15 Best Sci-fi Anime That You Should Watching Update 04/2024

Best Sci-fi Anime

We’ll be looking at some of the best sci-fi anime to get you hooked today, because their concepts are often out of this world.

When it comes to original concepts, science fiction anime are typically out of this world. Despite reusing some tried and true sci-fi cliches like spaceships, mechs, and stories as tangled as octopus wiring, they contain some of the strongest world-building in anime. In reality, science fiction is frequently the setting for some of the best anime (the ones that set trends and left legacies that Hollywood filmmakers go crazy over).

There’s no shortage of sci-fi anime out there, though. The sky’s the limit when it comes to science fiction, and anything is conceivable if the tale and characters are captivating. In addition, they are ideal for introducing anovice to the paradise of anime. Some of these are classic space operas, while others are more recent curiosities. Regardless, they’re all excellent sci-fi anime.

Sid Natividad made the following update on March 16, 2020:

Since this post was first published in 2019, there have been an increasing number of sci-fi anime on the market. As a result, we couldn’t resist including a few more titles to this collection, including some of the most recent and exciting releases. You can’t miss these sci-fi anime choices in addition to the classics and heavyweights listed below.

1. THE PROMISED NEVERLAND

The Promised Neverland (2019)

Another recent release, The Promised Neverland is an unsettling tale about post-apocalyptic orphans being reared as cattle by a horde of vengeful demon/monsters. First-season anime is a merciless and unabashed game of mental chess that is likely to tire you out and keep your brain cells working.

There are outstanding production standards and animation quality in The Promised Neverland thanks to Crunchyroll, as well as a cast of actors who are skilled at portraying characters in dire situations. Season two of the show, which is currently only in its first year, will begin airing sometime in 2017.

2. DR. STONE

Dr. Stoneis a good example of a post-apocalyptic anime that incorporates real-world science skillfully. A young genius and science prodigy named Senku Ishigami awakens to find the world he was born into has been transformed into a stone.

Senku and his newfound (or newly resurrected) pals now have to reconstruct millions of years of human advancement with nothing but his stock knowledge of science and the ability to make mistakes and learn from those mistakes. This distinctive shonen anime features a protagonist that is more pragmatic than idealistic, with more brains than muscle.

3. PARASYTE: THE MAXIM

The Maximi is a strange and unsettling anime about aliens who infiltrate human brains and use their victims as living weapons. Similar to Venom, but with a heavier focus on gore and gruesome imagery. Shinichi Izumi, the anime’s protagonist, is forced to link with an alien against his will.

Shinichi and the alien have come to terms with the fact that they cannot survive without the other, despite the fact that Shinichi still struggles with the deadly thoughts of the alien. Finally got the parasite to do what it was supposed to do, but it wasn’t very good at it and failed. Shinichi must now defend other humans from the same kind of parasites that have infected him.

4. MADE IN ABYSS

Made In Abyss

Not only is Made in Abyssis a dark subterranean adventure, but it has an ominous feel comparable toThe Promised Neverland, despite its infantile graphic style and adorable characters. The Abyss is the focus of this gloomy anime, as implied by the title. There are only the strongest explorers and spelunkers who dare to go down there since it is so deep and so dark.

As it turned out, something caught the protagonist of the anime’s interest (Riko). Reg was a sentient robot, and Riko was certain that Reg’s creators would only be found in the Abyss. Reg, on the other hand, is an amnesiac, which means that both of them will have to go down into the Abyss to recover his memories.

5. SPACE BROTHERS

Space Brothers is a good choice for a lighter mood. Compared to the previous sci-fi anime installments, this one offers a welcome change of pace. The story of Space Brothers revolves around two brothers who made a promise to one another as children that they would one day become astronauts.

By the time they were in their twenties, however, they had grown up and faced the realities of life. The dream, on the other hand, is still alive and well, and they both aspire to be astronauts. Since they’re trying to fulfill childhood dreams in a mixture of comedy, slice of life, and sci-fi, the anime follows their journey in one heartwarming seinen.

6. EUREKA SEVEN

InEureka Seven, there are a lot of things that don’t make sense at first. A conventional opening for most anime series, to be sure. The tale centres around Renton Thurston, a loudmouthed mech pilot who has special powers, as well as the ongoing conflict between rebels and the militaristic authority.

This story also takes place in the year 12,005, around 10,000 years before humanity was forced to relocate owing to a strange, intelligent entity that fused with Earth. Epic mech fights are the heart and soul of EurekaSeven’s operatic spectacle, which is often accompanied by magnificent orchestral music.

7. CODE GEASS

Geass (Code Geass)

The two seasons of Code Geass can be extravagant for those who have outgrown the brooding and histrionic teenage protagonist archetype. Even yet, when it initially came out, it was one of the most popular anime series for the age group it was aimed towards. One can argue that Code Geass was an amalgam of Death Note, sci-fi, and more (including Gundams). The anime was set in a universe where Britain ruled the world without restraint and eventually conquered all of it.

“Geass” is a strange power that has selected Lelouch, a British prince in hiding, to be its vessel. Depending on a person’s nature or ambitions, it might have a variety of outcomes. The ability to mesmerize or exert control over another person was a prized possession for Lelouch. Due to his heroics in leading the Japanese revolt against British rule while disguised as a superhero, he was dubbed the “Masked Hero of Japan.”

8. GUNDAM SEED

Mobile Suit Gundam had to be included on our list because it is one of the most popular mech toy franchises. Even though there are many episodes about Mobile Suit Gundam, Gundam SEED stands out as one of the greatest, and it also has respectable animation by today’s standards. Lasers, interplanetary battles, and teen turmoil are certain.

Kira Yamato is the protagonist of the Mobile Suit Gundamanime this time around. A “coordinator” isn’t a human, but rather a genetically-modified, super-human race. So it’s no surprise he’s a master at everything he attempts, including piloting the iconic Strike Gundam. A key figurehead and neutralizer in the conflict between natural people and coordinators, he is also an essential player in the conflict.

9. STEINS;GATE

Originally a video game, Steins;Gate became an anime television series in 2011. However, it doesn’t feature any mechs, spaceships, or interplanetary conflicts; instead, it focuses on time travel, one of science fiction’s most complicated concepts ever. Steins;Gate is a good choice if you like stories in which anything is possible, but also impossible.

Interestingly, the events and plot of Steins;Gate are entirely the fault of Rintaro Okabe, the self-described “crazy scientist.” He was able to create a time machine using only a microwave oven as a starting point. Okabe had to erase a lot of the harm he had done in order to get back the lady he loved after a series of confused circumstances.

10. PSYCHO-PASS

Psycho-Pass

If you were a fan of Minority Report, you should definitely check outPsycho-Pass. Basically, it’s a Japanese version of Minority Report, but with a less futuristic civilization. This does not diminish its sci-fi credentials; it is classified as cyberpunk, which falls under the sci-fi umbrella.

The plot revolves around the same structure of society as Minority Report: a calculated assessment that can foresee crimes and criminals before they occur. Police officers will find this helpful in their work. Shinya Kogami and Akane Tsunemori, two Enforcers in this anime, have their job cut out for them.

11. TRIGUN

Trigun is an indispensible sci-fi anime classic and one of our earliest releases. Due to the fact that it isn’t solely a sci-fi story, it doesn’t rate as highly on our list. In addition, it’s difficult to place Trigun in any other genre than action. When you combine steampunk with spaghetti western and sci-fi components it works, and it’s a memorable experience as a result!

Vash the Stampede is a fugitive and “outlaw” with a six billion dollar bounty on his head for the devastation of the city of July, and the anime follows his exploits. Vash has retrograde amnesia, so he doesn’t even recall what he did. Unfortunately, bounty hunters continue to pursue him despite the fact that he’s actually a good person who helps others.

12. TENGEN TOPPA GURREN LAGANN

Gurren Lagann trumps all other shoujo anime. You’d have a hard time feeling anything else from any other Shonen anime after seeing something as courageous, lively, and inspirational as this. This sci-fi post-apocalypse anime may only be 27 episodes long, but that’s more than enough to provide you with a lifetime’s worth of fond memories and inspiring quotations.

It tells the narrative of Simon, a young kid who was forced to live underground with the rest of the human population following the defeat of the beastmen species. This aging mech was Simon’s ticket out of his underground home and into the desolate wastes. By coincidence. Finally, he and his brother must save the wretched wasteland and any remaining survivors.

13. NEON GENESIS EVANGELION

Neon Genesis Evangelion

Gurren Lagann and Neon Genesis Evangelion were both created by the same team. However, it was there first, and it’s a mind-boggling riddle of a story. This is what happened when a species of enormous beings known as “Angels” awoke on Earth and proceeded to cause havoc. They can only be stopped by biomechanical mechs known as Evangelion, which can only be piloted by teens with extreme emotional instability. Lovely.

Shinji Ikari is the protagonist, a flawed but iconic figure. That makes him an ideal choice to play the role of an EVA, since his father doesn’t really care about him. Trying to narrow down just what makesNeon Genesis Evangelions so great is a bit of an uphill battle. In most cases, characters with a lot of depth and personality are the driving force behind the plot. It’s also common for the ending to leave you feeling bewildered or traumatized. Choose one or the other, or both.

14. GHOST IN THE SHELL: STAND ALONE COMPLEX

Ghost in the Shell has had a profound impact on the film industry. In order to make The Matrix, one of the best action and sci-fi movies ever, the Wachowski brothers were inspired by anime. There’s no denying that its primary inspiration, The Ghost in the Shellanime movie, is no slouch either. Among the best cyberpunk (and, for that matter, science fiction) books ever written.

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, an anime series, is available for those who want it that way. This time around, the story revolves around Major Motoko Kusanagi, an android protagonist who goes on a series of missions to hunt down hackers, cybercriminals, and other androids.

15. COWBOY BEBOP

Cowboy Bebop

Cowboy Bebopi, a hugely successful sci-fi anime from 1999, has become a byword for the genre. So, suffice it to say, it’s the mascot for this anime subgenre. Numerous sci-fi anime have tried to unseat Cowboy Bebop over the years, but none have succeeded. As with Trigun, it seamlessly blends a wide range of genres, giving the impression that the world ofCowboy Bebopis a real place with a rich culture.

The plot revolves around a motley crew of starving bounty hunters who are just trying to make ends meet. Each of the anime’s four major protagonists tells a unique tale in each of the show’s episodes (five if you count the dog, Ein). Everything about Cowboy Bebop is top-notch: the memorable characters, the top-notch animation, and the compelling storyline. In terms of quality, few anime have come close. Not to mention the jazz, which will seduce you from the first note.