Best Sci Fi Anime That Are Set On Alien Planets

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Summary

  • Anime in the science fiction genre explores unique settings beyond Earth, like Mars, Eden, and distant galaxies.
  • Themes of colonization, exploration, and dystopian futures are common in science fiction anime, offering diverse narratives.
  • Shows like Mars Daybreak, Macross Plus, and Toward the Terra showcase the creativity and innovation of anime set in space.

Science fiction anime set in space operas, dystopian futures, or other cosmic landscapes consistently captivate audiences. These imaginative worlds often provide a fresh take on technology that enables exploration beyond our planet.

In many anime stories, the narrative frequently involves humanity’s discovery of alien worlds. The means by which they reach these extraterrestrial destinations – be it colonization, exploration, mercenary activities, or warfare – can vary significantly depending on the particular show. For those who crave cosmic adventures beyond our own planet, anime offers a rich and diverse selection of movies and series.

1. Mars Daybreak

A Dystopian Vision Of The Future

Mars is often considered as an alternate location to Earth, with options ranging from utopian to bleak, and “Mars Daybreak” leans towards the latter. The series spans one season with 26 episodes, and a video game sharing a similar narrative was introduced a year subsequent.

In the days to come, Mars may be entirely submerged under water, with people residing in floating metropolises at sea. Pirates and criminal gangs engage in violent clashes for scarce resources, while everyone on the planet struggles to secure even the most essential supplies. Gram is a civilian on Mars who was brought up as an orphan in the Adena Cityship. However, his series of unfortunate events lead him to board the Aurora, one of the most notorious and revered pirate ships in that region.

2. Macross Plus

The Planet Called Eden

In the extensive collection known as the Macross franchise, a significant portion is dedicated to anime and related content. Among these, Macross Plus stands out as it primarily focuses on a location called Eden. It’s notable as it serves as the first direct sequel to the original series, which was set on Earth and in space, and follows a storyline that mirrors the original plot involving the interstellar conflicts between humans and the alien race known as Zentradi.

Instead of centering solely on the mechs and their pilots, the story revolves around Sharon Apple, a virtual idol, who makes an appearance on planet Eden during her galactic tour. While she is managed by Myung, her publicist, he secretly serves as her voice, which becomes troubling when the program gains self-awareness and starts to act upon Sharon’s deepest hidden desires. The narrative takes place primarily on the lush planet of Eden, a colony that was prophesied at the end of Super Dimension Fortress Macross. There are also scenes involving action in space.

3. Aria

A Paradise On Mars

The Aria series, encompassing various forms like manga and video games, is extensive. This range is emphasized by labeling the anime as “Aria the Animation.” Set on Mars during the first year of the 24th century, the planet has been renamed Akua to symbolize significant environmental transformations, primarily its increased water coverage.

Character Akari journeys from Earth, now called Manhome, to serve as a gondolier in Neo-Venezia, the main city. As you might guess, people mainly get around this lively metropolis by taking rides in gondolas, and Akari is learning the intricate skill of maneuvering these swift and stylish watercrafts. The series delves into everyday life in New Venice and Akari’s experience as a trainee gondolier, aligning itself with the slice-of-life genre.

4. Toward The Terra

A Future In The Distant Past

In a far-off 31st century, Toward the Terra unfolds as humans scatter across the cosmos. This futuristic space opera and fantasy narrative follows their struggle to reclaim Earth, a world devastated by pollution centuries ago.

A remnant group of survivors was looked after by an advanced computer, as others ventured into space to establish settlements across the galaxy; it is these initial pioneers’ descendants who aspire to return. The majority of the narrative unfolds on the planet Ataraxia or aboard E-1077, a space station, and spans over five decades, covering character development and historical occurrences.

5. Space Patrol Luluco

Comedy And Friendship In Space

In the series titled “Space Patrol Luluco“, the story doesn’t unfold on another planet, but rather in Ogikubo, a frontier zone for space colonization. Here, our main character Luluco leads an ordinary life as a high school student amidst diverse alien inhabitants. Her father is employed by the Space Patrol division as a civil servant. When a shipment of illicit goods freezes her dad, she must step in to fill his role fighting crime.

This work blends humor with the bizarre (a touch of comedy and surrealism), while also delving into science fiction. It further explores themes related to growing up (coming-of-age) and everyday life (slice-of-life). To top it off, it incorporates superhero aspects due to Luluco’s extraordinary abilities and the exceptional talents of her companions.

6. Crest Of The Stars

An Epic Extraterrestrial Saga

Originally a collection of science fiction books, it expanded to encompass a video game, comic books, radio plays, and more, alongside an animated series. Despite the presence of human characters within the plot, the backdrop is a far-off future in which Earth scarcely features at all.

Rather than on Earth or other familiar settings, the story unfolds across cosmic entities such as the Hyde Star System and the Abh Empire. These expanses are home to royal dynasties and rulers competing for dominance throughout the universe. The initial episode of the series takes place on Delktoe, a planet within the Abh Empire, and events there pave the way for significant future occurrences.

7. Knights Of Sidonia

Life After Earth

In the aftermath of Earth’s devastation at the hands of an evil alien race known as the Gauna, humans found refuge on colossal vessels built from the fragments of our shattered world. The narrative of Knights of Sidonia unfolds a millennium later, with Sidonia being the sole survivor among these ships, housing over half a million human beings.

The individuals onboard this vessel possess capabilities akin to photosynthesis and immortality, owing to their advanced technology and selective breeding methods. It’s crucial that we nurture and educate numerous Sidonians in handling the Gardes – unique weapons designed specifically for combat against the Guana.

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2025-07-27 08:04