10 Greatest Sci-Fi Anime of All Time!

Whenever the plot of an anime is its strongest aspect, then its execution mustn’t be a failure. And to do that, there is a specific genre that utilizes every plot element to make it into a fine execution. Yes, we’re talking about Sci-Fi anime.

But what exactly determines whether a sci-fi anime is good or not? It depends on the individual because a concept can’t be likable to everyone. But for the fans who’re especially into sci-fi anime, those concepts are like jewels.

So then, if you’re here looking for a good sci-fi anime, consider yourselves lucky because we got a whole bunch of some fantastic recommendations. Let’s get to the business, Shall we?

Best Sci-Fi Anime List!

Cowboy Bebop

Cowboy Bebop- best sci-fi anime

Synopsis:

The story follows a bounty hunter named Spike Spiegel, who travels through galaxies to hunt for some high-priced fugitives. With his easy-going attitude and fighting skills, it is even possible for him to take on some more vigorous opponents.

Along with his group of five members (including his dog, Ein), they go on numerous adventures. But these five are the unluckiest people in the solar system. But why? I guess you will find out after watching it. The story also tells you from each member’s perspective, which is quite convenient for us.

Why This?

Throughout the years, several anime shows have tried to take up the position of best sci-fi anime. But all these years, Cowboy Bebop remained the king of this genre. Like every other sci-fi anime, it combines every element but in a smoother way and makes its world even more diverse.

It has everything an anime should possess, such as a solid plot, good characters, excellent animation, and, more importantly, a well-narrative. It is one of the rarest sci-fi anime you can find out there because it’ll please you in every way. So, if you’re looking for good sci-fi anime, then this one is for you.

Neon Genesis Evangelion

Neon Genesis Evangelion- best sci-fi anime

Synopsis:

The story sets in 2015, where invaders are known as “Angels,” who attack humankind and occupy the earth. No weapon can find them until humans invent a Mecha Robot, which young minds can only operate.

Shinji Ikari is such a youngster who is up for the task of piloting EVA-01. Can they stop Angels with these Giant Organic Mecha? We guess you’ll find it soon.

Why This?

It’s hard to say which aspect makes Evangelion so good, but one thing is for sure, action sequences will blow your mind for sure. But in terms of characters, you’ll love every main character. Also, the ending of the anime is the one you should look upon.

It leaves you in a traumatizing situation where you can’t expect it would happen. Many Mecha fans around the world have already acknowledged this one as their favorite sci-fi anime. So, if you’re looking for an excellent sci-fi anime with some epic action scenes, this one is for you.

Steins; Gate

Steins; Gate- best sci-fi anime

Synopsis:

The story follows Okabe Rintarou, who calls himself a Mad Scientist and invents the time machine from the Microwave oven. However, an organization named SERN conducts similar experiments but couldn’t succeed.

Not just SERN, but also he needs to encounter some significant consequences for messing up with time. It takes some time to hook you up, but there is no stopping your watch once the time comes.

Why This?

It has a slow start to build up the story for the upcoming scenes, and it succeeds in doing so. Firstly, Steins; Gate adapts its story from a video game, but its improvisation is the best part of the anime.

It has no mechs, space wars, aliens invading like the concept, but still, it is one of the best sci-fi anime out there. And the reason is pretty much the same; it utilizes every aspect to carve the anime into a masterpiece.

Psycho-Pass

Psycho-Pass- best sci-fi anime

Synopsis:

The story sets in futuristic Japan, where the world is run by calculating the crime rates by a system. It measures how many crimes a person might commit in the future and takes pre-required measures.

A young detective named Akane Tsunemori joins the police force of the Sybil System, but before taking action, she always puts her justice before the system’s justice. But can she live her life normally without facing any consequences?

Why This?

To put it simply, Psycho-Pass is a brilliant anime. Most of the scenes are unpredictable, and even though if you’re able to predict one or two scenes, the chances you’ll end up guessing the outcome near to the actual one. If for nothing else, the concept of the anime alone deserves appreciation.

Later on, the plot execution, characters, and all such things may attract you. Being a sci-fi anime, it shows uniqueness among the same genre of anime. You’ll end up asking many questions yourself initially, but in the end, everything makes sense. That’s why I call pure suspense.

Gundam Seed

Gundam Seed- best sci-fi anime

Synopsis:

In this part of Gundam Seed, Kira Yamato is the star of the show. He’s a genetically modified human, and his type is known as “coordinators” in the Gundam world. As you can imagine, he’s skilled at everything, just like a robot.

In this part, he mostly plays the role of neutralizer in the war between normal humans and coordinators after earth’s alliance breaks with ZAFT. If you’re into anime like Cowboy Bebop, then you’ll love this one for sure.

Why This?

There are quite a few shows of the Gundam franchise, but Gundam Suit remains the best one of the Mobile Suit Gundam anime. Of course, you need to watch all the parts to understand this part. Since everything in the Gundam franchise is excellent, so it doesn’t hurt to view it.

Even though it came out nearly two decades ago, the animation is quite decent, and you’ll love the art style. There are plenty of space wars to entertain you, and it revolves around a teen drama, which is quite convenient for most anime fans. Make sure you add this spectacular sci-fi anime to your watchlist.

Tengen Toppa Gurren Laggan

Tengen Toppa Gurren Laggan- best sci-fi anime

Synopsis:

The story sets in a world where an army of mutants oppresses humans to live underground. Simon and Kamina are two friends who form a group of revolutionaries to fight against the army of mutants.

But how can they fight against the incredibly strong people? Yes, they create mecha robots to fight alongside them. Simon is the one who starts giving hope by making these mecha robots, but gradually, everyone joins him and forms a rebellion.

Why This?

Let me make you clear one point. After watching Gurren Laggan, you’ll become one of the Gurren brigades. You might think, how can you be so sure about it? But we wouldn’t want to make any statements just by ourselves.

It’s just that Gurren Laggan is good that it needs too much appreciation. In other words, it is a perfect example of how an anime can blend all of the aspects so brilliantly. And more importantly, being in the race of sci-fi anime like Neon Genesis Evangelion, it didn’t back down even a bit in terms of its popularity.

Ghost in the Shell

Ghost in the Shell- best sci-fi anime

Synopsis:

The story sets in the futuristic world of 2029, where Cyborgs are as common as humans. And there’s more; human brains are capable of connecting to the internet directly. Motoko Kasunagi is a skilled officer who deals with special operations like cybercrime and counter-terrorism.

Now the only mission she has is to track down the puppet master who hacks the brains of Cyborgs to obtain information and commits any crime quickly. Motoko Kasunagi herself is a Cyborg and probably the only one who can go on Toe-to-Toe against him. But her path of finding him isn’t easy.

Why This?

It seems like you’re familiar with this name since it has quite a popularity in Hollywood. Not just Ghost in the Shell, but movies like The Matrix are the inspirations taken from the anime industry. Hollywood sure owes a lot to Ghost in the Shell anime.

Of course, it was well-known worldwide as one of the best sci-fi anime since the time of its release or before the 2000s. And while you’re wondering which one of the movies is best, we’d probably say it is Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, but you can’t get the complete story unless you watch all of the movies.

Ergo Proxy

Ergo Proxy- best sci-fi anime

Synopsis:

Setting in the post-apocalyptic world by the consequences of wars, Proxy is formed to create a new society under the domes. But after a few years later, these societies are forgotten, and they are no longer in contact to reform.

Re-I is a detective from the organization of the domes who decides to form a new world no matter what the consequences may be. The story is not as complicated as you think. It gets understandable once you start watching it.

Why This?

If I had to praise a sci-fi anime in terms of its animation, that would be Ergo Proxy. With an incredible storyline and brilliant execution, there is no denying that it is a masterpiece of the sci-fi anime genre.

It starts with a simple premise and turns into a dark-themed concept, but it doesn’t fail to execute it. If you’re looking for a sci-fi anime that focuses on a solid premise, it is the one anime you shouldn’t miss.

Akira

Akira- best sci-fi anime

Synopsis:

When the world has gone under the crisis of World War III, Tokyo has been rebuilt and got back the way it is. However, a person named Tetsuo gets injured by accident and is taken to a top-secret government facility.

When he discovers that he has Telekinetic powers, he decides to use them for evil. But his friend Akira also possesses the same powers and is the only one who can stop him from causing another world war. Can she stop history from repeating itself?

Why This?

Akira came into the anime industry in 1988. But don’t underestimate it just because its animation is from the quality of the 1990s. Its animation is quite good compared to the anime, even in around the 2000s.

The intense action scenes, thrilling plot, and epic background music are the aspects that made it a masterpiece movie of the 1990s. So, if you want to watch a sci-fi anime with action as the main base, then Akira is the one you’re looking for.

Astra Lost in Space

Astra Lost in Space- best sci-fi anime

Synopsis:

The story sets in 2061, where space travel is possible and some students of Caird High School begin their journey to outer space. But as soon as they arrive in space, a mysterious light sphere warps all of the nine members for about 5012 light-years far from their home planet.

By only discovering an old spaceship, they need to stay strong and maintain their resources carefully. And to return to their home planet, they also need to figure out a way of themselves.

Why This?

If you like movies like Interstellar and The Gravity, this anime is like a pearl in the ocean. The concept is outstanding, and the execution is proper as well. While it feels rushed at certain times, the story’s pacing at the end of every episode makes up for it.

In recent times, there haven’t been many anime shows regarding the concepts of outer space. But Astra Lost in Space came in surprisingly and stood over the pinnacle of all sci-fi anime last two years. If you like watching sci-fi anime with outer space concepts and with a slight amount of thrill, then this one is for you.

Conclusion

There you go! The ultimate list of best sci-fi anime is here. Sci-fi is all about exploring various possible concepts and blending them with newly created storylines. As a result, there is no end to the new sci-fi anime evolving every year.

If you’re new to the sci-fi anime genre, then we’d suggest you start with Cowboy Bebop or Ghost in the Shell. Both of these anime shows have been to the liking of most of the early anime watchers.

So, there’s no doubt whether you’ll like it or not. Well then, what do you think about our list of best sci-fi anime? Are there any anime shows you want to mention despite these? If so, let us know your thoughts in the comment section.

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Posted by
Hanumanth Reddy

Hanumanth is an enthusiastic author who enjoys writing about anime, movies, and TV shows and aims to share his optimistic views with his readers. His favorite franchise is Star Wars, and he aspires to be a Jedi in the future, but he vows not to fall on the dark side.