I love it when anime series get creative and innovative. While some may land into disasters while trying something new, some end up having stunning results too. Perhaps this is why the drive for sci-fi anime just never stop increasing. Science fiction anime have trended since a long time.
From Cowboy Bebop to Neon Genesis Evangelion, the 20th century had some of the best sci-fi anime ever known to anime fans. When it’s about anime, one can let their imagination free and achieve impossible plots and execute them with perfection. The demand for sci-fi anime have since grown.
A lot of science fiction anime lovers seek a variation, a unique, distinguished feature in the plot. Over time, many favourable sci-fi anime have been created wanting to fulfill such fans’ demands.
Are sci-fi anime really that fun? Absolutely! Experiencing the future through anime is one of the best feelings. One can go looking for hardcore fights, big robots, or scary aliens from another world in science fiction anime.
Imagination is limitless, and the plot is bound by the roots of science only. Being one of the science fiction fanatics, I have realized that it is not about how accurate things are that makes science fiction successful. Rather, it is about how believable the anime can be.
Best Sci-fi Anime
People often go around the internet looking for good sci-fi anime to watch. Here are my top ten best sci-fi anime that I feel everyone should watch. These anime can be found on any legal anime streaming platform, including Netflix, Crunchyroll, Funimation, or HiDive.
Plastic memories
Plastic Memories is a romantic science fiction anime. It is more about the growing interaction between the two main characters rather than about science. However, the anime has a brilliantly created futuristic atmosphere that definitely wins it one of the spots in my list of best sci-fi anime of the 21st century. The anime is set amidst artificial intelligence and advanced technology.
Along with being quite over the top, the anime is surprisingly cute and wholesome. This anime is also very moving and has made many of its viewers shed many tears. Plastic Memories has a good plot, but it binds with me on a very emotional level. However, the sci-fi content might not be up to the mark for some viewers. So is this anime worth watching? Definitely.
Plastic Memories
Eight-Six
From 2021, Eighty-Six is perhaps the most successful sci-fi anime. No one among those who experienced the anime’s journey would say they hated the show. The main sci-fi factor of Eighty-Six is its dystopian and mecha concepts. The anime’s weapon designs are beautiful, and I would be lying if I say I wasn’t immediately smitten by the designs.
Other than the amazing sci-fi setting, the anime also addresses important issues that still lurk in the present society, like racism and sexism. Eighty-Six is a very unique piece of work. Its characters are very interesting and likable, all the while being quite strong. It has an emotional and strategic balance that makes it one of the best sci-fi anime that must not be missed.
Eighty-Six.
Code Geass
The word ‘masterpiece’ often loses its value when it is stamped for everything. However, a masterpiece is also the only word that can completely describe Code Geass in a single word. From character development to character interaction and character design to concept designs,
Code Geass easily dominates much-existing anime. The anime is built with so much precision that there is barely any space for loopholes in the plot. Code Geass’ prime genre can be described as psychological or political.
However, for its outstanding mecha background, its sci-fi nature just cannot be overlooked. If your idea of a good sci-fi anime is a big mechanic body armor, Code Geass is what you are looking for.
Code Geass.
Gantz
Gantz has a very mature theme. Gore, profanity, nudity, and sexual scenes: Gantz has it all. Although this might put some fans off from continuing the show, I believe this is what makes it realistic. The anime is a big mess, but it is definitely amazing. Out of all the things that Gantz does, the one thing that it is not is generic.
It is quite unique and has different (read that realistic) consequences. The anime is set in a game where the characters thrive and fight to survive. It has robots, aliens, and many other thrilling elements of science fiction. Gantz is easily one of the best sci-fi anime for me, especially because of its believable plot.
Gantz.
Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song
A very exciting show, Fluorite Eye’s Song, has managed to catch the interest of several people. The show easily switches between dark and depressing shades to cover your senses with the realism and let you know that the situation is not something you can laugh at.
I think the show has a perfect flow, thanks to the well-written script. What keeps it from getting boring is that it keeps the audience on their toes, has a storyline that paces fast, and is packed with thrilling events. The visuals are stunning too.
The creative artists have done an amazing job in making beautiful images which keep the show aesthetically pleasing. I mean, notice the close-up shots of Vivy’s face, how the details to every contour have been given specific attention!
You can see the hard work that was put in this magnanimous creation. There is a consistency in the way the anime has been built up, and that’s what keeps me hooked.
With the top-notch quality of artists and how they have been portrayed in the show, it’s no surprise that it can take your breath away. The evidence is stronger in the intensity of action scenes that are bound to leave you in chills.
Vivy Fluorite Eye’s Song.
Dr. Stone
In all honesty, Dr. Stone is one of those shows that you can thoroughly enjoy only if you are okay with letting go of the logic behind their made-up science stuff. Of course, there’s a lot portrayed in the anime about science that is factually correct.
But, there is an exaggeration attached to the understanding of this science and how the characters utilize it. One of the most important characters based on this is Senkuu, a supercomputer whose exterior is built of the skin of a human.
Senkuu looks like any normal guy but with the most brilliant mind to ever exist in the world. Dr. Stone is all about Senkuu, who manages to gather a team of science enthusiasts, each member hosting different goals and personalities.
Initially, Senkuu does not have friendly relations with his team members, but as the anime develops, there is much more character growth, and they all work together to achieve Senkuu’s ultimate goal- to build a science kingdom.
Dr. Stone.
Akudama Drive
If you like over-the-top action science thrillers, Akudama Drive has all the excitement in store for you. The base of the story is all about the inequities that exist in modern society. In most cases, it’s difficult to come up with a unique cyberpunk setting.
But, Akudana Drive achieves it by providing a unique and refreshing interpretation of the niche. It makes subtle (and not-so-subtle at times) fun at the flaws in our corrupt governments and police system. The story develops in the Kansai state, which is militarized and completely controlled by a police force that is politically motivated.
Moreover, in the totalitarian state, the moves of every citizen are constantly on the watch. If a citizen resists, they die. Any hint of protest, and the police won’t wait to arrest. Instead, it will straight up slaughter.
The class differences are shown obviously, and there are events of beheading enjoyed by bloodthirsty citizens. It’s a nightmare, and that’s why it’s interesting to watch.
Akudama Drive.
Dennou Coil
What strikes me beautifully about Dennou Coil is how the plot and the characters come together. The interactions that the characters have show the development the anime presents in each personality.
Some not-so-prominent characters play vital roles in the show. They may not be leading, but their presence in the background makes it quite wholesome.
The intricacy with which the plot is woven is commendable. Even small details from an episode can turn into huge turning points in the latter part of the series. Thus, the unpredictability of moments is very realistic and thrilling.
At the beginning of the show, there is a sure establishment of the characters, and how their world works, and then the story begins to arch towards fillers, bringing certain things to the center. And slowly, the show takes in everything that is shown before to turn it into a darker theme that becomes quite surprising for the audience. The final few episodes are very dark and presented really well. There is this hint of trauma and depression that gave me goosebumps in the end.
Dennou Coil.
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex – Solid State Society
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex TV anime series has garnered major attention from anime lovers and all for the right reasons. The thriller is completely original and yet, at the same time, a homage to Masamune Shirow’s original Ghost in the Shell manga and feature film. The anime show has not removed the important pieces of the original material.
It has respected the creation of those bits. What it does is adds its own flair in an amazing manner. It also focuses on several important issues like Japan’s low birth rates, due to which there is high percentage of the elderly, sinister topics like child abuse, and contemporary issues that address race and nationality. These are some of the most concerning issues in Japan which have been neglected in the mainstream films.
Even other anime don’t dare to touch these subjects. The astonishment that comes when you watch Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex TV anime series is what’s pleasurable at the same time.
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex – Solid State Society.
Made in Abyss
Made in Abyss almost sounds like a show with naive, childlike romance plots, a story that can fit into the adventurous dreams of children. But it actually is way darker. Riko and Reg, the two main characters, are constantly struggling, stumbling over one obstacle after another.
There’s no sign of a happy ending for these two. Just an endless hopelessness. Unlike many anime shows pretending to be gore and mature with a sadistic villain and self-serving themes, Made in Abyss does the job with more authenticity.
There are graphic scenes, too violent and disturbing for the light-hearted. The story is about surviving on adventures and to live even beyond death.
Made in Abyss.
Memes of the Day
Seika Jogakuin Kounin Sao Ojisan
Honorable Mentions
Tsuma ga, Tanin no Mesu ni naru made
Sokuhame! Onee-chans by Mikemono Yu
With Tokyo 2020 going on, everyone is pretty riled up. Sports have been a part of the world’s development. What started out as fun is now seriously attempted on a competitive platform. Olympics are a very special event. Every four years, people gather to represent their country in different sports and pray they bring a medal home. Every player has their own stories of struggles and success. Knowing such stories is always so motivational. Perhaps this is why the sports genre in anime is popular, even among those who do not play any sport. The best sports anime depict the growth and success of such players in the most realistic way despite being set in a fictional universe.
One does not necessarily have to be into sports to like sports anime. In my personal experience, I have received much push forward from inspirational anime. Relating sports to real life is as tough as it sounds. Yet, some anime plots do the same with so much ease. These are the moments that sports anime fans leave for. The intense moments of a game and the tactical skills of the players give sports anime a huge fanbase as well.
Best Sports Anime
With the Olympics going on, I bet many of us are riled up and looking for good sports anime to calm ourselves. Here are the top ten best sports anime. The ten sports anime mentioned ahead feature ten different sports (each) which are currently being played in Tokyo 2020. You can stream these anime on Netflix, Crunchyroll, Funimation, HiDive, or any other legal anime streaming platform.
Tsurune
Sport Featured: Archery
Tsurune is a serene anime. Since the anime is a product from Kyoto Animation, I will leave it to your imagination to judge the anime’s visuals. Tsurune is relaxing to the mind. The anime centers around archery primarily, so it is not as chaotic as the other anime series on the list. Like the sport, the general vibe of the show is poised and graceful. However, the anime is not only about archery. The characters (who have beautiful character designs) grow throughout the anime bit by bit. Despite its comparatively calmer outlook, the anime is competitive as well. Tsurune portrays a very believable version of what talented archers live through and how they think.
Tsurune
Diamond no Ace
Sports Featured: Baseball
Diamond no Ace is a very neatly created anime. The story is straightforward, and its characters complement the flow of the anime. Diamond no Ace is an absolute choice for the best sports anime. The anime lets its audience feel quite out of the world without displaying anything out of the world. It is also on a constant reality check. The gameplay looks very accurate as well. Diamond no Ace has a fixed motive, and perhaps we already see the end coming (more or less), but it is more about the journey rather than the end. Within its developing episodes, the audience finds itself overflowing with emotions. ‘A sports anime can’t make you cry.’ Well, wait until you watch Diamond no Ace and weep happy tears!
Diamond no Ace.
Free
Sport Featured: Swimming
Free is the equivalent of a relaxing anime. Instead of being aggressive, Free lays back down low and gives its viewers a beautiful view. The anime has many great slice-of-life moments as well that constantly keeps its fluff meter at the highest. Free’s take on swimming is not unique, but it’s still pleasing. Even after some parts being clichè, the anime refrains from being boring. A lot of times, things may seem predictable, and they are, but the way the anime presents such moments never stops having a lesser effect. Free is an anime about the bond between the characters as well. As much as we adore the characters, the bond between them is unquestionably one of the best you’ll witness in any anime.
Free.
Bakuten
Sports Featured: Rhythmic Gymnastics
Released earlier this year, Bakuten is a graceful anime. The anime’s execution of gymnastics is so beautifully done that it is hard not to recognize it as one of the best sports anime. If you like to watch anime with beautiful effects that are aesthetically pleasing, Bakuten is something you should not miss. The anime’s plot is very simple, like most sports anime. With every episode, the characters grow mentally and emotionally. One of the best things about Bakuten is its high-quality animation. Being all about rhythmic gymnastics requires the anime to have a softer animation. Seeing the result, I couldn’t be more grateful towards Zexcs for animating the series.
Bakuten
Inazuma Eleven
Sport Featured: Inazuma Eleven.
Although the quality of sequels deteriorated at one point, the first few seasons of Inazuma Eleven were a great watch. The anime has many unrealistic aspects and may not appeal to authentic soccer players at times. However, it is a good anime to watch and be entertained if you adjust to the fact that it’s all just fiction. Rather than the sport, Inazuma Eleven is popular for its emotional development. The anime is moving at times and has moments that will at times keep your heart racing. At other times, the anime keeps its audience entertained with great comedy.
Inazuma Eleven.
Kuroko no Basuke
Sport Featured: Basketball
Kuroko no Basket is an anime that has a good build-up. It’s a warzone in the field of sports where everyone is hellbent on securing the number one position. This is one of the most popular anime and justifiable one of the best sports anime that one could come across. Along with its strong focus on basketball, the anime is also funny, has strong character developments, and has very dramatic animations. Kuroko no Basuke makes use of exaggerated concepts at times, but it’s all acceptable because even concepts as such are placed entertainingly. The anime is an intense watch and definitely something we would recommend to all sports anime enthusiasts.
Kuroko no Basuke.
Hajime no Ippo
Sport Featured: Boxing
In a single sentence, I would describe Hajime No Ippo as a very motivational anime. Being about boxing, the anime is violent and aggressive. But, it makes up for it in more ways than one that even those who dislike the violence will remain till the end. The art of the anime further compliments the theme. Even if the anime were to have any flaws, it is overshadowed by the high-quality content that it serves. Hajime no Ippo is one of the best sports anime for its outstanding balance of emotional, aggressive, and fluffy plot.
Hajime no Ippo.
Haikyuu!
Sport Featured: Volleyball
One of the most popular sports anime, Haikyuu! just cannot be ignored if we are talking about the best sports anime. The reason being? It has a very realistic feel to it, in addition to characters that are very relatable. The anime has a very intense approach and portrays the healthiest type of sportsmanship between its characters. The plot of Haikyuu! is a drive to move to the top. With the crazy drive of the top, the plot brings drama and comedy hand in hand. I love the diverse characters that the anime presents and how well they fit into the story. Haikyuu! is my favorite piece of work from Production IG because of its accurate vision of volleyball.
Haikyuu!
Yowamushi Pedal
Sport Featured: Cycling
Yowamushi Pedal is another one of the best sports anime that I wish people talked about more. The anime is all about passion and the determination to be better. Yowamushi Pedal draws great parallels between the sport it features and the reality in life. This is one of the reasons why this anime is so inspirational. Watching Yowamushi Pedal gives its audience a push to be confident and makes them want to get strong. The anime has equal amounts of fun factors as well. One does not expect much from an anime about cycling. The idea in itself is bland. But, Yowamushi Pedal puts forward so many creative plotlines that one can’t help but appreciate the creativity of the creators.
Yowamushi Pedal.
Prince of Tennis
Sport Featured: Tennis
Prince of Tennis has a unique plot. Unlike most sports shounen series, Prince of Tennis depicts the growth in the personality of the main character. One of its focuses is depicting healthy sportsmanship. The characters’ personality development arc never stops intriguing the viewers, and that is the exact angle that Prince of Tennis explores. Other than being very touching at times, Prince of Tennis also proves to be quite thrilling too.
Prince of Tennis.
Hanebado
Sport Featured: Badminton
The anime received many bad reviews initially, but eventually, a lot of people came forward, dropping positive reviews as well. Hanebado is a story about finding the lost love for a sport. The anime features strong girls who compete with each other and exhibit their passion for badminton. Hanebado is animated very well and gives a good look into the realistic struggles of players. The effect of loss and resuming from it are two very important issues that the anime discusses and needs to be praised for. Not all action sequences are believable, and some are exaggerated at times. Nevertheless, the anime overall is quite fun to watch and definitely one of my favorite sports anime.
Hanebado.
Memes of the Day
I Met My Friend’s Gyaru Mom in a Soapland
Name: Should I Study at Noryangjin
