The year 2023 has been great for all types of anime, and science fiction is no exception. While this genre may not be as popular or extensive as others, this means little to the fans and creators who continue to show their passion for it every year. Seemingly choosing quality over quantity, the best sci-fi anime of 2023 were truly some of the year’s most surprising and memorable titles.
It is safe to say that both new and old fans of the genre had opportunities to rejoice this year. Some titles were additions to much-beloved franchises, coming either in the form of sequels, that continued stories fans were eagerly waiting to see more of, or reboots, that completely revitalized their respective worlds, adapting them to the tastes of modern audiences. Others were entirely new and original, captivating viewers with their creative worlds and events.
10 NieR:Automata Ver1.1a Beautifully Adapts a Beloved Video Game
Produced by A-1 Pictures and Based on the Video Game by Yoko Taro
After Earth was suddenly invaded by aliens and their dangerous “Machine Lifeforms“, humanity had no choice but to take refuge on the Moon and create androids that would fight against their invaders for them. Now known as “YoRHa” soldiers, androids like 2B and 9S are stuck in a seemingly endless war, relentlessly fighting in the name of a species they hardly know anything about.
Although it suffered from a troubled production life, being delayed multiple times, NieR:Automata Ver1.1a still became one of the best anime inspired by games. Fans of the game consider it an excellent adaptation, but even those unfamiliar with the source are likely to be entertained by the title, given its incredibly profound story, detailed world-building, extraordinary sound design, and stunning fluid animation.
Watch on Crunchyroll
9 Edens Zero 2nd Season Takes an Epic Galaxy-Spanning Journey to Even Greater Heights
Produced by J.C. Staff and Based on the Manga by Hiro Mashima
Visiting Granbell Kingdom in search of content for her B-Cube channel, Rebecca Bluegarden instead finds Shiki Granbell, a boy who can manipulate gravity. With the aim of making new friends and finding “Mother“, the Goddess of the Cosmos, they set out on a grand, galaxy-spanning adventure. However, even with a crew and a spaceship of their own, their journey is far from an easy one.
Created by the author of Fairy Tail, Edens Zero shares numerous parallels with the latter, with an especially noticeable example being the familiar character designs. However, despite its reputation, Edens Zero is not a copy of Fairy Tail, but rather a remarkable title that undeservedly got overlooked by many anime fans. Those willing to give it a chance are sure to be impressed by its well-developed characters, intriguing world, and surprisingly intricate story.
Watch on Crunchyroll
8 Too Cute Crisis Explores the Possibility of Cats Saving Earth with Their Cuteness
Produced by SynergySP and Based on the Manga by Mitsuru Kido
As the Chief Investigator of the Azatos Empire, Liza Luna is tasked with surveying Earth and finding its useful resources, eradicating everything that isn’t beneficial to her alien race. However, before she gets to destroy the planet, she finds her way into a cat café, which completely changes the course of her mission, as she is now determined to investigate the wondrous worlds of cats instead.
While it is especially likely to appeal to pet owners, Too Cute Crisis provides an endearing and light-hearted experience that anyone can enjoy. Additionally, it can make for a good break from the more serious and thought-provoking titles that often describe the sci-fi genre.
Watch on HIDIVE
7 Undead Unluck Shakes Up the Genre with an Innovative Power System
Produced by David Production and Based on the Manga by Yoshifumi Tozuka
After living much of her life afflicted by a mysterious condition that causes everyone who comes into contact with her to suffer from great misfortune, Fuuko Izumo has just hit rock bottom. However, her tragic life takes a sudden turn when she meets Andy, an immortal man who is immediately drawn to her. Eventually, the two become members of the Union, using their Negator abilities to change the world.
From its creative power system to its intriguing characters, there are plenty of reasons why Undead Unluck is one of the most original and compelling recent shōnen titles. Providing a genuinely fun and worthwhile experience for just about any anime fan, this title manages to combine dynamic action with humorous moments and even the occasional romance to deliver something truly unexpected and unmissable.
Watch on Hulu
6 Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury Season 2 Adds New Dimensions to an Epic Franchise
Original Series Produced by Sunrise
Transferring to the Asticassia School of Technology at the behest of her mother, Suletta Mercury finds a whole new world, where everything is determined through power and duels. Saving Miorine Rembran and becoming her bridegroom, Suletta excitedly enters a new phase of her life, completely unaware of the difficult decisions, shocking reveals, and political conflicts that she’s about to face.
As a well-deserved modern update to the Gundam franchise, Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury immediately left its mark as one of the franchise’s best entries, surprising fans with its unusual setting, strong characters, and captivating story. As for the second season, it not only completed the story but even improved upon it, adding to its complexity by switching its focus to the familiar themes of war and sacrifice.
Watch on Crunchyroll
5 Gridman Universe Adds Even More Depth to a Recent Successful Franchise
Original Movie Produced by Trigger
Combining the worlds of SSSS.Gridman and SSSS.Dynazenon, Gridman Universe explores a future wherein, one year after the “Gridman Alliance” disbanded, a sudden Kaiju attack forces Yuuta Hibiki to yet again fuse with Gridman and protect everyone. As universes mysteriously overlap, the heroes of SSSS.Dynazenon are transported to Yuuta’s world, which in turn begins to change.
As one of the best mecha anime out there, Gridman Universe is a must-watch title for fans of the kaiju theme, providing dynamic over-the-top mecha action accompanied by outstanding soundtracks and sound design. It’s not necessarily perfect, with its story typically being cited as one of its weaker points, but those familiar with the franchise are sure to love this title.
4 Dr. Stone: New World Takes Senkuu Across the Ocean
Produced by TMS Entertainment and Based on the Manga by Riichirou Inagaki & Boichi
After humanity was mysteriously petrified, the world began to return to its roots, with all man-made constructs falling apart and nature flourishing once again. One of the first humans to awaken, Senkuu Ishigami, a genius with vast knowledge of all fields of science, sets out to rebuild civilization. Eventually forming his own crew, Senkuu now takes to the ocean to continue his journey and unravel the truth behind the petrification.
Thanks to its intriguing premise and ingenious setting, Dr. Stone stands out as a truly unique shōnen title, which highlights the importance of education and innovation while still proving extremely entertaining. Marked by a grandiose spirit of adventure, Senkuu’s journey is not only captivating, but also occasionally comedic, and it continues to find new ways to keep viewers engaged even after multiple seasons, confirming that it lacks neither substance nor style.
Related
Dr. Stone New World Marks a Major Milestone For Senku’s Crew
Dr. Stone has been all about bringing back the technology of the old world, but their latest discovery has Senku and his team closer than ever before.
Watch on Crunchyroll
3 Trigun Stampede Is Fun For New and Old Fans Alike
Produced by Orange and Based on the Manga by Yasuhiro Nightow
When reporters Meryl Stryfe and Roberto De Niro investigate a man with a $$6 million bounty on his head, they expect to come across a ruthless terrorist with no regard for human life. Instead, they find Vash the Stampede, a pacifist beloved by everyone who knows him, and who unfortunately gets mistaken for his malevolent twin brother, Knives Millions.
While some may prefer the old anime adaptation, Trigun (1998), over this one, Trigun Stampede remains an incredibly enjoyable action-adventure title, providing a captivating character-driven story and outstanding action scenes. Some people may be apprehensive about the inclusion of CGI, but Trigun Stampede proves that 3D animation can completely enhance the experience, creating more fluid, dynamic, and lifelike scenes.
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Trigun Stampede’s Art Style Isn’t Just Ambitious, It’s A Game Changer
3D anime are the wave of future, but for the sake of higher quality. An unlikely marriage of two art forms are revolutionizing anime forever.
Watch on Crunchyroll
2 Heavenly Delusion Is an Underrated Title That Dares to Ask Questions
Produced by Production I.G and Based on the Manga by Masakazu Ishiguro
In a post-apocalyptic Japan where the survival of the remaining survivors is threatened by fearsome monsters, Maru and Kiruko embark on a difficult journey in search of a place called Heaven. Meanwhile, in a completely isolated facility, children are starting to learn more about the outside world, and their curiosity grows accordingly.
As one of the best anime of 2023, Heavenly Delusion provides a one of a kind sci-fi experience, combining well-written mystery with an intriguing setting of a seemingly hopeless, forsaken world. Defined by unpredictable twists and shocking reveals, this title tells a compelling story and raises thought-provoking questions. Naturally, the art and sound direction are equally stellar, delivering a title that no sci-fi fan should overlook.
Watch on Hulu
1 Pluto Is a Retelling of an Iconic Story Told by a Brilliant Author
Produced by Studio M2 and Based on the Manga by Naoki Urasawa
In a world where humans live alongside robots, a legendary robot, beloved for his kindness and dedication towards nature, is violently murdered. Taking on the mission of investigating this case and discovering the identity of the murderer is Gesicht, a robotic Europol detective, aided by Atom, a highly developed robot that is nearly indistinguishable from normal humans. However, what they’re about to struggle with comes not only in the form of a powerful evil opponent, but also issues of morality.
Based on an iconic chapter of the classic Astro Boy, Pluto is an unparalleled reboot, that elevates the original beyond recognition. Taking a brilliant and surprisingly profound detective story that explores complex themes of identity, artificial intelligence, and politics, and faithfully adapting it through gorgeous visual and sound design, Pluto is not only an extraordinary sci-fi title, but also one of the best anime in recent years.
Watch on Netflix
