Sci-fi anime can be a lot of fun to watch if you find the right ones.
Science fiction is one of the most popular genres in anime, manga, and movies. Sci-fi has it all, whether it’s AI gone rogue, Alien Invasion, Time Travel, or a Space Adventure, all presented in the most captivating of ways. So, without further ado, here is our list of the 17+ Best Sci-Fi Anime that will undoubtedly pique your interest!
17. World Trigger
When a portal to another world suddenly opens on Earth, strange creatures known as “Neighbors,” malicious beings impervious to traditional weaponry, invade Mikado City. In response to their arrival, the Border Defense Agency was formed to combat the Neighbor threat with special weapons known as “Triggers.” Neighbors continue to pose a threat, even after several years since the gate first opened, and Border members remain vigilant to ensure the planet’s safety.
Members-in-training, such as Osamu Mikumo, are not permitted to use their Triggers outside of headquarters, regardless of the delicate situation. When a mysterious new student in his class is dragged into a forbidden area by bullies, they are attacked by Neighbors, forcing Osamu to do what he believes is right. To his surprise, transfer student Yuuma Kuga easily dispatches the aliens, revealing himself to be a humanoid Neighbor in disguise.
16. A Certain Scientific Railgun
The esper development programme is based in Academy City, a student-heavy city on the cutting edge of scientific advancement. Mikoto Misaka, an electricity manipulator known as “The Railgun,” is ranked third among Academy City’s seven “Level 5” espers.
When strange occurrences start happening all over town, she discovers that each crime is linked to the enigmatic “Level Upper,” a legendary device that allegedly raises its user’s esper level. As the situation worsens, it becomes clear that there is more to Level Upper than meets the eye, and that Academy City may be a far more twisted place than it appears to be.
Mikoto and her friends, as well as the dangerous situations they face while pursuing Level Upper, are the focus of A Certain Scientific Railgun. “There’s never a dull moment in this city,” Mikoto says.
15. Darker than Black
Heaven’s Gate appeared in South America ten years ago, and Hell’s Gate appeared in Japan ten years ago, obscuring the once familiar night sky with an oppressive skyscape. These are areas where the laws of physics are ignored for unknown reasons. Contractors appeared with the appearance of the Gates, who were granted supernatural abilities in exchange for their humanity.
Section 4 Chief Misaki Kirihara finds herself at odds with an infamous Contractor codenamed Hei in the Japanese city surrounding Hell’s Gate. Hei, like his colleagues, undertakes missions for the mysterious and ruthless Syndicate while slowly peeling back the dark layers covering a nefarious plot that threatens the very existence of Contractors in the underground world.
Tensai Okamura’s sci-fi thriller is a deft examination of a war in which political positions and justice have no sway—a war fought entirely in the shadows.
14. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
If you asked people if they believed in aliens, time travellers, or perhaps espers, the vast majority would say no; Kyon, a typical high school student, is one of them. On his first day of school, however, he meets a girl who quickly turns his world upside down.
The lovely Haruhi Suzumiya expresses her dissatisfaction with “normal” people and her desire to meet supernatural beings on the first day of class. Kyon is taken aback when she discovers her dissatisfaction with the school’s lack of paranormal-focused clubs and unwittingly inspires her to start her own. She establishes the Haruhi Suzumiya Brigade, also known as the SOS Brigade, in order to spread joy throughout the world.
Haruhi manages to recruit Kyon and three other members after the SOS Brigade is formed: quiet bookworm Yuki Nagato, shy upperclassman Mikuru Asahina, and eternally optimistic Itsuki Koizumi. Despite their outward appearances, each of the new SOS Brigade members has a Haruhi-related secret. Haruhi and the SOS Brigade whisk Kyon away on a series of misadventures, each one bringing him closer to discovering who and what she is, caught up in the mystery surrounding the eccentric club leader.
13. The Irregular at Magic High School
At the turn of the century, magic was thought to be folklore and fairy tales, but it has evolved into a systematised technology that is taught as a technical skill. First High School, the institution for magicians, divides students into two groups based on their entrance exam scores: “Blooms,” those with high scores, are assigned to the First Course, while “Weeds,” reserve students, are assigned to the Second Course.
Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei focuses on Tatsuya and Miyuki Shiba, First High School siblings. Miyuki is assigned to the First Course after passing the exam, while Tatsuya is assigned to the Second Course. Tatsuya is an outlier at a magical high school, despite his practical test results and status as a “Weed.” He possesses extraordinary technical knowledge, physical combat abilities, and unique magic techniques, despite his status as a “Weed.”
12. Parasyte: The Maxim
They appeared out of nowhere: parasitic aliens that descended on Earth and quickly infiltrated humanity by burrowing into the brains of vulnerable targets. These insatiable beings gain complete control of their host and can morph into a variety of forms in order to feed on unsuspecting prey.
Shinichi Izumi, a sixteen-year-old high school student, becomes infected with one of these parasites, but instead of taking over his brain, it settles in his right hand. The parasite, now known as Migi, is unable to relocate and must rely on Shinichi to survive. As a result, the pair is forced to coexist in an uncomfortable manner and must defend themselves against hostile parasites in the hope of eradicating this new threat to their species.
11. Neon Genesis Evangelion
15 years after the Second Impact, the world faces a new threat: monstrous celestial beings known as “Angels” invade Tokyo-3 one by one. Despite using the most advanced munitions and military tactics, humanity is unable to defend itself against the Angels. NERV, a mysterious organisation led by the cold Gendou Ikari, is humanity’s only hope for salvation. NERV fights the Angels with massive humanoid robots known as “Evangelions” equipped with cutting-edge advanced weaponry and Absolute Terror Fields.
Shinji Ikari, Gendou’s 14-year-old son, returns to Tokyo-3 after years of neglect. Shinji is fighting an internal battle against the deeply buried trauma caused by the death of his mother and his father’s emotional neglect. Shinji’s life is forever changed after he meets Misato Katsuragi, a 29-year-old NERV officer who treats him with a free-spirited maternal kindness he has never experienced.
Following a devastating Angel attack, Shinji is forced into action, and Gendou reveals the true reason he invited his son back to Tokyo-3: Shinji is the only child who can pilot Evangelion Unit-01, a new robot that communicates via biometrics. Despite the brutal psychological trauma caused by piloting an Evangelion, Shinji defends Tokyo-3 against the angelic threat, completely unaware of his father’s dark schemes.
10. Gurren Lagann
Simon and Kamina were raised beneath the legendary surface in a deep, underground village. Kamina is a free-spirited loose cannon determined to make a name for himself, whereas Simon is a shy young boy with few ambitions. Simon discovers a mysterious object while excavating the earth one day, which turns out to be the ignition key to an ancient artefact of war, which the duo names Lagann. Simon and Kamina use their new weapon to repel a surprise attack from the surface with the help of Yoko Littner, a hot-blooded redhead with a massive gun who roams the world above.
After the battle, the sky is now visible, prompting Simon and Kamina to set out with Yoko to explore the surface wastelands. They soon join the fight against the “Beastmen,” humanoid creatures disguised as powerful robots known as “Gunmen” who terrorise the surviving humans. Despite some setbacks and difficulties, the trio fights bravely alongside other survivors to reclaim the surface while gradually unraveling a galaxy-spanning mystery.
9. 86 Eighty-Six
The Republic of San Magnolia claims that there have been no casualties in its ongoing conflict with the Giadian Empire, but this is simply propaganda. While the Republic’s eighty-five sectors’ silver-haired Alba live safely behind protective walls, those of different appearances are interned in a secret eighty-sixth faction. They are known as the Eighty-Six in the military, and they are forced to fight against the Empire’s autonomous Legion, which is led by the Republican “Handlers.”
Vladilena Milizé has been assigned as the Spearhead squadron’s new Handler. Despite being shunned by her peers for supporting the Eighty-Six, she continues to fight against their inhumane discrimination. The Spearhead squadron is led by Captain Shinei Nouzen. He is well-known for being the sole survivor of each squadron in which he has served, and he insists on carrying with him the names and wishes of his fallen comrades. Will the meeting of these two young souls light the path to salvation, or will they perish in the flames of despair?
8. Dr. Stone
Taiju Ooki, a high school student, is finally ready to confess his feelings for Yuzuriha Ogawa after five years of suppressed feelings. However, just as Taiju begins his confession, the Earth is struck by a blinding green light that frightens everyone and turns them to stone.
Taiju awakens several millennia later to discover that the modern world has vanished, as nature has thrived in the years that humanity has been dormant. Taiju comes across another living human among the statues: his science-obsessed friend Senkuu, who has been active for a few months. Senkuu’s grand plan to resurrect civilization through science is discovered by Taiju. Taiju’s power and Senkuu’s intelligence combine to form a formidable alliance, and they quickly figure out how to resurrect the petrified.
Senkuu’s master plan, on the other hand, is jeopardized when those who awaken question his ideologies. In the meantime, the cause of human petrification remains unknown.
7. Psycho-Pass
Justice and the administration of it have evolved over time. Japan implements the Sibyl System in the 22nd century, an objective method of determining each citizen’s threat level by examining their mental state for signs of criminal intent, known as their Psycho-Pass. Inspectors enforce the law by subjugating, often with lethal force, anyone who harbours the slightest malice; alongside them are Enforcers, jaded Inspectors who have turned into latent criminals and have been granted relative freedom in exchange for doing the Inspectors’ dirty work.
Akane Tsunemori, a young woman with a genuine desire to uphold justice, enters this world. However, as she works with veteran Enforcer Shinya Kougami, she quickly realises that the Sibyl System’s judgments are not as perfect as her colleagues believe. With everything she’s ever known turned upside down, Akane wonders what true justice is and whether a corrupt system can uphold it.
6. Made in Abyss
The Abyss is a chasm stretching deep into the earth’s core, teeming with mysterious creatures and ancient relics. What caused it to occur? What is it at the very bottom? Divers, or daring individuals, have attempted to solve the Abyss’ mysteries by plunging fearlessly into its darkest depths. Those who stay on the surface regard the White Whistles as the best and bravest of the Divers.
Riko, the abducted White Whistle Lyza the Annihilator’s daughter, wishes to follow in her mother’s footsteps and explore the depths of the Abyss. As a new Red Whistle, she is only allowed to explore the top layer. Despite this, Riko by chance encounters a mysterious robot dressed as a young boy. Reg’s name is Reg, and he has no recollection of the events that led up to his discovery. Certain that the technology used to create Reg must have originated deep within the Abyss, the two decide to venture into the chasm in order to recover his memories and see for themselves the depths of the great pit. They, on the other hand, are unaware of the harsh reality of the Abyss’ true existence.
5. Cowboy Bebop
Crime is never-ending. By 2071, humanity had spread throughout the galaxy, colonising other planets’ surfaces with settlements similar to Earth’s. Murder, drug use, and theft are all common in these new societies, and intergalactic outlaws are being hunted down by an increasing number of tough bounty hunters.
Spike Spiegel and Jet Black make a living by tracking down criminals across space. Spike is haunted by the weight of his violent past beneath his goofy and aloof demeanour. While caring for Spike and the Bebop, Jet is dealing with his own troubling memories. The duo is joined by Faye Valentine, a stunning con artist, and Ein, a bioengineered Welsh Corgi.
A threat from Spike’s past disrupts the lives of the Bebop crew as they form bonds and work to apprehend a diverse cast of criminals. As a rival’s maniacal plot unfolds, Spike must choose between a life with his newfound family and vengeance for old wounds.
4. The Promised Neverland
The Grace Field House, which has a gated entrance and is surrounded by a forest, is home to orphans who happily live together as one big family under the care of their “Mama,” Isabella. Despite the fact that they must take tests every day, the children are free to spend their time as they see fit, usually outside, as long as they do not stray too far from the orphanage—a rule they must follow at all times. But, as with all good things, all good things must come to an end, and every few months, a child is adopted and sent to live with their new family, never to be heard from again.
The three oldest siblings, on the other hand, are suspicious of what is going on at the orphanage and are about to learn the cruel fate that awaits the children at Grace Field, including the twisted nature of their beloved Mama.
3. Gintama
Edo was the epicentre of samurai zeal and ambition from all over Japan. However, since feudal Japan’s surrender to powerful aliens known as the “Amanto,” those ambitions appear to be unattainable. With the once-powerful shogunate rebuilt as a puppet government, a new law prohibits the public use of swords.
Enter Gintoki Sakata, an eccentric silver-haired man who always carries a wooden sword and, despite the ban, maintains his samurai status. Gintoki frequently participates in charitable endeavours as the founder of Yorozuya, a small business for odd jobs—often in rather unusual and unexpected ways.
The Yorozuya face everything from alien royalty to scuffles with local gangs in the ever-changing world of Edo, aided by Shinpachi Shimura, a boy with glasses allegedly learning the way of the samurai; Kagura, a tomboyish girl with superhuman strength and an endless appetite; and Sadaharu, their giant pet dog who loves biting on people’s heads.
2. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
The Holy Empire of Britannia is establishing itself as a dominant military nation, beginning with the conquest of Japan in 2010. Japan was renamed Area 11 after its swift defeat, and it has seen significant resistance against these tyrants in an attempt to regain independence.
Lelouch Lamperouge, a Britannian student, is caught in the crossfire between the Britannian and Area 11 rebel armed forces. However, he escapes thanks to the timely appearance of a mysterious girl named C.C., who bestows Geass, the “Power of Kings,” on him. Recognizing the immense power of his newly discovered “power of absolute obedience,” Lelouch embarks on a perilous journey as the masked vigilante Zero, leading a merciless assault on Britannia in order to exact ultimate vengeance.
1. Steins;Gate
Rintarou Okabe, an eccentric scientist, is obsessed with scientific knowledge. Rintarou co-founds the Future Gadget Laboratory with his eccentric but well-meaning friend Mayuri Shiina and his roommate Itaru Hashida in the hopes of creating technological innovations that perplex the human mind. Despite their lofty claims, the trio’s only noteworthy “gadget” is a microwave that mysteriously turns bananas into green goo.
However, when Rintarou decides to attend a time travel conference hosted by neuroscientist Kurisu Makise, a series of strange events occur, leading him to believe that the “Phone Microwave” gadget is more than meets the eye. Rintarou tests the “time machine,” attracting the ire and attention of the enigmatic organisation SERN.
Rintarou and his friends are constantly in danger as a result of the novel discovery. He is fighting not only to save his loved ones, but also to keep his sanity as he works to repair the timeline damage caused by his invention.
BONUS: Vivy – Fluorite Eye’s Song
When highly evolved AIs decide to wipe out humanity, the stench of fresh blood and burning bodies fills the air. In a desperate attempt to avert disaster, a scientist stakes everything on a relic from the past.
AIs will be a part of human society in a century, programmed with specific missions that must be completed throughout their lifespan. Vivy, the world’s first self-driving AI, is a singer whose mission it is to spread joy through her voice. She strives to pour her heart into her performances in a theme park where she rarely gets a proper audience, doomed to repeat it day after day—that is, until an advanced AI from the future appears before her and enlists her help in preventing a devastating war that has been brewing for a century. Vivy is thrown into a century-long journey to avoid the violent history that awaits her, with no time to process the revelation that rocks her world.
Let us know what’s your favorite sci-fi anime in the comments below and as always, thanks for reading!