The 10 Best Space Anime You Need to Watch
Ever looked up at the night sky and wondered what’s out there? Space has always stirred our imagination. It’s mysterious, vast, and full of potential for epic storytelling. Anime set in space taps into that wonder, combining high-stakes action, futuristic tech, philosophical questions, and sometimes… a whole lot of lasers.
Whether you’re a seasoned anime watcher or just dipping your toes into the genre, space anime is a goldmine of thrilling adventures and deep emotional moments. So, buckle up, because we’re about to launch into the 10 best space anime you absolutely need to watch.
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1. Cowboy Bebop
| Genres | Action, Sci-Fi |
| Release Date | 1998 |
Let’s kick things off with a classic. Cowboy Bebop isn’t just a space anime—it’s the space anime.
Set in a future where humanity has colonized most of the solar system, the story follows Spike Spiegel and his ragtag crew of bounty hunters aboard the spaceship Bebop. They’re broke, dysfunctional, and always one step behind their targets.
But what makes Cowboy Bebop so iconic? The mix of genres—noir, jazz, westerns, and sci-fi—is smooth like a Miles Davis solo. The animation still holds up today, and the soundtrack by Yoko Kanno? Chef’s kiss.
Beneath the stylish surface lies a surprisingly emotional core. Each character carries heavy baggage, and as the series unfolds, you’ll find yourself deeply invested in their pasts. It’s only 26 episodes, but man, does it hit hard.
Related:
10 Anime Like Cowboy Bebop
2. Legend of the Galactic Heroes
| Original title | Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu |
| Genres | Drama, Sci-Fi |
| Release Date | 1998 |
Ready for some serious space politics? Legend of the Galactic Heroes is the Game of Thrones of anime—only in space and with less backstabbing siblings.
This sprawling epic pits two space empires against each other: the autocratic Galactic Empire and the democratic Free Planets Alliance. At the heart of it are two military geniuses—Reinhard von Lohengramm and Yang Wen-li—who respect each other despite being on opposing sides.
With over 100 episodes, this anime doesn’t rush. It’s patient, detailed, and philosophical. War, politics, freedom, corruption—this show dives deep into big ideas without losing its human touch.
It’s not flashy, but if you’re craving rich storytelling and complex characters, this one’s a must.
3. Mobile Suit Gundam
| Original title | Kidou Senshi Gundam |
| Genres | Action, Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi |
| Release Date | 2002 |
You can’t talk space anime without talking Gundam. And while there are many series in the franchise, Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin is perfect for newcomers.
It’s a prequel to the original 1979 Gundam series and focuses on the rise of Char Aznable, one of anime’s most iconic antagonists. The animation is gorgeous, the mecha battles are intense, and the political intrigue adds real depth.
What’s special here is how grounded it feels. Even with giant robots flying around, the series tackles real issues—war ethics, family, and revenge.
If you’ve ever wanted to dip into the Gundam universe but didn’t know where to start, start here.
4. Planetes
| Genres | Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi |
| Release Date | 2003 |
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a janitor… in space?
Planetes is a hidden gem that trades space battles for a more grounded look at the future. The show follows a crew of “debris haulers”—basically, people whose job is to clean up space junk.
That might sound boring, but trust me, it’s anything but. The show explores human dreams, class divisions, nationalism, and even psychological trauma—all through the lens of ordinary people doing an extraordinary job.
Plus, it’s one of the most scientifically accurate space anime out there. If you liked The Martian or Gravity, this is your jam.
5. Space Dandy
| Genres | Comedy, Sci-Fi |
| Release Date | 2014 |
From the creator of Cowboy Bebop comes something… completely different.
Space Dandy is a flamboyant, ridiculous, and hilarious series about Dandy, an alien hunter who’s more obsessed with hairstyles and boobies than actual work. Every episode is a standalone story, and they range from comedy to horror to full-blown existentialism.
One week he’s turning into a zombie. The next, he’s trapped in a time loop or accidentally starts a galactic war.
It’s wild, unpredictable, and visually stunning. Think of it as Rick and Morty meets Looney Tunes with a dash of Bebop flair.
6. Knights of Sidonia
| Original title | Sidonia no Kishi |
| Genres | Action, Sci-Fi |
| Release Date | 2014 |
If you like your space anime dark and intense, Knights of Sidonia will scratch that itch.
Set in a future where Earth has been destroyed, humans now live aboard a massive spaceship called Sidonia, fleeing from shape-shifting aliens known as Gauna. It’s part horror, part mecha, part survival story.
The 3D animation might take some getting used to, but the storytelling is tight and suspenseful. It explores cloning, genetic manipulation, and what it means to be human in a world where even your identity might not be your own.
Grim, gritty, and thrilling.
7. Astra Lost in Space
| Original title | Kanata no Astra |
| Genres | Adventure, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Suspense |
| Release Date | 2019 |
Lost in Space but make it anime.
In Astra Lost in Space, a group of high school students ends up stranded light-years from home after a school trip gone horribly wrong. With limited resources and no adult supervision, they have to work together to survive—and unravel a mysterious conspiracy while they’re at it.
What starts as a simple survival story turns into something much deeper. Each character has a backstory, the relationships are genuine, and the twists? Oh, they hit hard.
It’s emotional, suspenseful, and full of heart.
8. Outlaw Star
| Original title | Seihou Bukyou Outlaw Star |
| Genres | Action, Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi |
| Release Date | 1998 |
Here’s one for the nostalgia lovers.
Outlaw Star is pure 90s space anime goodness. It follows Gene Starwind and his crew aboard the Outlaw Star spaceship as they search for a legendary treasure known as the “Galactic Leyline.”
It’s got everything: space pirates, catgirls, magic bullets, and fistfights with laser guns.
Sure, it’s a little cheesy, but that’s part of the charm. The world-building is fun, and the characters are just cool. If you liked Trigun or Slayers, this one’s a ride.
9. Gurren Lagann
| Original title | Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann |
| Genres | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi |
| Release Date | 2007 |
If subtlety isn’t your thing, then Gurren Lagann is your anime.
This show starts underground and ends in battles across galaxies. It’s got drills that pierce the heavens, giant mechs that grow larger with willpower, and enough shouting to power a rocket ship.
At its core, though, it’s about breaking limits—personal, emotional, and physical. It’s inspiring, explosive, and sometimes even touching. You’ll laugh, cry, and cheer by the end.
Believe in the you that believes in this anime.
10. Space Battleship Yamato 2199
| Original title | Uchuu Senkan Yamato 2199 |
| Genres | Action, Drama, Sci-Fi |
| Release Date | 2012 |
Last but definitely not least, we’ve got a remake of a legendary series.
Space Battleship Yamato 2199 is a stunning modern update of the 1974 original, which was basically Japan’s version of Star Trek.
Earth is dying, and the crew of the Yamato embarks on a desperate mission to retrieve a device that can restore the planet. Along the way, they face alien threats, internal conflicts, and deep emotional scars.
The animation is top-tier, the music is powerful, and the story is timeless. It’s space opera at its finest.
Conclusion
And there you have it—10 of the best space anime that’ll take you on an unforgettable ride across galaxies, wormholes, and beyond.
From the smooth jazz of Cowboy Bebop to the philosophical weight of Legend of the Galactic Heroes, and the emotional twists of Astra Lost in Space, there’s something here for every kind of viewer.
So what are you waiting for? Fire up your favorite streaming service, grab some snacks, and blast off into the stars. The universe of anime is vast—and these series are just the beginning. 🚀
