The vast expanse of space, with its celestial ballet of stars and nebulae, has long captivated the human imagination. It’s no surprise then that anime, with its boundless creativity, has frequently turned its gaze skyward. Space exploration anime, in particular, offers a unique blend of adventure, philosophical musings, and often, a healthy dose of intergalactic mayhem. But with a universe of options out there, where does one begin their cosmic anime pilgrimage? Fear not, intrepid traveler, for we have traversed the star charts and returned with a meticulously curated list of the finest space exploration anime that are guaranteed to ignite your sense of wonder and possibly inspire existential contemplation about the meaning of space ramen.
1. Galaxy Express 999: A Sentimental Journey on Rails Through the Cosmos
All aboard the feels train… I mean, the Galaxy Express 999! This classic, hailing from the legendary Leiji Matsumoto, is not just an anime; it’s a poignant space odyssey wrapped in ačøę±½ęŗ aesthetic. Imagine a young lad named Tetsuro Hoshino, fueled by a burning desire for a cybernetic body (because who wouldn’t want to be a robot?), embarking on a galactic railway journey with the enigmatic and ethereal Maetel. Their destination? To obtain a free cyborg body from the ę©ę¢°ęę (Planet of Machines) in the Andromeda Galaxy.
What ensues is a grand tour of the galaxy, each stop revealing unique worlds and societal commentaries. Think of it as a spacefaring ‘Around the World in 80 Days,’ but with more existential dread and fewer hot air balloons. Galaxy Express 999 is celebrated for its melancholic atmosphere, its exploration of transhumanism, and its unforgettable characters. It’s the kind of anime that stays with you, like a lingering space-dust after a meteor shower, prompting you to ponder the nature of humanity amidst the cold indifference of space. Be warned, though, you might need a box of tissues the size of a small moon by the time you reach the final station.
2. Planetes: The Mundane Made Magnificent in Zero Gravity
If you thought space was all about laser battles and wormhole jumping, Planetes is here to offer a reality check, seasoned with a dash of existentialism. This anime dares to ask: what about the space janitors? Enter the Half-mad Maintenance Worker team, lovable underdogs tasked with the decidedly unglamorous job of collecting space debris. Think of them as the celestial sanitation department, diligently tidying up the cosmic clutter left behind by humanity’s expansion into the stars.
Planetes excels in its grounded portrayal of space travel. Forget your typical anime space tropes; here, we have realistic physics, meticulous attention to detail in spacecraft design, and a focus on the everyday lives of those who make space exploration possible. It’s a character-driven narrative that explores themes of ambition, environmentalism, and the human spirit’s tenacity, even when faced with the drudgery of space garbage collection. Prepare for a surprisingly emotional and thought-provoking journey that proves even the most mundane jobs can become extraordinary when set against the backdrop of the cosmos. Just try not to think too hard about space toilets.
3. Memories: An Anthology of Cosmic Nightmares (and Existential Dread)
Buckle up for a psychological rollercoaster through the darkest corners of space with Memories, an anthology film that’s less ‘exploration’ and more ‘existential crisis in zero gravity.’ Produced by the legendary studio 4Ā°C and featuring segments directed by Koji Morimoto, Tensai Okamura, and the inimitable Satoshi Kon, Memories is not for the faint of heart or those seeking lighthearted space romps.
Comprising three distinct shorts ā ‘Magnetic Rose,’ ‘Stink Bomb,’ and ‘Cannon Fodder’ ā Memories delves into themes of memory, paranoia, and the terrifying potential of technology gone awry. Imagine a distress signal leading to a derelict spaceship haunted by a diva’s memories, a pharmaceutical mishap turning a man into a walking biological weapon, and a society obsessed with pointless militarism. Cheerful, right? Memories is a visual and narrative tour-de-force, showcasing stunning animation and deeply unsettling stories that will linger in your mind like a bad dream after too much space cheese. It’s the perfect anime for those who like their space exploration seasoned with a generous helping of psychological horror and a side of existential dread. Just don’t watch it alone in the dark… or near any malfunctioning machinery.
4. Vandread: Space Pirates, Gender Dynamics, and Mecha Mayhem (Oh My!)
Ahoy, mateys, and prepare to set sail on the Vandread, a series that boldly asks: what if space pirates were a thing, and what if they had… gender issues? In a galaxy divided by a centuries-long war between men and women (yes, you read that right), we find Hibiki Tokai, a male mechanic who accidentally stows away on a women-only pirate ship. Hilarity, and surprisingly insightful social commentary, ensues.
Vandread is a delightful cocktail of space opera, romantic comedy, and mecha action. It’s like ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ in space, but with giant robots and a healthy dose of gender role reversal. The series is known for its energetic animation, its quirky humor, and its surprisingly nuanced exploration of gender relations, all wrapped up in a package of high-octane space battles. If you’re looking for an anime that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking, with a dash of romantic tension and a whole lot of laser fire, Vandread is your ship of choice. Just be prepared for some potentially awkward shipboard dynamics.
5. Legend of the Galactic Heroes: A Grand Space Opera for the Strategically Inclined
For those who prefer their space exploration with a side of political intrigue and grand military strategy, Legend of the Galactic Heroes is your anime of choice. This epic space opera, often hailed as a masterpiece of the genre, throws you into a centuries-long conflict between the Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance. Think of it as ‘War and Peace’ in space, but with more laser cannons and fewer ballroom dances.
Legend of the Galactic Heroes is renowned for its complex characters, its intricate political machinations, and its sweeping narrative scope. It’s a series that rewards patience and attention, delving into themes of war, democracy, and the cyclical nature of history. With its vast cast and detailed world-building, it’s easy to get lost in the intricacies of this galactic conflict. Just be prepared for a long haul ā this is a series that demands commitment, but the payoff is a truly unforgettable and intellectually stimulating spacefaring experience. Perfect for those who enjoy pondering the ethics of galactic warfare over a cup of Earl Grey tea (or space-tea, if you prefer).
6. Voices of a Distant Star: A Love Story Across Light-Years (and Emotional Distances)
Prepare for a poignant interstellar romance that will tug at your heartstrings like a gravitational pull with Voices of a Distant Star. This short but emotionally resonant film from Makoto Shinkai, the maestro of melancholic anime, tells the tale of Mikako Nagamine and Noboru Terao, two middle school students separated by Mikako’s enlistment in the space war against aliens.
What sets Voices of a Distant Star apart is its exploration of distance, both physical and emotional. As Mikako journeys further into space, the time it takes for messages to travel between her and Noboru stretches from seconds to years. It’s a heartbreakingly beautiful depiction of long-distance relationships taken to their most extreme, cosmic conclusion. With its signature Shinkai visuals and a deeply moving narrative, this film is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates stories that explore the human condition against the vast backdrop of space. Just have your phone handy to text your loved ones afterwards ā you’ll want to remind them you’re thinking of them, even if they’re just in the next room and not light-years away.
7. Space Pirate Captain Harlock: The Original Space Outlaw with a Heart of Gold (and a Cool Cape)
Raise the Jolly Roger and prepare to meet the quintessential space pirate, Captain Harlock! This iconic character, another creation of Leiji Matsumoto, is the embodiment of the romantic space outlaw. Captain Harlock, aboard his magnificent ship Arcadia, roams the cosmos, defying corrupt Earth governments and fighting for freedom and justice. Think of him as the spacefaring Robin Hood, but with a cooler cape and a spaceship that’s the envy of every galactic navy.
Space Pirate Captain Harlock is a swashbuckling space adventure, filled with thrilling battles, dramatic confrontations, and a strong sense of romantic heroism. Harlock himself is a compelling figure, a brooding anti-hero with a strong moral compass and an unwavering commitment to his ideals. Whether you opt for the classic 1978 series, the 2013 CGI film, or any of the numerous other iterations, Captain Harlock is a must-experience for any fan of space opera and tales of rebellion against tyranny. Just try not to develop a sudden urge to wear an eye-patch and commandeer a spaceship after watching.
8. Tenchi Muyo! (and its Spin-offs): A Harem in Space? Prepare for Intergalactic Rom-Com Chaos
Hold onto your hats, folks, because Tenchi Muyo! is about to launch us into the chaotic orbit of intergalactic romantic comedy. When Tenchi Masaki, an ordinary Japanese teenager, accidentally unleashes a space pirate named Ryoko, his life takes a decidedly extraterrestrial turn. Soon, his home becomes a veritable Š¼ŠµŠ¶Š·Š²ŠµŠ·Š“Š½ŃŠ¹ (interstellar) boarding house for a motley crew of alien princesses, space cops, and other cosmic misfits.
Tenchi Muyo! is a genre-bending series that blends science fiction, harem comedy, and slice-of-life elements with a healthy dose of slapstick. It’s known for its large and eccentric cast of characters, its lighthearted tone, and its surprisingly engaging storylines that often delve into surprisingly complex sci-fi concepts amidst the romantic shenanigans. Whether you prefer the original OVA series, Tenchi Universe, or any of the numerous spin-offs and alternate universes, Tenchi Muyo! offers a fun and often hilarious ride through space. Just be prepared for some serious romantic entanglements and the occasional alien invasion ā it’s all part of the Tenchi charm.
9. Edens Zero: Hiro Mashima Takes Fairy Tail to the Stars (and Beyond!)
From the creative mind behind Fairy Tail comes Edens Zero, a series that answers the burning question: what if Natsu and company traded Fiore for the cosmos? Following Shiki Granbell, a ę©ę¢° (machine) raised human boy, and Rebecca Bluegarden, a B-cuber (space YouTuber, naturally), Edens Zero is a vibrant spacefaring adventure in the grand tradition of shonen anime.
Edens Zero retains Hiro Mashima’s signature style ā expect dynamic action sequences, a heartwarming emphasis on friendship, and a sprawling, imaginative world. This series is a love letter to classic adventure anime, with a focus on exploration, camaraderie, and overcoming adversity through the power of nakama (friendship). If you enjoyed Fairy Tail’s blend of action and heart, Edens Zero offers a similar experience, but set against the dazzling backdrop of space. Just be prepared for copious amounts of friendship power-ups and maybe a few too many convenient plot twists ā it’s all part of the Mashima magic.
10. Classroom Crisis: High School Drama… in Space! (Yes, Really)
Ever wondered what high school would be like on Mars? Classroom Crisis answers this pressing question with a resounding ‘complicated, and possibly involving corporate espionage!’ Set in a futuristic Martian city, this anime follows the students of A-TEC, a class of aspiring engineers working for a powerful corporation. Think of it as ‘Gossip Girl’ meets ‘Star Trek,’ but with more engineering jargon and fewer awkward love triangles… okay, maybe just as many awkward love triangles.
Classroom Crisis is a unique blend of slice-of-life, corporate drama, and mecha elements. It’s known for its engaging characters, its surprisingly intricate plot involving corporate rivalries and political intrigue, and its exploration of the challenges faced by young people entering the workforce… in space. If you’re looking for an anime that’s both relatable and refreshingly different, with a dash of romance and a whole lot of workplace drama, Classroom Crisis is in session. Just be prepared for some serious career anxieties and the occasional rocket launch during class.
11. Ulysses 31: A Greek Odyssey… in the 31st Century! (Mind. Blown.)
Prepare for a cosmic reimagining of classical mythology with Ulysses 31, a Franco-Japanese co-production that’s as delightfully bonkers as it sounds. This series takes the epic poem ‘The Odyssey’ and boldly transplants it to the 31st century. Ulysses (Odysseus, for you classicists), captain of the spaceship Odyssey, incurs the wrath of the gods and must journey across the galaxy to return home to Earth, with his son Telemachus and a quirky alien crew in tow.
Ulysses 31 is a visually striking and narratively ambitious series, known for its unique blend of Greek mythology, science fiction, and its surprisingly dark and mature themes for a children’s show. It’s a testament to the power of cross-cultural storytelling, taking a timeless classic and giving it a dazzlingly futuristic spin. If you’re looking for an anime that’s both educational and wildly entertaining, with a dash of Greek tragedy and a whole lot of laser battles, Ulysses 31 is your epic space saga. Just try not to compare it too closely to your high school literature class ā space cyclops are way cooler than regular cyclops.
12. Space Patrol Luluco: Studio Trigger’s Whimsical (and Utterly Chaotic) Space Romp
Strap yourselves in for a dose of pure, unadulterated Studio Trigger madness with Space Patrol Luluco. This short-form series is a whirlwind of vibrant animation, fourth-wall breaking humor, and interdimensional absurdity. Luluco is an ordinary middle school girl living in the solar system’s only designated alien immigration zone, who accidentally becomes a space patrol officer. Chaos, as you might expect, ensues.
Space Patrol Luluco is a celebration of all things Trigger ā expect over-the-top action, rapid-fire jokes, and a healthy disregard for the laws of physics and narrative coherence. It’s a series that doesn’t take itself seriously for a single second, and that’s precisely its charm. If you’re looking for an anime that’s pure, unadulterated fun, with a dash of romantic awkwardness and a whole lot of intergalactic mayhem, Space Patrol Luluco is ready for duty. Just be prepared for your brain to melt a little ā it’s all part of the Trigger experience.
13. Knights of Sidonia: Bio-Mecha vs. Shapeshifting Aliens in a Desperate Fight for Survival
Brace yourselves for a gritty, claustrophobic space survival story with Knights of Sidonia. In the distant future, humanity, fleeing a monstrous alien race known as the Gauna, lives aboard the massive seed ship Sidonia. Nagate Tanikaze, a low-born youth raised in the ship’s underbelly, becomes Sidonia’s last hope when he proves to be an exceptional pilot of the Garde, humanoid mecha used to combat the Gauna.
Knights of Sidonia is known for its tense atmosphere, its unique 3D CGI animation style, and its focus on the brutal realities of war and survival in space. It’s a series that doesn’t shy away from depicting the horrors of conflict and the sacrifices required to survive. If you’re looking for an anime that’s both thrilling and thought-provoking, with a dash of body horror and a whole lot of mecha action, Knights of Sidonia is ready to deploy. Just be prepared for some serious existential dread and a newfound appreciation for breathable air.
14. Mobile Suit Gundam (Original Series): The Granddaddy of Real Robot Space Opera (Still Kicking!)
We cannot, in good conscience, discuss space exploration anime without paying homage to the progenitor of the ‘real robot’ genre, Mobile Suit Gundam (specifically, the original 1979 series). This groundbreaking anime revolutionized the mecha genre by portraying giant robots not as invincible superheroes, but as complex machines of war, piloted by flawed and relatable human beings. The original Gundam series throws us into the One Year War, a devastating conflict between the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon.
Mobile Suit Gundam is celebrated for its complex characters, its mature themes of war and its consequences, and its groundbreaking mecha designs. It’s a series that paved the way for countless space operas and mecha anime that followed. While the animation may seem dated by modern standards, the story and characters remain timeless. If you’re looking to understand the roots of space exploration anime and mecha as we know it, experiencing the original Mobile Suit Gundam is essential homework. Just be prepared for some 70s anime aesthetics and a surprisingly nuanced exploration of the horrors of war ā it’s not all giant robots punching each other in space, you know.
15. Irresponsible Captain Tylor: Space Comedy at its Most… Irresponsible (and Hilarious)
For a palate cleanser after all that existential dread and galactic warfare, allow us to present The Irresponsible Captain Tylor, a space comedy that proves incompetence can sometimes be the greatest superpower. Justy Ueki Tylor is, to put it mildly, an idiot. Yet, through a series of improbable events and sheer dumb luck, he becomes the captain of a spaceship. Hilarity, as you can imagine, ensues.
Irresponsible Captain Tylor is a masterclass in space-based comedic mishaps. It’s known for its witty writing, its eccentric characters, and its ability to wring humor out of even the most dire situations. If you’re looking for an anime that will make you laugh out loud, with a dash of surprisingly clever satire and a whole lot of space-faring shenanigans, Irresponsible Captain Tylor is ready to bumble its way into your heart. Just don’t expect any strategic brilliance from the captain ā his irresponsibility is precisely the point.
16. Space Dandy: A Dandy in Space is a Dandy, Man (and Hilariously So)
Prepare for a wild, episodic ride through the cosmos with Space Dandy, a series that’s as stylish and irreverent as its pompadoured protagonist. Space Dandy is, well, a dandy in space ā a bounty hunter in search of rare aliens, accompanied by his feline alien sidekick Meow and the obsolete robot QT. Each episode is a self-contained adventure, often veering into bizarre and unpredictable territory.
Space Dandy is a visual and comedic feast, known for its diverse animation styles, its absurdist humor, and its sheer creativity. It’s a series that throws logic out the airlock and embraces pure, unadulterated fun. If you’re looking for an anime that’s guaranteed to surprise and entertain, with a dash of retro cool and a whole lot of intergalactic goofiness, Space Dandy is ready to show you a good time, baby. Just don’t try to make sense of it all ā just go with the flow, man.
17. Astra Lost in Space: High School Trip Gone Horribly, Hilariously Wrong (in Space!)
Ever been on a school trip that went south? Astra Lost in Space takes that concept to its most literal, and intergalactic, extreme. When a group of high school students on a planetary camp-out are mysteriously flung across the galaxy, they must band together to survive and find their way back home aboard a mysterious, sentient spaceship. Think ‘Lord of the Flies’ meets ‘Lost,’ but with more spaceships and less tropical island angst.
Astra Lost in Space is a thrilling and suspenseful space adventure, known for its compelling characters, its intricate mystery, and its surprising emotional depth. It’s a series that keeps you guessing, with twists and turns aplenty, while also exploring themes of friendship, resilience, and the importance of teamwork when stranded millions of light-years from home. If you’re looking for an anime that’s both exciting and emotionally engaging, with a dash of sci-fi mystery and a whole lot of teenage ingenuity, Astra Lost in Space is ready to launch you on a stellar adventure. Just maybe double-check your school trip itineraries in the future.
18. Cowboy Bebop: Jazz, Bounty Hunters, and Existential Coolness in the Far Reaches of Space
And finally, we arrive at the undisputed king of cool space anime, Cowboy Bebop. This iconic series, with its jazzy soundtrack, its stylish visuals, and its effortlessly cool characters, is a must-watch for any anime enthusiast, space fan or otherwise. Cowboy Bebop follows the crew of the Bebop, a group of bounty hunters ā Spike Spiegel, Jet Black, Faye Valentine, and Ed ā as they navigate the solar system in pursuit of their next score, and often, their own troubled pasts.
Cowboy Bebop is celebrated for its mature themes, its episodic yet interconnected storytelling, its unforgettable characters, and its genre-bending blend of science fiction, western, and film noir. It’s a series that’s both action-packed and deeply introspective, exploring themes of existentialism, loneliness, and the search for meaning in a vast and uncaring universe. If you’re looking for an anime that’s stylish, sophisticated, and emotionally resonant, with a dash of gunfights and a whole lot of jazz, Cowboy Bebop is ready to take you on a ride. Just be prepared to ponder the weight of your own existence afterwards ā it’s that kind of anime.
So there you have it, cadets! Your launchpad to the most captivating corners of the space exploration anime galaxy. Whether you crave epic space operas, quirky comedies, or thought-provoking dramas, this list has something to ignite your cosmic curiosity. Now go forth, explore the stars, and remember to always keep your space helmet handy ā you never know when you might encounter a rogue asteroid or, perhaps, a particularly dandy space pirate.