Macross Frontier combines mecha action, interstellar politics, and music-driven storytelling through the journeys of Alto, Sheryl, and Ranka.
The series explores themes of cultural connection, identity, and love against the backdrop of war with the Vajra.
This list highlights 15 underrated anime that mirror its blend of epic battles, emotional depth, and innovative narrative approaches.
1. Infinite Ryvius (1999)
Streaming Availability: HiDive
Plot Summary: Trainees aboard a spacecraft must survive political chaos and alien threats after adults sacrifice themselves.
Similarities: Focuses on survival dynamics, leadership struggles, and youth navigating crisis—mirroring Frontier’s tension between personal growth and war.
MAL Rating: 7.52 | Episodes: 26 | Studio: Sunrise | Notable Staff: Directed by Gorō Taniguchi (Code Geass).
2. RahXephon (2002)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Ayato Kamina pilots the RahXephon to combat alien Dolems while uncovering his destiny and ties to a hidden civilization.
Similarities: Merges mecha action with existential themes and a focus on music’s role in communication.
MAL Rating: 7.62 | Episodes: 26 | Studio: Bones | Awards: Tokyo Anime Award for Best Art Direction (2003).
3. Aquarion (2005)
Streaming Availability: Funimation
Plot Summary: Pilots merge mechas to fight Shadow Angels, exploring reincarnation and love across lifetimes.
Similarities: Features a love triangle and music-integrated battles, akin to Frontier’s Sheryl-Ranka-Alto dynamic.
MAL Rating: 7.01 | Episodes: 26 | Studio: Satelight | Notable Staff: Created by Shoji Kawamori (Macross creator).
4. AKB0048 (2012)
Streaming Availability: HiDive
Plot Summary: Idols perform in war zones, using music to resist a government banning entertainment.
Similarities: Celebrates music as rebellion and connection, paralleling Ranka/Sheryl’s roles in uniting factions.
MAL Rating: 6.83 | Episodes: 26 | Studio: Satelight | Unique Aspect: Blends idol culture with sci-fi warfare.
5. Martian Successor Nadesico (1996)
Streaming Availability: RetroCrush
Plot Summary: A crew aboard the Nadesico battles aliens while parodying mecha tropes and exploring trauma.
Similarities: Balances humor with serious themes, much like Frontier’s tonal shifts.
MAL Rating: 7.67 | Episodes: 26 | Studio: Xebec | Legacy: Cult classic for meta-commentary on anime fandom.
6. Eureka Seven (2005)
Streaming Availability: Funimation
Plot Summary: Renton Thurston joins rebels piloting mechas, discovering love and cosmic secrets.
Similarities: Combines mecha battles, romance, and a coming-of-age journey in a richly built world.
MAL Rating: 8.04 | Episodes: 50 | Studio: Bones | Awards: Tokyo Anime Award for Best Screenplay (2006).
7. The Vision of Escaflowne (1996)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Hitomi is transported to a fantasy world where she aids a prince piloting the mecha Escaflowne.
Similarities: Mixes mecha, romance, and destiny themes with a sweeping orchestral score.
MAL Rating: 7.87 | Episodes: 26 | Studio: Sunrise | Notable Staff: Music by Yoko Kanno (Macross Frontier).
8. Knights of Sidonia (2014)
Streaming Availability: Netflix
Plot Summary: Humanity’s last colony ship fights shape-shifting aliens using biomechanical mechas.
Similarities: High-stakes space survival and unique CGI animation that polarizes fans, akin to Frontier’s bold choices.
MAL Rating: 7.33 | Episodes: 24 | Studio: Polygon Pictures | Style: Pioneering 3D animation in anime.
9. Genesis of Aquarion (2005)
Streaming Availability: Funimation
Plot Summary: Pilots combine mechas to harness ancient energy, battling beings from a lost civilization.
Similarities: Explores reincarnation and soulmates, with operatic battle sequences.
MAL Rating: 6.94 | Episodes: 26 | Studio: Satelight | Theme: Love transcending time and space.
10. Soukou no Strain (2006)
Streaming Availability: Not streamable (DVD-only)
Plot Summary: Sara seeks revenge in a war-ridden galaxy, piloting a unique mecha.
Similarities: Focus on personal loss and resilience, similar to Frontier’s Klan Klan and Ozma arcs.
MAL Rating: 6.78 | Episodes: 13 | Studio: Studio Fantasia | Pacing: Compact, gritty storytelling.
11. Darker than Black (2007)
Streaming Availability: HiDive
Plot Summary: Contractors with supernatural abilities navigate moral ambiguity in a dystopian Tokyo.
Similarities: Morally complex protagonists and secretive conflicts, akin to Frontier’s political subterfuge.
MAL Rating: 8.06 | Episodes: 25 | Studio: Bones | Tone: Noir-inspired psychological drama.
12. Guilty Crown (2011)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Shu gains the power to extract weapons from souls, leading a rebellion against a corrupt regime.
Similarities: Blends music, rebellion, and tragic romance, echoing Frontier’s emotional beats.
MAL Rating: 7.56 | Episodes: 22 | Studio: Production I.G | Controversy: Polarizing ending similar to Frontier’s divisive finale.
13. Argevollen (2014)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: A pilot defects to join rebels using an experimental mecha in a war-torn nation.
Similarities: Grounded mecha combat and political intrigue, focusing on underdog resistance.
MAL Rating: 6.34 | Episodes: 24 | Studio: Xebec | Style: Realistic military tactics over flashy battles.
14. Buddy Complex (2014)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: A teen is thrust into a time-traveling war, piloting mechas with a mysterious partner.
Similarities: Time-loop narrative and partnership dynamics, akin to Alto and Brera’s rivalry.
MAL Rating: 6.78 | Episodes: 15 | Studio: Sunrise | Legacy: Cancelled prematurely but praised for pacing.
15. Cross Ange (2014)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: A princess exiled for being non-magical leads a rebel squad using dragon-slaying mechas.
Similarities: Strong female lead, rebellion themes, and unflinching exploration of societal prejudice.
MAL Rating: 7.03 | Episodes: 25 | Studio: Sunrise | Notable Aspect: Bold, controversial storytelling.
Why These Anime Work for Macross Frontier Fans
These series resonate through their exploration of identity, rebellion, and the transformative power of human connection.
Whether through mecha battles underscored by symphonic scores (RahXephon), idol culture as resistance (AKB0048), or survival in hostile cosmos (Infinite Ryvius), each offers a unique lens on Frontier’s core themes.
Their underrated status often stems from niche appeal or unconventional storytelling, making them perfect for fans seeking depth beyond mainstream hits.
Dive in to discover new worlds where music, mechas, and humanity’s resilience collide
