The Greatest Sci-Fi Anime of All Time

Science-fiction anime series have some of the best world-building across the genre. Though many series recycle the same tried and true tropes, sci-fi staples like like spaceships, mechs, and unexpected plot twists never get old.

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. Get ready to add the best sci-fi anime to your watch list.

Updated October 21, 2022 by Alok Kumar: Even if typically outnumbered by other genres, sci-fi tends to produce a few new anime per season. Summer 2022 was not particularly strong in this area, although Prima Doll and League of Nations Air Force Aviation Magic Band Luminous Witches had their moments. Thankfully, Fall 2022 has proven to be more giving to science fiction fans.

So, without any further break let's get started.

Darling In The Franxx (2018)

Japanese Title        : Darling In The FranXX

Studios                  :    A-1 Pictures, Trigger, CloverWorks

Where to Stream   :    Crunchyroll, Funimation, VRV

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.

This is a great anime in it's own genre. You will love it when you watch it.

The Promise Neverland (2019)

Japanese Title        : Yakusoku no Neverland

Studio                  :     CloverWorks

Where to Stream   :     Crunchyroll, DirectTV (Season 1), Funimation, , Hulu,                                                          Netflix (Season 1), VRV

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.

I like this anime a lot. The first season of this anime is the best than the second season.In fisrt season, you will want to watch it non-stop without any break coz it's gets interesting episodes by episodes. The mysteries gets solved and the real culprit got caught at last.

Made In Abyss (2017)

Japanese Title       :      Made in Abyss

Studio                 :      Kinema Citrus

Where to Stream  :      Amazon Prime Video (Season 1), HIDIVE

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.

This is good a show but the pace is a bit problematic, it takes a season to get you hyped to watch it non-stoply. I would recommend you to watch this show if you want some good adventorous, emotional and comedy anime.

Dr. Stone (2019)

Japanese Title        : Dr. Stone

Studio                  :      TMS Entertainment

Where to Stream   :      Crunchyroll, Funimation, HBO Max, VRV

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.

This is literally the best Sci-Fi anime ever I have watched. It gives us good knowledge regarding basic science. This animes has all the things that a anime should have like sci-fi, comedy, action, adventure, etc. I would highly recommend you to watch this show.

A Certain Scientific Railgun(2009)

Japanese Title        : Toaru Kagaku no Railgun

Studio                  :     J.C.Staff

Where to Stream   : Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu, VRV

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)

Japanese Title       :    Kiseijuu: Sei no Kakuritsu

Studio                  :   Madhouse

Where to Stream  :    Crunchyroll, Funimation, HIDIVE, Hulu, VRV

Another top 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.

This anime story plot is well-written. This anime is not for those who weak-hearted humans. This anime will give you goosebumps in every single episodes. I highly recommend you to watch this show.

Space Dandy (2014)

Japanese Title         : Space Dandy

Studio                   :      Bones

Where to Stream    : Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu (Season 1), TubiTV, VRV

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.

Well, I haven't watched this anime till now. I would like to watch it someday.

Code Geass : Lelouch of The Rebellion (2006)

Japanese Title       : Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch

Studio                 :          Sunrise

Where to Stream  : Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu, Netflix                   

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.

This anime is a masterpiece. I watched it 2 times because the story is a bit complicated just like Death Note. The ability of Lelouch is amazing, controlling the person. I would highly recommend you to watched this anime before it's to late.

Space Brothers (2012)

Japanese Title        : Uchuu Kyoudai

Studio                  :    A-1 Pictures

Where to Stream   : Crunchyroll, VRV  

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)

Japanese Title       : Psycho-Pass

Studio                 :     Production I.G

Where to Stream  :   Amazon Prime Video (Season 3 & 4), Crunchyroll                                                              Funimation (Season 1 & 2), Hulu (Season 1 & 2),                                                                  TubiTV (Season 1), VRV (Season 1 & 2)

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)

Japanese Title      :   Gintama

Studio                 :   Sunrise, Bandai Namco Pictures

Where to Stream :   Crunchyroll, Hulu (Up Until Episode 35), VRV 

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.

Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995)

Japanese Title       : Neon Genesis Evangelion

Studios                 :     Gainax, Tatsunoko Production

Where to Stream  : Netflix

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.

Steins ; Gate (2011)

Japanese Title      :    Steins ; Gate

Studio                :    White Fox

Where to Stream :     Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu, VRV

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)

Japanese Title       :    Cowboy Bebop

Studio                     :     Sunrise

Where to Stream  :     Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu, Netflix, TubiTV

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.

To Be Continued........