Anime’s Strongest Mecha Pilots Ranked

If we had to estimate how many pilots had stepped into robotic vehicles in the long history of Japanese animation, we’d have to say: a lot, man.

But just who is the strongest mecha pilot in anime history? That was the question put to readers of anime research site Charapedia, who answered thusly:

20. Lelouch

Code Geass



19. Kaworu Nagisa

Neon Genesis Evangelion



18. Banagher Links

Gundam Unicorn



17. Hikaru Ichijyo (Rick Hunter)

Macross (Robotech)

16. Athrun Zala

Gundam Seed



15. Mikazuki Augus

Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans



14. Shinji Ikari

Neon Genesis Evangelion



13. Inaho Kaizuka

Aldnoah Zero



12. Chirico Cuvie

Armored Trooper Votoms



11. Simon

Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann

10. Suzaku Kururugi

Code Geass



9. Heero Yuy

Gundam Wing



8. Guy Shishioh

The King of Braves GaoGaiGar



7. Char Aznable

Gundam

6. Domon Kasshu

G Gundam



5. Setsuna F. Seiei

Gundam 00



4. Kamille Bidan

Zeta Gundam



3. Master Asia

G Gundam



2. Kira Yamato

Gundam Seed



1. Amuro Ray

Gundam

No huge surprise: Gundam pilots dominated the list, taking up 11 of the 20 spots. Amuro Ray, the protagonist of the original Gundam series and films, coming out on top is no huge surprise either.

More surprising: the fact 137 people voted for Evangelion’s famously weak Shinji Ikari – though one could argue Shinji grows more as a person (and pilot) than anyone else on the list.

Final note: good to see Macross make the list, but no Roy? He was the best!

OUSAers: who do you like for anime’s strongest mecha pilot?

Source: Charapedia