Science Fiction: 9 Space-Themed Anime You Need to Watch!

Space is vast, mysterious, and full of narrative possibilities. Amidst the stars, anime can explore everything from crazy intergalactic adventures to silent human dramas in zero gravity. And the best part is that each work has its own way of looking at the cosmos, be it with philosophy, action, or a good touch of humor.

If you enjoy stories set beyond Earth's orbit or simply want to see people floating around while contemplating life, this list is for you!

Space Brothers

Episodes: 99

Mutta and Hibito are two brothers who, as children, promised to become astronauts. Years later, Hibito is about to go to the Moon while Mutta has just been fired from his job. With few options, he decides to catch up on lost time and pursue the same dream. Space Brothers is an anime about persistence, family bonds, and the hope of starting anew, all with a very human perspective on the journey.

Curiosities:

- The story is based on real-world modern space exploration, with consultation from JAXA, Japan's space agency (often referred to as "the Japanese NASA").

- The pacing is more contemplative, focusing on emotions and personal challenges.

- It realistically shows the behind-the-scenes of astronaut training.

Space Dandy

Episodes: 26

Dandy is an impeccably pompadoured alien hunter who travels the galaxy in a beat-up spaceship alongside a pessimistic robot and a talking space cat. Each episode presents a new story, with completely different styles and tones. Space Dandy is an ode to creative experimentation and absurd comedy.

Curiosities:

- Created by Shinichirō Watanabe, also director of Cowboy Bebop.

- The animation frequently changes style, reflecting the series' narrative freedom.

- The anime breaks the fourth wall and plays with multiverse concepts.

Planetes

Episodes: 26

In the year 2075, space is full of orbital debris, and a dedicated team is responsible for collecting these remnants. Planetes starts from a simple premise to tell profound stories about personal ambitions, space politics, and ethical dilemmas. All based on incredibly realistic science fiction.

Curiosities:

- The anime's physics are rigorously accurate.

- The characters have well-developed and very relatable arcs.

- It is one of the most respected works in the "hard" sci-fi genre.

Knights of Sidonia

Episodes: 24

After Earth's destruction, humanity lives on the spaceship Sidonia and fights to survive against the alien Gauna. Young pilots operate mechs and face constant dangers. Knights of Sidonia combines space action with existential themes and questions about human identity itself.

Curiosities:

- It was one of the first anime to heavily invest in CGI.

- Adapted from the manga by Tsutomu Nihei, known for works like Blame!.

- It explores themes such as cloning, gender identity, and survival.

Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 2199

Episodes: 26

Earth is in ruins, and the only hope of survival is to cross the galaxy aboard a restored spaceship to seek help from another planet. Yamato 2199 is a remake that brings an epic narrative of war, sacrifice, and hope to a modern audience.

Curiosities:

- The original was a landmark in the 70s, influencing many other works in the genre.

- Modern animation and more complex characters revitalized the story.

- The atmosphere blends classic science fiction with military drama.

Outlaw Star

Episodes: 26

Gene Starwind dreamed of having his own ship, and one day he gets one, along with a rather peculiar crew. The group embarks on a journey in search of the legendary Galactic Leyline, facing pirates, duels, and alien technology. The adventure feels like a classic and has a special flavor of 90s science fiction.

Curiosities:

- It mixes martial arts with space shootouts, which says a lot.

- The soundtrack and spaceship designs are striking highlights.

Astra Lost in Space

Episodes: 12

A group of students departs for a school camp on another planet but ends up lost light-years from home. To survive, they need to work as a team, visit strange worlds, and uncover what caused this accident. Astra is a sci-fi with an adventurous spirit, good humor, and a plot full of twists.

Curiosities:

- Based on the manga by Kenta Shinohara, author of Sket Dance.

- It perfectly balances lighthearted moments with dramatic tension.

- The story has a conclusive and very satisfying ending.

Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Die Neue These

Episodes: 4 seasons

Two space superpowers face each other in an endless war. On one side is the Galactic Empire, led by the strategic Reinhard. On the other, the Free Planets Alliance, with the tactical Yang Wen-li. Die Neue These is a visually modern remake of a classic stellar war series, focusing on strategy, politics, and complex characters.

Curiosities:

- The original, with over 100 episodes, is considered a masterpiece.

- The new version updates the pacing and animation for a contemporary audience.

- The battles resemble spatial chessboards.

Cowboy Bebop

Episodes: 26

In the future, bounty hunters roam the solar system. Spike Spiegel and his crew embark on chaotic and melancholic adventures, with missions involving both dangers and past memories. Cowboy Bebop blends space western, jazz, and existential drama like no other anime!

Curiosities:

- The soundtrack composed by Yoko Kanno is considered one of the best in anime.

- Each episode has an almost independent structure, but together they form a deep emotional mosaic.

- The ending is one of the most commented on and remembered in anime history.

Space continues to be one of fiction's most fascinating settings. Whether with nonsense comedy, realistic drama, or galactic wars, these series show that an entire universe of stories is waiting to be explored.

So, which anime will you start with? Tell us in the comments!