Science fiction is one of the most beloved genres in anime. It became incredibly popular in the 1980s—often considered a golden age for the genre—and has remained a fan favorite ever since. Classic series like Akira, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Planetes, and Dr. Stone demonstrate the genre’s lasting appeal and engaging stories. Many believe science fiction, alongside fantasy, played a key role in introducing anime to a wider Western audience.
I’m a huge sci-fi anime fan, and it always bugs me when great shows get overlooked. We talk a lot about the classics and recent hits, but the 2010s actually delivered some amazing sci-fi that I think deserves another look. Seriously, so many fantastic series came out then that didn’t get the attention they deserved! So, I’ve put together a list of some of the best 2010s science fiction anime, and I’m going to explain exactly why you need to add them to your watchlist. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
7) Orange
I’m a huge fan of anime, and honestly, Orange is a total gem that doesn’t get nearly enough attention! It came out in 2016 and has 13 episodes – plus a movie called Orange: Future came out the same year. It’s a really cool mix of sci-fi, romance, and just everyday life, but what I love is that it tackles big sci-fi ideas like time travel. It’s a show that definitely deserves more recognition, in my opinion!
The story of Orange centers on Naho, a high school student who receives a letter from her future self. The letter warns her about a new student, Kakeru, and gives her advice on how to prevent his suicide. The series is deeply moving and realistic, exploring tough issues like mental health, depression, past trauma, and the struggles of adolescence for all of its characters.
6) Knights of Sidonia
Knights of Sidonia is a sci-fi anime set on a spaceship traveling through space. It’s considered ‘hard’ sci-fi, meaning it focuses on scientific accuracy and doesn’t rely heavily on elements from genres like fantasy or action. The series originally aired in 2014, with a second season in 2015, and concluded with a movie, Knights of Sidonia: Love Woven in the Stars, released in 2021.
Set over a thousand years in the future, after an alien race destroyed Earth, this series follows the humans who now live aboard the massive spaceship Sidonia. The ship is defended by huge, specially-built robots. Knights of Sidonia is known for its incredible visuals – some of the best ever seen in science fiction – and its compelling, character-focused storyline.
5) Gintama
Gintama is a fantastic example of how anime can successfully combine different genres – historical, science fiction, and comedy – into something truly special. While the series originally aired in 2006, and could be considered outside the scope of recent anime, it continued with multiple seasons and films released throughout the 2010s and 2020s. Because of its long run and impact, Gintama significantly shaped comedy sci-fi in the 2010s and is widely considered one of the best anime in that genre from that decade.
Gintama is set in a unique version of Edo-era Japan, where futuristic alien technology has been introduced after an invasion. The story follows Gintoki Sakata, a skilled former samurai who now takes on odd jobs to get by. The series is mostly made up of self-contained episodes, each with its own small story, but they all contribute to a larger, ongoing narrative and help flesh out the world of Gintama.
4) Pyscho-Pass
Psycho-Pass is a fantastic science fiction anime from the 2010s, exploring complex and thought-provoking themes. Originally airing in 2012, it ran for three seasons and also included several movies released over the years. It remains a standout anime, even compared to more recent series, and is a perfect pick for anyone who enjoys anime with philosophical depth.
In a future controlled by an AI called the Sibyl System, society is kept in order by constantly monitoring everyone’s potential for crime. The story follows Akane, a new police inspector, as she works to capture individuals identified as potential criminals – people who are forced to either work for the police or face punishment. Psycho-Pass explores thought-provoking ideas about control, the risks of advanced technology, and what it means to be moral.
3) Parasyte: The Maxim
If you enjoy a mix of science fiction and horror, Parasyte: The Maxim is worth checking out. This anime, which originally aired in 2014, still has a devoted following thanks to its exploration of complex psychological themes. It’s based on a popular manga from the 1980s, and there are also two live-action movies available. Fans praise Parasyte: The Maxim for its excellent animation, well-developed characters, and emotionally powerful story.
Parasyte: The Maxim tells the story of Shinichi Izumi, a typical high school student whose life is turned upside down when an alien parasite enters his body. Unlike most cases, the parasite doesn’t fully take control of his brain, forcing Shinichi and the creature to learn to live together. Shinichi decides to use the powers granted by the parasite to fight crime and help people. The show deeply explores what it means to be human, focusing on themes of coexistence and unity, all while delivering a disturbing and often gruesome story.
2) Space Dandy
I’m a huge fan of Space Dandy and honestly, I think it’s a sci-fi gem that doesn’t get nearly enough credit! It originally came out in 2014, with two seasons of 13 episodes each, and while it didn’t make a huge splash at the time, it’s really starting to get the recognition it deserves from anime fans who love thought-provoking sci-fi. If you’re into shows that ask big questions about what it means to be human, finding your place in the universe, and just how weird life can be, you absolutely have to check it out. It really helped push the boundaries of the genre!
Space Dandy is about Dandy, a space explorer who travels the universe documenting alien life for rewards. Each episode usually tells a self-contained story, though these adventures gradually build towards a larger, ongoing plot involving the crew of his spaceship. While it’s not a heavily story-driven anime, Space Dandy is consistently entertaining, blending humor with surprisingly heartfelt moments, making it a feel-good show you can enjoy multiple times.
1) Steins; Gate
Although many anime fans know Steins;Gate, it doesn’t get mentioned as frequently as other recent sci-fi shows. The original series came out in 2011 with 24 episodes, and a follow-up, Steins;Gate 0, arrived in 2018, offering a different take on the story. Steins;Gate is still considered one of the best anime at exploring alternate realities, and it does so in a way that’s easy to follow and doesn’t feel overly complicated.
Steins;Gate centers around Rintaro Okabe, a self-proclaimed mad scientist, who accidentally discovers his microwave can send messages back in time. He soon realizes that altering the past has serious consequences, causing dramatic and unpredictable changes to the present. With its realistic portrayal of science, technology, and human intellect, Steins;Gate stands out as a potentially groundbreaking sci-fi anime series.
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2025-12-01 02:13