whether you're looking for a tragic war story, exciting action, or lighthearted fun, there's something for everyone.

Standalone Series and OVA Recommendations:

  • Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket (Tragic and human)
  • Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory (Stunning animation)
  • Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team (Gritty and realistic)
  • Gundam Build Fighters/Divers (Lighthearted Gunpla battles)

Where to Watch Gundam

Okay, so now you know which Gundam series you want to watch, but where can you actually watch them? Well, thankfully, there are several options available. Many Gundam series are available on streaming services like Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Funimation. Check your local listings to see which series are available in your region. You can also purchase Gundam series on Blu-ray and DVD from retailers like Amazon and Rightstufanime. If you're a fan of physical media, this is a great way to support the franchise and own your favorite series. Finally, you can also find Gundam series on legal streaming sites. These sites offer a wide variety of anime, including many Gundam series. Just make sure you're using a reputable site to avoid pirated content. No matter how you choose to watch, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs. So grab some snacks, settle in, and get ready to experience the awesome world of Gundam!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, guys! A complete guide to the Gundam anime series. I know it can seem overwhelming at first, but once you start watching, you'll quickly get hooked. Whether you're into the complex storylines of the Universal Century or the over-the-top action of the alternate timelines, there's a Gundam series for everyone. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun! Don't be afraid to jump around and try different series until you find one that you love. And don't worry about watching everything in chronological order. Just dive in and enjoy the ride! The world of Gundam is vast and rewarding, so get out there and start exploring. And who knows, maybe you'll even find your own favorite mobile suit along the way. Happy watching!