Some people avoid animated TV shows altogether, but there are plenty of sci-fi shows that are just as creative and exciting as anything made in live-action. Animation and sci-fi often go hand-in-hand, because they both have the potential to explore infinite worlds, impossible concepts and unique visuals.
People who aren’t into animation could be missing out on some of the best sci-fi TV shows ever made. There should be something for everyone, from energetic American sitcoms to mature anime and everything in between. These shows prove that a lot of the genre’s most exciting work is happening in animation.
Love Death and Robotsis a sci-fi anthology show that doesn’t just tell a different story with each episode; it also features a new gorgeous animation style in each episode. This ranges from the remarkably lifelike appearance of “Beyond the Aquila Rift” to the hyper-stylized fun of “Night of the Mini Dead”.
It’s best to expect the unexpected, but one thing that remains constant is the high quality of the visuals and the storytelling.
There isn’t much that unites thebest episodes ofLove, Death and Robots.It’s best to expect the unexpected, but one thing that remains constant is the high quality of the visuals and the storytelling.The animation is always tailor-made to enhance each story, givingLove, Death and Robotsanother tool to explore some fascinating sci-fi concepts.
Not only isRick and Mortyone of thebest animated sitcoms ever, but it has also revitalized a genre in need of some change. The show follows a mad scientist and his anxious grandson on adventures across the multiverse, but its playful premise often serves as a Trojan Horse for some emotionally devastating nihilism.
10 Best Animated Sci-Fi Comedy TV Shows
Animated sci-fi comedies have been growing in popularity throughout the 21st century, with shows like Futurama and Rick and Morty setting the pace.
Rick and Mortypushes the boundless potential of animation to breaking point, as the characters journey to bizarre planets and meet grotesque, David Cronenberg-inspired aliens. The freewheeling approach to the storytelling is also reflected in the comedy, asRick and Morty’s zany, quick-talking style creates plenty of meta humor. Part of the humor comes from the absurdity of each off-the-wall premise, and the sheer audacity ofRick and Morty’s penchant for flying off the rails.
In some ways,Invincibleevokes an older generation of animated superhero shows, but it doesn’t take long for the blood-soaked action to kick in.Invinciblecan be so gory that it’s often as viscerally shocking as any live-action show, and its action can be just as exciting too. Thecast ofInvincibleis another bonus, with stars such as J. K. Simmons and Mark Hamill.
What started as a coming-of-age story with a focus on an unusual father-and-son relationship has blossomed into much more.Invinciblestill keeps one eye on Mark’s humdrum life as a teenager, but the show has opened up to the multiverse, and there are plenty more sci-fi concepts to keep things interesting.Season 3 continues the show’s hot streak, with some wry humor to accompany the blockbuster fight scenes.
Theending ofScavengers Reignleaves some of the show’s most beguiling mysteries unanswered, but the show was surprisingly canceled. Despite its stellar reviews,Scavengers Reignhas been cut short. Still, the show is well worth watching for fans of animated sci-fi.
Scavengers Reignfollows the crew of a damaged ship who find themselves marooned on a mysterious planet. Like the show itself, the planet is filled with jaw-dropping beauty and intense darkness, asthe intelligent worldbuilding helps paint a picture of a planet brimming with obscure horrors.
Cowboy Bebophas inspired dozens of anime shows since it first aired, and its strange cocktail of high-tech futurism and retro style has also influenced countless other sci-fi movies and TV shows. Still, nothing quite compares to the original, which explains why the show has maintained such a passionate fan base.
10 Best Science Fiction Anime of All Time, Ranked
The best science fiction anime feature towering mechs, frighteningly human androids, space exploration, and more.
Disappointing live-action remake aside,Cowboy Bebopis still beloved by many, thanks to its remarkable genre-smashing style and its kinetic action.Cowboy Bebopuses its animation to construct some thought-provoking, beautiful shots, as the visuals enhance the resonance of the story.Cowboy Bebop’s best episodesare worth watching again and again.
Not too long ago, video game adaptations were seen as the ultimate folly, butArcaneis one of a new wave of TV shows that’s helping to banish this notion. TheLeague of Legendsadaptation doesn’t require any prior knowledge of the game for people to watch, although it takes place in the same captivating world.
Arcaneis an enchanting mix of sci-fi and fantasy, and this creates the potential for some jaw-dropping action scenes.BetweenArcane’s riveting fights, its intelligent storytelling makes it just as compelling. It has been praised as one of thebest video game adaptationsfor good reason, but it has broad appeal.
Neon Genesis Evangelionserves as more proof that anime generally outstrips Western animation in terms of hard-hitting action. The mecha anime repeatedly subverts expectations and surprises audiences, evolving into a different beast by the end of its single season.
It’s hard to pick thebest episodes ofNeon Genesis Evangelion,because the show is compelling enough to be binged, and each episode delivers something unforgettable. However,the mech fights are always a particular highlight, althoughNeon Genesis Evangelion’s profound themes are also worthy of praise.
Samurai Jackis an atypical offering from Cartoon Network, especially as the story develops into darker and more mature territory. The fifth season, which came out 13 years after the fourth, is certainly geared toward older fans. It provides the perfect finale to a show which was originally cut short.
10 Short, Excellent Sci-Fi TV Shows You Can Binge In A Day
Some great sci-fi shows have a very short runtime compared to regular network TV, and they’re ideal for binge-watching in one day.
Samurai Jackis a visually stunning show, with the animation style often highlighting harsh angles and extreme contrasts. This fits neatly with the style of action, as Jack wields his magical katana in a strange dystopian future. Although he prefers to keep his cards close to his chest, Jack is one of thebest Cartoon Network characters, and his odyssey is infectious viewing.
Æon Fluxis an underrated gem, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of conventional storytelling with plenty of creative touches. It’s often hard to understand how the episodes relate to one another, as the protagonist and the world seems to be constantly shifting. There are even several episodes in which Æon Flux dies.
The 2005 live-action movie adaptation ofÆon Fluxwas a critical and commercial flop.
Æon Fluxis definitely not for children, so it was decidedly ahead of its time when it first came out in 1991. There’s an abundance of eroticism and violence, and these two themes often mingle with one another in shocking ways. The earliest episodes feature no dialogue at all, adding extra emphasis to the exceptional visual storytelling.
It’s fair to say thatFuturama’s recent seasons haven’t lived up to the high standards that the show began with, but this is mostly becauseFuturama’s first few seasons are utterly hilarious. Matt Groening’s first show after creatingThe Simpsonsis just as quick-witted and satirical, but the sci-fi premise givesFuturamathe scope to tell stories throughout all of time and space.
At its best,Futuramauses its far-flung setting to deconstruct the absurdity of modern life.
At its best,Futuramauses its far-flung setting to deconstruct the absurdity of modern life, and it pokes fun at the timeless foibles of human nature. This is whyFuturamacan feel surprisingly relatable, and it can make its audience cry as well as laugh.Futuramaseason 13is set to extend the show’s run, as it has already been resurrected from cancelation more than once.
