Some genres are so iconic that they contain masterpieces in all media, andsci-fiis one of those timeless genres. While sci-fi may not be as popular as it once was, its roots are deeply ingrained inanime, dating back toMobile Suit Gundam, which established the genre as an instant classic. Since then, numerous sci-fi shows have captivated fans with their distinctive premises or epic space opera battles.
However, only a handful have separated themselves from the rest, earning the title of masterpieces. This list highlights ten sci-fi anime shows that are masterpieces, distinguished by their exceptionalquality and consistency, compelling storylines, well-written characters, intricate worldbuilding, critical acclaim, and fan opinion, as well as their representation ofthe sci-fi genre.
10’Pluto' (2023)
Created by Naoki Urasawa
Naoki Urasawais one of the most iconic manga writers alive, responsible for series such asMonsterand20th Century Boys. His most recent anime adaptation isPluto, a reimagination of an arc fromOsamu Tezuka’sAstro Boy. When the world’s most powerful androids begin to die, Gesicht, another android, must investigate this string of murders which connect to his dark past.
Plutoimmerses the audience in a mystery plot that takes fans across the world, exploring the politics of the future and the android’s place in it. It beautifully captures the emotion while raising the question of who has the right to love and hate.Plutois a masterclass in character writing, telling personal stories, motivations, and love in a futuristic world, making ita perfect sci-fi anime series.
9’Space Dandy' (2014)
Created by Shin’ichirô Watanabe
Shin’ichirō Watanabeis a legendary creator who has explored sci-fi numerous times, including in the currently airingLazarus. While most fans will think of a particular show later on this list,Space Dandyis one of his most underrated works. Dandy and his crew make a living by registering unknown alien species, but he often encounters trouble with the Gogol Empire and his own ineptitude.
Unlike most shows on this list, which offer a single experience,Space Dandy’s beauty lies in its variety, with each episode dabbling in different genres, tones, and stories. From upbeat musicals to depressing world-ending events,Space Dandydelivers a diverse range of experiences that keep the series fresh and entertaining.Space Dandyis a creative masterpieceand a unicorn in the sci-fi genre.
Space Dandy
8’Cyberpunk: Edgerunners' (2022)
Created by Mike Pondsmith and Rafal Jaki
Cyberpunk 2077had a rough launch, but it has since become a critically acclaimed video game with a just as successful anime spin-off,Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. After David Martinez lost his mother, he joined a gang with his cybernetic spine, hoping to get revenge on the city and people who took her from him. However, he only experiences more pain, suffering, and trauma.
With a colorful exterior and in-your-face animation,Cyberpunk: Edgerunnersbrings out the best of the sci-fi genre through its over-the-top appearance and tragic storytelling. It details the twisted setting through its magnificent worldbuilding and traumatic backstories, creating a depressing world and one of thebest dystopian anime shows.Cyberpunk: Edgerunnersexcels because of its unique brightness and distinctive action.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
7’Serial Experiments Lain' (1998)
Created by Yasuyuki Ueda
While most of the sci-fi anime on this list depict a dark future or epic space battles,Serial Experiments Lainis grounded in the 1990s. When the titular protagonist receives an email from her deceased classmate, she investigates the dark web, where she discovers the immense power it holds, becoming a god in this virtual world.
Because of its avant-garde nature,Serial Experiment Lain’s unorthodox story didn’t appeal to everyone, but its thematic writing and warning about technology is a fascinating warning that eerily came true. Its dark tone and mysterious elements combine to create an intimidating series with incredible writing for fans to explore, creating ananime masterpiece of the ’90s.
Serial Experiments Lain
6’Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion' (2006)
Created by Goro Taniguchi and Ichiro Okouchi
Almost every decade has a revolutionary mecha anime series, and in the 2000s, it wasCode Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion. With Britannia in control over most of the world, including Japan, the titular protagonist sparks a revolution after gaining a mysterious power. However, he will have to get his hands dirty if he wants to topple an empire and get his personal revenge.
Code Geassis a staple of the anime community due to its politically intense plot, which pits a superpower against a group of insurgents who slowly build their strength until they can fight on equal terms.Code Geassis a perfect anime, boasting one of the best endings in history, which flawlessly wraps up one of the most complex plots. With political tension, thrilling action, and profound character moments, this anime isa delight for sci-fi fans.
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
5’FLCL' (2000)
Created by Kazuya Tsurumaki
Avant-garde isn’t the most popular genre, butFLCLtranscends it due to its immense popularity, which has rendered it a cult classic. After his brother left, Naota took it upon himself to take care of everything, losing the sense of wonder that had marked his childhood. But when a Vespa-riding woman manipulates him to summon her interdimensional lover, he experiences love for the first time.
FLCLmay be bizarre and challenging to understand at times, but it tells a simple anddeeply relatable story through exaggerated means to convey its point. Its unorthodox story and experimental animation yield amazing results, creating a wacky and endearing anime which uses its sci-fi backdrop to pull off its outlandish amazement.FLCLis an underrated masterpieceand a truly unique piece of fiction that elevates the sci-fi genre.
4’Neon Genesis Evangelion' (1995)
Created by Hideaki Anno
LikeFLCL,Neon Genesis Evangelionis an avant-garde anime that exceeds the bounds of the genre, becoming one of the most popular and influential anime series of all time. In a rundown world facing an extinction event at the hands of angel-like aliens, Shinji is the only one who can save the Earth, but first, he must overcome his personal struggles and trauma.
Despite being fairly controversial,Neon Genesis Evangelionis a staple of the sci-fi genre, reinventing it through its focus on mental health and self-expression. Its innovative animation set a new standard, elevating the story to outstanding heights.Neon Genesis Evangelionis a bleak anime, but this darkness is what sets it apart from the rest, utilizing a broken world to elicit empathy and identity.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
3’Legend of the Galactic Heroes' (1988)
Created by Yoshiki Tanaka
As the oldest anime on this list,Legend of the Galactic Heroeshas stood the test of time to remain a sci-fi masterpiece. The rise of two young leaders breaks a 150-year stalemate between two interstellar powers, with war on the horizon because of their clashing ideals. One wants a unified system and leader, while the other believes in a democratic system, leading to an intergalactic war.
It’s unfortunate thatLegend of the Galactic Heroesisn’t as popular anymore, because it contains one of the most riveting plots in all anime. This political thriller is more than just action; it is anepic, large-scale space opera, featuring intricate schemes, intense battles, drama, and high tension.Legend of the Galactic Heroesis a timelessmasterpiece and a landmark in sci-fi anime that more fans need to experience.
Legend Of The Galactic Heroes
2’Cowboy Bebop' (1998)
Watanabe’s second anime on this list is also his magnum opus, withCowboy Bebopbeing one of the most critically acclaimed anime series of all time. In a future where anyone can travel the galaxy, crime has spread into every corner, giving people like Spike Spiegel and his crew of bounty hunters a job. However, when his past catches up with him, he must face it or risk it consuming him and his friends.
Cowboy Bebopis a definitive sci-fi series, and the first anime most fans think of when imagining the genre. By mixing jazz, noir, and action,Cowboy Bebopcreatesa distinct style that shockingly fits with a sci-fi setting, enhancing each other. Each episode is a treat, offering profound insight and riveting plots, culminating in a life-changing series that isn’t far from being calledthe best anime of all time.
Cowboy Bebop
1’Steins;Gate' (2011)
Created by Nitroplus and 5pb.
While it may have been a tough battle for the number one spot,Steins;Gatereigns supreme as the best sci-fi anime masterpiece, and for good reason. Thismature anime for adultstells a complex story about time travel, yet it remains consistent in its writing. After creating a machine that sends texts into the past, Okabe must fix his timeline or suffer grave consequences.
Cowboy Bebopmay be more unique, stylish, and distinct, butSteins;Gatemay have a slow start; however, the latter has too good writing not to take the top spot.The writing is flawless, with no plot holes or inconsistencies in one of the most complex anime plots,which is truly an outstanding feat for an anime. Its consistent quality and coherent narrative build one of the most impressive stories in anime, and are thus worth the title of a masterpiece.
