The idea of children getting stuck in a space station is a kind of plot that only the medium of anime can do justice to. This is precisely the case with The Orbital Children. Watching this group of kids deal with the hassles of being abandoned in such a foreign area is surprisingly engaging and heartwarming, especially when these young people group up to surpass immense odds and survive in such a precarious scenario.
The first part of this Netflix series is a joy, but it'll take some time for the second half to come out. Until this happens, fans of The Orbital Children who can't deal with the wait can bide their time with other popular sci-fi anime, with the most notable recommendations present below.
10 Neon Genesis Evangelion
The first thing that most people think of when the term sci-fi anime is brought up is Neon Genesis Evangelion. This legendary series provides a glimpse into an alternate future where huge mechs, controlled by children, are used to defeat otherworldly monsters and massive threats. It's a setting that feels slightly similar to The Orbital Children.
At the heart of this story is Shinji Ikari, a protagonist who might be rather irritating to deal with but serves as a great way to deliver the narrative. His personal struggles resonate well with the rest of the anime's themes, making for a great overall watch.
9 Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop is one of the most popular anime of all time. The show was adapted to a Netflix live-action series, which wasn't quite able to capture the magic of the animated series.
Spike, Faye, Jet, and the rest of the Bebop crew are some of the best characters of all time. The show takes viewers through an amazing journey before it all culminates in one of the most melancholic endings in anime history.
8 Code Geass
Another mecha anime that focuses on additional themes similar to Neon Genesis Evangelion is Code Geass. However, unlike the former, the central narrative of Code Geass is based on supernatural powers that give certain chosen people an amazing Geass power, with which they can manipulate other people and perform other such actions.
The anime is brilliant, with Lelouch acting as a memorable protagonist in his own right. Fans of sci-fi anime who want to explore a deep and engaging story should definitely check out Code Geass.
7 Psycho-Pass
Psycho-Pass' sci-fi setting revolves around a futuristic society where people can be stopped long before they commit criminal acts with a unique gun that decides who to kill based on their likelihood of committing a crime. It's a fascinating concept that is woven brilliantly in Psycho-Pass.
The anime wastes no time in getting to the heat of the action and keeps viewers on the edge of their seats throughout its amazing narrative, one that picks up steam throughout season one. The brilliant story and unforgettable characters deserve credit for making this anime all the more enjoyable. The subsequent seasons are a bit more polarizing, however, they still have their high points.
6 Steins;Gate
Steins;Gate is another excellent sci-fi anime that most people probably already heard of. The anime isn't exactly the simplest show to follow, but players who stick through the first few episodes will find themselves enjoying a complex and captivating narrative.
Steins;Gate is full to the brim with brilliant ideas that are explored slowly as the show progresses. The anime becomes incredible following an initial string of slow-paced, slice of life-esque episodes, making for a worthy binge that anime fans should get around to sooner rather than later.
5 Ghost In The Shell
Ghost in the Shell's legacy is more than secure. This cyberpunk anime is so iconic that it received a Hollywood adaptation as well, although the less said about that, the better.
Major Motoko Kusanagi is a great protagonist whose search for a criminal hacker ends up transforming into a question about humanity itself and what makes one human. It's a great series that is full to the brim with content for those who want to enjoy the quintessential Ghost in the Shell experience.
4 Ergo Proxy
Speaking of cyberpunk anime, it would be hard to not mention Ergo Proxy. The show has a unique take on the concept of androids and what free will can make them do.
The plot is mysterious and thickens after every episode, before reaching a satisfying resolution that makes the preceding journey all that more worth it. Ergo Proxy is a terrific and slightly underappreciated show that any fan of sci-fi anime like The Orbital Children should check out.
3 Akira
Akira is one of the most important anime movies ever. The sci-fi cyberpunk anime was responsible for stoking the fires of popularity when it came to anime's influence in the West.
Akira takes a look at the life of Kaneda and Tetsuo in Neo-Tokyo and how their lives are changed forever after the latter crashes into an ESPer and gains his powers. The narrative takes a wild turn after this introduction and never lets up until the very end, with Tetsuo's powers evolving over time.
2 Gurren Lagann
Mecha anime might not be everyone's cup of tea, but they can be pretty entertaining once viewers get into the genre. This is perhaps why so many people love Gurren Lagann.
While recommending Gurren Lagann for fans of The Orbital Children can seem rather odd, the sci-fi setting of both shows, coupled with the entertaining in-your-face nature of Gurren Lagann, can be quite an engaging draw in its own right. These two anime are admittedly quite different from each other, but they both feature strong writing, well-developed characters, and explore fascinating themes.
1 Trigun
A space western, Trigun is a wonderful '90s sci-fi anime that fans of the genre should definitely check out. Blending action, comedy, and a gripping narrative filled with mystery, Trigun is near impossible to put down once it gets going. The fact the anime was developed by Madhouse also does not hurt since the animation has aged beautifully.
Trigun's intriguing world and characters are its strongest points. Vash, the protagonist, goes out of his way to prevent murdering anyone, creating a fun dynamic that adds to this character.