10 Best Sci-Fi Anime Series Every Fan Should Watch

Anime, as a medium of storytelling, is not limited to just action and romance. It is as boundless as the human imagination. From whimsical and heartwarming to dark and cerebral, anime spans an outstanding range of genres and visual styles. And it goes without saying that the creative spirit of the storytelling medium is most alive in sci-fi.

Anime and sci-fi are a match made in heaven because, within sci-fi, the possibilities are endless. Anime has a penchant for high-concept narratives, toying with visuals, and never holding back when it comes to delivering a story with a heavy impact. From exploring the vastness of outer space to diving into the repercussions of relying on advanced technology to pondering the nature of existence itself, sci-fi anime knows just how to provoke thought.

Sci-fi anime also blends effortlessly with other popular genres like horror, action, political intrigue, and slice-of-life. And the result is almost always extraordinary. So if you’re a devoted sci-fi fan and are looking to broaden your watch list, the 10 sci-fi anime on this list are just the place to begin with.

10

‘Gurren Lagann’ (2007)

Gurren Lagann is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is forced to live underground. Two young diggers, an aimless Simon and his bold, “big bro” Kamina, dream of breaking free to the surface. Their lives change when they stumble upon a mysterious artifact that holds the key to combating and defeating monstrous beings known as Beastmen, who ride in mechanical robots, Gunmen, on the Earth’s surface.

Over-The-Top Mecha Action

An exhilarating combination of sci-fi spectacle and heroism, this anime is easily one of the best in the genre. Directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi and powered by Studio Gainax’s energetic animation, it consists of only 27 episodes, but they are overflowing with wild aesthetics, exaggerated action sequences, and an amazing soundtrack. The core theme is about underdogs rising to the occasion and making things happen is what draws most attention and leaves a lasting impact on fans.

9

‘Pluto’ (2023)

Pluto is an amazing adaptation of Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy arc “The Greatest Robot on Earth.” It is reimagined by Naoki Urasawa, and it depicts a world where robots and humans coexist. Inspector Gesicht is tasked with solving a string of murders that target both robots and humans. As he dives deeper into the complex web of intrigue and politics, he uncovers a conspiracy that makes him question the nature of the world.

Reimagines a Sci-Fi Classic

Pluto is a gripping anime that not only explores themes of morality and identity but also the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. Blending elements of sci-fi with mystery, it stands out as a shining example of how the genre can be leveraged to tackle profound questions about society. Fans and critics have praised the series for its nuanced character arcs, specifically Geischt’s powerful journey, as well as its stunning visuals.

8

‘Eureka Seven’ (2005)

Eureka Seven

Release Date

2005 – 2012

Directors

Tomoki Kyoda

Writers

Dai Sato

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Renton Thurston is a teenager yearning for adventure, but there’s little his sleepy hometown of Bellforest offers. When the enigmatic girl, Eureka, crashes into his world – quite literally – along with her biomechanical mecha, the Nirvash, it presents an opportunity for Renton. He joins the outlaw group Gekkostate and gets swept up in their thrilling exploits, journeying through dangerous skies and uncovering government secrets.

Fusion of Sci-Fi and Emotional Themes

Eureka Seven is set 10,000 years into the future and even though the plot is convoluted, the emotional storytelling and exhilarating action keep viewers hooked from beginning to end. The anime’s stunning aerial sequences, set against colorful backdrops and paired with a cast of unforgettable characters, complement its richness. The series also makes heavy use of music, in both action and dramatic scenes.

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7

‘Serial Experiments Lain’ (1998)

Serial Experiments Lain

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  Kaori Shimizu

  Lain Iwakura

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  Bridget Hoffman

  Lain Iwakura (English)

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  Dan Lorge

  Additional Voices

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One of the most mind-bending sci-fi epics of all time, Serial Experiments Lain follows introverted high schooler Lain Iwakura, whose life is forever altered when she receives a troubling email from a classmate who has just taken her own life. As Lain delves deeper into the mystery of “The Wired,” a vast digital network, her perception of the world changes.

Timeless and Thought-Provoking

Serial Experiments Lain is among the many anime series that explore themes of consciousness, technology, and one’s connection to the digital labyrinth. But what makes it stand out is the state-of-the-art visual style and the atmospheric score. Directed by Ryūtarō Nakamura, it is a genre-defying gem that uses a minimalist animation style to draw viewers into a world that is equal parts fascinating and unsettling.

6

‘Ergo Proxy’ (2006)

Ergo Proxy

Release Date

2006 – 2006

Directors

Shuko Murase

Writers

Dai Sato

Also set in a dystopian future, Ergo Proxy presents a world where a global event destroyed almost everything and the remaining humanity took shelter in the domed city of Romdo. They invented “AutoReivs,” androids that would help them with day-to-day activities. When a virus infects the robots and gives them self-awareness, a lot of murders take place. Inspector Re-I Meyer investigates the matter and comes face-to-face with Vincent Law and the terrifying Proxies, godlike entities tied to the catastrophe that occurred thousands of years ago.

Eerie Dystopian Anime

Ergo Proxy is as much a visual marvel as it is a narrative puzzle. It has a dark and brooding aesthetic, because the story is so bleak, but the world-building makes you forget what you’re witnessing is purely fiction. The anime has noir sensibilities and existential sci-fi themes, which creates a unique central experience and sweeps viewers into a relentless pursuit for answers. Its introspective approach and compelling characters grant it a spot among sci-fi greats.

5

‘Dr. Stone’ (2019)

Dr. Stone

Release Date

July 5, 2019

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  Aaron Dismuke

  Senku Ishigami

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  Brandon McInnis

  Gen Asagiri

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In Dr. Stone, high-schooler Taiju Ooki is about to confess his long-buried feelings to Yuzuriha Ogawa when a mysterious phenomenon turns every human on Earth to stone. Young science-loving genius Senku Ishigami awakens thousands of years later in a crumbled world and comes up with an idea to revive civilization with the power of science. He’s joined by Ooki months later, and together, they use intellect and steadfast belief to turn things back to normal.

A Scientific Renaissance

Dr. Stone takes viewers on a remarkable journey of rebuilding the very foundations of society – from inventing electricity to brewing soda. It is captivating to watch the genre mixed with humor and adventure. At the heart of the story is the camaraderie between Senku’s resilience and Ooki’s wit; their spirit and knowledge make even the smallest victories exciting. Overall, it is a unique shōnen anime that pushes the boundaries of world-building and storytelling.

4

‘Steins;Gate’ (2011)

Steins;Gate

Release Date

2011 – 2011

Network

Sun TV, Teletama

Directors

Kazuhiro Ozawa, Kanji Wakabayashi, Tomoki Kobayashi, Koji Kobayashi, Tomoko Hiramuki, Hisato Shimoda, Shigetaka Ikeda, Hiroyuki Tsuchiya, Yuzuru Tachikawa

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  Asami Imai

  Kurisu Makise (voice)

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  Mamoru Miyano

  Rintaro Okabe (voice)

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  Minoru Shiraishi

  4℃ (voice)

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  Kana Hanazawa

  Mayuri Shiina (voice)

What if there was a way to manipulate the flow of time? That’s the question Steins;Gate attempts to answer with its premise. Rintarou Okabe, a self-proclaimed “mad scientist,” makes this possibility a reality when he stumbles upon a device that can send messages to the past. But as Okabe and his friends use this device, they also face the dangerous consequences of tampering with timelines.

Plays With the Fabric of Reality

If there is one thing Hollywood action thrillers have taught us, it’s that disrupting the delicate balance of time can lead to some very complex ramifications. Steins;Gate blends intricate sci-fi concepts with character-driven drama and builds tension with each episode. The meticulous pacing, expertly crafted plot twists, and endearing characters add layers to an already incredible narrative. More than anything, it is the suspense that makes it a must-watch for fans of intelligent sci-fi.

3

‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ (1995)

Neon Genesis Evangelion is a legendary anime with a complex plot. It takes place in a world affected by the catastrophic event known as the Second Impact, when mysterious entities called Angels invaded Tokyo-3 and took control of the land and mankind. The last hope lies in a group of teens selected to pilot enormous biochemical machines called Evangelions. One of these teens is Shinji Ikari, who grapples not only with the weight of responsibilities but also his own inner demons.

Mecha Anime with Existential Undertones

As the battles in Neon Genesis Evangelion grow more intense and the revelations more haunting, it goes from being an action-packed mecha tale to a deconstruction of the sci-fi genre altogether. With its deeply philosophical themes, rich symbolism, exploration of identity, and bold animation style, the series challenges viewers to confront the most fundamental questions about existence. Some consider the ending controversial and unsatisfying, but the series still remains one of the most influential and artistic sci-fi series of all time.

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2

‘Space Brothers’ (2012)

Space Brothers

Release Date

March 31, 2012

Finale Year

March 22, 2014

Rating

TV-14

Genres

Drama, Animation, Comedy, Science Fiction

Network

Nippon TV, YTV

Cast

Shô Ryûzanji, Masayuki Katou, Masako Ikeda, KENN, Ryou Naitou, Miyuki Sawashiro, Yuko Sanpei, Takanori Hoshino, Hiroaki Hirata, Shintaro Asanuma

Directors

Yoshihiro Oka, Daiji Suzuki, Hisatoshi Shimizu, Yasuo Tsuchiya, Hideaki Uehara, Shigeru Yamazaki, Toshimasa Ishii, Akiko Seki, Shigeru Ueda, Fumio Maezono, Yukihiko Asaki, Matsuo Asami, Nanako Shimazaki, Takahiro Harada

Creator(s)

Chuya Koyama

Writers

Toshizo Nemoto, Kenichi Yamashita

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The sci-fi genre in anime is overcrowded with tales about dystopian worlds, monsters, and bleak endings. Space Brothers offers a change of scenery and is perfect for casual viewers. The story revolves around Mutta Nanba and his younger brother Hibito, who, as kids, promised to grow up to be astronauts and explore space. Hibito manages to achieve his dream but Mutta’s career takes a mediocre turn. But an unexpected twist of fate offers Mutta a chance to join Japan’s most intense astronaut selection program, which reignites his passion.

A Tale of Ambition

Space Brothers is a feel-good anime that explores the technical marvels of space travel and celebrates the human spirit. It takes the tender and unbreakable bond between two brothers and weaves a narrative around their growth and challenges. It pays extra attention to detail and portrays the space program authentically. The series has drawn widespread acclaim for its accuracy and warm, relatable humor, cementing itself as an uplifting entry on the list.

1

‘Cowboy Bebop’ (1998)

Cowboy Bebop

Release Date

1998 – 1999

Showrunner

Shinichirô Watanabe

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Set in the year 2071, Cowboy Bebop follows a ragtag crew of bounty hunters aboard the spaceship Bebop as they roam the galaxy, chase bounties, and confront their own troubled pasts. Spike Spiegel, a laid-back former syndicate member with a mysterious origin, leads the group with ex-cop Jet Black, genius hacker Ed, Faye Valentine, and their genetically enhanced corgi, Ein.

The Most Stylish Sci-Fi Opera in Anime

Each episode of Cowboy Bebop intertwines action, introspection, humor, and soulful melodies of jazz. It redefined anime with its brilliance, combining sci-fi, western, and noir aesthetic under the clever and intriguing direction of Shinichirō Watanabe. The iconic soundtrack by Yoko Kanno underscores the stylish visuals and becomes a hallmark of the anime’s overall identity. Lauded for its immersive storytelling and emotional depth even decades later, Cowboy Bebop remains unparalleled in its ability to inspire and influence.