After much anticipation, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, the latest addition to the Gundam franchise, has finally premiered. This series, developed in collaboration with the esteemed Studio Khara—renowned for its work on Neon Genesis Evangelion—has generated significant excitement since its announcement. Based on the captivating premiere, it appears that GQuuuuuuX is poised to meet the high expectations set by fans and critics alike.
As one of the most eagerly awaited anime of spring 2025, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX is designed to be accessible, even for those unfamiliar with its extensive predecessors. Yet, considering the deep-rooted history and influence of both Gundam and Evangelion, viewers will benefit greatly from exploring a selection of foundational anime that contribute to the essence of GQuuuuuuX. Below, we highlight a series of must-watch anime that will enrich the viewing experience for all Gundam fans.
10 The Dragon Dentist
Anime Series by Studio Khara; Directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki
In The Dragon Dentist, produced by Studio Khara, we follow the story of Nonoko Kishii, the recently appointed dentist tasked with caring for her nation’s guardian dragon during a tumultuous war. A pivotal moment occurs when Nonoko extracts an enemy soldier from the dragon, Bell, who possesses mystical powers. This event foreshadows dire consequences, compelling Nonoko and Bell to confront their fate through a series of harrowing battles.
Although it is a short OVA and marks Studio Khara’s inaugural original anime, The Dragon Dentist impresses with its stunning animation and compelling storytelling. Directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki—who is also at the helm of GQuuuuuuX—this series offers valuable insight into the visual style viewers can expect from the new Gundam anime.
9 Code Geass
Anime Series by Sunrise; Directed by Goro Taniguchi
Code Geass features Lelouch vi Britannia, a former prince exiled to Japan—now a Britannian colony—who seeks vengeance against the empire that wronged him and his family. After acquiring a mystical ability known as Geass, which allows him to manipulate others, he adopts the persona of the vigilante Zero to overthrow the oppressive Britannian regime.
The deeper connections between Code Geass and the Gundam universe are evident, as both series blend mecha action with intricate political narratives. While the plot of GQuuuuuuX remains undisclosed, the thematic and stylistic overlaps make Code Geass a worthy watch for anyone preparing for the new Gundam saga.
8 Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
Anime Series by Studio Trigger; Directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi
Set in a dystopian future, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann follows Simon and his companion Kamina as they rise against the Spiral King and his Beastmen, who have forced humanity underground. Simon’s discovery of a giant robot known as a Gunmen ignites a revolution that empowers him to challenge the very fabric of the universe.
While it doesn’t directly align with Gundam’s realistic portrayal of mecha battles, Gurren Lagann masterfully embraces the super robot genre, delivering a uniquely entertaining experience filled with exuberant visuals and spirited storytelling. This makes it an excellent precursor to GQuuuuuuX for fans who revel in the mecha genre’s versatility.
7 Star Driver
Star Driver follows Takuto Tsunashi, a student who uncovers the sinister ambitions of the Glittering Crux Brigade on Southern Cross Isle. With the power to pilot a Cybody, Takuto embarks on a quest to thwart the brigade’s plans and protect the island’s shrine maidens.
The head writer, Enokido, is currently contributing to GQuuuuuuX. While the overall tone may vary, Star Driver offers a delightful sample of the engaging writing style that viewers can anticipate from the upcoming series.
6 Nadia: The Secret Of Blue Water
Anime Series by Gainax and Group TAC; Directed by Hideaki Anno
In Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water, viewers are transported to a steampunk version of 1889, where inventor Jean Raltique aids Nadia, a circus performer pursued by thieves after her valuable crystal necklace. Their adventure leads them to discover profound truths about Nadia’s origins, with significant implications for their world.
As the first full-length anime directed by Hideaki Anno, Nadia is renowned for its innovative narrative and breathtaking art—attributes that herald the arrival of Neon Genesis Evangelion. While Anno’s role in GQuuuuuuX is more supervisory, watching Nadia can provide hints about the aesthetic and thematic qualities he may influence in the new series.
5 Gunbuster
Anime Series by Gainax; Directed by Hideaki Anno
Gunbuster follows Noriko Takaya, a nascent pilot from Okinawa Girls’ Space Pilot High School, who overcomes personal challenges and the weight of her family’s legacy to become a key player in humanity’s defense against alien threats. Teaming up with Kazumi Amano, Noriko’s journey is both humorous and profound, mirroring the essence of the mecha genre.
Comparable to a playful adaptation of “Top Gun,”Gunbuster offers a blend of heart and campy charm, making it a significant milestone in anime. Its influential legacy not only shaped Hideaki Anno’s career but also established essential tropes within the mecha landscape—making it essential viewing ahead of GQuuuuuuX.
4 Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury introduces Suletta Mercury, an eager student at the Asticassia School of Technology. Her dreams of a fulfilling school life quickly shatter as she navigates corporate conspiracies, the strife between Earthians and Spacians, and her unexpected betrothal to the school’s princess, Miorine Rembran.
This series marks the first direct continuation of the Gundam line since Iron-Blooded Orphans, and its vibrant characters and visually striking animation make it a standout entry. To appreciate the potential of GQuuuuuuX, viewers are encouraged to experience the modern classic that is Witch from Mercury.
3 Neon Genesis Evangelion
Anime Series by Studio Khara; Directed by Hideaki Anno
In Neon Genesis Evangelion, we meet Shinji Ikari, a withdrawn teenager summoned to pilot a giant bio-mechanical robot in a war against the enigmatic Angels threatening humanity. The psychological toll of his responsibilities drastically impacts Shinji as he grapples with complex emotions and existential dilemmas.
As one of the most revolutionary and influential anime series ever produced, Neon Genesis Evangelion deserves its accolades for introducing profound themes and exceptional storytelling. Both the original anime and the Rebuild film series serve as crucial insight into the artistic direction that Anno might bring to GQuuuuuuX.
2 FLCL
Anime Series by Production I.G; Directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki
FLCL revolves around Naota Nandaba, a typical boy whose life is upended by the arrival of Haruko Haruhara, an intergalactic traveler. Her chaotic influence triggers surreal events, including manifestations of robots from Naota’s head injury. Amidst absurdity, Naota embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
Regarded as Kazuya Tsurumaki’s signature work, FLCL delivers fantastic animation and a whimsical exploration of adolescence—all compressed into a concise series. Viewers can anticipate a similar sense of creativity in GQuuuuuuX, should Tsurumaki’s unique touch make its way into the new Gundam series.
1 Mobile Suit Gundam
Anime Series by Sunrise; Directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino
The original Mobile Suit Gundam series, directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino, launched the enduring Gundam legacy and established the Universal Century timeline. Following Amuro Ray, a young pilot fighting against the Principality of Zeon, the series revolutionized the mecha genre with its mature storytelling and intricate character development.
As GQuuuuuuX is rooted in an alternative Universal Century setting, the original Mobile Suit Gundam is essential viewing. Its impressive animation and profound narrative not only set the standard for future mecha series but also lay the groundwork for understanding the universe into which GQuuuuuuX will expand. Viewing this classic is undoubtedly the best way to prepare for the new series.