whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Action · Sci-Fi

The best sci-fi action anime you can start from the beginning

331 anime that are both action and sci-fi, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Gintama, Cowboy Bebop, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.

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The list

1. 1 Gintama TV · 2006 · 201 episodes · Sunrise · #21 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
2. 2 Cowboy Bebop TV · 1998 · 26 episodes · Sunrise · #49 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
3. 3 Cyberpunk: Edgerunners ONA · 2022 · 10 episodes · Trigger · #99 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
4. 4 Chou Kaguya-hime! Cosmic Princess Kaguya! ONA · 2026 · 1 episode · Studio Colorido · #193 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
5. 5 Pluto ONA · 2023 · 8 episodes · Studio M2 · #206 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
6. 6 Vivy: Fluorite Eye's Song Vivy -Fluorite Eye's Song- TV · 2021 · 13 episodes · Wit Studio · #266 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
7. 7 Kiseijuu: Sei no Kakuritsu Parasyte: The Maxim TV · 2014 · 24 episodes · Madhouse · #308 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
8. 8 Psycho-Pass TV · 2012 · 22 episodes · Production I.G · #313 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
9. 9 Uchuu Senkan Yamato 2199 Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 2199 OVA · 2012 · 26 episodes · Xebec · #316 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
10. 10 Redline Film · 2009 · Madhouse · #341 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
11. 11 Trigun TV · 1998 · 26 episodes · Madhouse · #428 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
12. 12 Kaijuu 8-gou Kaiju No. 8 TV · 2024 · 12 episodes · Production I.G · #448 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
13. 13 Akira Film · 1988 · Tokyo Movie Shinsha · #510 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
14. 14 Tunshi Xingkong Swallowed Star ONA · 2020 · 26 episodes · Sparkly Key Animation Studio · #654 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
15. 15 Koukaku Kidoutai (TV) The Ghost in the Shell TV · 2026 · 10 episodes · Science SARU · #854 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
16. 16 Benghuai: Xing Qiong Tiedao - Gelamo de Yujin Honkai: Star Rail - The Embers of Glamoth ONA · 2024 · 1 episode · #875 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
17. 17 Terra e... (TV) Toward the Terra (TV) TV · 2007 · 24 episodes · Tokyo Kids · #1018 on MyAnimeList 83% would recommend
18. 18 Seihou Bukyou Outlaw Star Outlaw Star TV · 1998 · 24 episodes · Sunrise · #1098 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
19. 19 Tiger & Bunny TV · 2011 · 25 episodes · Sunrise · #1103 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
20. 20 Gungrave TV · 2003 · 26 episodes · Madhouse · #1122 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
21. 21 Trigun Stampede TV · 2023 · 12 episodes · Orange · #1185 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
22. 22 Last Exile TV · 2003 · 26 episodes · Gonzo · #1226 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
23. 23 Saint Seiya Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac TV · 1986 · 114 episodes · Toei Animation · #1261 on MyAnimeList 82% would recommend
24. 24 Mujin Wakusei Survive TV · 2003 · 52 episodes · Madhouse · #1284 on MyAnimeList 82% would recommend
25. 25 Zhe Tian Shrouding the Heavens ONA · 2023 · 208 episodes · Original Force · #1355 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend

Why this is not a MyAnimeList search. Every entry here is one you can start from the beginning. Anything with a prequel or a parent story is left out, as are recaps and compilation editions — about half of what MyAnimeList ranks. Ordered by MyAnimeList position. The percentage is the share of MyAnimeList scorers who rated a title 7 or higher.