Best Sci-Fi Anime of 2019

Spontaneous Human Combustion is a chaotic affliction that has tormented humanity for many years, randomly turning normal people into blazing, aggressive beings called Infernals. While Infernals represent the first-generation cases of Human Combustion, second- and third-generation individuals are known as pyrokinetics—humans blessed with the capacity to wield and control their flames without losing their humanity. To fight the Infernal menace and uncover its origin, the Tokyo Armed Forces, Fire Defense Agency, and Holy Church of Sol created their solution: the Special Fire Force. Eager third-generation pyrokinetic Shinra Kusakabe, nicknamed Devil's Footprints for his explosive talent to ignite his feet at will, joins the lively Special Fire Force Company 8. Upholding the unit's mission to extinguish the raging Infernals and put their spirits to rest, Shinra is resolved to become a hero who rescues those endangered by the flame terror. But this is not the heroic adventure Shinra imagined. The Fire Force is a divided mess of squabbling brigades, abnormal Infernal sightings are on the rise throughout Tokyo, and a mysterious group claims to have knowledge about the strange fire that killed Shinra's family 12 years ago. Confronted with many obstacles inside and outside the Fire Force, Shinra battles to reveal the truth behind the burning mysteries that have kept him in the dark.

Shidou Itsuka keeps carrying out his duty for Ratatoskr, finding Spirits and sealing their abilities while strengthening the connections he's built with the ones he's already sealed. When new Spirits appear, he has to tackle more difficult problems to stop additional catastrophes, and along the way, he discovers more about where the Spirits truly come from.

Half a century has passed since humanity began relocating to the terraformed Mars, where AI-driven advancements ensure a comfortable existence. Carole resides in Alba City, earning her keep with day jobs and playing keyboard at night. Tuesday flees her affluent family's control in Hershell City, yearning to pursue music with her acoustic guitar. A chance meeting brings them together, and they decide to form a musical duo. Competing against the AI-powered singers dominating the industry, they believe their heartfelt songs can truly convey their emotions. Can determination and fortune enable them to achieve the greatest miracle Mars has ever witnessed?

In the year 2063, space travel has become a practical and commercial reality. When the cheerful Aries Spring arrives at the spaceport for a camp on the distant planet McPa, a reckless thief snatches her purse. The athletic Kanata Hoshijima quickly retrieves it, and Aries learns he is among the group of teenagers joining her on the excursion as team B-5. After reaching their campsite, the trip takes a sudden turn when a strange sphere of black light pulls them into the depths of outer space. Stranded with little hope, they discover an abandoned ship nearby that offers a way home. However, they soon realize they are not near their campsite but are actually thousands of light-years away from home. Faced with this reality, the nine members must carefully manage their resources, preserve their strength, and work together to overcome the challenges of space. Though the reason for their abrupt predicament remains unclear, they set out on the perilous journey back home aboard their new ship, the Astra.

The Sibyl System now allows society to measure mental states on a numerical scale. By using these "crime coefficients," authorities can apprehend a criminal before they actually commit a crime. But is this truly a flawless system? For Inspectors Kei Mikhail Ignatov and Arata Shindou, that question remains unanswered as they begin their careers with the Public Safety Bureau's Crime Investigation Department. Shindou and Ignatov are tasked with investigating the crash of a ship carrying immigrants, and they start to suspect that the incident was not an accident. At the same time, a mysterious group known as Bifrost watches them from the shadows, and they are not the only ones keeping an eye on the two new Inspectors.

Academy City is at the cutting edge of scientific and technological innovation, most famous for creating espers—individuals who wield supernatural abilities that bend the laws of reality. The most powerful among them are the Level 5s, and the one called Accelerator stands above all, even after being weakened by a severe brain injury. By his side is the young girl named Last Order, whom he keeps close and vows to shield at any cost, despite his cold exterior. Even as Accelerator recovers from his injury, the shadowy side of Academy City remains active, drawing him unwillingly into a fresh conflict. When a mysterious young woman approaches Accelerator in search of Last Order, the top-ranked esper faces a venomous organization that has infiltrated Anti-Skill, Academy City's peacekeeping force. With dangerous factions on the move that endanger Last Order and her sisters, the self-proclaimed villain readies himself to plunge back into the darkness.

The Berühren Corporation has made the technology for creating powerful cyborg soldiers publicly available. Those with robotic parts are called the Extended. Juuzou Inui is one such Extended—built as a soldier with no memory of his past—and now, after the war, he runs a business handling Extended-related problems around the city. Hearing rumors of a rogue Extended who kidnapped a child, Juuzou returns to his office only to have a giant robotic man carrying a boy on his back crash through, begging for help. Juuzou could simply turn him in, but the situation feels too suspicious to ignore. Everyone seems to want this child, and whether he likes it or not, Juuzou must uncover why this Extended is on the run, how it ties to the Berühren Corporation, and just how deep the betrayal runs in this city.

When the "Sirens," an extraterrestrial force wielding weaponry far beyond the scope of current technology, appeared without warning, humanity set aside its divisions and united for the first time. Four nations—the Eagle Union, Royal Navy, Sakura Empire, and Iron Blood—established Azur Lane, advancing modern warfare and securing an initial victory against their shared enemy. However, clashing ideologies soon threatened this fragile alliance, splintering it in two. The Sakura Empire and Iron Blood seceded to form the Red Axis, and humanity once again found itself divided. A seasoned and battle-hardened combatant, the "Grey Ghost" Enterprise carries Azur Lane's hopes for ending the war. Yet beneath her stoic exterior lies a vulnerable girl who fears the sea. Still, she continues fighting, convinced that this is her only purpose for existing. Meanwhile, three ships from the union—Javelin, Laffey, and Unicorn—discover Ayanami, a spy from the Red Axis. Though their efforts to befriend her seem futile given their opposing sides, they persist, hoping their friendship might one day prevail. Within humanity's endless conflict, the keys to reuniting the fractured race may exist in a soldier coming to terms with her mysterious nature and in the bonds of camaraderie between those with opposing ideals.

The young student Takuya Arima's father, a historian who conducted various research projects, went missing recently. During a summer vacation, Takuya receives a peculiar package from his vanished father, along with a letter that describes the existence of multiple parallel worlds. At first, Takuya does not take it seriously, but he soon realizes he is in possession of a device that enables him to travel to alternate dimensions. Is his father still alive? If so, where is he?

This film compiles episodes nine through thirteen of the 2017 television series. Riko and Reg descend into the third layer, where Riko experiences the Curse for the first time. They continue down to the fourth layer, where an Orbed Piercer injures Riko's arm, prompting Reg to attempt a rescue. Nanachi arrives to help, saving Riko's poisoned arm. In exchange, Nanachi asks Reg to kill her immortal companion, Mitty. Following this, Nanachi joins Riko and Reg on their journey to reach the bottom of the Abyss.

This film compiles episodes one through eight of the 2017 television series, incorporating new scenes for the opening. It follows Riko as she descends into the Abyss alongside her robotic companion, Reg, and chronicles their journey to the second layer, where they encounter the White Whistle Ozen. Ozen then discloses information regarding Riko's mother.

Kei Narutani and his childhood friend Song Minghua are Chinese refugees escaping from the Zai, a mysterious organization that indiscriminately terrorizes their country and its people. Fortunately, during their escape to Japan, they are saved by a strange red aircraft. Kei's fascination with this aircraft leads him to meet his savior: a girl who is an "Anima"—the pilot of a unique type of airplane called a "Daughter." The girl goes by Gripen, an adorable JAS-39F fighter aircraft. Kei develops a bond with Gripen and is then recruited by the Japan Self-Defense Force to help Gripen overcome her troubles with flying. Later joined by Eagle, a carefree F-15J-ANM, and Phantom, a proud RF-4EJ-ANM, the squadron takes up arms, determined to protect humanity. Together, the five individuals battle against the invasive Zai, forming the last line of defense against the threatening alien force.

A metropolis vanishes without a trace, leaving professional courier Takuya, a solitary figure, to encounter Yuki, the sole survivor of the catastrophe. Guided by a communication from Yuki’s father, who is presumed missing, the duo sets out to locate the vanished location known as Lost. Their path is fraught with unforeseen challenges that prove particularly jarring for Yuki. They must navigate the grief of those left behind, contend with a shadowy organization pulling the strings, and expose a concealed conspiracy. Initially strangers, Takuya and Yuki strengthen their connection as they journey together to solve the enigma surrounding the disappeared city.

Daisuke Dojima, a second-year high school student, was kidnapped in his youth and became entangled in the Shibuya Drift alongside his childhood friends Gai, Lu, Marimari, and Keisaku. This phenomenon transported them more than three centuries into the future, dropping them into a desolate landscape of overgrown wilderness, crumbling ruins, and future inhabitants. There, they encounter the Revisions, massive mechanical beasts that trample everything in their path. After being attacked, they are aided by a girl named Milo, who shares the name of the individual who rescued Daisuke during his abduction. She provides them with a mobile suit called String Puppet and urges them to save Shibuya. Now separated and facing formidable foes under the weight of a prophecy that names Daisuke as the sole protector of their group, the boys and girls embark on a perilous journey to find their way back to their original era.

In ancient times, magic flourished and enhanced human existence until it was weaponized for warfare. To restore peace, seven of the most potent mages sacrificed themselves to seal all magic away. Nearly a millennium later, the magical seal known as Magiaconatus oversees Granbelm, a monthly competition designed to identify the participant deserving of the title Princeps, recognized as the sole true mage. During a full moon, high school student Mangetsu Kohinata is abruptly transported into an illusory realm where six mages are engaged in Granbelm. Mistaken for a hostile mage, Mangetsu is attacked by two opponents until she is saved by Shingetsu Ernesta Fukami and her Armanox Viola Katze. When Shingetsu is ambushed while defending Mangetsu, Magiaconatus bestows upon Mangetsu the Armanox White Lily, empowering her to defeat Shingetsu’s attackers. Overwhelmed by these events, Mangetsu resolves to assist her new friend in Granbelm to help fulfill her wish.

On the shimmering surface of the Kanda River, Jetters and their Shooters compete in Jet Races, widely considered the most thrilling aquatic sport in the world. Driven by the ambition to become a pro Jet Racer like her mother, Rin Namiki enrolls at Asakusa Girls' High School in Tokyo, where she meets first-year student Misa Aoi. The two soon clash during a competition against the elite Team Dress from Musashino Girls' High School. Realizing her school lacks a Jet Racing club, Rin remains determined and gathers Misa and three other girls to form a new squad named Kandagawa Jet Girls. United by their goal to win the prestigious Kandagawa Cup, the team prepares to take on the biggest stage in the sport.

Humanity now faces the Custodians—an ancient, sentient race blamed for causing humanity to speak different languages millennia ago. The Symphogear users—Hibiki Tachibana, Tsubasa Kazanari, Chris Yukine, Maria Cadenzavna Eve, Kirika Akatsuki, and Shirabe Tsukuyomi—are dispatched to Antarctica to recover an old artifact. After retrieving it and saving the scientific personnel from a Coffin, the relic’s automated guardian, the artifact is handed over to American researchers per international treaties. The remnants of the defeated Bavarian Illuminati, the criminal organization Noble Red, begin to pursue the relic. Can the Symphogear wielders and their support group, S.O.N.G., thwart the schemes of the forces plotting against them?

Marquis Reinhard von Lohengramm’s scheme to destabilize the Free Planets Alliance succeeds as the treacherous former Rear Admiral Arthur Lynch instigates a coup on Heinessen. Armed with a plan devised by Reinhard, Lynch urges his old friend Admiral Dwight Greenhill to oversee the National Salvation Military Council’s overthrow of the civilian government. In an effort to defend democracy and restore the Alliance constitution, Admiral Yang Wen-li finds himself opposing his fellow citizens—and, unfortunately, the father of his loyal adjutant Lieutenant Frederica Greenhill. With the Free Planets Alliance distracted by internal turmoil, the Galactic Empire’s forces can safely suppress the newly established Lippstadt League, led by Duke Otto von Braunschweig. Meanwhile, with his trusted friend and loyal subordinate High Admiral Siegfried Kircheis engaged in distant noble-controlled frontier regions, Reinhard grows increasingly dependent on the counsel of the ruthless Vice Admiral Paul von Oberstein, whose sway within the prestigious Lohengramm admiralty continues to expand. Despite the inevitable bloodshed across the galaxy, both Yang Wen-li of the Alliance and Reinhard von Lohengramm of the Empire ponder the same questions: how will history judge their deeds? Do the ends justify the means?

Far from Earth lies a kingdom defined by its abundance of smiles. Idealistic, joyful, and innocent Princess Yuki is thrust into a role for which her gentle nature is poorly suited, especially as her realm faces imminent peril from an aggressive Empire. Across the divide, an imperial soldier named Stella Shining conceals her true self behind a carefully constructed facade. Yet, her mask may soon shatter, risking the loss of all she holds dear. When the paths of Princess Yuki and Stella intersect, the destiny of entire nations hangs in the balance.

After humanity made first contact with aliens on the moon, their technology advanced at an astonishing rate. Fifty years later, life is easy for most, but Robby Yaji and Hacchi Kita struggle to find their footing in this futuristic world. Robby is a man plagued by constant bad luck, drowning in debt after sinking money into dubious get-rich-quick schemes. Hacchi, meanwhile, can't shake the tedium of his everyday existence. Their lives change when loan shark boss Yang orders Hacchi to collect the money Robby owes. Rather than pay, Robby launches into space and sets course for Isekandar, a planet said to bring happiness to anyone who reaches it. Seizing the chance for some excitement, Hacchi joins Robby on a wild journey full of alien encounters, giant robot battles, and endless mischief—all while trying to stay one step ahead of Yang and his crew, who are scouring the universe to track them down.

Several young girls possessing strange abilities, along with a tree that has grown through a railway car, cling to survival in a barren wasteland as they search for the last remaining water sources. Their routine struggle for existence is interrupted by the arrival of Wakaba, a boy who remembers nothing beyond his own name. The girls and their new companion embark on a hazardous journey across seas of burning red fog to find what they need to sustain themselves on the more distant, dangerous islands teeming with robotic bugs. Their ultimate fate will be determined by their own strength and Wakaba's mysterious ability to understand the Kemurikusa—enigmatic glowing leaves with remarkable powers. Besides the girls, Wakaba, and the hordes of ravenous insects, the Kemurikusa are the last sparks of life remaining in this land. How did things come to this? Why are there so many empty buildings with no one to live in them? Wakaba and the girls have no answers to these questions, so the truth can only be found within the Kemurikusa.

What catastrophic event sealed the destinies of Char Aznable—later known as the Red Comet, a legendary Zeon ace—and his sister Sayla Mass? Their path, set in motion by the abrupt death of their father Zeon Zum Deikun, a leader of the Spacenoids, is chronicled across four episodes under the title "Chronicle of Char and Sayla." The narrative explores the Zabi family's takeover of Side 3 and their rule over the Principality of Zeon, the formative years of numerous celebrated Zeon aces destined to fight in the One Year War, the hidden details of mobile suit development, clashes with the Earth Federation Forces, and the events leading to the war's outbreak.

A TV anime adaptation covering episodes 1 through 3 of the five-episode Phantasy Star Online 2 game, with some anime-original content also created. In Episode 1, during their qualification exam on planet Naberius, the player and fellow ARKS trainee Afin are attacked by vile organisms called Darkers. They then discover a mysterious girl who has lost most of her memories, and learn the truth about Naberius and the recent increase in Darker activity. Episode 2 follows the player and Matoi as they work to uncover a dark conspiracy concerning ARKS's origin and purpose. In Episode 3, the discovery of planet Harukotan brings a new quest, as the peace between its Shironian and Kuronite inhabitants is disrupted by a sudden Kuronite attack. The newly reformed ARKS is tasked with investigating the reason behind this conflict, and the truth turns out to be more complicated and horrifying than expected.

Yoshika Miyafuji becomes a member of the 501st Joint Fighter Wing, a military unit focused on combating extraterrestrial creatures called the Neuroi. But during periods without any invasions, she and the other members handle everyday chores such as cooking and laundry.

Set in the future, Akihabara—once known as the "holy land of otaku"—has transformed into a typical business district. Otaku culture has faded, memories of anime and manga are vanishing, and only a handful of specialty stores remain open. The foundation of creative works relies on the "memories" of manga and anime held in people's minds. However, when a virus destroys the world of a creative work, those memories disappear from everyone's awareness and the work is wiped from the physical world. Twelve girls who work at a small shop tucked away in a corner of Akihabara battle this virus to safeguard the precious memories people hold for their beloved manga and anime, aiming to restore Akihabara to its former state.

Bouida Haruto is a devoted otaku who has no interest in real women, believing that getting too involved with figures leaves no way out. Despite this, he buys a figure of Nona, a character from the anime Girls→Planetary Investigation, after finally succumbing to temptation. That night, the Nona figure mysteriously comes to life, initiating a romantic relationship between the man and his toy.

The advent of Circlet Technology and Virtual Reality has revolutionized society, giving rise to a new competitive e-sport known as Circlet Bout. In this arena, schools clash to crown the strongest Circlet Bout Club and player. During a match, Yuuka Sasaki is mistaken for a contestant and faces off against Chikage Fujimura, Japan’s top player. Although inexperienced, Yuuka manages to hold her own in the fierce duel, sparking a deep passion for the game and leading her to resolve to become a Circlet Bout athlete herself. Two years later, Yuuka relocates to Tokyo and enrolls at Union School, hoping to train and one day challenge Chikage again. Upon arriving, she finds that the Circlet Bout Club has been disbanded. Her primary objective now shifts to assisting the athletic Miyuki Kasahara and club manager Ayumu Aizawa in reestablishing the club and restoring it to its former prominence.

A peace treaty has established a fragile ceasefire between humanity and the Zex, entities that appeared from space-time rifts leading to mysterious, faraway worlds. Azumi Kakamigahara, paired with a Zex named Rigel, must carry the burden of her own peaceful world. The mismatched duo heads to the newly created Fujimisaki Academy, where their futures are set.

The legendary Blader Valt Aoi is currently training the next generation of elite Bladers at BC Sol in Spain. One day, rookie Blader Koryu Drum witnesses Valt unleashing his newly evolved Gachi Bey, Slash Valkyrie. To Drum's astonishment, Valkyrie radiates a golden light as it rockets around the stadium. Inspired by the boundless possibilities of this "Gold Turbo" state, Drum seeks to achieve the same bond with his Bey, Dragon. Thus begins the story of Dante and Dragon's rise to the pinnacle of the Blading world.

In the 21st century, Earth became uninhabitable for life, prompting a mass exodus of humanity to Planet Zi, the natural habitat of metallic life-forms known as Zoids. Many years later, Zi itself approaches its final days. Its inhabitants begin the journey to return to Earth. In an effort to restore Earth to a livable state, the migrants devise a plan called "Zi-Forming." But the scheme fails, leaving Earth in chaos. The planet is overrun by Zoids and plagued by unstable weather phenomena, forcing the settlers to endure harsh living conditions. The Empire and Republic colonies start excavating Zoids buried beneath the Earth's surface to strengthen their respective militaries. The narrative follows second-generation Earth-born citizens Leo Conrad and Buzz Cunningham, who cross paths with a girl named Sally Land as she tries to escape the Empire's pursuit.

The planet Earth's ecosystems are in peril. Thankfully, a superpowered robot boy named Astro Boy takes flight to the rescue! Astro is on a mission to aid anyone, anywhere in the world dealing with a problem caused by natural phenomena. Go, little Astro Boy, go!

Season 15 of GG Bond takes a more educational turn. This season is split into two arcs, each containing 52 episodes. GG Bond is busy cleaning fossils in the lab, which will later be displayed in a museum exhibit. He takes one fossil and turns it into a data coin compatible with his special jet. This coin lets him travel back in time to the creature the fossil came from—a T-Rex. GG Bond is thrilled to study dinosaurs up close and gather more accurate data for the coin, but he doesn't fully grasp how dangerous the situation is. He manages to escape this tight spot, though he still has plenty more dinosaurs to collect information on.

GG Bond finds himself separated from his comrades, ending up in an unknown region of the universe. To return home, he must reunite with his teammates and compete in high-speed races. This season features four arcs, with each arc consisting of 26 episodes.

The second installment of Capsule Boy. Broadcasting rights were transferred to SBS. The visual design was updated to a more contemporary anime-inspired look, and a number of voice actors did not return to voice their characters.

Seventh season of the Washimo series.