A quarter of the 21st century has already passed, and in that time, anime has blessed us with many iconic Sci-fi stories. While some argue that the classics of the ’90s defined the genre, plenty of Sci-fi anime released this century are easily considered masterpieces, not just in anime, but in fiction as a whole.
That said, narrowing the list down to just 50 titles released since 2001 was no easy task. While rankings can often be subjective, here we’ve focused on both the significance of each series’ sci-fi setting and the overall plot, making the list a strong guide to the best modern sci-fi anime. So let’s dive right in.
50. Kiznaiver (2016)
A still from Kiznaiver | Credits: Studio Trigger
Kiznaiver offers a really interesting sci-fi setting. It’s set in a futuristic world where an experimental system, the Kizna System, can link the physical and emotional pain of an individual to others. The test subjects for this experiment are the series’ main group of protagonists. But, since the overarching sci-fi plot of the anime kind of gets overshadowed by its philosophical themes, it ranks 50th on the list.
49. Terra Formars (2014)
A still from Terra Formars | Credits: Liden Films
The plot synopsis of Terra Formars might get you hooked instantly. It has space exploration, aliens, and all that. Centuries earlier, humans successfully sent moss and cockroaches to the planet Mars. But by the time they finally manage to land on the planet, those cockroaches have evolved into humanoid monsters called Terraformars. Though interesting, after its initial sci-fi setting, it majorly becomes an action anime. Therefore, it had to be placed pretty low on the list in the top 50.
48. Guilty Crown (2011)
Inori Yuzuriha in a still from Guilty Crown | Credits: Production I.G
A mysterious apocalyptic virus is spreading everywhere that can even alter human biology. So in response, Guilty Crown introduces certain organizations that are trying to make a cure. Interestingly, one such experiment has been successful, though not fully. With the newfound biotech powers, our protagonist can extract others’ hearts and personalities to preserve. Now, even with such an active sci-fi premise, the anime ends with some unanswered questions, resulting in such a low rank.
47. Mekakucity Actors (2014)
A still from Mekakucity Actors | Credits: Studio Shaft
Mekakucity Actors is an odd one out. It sure has themes like technology, digital consciousness, and time loops, but it also blends them into a supernatural drama. It makes for a unique watch. There’s also this cybernetic girl named Ene in the anime, who brings much lore to the plot. Ene’s existence itself becomes a major story juncture. But despite all that, the series’ psychological themes often undermine the sci-fi aspect of the show, so it had to be placed within the top 50.
46. Kaiju No. 8 (2024)
Mina in a still from Kaiju No. 8 | Credits: Production I.G.
The existence of kaiju may just be fantasy on its own, but who can tell? This is not entirely out of the question. And to fight them, humanity has developed anti-kaiju weapons and even suits. The way every kaiju operation goes in Kaiju No. 8 makes it feel like top-tier mecha Sci-fi.
Here, high schooler Iroha’s life is upended when she takes in Kaguya, a mysterious girl from the moon. Together, they dive into Tsukuyomi, a dreamlike virtual world built around streaming and idol culture. The film blends VR spectacle with genuine emotional warmth. But its niche appeal, rooted in Vocaloid culture, VTubers, and internet subcultures, means it won’t click with every viewer, which is why it sits here rather than higher.
45. Patema Inverted (2013)
A still from Patema Inverted | Credits: Studio Rikka
Another unique take on the sci-fi genre, Patema Inverted explores a world where gravity does not act equally for everyone. A girl from an underground society one day finds out that their direction of gravity is the opposite of ours, meaning they would be directed toward space on Earth’s surface. But how can this be resolved, and what could even cause such a phenomenon? The anime may have your answers. That said, as good as the story is, the sci-fi relevance isn’t much in the show, apart from the whole gravitational phenomenon.
44. Akudama Drive (2020)
A still from Akudama Drive | Credits: Studio Pierrot
One of the most visually pleasing cyberpunk sci-fi thrillers is Akudama Drive. Since it’s based on urban Japan, the setting involves futuristic versions of the Kansai and Kanto regions. There are also heavy implications of AI, high-tech devices, and many more smart city technologies. Therefore, it easily secures a place in the top 50. Also, the way some of the political stuff gets revealed in the anime is done well. Despite that, the latter half of the anime dropped the ball to a certain extent, which led it to rank 44th on the list.
43. World Trigger (2014)
A still from World Trigger | Credits: Toei Animation
Though the plot may sound straightforward, the execution is done really well in World Trigger. Basically, it presents us a world where portals open throughout a futuristic city, and through them monsters from another dimension invade. So to save normal citizens, our heroes come in clutch, known as Triggers. But would defeating the monsters be enough? The anime will surely answer all that, but not too much in the conventional sci-fi way. Thus, it had to be ranked within the top 50 only.
42. Aldnoah.Zero (2014)
A still from Aldnoah.Zero | Credits: Studio TROYCA and A-1 Pictures
If fighting over countries wasn’t enough, in Aldnoah.Zero, they end up fighting between two planets. A group of people settles on Mars and forms an empire there called the Vers Empire. And by doing so, they declare independence from Earth. But in a future war, things look dire for Earthians. The Martians possess powerful mecha called Kataphrakts, powered by Aldnoah. But whom should we cheer for? Aside from its sci-fi premise, the anime mostly revolves around politics and war drama. So couldn’t rank it any higher.
41. Trigun Stampede (2023)
Vash in a still from Trigun: Stampede | Credits: Studio Orange
Another space exploration series of one sort, Trigun Stampede, really brings the OG planet adventures back. Though it is a reimagination of the original, it still brought many new ideas to the table. Here, the group of protagonists stumbles upon a desert planet where survival itself becomes hard. It even has bio-engineered life forms and lost futuristic technologies. Fans, therefore, have had their fun watching this latest adaptation, but compared to the OG Trigun’s style and aesthetic, it still pales in comparison a little bit.
40. Promare (2019)
A still from Promare | Credits: Studio Trigger
Now we’re entering the top 40 list of sci-fi anime. Promare delivers a highly advanced futuristic society where a strange mutation is spreading everywhere, causing individuals to automatically gain pyrokinetic abilities. Here comes the series’ MC who fights off these monster-esque creatures. Also, the use of futuristic firefighting techniques and breathtaking animation earns Promare a place in the top 40 of the list.
39. Darling in the Franxx (2018)
A still from Darling in the Franxx | Credits: Studio Trigger x CloverWorks
Another mecha anime, but with heavy romance and drama twists in it, Darling in the Franxx is arguably one of the most iconic sci-fi anime where humanity lives within mobile fortress cities. Why so? To protect themselves from monsters. But how did these monsters even come to be? And would our group of heroes be able to save the planet? There’s a lot that happens in the anime before answering these questions. That said, the drama aspect of the anime sometimes takes the spotlight, stealing its sci-fi charm. So it had to be placed in the top 40.
38. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)
Makoto in a still from The Girl Who Leapt Through Time | Credits: Studio Madhouse
Coming-of-age sci-fi stories are quite hard to come by. However, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time combines the two genres seamlessly. The story follows a girl who is gifted with the ability to leap backward in time. But instead of it helping her, she learns secrets that shouldn’t have been learned. She even faces difficult choices about friendship, love, and the future that she might not be ready for. The sci-fi implications in the plot are really well done, but overall, it may feel like a slice-of-life anime. Therefore, it is ranked 38th on the list.
37. Plastic Memories (2015)
A still from Plastic Memories | Credits: Studio Doga Kobo
Humanity living with androids might be a common sci-fi plot, but what if the androids in question are a little too real that one may not realize at first glance, unless told? These androids are called Giftias in the anime Plastic Memories. They even possess emotions and develop personalities of their own. But Giftias also die at some point, which allows the anime to pull off a really emotional ending. Still, to be honest, the anime is mostly famous for this exact emotional character drama, rather than the sci-fi setting. So, it ranks low on the list.
36. Space Dandy (2014)
A still from Space Dandy | Credits: Studio Bones
Space Dandy is the perfect sci-fi space exploration comedy anime, if that’s what you’re looking for. Overall, it’s just the MC venturing into space from planet to planet in search of valuable items to sell and earn money. But in doing so, he gets himself stuck in some of the most really unpleasant scenarios that are often funny as hell. Thus, it’s a loss if you don’t watch Space Dandy despite being a sci-fi fan. But you end up preferring its comedy more than the sci-fi. That’s why it is ranked only within the top 40.
35. Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song (2021)
Vivy in a still from Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song | Credits: WIT Studio
Now imagine an idol singing anime paired with a sci-fi setting. Yes, Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song perfectly fits in both genres. Here, Vivy is the first autonomous android whose mission is to spread happiness through her singing. And this time only, AI-generated songs can be appreciated. Anyway, things take a turn for the worse when AI starts acting against humanity, and Vivy has to face the consequences. Now, as you can tell, there sure is a heavy sci-fi setting in this anime, but on a grand scale, it’s more of an action show. Thus, it ranks a bit low.
34. ID:INVADED (2020)
A still from ID:INVADED | Credits: Studio Naz
Taking the sci-fi aspect up a notch, we have ID:INVADED. The concept is as interesting as it sounds, where future crime investigators use advanced technology to enter virtual worlds created from a criminal’s subconscious mind. Now, these worlds are never easy to navigate, but only here can clues crucial for solving certain cases be found. And so, our MC ventures into the mind realms! Honestly, this uses the sci-fi premise really well, but within the mind realm, it may feel more like a mystery thriller. So, you know why it ranks low on the list.
33. Eureka Seven (2005)
A still from Eureka Seven | Credits: Studio Bones
Another mecha anime, but this time with impressive worldbuilding, Eureka Seven introduces us to a planet where mysterious airborne life forms can be found. These are even habitable, and people have made devices to transport between them. But since it has strong worldbuilding, there’s bound to be enough politics. And as the story progresses, the dark origins of this ecosystem start surfacing. The sci-fi themes in this anime are not just in the initial premise but throughout. Still, the presentation is rough around the edges, resulting in a low rank.
32. Redline (2009)
A still from Redline | Credits: Studio Madhouse
Set in a distant future where humans and multiple alien species coexist, Redline is essentially a high-octane racing anime. Participants take part in the deadliest race in the galaxy, called the Redline. The animation in this movie is simply mind-blowing. As the story reaches its climax, the race turns into a bigger political affair that is sure to be a gripping watch. That said, only if you’re also into racing, only then does it become a masterpiece on its own.
31. Cosmic Princess Kaguya (2026)
Yachiyo in a still from Cosmic Princess Kaguya | Credits: Studio Colorido and Studio Chromato
Giving a sci-fi spin to The Tale of Princess Kaguya, this anime takes us to the world of virtual reality. The way it presents the VR world and the things that take place within and outside the game world is portrayed really well. Interestingly, Cosmic Princess Kaguya even has mecha fights, realistic MOBA battles, and many more VR stuff. Even the ending of the anime is unquestionably creative. But the target audience of this anime is quite narrow, because of its premise involving Vocaloids, VTubers, and all. Therefore, it’s ranked a bit low.
30. Bokurano (2007)
A still from Bokura no | Credits: Studio Gonzo
Imagine you’re asked to play a video game, only to later find out that you will actually be piloting a mecha that can destroy countries. But this time, you are asked to protect humanity from mysterious enemy mechs. Bokurano pretty much starts with such a plot. But piloting the mech here comes with a great cost. So it basically turns into a survival battle, with concepts of interdimensional conflict and parallel Earths. And with its constant sci-fi-driven plot, it easily secures a place in the top 30.
29. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (2006)
Haruhi in a still from The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya | Credits: Kyoto Animation
Introducing the concept of parallel timelines in a slice-of-life anime sounds like a tough nut to crack. But The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya pulls it off really well, along with the later movie. Especially in the 2010 feature film The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya, a direct continuation, the way things unravel is where the franchise’s sci-fi credentials truly shine. It even involves time travel in a way that hasn’t been done before. Thus, it ranks pretty high on the list, despite not being a full-fledged sci-fi.
28. Time of Eve (2008)
A still from Time of Eve | Credits: Studio Rikka
Now, let those sci-fi vibes come in full swing, because Time of Eve literally introduces us to a world where humanoid robots are a part of daily life. You cannot function without them. But amidst all of this, the series’ protagonist one day finds a cafe that seems rather odd. Upon entering, things become clearer. The cafe has one rule: humans and androids must be treated as equals. The way the anime deals with the series’ sci-fi narrative in a relaxed setting deserves this high a ranking.
27. Apocalypse Hotel (2025)
A still from Apocalypse Hotel | Credits: Cygames Pictures
In the year 2057, an airborne contagion forces all of humanity to flee Earth into space. A century later, the only sign of civilisation left is a luxury hotel in Ginza, kept running by its robot staff, who have been waiting patiently ever since. Their first guest in a hundred years? An extraterrestrial. However, amidst its cozy, beautifully animated slice-of-life storytelling, a bigger plot also lies. Thus, as you can guess, the show brims with all sorts of unexplored sci-fi ideas that deserve to be at least this high on the list.
26. A Certain Scientific Railgun (2009)
A still from A Certain Scientific Railgun | Credits: J.C.Staff
While this anime does feature overpowered abilities, they feel less like magic and more like artificially created superpowers. Therefore, A Certain Scientific Railgun easily secures a spot in the top 30. Of course, it’s a great series on its own, but the heavy implementation of sci-fi elements in the anime makes it ten times better. Here, the powers are actually derived from real laws of physics, so it all makes sense to a certain point. That’s why it’s such a masterclass sci-fi series, alongside its battle-shonen aesthetics.
25. SSSS.Dynazenon (2021)
A still from SSSS.Dynazenon | Credits: Studio Trigger
The sheer adrenaline of fighting kaiju-sized monsters with mecha cannot be explained. Thus, SSSS.Dynazenon takes its sweet spot on the list. Here, our protagonists are asked to pilot Dynazenon, a powerful combining robot capable of fighting the kaiju. But things escalate when greater mysteries about the origin of these kaiju come to the forefront. Though it’s a great sci-fi, you might prefer its mecha aspect more, which is enough to rank it in the top 25.
24. Girls’ Last Tour (2017)
A still from Girls’ Last Tour | Credits: Studio White Fox
If you love exploration and stories about lost civilizations, then Girls’ Last Tour might be the perfect pick for you. The series is set in a ruined cityscape that has now become a lost futuristic civilization. Our protagonists, two girls, wander around this unexplored landscape as they discover ancient relics and many truths about the previous civilization. Thus, with its intricate sci-fi-based exploration premise, it ranks 24th on the list.
23. Summer Wars (2009)
A still from Summer Wars | Credits: Studio Madhouse
Not so far in the future, the story of Summer Wars presents a virtual reality world that has become an everyday part of everyone’s life. It’s like a second life people can log into to escape the harsh real world. But things take a turn for the worse when the MC accidentally triggers a rogue AI named Love Machine in this VR world. It almost breaks the entire system in the most tragic way possible, which is honestly one of the best representations of a sci-fi VR world in anime.
22. Shinsekai Yori (2012)
A still from Shinsekai Yori | Credits: A-1 Pictures
Though it has fantasy vibes in the anime, Shinsekai Yori originally has a dark sci-fi plot involving human experimentation and forbidden research. It is set in a distant future where humanity develops psychic abilities. However, the origin of this power? Unauthorized genetic engineering, memory manipulation, and whatnot were orchestrated to reach this current world. The anime not only has heavy sci-fi themes, but is also a well-written fantasy drama, which helps it rank this high.
21. Megalo Box (2018)
A still from Megalo Box | Credits: TMS Entertainment
Traditional boxing sure is fun to watch, but what if the fighters get to upgrade themselves with enhanced exoskeleton gear? Yes, that’s what Megalo Box is all about. It turns traditional sports anime into something of a sci-fi event, where the MC climbs from the very bottom using his new boxing gear. The anime masterfully explores the influence of technology on humanity in the most unconventional way. Therefore, it easily secures 21st on the list.
20. Gurren Lagann (2007)
Kamina in a still from Gurren Lagann | Credits: Studio Gainax
While it does scream shonen vibes, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann blends action and sci-fi in a perfect ratio. It presents an Earth where humanity is forced to live underground because of Beastmen roaming the surface. But after obtaining the rightful means to fight back, mecha suits, the series’ protagonists try to break free from oppression. Also, the animation and overall direction of this anime are pretty iconic, making it a perfect contender as the 20th anime on this list.
19. Gintama (2006)
Gintoki Sakata in a still from Gintama | Credits: Studio Sunrise
Though most fans might consider Gintama a comedy anime for the most part, it does have heavy sci-fi implications, which easily deserve a place in the top 20. At first, the setting may seem like Edo-period Japan, but it’s a lot more futuristic than we realize. Here, an alien species invades and starts ruling the region. Now, Gintoki and his peers take on jobs to deal with these aliens using their samurai gear, while also handling futuristic technology.
18. Parasyte: The Maxim (2014)
Shinichi Izumi in a still from Parasyte: The Maxim | Credits: Madhouse
It’s not like we see sci-fi horror that often, right? But Parasyte: The Maxim quite skillfully pulls off this unusual combo. It shows what it would be like if an alien species formed a symbiotic relationship with a human. Instead of being able to control the MC’s brain, the alien named Migi takes over his right hand. Now, his right hand can do all sorts of weird, gory tricks. Thus, mixing body horror, alien sci-fi, and action, Parasyte secures the 18th rank in the list.
17. Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans (2015)
A still from Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans | Credits: Studio Sunrise
The Gundam franchise dates back to the ’70s. But even in the last decade, another new series to the franchise, Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans, was a great addition. It presents Mars as a now habitable planet, but the people there are still politically controlled by Earth. Enter our Martian orphaned freedom fighters, fighting to regain their dignity. Now, among most other recent Gundam series, this one easily has the best combination of sci-fi and war drama.
16. 86 Eighty-Six (2021)
A still from 86 | Credits: A-1 Pictures
A well-written military sci-fi anime sounds like a great watch, right? 86 Eighty-Six indeed is and deserves the 16th rank. Why? The plot goes deeper than what is presented at first. Essentially, it presents a nation that uses remotely controlled drones to pilot mecha war machines in battles, but in reality, there is a group of soldiers, unknown to normal citizens, who pilot these. With its revelation, the series takes a dark turn with its mecha narrative.
15. Dr. Stone (2019)
Senku in a still from Dr. Stone | Credits: TMS Entertainment
One fine day, all of humanity on Earth suddenly gets petrified by a mysterious light, and the species ceases to exist. However, for our boy Senku in Dr. Stone, this wasn’t enough to stop him. He found a way to survive and then set out on an adventure to bring human civilization back. Thus, at its core, Dr. Stone has one of the most refreshing sci-fi concepts one can ever imagine, which certainly deserves to be 15th on the list.
14. Dead Dead Demons Dededede Destruction (2024)
A still from Dead Dead Demons Dededede Destruction | Credits: Production +h.
Another alien invasion sci-fi storyline, but this time the stakes don’t escalate right away. In Dead Dead Demons Dededede Destruction, a massive alien spaceship arrives in an alternate-world Tokyo, but it simply stays in the sky and does nothing for the time being. Life returns to normal, despite the lingering fear of aliens invading from the spaceship. What happens next, though, is totally unexpected. The suspense this anime brings with its sci-fi plot helps it rank in the top 15.
13. Paprika (2006)
A still from Paprika | Credits: Madhouse
Paprika is an unsettling watch. Essentially, it’s a psychological sci-fi thriller, where a device called the DC Mini is introduced that allows one to interact with others’ dreams. However, in one of the experiments, the scientist herself develops an alter ego inside the dream world, and after a certain incident, her dream world starts slipping into the real world. The way it’s all presented is really awe-inspiring, which undoubtedly deserves to be this high on the list.
12. Kaiba (2008)
A still from Kaiba | Credits: Studio Madhouse
Kaiba‘s sci-fi plot is easily one of the most interesting ones, which helped it earn 12th place here. Like, being able to store memories in digitized form, which can then be transferred to other bodies, just wow. Interestingly, it takes a dark turn, though, as influential rich people essentially gain immortality in this way, but the poor cannot afford to use such technology. But how trustworthy is this tech? There’s a lot to uncover in the anime.
11. Astra Lost in Space (2019)
A still from Astra Lost in Space | Credits: Studio Lerche
Next, we have one of the arguably best sci-fi space exploration anime. Astra Lost in Space manages to present the horror of venturing into endless space impeccably. The story follows a group of astronauts who get mysteriously transported thousands of light-years away from their home planet. Now they have to navigate through their damaged spaceship and find a way to get back home. The presentation of the other planets, their ecosystems, and the characters’ decision-making are top-notch here, which is why it is ranked 11th in the list.
10. Dennou Coil (2007)
A still from Dennou Coil | Credits: Studio Madhouse
Finally, we’re now entering the very top 10. First, we have Dennou Coil. The sci-fi plot of this show is as innovative as it is thought-provoking. The story is set in a near-future world filled with mystery and suspense. The use of Augmented Reality is portrayed masterfully in the anime, which allows people to interact with virtual objects, AI pets, and hidden data using specialized glasses. But whatever’s happening on the ‘other side’ of this AR world would totally leave you speechless.
9. Heavenly Delusion (2023)
A still from Heavenly Delusion | Credits: Production I.G.
On the surface, Heavenly Delusion may feel like a sci-fi survival anime, which it initially is. But the more you keep watching, the more you realize it has many layers, which makes the show an easy contender for the 9th place in this list. The sci-fi plot goes deeper, slowly revealing one of the most unique post-apocalyptic worlds. You start piecing the fragmented storylines together. In this world, our protagonists venture out to find the truth, but can they reach their destination while evading all the mutated Man-Eater monsters?
8. Ergo Proxy (2006)
A still from Ergo Proxy | Credits: Studio Manglobe
Ergo Proxy might just be the darkest sci-fi thriller anime on the list, quite inarguably deserving of this high ranking in the list. It is set in a post-apocalyptic future where humanity lives in a ruined cityscape. They also heavily rely on androids called AutoReivs, which assist the remaining humans. But later, the androids start showing unusual behavior. Soon, we learn there are greater murder mysteries linked to these androids and the presence of godlike entities!
7. Planetes (2003)
Hachirota Hoshino in a still from Planetes | Credits: Studio Sunrise
Not often do we see space exploration sci-fi anime that still has a pretty realistic plot. But Planetes, sure has. Watching it would give you one of the most well-thought-out sci-fi storylines, which deserves this high ranking. It essentially presents a futuristic world where a certain group of astronauts is tasked with collecting space debris. Since traveling in space has become the norm, the so-called debris from broken satellites and the like often causes accidents. Thus, cleaning the space is required to keep things safe.
6. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (2006)
Lelouch in a still from Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion | Credits: Studio Sunrise
Code Geass’ main appeal stems from its protagonist, who is a mastermind and also a master manipulator. He is gifted with an alien power one day, which allows him to control anyone who makes eye contact with him. But beneath its mystery thriller plot, the mecha-ruled action and war politics are phenomenally portrayed. Even the ending of Code Geass is hugely regarded as the best ending the medium has to offer, which secures the 6th place with much ease.
5. Psycho-Pass (2012)
A still from Psycho-Pass | Credits: Production I.G
One of the most innovative sci-fi thrillers, Psycho-Pass, has a plot that is a sure contender for 5th place on the list. Imagine a world where humans are constantly monitored for mental states, personalities, and most importantly, the likelihood of committing a crime. If the AI system detects that there might be a possibility of you doing something unholy, the Public Safety officers will apprehend you. However, this system has deeply rooted flaws that later become central to the story when the anime’s antagonist manages to bypass it. Doesn’t that sound exciting?
4. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners (2022)
Lucy in a still from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners | Credits: Studio Trigger
Who could have thought the world of Night City from the Cyberpunk 2077 game could be replicated this well in an anime? But Edgerunners nailed it with the animation and presentation. Even the story it tells is deeply emotional and psychological. After all, navigating this unforgiving futuristic world is a challenge in itself. Also, the tearjerking conclusion of the anime is more than enough reason to rank it 4th on the list.
3. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (2002)
A still from Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex | Credits: Production I.G.
Completely separate from the original ’90s movie, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex weaves a masterclass in sci-fi storytelling, deserving of the very 3rd place in the list. The plot almost has everything you’d expect from a sci-fi storyline. It is set in the near future, where cybernetic enhancements, brain-computer interfaces, and full-body prosthetics are pretty common. But the side effects of overrelying on these can be deadly. It essentially blurs the line between human consciousness and artificial intelligence.
2. Steins;Gate (2011)
A still from Steins;Gate | Credits: White Fox
Arguably the best when it comes to time travel storylines, Steins;Gate is an anime with literally no loopholes in its narrative. Thus, no way we could rank it any lower. Despite crafting a grand storyline around time travel, this anime makes the very concept most believable. The protagonist doesn’t literally travel back in time but finds a way to send messages to the past. This creates multiple timelines and alternate universes, which all make full sense.
1. Pluto (2023)
Now, finally, the crown for the best sci-fi anime of the 21st century goes to none other than Pluto. The narrative and core message of the show are quite inarguably unmatched to this day. The way it has not only shown a world where humans and robots live alongside each other, but also the positive and negative consequences that can arise from it, is simply outstanding.
This even gives a tribute to one of the earliest sci-fi stories ever, Astro Boy. Another thing Pluto explores well is exactly how and when a machine can go out of control. It is when they are provided with extreme emotions. Thus, the storytelling brilliance and the anime’s conclusion deserve the #1 spot.
With that, the list comes to an end. Assuming you’re also a fellow sci-fi connoisseur, how many of the listed titles have you watched? & what are you planning to binge next? Feel free to let us know.
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