whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Sci-Fi

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

64 anime that are both sci-fi and adult cast, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu, Cowboy Bebop, Koukaku Kidoutai: Stand Alone Complex.

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The list

1. 1 Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu Legend of the Galactic Heroes OVA · 1988 · 110 episodes · K-Factory · #12 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
2. 2 Cowboy Bebop TV · 1998 · 26 episodes · Sunrise · #49 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 Uchuu Senkan Yamato 2199 Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 2199 OVA · 2012 · 26 episodes · Xebec · #316 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
6. 6 Redline Film · 2009 · Madhouse · #341 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
7. 7 Koukaku Kidoutai Ghost in the Shell Film · 1995 · Production I.G · #364 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
8. 8 Planetes TV · 2003 · 26 episodes · Sunrise · #409 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
9. 9 Trigun TV · 1998 · 26 episodes · Madhouse · #428 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
10. 10 Kaijuu 8-gou Kaiju No. 8 TV · 2024 · 12 episodes · Production I.G · #448 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
11. 11 Interstella5555: The 5tory of The 5ecret 5tar 5ystem Film · 2003 · Toei Animation · #554 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
12. 12 Paprika Film · 2006 · Madhouse · #675 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
13. 13 Koukaku Kidoutai 2.0 Ghost in the Shell 2.0 Film · 2008 · Production I.G · #821 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
14. 14 Koukaku Kidoutai (TV) The Ghost in the Shell TV · 2026 · 10 episodes · Science SARU · #854 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
15. 15 Ergo Proxy TV · 2006 · 23 episodes · Manglobe · #930 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
16. 16 I Byeol-e Pil-yohan Lost in Starlight ONA · 2025 · 1 episode · Climax Studio · #933 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
17. 17 Space☆Dandy Space Dandy TV · 2014 · 13 episodes · Bones · #966 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
18. 18 Megalo Box Megalobox TV · 2018 · 13 episodes · TMS Entertainment · #1012 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
19. 19 Musekinin Kanchou Tylor The Irresponsible Captain Tylor TV · 1993 · 26 episodes · Tatsunoko Production · #1032 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
20. 20 Tiger & Bunny TV · 2011 · 25 episodes · Sunrise · #1103 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
21. 21 Gungrave TV · 2003 · 26 episodes · Madhouse · #1122 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
22. 22 Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu: Die Neue These - Kaikou Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Die Neue These TV · 2018 · 12 episodes · Production I.G · #1141 on MyAnimeList
23. 23 Id:Invaded ID: INVADED TV · 2020 · 13 episodes · NAZ · #1143 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
24. 24 Trigun Stampede TV · 2023 · 12 episodes · Orange · #1185 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
25. 25 Texhnolyze TV · 2003 · 22 episodes · Madhouse · #1292 on MyAnimeList 78% 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.