Heavy Object takes place in Alaska, in a future where mankind developed massive war machines. These titular “Objects” render other militarized weapons of land and sea practically obsolete. Common knowledge is that only other Objects can destroy an Object, which results in wars between humanity’s four factions foregoing continent-spanning, bloody engagements in favor of being settled in one-on-one duels between Object pilots.

When two run-of-the-mill soldiers, Qwenthur and Havia, prove that Objects can be destroyed by conventional means and a little bit of willpower in order to save their friend Milinda, the rules of war change drastically. They find themselves in the middle of increasingly dangerous missions, with incredibly high stakes, where failure and success are the difference between life and death.

Although Heavy Object has a more serious tone than Active Raid, it has plenty of similarities to keep fans happy. There’s tons of action-packed mecha combat, a moody, sci-fi future environment, and a compelling cast of comrades who must come to trust each other while embroiled in battle.

After the catastrophic conflict of World War III resulted in the decimation of infrastructure in many of the world’s most powerful nations, an extra-national governmental body known as the General Management Control Office created an experimental city designed to be a utopia, called Olympus. Inhabited by humans, cyborgs, and genetically engineered humans dubbed “Bioroids,” with increased physical capabilities and decreased emotional capacity that control all administrative functions throughout the city, Olympus isn’t the idyllic place imagined by all of its inhabitants.

Following the suicide of his wife, Calon has become fed up with the repressed societal expectations in place in Olympus, and conspires with a known terrorist, A.J, to shake up the status quote by taking down Central Management. Things get stickier when he learns that A.J’s agenda isn’t as benevolent as his own, and they come to the attention of the ESWAT Counter-Terrorism unit.

Another police-oriented anime, Appleseed, as well as its more modern iterations (which have similar themes, and focuses) is an obvious recommendation for fans of Active Raid. It has a strong leading female character with an awesome mech-like sidekick, and its sci-fi future setting is an excellent stage for the action, which often questions what it means to truly be human.

An oldie but a goodie, Patlabor takes place in a near-future (humorously, around the year 2000) where much of the physical labor required by humanity is done by human-operated robots, called “Labors.” As with any powerful tool, it can be used for evil as well as good, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Police armed itself with a fleet of Patrol Labors (Patlabors) to fight fire with fire whenever a bold criminal steps out of line.

However, the Second Special Vehicles Division isn’t exactly the heroic policing body the citizens of Japan expected. A rather motley crew of police men and women, one of whom loves robots a bit too much, another who is obsessed with guns, a husband on a short leash by his wife, and a surprisingly kind giant of a man, the Second Division has its work cut out for them, as the collateral damage caused on their missions is almost criminal in and of itself.

The similarities to Active Raid are quite obvious but are worth mentioning. The sci-fi setting is the perfect environment for the comedy inspired by the misfit police force to play out. There’s also plenty of mecha action to keep fans of the genre coming back for more. With a remake right around the corner, now is the time to jump in!

Rail Wars! takes place in an alternate history where Japanese railways were never privatized, and go by the name of Japanese National Railways. Because of the stalwart leadership of the Japanese government, the rail lines flourish and become greater than ever.

The story follows the journey of everyday high school student Naoto Takayama, who dreams of spending his days relaxing as a train driver. In order to accomplish this goal, he enters their training program, only to be placed into the railway security force for on the job training. He has to deal with everyday inconveniences that accompany train travel, the machinations of an extremist group that seeks to privatize the railways, as well as the eccentricities of his vivacious fellow trainees.

Rail Wars! is perfect for fans of Active Raid who like their cop-based action comedy with a hefty helping of ecchi. Although there aren’t any towering mechs in the mix, the chemistry between its central cast of characters is enough to charm any fan of the genre.

In the Warring States Period of Japan, an alien force called Efy Dolgh invades Earth using robotic drones and giant mechs. Unlike anything they had ever seen before, the people of Japan dubbed them “oni,” as they fell victim to devastating superior technology. However, the brave Yukihime, along with her samurai retainer Kennosuke, manage to steal one of the alien mechs, which they dub the “Black Relic,” and mount a successful counter offensive that results in a massive explosion, and the disappearance of Yukihime.

Fast forward to 21st century Japan, where the Black Relic is unearthed during construction of the Kurobe Dam. The UN decides to study the powerful mech when the Efy Dolgh returns to resume their offensive. However, when Yukina accidentally triggers the Black Relic and releases a suspended Kennosuke, she is pulled onto the front lines of Earth’s fight for survival.

Kuromukuro has a lot to enjoy for fans of Active Raid. It is a sci-fi, mecha anime with plenty of action, vibrantly captured. It’s worth noting that it eschews the comedy found in other entries on the list for a more mature take on the genre.

Due to the devastating effects of global warming, accelerated by the calamity of World War III, most of Earth’s cities are submerged by the oceans. In the rubble of the few cities still inhabitable by mankind, private military organizations are responsible for providing infrastructure and protection for the remnants of humanity.

In Fort Daiva City, the Arqon Global Security corporation is the law of the land. Facing threats of terrorism, as well as rampant crime in the tumultuous post-war period, the danger is only compounded by unmanned, AI-controlled Bug Mechs that were utilized during the war before going rogue. It’s up to the “Blademen” in Arqon’s elite military unit, Viper, to utilize its versatile Maneuver Blades, humanoid mechs that double as motorcycles, to keep the citizens safe.

A military squad-based sci-fi anime set in an alternate future, Viper’s Creed is sure to be a hit for fans of Active Raid. The human drama that stems from the tension between the private military and the general public in the post-war period plays out in explosive battles between human and robot, and is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.