It’s been a week since Artemis II came back home, and I still have space fever. But with Artemis III’s flight scheduled for sometime next year, there are only a few ways for people like me to settle that craving. We could watch Dr. deGrasse Tyson and Lord Nice banter on Star Talk or binge all of Stargaze’s content. But that’s what normies do, and if you’re reading this, you’re not a normie. Thankfully, there are plenty of space-themed anime to binge!
Whether you’re looking for a galactic adventure, romances that reach the stars, or something more earthly, there’s an anime for you! So cozy up and check out these recommendations!
Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut (Tsuki to Laika to Nosferatu)
Let me channel my inner boomer and complain about “kids today” not knowing what it was like back in the day. Things were different back then. In those days we were racing commies to the moon, WWIII seemed like an inevitability, gas was maddeningly expensive, and the Russians were engaged in tomfoolery throughout Europe… wait a minute… Nevermind, let’s talk about the space-themed anime Tsuki to Laika to Nosferatu instead!
After the conclusion of the Second World War, the UZSR (Union of Zirnitra Socialist Republics) and the UK (United Kingdom of Arnack) are locked in a battle for superiority. But with all of Earth’s borders protected by the threat of nuclear armageddon, the two superpowers look towards the sky. But while the UZSR takes the lead after sending a dog into orbit, their scientists understand that humans pose a much bigger risk. To solve this problem, they propose the “next best thing”: sending something that’s almost human but disposable, a vampire.
Crunchyroll streams the subbed and dubbed versions of this anime.
Space☆Dandy — A Story About a Dandy Guy, in Space!
Since this is a space-themed anime recommendation, I’m sure that otakus expected Cowboy Bebop to be in it. But that’s an anime that recommends itself. Instead, let me recommend its spiritual successor, Space☆Dandy.
A space opera reminiscent of The Mandalorian, Space☆Dandy follows the titular Dandy, a dandy pompadour-wearing alien hunter who traverses the cosmos. Despite being outright random and having episodes that completely contradict each other, this space-themed anime is meccha entertaining! You never quite know what’s going on, and for an anime that deals with unknown worlds, it works.
Space☆Dandy is crude, chaotic, comedic, and will even give you a scene worthy of your tears. And with two 13-episode seasons, you need to prepare for the barrage of emotions that’s coming your way. You can binge this anime on Crunchyroll.
Astra Lost in Space (Kanata no Astra) — A PEAK Space-themed Anime
Somehow, humanity managed to make it to 2063 without blowing each other up. Despite our present situation, our future is bright! While 2063 is only a few decades away, advancements in spacefaring have reached the point where commercial space travel is feasible.
Unfortunately for the students of Cardi High School, during one of those trips, they are teleported to a distant world, 5,012 light-years from Earth. But while far from home, their end isn’t certain. To their luck, an abandoned spaceship orbits not far from where they were teleported! Could that vessel be their way home?
One of the best parts of Astra Lost in Space is that it poured its love into speculative biology. We don’t get copy-and-paste monsters; life in this space-themed anime is bizarre and imaginative. In this anime, the unknown isn’t a vague concept; it’s a beautiful reality. There’s high strangeness in the universe, and it’s clear for everyone to see.
Crunchyroll streams Astra Lost in Space.
Asteroid in Love (Koisuru Asteroid) — The Love of Astronomy
When a slice-of-life anime can boast that an asteroid was named after one of its characters, it becomes a must-watch for astronomy enthusiasts. That achievement is Koisuru Asteroid‘s claim to fame.
This space-themed anime centers around Mira Konohata and Ao Manaka, two teenagers who, as kids, promised to find an asteroid together and name it after Ao. Years later, the two reunite when they join the earth science club at their new high school. And as the two bond again, their gaze turns towards the sky in the pursuit of their old dream.
Despite this space-themed anime being one of my all-time favorites, I have to admit, it’s a slow one. Nothing major happens. But among otaku who love astronomy and geology, it has a special place, so much so that it has real-world effects. In March 2006, the Mt. Lemmon Survey first observed asteroid 2017 BX232. Later in 2024, when Come On! Impacting ASteroids (COIAS) named it, Ao got her wish. Formally designated 697402 Ao, the asteroid celebrates Asteroid in Love’s impact on the world of astrology. Many otaku are unaware, but every outdoor anime from Yuru Camp to Slow Loop (and Asteroid in Love) causes a relentless boom in what they cover. You can watch this space-themed anime on Crunchyroll.
Insomniacs After School (Kimi wa Houkago Insomnia)
You don’t need to know astronomy or dream about the cosmos to love the night sky. Since the day humans gained the ability to think, we’ve always looked up. There’s comfort in the night sky and the things in it. And that comfort is what this space-themed anime is about.
Kimi wa Houkago Insomnia follows a pair of sleep-deprived students who found refuge in the school’s deserted astronomy club. When the two meet and realize they both have trouble sleeping, a friendship quickly blossoms. But if they want to keep their secret hideout, they need a reason to be there; astrophotography becomes that reason.
Not only is this space-themed anime an endearing romance that many people will find relatable, but it’s a solid intro into nighttime and astro photography. Insomniacs After Dark reminds us that we can love the night, its sky, and everything in it without delving deeply into astronomy. If that’s something that interests you, you can stream Insomniacs After School’s subbed and dubbed on HIDIVE.
Are You a Fan of Space-themed Anime?
If you knew space-themed anime was a thing, do you have a favorite? If not, we hope one of these becomes one you love! Thanks for reading. Ja ne!
Participate In Discussions