15 Best Animated Sci-Fi Shows of All Time, Ranked for Their Imagination

Time Travel and Suspense

Steins;Gate, adapted from a 2009 visual novel, follows a self-described mad scientist whose modified microwave oven accidentally leads to time travel. Its premise gives the series room for both comedy and suspense.

The early episodes may feel slow, but the story builds toward high stakes. Emotional development and complex characters help make its science-fiction ideas compelling.

Superheroes Return

The 1992 series X-Men: The Animated Series helped reshape superhero cartoons and remains widely regarded as a standout in the genre. X-Men ’97 revives that world while adding its own personality.

Beyond Familiar Genres

Adventure Time became a major Cartoon Network cult classic and one of television’s most beloved cartoons. Science fiction is only one part of its appeal, alongside fantasy, comedy and post-apocalyptic adventure.

Its surreal style makes the series difficult to fit into a single category. The result is a playful and unusual blend of genres.

A Director’s Early Work

Future Boy Conan was directed by Hayao Miyazaki before his celebrated work in anime cinema. The post-apocalyptic science-fiction series adapts Alexander Key’s 1970 novel The Incredible Tide. The show presents an anti-authoritarian story and themes that would continue to interest Miyazaki throughout his career. It offers viewers a chance to see an early chapter in his work.