Top 5 Epic Battle Themes in Gundam

For the first time, I'm going to be celebrating the music in Gundam. The idea came to me from one of the suggestions in my Suggestions for Gundam Top 5 post. Though it's not the exact suggestion, it'll definitely be the first in a series of similar lists. This time around, we'll be looking at the most epic, exciting, heart-pounding battle themes in the Gundam animated universe. It wasn't easy labeling "battle themes", so basically anything that plays during a battle scene qualifies.

This may be the least objective list I've made thus far, so as usual, feel free to comment on your favorite battle themes. I had to leave plenty of great songs out too, so there's plenty of room for honorable mentions.

Now then...


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5. "The Wings of a Boy Who Killed Adolescence" - Gundam Wing
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Excuse me for being nostalgic for a moment, but this theme is absolutely burned into my memory, and I still get goosebumps whenever I hear it. Now, before you judge me, let it be known that I chose this theme because it's blood-pumping, new-age Gundam awesomeness at its best. It's catchy and memorable, but the main thing that gets me is its unique '90's anime styling.

The quintessential scene that pops into my head whenever I hear this is definitely from the very first episode of Gundam Wing. The action hasn't quite happened yet and we're unsure of what to expect. Then, all of a sudden, the plane transforms into a Gundam and this theme jumps right in. The experience was (and still is) epic, to say the least.


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4. "Rising Operation Stardust" - Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory
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I actually got my first taste of this theme while playing Gundam: Encounters in Space (PS2). It played during a lot of the cutscenes, and during several missions as well. I loved it so much that I would re-watch those same cutscenes over and over again just to feel the excitement of this theme.

And boy, is it exciting. It fits the whole feel of the Stardust Memory OVA perfectly. There are many events in the story that revolve around urgency and speed; I couldn't think of a better theme to accompany those moments. It's unfortunate that it didn't get to actually play too often. I would've played it every time a Gundam shows up in the damn episode.


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3. "Fight" - Mobile Suit Gundam 00
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（゜Д゜）aah ah aaah~ aah ah aaah~

Never mind how the story turned out; Gundam 00's main appeal was in its flashy presentation. The animation was superb, and the music was exhilarating. With these two qualities, 00 managed to pump out some amazing battle scenes. Now, I know I've said this a few times already, but "Fight" really makes those scenes epic. 

（゜Д゜）aah ah aaah~ aah ah aaah~

^ That. That's my favorite part right there.


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2. Burning Finger Theme - G Gundam
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IIIIKUZO! Ore no kono te ga, maakani moeru! Shori o tsukame to todoroki sakebu!
(Here I go! This hand of mine is burning red! Its loud roar tells me to grasp victory!)

Baaaakunetsu! GOD FIINGEEEERRR!!!!!!!
(Erupting Burning Finger!!)

HEAT END!!!

That is all.


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1. "Unicorn" - Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn
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I'm hesitant to call this a "battle theme" since it's more of a main theme, but it plays during most of the battles so I believe it qualifies. Anyway...

This is probably one of the most epic, hair-raising themes I've ever heard in any Anime. It just has this incomparable ability to make a scene infinitely more powerful. From that slow buildup to the incredible choir section, this theme really screams "Unicorn".

The one scene that does this theme the most justice is definitely the battle between the Unicorn and Sinanju. The way the Unicorn Gundam goes into destroy mode with this theme starting up...it just left me speechless. This theme is one of my favorites, and definitely the most epic battle theme in Gundam history.


Check out my other Gundam Top 5 lists~