If you’re a fan of mecha movies, then you’ll love our list of 11 movies like Pacific Rim. These films are all packed with thrilling action and spectacular effects that will leave you on the edge of your seat. So if you’re looking for a new movie to watch this weekend, be sure to check out one of these!
Mecha refers to the scientific ideas and fiction genres that center on robots and machines. These mecha films, sometimes containing kaiju, usually depict humanoid mobile robots.
RoboCop (2014)
Where to watch: Prime Video
RoboCop is a near-perfect example of a cyborg human. Alex Murphy was an ex-police officer who suffered catastrophic injuries during a confrontation. His lifeless body, which was still viable, became the test subject for OmniCorp’s robotic progress ideas, where they electrically revamped his physical form into a Cyborg.
Drones may be completely controlled, yet cyborgs retain unconscious sentiments or subconscious memories even after mind control or neurological indoctrination methods. Despite being altered into a murdering machine, the RoboCop in this film discovers that his humanity remains intact.
Rampage (2018)
Where to watch: Netflix
Primatologist Davis Okoye shares an unbreakable bond with George, the extraordinarily intelligent gorilla who has been in his care since birth. But a rogue genetic experiment gone awry transforms this gentle ape into a raging creature of enormous size.
To make matters worse, it’s soon discovered there are other similarly altered animals on the loose in the city. As the mutated beasts tear through the streets, destroying everything in their path, Okoye teams up with a discredited genetic engineer to secure an antidote, fighting his way through an ever-changing battlefield, not only to halt a global catastrophe but to save the fearsome creature that was once his friend.
Real Steel (2011)
Where to watch: Disney+
In the near future, robot boxing is a top sport. A struggling ex-boxer feels he’s found a winner in a discarded robot. During their underdog quest to win the championship, the two develop an unlikely friendship.
The film stars Hugh Jackman as Charlie Kenton, Dakota Goyo as Max Kenton, Evangeline Lilly as Bailey Tallet, Anthony Mackie as Finn and Hope Davis as Charlene.
Elysium (2013)
Where to watch: Prime Video, Netflix
In the year 22054, two classes of people exist: the very wealthy who live on a pristine man-made space station called Elysium, and the rest, who live on an overpopulated, ruined Earth. Secretary Delacourt will stop at nothing to enforce anti-immigration laws and preserve the luxurious lifestyle of the citizens of Elysium.
That doesn’t stop the people of Earth from trying to get in by any means they can. When unlucky Max is backed into a corner, he agrees to take on a daunting mission that if successful will not only save his life, but could bring equality to these polarized worlds.
Battleship (2012)
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Hulu, Netflix
Based on the classic Hasbro board game, Battleship is the story of an international naval fleet engaged in a battle against an alien armada. When Lt. Alex Hopper (Taylor Kitsch) receives word that his brother, Stone (Alexander SkarsgÃ¥rd), has been captured by the enemy, he assembles a team of the world’s best soldiers to rescue him.
The film stars Liam Neeson as Hopper’s commanding officer, Admiral Shane, and Rihanna as Petty Officer Raikes, Hopper’s protégée and love interest.
Edge Of Tomorrow (2014)
Where to watch: Netflix
In the near future, an alien race has hit the Earth in an unrelenting assault, unbeatable by any military unit in the world. Major William Cage (Tom Cruise) is an officer who has never seen a day of combat when he is unceremoniously dropped into what amounts to a suicide mission. Killed within minutes, Cage now finds himself inexplicably thrown into a time loop-forcing him to live out the same brutal combat over and over, fighting and dying again…and again.
But with each battle, Cage becomes able to engage the adversaries with increasing skill, alongside Special Forces warrior Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt). And, as Cage and Rita’s skills increase, so does the chance that they will discover the key to defeating the aliens.
Chappie (2015)
Where to watch: Netflix
In the near future, crime is patrolled by an oppressive mechanized police force. When one police droid, Chappie, is stolen and given new programming, he becomes the first robot with the ability to think and feel for himself.
As powerful, destructive forces start to see Chappie as a danger to mankind and order, they will stop at nothing to maintain the status quo and ensure that Chappie is the last of his kind.
The film stars Sharlto Copley as the voice of Chappie, Hugh Jackman as Vincent Moore, and Dev Patel as Deon Wilson.
Mortal Engines (2018)
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Hulu, Apple TV, YouTube (rent or buy)
In a future world where cities ride on wheels and consume each other to survive, two people must stop an all-powerful city from destroying the last remaining outpost of civilization.
The film stars Hugo Weaving as Thaddeus Valentine, Stephen Lang as Hester Shaw, Jihae as Anna Fang, and Robert Sheehan as Tom Natsworthy.
Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
Where to watch: Disney Plus
Set several centuries in the future, the abandoned Alita is found in the scrapyard of Iron City by Ido, a compassionate cyber doctor who takes the unconscious cyborg girl home. When Alita awakens, she has no memory of who she is, nor does she have any recognition of the world she finds herself in.
As Alita learns to navigate her new life and the treacherous streets of Iron City, Ido tries to shield her from her mysterious past while her street-smart new friend Hugo offers instead to help trigger her memories. But it is only when the deadly and corrupt forces that run the city come after Alita that she discovers a clue to her past – she has unique fighting abilities that those in power will stop at nothing to control.
If she can stay out of their grasp, Alita may be the key to saving her friends, her family and the world she loves.
The Transformers Franchise
Transformers is one of the most popular robots in popular culture, and it’s a well-known brand for Bay fans and mecha fans alike. The Autobots and Decepticons are at war on Earth, and the battle has come to our planet. Sam Witwicky is a high school student who becomes an ally of Optimus Prime and his diehards. They fight against evil Megatron to defend Earth while battling the alien robots in war.
The franchise has millions of followers all around the world, particularly young kids who grew up watching the films until adulthood. It’s a film that audiences instinctively avoid but will later watch when a sequel is released.
The Terminator Franchise
The Terminator series has a long history in the science fiction genre. From its inception in 1984 to the most recent adaptation, Terminator: Dark Fate, the entire saga consistently delivers thrills like no other. There are also enormous robots featured in the film, such as Harvester from Terminator Salvation, which is played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
It was this series that put James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger on the map in the film industry. Terminator 2: Judgment Day is still the franchise’s highest-grossing movie.