The realm of Japanese animation covers an impressive variety of literary and cinematic genres, meaning there is something for everybody when it comes to anime, from charming rom-com series and chilling horror stories to heart-wrenching drama and, of course, science fiction. Some of anime's most legendary series are sci-fi, in fact.
Any sci-fi fan of movies such as The Matrix, The Terminator, The Martian, and more will find plenty to enjoy in Netflix's expansive library of anime, which includes a handful of popular and well-regarded science fiction titles, ready to stream on command. Netflix's library is far from comprehensive, but it is a convenient way to dive into the world of sci-fi anime and see what the best anime can really do.
Cowboy Bebop Is a Jazzy Tour of the Solar System
Despite the mixed reception and ongoing debates surrounding the live-action Cowboy Bebop series on Netflix, the original 1990s Cowboy Bebop remains an iconic, if short, sci-fi anime series that most anime fans will hear of sooner or later. This series takes place in a somewhat gritty but also glitzy post-apocalyptic sci-fi setting where rogues like Spike Spiegel can make their own rules and fly free across the solar system, though that doesn't mean Spike's life is easy. Shoot-outs, deadly enemies, high-stakes gambling, and much more await Spike and his crewmates aboard the Bebop as they wander the stars, all with a moody jazz OST to set the tone. Cowboys may be free in space, but they can't escape their own inner darkness sometimes.
Tenga Toppa Gurren Lagann Is A Mecha Series All About Hope
Not all of the best sci-fi anime series involve giant robots, but many of them do, and a great example is the beloved series Tenga Toppa Gurren Lagann, which can also be shortened to Gurren Lagann. This series keeps expanding the scope of protagonist Simon's adventures until this brave boy is fighting not just to free the Earth from oppression, but fight for the sake of all Spiral life in the universe against the terrifying Anti-Spiral. But this series doesn't take itself too seriously. The hit sci-fi adventure of Gurren Lagann also features charming cartoony visuals thanks to Studio Trigger, plenty of comedy, intimate character moments, and more, though it does feature some tragedy and moments of hardship to balance things out. Simon's journey to save all Spiral life will be anything but easy, even after he breaks free to reach Earth's surface at last.
Code Geass Follows The Rise Of Lelouch Lamperouge
Code Geass is a popular science fiction anime series from the mid-2000s, and it holds up fairly well today. The series depicts a near-future where the mighty Britannia Empire conquered Japan, which soon became known simply as Area 11, and the brewing rebellion against the Britannia oppressors. The tense political landscape may remind fans of Attack on Titan, such as the conflict between the Marlian Empire and the scattered Eldian peoples, but with war robots and the power of the Geass in place of Titan Shifters and gaslamp fantasy technology. The antihero of this series is the legendary Lelouch Lamperouge, who is determined to topple Britannia at any cost -- even if his allies aren't ready to pay the price themselves. At least Lelouch has the ocular power of the Geass to help him fight for Area 11's freedom.
Neon Genesis Evangelion Redefined Mecha Anime
The famed 1990s anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion helped redefine what giant mecha anime can really be, and even if young heroes such as Shinji pilot giant robots, the story of NGE is far more human and intimate than that, and is often thought-provoking or downright disturbing in many cases. In this sci-fi world, what remains of human civilization must fight off the massive, deadly Angels with the power of Eva robots piloted by high schoolers like the tsundere Asuka Langley, Rei, and Shinji. But having 14-year-olds pilot giant robots to defend the Earth comes at a price, and these young heroes may not be ready for the burdens placed on their shoulders The legendary NGE is ready to stream on Netflix right now, along with the movie The End of Evangelion. Fans may have to look elsewhere for the other movies, though, such as the recent Neon Genesis Evangelion 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time.
