Star Trek is a hugely popular science fiction series, ranking among the best in the genre. It began in 1966 with Star Trek: The Original Series and has since expanded into numerous TV shows, movies, and books. Essentially, Star Trek is a timeless adventure that uses space exploration to explore what it means to be human, focusing on topics like ethics, finding yourself, and the value of relationships. Even after all these years, the series continues to attract and retain a dedicated fanbase, solidifying Star Trek’s lasting impact on science fiction media.
A major difficulty when trying out new types of media is finding content that you enjoy as much as your beloved shows. Anime isn’t usually the first thing people think of when it comes to science fiction, but it actually features incredibly popular titles like Akira, Mobile Suit Gundam, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and Ghost in the Shell. This article will highlight some of the less conventional anime sci-fi series – works that aren’t quite space operas or focused on giant robots, but are more reminiscent of classic Star Trek. These shows emphasize journeys of exploration and discovery in space, and the intricate feelings of characters whose personal growth happens against the vastness of the cosmos.
7) Edens Zero
Edens Zero is a science fiction anime series created by Hiro Mashima, who is also known as the author of the hit anime Fairy Tail. The show combines elements of adventure, action, and fantasy within a larger story set in outer space. Edens Zero initially aired in 2021 and currently has two seasons, with plans already in place to produce a third. Throughout the series, it delves into themes such as discovering oneself, the value of friendship, finding meaning in life, and the power of hope.
The story centers around Shiki Granbell, a boy who grows up with robots on the abandoned planet of Granbell, a former amusement park. He learns to control gravity thanks to something called Ether Gear, taught to him by his robot grandfather, Ziggy. Years after Ziggy is gone, explorers who make content for the internet arrive on the planet. Shiki’s robot family urges him to leave Granbell before the robots run out of Ether energy, and he eventually joins the explorers on their spaceship to journey through space.
6) Galaxy Express 999
Galaxy Express 999 is a classic anime series that originally aired in 1978, with a first season of over 100 episodes. Several movies followed, such as Galaxy Express 999 (1979) and Adieu Galaxy Express 999 (1981). The series is known for its charmingly simple art style and animation, which actually strengthens its core message about appreciating human feelings and the strength of the human spirit. It also explores deeper topics like the impact of war, the problems with oppression, the dangers of endless revenge, and what it truly costs to live forever.
The story of Galaxy Express 999 unfolds in a future where people can move their minds into robotic bodies, achieving immortality. Tetsuro Hoshino and his mother long for these bodies, but they are very costly. To overcome this, they devise a plan: to travel on the Galaxy Express 999 train all the way to planet Andromeda, where these bodies are rumored to be available for free. Tragically, Tetsuro’s mother is killed by bounty hunters during the journey. Her last wish is for Tetsuro to complete their trip and attain the eternal life she herself will now miss out on. This sets Tetsuro on a path filled with adventure and discovery.
5) Astra Lost in Space
Astra Lost in Space is a science fiction series that blends the challenges of surviving in space with the excitement of exploration. First released in 2019, the show consists of one season with 12 episodes. Astra Lost in Space is praised for its straightforward story, well-developed characters, and captivating portrayal of adventure seen through the eyes of high school students. Even though it’s a short series, it explores meaningful ideas like finding yourself, growing up, what is real, and the importance of working together.
The story unfolds far in the future, where traveling to different planets is an everyday occurrence. A typical group of high school students embarks on a short trip to another planet, but everything changes when a brilliant light suddenly appears and instantly transports them incredibly far from Earth. They stumble upon a deserted spaceship and decide to search it for useful items before setting a course back home. During their journey, these students will need to learn to depend on one another to survive, as they encounter diverse planets and cultures throughout their travels across the galaxy.
4) Trigun Stampede
Trigun Stampede is a fantastic reimagining of the beloved anime Trigun (1998). Rather than starting over completely, Trigun Stampede delves into the history of the original series, shedding light on previous events and elaborating on moments we already know. Launched in 2023, Trigun Stampede currently consists of one season with 12 episodes; a concluding second season, called Trigun Stargaze, is planned for release in 2026. Beyond its distinctive CGI animation and energetic action, the show thoughtfully explores complex ideas such as the conflict between peace and violence, the will to survive, and the process of healing from past experiences.
The story of Trigun Stampede unfolds on the harsh, desert planet known as No Man’s Land. Living there is Vash the Stampede, a notorious gunslinger with a huge reward offered for his capture. Despite his fearsome reputation, Vash is a pacifist who strives to avoid taking any lives. Journalist Meryl Stryfe sets out to find the legendary “Human Typhoon,” and discovers Vash, who challenges the widespread rumors about him. As Meryl and others become increasingly involved in the problems Vash faces across the planet, they gradually uncover the complex history surrounding Vash and his twin brother, Knives.
3) Planetes
Planetes is a science fiction anime from the early 2000s that blends drama, comedy, and romance while portraying the daily lives of people who collect space junk in the future. It first aired in 2003 and consisted of one season with 26 episodes. Planetes stands out from other sci-fi anime because it avoids fantastical elements, instead focusing on realistic, everyday moments that simply take place in outer space. The anime explores themes such as human desires, finding meaning in life, the importance of relationships, and the negative side of corporate power.
In Planetes, the story takes place in 2071, a time when humanity has started exploring space but also faces the problem of space debris circling Earth. This “garbage belt” is created by more and more frequent space travel. The crew of the Toy Box, a spaceship that collects this debris, works to clear it away, putting themselves at risk and facing social disapproval. Planetes focuses on the lives of the Toy Box crew – their aspirations and dreams – as they work for a flawed and self-serving organization, and how they grow as individuals while doing a job that often goes unappreciated.
2) Space Dandy
Space Dandy is a fantastic science fiction show set in space, and it often explores deep questions about what it means to travel and discover new worlds. It first came out in 2014 and ran for two seasons, with 13 episodes in each season. The series is visually striking with its bright colors and lively animation. While it features self-contained adventures each episode, it also delves into the inner lives and motivations of its characters. The anime tackles big ideas like what gives life meaning, the importance of freedom, finding happiness, and appreciating what makes us human.
At its heart, Space Dandy is a show that joyfully celebrates the simple pleasure of exploring the galaxy just for the fun of it. The series centers around Dandy, a quirky alien hunter whose job is to discover and document new life forms throughout space. He’s joined by his alien friend, Meow, and a classic robot named QT, and together they travel to various planets in search of life, often finding themselves in adventures that are both incredibly strange and very funny.
1) Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop is rightfully hailed as a standout science fiction anime. Originally airing in 1998, it consists of one season with 26 episodes, often called “sessions.” The show uniquely blends the visual style of neo-noir with the adventurous spirit of space westerns. Beyond its striking animation and artwork, Cowboy Bebop captivates viewers with its quick pace and thoughtful exploration of complex ideas. It tackles profound themes such as the meaning of life, dealing with past traumas, the pain of isolation, the importance of human connection, and the weight of regret.
The story of Cowboy Bebop is set in 2071. After a huge disaster made Earth unlivable, people left to live and explore space. This expansion across the solar system became a rough and untamed place, much like the Wild West. It’s within this setting that we meet the crew of the spaceship Bebop. This group works as bounty hunters, traveling the galaxy to capture criminals for money. Throughout their adventures, the members of the Bebop crew are forced to face their personal histories and anxieties, and they learn to depend on each other as a team.
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2025-10-03 16:18