9 Best Sci-Fi Anime Of 2023

Science Fiction stands as a cornerstone in the realm of entertainment genres, captivating audiences with its imaginative narratives, futuristic landscapes, and intellectually stimulating themes. In the year 2023, the anime industry upheld its tradition of pushing creative boundaries, presenting a plethora of compelling sci-fi series that authentically capture the essence of the genre.

Whether exploring mind-bending technological leaps or immersing viewers in dystopian post-apocalyptic realms that provoke contemplation about the future, the anime lineup for this year has undoubtedly ranked among the finest. Without delay, let's delve into some of the standout sci-fi anime offerings from the year 2023.

9 The Marginal Service

• Where To Watch: Crunchyroll
• Studio: Studio 3Hz
• Number of Episodes:12

"The Marginal Service" chronicles the escapades of Brian Nightraider, a police detective born in America, characterized by an attitude that estranges him from his superiors. His career takes a nosedive when a display of recklessness results in the tragic loss of his partner, ultimately leading to his dismissal from the force.

In the depths of his despair, an unexpected lifeline emerges in the form of an invitation from the United Nations. The missive reveals that Brian has been enlisted to join The Marginal Service, a clandestine organization dedicated to monitoring Borderlanders—alien infiltrators living covertly among humans. The organization's mission is clear: identify and neutralize those extraterrestrial beings with malicious intent.

8 Technoroid Overmind

• Where To Watch: Crunchyroll
• Studio: Doga Kobo
• Number of Episodes:12

Immersed in a post-apocalyptic setting shaped by the relentless expansion of the sun, causing widespread climate change and unprecedented environmental deterioration, humanity finds itself constrained to minimal activity. To counteract this new reality, the world government has implemented the widespread deployment of robotics and androids to handle the tasks once performed by humans.

Drawing parallels with the acclaimed Pluto series, this narrative unfolds in a world brimming with enigmas, marked by intricate relationships between sentient robots and the dwindling human populace. At its core, the story revolves around the exploits of four autonomous robots, devoid of masters, and a young human boy. Together, they embark on a quest that unravels the mysteries of an obscured past, forging a compelling saga in the face of an uncertain future.

7 Nier Automata Ver1.1a

• Where To Watch: Crunchyroll
• Studio: A-1 Pictures
• Number of Episodes: 12

Nier Automata Ver1.1a is an adaptation of the renowned RPG game sharing its title. The narrative unfolds in a futuristic realm gripped by a conflict between Machine life forms crafted by extraterrestrials and Androids engineered by humans.

The plot traces the experiences of Androids 2B and 9S, esteemed members of the elite YoRHa combat unit. Tasked with supporting humanity's forces and delving into the peculiar actions of the Machines on Earth, their journey leads them to encounter a diverse array of characters, among whom is a renegade member of the YoRHa force. As the story unfolds, intricate layers of the narrative are peeled back, revealing a tapestry of alliances and betrayals in this riveting tale of war and discovery.

6 Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury

• Where To Watch: Crunchyroll
• Studio: Sunrise
• Number of Episodes: 24

Like the name sounds, Mobile Suit Gundam is a mecha sci-fi anime that features a unique premise where humanity has advanced and major companies have created a huge economic zone in space.

In response to the challenges posed by living in space, humanity developed advanced health technologies to counteract the adverse effects on well-being. Over time, these innovations underwent a transformative evolution, culminating in the creation of mecha suit weapons that form the central focus of the narrative. 

In this particular installment, the storyline revolves around Sutella Mercury, who is tasked with demonstrating her capabilities as she joins the Asticassia School of Technology. Against the backdrop of a world shaped by futuristic advancements and the integration of mecha suit weaponry, Sutella's journey unfolds as a testament to her skills and resilience in the face of challenges within this technologically augmented realm.

5 Psycho-Pass: Providence

• Where To Watch: N/A
• Studio: Production I.G
• Number of Episodes: N/A

Fans of science fiction crime series like Cyberpunk Edgerunners will love the Psycho-Pass series. Pyscho-Pass Providence is the latest installment from the series animated by Production I.G. but in the form of a film. This movie continues to expand the story set in a world where all humans are fit with a psycho-pass that estimates their potential to commit a crime. Akane Tsunemori, a Tokyo inspector, learns the true nature behind the sigyl system which controls society and aims to oppose it.

4 Dr. STONE New World

The latest season of Dr. Stone aired alongside many great anime in the summer 2023 lineup, focusing primarily on the New World arc of the smash hit series. It continues the story of Ishigami Senku, the genius who aims to restore his world to a technologically advanced civilization after a mysterious incident caused all living things in the world to be petrified.

This arc focuses on the altercations between the Kingdom of Science and the Island’s strongest warrior, Moz, where Ishigami Senku aims to flip Moz and gain a powerful ally.

3 Trigun Stampede

Similar to Technoroid Overmind, humanity in this series has been victims of environmental disasters, and as a result, they have been forced to evacuate the planet in colony fleets looking for planets that support life. Humanity also created plants, artificial organisms that can produce renewable energy.

The story follows the brothers Vash and Nai who follow different paths, with Nai seeking to kill all humans who exploit the plants and Vash doing his all to stop his brother and resolve the conflict between humans and plants.

2 PLUTO

• Where To Watch: Netflix
• Studio: Studio M2
• Number of Episodes: 8

Naoki Urasawa’s reimagination of “The Greatest Robot on Earth” arc from Astro Boy took the world by storm during its debut on Netflix. It features the story of Gesicht, a Europol detective tasked with finding the serial killer behind the deaths of a few influential characters backing the International Robot Laws which aim to promote equality between human and robot-kind.

The story gets even more confusing when he starts to uncover the mysteries behind the event, and unveils one of the biggest hate crime plots ever seen.

1 Heavenly Delusion

This features a unique premise of a postapocalyptic world overrun by man-eating monsters after an unprecedented disaster rocks the earth. It follows two sets of stories, with one centered around special children in an isolated facility, who yearn to see what the outside world looks like.

The other follows Kiruko, an odd jobs woman, as she protects Maru on his journey across the treacherous landscape in search of “Heaven” in their hell-like world. It features some themes that might not be suitable for children and is regarded as Seinen.