whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Drama · Sci-Fi

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

221 anime that are both drama and sci-fi, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Steins;Gate, Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu, Takopii no Genzai.

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The list

1. 1 Steins;Gate TV · 2011 · 24 episodes · White Fox · #6 on MyAnimeList 95% would recommend
2. 2 Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu Legend of the Galactic Heroes OVA · 1988 · 110 episodes · K-Factory · #12 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
3. 3 Takopii no Genzai Takopi's Original Sin ONA · 2025 · 6 episodes · Enishiya · #50 on MyAnimeList 95% would recommend
4. 4 Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion TV · 2006 · 25 episodes · Sunrise · #61 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
5. 5 Made in Abyss TV · 2017 · 13 episodes · Kinema Citrus · #102 on MyAnimeList 95% would recommend
6. 6 Shinseiki Evangelion Neon Genesis Evangelion TV · 1995 · 26 episodes · Gainax · #265 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
7. 7 86 86 Eighty-Six TV · 2021 · 11 episodes · A-1 Pictures · #281 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
8. 8 Uchuu Senkan Yamato 2199 Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 2199 OVA · 2012 · 26 episodes · Xebec · #316 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
9. 9 Planetes TV · 2003 · 26 episodes · Sunrise · #409 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
10. 10 Shinsekai yori From the New World TV · 2012 · 25 episodes · A-1 Pictures · #410 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
11. 11 Interstella5555: The 5tory of The 5ecret 5tar 5ystem Film · 2003 · Toei Animation · #554 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
12. 12 Gankutsuou Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo TV · 2004 · 24 episodes · Gonzo · #581 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
13. 13 Mirai Shounen Conan Future Boy Conan TV · 1978 · 26 episodes · Nippon Animation · #587 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
14. 14 Serial Experiments Lain TV · 1998 · 13 episodes · Triangle Staff · #600 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
15. 15 Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo The Girl Who Leapt Through Time Film · 2006 · Madhouse · #622 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
16. 16 Koukyoushihen Eureka Seven Eureka Seven TV · 2005 · 50 episodes · Bones · #672 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
17. 17 Dennou Coil Den-noh Coil TV · 2007 · 26 episodes · Madhouse · #725 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
18. 18 Evangelion Movie 1: Jo Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone Film · 2007 · Khara · #752 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
19. 19 Dead Dead Demons Dededede Destruction (ONA) Dead Dead Demons Dededede Destruction ONA · 2024 · 17 episodes · Production +h. · #879 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
20. 20 Plastic Memories TV · 2015 · 13 episodes · Doga Kobo · #894 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
21. 21 Terra e... (TV) Toward the Terra (TV) TV · 2007 · 24 episodes · Tokyo Kids · #1018 on MyAnimeList 83% would recommend
22. 22 Top wo Nerae! Gunbuster Gunbuster OVA · 1988 · 6 episodes · Gainax · #1055 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
23. 23 Carole & Tuesday TV · 2019 · 24 episodes · Bones · #1062 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
24. 24 Giant Robo the Animation: Chikyuu ga Seishi Suru Hi Giant Robo the Animation: The Day the Earth Stood Still OVA · 1992 · 7 episodes · Phoenix Entertainment · #1065 on MyAnimeList 81% would recommend
25. 25 Gungrave TV · 2003 · 26 episodes · Madhouse · #1122 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.