One of the most influential and beloved mecha anime franchises, Macross, is finally making its way to a major U.S. streaming platform. After years of limited availability in the West, fans can rejoice as numerous series and movies from the Macross universe are set to debut on Hulu beginning January 13, 2025. This move marks a significant turning point for the franchise, bringing it to a wider audience and placing it alongside other popular mecha anime shows.
A Long-Awaited Arrival
The Macross franchise, which began in the 1980s, has long been considered a cornerstone of the mecha genre. Alongside Gundam, it has shaped the landscape of giant robot anime with its unique blend of action, romance, and music. However, while Gundam has enjoyed substantial streaming availability in the West, Macross has remained largely absent.
This absence has frustrated fans for years, particularly given the series’ popularity internationally. Now, with the new deal with Hulu, this will change, and a large part of the Macross anime library will be accessible to U.S. viewers.
What’s Coming to Hulu?
The Hulu programming listing includes a wide array of Macross titles, covering various series, movies, and compilations from the franchise’s history. Among the most notable additions are:
- Macross Frontier: This modern classic has garnered international acclaim and is well-known for its music and memorable characters.
- The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Flash Back 2012: A concert compilation tied to the original series.
- The Super Dimension Fortress Macross II: Lovers, Again: A sequel to the original series.
- Macross Plus: A popular OVA series known for its animation.
- Macross Plus Movie Edition: The movie version of the Macross Plus OVA.
- Macross Delta: A more recent entry in the franchise.
- Macross Delta: Passionate Walküre (Macross Delta the Movie: Passionate Walkūre): A movie version of Macross Delta
- Macross Delta: Zettai LIVE!!!!!!: A sequel movie to Macross Delta.
- Macross Zero: A prequel to the original series.
- Macross 7: A series focusing on a rock band in the Macross universe.
- Macross Dynamite 7: An OVA series related to Macross 7.
- Macross 7: The Galaxy is Calling Me!: A movie based on Macross 7.
- Macross Fb7 Listen to My Song!: A movie based on Macross 7.
- Macross Frontier: The False Songstress: The first movie adaptation of the Macross Frontier series.
- Macross Frontier: The Wings of Farewell: The second movie adaptation of the Macross Frontier series.
This extensive list ensures that both long-time fans and newcomers will have ample content to explore. The inclusion of movies and OVAs alongside the main series offers a comprehensive viewing experience.
A New Era for Macross
The streaming deal marks a new chapter for Macross in the West. For many years, the franchise was hindered by distribution issues, which prevented it from reaching its full potential with international audiences. Now, with a significant portion of the catalog available on Hulu, Macross can finally take its place among the giants of the mecha anime genre.
This move is especially significant given that Hulu is also home to several Gundam series, creating an interesting juxtaposition between the two mecha giants on a single platform. Fans will now have the opportunity to compare and appreciate both franchises more easily.
The Appeal of Mecha Anime
The mecha genre is one of the oldest and most varied in anime, with a history stretching back to the mid-20th century. Mecha anime often explores themes of war, technology, and the human condition. The use of giant robots allows for thrilling action sequences, but also provides a platform to examine deeper issues like conflict and identity.
Macross is known for its unique approach to the genre by incorporating music and romance into its narrative. The series often features singing idols and dramatic love triangles that are intertwined with the intense battles between giant mecha.
Other Notable Mecha Anime
While Macross is a significant addition to streaming platforms, there are many other noteworthy mecha anime that fans may want to explore. Here are a few of the most popular and influential:
Gundam
The Mobile Suit Gundam franchise is arguably the most well-known mecha series. With multiple timelines and a variety of series and movies, Gundam offers something for every fan. The original series, Mobile Suit Gundam, created the “Real Robot” subgenre, focusing on mecha as military tools. Key series include Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, Mobile Suit Gundam 00, and Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans. Several Gundam series can be found on Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix, and the GundamInfo YouTube channel.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a psychological mecha series that has been praised for its complex characters and deep themes. It explores the psychological impact of piloting giant robots, mixing action with a more introspective perspective. It is available on Netflix.
Code Geass
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion is known for its political intrigue and strategic battles. The series follows a prince who gains a mysterious power, leading a rebellion against an empire. This series is easily one of the most popular mecha anime in the west and can be streamed on Crunchyroll.
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
Gurren Lagann is a high-octane series known for its over-the-top action and characters. It follows a group of humans who fight against oppression with giant robots. This series is available on Crunchyroll.
Full Metal Panic
Full Metal Panic is a series that mixes real warfare with school life. The story follows a former child soldier assigned to protect a high school girl. It’s praised for its blend of action and character development. It can be streamed on Crunchyroll.
Other Series
Other notable mecha anime include:
- SSSS.Dynazenon: A recent series with elements of Super Sentai action.
- Knights & Magic: An isekai anime where the protagonist is a mecha otaku.
- Patlabor: A series that focuses on police forces using mecha.
- Vandread: A series set in a future where men and women are at war.
- The Big O: A show with a classic noir aesthetic and giant robots.
- Eureka Seven: A series combining lighter themes with heavier ones, focusing on themes of self-discovery and belonging.
These diverse series showcase the range and depth of the mecha genre, each offering its unique take on the premise of giant robots.
Where to Watch
Streaming services have made it easier than ever to access mecha anime. Here’s a breakdown of where you can find various series:
- Hulu: As of January 13, 2025, Hulu is now the home of a large portion of the Macross franchise, alongside a selection of Gundam series.
- Crunchyroll: Offers a vast collection of mecha anime, including many Gundam series, Code Geass, Gurren Lagann, Full Metal Panic, Vandread, and SSSS.Dynazenon.
- Netflix: Features series like Neon Genesis Evangelion, Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans, and Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn.
- GundamInfo YouTube Channel: Many of the newer Gundam series and reboots are available to stream for free on the GundamInfo channel.
With these platforms, fans can enjoy a variety of mecha anime, ranging from classic series to modern hits.
A Genre for Everyone
The mecha genre continues to evolve and adapt to contemporary sensibilities. It explores themes of gender, identity, race, and technological advancement, making it relevant to modern audiences.
The arrival of Macross on Hulu is a significant step, finally bringing one of the most iconic mecha franchises to a wider U.S. audience. With this addition, and the continued availability of other notable mecha anime, now is an excellent time to explore this dynamic and influential genre. Whether you are a long-time fan or a newcomer, there is a mecha anime out there for you, and it’s more accessible than ever before.
