The Greatest Sci-Fi Anime Of All Time (November 2023)

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?

Each anime’s MyAnimeList score is included as a reference; however, it is not the ranking’s only determining factor since things like genre influence will also be taken into account. Some shows also blend sci-fi with other genres, with the former taking a backseat at times.

23 Darling In The FranXX (2018)

MyAnimeList: 7.20

After a devastating war against alien creatures killed off most humans, 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.

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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.

22 The Promised Neverland (2019)

MyAnimeList: 8.50 (Season 1)

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. Unfortunately, the second season is underwhelming and rushed, to the point that skipping it might be the better option.

21 Heavenly Delusion

MyAnimeList: 8.22

Heavenly Delusion is drenched in mystery. The anime envisions a post-disaster world filled with monstrosities and the scattered remains of human civilization. Maru and Kiruko travel across Japan in search of a place called “Heaven,” a journey defined by frustration, near-death experiences, and constant terror. As this unfolds, the anime also follows a group of children living within a research facility that seems to be a safe haven but is likely anything but.

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Production I.G’s anime has only started to pull back the curtain on the manga’s lore and mysteries, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in widespread uncertainty alongside the main characters. So far, Heavenly Delusion has raised way more questions than answers, and if the latter eventually arrive via a sequel, this sci-fi anime could turn out to be one of the greats.

20 Made In Abyss (2017)

MyAnimeList: 8.66 (Season 1)

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.

19 A Certain Scientific Railgun (2009)

MyAnimeList: 7.66 (Season 1)

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 really well. While the first season is pretty forgettable, A Certain Scientific Railgun S and T are both considerably better, delivering compelling character-driven drama along with intense action and even the occasional laugh. The Sisters arc is comfortably among the best sagas in the sci-fi anime genre.

18 Dr. Stone

MyAnimeList: 8.28 (Season 1)

Shonen has hundreds of power fantasies, but very few stories harness the power of science. Set thousands of years after humanity was suddenly frozen, Dr. Stone follows the revived Senku as he tries to use his scientific knowledge to survive in a world that has reverted to the Stone Age. More importantly, he wants to return humanity to its technological heights, a goal that not everyone agrees with.

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Starting strong and improving with each new cour, Dr. Stone manages to juggle drama, humor, action, and even a hint of education. While the premise is outlandish and leans heavily into fantasy, Senku’s science is grounded in reality, with the “fiction” part largely stemming from the protagonist’s near-unlimited knowledge and the speed at which scientific breakthroughs are achieved.

17 Parasyte: The Maxim (2014)

MyAnimeList: 8.33

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.

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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.

16 Space Dandy (2014)

MyAnimeList: 7.88 (Season 1)

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 with plenty of laughs. Along with all the comedy and parody aspects of the show, there are beautiful animation styles, charming dialogue, and amazing storylines.

15 Outlaw Star (1998)

MyAnimeList: 7.84

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, 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. Although its age shines through at times, the ’90s series is still charming in its own right, and it has a pulp fiction-esque quality that adds an element of timelessness. While generally overshadowed by Cowboy Bebop, Outlaw Star is nevertheless a fun ride.

14 Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

MyAnimeList: 8.60

Based on CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk 2077, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners was Trigger’s best anime since Kill la Kill, and an argument could be made that the series represents the studio at its absolute peak. Right out of the gate, the anime immerses viewers in Night City, a dystopian metropolis driven by corporations and a clear social divide. This type of setting is everywhere in cyberpunk fiction, but Edgerunners‘ visual presentation helps set Night City apart from its contemporaries.

More importantly, the OVA series tells an engaging character-driven story that has very few lull moments. The anime follows David, a teenager with a lot of potential who gets dragged into the city’s underbelly following a personal tragedy. David’s journey is laced with tragedy and foreboding, along with a lot of action and suspense.

13 Space Brothers (2012)

MyAnimeList: 8.49

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.

12 Psycho-Pass (2012)

MyAnimeList: 8.34 (Season 1)

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.

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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. Tackling quintessential sci-fi concepts like human agency and precognition, Psycho-Pass delivers visceral action alongside nuanced philosophical discussions. The first season is fantastic, but the sequels are notably messier.

11 Gintama (2006)

MyAnimeList: 8.94 (Season 1)

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. Gintama‘s blend of genres means it does not fit into one category, and the anime only occasionally explores themes relating to sci-fi.

10 Mobile Suit Gundam (1979)

MyAnimeList: 7.77

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.

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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.

9 Astro Boy (1963)

MyAnimeList: 7.10

This discussion might not 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.

8 Pluto

MyAnimeList: 8.67

Undoubtedly the most highly-anticipated sci-fi anime of Fall 2023, Naoki Urasawa’s Pluto manga finally received an adaptation. Based on an Astro Boy storyline, the story follows a detective as he tries to find the killer responsible for a range of murders with both human and robot victims. The manga is considered a masterpiece, so expectations were high for the anime, and it largely managed to live up to expectations.

Pluto envisions a world where humans and robots co-exist, and the latter are so advanced that they can replicate most human emotions. This setup allows the series to deliver realistic and socially relevant commentary on tough concepts like discrimination and PTSD, all the while telling an engaging murder mystery fueled by two gripping and complex figures (the aforementioned detective and Atom, a young robot boy).

7 Code Geass: Lelouch Of The Rebellion (2006)

MyAnimeList: 8.70 (Season 1)

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.

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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.

6 Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995)

MyAnimeList: 8.35

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.

5 Ghost In The Shell (1995)

MyAnimeList: 8.27

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 1995 movie tends to hog most of the limelight, and it is the franchise’s most artistic project; however, the Stand Alone Complex series arguably represents GiTS‘ peak in terms of writing and character development.

4 Gurren Lagann (2007)

MyAnimeList: 8.63

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.

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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.