whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Mystery · Sci-Fi

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

84 anime that are both mystery and sci-fi, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Made in Abyss, Pluto, Koukaku Kidoutai: Stand Alone Complex.

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The list

1. 1 Made in Abyss TV · 2017 · 13 episodes · Kinema Citrus · #102 on MyAnimeList 95% would recommend
2. 2 Pluto ONA · 2023 · 8 episodes · Studio M2 · #206 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
3. 3 Koukaku Kidoutai: Stand Alone Complex Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex TV · 2002 · 26 episodes · Production I.G · #213 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
4. 4 Psycho-Pass TV · 2012 · 22 episodes · Production I.G · #313 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
5. 5 Koukaku Kidoutai Ghost in the Shell Film · 1995 · Production I.G · #364 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
6. 6 Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou Girls' Last Tour TV · 2017 · 12 episodes · White Fox · #397 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
7. 7 Shinsekai yori From the New World TV · 2012 · 25 episodes · A-1 Pictures · #410 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
8. 8 Tengoku Daimakyou Heavenly Delusion TV · 2023 · 13 episodes · Production I.G · #454 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
9. 9 Kaiba TV · 2008 · 12 episodes · Madhouse · #532 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
10. 10 Gankutsuou Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo TV · 2004 · 24 episodes · Gonzo · #581 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
11. 11 Serial Experiments Lain TV · 1998 · 13 episodes · Triangle Staff · #600 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
12. 12 Kanata no Astra Astra Lost in Space TV · 2019 · 12 episodes · Lerche · #647 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
13. 13 Paprika Film · 2006 · Madhouse · #675 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
14. 14 Dennou Coil Den-noh Coil TV · 2007 · 26 episodes · Madhouse · #725 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
15. 15 Koukaku Kidoutai 2.0 Ghost in the Shell 2.0 Film · 2008 · Production I.G · #821 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
16. 16 Koukaku Kidoutai (TV) The Ghost in the Shell TV · 2026 · 10 episodes · Science SARU · #854 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
17. 17 Ergo Proxy TV · 2006 · 23 episodes · Manglobe · #930 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
18. 18 Tiger & Bunny TV · 2011 · 25 episodes · Sunrise · #1103 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
19. 19 Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya TV · 2006 · 14 episodes · Kyoto Animation · #1136 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
20. 20 Id:Invaded ID: INVADED TV · 2020 · 13 episodes · NAZ · #1143 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
21. 21 Texhnolyze TV · 2003 · 22 episodes · Madhouse · #1292 on MyAnimeList 78% would recommend
22. 22 Higashi no Eden Eden of The East TV · 2009 · 11 episodes · Production I.G · #1392 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
23. 23 R.O.D: Read or Die R.O.D - Read or Die OVA · 2001 · 3 episodes · Studio Deen · #1758 on MyAnimeList 83% would recommend
24. 24 No.6 No. 6 TV · 2011 · 11 episodes · Bones · #1994 on MyAnimeList 77% would recommend
25. 25 The Big O TV · 1999 · 26 episodes · Sunrise · #2002 on MyAnimeList 80% 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.