Gunbuster(1988)

series - first aired/released 1988-10-07 - audience 7.7

Animation, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Action & Adventure, War & Politics

Directed by Hideaki Anno, Kazuya Tsurumaki, Masahiko Otsuka, Shoichi Masuo

In the near future, humanity has taken its first steps towards journeying into the far reaches of the galaxy. Upon doing so they discover a huge race of insectoid aliens known as "Space Monsters." These aliens seem dedicated to the eradication of mankind as they near closer and closer to discovering Earth. In response, humanity develops giant fighting robots piloted by hand-picked youth from around the world. Shortly after the discovery of the aliens, Noriko Takaya, the daughter of a famous deceased space captain, enters a training school despite her questionable talents as a pilot. There, she meets her polar opposite, the beautiful and talented Kazumi Amano, and is unexpectedly made to work together with her as they attempt to overcome the trauma of war as well as their own emotions.