UNFINISHED
Status Explanation
The “Gundam” franchise is an expansive, ever-evolving saga. Far from being finished, new entries, series, and timelines are continuously being added, ensuring there’s always something new for fans to explore in this iconic universe.
Watch Order
Embarking on the Gundam journey can feel overwhelming given its vastness. To help you navigate this iconic mecha universe, here are some recommended watch orders, catering to different preferences and starting points.
The Universal Century (UC) Timeline
The Universal Century is the foundational timeline of the Gundam franchise, where much of its rich lore originated. For those who want to experience the core saga, follow this progression:
- Mobile Suit Gundam (0079): Begin with the original series or its three compilation movies. This is the cornerstone of the franchise.
- Mobile Suit Gundam The Origin: A compelling prequel to the original, offering deeper insights into key characters.
- Mobile Suit One Year War Side Stories: Dive into various perspectives of the iconic conflict with 08th MS Team, War in the Pocket, and Thunderbolt.
- Mobile Suit Gundam 0083 Stardust Memory: A crucial side story that bridges the gap leading directly into Zeta Gundam.
- Mobile Suit Gundam Zeta: A powerful and direct sequel to the original series.
- Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ: While optional for some, this series provides a comprehensive wrap-up to the story begun in Zeta.
- Mobile Suit Gundam Char’s Counterattack: A pivotal movie marking a major milestone in the UC timeline.
- Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn: Set after Char’s Counterattack, this series explores new developments in the UC era.
- Mobile Suit Gundam Narrative: A direct sequel to Unicorn.
- Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway’s Flash Trilogy: A more recent cinematic entry focusing on characters from Char’s Counterattack.
- Mobile Suit Gundam F91: Venture into the later stages of the UC timeline.
- Mobile Suit Victory Gundam: Another entry exploring the late UC era.
Alternate Universe (AU) Series
If committing to a long, interconnected timeline seems daunting, the Alternate Universe series are perfect starting points. These are standalone stories, each with their own unique characters and settings, and can be watched in any order:
- Gundam Wing
- Gundam SEED
- Gundam 00
- Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans
- Gundam The Witch from Mercury
- Turn A Gundam
Where to Start Your Gundam Journey
For newcomers, diving into an AU series is often recommended due to their modern animation, accessible storytelling, and lack of prerequisite viewing. Gundam 00 and Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans are frequently suggested as excellent entry points to get a feel for the franchise’s themes and action.
Similar Animes
If the world of Gundam captures your imagination, you might find yourself drawn to these other fantastic mecha and sci-fi anime:
- Code Geass
- Full Metal Panic!
- Macross
- Legend of the Galactic Heroes