Best Space Anime
Space anime captivates with its blend of cosmic adventure, futuristic technology, and existential wonder. This roundup highlights titles that best embody the spirit of space exploration, interstellar conflict, and life beyond Earth. Selections were chosen based on their thematic depth, world-building, and how effectively they utilize the vastness of space as a narrative canvas. From epic space operas to intimate character-driven tales, these anime offer diverse perspectives on humanity's place among the stars.
1. Legend of the Galactic Heroes
★ 88 · 1988 · OVA · 110 ep · SpaceLegend of the Galactic Heroes stands as the definitive space opera, chronicling Reinhard von Lohengramm and Yang Wen-li's strategic brilliance across decades of interstellar warfare. Its grand scale and political intrigue redefine epic storytelling. Watch it if you crave meticulously crafted galactic warfare with profound philosophical undertones.
2. Gintama.: Silver Soul Arc - Second Half War
★ 87 · 2018 · TV · 14 ep · SpaceThe Silver Soul Arc's second half escalates Gintama's space narrative as Gintoki leads Earth's defense against Utsuro's universal destruction scheme. Spaceship battles blend with signature humor when former enemies unite. Watch it if you enjoy shounen-style space warfare with emotional character reunions.
Watch on: Crunchyroll
3. Gintama.: Silver Soul Arc
★ 86 · 2018 · TV · 12 ep · SpaceGintama's Silver Soul Arc introduces proper space warfare as the Shinsengumi and Yorozuya launch orbital assaults against Utsuro's forces. Takasugi's spaceship maneuvers showcase the series' sudden shift to cosmic stakes. Watch it if you want to see Earth's fate decided through zero-gravity sword fights.
Watch on: Crunchyroll
4. Cowboy Bebop
★ 86 · 1998 · TV · 26 ep · SpaceCowboy Bebop's jazz-infused space western follows Spike Spiegel's bounty hunting crew aboard the Bebop, blending noir aesthetics with planetary-hopping adventures. The Ganymede episode exemplifies its melancholic take on spacefaring loneliness. Watch it if you prefer character-driven stories set against a gorgeously realized solar system.
5. ARIA The ORIGINATION
★ 86 · 2008 · TV · 13 ep · SpaceARIA The ORIGINATION transforms Mars into Neo Venezia, where gondoliers navigate terraformed canals. Akari's wonder at Martian sunsets embodies the series' peaceful vision of space colonization. Watch it if you desire a tranquil portrayal of human adaptation to extraterrestrial environments.
6. Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion
★ 85 · 1997 · MOVIE · 1 ep · SpaceThe End of Evangelion's cosmic horror reaches apocalyptic scale as Instrumentality unfolds, with Rei's godlike transformation warping space-time itself. SEELE's orbital bombardment sequences showcase brutal space warfare. Watch it if you can handle psychologically dense interpretations of celestial phenomena.
Watch on: Netflix
7. Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time
★ 85 · 2021 · MOVIE · 1 ep · SpaceThrice Upon a Time concludes Evangelion's space saga with Wille's lunar base operations and Asuka's orbital drop onto Paris. The film's depiction of Earth's recovery from space-borne catastrophes is breathtaking. Watch it if you appreciate metaphysical space narratives with stunning visual symbolism.
Watch on: Amazon Prime Video
8. Gurren Lagann
★ 85 · 2007 · TV · 27 ep · SpaceGurren Lagann evolves from underground tunnels to galaxy-spanning mecha battles, with Simon piloting titular Lagann through cosmic-scale spiral energy confrontations. The Anti-Spiral war demonstrates anime's most audacious space combat. Watch it if you want escalating interplanetary battles fueled by pure determination.
9. Space Brothers
★ 83 · 2012 · TV · 99 ep · SpaceSpace Brothers delivers an authentic astronaut training journey as Mutta overcomes setbacks to join Hibito in NASA's space program. The Mars mission preparation episodes highlight realistic orbital mechanics. Watch it if you prefer hard sci-fi about human spaceflight's near future.
Watch on: Crunchyroll
