Despite not representing one of the medium’s most popular genres, the best space opera anime are often regarded by fans as some of the most memorable, complex, and intriguing science fiction titles. Sci-fi stories are always creative and intricate, but the space opera theme takes it up a notch, involving large-scale conflicts and epic, melodramatic adventures, that are sure to keep viewers captivated until the grand finale.
While space opera anime may not be particularly numerous, there are still quite a few worthwhile options for fans to look into, ranging from old-school classics that still hold up surprisingly well, telling stories that are as compelling today as they were over 30 years ago, to modern remakes or even entirely new original entries that find innovative ways to reinvent an established subgenre.
10 Space Dandy Is a Lighthearted, Flamboyant Space Opera
Original Series Produced by Bones
The titular Dandy is a flamboyant alien hunter who travels the galaxy in his trusty ship, Aloha Oe, along with his two eccentric companions, QT, the robot, and Meow, the cat-like alien. As interesting as his life may be, constantly encountering new peculiar species and planets, his adventures often take a turn to the dangerous, requiring him always to stay alert. Still, after every successful mission, Dandy knows that he can relax at BooBies, his favorite diner in the world.
Described by some as a stealth sequel to the highly influential Cowboy Bebop, Space Dandy approaches the idea of unpredictable space adventures in a light-hearted manner, emphasizing the comedy of the situation above all else. While those looking for serious, grandiose journeys are unlikely to find that here, this title serves as the perfect break for fans who, having experienced complex and convoluted stories that span hundreds of episodes, may want nothing more but to sit back, relax, and be entertained by fun space-themed shenanigans.
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9 Toward the Terra Is a Classic Sci-Fi Dystopian Tale
Produced by Tokyo Kids & Minami Machi Bugyousho and Based on the Manga by Keiko Takemiya
In a world where pollution has destroyed the possibility of living on Earth, humanity chose to survive by colonizing different planets. Moreover, as AI advanced beyond the comprehension of humans, people chose to abandon their freedom and live in a society where everything is controlled by computers. As a young boy named Jomy manages to escape this cruel fate thanks to Soldier Blue, the leader of the Mu race, humans who have developed psychic powers, Jomy decides to join their cause and embarks alongside his new friends to Earth, the only place where they may live in peace.
Toward the Terra follows one of the most intriguing possible developments of a futuristic society – dystopia. It leverages its setting to explore timeless, thought-provoking, and important themes, such as discrimination and the ethics of war. As such, this title is particularly likely to appeal to space opera fans who value complex political situations and compelling conflicts that escalate rapidly, to the point where ship battles take the spotlight.
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8 The Irresponsible Captain Tylor Is a Laid-Back Space Adventure
Produced by Tatsunoko Production and Based on the Light Novel by Hitoshi Yoshioka & Kazuhiko Tsuzuki
Justy Ueki Tylor is a simple man with a straightforward dream – obtaining an undemanding job with the United Planets Space Force and living out his life in peace, away from any danger. His plan is completely overturned, however, as he stumbles into a hostage situation, only to end up saving an admiral. As a reward for his efforts, Tylor becomes the captain of the rundown space cruiser Soyokaze, somehow finding himself forced to lead an eccentric crew of misfits against the forces of the Holy Raalgon Empire.
The Irresponsible Captain Tylor subverts expectations by placing a protagonist who doesn’t take himself seriously in charge of tense situations. Although Tylor’s laid-back mindset and unwillingness to lead others might make him seem like an ill-suited captain, refusing to place himself above others turns out to be his strength instead, as his subordinates feel respected and appreciated. Thanks to Tylor’s unique attitude and unusual approach to handling interstellar conflicts, his space adventures stand out as both entertaining and memorable.
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7 Crest of the Stars Is a Classic Take on Galactic Warfare
Produced by Sunrise and Based on the Light Novel by Hiroyuki Morioka & Toshihiro Ono
As humanity faces the threat of the Abh Empire, finding themselves at a disadvantage both in terms of numbers and technology, different planets react in different ways. The president of Martine, for instance, willingly surrendered his world in exchange for becoming Abh nobility, thus letting his son, Jinto Linn, become a prince and live among his people’s oppressors. As Jinto befriends Lafiel Abriel, a brash yet capable princess, the two end up caught in a large-scale conflict that is about to change their entire world.
While far from perfect, Crest of the Stars is a remarkable old-school title that follows a character-driven narrative set in a world defined by galactic warfare. While space opera fans are particularly likely to appreciate the political context of the interstellar conflicts that occur between different futuristic societies, any viewer is sure to enjoy the compelling character development that takes the spotlight in this story, as the characters are as realistic as they are well-developed.
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6 Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 2199 Is a Worthy Remake of the Classic
Original Series Produced by Xebec & AIC
The landscapes of the once-verdant Earth have changed completely, with lush nature and ingenious architecture both being destroyed completely, as the Gamilas empire turned the planet into a wasteland and forced what remains of humanity to live in underground cities. Still, the situation is not entirely hopeless; as they discover that a distant planet named Iscandar possesses the technology capable of restoring the Earth’s glory, the Earth Defense Force decide to bet everything on Yamato, a battleship tasked with the difficult, time-sensitive mission of saving humanity.
As a brilliant remake of a beloved classic that manages to stay faithful to the original while also improving it in every way, Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 2199 tells a legendary story about the resilience of humanity. Even when faced with near-certain extinction, humans continue to hope for salvation and would go to any lengths for it, even as far as flying to the furthest planets in outer space. Beyond its excellent portrayal of heroism, this title features everything fans love about space operas, from strategic space warfare to captivating, galaxy-spanning journeys.
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5 Macross Has All the Elements of a Great Space Opera
Original Series Produced by Tatsunoko Production
As a giant spacecraft crashes into Earth, humanity realizes that they are not alone in the universe, a threatening idea that motivates them to repair the ship, now named Macross, in hopes of using it to defend themselves from any potential attack. On the day of its first voyage, as the alien race of Zentradi suddenly descends, Macross begins to fire at the Zentradi on its own, marking the beginning of a great interstellar war. As the people on Macross try to escape, they find themselves transported to the unfamiliar depths of outer space.
As the beginning of a long-running franchise that has fascinated fans for decades, Macross tells a fascinating story that simultaneously highlights epic, grand-scale battles, as well as grounded, personal character explorations. While viewers are bound to be enthralled by the way this title effortlessly blends dynamic action with touching romance scenes, Macross also features some of the medium’s largest mechs, which have become a staple in the sci-fi genre.
Watch on Prime Video
4 Astra Lost in Space Proves that the Genre Is Still Popular Today
Produced by Lerche and Based on the Manga by Kenta Shinohara
The cheerful Aries Spring, along with a group of unique teenagers, are set to attend a fun camp on Planet McPa. However, as soon as they arrive, they find themselves abducted by a mysterious orb and sent far into outer space, away from everything they found familiar, and with no way to communicate to their loved ones. Despite being all alone on a seemingly abandoned ship, the group remains hopeful that they will be able to return home, thus choosing to embark together on what is sure to be a life-changing journey.
Astra Lost in Space proves that space operas can still find popularity and appreciation even among modern audiences. While it may not feature the impressive mechs or stunning space warfare that other titles do, this story focuses on the helpless nature of humanity and the struggle to survive in an unfamiliar world. The tone of the journey is set from its theatrical-length opening episode, which excellently portrays the harshness of outer space and the intrinsic human resilience, against the mesmerizing backdrop of creative planets.
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3 Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury Revitalized the Franchise
Original Series Produced by Sunrise
As Suletta Mercury leaves her remote planet to transfer to the Asticassia School of Technology, she finds an entirely new world full of exciting opportunities and strange rules. Here, the winner of any argument is decided through duels, and the top duelist earns the hand of Miorine Rembran, the daughter of the school’s board president. Dissatisfied with the way Miorine is being treated, Suletta decides to challenge her current fiancé and comes out victorious. Despite her eventful first days on a new planet, what awaits Sulletta is far from a light-hearted, fun school life.
As the newest entry into one of the medium’s most expansive and beloved franchises, Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury reinvents a classic formula, acting as a great introduction to the world of Mobile Suit Gundam. Building on the legacy of the franchise, this title simultaneously features elements fans have fallen in love with, such as riveting melodrama and political intrigue, while also adapting to modern sensibilities by setting new milestones, particularly in the form of the beautiful relationship between Suletta and Miorine.
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2 Cowboy Bebop Is Still a Masterpiece
Original Series Produced by Sunrise
In a distant future where humanity has managed to establish settlements on different planets, the widespread presence of criminals and outlaws has resulted in the appearance of bounty hunters, who risk their lives daily seeking to capture dangerous troublemakers. Initially acting as a duo, Spike Spiegel and Jet Black, two determined yet troubled bounty hunters, eventually recruit more companions on their wild adventures, namely Faye Valentine, an unlucky con artist, Edward, a young genius, and Ein, an artificial Welsh Corgi.
While it may differ from what fans traditionally expect from a space opera, due to its focused scope and lack of interstellar conflicts, Cowboy Bebop is an iconic title that effortlessly blends space western aesthetics with neo-noir and jazz influences to create something as original as it is unforgettable. Thanks to the fascinating spacefaring adventures of Spike Spiegel and his ragtag crew, this title is not only considered one of the best space operas, but also one of the best anime out there, earning a spot among many fans’ favorites.
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Cowboy Bebop (1998)
Cowboy Bebop is a sci-fi/western action television series widely regarded as one of the best anime ever. The series follows a crew of four disconnected bounty hunters who all slowly come together aboard a ship known as the Bebop. The crew of the Bebop attempt to snag various bounties and embark on several misadventures to keep their pockets lined with coin and their stomachs full. The series also has a heavy musical motif, with each episode title named after various jazz “sessions.”
1 Legend of the Galactic Heroes Should Be in Every Anime Fan’s Library
Produced by Kitty Film & K-Factory and Based on the Novel by Yoshiki Tanaka
The Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance have long been stuck in an interstellar war of massive proportions, causing numerous losses, both in terms of soldiers and spaceships, on both sides. Now that a new generation is about to take their turn at leading the war, the direction and scope of the battle is set to change completely. While the Empire’s Reinhard von Lohengramm seeks to become humanity’s ultimate ruler, unifying them under his will, the Free Planets Alliance’s Yang Wen-Li believes in diplomacy and hopes for a world of democracy.
While viewers may find themselves intimidated by the number of episodes and its release year, this anime title has aged incredibly well. Legend of the Galactic Heroes is ubiquitously known as an unmissable experience for fans of epic adventures set in space, and rightfully so. Not only does it feature every element that fans love about this subgenre, from captivating space conflicts and political intrigues to a genuinely epic setting, but it is also outstanding in every perspective, technical or otherwise, making it one of, if not, the best space opera anime.
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