List of Best Sci-Fi Anime of All time:
30. Ergo Proxy
Ergo Proxy is a psychological sci-fi anime series set in a post-apocalyptic world.
The story follows a young woman named Re-l Mayer and an AutoReiv (android) named Iggy as they investigate a series of mysterious deaths in the city of Romdo.
The anime explores themes of identity, existentialism, and the nature of humanity.
It features a dark and atmospheric tone with complex characters and intricate storytelling.
29. Elfen Lied
Elfen Lied is a sci-fi horror anime series known for its violent and graphic content.
The story revolves around Lucy, a genetically modified human with telekinetic powers known as “Diclonius.”
After escaping from a secret research facility, Lucy encounters Kouta and his cousin Yuka, and the series delves into themes of discrimination, isolation, and the blurred lines between good and evil.
Elfen Lied is known for its emotional intensity, memorable characters, and a mix of violent action and heartfelt moments.
28. Blue Gender
Blue Gender is a sci-fi mecha anime set in a post-apocalyptic future where humanity is on the brink of extinction.
The story follows Yuji Kaido, who wakes up from cryogenic sleep to find Earth infested with giant insects known as the “Blue.”
Yuji joins a military organization fighting against the Blue in an attempt to save humanity.
Blue Gender combines mecha action with a survivalist narrative, exploring themes such as the fragility of human existence and the consequences of human interference with nature.
27. Blood+
Blood+ is a supernatural sci-fi anime series with elements of horror and action.
The story follows a high school girl named Saya Otonashi, who discovers that she is the only one who can defeat monstrous creatures known as Chiropterans.
Saya embarks on a journey to uncover her own past and the truth behind the Chiropterans, aided by her allies and armed with a special sword.
Blood+ combines intense action sequences with deep character development and explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and the nature of evil.
26. No. 6
No. 6 is a sci-fi dystopian anime series set in the city-state of No. 6, which appears to be a utopia.
The story revolves around a boy named Shion, who encounters a fugitive named Nezumi and becomes involved in a conspiracy that challenges the supposed perfection of No. 6.
The anime explores themes of social inequality, government control, and the power of friendship.
No. 6 combines elements of mystery, suspense, and political commentary within a futuristic setting.
25. RahXephon
RahXephon is a mecha sci-fi anime series with elements of romance and mystery.
The story follows a teenager named Ayato Kamina, who discovers he has the ability to pilot a giant robot known as the RahXephon.
Ayato becomes involved in a conflict between the inhabitants of Tokyo Jupiter, a domed city, and the outside world.
RahXephon delves into themes of reality, identity, and the nature of existence, with a focus on the emotional and psychological journeys of its characters.
24. Aldnoah.Zero
Aldnoah.Zero is a mecha sci-fi anime series set in an alternate reality where Earth and Mars are engaged in a war.
The story revolves around the conflict between the Vers Empire of Mars and the United Earth forces.
The discovery of ancient technology known as “Aldnoah” gives the Martians a significant advantage in battle.
Aldnoah.Zero explores themes of war, discrimination, and the complexities of human nature, with intense mecha battles and political intrigue.
23. Guilty Crown
Guilty Crown is a sci-fi action anime set in a dystopian future where Japan is under the control of a militaristic organization called GHQ.
The story follows a high school student named Shu Ouma, who gains the power to extract weapons from people’s hearts.
Shu becomes involved in the resistance movement and battles against GHQ while uncovering the truth behind the mysterious “Apocalypse Virus.”
Guilty Crown combines action-packed sequences with themes of power, identity, and the consequences of one’s choices.
22. Eden of the East
Eden of the East is a sci-fi thriller anime series centered around a game that grants its players the ability to change the world.
The story follows a college student named Saki Morimi, who encounters a naked man with no memories except for a phone and a gun.
As Saki and the man named Akira Takizawa unravel the mysteries surrounding him and the game, they become entangled in a web of conspiracies.
Eden of the East explores themes of social issues, government surveillance, and the impact of individual choices on society.
21. Legend of the Galactic Heroes
Legend of the Galactic Heroes is a space opera anime series set in a distant future where two massive interstellar powers, the Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance, are engaged in a long-standing war.
The story follows the military strategies and personal struggles of key individuals on both sides of the conflict, particularly Reinhard von Lohengramm of the Galactic Empire and Yang Wen-li of the Free Planets Alliance.
Legend of the Galactic Heroes explores themes of politics, war, ideology, and the complexities of human nature, providing a deep and intricate narrative with a large cast of characters.
20. Outlaw Star
Outlaw Star is a sci-fi adventure anime series set in a future where space travel is common.
The story follows Gene Starwind and his crew as they embark on various missions, encounter galactic pirates, and search for the legendary Galactic Leyline, a mysterious treasure.
Outlaw Star combines space battles, exploration, and humor, with a focus on the relationships and growth of its main characters.
The series offers a mix of action, comedy, and a touch of mystery within its science fiction setting.
19. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is a sci-fi comedy-drama anime series centered around the titular character, Haruhi Suzumiya, who unknowingly possesses god-like powers.
The story follows Kyon, an ordinary high school student who is roped into Haruhi’s eccentric activities, which involve forming a club dedicated to finding supernatural phenomena.
The series features a nonlinear narrative, with Haruhi’s powers shaping the reality around her and causing unexpected events.
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya combines elements of comedy, mystery, and slice of life, with a touch of the supernatural and a diverse cast of characters.
18. Macross Frontier
Macross Frontier is a mecha sci-fi anime series set in the Macross universe.
The story follows a group of humans, including a talented pilot named Alto Saotome, as they face a conflict with the alien race known as the Vajra.
Macross Frontier combines mecha action, romance, and music, with intricate character relationships and a focus on the power of songs in combat.
The series features impressive space battles, a diverse cast of characters, and a blend of action and drama.
17. Knights of Sidonia
Knights of Sidonia is a sci-fi mecha anime series set in a post-apocalyptic future where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to attacks from shape-shifting aliens called the Gauna.
The story centers around Nagate Tanikaze, a young pilot who becomes involved in the defense of Sidonia, a massive spaceship that serves as humanity’s last bastion.
Knights of Sidonia offers intense mecha battles, a dark and atmospheric setting, and explores themes of survival, identity, and the ethics of genetic engineering.
16. Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans
Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans is a mecha anime set in the Gundam universe.
The story takes place in a future where Mars has been colonized and follows a group of child soldiers known as the “Tekkadan” as they navigate the conflicts between various factions and seek independence.
Iron-Blooded Orphans explores themes of war, social inequality, and the bonds between comrades.
The series offers intense mecha battles, complex character relationships, and a gritty and politically charged narrative.
15. Gundam Wing
Gundam Wing is a mecha anime series set in the Gundam universe.
The story takes place in the future where humanity has colonized space and follows a group of young pilots who pilot powerful mobile suits known as Gundams.
Gundam Wing explores themes of war, politics, and the consequences of violence.
The series offers intense mecha battles, political intrigue, and complex character relationships.
14. Planetes
Planetes is a sci-fi anime series set in the near future where space travel and colonization have become a reality.
The story follows a group of debris collectors aboard a space station who are responsible for clearing space junk in Earth’s orbit.
Planetes explores themes of human aspirations, environmentalism, and the search for purpose.
The series offers a realistic portrayal of space and delves into the personal lives and struggles of its characters.
13. Akira
Akira is a landmark sci-fi anime film set in a post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo in 2019.
The story follows Kaneda, a biker gang leader, and Tetsuo, his friend who gains powerful psychic abilities.
Akira explores themes of power, corruption, and the destructive potential of human ambition.
The film is known for its stunning animation, intense action sequences, and its influential impact on the cyberpunk genre.
12. Serial Experiments Lain
Serial Experiments Lain is a psychological sci-fi anime series that delves into the nature of reality, identity, and the influence of technology on society.
The story revolves around a shy and introverted girl named Lain Iwakura, who becomes immersed in the Wired, a global computer network that blurs the boundaries between the digital and physical worlds.
Serial Experiments Lain explores themes of existentialism, loneliness, and the merging of human consciousness with technology.
The series offers a surreal and thought-provoking narrative with a focus on psychological introspection.
11. Gurren Lagann
Gurren Lagann is a mecha anime series set in a future where humanity lives underground due to the oppressive rule of the Spiral King.
The story follows Simon and Kamina, who discover a small mecha named Lagann and embark on a journey to fight against the Spiral King’s forces and liberate humanity.
Gurren Lagann is known for its over-the-top action, larger-than-life mecha battles, and themes of determination, courage, and the power of belief.
The series offers a blend of humor, epic battles, and a message of never giving up.
10. Trigun
Trigun is a sci-fi western anime series set on a desert planet called Gunsmoke.
The story revolves around Vash the Stampede, a skilled gunman with a $60 billion double-dollar bounty on his head, known as the “Humanoid Typhoon.”
Trigun combines action, comedy, and drama as Vash encounters various characters and navigates the moral dilemmas and mysteries surrounding his past.
The series explores themes of pacifism, redemption, and the value of life.
9. Ergo Proxy
Ergo Proxy is a psychological sci-fi anime series set in a post-apocalyptic world.
The story follows Re-l Mayer, an investigator in the city of Romdo, as she unravels the mysteries behind the appearance of mysterious beings known as “Proxies.”
Ergo Proxy explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the consequences of unchecked technological advancements.
The series offers a dark and atmospheric tone, complex characters, and philosophical undertones.
8. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a fantasy/sci-fi anime series and a faithful adaptation of the original Fullmetal Alchemist manga.
The story revolves around two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who use alchemy in their quest to find the Philosopher’s Stone and restore their bodies after a failed alchemical experiment.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the consequences of tampering with the laws of nature.
The series combines action, drama, and humor, with a richly developed world and compelling character arcs.
7. Psycho-Pass
Psycho-Pass is a dystopian sci-fi anime series set in a future where society is governed by a system that measures an individual’s mental state known as the “Psycho-Pass.”
The story follows Akane Tsunemori, a young inspector, as she becomes involved in criminal investigations and questions the morality and efficiency of the system.
Psycho-Pass explores themes of free will, surveillance, and the nature of justice in a technologically advanced society.
The series offers a dark and gritty atmosphere, thrilling crime-solving, and philosophical discussions.
6. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Code Geass is a mecha anime series set in an alternate timeline where the Holy Britannian Empire has conquered a significant portion of the world.
The story follows Lelouch Lamperouge, a former prince of Britannia who obtains the power of Geass, which allows him to control others.
Lelouch becomes a masked vigilante known as “Zero” and leads a rebellion against Britannia, aiming to create a better world for his sister.
Code Geass explores themes of power, morality, and the consequences of one’s actions, with strategic battles, political intrigue, and complex character relationships.
5. Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan is a dark fantasy and post-apocalyptic anime series set in a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to giant humanoid creatures called Titans.
The story follows Eren Yeager and his friends as they join the military and fight against the Titans to reclaim their homeland.
Attack on Titan explores themes of survival, loss, and the mysteries surrounding the Titans and the truth about the world.
The series offers intense action, shocking plot twists, and a gripping narrative that delves into the depths of human desperation and the fight for freedom.
4. Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop is a classic sci-fi anime series set in a future where bounty hunters known as “Cowboys” travel through space in pursuit of criminals.
The story follows the crew of the spaceship Bebop, led by the bounty hunter Spike Spiegel, as they take on various missions while dealing with their own troubled pasts.
Cowboy Bebop combines elements of space western, noir, and jazz music, offering stylish action, memorable characters, and a melancholic exploration of existential themes.
3. Steins;Gate
Steins;Gate is a sci-fi thriller and time travel anime series centered around a group of friends who accidentally discover a way to send messages to the past.
The story follows Rintarou Okabe and his companions as they experiment with time travel, leading to unforeseen consequences and a conspiracy that threatens their lives.
Steins;Gate explores themes of causality, determination, and the ethical implications of altering timelines.
The series offers a mix of suspense, humor, and intricate storytelling, with a focus on the emotional journeys of its characters.
2. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex is a cyberpunk sci-fi anime series set in a future where humans have merged with technology, and cyberspace is interconnected.
The story follows the members of Public Security Section 9, led by Major Motoko Kusanagi, as they investigate cybercrime and deal with complex philosophical questions regarding identity, consciousness, and the nature of humanity.
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex combines action, mystery, and philosophical themes, exploring the impact of technology on society and individuality.
1. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a mecha anime series set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is under threat from powerful beings known as Angels.
The story follows Shinji Ikari, a young pilot who is recruited to pilot one of the giant mechas called “Evas” to protect humanity.
Neon Genesis Evangelion delves into psychological and philosophical themes, exploring the nature of existence, the human condition, and the complexities of interpersonal relationships.
The series offers intense mecha battles, psychological character studies, and a complex and thought-provoking narrative.
