Like any form of visual media, there are countless genres and sub-genres of anime shows and films. With no limits to the amount of creativity a writer can have when creating an animated piece of work, anime has been able to cover a wide variety of topics, themes, and cultures. One of the most popular genres is science fiction anime, with a few of the highest-rated movies and series being categorized as sci-fi.
Those looking for adventures that explore the far reaches of space or ask the big what-if questions of life in the future will find that Japanese animation has them covered. What are the best sci-fi anime ever?
Updated December 27, 2022 by Mark Sammut: Each season tends to produce a couple of sci-fi anime, and Winter 2023 is no exception. This article has been expanded to include a section dedicated to upcoming additions to the genre.
Darling In The FranXX (2018)
After a devastating war against alien creatures killed off most of humanity, the survivors train their youth to fight back in giant mecha weapons called Franxx. Hiro almost gives up on his dreams to be a Franxx pilot when he meets Zero Two, a beautiful yet troublesome girl with a mysterious past, who changes everything.
Darling In The FranXX features many deep themes including personal freedom, what defines humanity, and the strength of love. This sci-fi anime comes with plenty of romance to keep fans’ hearts beating fast throughout the entire story.
The Promised Neverland (2019)
This horror anime will make viewers’ skin crawl. Following a group of orphaned children being cared for by their appointed Mother, this series shows the traumatic experiences of intelligent kids trying to escape the deadly home they’re trapped in.
The Promised Neverland’s soundtrack is chilling, the characters are wonderful, and the villains are too creepy to handle. The first episode alone will get audiences hooked. For anime fans looking to get scared out of their pants, this spooky sci-fi anime’s first season needs to be a priority.
Made In Abyss (2017)
Made in Abyss ranks low because it is more fantasy than science fiction, however, the anime sprinkles just enough elements from the latter to qualify. In this world, adventurers turn to The Abyss in search of glory, descending its numerous layers filled with wonder and horror. The young Riko yearns to follow her mother to the bottom of the Abyss, a seemingly impossible journey that becomes only improbable once the girl befriends Reg, a boy with a body seemingly modified by science.
Young kids going on a wild adventure might sound like a pleasant time, and while Made in Abyss is certainly fantastic, the show is anything but lighthearted. The anime deals with abuse, sacrifice, and human experimentation, just to name a couple of themes. Made in Abyss: The Golden City of the Scorching Sun is airing as part of the Summer 2022 season.
Dr. Stone (2019)
Might is often right in battle shonen anime, but there are exceptions to the rule. For example, take Dr. Stone’s Senku, a person who knows he would be wrecked instantly in a physical contest; consequently, his mind is his primary weapon. A cataclysmic event leaves the world’s population trapped in stone, and thousands of years pass before Senku manages to free himself from this prison. During that time, Earth reverted to an almost prehistoric state.
Now, with the help of a select few people, the protagonist plans to use his expertise in science to fast-forward humanity’s development. Unsurprisingly, Senku’s ambition garners quite a bit of resistance.
A Certain Scientific Railgun (2009)
Academy City is home to espers, people who possess special powers that can range from incredibly potent to harmlessly mundane. As its name suggests, this city houses various schools that seek to teach their students how to control and maximize their abilities; unsurprisingly, there are also plenty of people who want to take advantage of these same children.
A spin-off of A Certain Magical Index, A Certain Scientific Railgun pushes Mikoto Misaka to the forefront, a teenager deeply embedded into Academy City’s public guide and underground experimentation. Although the powers are just straight-up fantasy, this anime tackles classic sci-fi themes such as cloning.
Parasyte: The Maxim (2014)
Another great sci-fi anime that will leave viewers feeling spooked, Parasyte is set in an alternate version of the present day when a human-eating alien species infiltrates Earth, ready to devour all mankind. The main protagonist Shinichi Izumi fails to have his mind taken over by a parasite, leaving the alien trapped in his right hand.
The two natural enemies must now work together to stop parasites from ending humanity. Parasyte comments on many important themes, including the balance of humanity and their environment and the ideas of morality. It’s a thrilling watch that will have fans wanting more.
Space Dandy (2014)
This exciting space anime is widely loved for its quirky, funky vibes, lovable characters, and fantastic animation. The amount of detail that went into Space Dandy’s story and lore is enough to keep viewers glued to the TV until they’ve binged it all.
The series follows the eccentric Dandy, a space explorer on the hunt to discover new alien species with his energetic team of sidekicks. It’s the perfect anime to put on for a good time, plenty of laughs, and engaging adventures. Along with all the comedy and parody aspects of the show, there are beautiful animation styles, charming dialogue, and amazing storylines.
Outlaw Star (1998)
This fan-favorite sci-fi space western came out over 20 years ago but still continues to hold a big place in the hearts of classic anime lovers. The story follows the fun-loving crew on the Outlaw Star, a ship led by Gene Starwind.
The show follows the group on their hunt for the legendary treasure called “Galactic Leyline.” Outlaw Star has a unique animation style and beautifully balances the drama, comedy, and mystery elements.
Code Geass: Lelouch Of The Rebellion (2006)
This 2-season series focuses on a futuristic world where the Holy Empire of Britannia rules over a third of the globe, including all of Japan. The main characters form a rebellion dedicated to fighting against this terrifying empire.
Code Geass has a meaningful plot with beautifully developed characters. It features a good amount of mature themes and violence, making it a great binge for those old enough to understand the anti-totalitarian views and political critiques.
Space Brothers (2012)
Sci-fi typically strives to strike a middle ground between fantasy and realism, although a number of stories prioritize one side over the other. Unlike most sci-fi anime, Space Brothers prioritizes realism above everything else, and the result is a grounded show about the hardship astronauts go through in pursuit of space travel.
The anime revolves around two brothers who, as kids, dreamed of reaching for the stars; one achieved this goal, while the other went down a different path. Now, the latter has a chance to put on that iconic orange suit, and he plans to not let this opportunity slip away.
Psycho-Pass (2012)
This 2014 psychological sci-fi thriller gained critical acclaim from across the globe due to its impressive character development and stories within a new, unique world. In a dystopia in Japan’s future, humans are under the constant watch of the government through highly advanced technology that can quantify their mental state and potential for criminal activity.
Psycho-Pass highlights the experiences and relationships between various Inspectors and Enforcers who work under the Ministry of Welfare’s Public Safety Bureau to investigate criminal cases.
Gintama (2006)
A hodgepodge of genres, Gintama mixes sci-fi, comedy, action, and fantasy to create a shonen anime quite unlike anything else on the market. During feudal times, Japan fell at the hands of aliens, who quickly outlawed samurai and started to reshape human society and its technology. Consequently, Edo transformed into a futuristic city with historical sensibilities.
Left with nowhere to go as a former samurai, Gintoki sets up a business designed to take on any requests, and he is accompanied by the straight-laced Shinpachi and the powerful Kagura. Together, they go on many inspired misadventures, producing plenty of laughs and tears along the way.
Astro Boy (1963)
This list wouldn’t even exist without the creation of Astro Boy, one of the first animated Japanese shows to achieve international fame, leading to the rise in the popularity of anime as a whole.
Astro Boy was about a highly advanced robot abandoned by its creator, and the heroic protagonist goes through many challenges in a timeline set 40 years in the future, being the year 2000. This classic series brings up themes of anti-war, the preservation of nature, and societal discrimination.
Gurren Lagann (2007)
This highly popular anime features a wild, out-of-this-world future where all humans live in underground villages to space the dangers of the Earth’s surface.
Two orphans, Simon and Kamina, escape their sad lives under the ground and head to the surface, where they find companions to help them gain peace with the dangerous, robotic fiends and Beastmen. Gurren Lagann is loved for its colorful art style and smooth, clean animation during fast-paced action scenes. As awesome as its presentation is, Gurren Lagann’s brilliance extends far beyond its technical aspects; the heroes, villains, story, and pacing are all fantastic.
Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995)
When dangerous monsters appear on Earth with the goal to kill all humans, Shinji Ikari gets sucked into a world of mecha-fighting unlike any other. Neon Genesis Evangelion is applauded for its stunning artwork, complex plot, and deep characterization, particularly when it comes to Shinji and Asuka.
NGE has a dark, addicting story that examines the psychological trauma that children forced to carry the weight of humanity’s future would naturally develop. The ’90s series is ambitious, challenging, and grim, and End of Evangelion brings everything to a close in spectacular fashion. Rebuild of Evangelion is also worth a watch.
Ghost In The Shell (1995)
With so many books, films, shows, and video games all themed on this story, it’s a no-brainer that Ghost in the Shell is one of the greatest sci-fi anime of all time. This Japanese cyberpunk anime is based on the highly-acclaimed manga of the same name, following the story of a technologically advanced cyborg public security agent named Mokoto who is faced with the psychological ideas of what makes humanity and self-identity.
Ghost in the Shell is powerful, beautiful, and filled with incredible music. The films and series need to be watched by any fan.
Mobile Suit Gundam (1979)
Even more than 40 years after its initial release, Mobile Suit Gundam continues to be remade into new series, films, toys, and games. The franchise made such an impression on sci-fi and anime in general that it basically transcends the medium. Mecha anime continues to use Gundam as a reference to this day.
After space colonies under the control of the Principality of Zeon have declared war on the Earth Federation in a more advanced timeline, they must fight back with their brand new RX-78 Gundam mobile suit. It’s a classic that everyone needs to see at least one point in their lives.
Steins;Gate (2011)
Prepare for an anime loaded with an incredible story, music, art style, characters, and themes. Steins;Gate was based on a visual novel that was just as well received as its adaptation, and the series follows a group of scientists/friends who invent a machine that can send messages through time, resulting in unexpected ripples across the past and present day.
Steins;Gate is adored for its suspenseful second cour, logically sound sci-fi concepts, and willingness to take risks. The anime also does not rush to get to the action, dedicating more than 10 episodes to following the main characters during their everyday lives.
Cowboy Bebop (1998)
Cowboy Bebop reigns as one of the most-watched and adored animated shows of all time, being such a heavy influence on anime in the late 1990s when it first aired. The fun, easy-to-watch series takes place in the far future and follows Spike Spiegel, a chill, easy-going bounty hunter. He travels alongside his companions completing bounties to make some cash and explore the galaxy.
A breath of fresh air from the over-the-top, wild, bizarre tropes that can be found in a heavy majority of anime, Cowboy Bebop is just a simple, jazzy, and detective thriller with great music and characters.
Legend Of The Galactic Heroes (1988)
For all the genre’s alien races and otherworldly landscapes, more often than not, sci-fi is about humanity. A space opera set during a war between the Goldenbaum Empire and the Free Planets Alliance, Legend of the Galactic Heroes introduces a massive roster of characters from both sides and all walks of life, many of which shine a light on what it means to be human.
Although not the most brilliantly animated or action-packed show out there, LoGH is the best-written sci-fi anime story of all time. Frankly, an argument can be made that “anime” should be removed from that sentence.
Best Sci-Fi Anime Of Fall 2022
Fall 2022 is at an end, and the season produced plenty of great anime. Fantasy fans can check out The Eminence in Shadow, Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun Season 3, and Raven of the Inner Palace, while action lovers have Chainsaw Man, Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, My Hero Academia Season 6, and about a dozen other series to pick from. Fall 2022’s lineup also included sports, harem, comedy, slice of life, and romance; there is really something for everyone.
Unsurprisingly, 2022’s final season did not neglect science fiction either, even if the genre’s representatives were in short supply. Let’s take a look at the best sci-fi anime of Fall 2022.
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury
More than 40 years after its debut and Mobile Suit Gundam is still going strong. In terms of anime, the franchise has been on a roll in recent years with Iron-Blooded Orphans and Hathaway, and that streak looks set to remain intact as The Witch from Mercury has hit the ground running. First off, the 2022 story takes place in a separate timeline that does not require watching other series to appreciate, so Gundam newbies can jump into this anime without fearing that they might struggle to follow along. That said, viewers should watch the available prologue before starting the main episodes.
The Witch from Mercury envisions a future where humanity and capitalism have spread to the stars. The Beneritt Group consists of companies that manufacture mobile suits, and this organization runs an academy created to train pilots. The eponymous witch is Suletta Mercury, a girl who transfers to this school and instantly attracts attention due to her Gundam, a technology that has been banned.
Urusei Yatsura
A sci-fi classic has returned for a new run, and Urusei Yatsura very much feels like an anime based on a 1980s manga. This goes beyond the characters and humor, as the episodes move at a blistering pace that can be exhausting at times. Nevertheless, the 2022 anime instantly proves why this property has remained popular after all these decades: Urusei Yatsura is unapologetically over-the-top.
Ataru Moroboshi has the worst luck in the world, a fact reinforced by an alien race randomly picking the Japanese teenager as Earth’s representative for a tag game to determine the planet’s future. Ataru is up against Lum, an oni alien girl who is playful but also kind of arrogant; long story short, Ataru and Lum wind up engaged, a turn of events that frustrates the Earthling along with the human girl he actually loves.
Winter 2023 Sci-Fi Anime
The anime industry never sleeps. The moment Fall 2022 airs its final episode, Winter 2023 will be primed and ready to start its rotation. The upcoming months have big shoes to fill considering they are following a season that contained Bocchi the Rock!, Chainsaw Man, and Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, just to name a few shows. In terms of sci-fi anime, Winter 2023 only has a couple of properties that fit the description. That said, there are some big names in there.
NieR:Automata Ver1.1a
Based on PlatinumGames, Square Enix, and Yoko Taro’s highly-regarded action RPG, NieR:Automata Ver1.1a is an adaptation that is equally likely to be incredible or terrible. The same can be said for A-1 Pictures’ output since the studio is rather unpredictable.
So far, only small snippets of NieR:Automata Ver1.1a have been shown, and the anime has kept things rather tight-lipped by primarily releasing character teasers rather than a traditional trailer. Consequently, the show’s direction is currently up in the air. The fact Yoko Taro is involved in the writing process adds credence to the belief that the anime might not be a straightforward adaptation, although that is merely speculation.
Trigun Stampede
Revisiting a classic is invariably a risky move, particularly when the new version comes with significant changes. Regardless of how someone feels about its story and characters, Madhouse’s Trigun has undeniably fantastic animation, and the 1998 show’s visuals hold up incredibly well. Consequently, Trigun Stampede’s CG presentation will require some getting used to; however, if there is one studio that can get CG right, it is Orange.
The Winter 2023 series appears to be a prequel centering around Vash’s younger days, although he seems to have already earned his “Humanoid Typhoon” moniker. Fan favorites like Nicholas D. Wolfwood and Meryl Stryfe will be also appearing in Trigun Stampede.
Technoroid: Overmind
Part of a multimedia franchise that commenced with a Japanese-exclusive mobile game called Technoroid Unison Heart, Overmind takes place in a tower that encourages humans to chase their dreams. As the project was partially created by Noriyasu Agematsu, music is likely to play a central role in the anime.
Technoroid: Overmind is a bit of a mystery at the moment, but the anime should have decent animation courtesy of Doga Kobo. The studio is primarily known for slice of life and fantasy shows like Yuru Yuri and Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle.
