Space and the outer world is an intriguing genre and always has been. Humans have harboured a longstanding desire to journey among the stars and discover new planets or even entire solar systems in search of potential life forms.
Thanks to this curiosity, the entertainment realm has created universes and franchises of sci-fi stories, TV shows and movies to explore the unexplored. The Star Wars franchise, Alien franchise, The Martian, Interstellar and Passengers are a few such examples.
The anime world isn’t far behind either when it comes to exploring outer space through boundless imagination beyond the stars.
From space operas like Cowboy Bebop and The Irresponsible Captain Tylor to thoughtful space stories of Space Brothers and Knights of Sidonia, space anime series have transported audiences to distant galaxies by portraying themes of courage, discovery and potential of humanity.
Once again, Spike is the coolest guy in the universe. pic.twitter.com/5rf7mBpPPI
— Cowboy Bebop (@CowboyBebop) November 15, 2021
So, it is time to explore the celestial realm and voyage through the marvels and mysteries of the universe, with the top space anime series one should watch.
10 best anime series set in space which are simply out of this world
1. Legend of the Galactic Heroes
IMDb rating: 9/10
No. of seasons: 4
Based on: Legend of the Galactic Heroes manga by Katsumi Michihara
Voice cast: Ryô Horikawa, Yûsaku Yara, Katsuji Mori, Nozomu Sasaki
Legend of the Galactic Heroes is the Star Wars of the anime world. Yes, you read that right! The anime series is filled with multiple storylines set in outer space and across different years.
Over several decades, the Galactic Empire has been at an interstellar war against the Free Planets Alliance, a conflict that sees the involvement of thousands of spaceships and millions of soldiers on both sides. Stepping into this arena are two new commanders — Imperial Admiral Reinhard von Lohengramm and the FPA’s Yang Wen-Li.
As they grapple with their superiors and subordinates, navigate complex political landscapes, strategise and emerge victorious in battles, each undergoes profound changes due to the realities of war.
2. Cowboy Bebop
IMDb rating: 8.9/10
No. of seasons: 1
Based on: Cowboy Bebop: Shooting Star and Cowboy Bebop manga by Cain Kuga
Voice cast: Kôichi Yamadera, Unshô Ishizuka, Megumi Hayashibara
Cowboy Bebop is hailed as one of the best sci-fi and space animes of all time, without a doubt. Thanks to its well-written story, the series was ahead of its time in all aspects, right from storyline and humour to action sequences and well-developed characters.
Set in the year 2071, the anime spans five decades following a catastrophic incident involving a hyperspace gateway that made Earth nearly uninhabitable. It follows a group of bounty hunters, commonly known as ‘Cowboys’, who travel together on the spacecraft known as the Bebototo to pursue criminals.
3. Space Brothers
IMDb rating: 8.2/10
No. of seasons: 2
Based on: Space Brothers manga by Chūya Koyama
Voice cast: Miyuki Sawashiro, Masayuki Kato, Yūko Sanpei
Space Brothers is a motivating anime series about two brothers with one goal — to be astronauts. The series is an exceptional show with brilliant ideas and philosophical takes.
Since childhood, Mutta and Hibito dreamed of becoming astronauts and exploring space. In 2025, Hibito successfully achieves this by becoming the first Japanese person to step on the moon. On the other hand, Mutta has recently been fired from this job. When he receives an acceptance letter to a space training programme for new astronauts, he begins his journey as he strives to finish his only dream of becoming an astronaut.
4. Planetes
IMDb rating: 8.1/10
No. of seasons: 2
Based on: Planetes manga by Makoto Yukimura
Voice cast: Kazunari Tanaka, Satsuki Yukino, Ai Orikasa
Planetes is a mix of slice-of-life and sci-fi genres and an excellent choice for those looking to watch the mundane lives of ordinary people set against the backdrop of space.
The series takes place in 2075 when space travel has become the norm for humans, leading to the issue of space debris resulting in damage to other spacecraft and their equipment. The story is centred around the DS-12 Toy Box’s crew of the Space Debris Section, where Ai Tanabe is a newbie who joins veteran Hachirota Hachimaki Hoshino’s crew. Their job involves venturing out in EVA suits to capture and dispose of the debris, a dangerous yet crucial task.
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5. Space Battleship Yamato 2199
IMDb rating: 8.1/10
No. of seasons: 3
Based on: Space Battleship Yamato 2199 manga by Michio Murakawa
Voice cast: Yasuo Nanbu, Redof Hiss, Welte Talan, Sakezo Sado
Space Battleship Yamato 2199 is a remake of the first 1974 Space Battleship Yamato series, unfolding engagingly and evolutionarily.
In the year 2199, the human race finds itself defeated in a war against the Gamilos and is forced to seek refuge in underground cities due to the relentless attacks of the invaders. Scientists predict that there is only a year remaining for humanity.
Young officers Susumu Kodai and Daisuke Shima are given a mysterious capsule from a spacecraft that crash-landed on Mars. They bring it back to Earth, discovering that it holds humanity’s last chance: the planet Iscandar in the Magellan Galaxy possesses the technology needed to defeat the Gamilos and save Earth. The space battleship Yamato is assigned a crucial mission, with only a year left to prevent the extinction of humanity.
6. Mobile Suit Gundam
IMDb rating: 7.9/10
No. of seasons: 1
Based on: Mobile Suit Gundam manga by Yoshihiro Okada
Voice cast: Hirotaka Suzuoki, Tôru Furuya, Toshio Furukawa
Mobile Suit Gundam is the first series in the Gundam franchise, which went on to have multiple sequels and spin-offs. The popular franchise boasts of sci-fi elements comprising essences of mecha and giant robots. The Gundam series is usually based around intense robot battles and the political aftermath of escalating conflicts between space nations.
Taking place in the futuristic Universal Century of 0079, the storyline centres around the conflict between the Principality of Zeon and the Earth Federation. In this war, the Earth Federation introduces a groundbreaking colossal robot called the RX-78-2 Gundam, operated by the young civilian mechanic Amuro Ray.
7. Outlaw Star
IMDb rating: 7.9/10
No. of seasons: 1
Based on: Outlaw Star manga by Takehiko Ito
Voice cast: Ayako Kawasumi, Rica Matsumoto, Yūko Miyamura
Outlaw Star is an ideal series for those exploring space anime options or fans of the sci-fi genre, due to its backdrop and easy-to-grasp plot.
Gene Starwind and his partner Jim Hawking are tough individuals who run a small business together. One day, a mysterious woman named Hilda appears at Starwind’s workplace with a complex proposition. She wants Starwind’s diverse team to locate the fabled Galactic Leyline in outer space, which promises ultimate power.
The Outlaw Star crew must face a series of escapades involving pirates, assassins, and a space competition in the process.
8. Knights of Sidonia
IMDb rating: 7.7/10
No. of seasons: 2
Based on: Knights of Sidonia manga by Tsutomu Nihei
Voice cast: Ryōta Ōsaka, Takahiro Sakura, Aya Suzaki
Knights of Sidonia is an inspirational anime series, set across a horrific vision of humanity’s future in space.
It chronicles the escapades of Garde pilot Nagate Tanikaze, a resident of the subterranean level of Sidonia from birth, nurtured by his grandfather. Isolated from others, he diligently hones his skills in an antiquated Guardian pilot simulator, achieving mastery over time. Following his grandfather’s passing, he surfaces and is recruited as a Garde pilot, while Sidonia faces a renewed threat from the Gauna.
An immersive and engaging experience, this space anime series offers a gripping and enthralling watch.
9. The Irresponsible Captain Tylor
IMDb rating: 7.7/10
No. of seasons: 2
Based on: The Most Irresponsible Man in Space light novel series by Hitoshi Yoshioka
Voice cast: Kōji Tsujitani, Hiroko Kasahara, Yuri Amano
Justy Ueki Tylor envisioned a tranquil life by joining the United Planets Space Force, anticipating a simple desk job and a peaceful existence. However, his plans are disrupted when he finds himself in charge of the cruiser Soyokaze due to the outbreak of war with the Raalgon Empire. Tylor must navigate not only the dangers posed by the enemy fleet but also the challenges presented by his crew, who demand adherence to strict military protocols.
Despite these obstacles, Tylor’s laid-back attitude may prove effective in winning over his crew as the conflict unfolds.
The Irresponsible Captain Tylor features a comedic storyline steered by its lazy protagonist. If you are on the lookout for sarcasm blended with humour, this space-based anime surely delivers.
10. Gunbuster
IMDb rating: 7.7/10
No. of seasons: 1
Based on: Gunbuster manga by Kadokawa Shoten
Voice cast: Noriko Hidaka, Rei Sakuma, Norio Wakamoto
Gunbuster is an interesting space anime, created along the themes of the mecha genre and served as the directorial debut of Hideaki Anno, who went on to create Neon Genesis Evangelion.
Admiral Yuzo Takaya’s space expedition was destroyed by monsters in 2015. Six years later, his daughter Noriko joins Space Academy and is chosen for an upcoming expedition. Despite being bullied due to her connection to the 2015 attack, Noriko works hard to become the top Machine Weapon pilot and operate the experimental giant robot Gunbuster to defeat the monsters and aid Earth.
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(Hero and feature image credit: IMDb/Cowboy Bebop and Planetes)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What is the best space anime series?
Cowboy Bebop, Space Brothers, Planetes and Outlaw Star are some of the best space anime series.
– What is the highest-rated space anime series according to IMDb?
Legend of the Galactic Heroes is the highest-rated space anime series on IMDb with a rating of 9/10.
