Science fiction and anime are a match made in heaven. The limitless possibilities of animation allow sci-fi stories to truly come to life in spectacular fashion. From cyberpunk dystopias to mind-bending psychological thrillers, sci-fi anime movies push the boundaries of the genre in endlessly creative ways.
If you’re looking to dive into the exciting world of sci-fi anime films, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve put together a list of the top 20 essential viewing experiences that represent the pinnacle of science fiction in Japanese animation. These groundbreaking movies have influenced countless filmmakers and continue to captivate audiences decades after their initial release. Get ready to expand your mind with the best that sci-fi anime has to offer!
20. Memories (1995)
Memories is an anthology film featuring three shorts by visionary directors Kōji Morimoto, Tensai Okamura, and the legendary Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira). Each story explores a different sci-fi concept, from a derelict space station to a post-apocalyptic wasteland. The standout is Otomo’s “Cannon Fodder,” which depicts a day in the life of a city devoted entirely to firing cannons at an unseen enemy. With its inventive premise and stunning visuals, Memories is a must-watch for any sci-fi anime fan.
19. Time of Eve (2010)
In a future where androids are an integral part of society, there exists a cafe called Time of Eve where androids and humans are treated as equals. The film follows two high school students who stumble upon the cafe and begin to question the line between man and machine. Time of Eve is a thought-provoking look at the nature of humanity wrapped up in a heartwarming slice-of-life story. Its subtle sci-fi elements and endearing characters make it a true hidden gem.
18. Patlabor 2: The Movie (1993)
The second film in the Patlabor franchise, Patlabor 2 is a political thriller set in a world where giant police robots called “Labors” are commonplace. When a terrorist group threatens to unleash a computer virus that will send the Labors on a rampage, it’s up to the Special Vehicles Unit to stop them. Directed by Mamoru Oshii (Ghost in the Shell), Patlabor 2 is a smart, suspenseful sci-fi mystery with plenty of mecha action to boot.
17. Metropolis (2001)
Loosely based on the classic 1927 silent film, Metropolis is a dazzling sci-fi epic set in a futuristic city where humans and robots coexist uneasily. The story revolves around a powerful android girl and the young man who befriends her. With its jaw-dropping art deco-inspired visuals and sweeping orchestral score, Metropolis is a feast for the senses. Director Rintaro and writer Katsuhiro Otomo craft an unforgettable tale of love and loss amid the backdrop of a society on the brink of upheaval.
16. Redline (2009)
Redline is a high-octane racing film that takes place in a distant future where the most popular sport is a deadly intergalactic grand prix. The movie follows JP, a reckless driver determined to win the Redline race at any cost. Studio Madhouse spent seven years animating this adrenaline-fueled thrill ride, and it shows in every lovingly detailed frame. Redline’s psychedelic visuals, heart-pounding soundtrack, and larger-than-life characters make it an exhilarating experience from start to finish.
15. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)
After an accident in a science lab, high school student Makoto Konno gains the ability to “time leap” and relive the past. At first, she uses her powers for trivial things like acing tests and avoiding awkward situations. But as she soon learns, even the smallest changes can have unforeseen consequences. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is a charming coming-of-age story with a sci-fi twist. Director Mamoru Hosoda (Wolf Children, Summer Wars) infuses the film with humor, heart, and a touch of bittersweet nostalgia.
14. Macross Plus (1994)
Set in the Macross universe, this four-episode OVA follows the rivalry between two ace pilots as they compete to be the first to test a new type of fighter jet. Macross Plus features some of the most spectacular dogfights ever animated, with fluid camera work and detailed mechanical designs courtesy of Studio Triangle Staff. But beyond the jaw-dropping aerial acrobatics, the series also boasts a poignant love triangle, a virtual pop star, and a conspiracy that threatens the entire galaxy. Macross Plus is a prime example of why the franchise has endured for nearly four decades.
13. Summer Wars (2009)
In Summer Wars, math genius Kenji Koiso is roped into pretending to be his crush Natsuki’s fiancé when he accompanies her to her great-grandmother’s 90th birthday celebration. But things take a turn for the worse when an AI goes rogue within the virtual world of OZ, wreaking havoc on everything from traffic lights to the global economy. Now it’s up to Kenji and Natsuki’s eccentric extended family to save the day. Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, Summer Wars is a wildly entertaining sci-fi comedy that celebrates the power of human connection in an increasingly digital world.
12. Roujin Z (1991)
Roujin Z is a satirical look at Japan’s aging population set in the near future. The film follows an elderly man who becomes the test subject for a revolutionary robotic hospital bed designed to care for the country’s growing number of senior citizens. But when the bed malfunctions and goes on a rampage through Tokyo, it’s up to the man’s young caretaker to save him. Written by Katsuhiro Otomo and directed by Hiroyuki Kitakubo (Blood: The Last Vampire), Roujin Z is a hilarious and heartfelt sci-fi romp that tackles a serious social issue with wit and imagination.
11. Steamboy (2004)
From the mind of Katsuhiro Otomo comes Steamboy, a steampunk adventure set in Victorian-era England. The film follows Ray Steam, a young inventor who becomes embroiled in a conflict between his father and grandfather over a powerful new steam engine. With its lush hand-drawn animation and intricate mechanical designs, Steamboy is a visual marvel. Otomo spent over a decade bringing his vision to life, and the result is a thrilling alternate history epic that explores the dark side of technological progress.
10. Paprika (2006)
Directed by the late, great Satoshi Kon (Perfect Blue, Tokyo Godfathers), Paprika is a mind-bending sci-fi thriller about a device that allows therapists to enter their patients’ dreams. When the device is stolen, a brilliant scientist named Atsuko Chiba must use her alter ego, a dream detective named Paprika, to track it down before it falls into the wrong hands. Paprika is a dazzling feast for the senses, with surreal imagery that blurs the line between dreams and reality. Kon’s masterful direction and Madhouse’s stunning animation make this a must-see for any fan of psychological sci-fi.
9. The Animatrix (2003)
The Animatrix is a collection of nine short films set in the universe of The Matrix. Each story explores a different facet of the series’ mythology, from the origins of the Matrix itself to the everyday lives of those trapped within it. The shorts are directed by a who’s who of anime talent, including Shinichiro Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop), Mahiro Maeda (Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo), and Yoshiaki Kawajiri (Ninja Scroll). With its mix of styles and genres, The Animatrix is a fascinating companion piece to the live-action films that expands the scope of the franchise in exciting new ways.
8. Appleseed (2004)
Based on the manga by Masamune Shirow (Ghost in the Shell), Appleseed takes place in a post-apocalyptic future where humans and bioroids (genetically engineered clones) coexist in the utopian city of Olympus. The story follows Deunan Knute, a young soldier who joins a special police force tasked with maintaining order in the city. Along with her partner Briareos, a cyborg with a human brain, Deunan uncovers a conspiracy that threatens to destroy the delicate balance between humans and bioroids. Appleseed features groundbreaking CGI animation that brings Shirow’s intricate designs to life, making it a landmark in the history of sci-fi anime.
7. Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion (1997)
The companion piece to the hugely influential Neon Genesis Evangelion TV series, The End of Evangelion picks up where the show left off and provides a mind-blowing conclusion to the story of Shinji Ikari and his fellow Eva pilots. As the apocalyptic Third Impact looms, Shinji must confront his own inner demons while the fate of humanity hangs in the balance. With its stunning visuals, haunting soundtrack, and dense symbolism, The End of Evangelion is a challenging but rewarding viewing experience that has inspired countless filmmakers and sparked endless debate among fans.
6. Cowboy Bebop: The Movie (2001)
Set between episodes 22 and 23 of the beloved Cowboy Bebop TV series, this feature-length adventure finds the crew of the Bebop on the trail of a terrorist planning to unleash a deadly virus on Mars. The film features all the elements that made the show a classic, from its cool jazz soundtrack to its colorful cast of characters. But it also ups the ante with jaw-dropping set pieces and a more mature storyline that delves into the dark pasts of Spike Spiegel and his nemesis Vincent Volaju. Cowboy Bebop: The Movie is a thrilling standalone sci-fi noir that serves as a perfect introduction to the series for newcomers and a satisfying epilogue for longtime fans.
5. Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (2004)
A sequel to the groundbreaking 1995 film, Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence follows cyborg detective Batou as he investigates a series of gruesome murders involving sex robots. As he delves deeper into the case, he begins to question the nature of his own humanity and the blurring line between man and machine. Directed by Mamoru Oshii, Innocence is a philosophical sci-fi noir that explores themes of identity, memory, and the soul. With its stunning blend of 2D and 3D animation, haunting soundtrack, and thought-provoking ideas, it’s a worthy follow-up to its legendary predecessor.
4. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
Hayao Miyazaki’s second feature film, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, is a post-apocalyptic fantasy about a young princess named Nausicaä who becomes embroiled in a war between two rival kingdoms. Set in a world where toxic jungles have overtaken the Earth, the film follows Nausicaä as she tries to broker peace between the warring factions while uncovering the secrets of the jungle and the giant insects that inhabit it. With its lush hand-drawn animation, memorable characters, and environmentalist themes, Nausicaä laid the groundwork for Miyazaki’s later masterpieces and established Studio Ghibli as a force to be reckoned with in the world of anime.
3. Akira (1988)
Katsuhiro Otomo’s Akira is a landmark film that introduced the world to the limitless potential of anime as a medium for serious, adult-oriented storytelling. Set in a dystopian version of Tokyo in 2019, the film follows biker gang leader Shōtarō Kaneda as he tries to save his friend Tetsuo from a government project that has awakened his destructive psychic powers. With its groundbreaking animation, kinetic action sequences, and dense plot, Akira redefined what was possible in the realm of sci-fi anime. Its influence can still be felt today in everything from Stranger Things to Inception.
2. Ghost in the Shell (1995)
Mamoru Oshii’s Ghost in the Shell is a cyberpunk masterpiece that explores the nature of identity and consciousness in a world where the line between human and machine has become blurred. The film follows Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg agent tasked with tracking down a mysterious hacker known as the Puppet Master. As she delves deeper into the case, she begins to question her own humanity and the true nature of the ghost that resides within her cybernetic shell. With its stunning blend of traditional and computer animation, atmospheric soundtrack, and philosophical themes, Ghost in the Shell has become a touchstone of the sci-fi genre, influencing everything from The Matrix to Westworld.
1. Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion (1997)
While Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion may have already appeared on this list, its status as the greatest sci-fi anime film of all time cannot be overstated. This mind-bending, soul-crushing masterpiece serves as both a deconstruction and a reconstruction of the mecha genre, exploring the psychological toll of piloting giant robots in the face of an apocalyptic threat. With its avant-garde visuals, complex characters, and dense symbolism, The End of Evangelion is a challenging but ultimately rewarding viewing experience that has inspired countless filmmakers and sparked endless debate among fans. It’s a fitting conclusion to one of the most influential and iconic anime series of all time, and a testament to the power of the medium to tell stories that are both deeply personal and universally resonant.
So there you have it, folks – the 20 best sci-fi anime movies of all time! From cyberpunk thrillers to post-apocalyptic fantasies, these films represent the pinnacle of what the genre has to offer. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, there’s something on this list for everyone. So fire up your favorite streaming service, grab some popcorn, and get ready to have your mind blown by the limitless possibilities of science fiction in anime form. Happy watching!
