Top 10 Anime that Sci-fi Fans Need to See

Top 10 Anime for Sci-Fi Fans

Also in:

Top 10 Anime Moments That Made Fans Rage Quit

From traversing the fringes of space to altering the fabric of time, these anime are a sci-fi diehard’s dream. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we are counting down our picks for the top ten anime for sci-fi fans. For this list, we’ll be looking at the anime that heavily focus on the elements of science fiction. So if you’re a trekky but not yet an anime fan, these shows might appeal to you.

Even in the depths of space, war still rages on. Focusing on two opposing factions; The Galactic Alliance and the Free Planets Alliance, this series chooses to focus on the politics and emotional stakes that come with any conflict. With sympathetic heroes and undeterred monsters on both sides of the war, if you’re looking for a military space opera that explores all facets of humanity then this might be the one for you.

In this underdog story about persistence and brotherhood, Mutta Nanba is a down on his luck nobody who can only watch as his younger sibling gets even closer to living out their dream of setting foot on the moon. This all changes when Mutta is unexpectedly given the chance to train to become an astronaut, beginning a painfully realistic journey of self-fulfilment. With all manners of obstacles to overcome along with a splash of comedy, this inspiring piece with not only melt your heart but also provide a fresh reminder to never let go of your dreams.

Things are not looking good for humanity. After the destruction of Earth by the nearly unstoppable Gauna, the only remaining humans now live aboard spaceships. Having spent his whole live sheltered in the underbelly of the spaceship Sidonia, Nagate Tanikaze finds himself going from outcast to hero when faced once again with the Guana. Their only hope? Giant robots armed with spears. Though many often get turned off by the idea of 3D anime, it along side its phenomenal sound design compliments Knights of Sidonia’s tone perfectly, giving an experience like no other.

Behold the most hot-blooded anime of all time. From the size and scope of their mecha, the sheer manliness of Kamina, and the sex appeal of Yoko, Team Da-Gurren knows how to leave an impression. As humankind is kept in perpetual subjugation, Kamina and Simon find themselves joining the failing rebellion against the forces of the Spiral King, leading to some of anime’s most insane giant robot battles. It is a story of bonds and breaking through the concept of logic – each episode reaching greater heights than the last.

#6: “Neon Genesis Evangelion” (1995-96)

Also in:

Top 10 Neon Genesis Evangelion Moments

You would be hard pressed to not have at least heard of this anime or its legacy. As a vicious alien horde known as Angels invade the Earth, causing all manner of symbolic destruction, mankind’s fate rests in the hands of the mentally-fragile Shinji and his EVA-Unit. You can expect plenty of bloodshed and plenty of Abrahamic-religious related visuals, not to mention the constant question of which of our supposed heroes will be the first one to snap.

If you’re into dystopian cyber-punk series, look no further. The Dominator-wielding agents of the Public Safety Bureau have more than earned their spot as a modern classic. Set in an authoritarian world where every citizen is mentally monitored, crimes are now determined by a person’s emotional state. While theoretically beneficial, the price is most certainly a steep one, something our two Enforcers are frequently reminded of. With a gripping narrative, brutal confrontations, and intriguing plot twists, you would indeed by psycho not to check this one out.

#4: “Ghost in the Shell” series (1995-2015)

Also in:

Top 10 Greatest Ghost-Type Pokémon

What does it truly mean to be human? The distinction between man and machine blurs in this acclaimed franchise. Over the course of several films and animated series you will explore the world that Public Security Section 9 operates, and also meet one of anime’s most badass female leads; Major Makoto Kusanagi. You might want to check out the original movie to prep yourself for the 2017 live action adaptation…or maybe you’re in the anti-Scojo camp. Either way, no one curb-stomps robots like the Major.

What happens when you mix together time-travel, a microwave and a self-proclaimed mad scientist? A damn good anime, that’s what! After finding they can use a cell-phone operated microwave to send text messages to the past and consequently alter the present, Rintaro Okabe and his fellow unorthodox research team find themselves in a whole heap of trouble. With timelines constantly switching and collapsing, not only do we end up with some side-splitting comedy, but also a dramatic thriller. Time may be in their control, but is most certainly not on their side.

#2: “Gundam” series (1979-)

Also in:

Top 10 Gundam Series

How could we not include the expansive franchise that practically wrote the book on robots kicking the crap out of each other? Pioneering the genre with Mobile Suit Gundam all the way to Iron-Blooded Orphans, the vast multitude of death machines have in many ways served as the backdrop to each series’ main cast, each of whom show the horrors of war through their actions…while also piloting said death machine in cosmic clashes! Whether you want to start with the old-school or jump right into a newer instalment, there’s guaranteed to be a Gundam series for you. Before we reveal our number one pick, here are a few honourable mentions. “Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet” (2013) “Code Geass” (2006-08) “Space Dandy” (2014)

#1: “Cowboy Bebop” (1998-99)

Also in:

Top 10 Worst Changes In Netflix's Cowboy Bebop

The charismatic crew of the Bebop steal the show as the anime that every sci-fi fan has the obligation to watch. With the suave yet troubled Spike Spiegal at the helm, this ragtag group of bounty hunters bring everything from hardcore action, spaceships, interplanetary crime organisations, and even a super intelligent dog to the table. Crisscrossing the groups’ hilarious banter with Spike, Jet, Faye and Ed’s own personal journeys, you can be in it for the laughs, the beautiful galactic visuals or the deadly encounters with the Red Dragon Syndicate, these space cowboys hit the mark every time. Do you agree with our list? What do you think is the ideal anime for sci-fi fans? With new top tens published every day be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.