The ideas in science fiction anime are frequently extraordinary. Despite reusing certain tried-and-true sci-fi clichés like spaceships, mechs, and stories more convoluted than octopus wire, they offer some of the greatest world-building in anime. In reality, sci-fi settings are frequently used in the greatest anime, which set trends and leave lasting influences that Hollywood filmmakers lust over.
There is also no scarcity of science fiction anime. In science fiction, everything is conceivable as long as the plot and characters are captivating; after all, the sky’s the limit. They can also be ideal for introducing a newcomer to the world of anime. The following list of the top ten sci-fi anime you shouldn’t miss includes both classic space operas and more modern space oddities.
Since this article was first published, the market has had its regular influx of sci-fi anime. Consequently, we can’t help but add more to this list, including some of the newest and most exciting books that you simply must not miss. These are our suggestions for the sci-fi anime you really must see at least once in your life, in addition to the classics and proven heavyweights listed below.
1. Cowboy Bebop
Science fiction anime has become associated with the hugely successful Cowboy Bebop series from 1999. It’s safe to claim that it represents this anime subgenre best. Many sci-fi anime have tried to unseat Cowboy Bebop over the years, but none have succeeded. Similar to Trigun, it seamlessly blends a variety of genres, giving the impression that the Cowboy Bebop universe is both lived in and enormously varied.
The basic idea is that a motley crew of hungry bounty hunters is struggling to survive. Each episode of the anime contains a stand-alone plot that is told from the views of the four major characters (five if you count the dog, Ein). Cowboy Bebop boasts excellent characters, superior animation compared to other contemporary anime, and a compelling story. Few other anime have been able to match its calibre. Not to mention the jazz music, which will convert you the moment you hear it.
2. Akira
The Japanese government’s telekinetic research led to the nuclear bomb that devastated Tokyo in 1988, starting World War III. Thirty-one years later, in the streets of Neo-Tokyo, two troublemakers named Shoutarou Kaneda and Tetsuo Shima started a series of events that would bring about the end of the Earth.
A perfect example of how to establish a balance between thrilling post-apocalyptic entertainment and political talking points is the towering anime classic from the 1980s. Akira has a lot to say on modern technology, the ethics of scientific inquiry, Japanese cultural identity, independence, and defiance of tyrannical authority. and teen anxiety. The creator of the original cyberpunk manga, Katsuhiro Otomo, also served as the film’s director. According to reports, he insisted on having total creative power, which was probably a gift from the anime gods.
The ultimate result was a groundbreaking science fiction movie that maximised the possibilities of the genre and set the path for later, more sophisticated anime movies (Ghost in the Shell, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and Cowboy Bepop). It also opened up a new market by introducing manga and animation to Western viewers. If you haven’t already, you owe it to yourself to view this animated science-fiction extravaganza, Akira, which the anime community owes a debt of gratitude to.
3. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Fun fact: The same folks that made Gurren Lagann also made Neon Genesis Evangelion. It truly did come first, and the storyline and tale are a crazy riddle. On Earth, a species of enormous creatures that people dubbed “Angels” awoke and started wreaking havoc. Sole temperamental or unstable youths can operate the biomachine mechs known as Evangelion, which are the only defence against them. Lovely.
Shinji Ikari, who epitomises human imperfection, is the protagonist. He has a terrible adolescent life and a distant father, which strangely makes him the ideal candidate for an Evangelion. It’s hard to pin point precisely what makes Neon Genesis Evangelion so excellent. The tale is often carried by the complex and compelling characters, for the most part. Additionally, the conclusion frequently leaves you scared or baffled. Choose one, or both.
4. Psycho-Pass
It makes no sense not to see Psycho-Pass if you like Minority Report. It’s basically an anime version of Minority Report that takes place in a less future Japanese society. Even yet, it is still considered science fiction because it is classified as cyberpunk, which is essentially science fiction.
It shares a similar social structure with Minority Report, centred on a calculated evaluation that may foretell crimes and criminals before they occur. This helps law enforcement officials’ jobs a little bit. A couple of them, Shinya Kogami and Akane Tsunemori, who are referred to as Enforcers in this anime, have their work cut out for them.
5. Dr. Stone
Dr. Stone is another anime that tackles the post-apocalypse concept well and successfully integrates it with real-world science. Senku Ishigami, a young genius and science prodigy, embarks on a captivating odyssey as he awakens to an Earth where the entire populatioin has been turned to stone.
Senku must now use only his general scientific knowledge and trial and error to recreate millions of years of human advancement with the help of his newly discovered (or just revived) companions. This distinctive shonen anime will appeal to you much since the protagonist is more cerebral than muscular and more realistic than idealistic.
6. Gantz
Gantz is first on our list. This is undoubtedly the finest sci-fi anime series and one of my personal favourites. People worldwide are dying in horrible incidents, but hold on—they don’t pass away? After the accident, they open their eyes in a strange room with other deceased individuals; nevertheless, they find themselves in a room in their city rather than going to heaven, hell, or oblivion. a crowded room with a dark sphere in the centre. They receive super suits, weaponry, and risky missions to battle approaching aliens the next thing they know. It’s all a game, after all. It’s essential to watch this riveting tale.
The Gantz series is now either loved or despised. Most people agree that the manga is much superior to the real anime series. The Gantz movie, on the other hand, is totally different and stands out as a well-written, captivating, action-packed science fiction movie with a unique idea. The story may appear extremely straightforward, but it really isn’t, and it makes for a terrific start to the series. Before enjoying Gantz:O, you do not need to read the manga or watch the anime. The CGI in the movie is incredible, but even more so. If you want to see a clear science fiction movie, just check it out.
7. Steins;Gate
In 2011, the computer game Steins;Gate was transformed into an anime TV series. It deals with time travel, the most complicated sci-fi concept imaginable; it lacks mechs, visits to other worlds, or space wars. So, choose Steins;Gate if you like stories where anything is both conceivable and impossible at the same time.
Oddly enough, Rintaro Okabe, a self-described “mad scientist,” is responsible for all of the Steins;Gate events and narrative. He succeeded in creating a time machine using a microwave. Following a complex series of incidents, Okabe was forced to repair a lot of the harm he had done in order to save the lady he loved.
8. Ghost In The Shell
Ghost in the Shell has a lot to do with Hollywood. One of the greatest action and sci-fi movies ever made, The Matrix, was inspired by anime by the Wachowski brothers. Of course, its main influence, the anime films based on the Ghost in the Shell, are no slouches and have achieved worldwide fame. It was one of the best cyberpunk (and sci-fi, for that matter) books ever published.
Fortunately, it is also available as an anime series, namely Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex. As per typical, an underlying dark narrative ultimately emerges as the android protagonist, Major Motoko Kusanagi, engages in a series of missions against hackers, cybercriminals, and other androids.