whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Sci-Fi

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

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

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The list

1. 1 Steins;Gate TV · 2011 · 24 episodes · White Fox · #6 on MyAnimeList 95% would recommend
2. 2 Takopii no Genzai Takopi's Original Sin ONA · 2025 · 6 episodes · Enishiya · #50 on MyAnimeList 95% would recommend
3. 3 Pluto ONA · 2023 · 8 episodes · Studio M2 · #206 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
4. 4 Shinseiki Evangelion Neon Genesis Evangelion TV · 1995 · 26 episodes · Gainax · #265 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
5. 5 Kiseijuu: Sei no Kakuritsu Parasyte: The Maxim TV · 2014 · 24 episodes · Madhouse · #308 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
6. 6 Psycho-Pass TV · 2012 · 22 episodes · Production I.G · #313 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 Shinsekai yori From the New World TV · 2012 · 25 episodes · A-1 Pictures · #410 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
9. 9 Kaiba TV · 2008 · 12 episodes · Madhouse · #532 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
10. 10 Serial Experiments Lain TV · 1998 · 13 episodes · Triangle Staff · #600 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
11. 11 Paprika Film · 2006 · Madhouse · #675 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
12. 12 FLCL OVA · 2000 · 6 episodes · Gainax · #683 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
13. 13 Evangelion Movie 1: Jo Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone Film · 2007 · Khara · #752 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
14. 14 Koukaku Kidoutai 2.0 Ghost in the Shell 2.0 Film · 2008 · Production I.G · #821 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 Ergo Proxy TV · 2006 · 23 episodes · Manglobe · #930 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
17. 17 Id:Invaded ID: INVADED TV · 2020 · 13 episodes · NAZ · #1143 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
18. 18 Change!! Getter Robo: Sekai Saigo no Hi Getter Robo: Armageddon OVA · 1998 · 13 episodes · Brain's Base · #1189 on MyAnimeList 83% would recommend
19. 19 Texhnolyze TV · 2003 · 22 episodes · Madhouse · #1292 on MyAnimeList 78% would recommend
20. 20 Memories Film · 1995 · Madhouse · #1371 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
21. 21 Higashi no Eden Eden of The East TV · 2009 · 11 episodes · Production I.G · #1392 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
22. 22 Inuyashiki Inuyashiki: Last Hero TV · 2017 · 11 episodes · MAPPA · #1709 on MyAnimeList 82% would recommend
23. 23 Bokura no Bokurano TV · 2007 · 24 episodes · Gonzo · #1807 on MyAnimeList 80% would recommend
24. 24 The Big O TV · 1999 · 26 episodes · Sunrise · #2002 on MyAnimeList 80% would recommend
25. 25 Casshern Sins TV · 2008 · 24 episodes · Madhouse · #2138 on MyAnimeList 76% 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.