Like any form of visual media, there are countless genres and subgenres 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. More importantly, the industry's sci-fi tales cover a wide range of subgenres, tones, and art styles, ensuring there is something for just about everyone. Here are the best sci-fi anime ever, along with recommendations for the current seasons.

Updated June 27, 2024 by Mark Sammut: As Summer 2024 is about to start, a preview section dedicated to the season's sci-fi anime has been added to this article.

Summer 2024 Sci-Fi Anime

• 	Atri: My Dear Moments	Grendizer U	My Wife Has No Emotion	NieR: Automata Ver1.1a
  Release Date	2024-07-14	2024-07-06	2024-07-02	2023-01-08
  Studio	Troyca	Gaina	Tezuka Productions	A-1 Pictures
  Based On	Visual Novel	Manga (UFO Robo Grendizer)	Manga	Game (NieR: Automata)

A new season is about to start, and Summer 2024 has quite a bit of promise. Although nowhere near as stuffed with highly-anticipated sequels as its predecessor, the upcoming quarter has most of its bases covered, be it action, romance, comedy, or isekai.

While hardly overrepresented, the same thing can be said for sci-fi anime, which are just plentiful enough to provide a fairly wide spectrum of ideas and tones. Let's take a look at the season's sci-fi offerings.

• Atri -My Dear Moments- – Based on a visual novel, Atri covers well-worn ground since its emotional crux is built upon a robot girl who wants to learn to be human. Still, these types of stories are popular for a reason, and the visual novel is quite highly regarded. The setting should also be quite interesting, envisioning a future where most of the world is under the sea.
• Grendizer U – An adaptation of an old-school Go Nagai manga, this super robot anime will be covering an all-time classic that is fairly influential in its own right. While the story might seem a bit conventional in this day and age, UFO Robo Grendizer was genre-pushing in the '80s. The adaptation is being handled by Gaina, a fairly young studio that is not known for action.
• My Wife Has No Emotion – Another robot girl anime that will likely tackle similar themes as Atri, this series should be primarily a slice of life romance rather than a drama. A guy hires an AI maid, and they eventually start playing house, raising the age-old question of whether robots can feel human emotions.
• NieR:Automata Ver1.1a Part 2 – Probably the biggest sci-fi anime of Summer 2024, the sequel will hopefully have a smoother release cycle than its predecessor, which unfortunately lost steam due to suffering multiple delays. Despite those production issues, the anime was still pretty good.

Now, here are the best sci-fi anime of all time...

24 Urusei Yatsura (2022)

MyAnimeList: 7.41 (Season 1)

A sci-fi comedy classic, Urusei Yatsura is a sitcom about a perverted guy who winds up with an alien fiancée. Lum loves her darling with all her might, while Ataru mainly wants to flirt with girls and do his own thing, two acts that normally result in a quick electrocution. The anime has a well-established status quo that paves the way to plenty of laugh-out-loud moments courtesy of its larger-than-life protagonists and a plethora of quirky secondary characters.

Sci-fi is associated with heavy social themes and lofty concepts, but the genre can get silly as well. Urusei Yatsura represents that side of the equation, and there is a reason the property has been around since the late '70s.

23 The Promised Neverland

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.

22 Kaiju No. 8

MyAnimeList: 8.34

One of Spring 2024's biggest shows fell within the sci-fi category, although it is more Godzilla than Steins;Gate. Kaiju No. 8 envisions an alternate reality where humanity has to constantly deal with attacks from massive (or smallish) monsters, a dangerous but important role only a few people are equipped to handle. Japan's Defense Force are (essentially) superheroes who use equipment designed from the kaiju they beat, and they are always on the lookout for capable soldiers. Despite his best efforts, Kafka was never able to pass the group's entrance exam, forcing him to join the post-battle clean-up crew instead. However, when the exam's age limit is raised, he decides to give it one final go. Also, he accidentally eats a kaiju and unlocks the ability to transform into a powerful monster. So, there is that too.

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With great production value, lovable characters, and intense fights, Kaiju No. 8 leaves impressive first, second, and third impressions, and the season seems to be improving with each new episode. In his early 30s, Kafka is a nice change of pace for a shonen lead, and he embodies maturity, passion, and hints of desperation well. The rest of the characters are not too shabby either, particularly Reno and Shinomiya. Still, a show like this lives and dies on the quality of its monsters, an area Kaiju No. 8 nails.

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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Beautiful visuals, mysteries galore, and fantastic characters make Heavenly Delusion one of the most enjoyable shows of the year.

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

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

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 RailgunS 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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: 8.60

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

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

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

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.