5. Psycho-Pass (2012)
Studio: Production I.G.
MyAnimeList Score: 8.3 / 10
Seasons: 3
Psycho-Pass gives us arguably the best world-building of this entire list. Another take on the future’s ability to combat crime, a certain division of law enforcement known as the Inspectors team up with former criminals known as Enforcers. Units are sent on crime investigations using weapons called Dominators that determine an individual’s psycho-pass, aka their mental state and possibility of committing future crimes.
And depending on their psycho-pass level, culprits may be stunned or even killed. It all depends on what the Dominator reads when it scans the person.
But there are certain people who find ways to trick the system behind the psycho-pass.
The main character, Akane Tsunemori, believes the Sibyl System of judgment has its flaws in carrying out justice. This causes an internal conflict among her colleagues who hold the opposite opinion. Is this really a way for humanity to bring about true world peace and eliminate crime? Akane is set to find out whether it is or not.
The series tackles a handful of issues in a brutal fast-paced sci-fill thriller. With amazing animation and a suspenseful soundtrack, Psycho-Pass is a must-watch sci-fi anime that you can watch on Funimation and Hulu.
4. 86-Eighty Six (2021)
Studio: A-1 Pictures
MyAnimeList Score: 8.2 / 10
Seasons: 1 (Season 2 announced for Fall 2021)
A-1 Pictures’ hit series of Spring 2020 made an immediate impact on anime fans everywhere. Considered the perfect light novel adaptation by many, 86-Eighty Six gives fans everywhere one of the most complex and unique twists on tragedy and sci-fi.
In a world that is filled with pure hatred, racism, and segregation, Lena battles her own family and friends stuck in their ways to make a change for the better. She takes command of a war unit known as the Spearhead Squadron, one that is known for causing their handlers to quit…or even worse.
But Lena is determined to build a relationship with those in the squadron and save them from their doomed fate. Along the way, Lena learns of the extremely dark underbelly of the war she’s a part of it. From ignorance to realism, drama to sci-fi, 86-Eighty Six brings it all.
It’s also worth mentioning that Lena also won Best Girl of Spring 2021 at the Anime Corner seasonal awards.
86-Eighty Six is a must-watch sci-fi anime that you can catch on Crunchyroll.
3. Parasyte: The Maxim (2014)
Studio: Madhouse
MyAnimeList Score: 8.3 / 10
Seasons: 1
Parasyte: The Maxim has probably come up in conversations here and there on social media whenever someone asks, “What anime should I watch next?” If someone suggests this series, then listen to them. Parasyte: The Maxim is the one series on this list that damn-near perfects the bridge between horror and sci-fi.
Humanity is invaded by parasitic aliens that take over any hosts that they come in contact with. Those unfortunate enough to fall to one of them will also end up preying on other humans for food. Luckily for main character Shinichi Izumi, he was able to stop one, Migi, from taking over his brain. But with the two still connected, they must do all they can to survive and eradicate the infestation while also protecting those close to Izumi.
With different views on the world and what is happening, Parasyte: The Maxim gives us excellent contrast in characters with Izumi and Migi. Not only that but Parasyte: The Maxim may possibly be the best binge-watch on the entire list.
You can watch Parasyte: The Maxim on Crunchyroll.
2. Trigun (1998)
Studio: Madhouse
MyAnimeList Score: 8.2 / 10
Seasons: 1
Ladies and gentlemen, I could write 500 pages on why Trigun is a must-watch. But I’ll keep it short. Overshadowed a lot by its 1998 counterpart in Cowboy Bebop, Trigun delivers an exceptional sci-fi take on a western-style world. Incredible action scenes.
Phenomenal soundtrack. A tragic backstory. Wonderful humor. Kick-ass character designs. Trigun has everything you could ever want. Not to mention, Vash is arguably one of the best main characters in all of anime. He’s not only on the constant run from trying to collect the gigantic bounty on his head, but Vash is also running away from his past at the time same time.
Trigun will forever live on as a sci-fi classic that every anime fan needs to watch at some point in their lives.
You can watch Trigun on Funimation and Hulu.
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