Invincible followed Mark Grayson, a teen learning to control his powers while living in the shadow of his father, Earth’s strongest hero. The show mixed brutal action, heartfelt family drama, and sharp humor, often turning superhero tropes on their head. Strong performances from Steven Yeun and J.K. Simmons helped make it one of the best animated comic adaptations ever made. | © Prime Video
Invader Zim followed a clueless alien determined to conquer Earth, constantly undone by his own failures and the persistence of his rival Dib. The show mixed dark sci-fi paranoia with grotesque humor, delivering episodes that were equal parts hilarious and unsettling. Its bizarre tone, wild satire, and the antics of GIR helped it become a cult classic that still stands out in animated sci-fi. | © Paramount Television
Steins;Gate turned time travel into an emotional rollercoaster, following Rintarou Okabe as his strange microwave invention unraveled timelines with devastating effects. What started as lighthearted comedy grew into tragedy, with episodes that dug into paradoxes, fate, and the cost of changing the past. At its core, the series was about human connection, making Okabe’s bond with Kurisu one of the most memorable in sci-fi anime. | © Funimation
Samurai Jack followed a time-displaced samurai battling through a dystopian future ruled by the demon Aku, mixing ancient myth with futuristic landscapes. Episodes often leaned on sci-fi, from robot armies to alien bounty hunters, all told through bold visuals and minimalist storytelling. Its blend of artistry and genre-bending ideas made it one of Cartoon Network’s most ambitious and unforgettable series. | © Warner Bros. Television
Dexter’s Laboratory may have looked like pure slapstick on the surface, but it thrived as a kid-friendly take on science fiction. Dexter’s secret lab was filled with wild inventions, time-travel experiments, and futuristic tech that often spiraled out of control in hilarious ways. By blending parody with genuine sci-fi concepts, the show became a Cartoon Network classic that still resonates with fans today. | © Cartoon Network
Neon Genesis Evangelion looked like a mecha series about teens piloting giant Evas, but underneath it explored psychology, trauma, and humanity’s fragility. Episodes often shifted from action to surreal, symbolic storytelling that questioned humanity’s place in the universe. By combining robot battles with deeply personal themes, it reshaped the genre and became one of the most influential sci-fi anime ever made. | © TV Tokyo
Love, Death & Robots stood out as an anthology that pushed the limits of animated sci-fi, offering wildly different styles and stories in every short. Episodes ranged from post-apocalyptic comedy in Three Robots to the haunting horror of Beyond the Aquila Rift, each leaving a distinct mark. By packing bold ideas into quick bursts, the series proved just how far animation can take science fiction. | © Netflix
Rick and Morty followed the reckless genius Rick Sanchez and his grandson Morty across wild, multiverse-hopping adventures. The show stood out for pairing outrageous comedy with dense sci-fi ideas, tackling themes like free will, identity, and alternate realities in episodes that became instant classics. Beneath the chaos, it delivered surprisingly heartfelt moments, redefining what adult animated sci-fi could be. | © Warner Bros. Television
Arcane explored the clash between Piltover’s wealthy elite and Zaun’s struggling undercity, with sisters Vi and Powder caught at the heart of the conflict. The series combined stunning animation with sharp storytelling, proving it was far more than just a video game adaptation. Its mix of action, emotion, and political intrigue made it one of the most ambitious and acclaimed animated sci-fi shows in recent years. | © Netflix
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners dropped viewers into a brutal future where corporations rule and survival comes at a cost. David Martinez’s fall into the life of an Edgerunner brought high-tech action, heartbreaking choices, and a cast of unforgettable characters. Between its explosive battles and sharp look at cybernetic obsession, it became one of the most striking cyberpunk stories on screen. | © Netflix
Terminator Zero takes the fight to Tokyo in 1997, where a scientist developing an AI to counter Skynet becomes the target of a new Terminator. A resistance fighter from the future joins the battle, bringing a fresh twist to the familiar story of survival and fate. Strong voice work, especially from Timothy Olyphant as the Terminator, gives the series the emotional weight needed to stand out in the franchise. | © Skydance Television
Star Trek: Prodigy introduced a group of alien kids who stumble onto a lost Starfleet ship and learn to work together under the guidance of a holographic Captain Janeway. The series combined adventure and discovery with strong voice performances, making it one of the most engaging Star Trek animations. Beyond the show, tie-in novels and a video game helped expand its universe, giving fans even more to enjoy. | © Netflix
Futurama followed Fry, a delivery boy frozen for 1,000 years, as he woke up in a future filled with aliens, robots, and strange new tech. The show stood out for blending sharp satire with heartfelt storytelling, delivering episodes that could be hilarious one moment and genuinely moving the next. Clever sci-fi concepts and emotional classics like “Jurassic Bark” proved it as one of the genre’s most beloved animated series. | © Comedy Central
Star Wars: The Clone Wars turned the prequel era into one of the franchise’s strongest chapters, giving depth to Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Ahsoka. The series mixed sci-fi spectacle with war drama and political intrigue, delivering arcs that ranged from mystical explorations of the Force to gritty frontline battles. Its final season sealed its reputation as one of the best animated sci-fi shows ever made. | © Cartoon Network
Cowboy Bebop followed Spike Spiegel and his crew of bounty hunters through a mix of spacefaring adventure, noir drama, and stylish action. Episodes shifted between Westerns, crime stories, and cyberpunk, all underscored by Yoko Kanno’s legendary jazz soundtrack. Even with just one season, it left an untouchable legacy as one of the most influential animated sci-fi series ever made. | © Netflix
Animated sci-fi has given us some of the boldest and most creative stories on television. These shows mix imagination with smart writing, emotional depth, and worlds that live beyond the screen. Here are 15 of the best animated sci-fi series worth watching.
