When it comes to science fiction, anime is at the forefront for bringing new, exciting futures to our screens in captivating ways. From bizarre time-travelling adventures to impressive mecha battles to full-on space operas, nothing is off the table for these intrepid explorers.
Anime has only grown in popularity over the past decade, which means a myriad of new stories have been created to quench our thirst for more. With sci-fi opening up countless interesting storytelling opportunities, there has been an influx of new releases taking us to the furthest reaches of the galaxy. With 2020 around the corner, we thought we'd take a look at the very best sci-fi anime from the past 10 years.
10 Carole & Tuesday (2019)
Not all sci-fi is about battling aliens in deep space or exploring the cosmos in a trusty spaceship. This stunning series from Shinichirō Watanabe and BONES explores the impact living in an advanced AI world has on the arts and creativity.
50 years in the future, humans are living on Mars. When Tuesday Simmons runs away from her comfortable life to pursue music in the big city, she meets budding songwriter, Carole Stanley. The pair team up to compete in the AI-dominated music industry, hoping their feelings can influence their songs. It's a wonderful series with an incredible soundtrack. With the series' second half due to air on December 24th, it will be a great way to wrap up the decade.
9 Mobile Suit Gundam: Unicorn (2010 - 2014)
Gundam is one of the most iconic mecha franchises of all time, and justifiably so. This instalment explores the Universal Century timeline as quiet student Banagher Links' life is shaken up when he meets Audrey Burne. Audrey is in possession of a key which could open the "Laplace's Box," a device believed to have the power to alter the entire universe. Swept up in the adventure, Banagher pilots the new Gundam Unicorn.
While it might not be the friendliest entry point for new Gundam viewers, this series has everything a fan would expect from the franchise: stunning animation, epic action, distinct characters, and incredible mechas.
8 Orange (2016)
Based on Ichigo Takano's manga, this sci-fi romance is one of the most binge-worthy series of the last decade. Originally skeptical about receiving a letter from her future self, warning her about her "biggest regrets," Naho Takamiya begins to believe she might be able to reshape her destiny and save transfer-student Kakeru Naruse from a tragic fate.
Orange is a compelling exploration of regret and friendship. While the visuals are beautiful, they are contrasted by surprisingly dark undertones. Introducing a sci-fi twist to a shōjo romance adds a welcome spin on a well-worn genre, making for poignant and unique storytelling tackling difficult subjects.
7 Space Brothers (2012 - 2014)
When two brothers seemingly see a UFO in the sky, they vow to explore space one day. Years later, youngest brother Hibito gets the chance to make that dream a reality, having completed his astronaut training. Things aren't going quite as well for older brother Mutta. But change is around the corner as he joins the latest round of astronaut selection after losing his office job.
Space Brothers' story is simple, but that doesn't make it any less impactful. With realistic, relatable characters, this series is full of heart, comedy, and a genuine passion for space exploration. At its core, it's a series about pursuing dreams, no matter how out of reach they seem.
6 Space Dandy (2014)
Sleek, stylish, and entertaining, Space Dandy is a wild romp through the galaxy. With many of the creative minds behind Cowboy Bebop on board, including director Shinichirō Watanabe and producer Masahiko Minami, it's hardly surprising this series quickly became considered a classic. Infused with the team's excellent artwork and inventive score, it's a truly original show.
Space Dandy travels through the cosmos with his robot vacuum QT and the alien Meow on board the Aloha Oe to hunt down classified aliens, often running into calamity along the way. Each adventure is more bizarre than the last, making it difficult to predict just where Dandy and his crew will end up next.
5 Uchuu Senkan Yamato 2199 (2012 - 2013)
1974's Space Battleship Yamato is without a doubt one of the most impactful sci-fi anime ever, being dubbed the Star Wars of Japan. Fans held their breath when the space opera was remade in 2012, worried it wouldn't live up to the original. Fortunately, Uchuu Senkan Yamato 2199 (or Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 2199) is a wonderfully faithful update of a classic.
When earth's inhabitants are forced to evacuate, the Space Battleship Yamato and its young crew must transport the survivors through an onslaught of attacks to reach safe harbor on the planet Iscandar. It's a timeless tale of humanity and survival which explores the murky grey areas of morality, filled with memorable characters and beautifully updated artwork.
4 Psycho-Pass (2012 - 2019)
In the 22nd Century, the Sibyl System has changed the nature of law enforcement. Able to detect criminal intent by examining a citizen's mental state, Inspectors can prevent crime by arresting those who get negative readings. Akane Tsunemori is one such Inspector, but when she's partnered with Enforcer Shinya Kougami and discovers the Sibyl System's imperfections, she begins to question justice.
Anime has a knack for tackling thought-provoking subjects in a gripping way, and Psycho-Pass is no exception. A compelling cop drama, it explores the complexities of human psychology and morality. Akane is an excellent protagonist and it's thrilling to watch the plot unfold around her. With subsequent seasons and films continuing to be released, it has become one of the most popular sci-fi franchises of the past decade.
3 Shinsekai Yori (2012)
Beneath the shiny surface of a newly built utopia lies many dark secrets. With some discovering they have telekinetic abilities, old power structures are overthrown and new ones created. Sage Academy, a school for psychics, is created for children awakening to their powers, and 12-year-old Saki Watanabe is about to enroll. Along with her new friends, they begin to discover the dark side of their seemingly perfect society.
Gut-wrenching and dramatic, this creative coming-of-age story follows five kids as they question societal norms. Don't let the crisp animation, bright colors, and young protagonists fool you, Shinsekai Yori is full of sinister plot and unexpected turns, with the suspense building expertly as the story progresses.
2 Steins;Gate (2011)
Steins;Gate is undoubtedly one of the most popular anime of the last decade, celebrated by fans and critics alike—and for good reason. What begins as a goofy comedy turns into a time-travelling thriller as self-proclaimed mad scientist Rintarou Okabe accidentally discovers time travel.
The anime is hugely enjoyable, filled with distinct, likeable characters. The story is well-written, with a dramatic turn mid-way through the series kicking it into high gear. The time travel aspects have been carefully considered and well developed, which is a refreshing take on the often clunky trope. But it's the characters who are at Steins;Gate's heart, making their adventure all the more compelling. Hilarious and heart-breaking, it continues to resonate with audiences across the globe.
1 Your Name (2016)
Makoto Shinkai's Your Name is a stunning anime worthy of the top spot. Mitsuha Miiyamizu lives in the country but dreams of life in the big city, while city boy Taki Tachibana is juggling school and work. Finding themselves waking in each other's bodies, their lives become intrinsically linked.
Bursting with breathtaking scenery, gorgeous animation, and a perfectly suited soundtrack, Your Name cherishes Japanese traditions and culture. With loveable characters at its center, it's a joy to watch the story unfold.
The film made an incredible impact following its release. Not only a huge commercial success in Japan, becoming the second-highest grossing domestic film behind Spirited Away, saw worldwide success. Hollywood have even sunk their claws into it, with a live-action adaptation in the works. Whether they can improve on the original will be no small challenge.