Giant monsters known as Kaiju emerge from an interdimensional portal on the Pacific Ocean floor, wreaking havoc on coastal cities. In response, humanity unites to create the Jaeger program, developing massive robotic suits piloted by pairs of individuals whose minds are linked through a neural bridge. This drift connection allows them to share memories, instincts, and skills to better control the Jaegers in synchronized harmony. The robots initially give humans the upper hand, but as the Kaiju grow more adaptive and cunning, they begin to overpower Earth's defenses, leaving the future of humanity in jeopardy.

Former Jaeger pilot Raleigh Becket, haunted by the loss of his co-pilot brother, is pulled out of retirement by Marshal Stacker Pentecost, the stalwart leader of the Jaeger program. Pentecost pairs Raleigh with Mako Mori, a rookie pilot with a personal vendetta against the Kaiju. Together, they are tasked with piloting an older, once-legendary Jaeger. As the Kaiju attacks grow more frequent and powerful, the duo must confront their own demons and reconcile their pasts if they hope to forge a strong enough bond to pilot the Jaeger effectively. The fate of humanity hangs in the balance as they prepare to stand against the escalating Kaiju onslaught.