Best Sci-Fi Anime of 2023

Fifteen years prior, societal collapse unleashed man-eating creatures across a ruined landscape, endangering the few remaining survivors. Within a secluded refuge, children live shielded from these threats, oblivious to the horrors lurking beyond their walls. However, as some individuals begin to uncover truths about the outside world, their curiosity regarding what lies beyond steadily grows. In the barren wilderness, Maru and Kiruko journey toward a fabled destination called Heaven, each driven by their own objectives. Haunted by painful pasts and hidden secrets, they seek solace and answers to the struggles they have endured in this broken world.

In a world devastated by Machine Lifeforms created by aliens, humanity clings to survival from their refuge on the Moon. Earth's fate rests with the artificial androids of YoRHa, designated as soldiers. Under the command of the skilled combat android YoRHa 2-gou B-gata "2B," these forces fight to reclaim the planet from the alien invaders. As the conflict intensifies, the YoRHa soldiers begin uncovering fragments of the truth behind the war's origins. Confronted with this harsh reality, the determined warrior 2B starts to question her mission and the sacrifices demanded for humanity's continued existence.

In "Pluto," Gesicht, an android detective working for Europol, is assigned to investigate the murder of Montblanc, a highly respected veteran robot. While the case initially points toward another robot as the suspect, Montblanc's status as a key figure in the fight for robot rights adds layers of complexity. Robots are generally programmed with safeguards preventing them from harming humans, with the exception of a single, unexplained incident that occurred eight years prior. The murder scene, which shows no signs of human involvement and shares striking similarities with that earlier event, leads Gesicht to believe that one entity—whether human or robotic—may be responsible for both killings. Not long after Montblanc's death, another former elite war robot is also killed under mysterious circumstances. Gesicht begins to recognize a pattern: both victims were among the seven most powerful war machines ever created. To prevent the killer from targeting the remaining five veterans, Gesicht joins forces with Atom, a highly advanced android who looks like a human child. Together, they work to identify the culprit behind these murders and stop the threat from causing further harm to society.

In the barren world of Noman's Land, journalists Meryl Stryfe and Roberto De Niro set out to track down the notorious fugitive Vash the Stampede. When they arrive at the decaying town of Jeneora Rock, they find that the person they meet is nothing like the dreaded terrorist they expected. Vash is in fact a calm and easygoing wanderer who advocates for peace and is adored by the townspeople. The violent reputation he carries is actually due to the deeds of his twin brother, Millions Knives. Nonetheless, Vash has gained the nickname "The Humanoid Typhoon" because of the chaos that often trails him. As predicted, trouble erupts when bounty hunters swarm the area, drawn by the huge reward for Vash's capture. Their dogged chase endangers both the town and its vital power plant. Using his extraordinary sharpshooting abilities, Vash manages to fend off most of the aggressive attackers. Yet in the end, he must confront his greatest challenge: the terrifying might of his malevolent brother.

In a world where witches were once both revered and feared for their divine magic that drove human progress, the situation has shifted. As scientific advancement has caught up with magical power, the mighty Redia Empire now seeks to wipe out all witches and establish its dominance over the world. Fleeing the empire's harsh decree, the renowned witch Chloe and her apprentice Adonis try to find refuge. But they are trapped by the Empire, resulting in Chloe's savage killing. Grief-stricken by his teacher's death and humanity's cruelty, Adonis swears revenge, resolved to use the very magic the Empire wants to destroy in order to wipe out humankind.

Following a violent terrorist attack on Plant Quetta, Suletta Mercury continues her duels at the Asticassia School of Technology. Meanwhile, Miorine Rembran stays by her wounded father's side, hoping for signs of recovery. As the Earth House members focus on their personal affairs, two operatives from Dawn of Fold—the group responsible for the attack—secretly infiltrate the school, endangering Suletta and her friends. At the same time, Suletta's mother, Prospera, contacts Miorine to propose restarting "Quiet Zero," a project her father led that is said to have the potential to end all wars. However, Prospera appears to be another political figure with hidden agendas, leaving uncertainty about her true intentions regarding Suletta's safety.

In command of the Edens Zero, Shiki Granbell has assembled the Four Shining Stars. With their assistance, Shiki intends to breach Dragonfall, a barrier in the Sakura Cosmos overrun by mechanical dragons, in order to continue his search for the goddess Mother. However, before the Edens Zero can advance, they detect a mysterious warship following them. Upon discovering that this vessel, the Belial Gore, is controlled by Drakken Joe, the Dark Alchemist, Shiki and his crew attempt to infiltrate it to find out why they are being targeted. During their infiltration, Drakken's minions take control of the Edens Zero. Despite the dangerous circumstances, Shiki remains determined not to give up. Working together with his friends, Shiki must defeat the Dark Alchemist to ensure their escape from the Belial Gore.

In 2113, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dissolved its secret paramilitary unit known as the Peacebreakers, but the group vanished without explanation, keeping their operations concealed. Five years later, the operatives resurface by killing Milcia Stronskaya, a researcher who possesses key documents critical to the future of the Sybil System, Japan's social surveillance system designed to identify potential criminals. To address this crisis and prepare for an impending confrontation with the Peacebreakers alongside the MFA, the Public Safety Bureau's chief reactivates former Enforcer Shinya Kougami. Despite his previous defection, Kougami now operates under Frederica Hanashiro's command within the MFA. His return creates tension with his former partners, Akane Tsunemori and Nobuchika Ginoza, forcing them to set aside their past conflicts and unite to protect the Sybil System.

In the year 2242, humanity lives scattered across domed cities on a ravaged planet, shielding themselves from toxic rains and dangerous creatures called Enders. These communities depend on energy from AO crystals. Those who venture outside to collect these crystals are known as drifters, who pilot agile mechs with android partners called magus. On a mission to explore ancient ruins with Tokio, a highly skilled drifter, Kanata, still a beginner, discovers Noir, a magus found in perfect condition and in suspended animation. When she awakens, Noir has no memory of her past and initially offers little help to Kanata. But during a fight with Enders, Kanata learns that Noir has remarkable combat abilities. Together, they set out to uncover Noir's forgotten history and find Histoire, the legendary city believed to hold the secrets of the world's past—a place Kanata has always dreamed of reaching.

In a near-future world where 10% of the population consists of Humanoids—advanced machines with artificial intelligences that emulate human traits and can be identified by their distinctive sideways pupils—the demand for specialized healthcare grows. By day, Dr. Hikaru Sudou runs a clinic catering specifically to Humanoids, while at night, under the alias Moggadeet, he performs unauthorized procedures and investigates the disappearance of his mother. Hikaru handles various unusual cases within this rapidly changing society, such as a Humanoid grappling with her sense of self in light of her backup data, a teenage Humanoid struggling to enhance her athletic abilities, and a robotic teddy bear that retains memories from its past owners. As technology advances, deep philosophical questions about the nature of humanity emerge, blurring the lines between Humanoids and humans.

In the survey ship of the Azatos Empire, Chief Investigator Liza Luna intends to wipe out all life on Earth while preserving its valuable resources. While examining the planet, she judges human evolution to be too sluggish in comparison to other species. Compelled to gain a deeper understanding of its inhabitants, Liza lands on Earth. Despite her initial conviction that the planet holds no worth, she decides to visit a cafe to sample its food. At a cat cafe, Liza encounters cats so overwhelmingly cute that they are unmatched by anything else in the galaxy. This startling discovery leads her to change her mission and begin exploring Earth's numerous adorable residents instead.

In a future where hip-hop dominates the music scene, skilled rappers deliver electrifying performances called Phantom Lives. Using "Phantometal," a substance that reacts with a rapper's DNA to create vivid illusions, they channel their intense emotions into stunning visual spectacles for the audience. However, this process forces them to confront past traumas and painful memories through what are known as Trap Reactions. The severity of these reactions depends on the strength of the rapper's emotions, which can lead to extreme emotional distress and mental harm. CLUB Paradox, a legendary group that vanished a decade ago, unexpectedly returns to host a new Phantom Live competition called Paradox Live, with a prize of 10 billion yen. Four prominent groups—BAE, The Cat's Whiskers, cozmez, and Akanyatsura—are invited to participate. Despite their doubts about the mysterious circumstances surrounding the event, each group has its own reasons for entering the contest. However, the path to victory may prove far more dangerous than expected.

One year after the events of SSSS.Gridman came to an end, the world has returned to a state of peace. Only Rikka and Utsumi still carry the memories of the kaiju, Gridman, and Akane Shinjou. Even Yuuta, who once served as Gridman's host, has lost all recollection of the crucial events from his past. When a new kaiju emerges, Yuuta seizes the opportunity to prove his heroism by fusing with Gridman once again.

In a city where the older residents have abandoned hope for what lies ahead, the younger generation has grown accustomed to their crumbling surroundings, accepting decline and hardship as normal. This indifferent atmosphere is disrupted by the sudden appearance of Haruko, who shatters the town's peace.

In "The Marginal Service," Brian Nightraider, a former decorated police officer now disgraced and dismissed after a series of reckless decisions that led to his partner's death, sinks into hopelessness. Out of nowhere, he is recruited by the United Nations Immigration Bureau Special Investigation Unit to join the secret Marginal Service, a covert UN branch dedicated to handling Borderlanders. These Borderlanders are alien beings that look human and coexist peacefully with society. But a terrorist faction among them has begun manufacturing and distributing a highly addictive substance called Confu. Because Borderlanders can regenerate and blend seamlessly into human life, stopping this drug operation proves extremely difficult. Despite these challenges, the Marginal Service's eccentric team presses on, even after discovering that some of their own members are Borderlanders.

This is the fifth season of FLCL and the direct follow-up to FLCL: Grunge. The story is set ten years after FLCL Alternative and revolves around a high school boy and girl. Masaki, who struggles to fit in with his classmates because of his unusual upbringing and personality, meets Harumi—a girl even more eccentric than he is. She offers to ease his worries by blowing up the Tsuganei Tower.

Following their victory at Tokyo Tower, the Mew Mew girls enjoy a brief period of calm. Ichigo Momomiya and Masaya Aoyama have shared their feelings with each other, and Ichigo is thrilled to be with her new boyfriend. Yet this quiet moment does not last long, as they are soon faced once more with the Chimera Anima. In the battle that follows, Ichigo ends up in serious peril. At her most desperate moment, a mysterious figure called the Blue Knight appears to rescue her, claiming he was fated to protect her before vanishing without a trace. Now the Mew Mew team must juggle their fight against the alien threat with their everyday lives, all while attempting to discover the Blue Knight's true identity and continuing to protect the world.

In a world where sea levels have risen and the human population has dwindled, androids are created to manage everyday tasks and also serve as entertainers at Babel—a massive venue where performers ascend Climb Stages through song and dance, competing for audience approval and large cash prizes. A group of financially struggling androids—Cobalt, Chrom, Neon, and Kei—face the threat of having their power supply cut off due to unpaid bills. Desperate for a quick solution, they decide to become Babel climbers. However, winning over the crowd proves extremely difficult. Despite early failures, Cobalt grows determined after witnessing the exceptional performance of STAND-ALONE, the reigning champion climbing unit. The group's fortunes change when they meet a secretive choreographer willing to share his routines. Seeing this as their best chance, Cobalt, with help from their human ally Esora Shibaura, forms the climbing unit KNoCC. Together, they set out on the challenging journey to reach the top of Babel while also confronting prejudice against androids.

This story takes place before the events of Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo and focuses on Midori Kitakami. It consists of new animated footage from a bonus disc included with the EVANGELION:3.0+1.11 THRICE UPON A TIME Blu-ray/DVD. This release coincides with the second anniversary of the initial theatrical debut of Shin Evangelion Movie.

In the anime "Bullbuster," young engineer Tetsurou Okino brings his self-designed robot, the Bullbuster, to Hato Industries, a struggling pest extermination company led by President Tajima. The team must face a powerful, mysterious creature while managing tight finances, including fuel costs for the robot and salaries for pilots. Every bullet is counted because of their limited budget. As they balance the goal of eliminating the threat with the harsh realities of their economic situation, the future of Hato Industries hangs in the balance.

After the second Division Rap Battle comes to an end, the country is swept by a surge of civil unrest and crime. Those involved in these incidents have no memory of their actions and no apparent reason for them. The Party of Words, suspecting a connection to the Hypnosis Microphones, launches an investigation to find the one responsible for this turmoil. As these disturbances grow more frequent across the six divisions, each division's leader scrambles to find ways to stop the mounting destruction. But when the hidden puppeteer threatens to unleash even greater chaos on their territories, the six leaders are forced to set aside their personal grudges temporarily and unite to put an end to the disorder.

Humanity was forced to abandon Earth centuries ago when the Vice, a race of mechanical aliens, attacked. Now people drift through space aboard ships constructed from pieces of the shattered moon. The last hope rests with the Actresses—young women who can wield Alice Gears, mechanical armor capable of damaging the Vice. These suits offer the only possibility of reversing the tide of the alien invasion.

D.S.O. operative Leon S. Kennedy is tasked with rescuing Dr. Antonio Taylor from abductors, but a mysterious woman interferes and prevents his chase. At the same time, B.S.A.A. operative Chris Redfield looks into a zombie outbreak in San Francisco, where the source of the infection remains unknown. The sole link among the victims is that each had recently visited Alcatraz Island. Pursuing that lead, Chris and his squad travel to the island, where a fresh terror lies in wait.

Initially rejected by the art community, Perception Art has since become a worldwide phenomenon, expanding to engage all five senses and letting audiences immerse themselves fully in each work. Kazuya Yamanashi, the child of Perception Art's originators, inherited the same skill and inventiveness that marked his late parents. Now a first-year at Eisen High School, he aims to reach the highest level of Perception Artists. Beyond his career goals, Kazuya wishes to repair his relationship with Kyou Takise, a third-year senior and childhood friend—though their separate academic tracks at the prestigious school may complicate that effort. Fate reunites them in the competitive Staircaser event, where the winners get to represent Eisen for an entire year. To stand a chance against their rivals, Kazuya and Kyou must first settle their personal differences.

In a world where OrderMaids have become a common household appliance, 10-year-old Bondo Taira discovers that his two best friends, Motsuo and Gachi Gorilla, each have their own OrderMaids. Motsuo's maid, Meico, stands out as a gorgeous robot famous for her superb massage abilities and cheerful demeanor. Envious, Bondo convinces his mother to buy him an OrderMaid as well, hoping to get one like Meico. But when the OrderMaid arrives, Bondo is shocked by its huge frame and clumsiness, which causes chaos around the house. Named Roboko, the robot is nothing like what Bondo wanted. However, Bondo and his friends soon realize that Roboko possesses unexpected qualities that make her an irreplaceable part of their lives.

Elizabeth, Joou-sama Tsuihou no Hi!? While playing a game of chess alongside her sister ship Valiant, Queen Elizabeth stakes her title as queen for a single day, fully convinced she will keep it. To her surprise, Valiant wins and eagerly takes on the temporary role of queen, leaving Queen Elizabeth to experience life as one of her own attendants. Valiant soon discovers she is not adequately prepared for the heavy duties of her new position. Elizabeth, Jinei Konshinkai ni Jinryoku The highly anticipated gathering of all nine Azur Lane factions draws near. During the representatives' meeting, a theme is chosen while Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth and Iris Libre’s Richelieu are absent. As a result, neither faction can secure space to set up their booth at the event. To ensure the assembly's success, Queen Elizabeth steps forward to negotiate with the other factions, urging them to accommodate their beloved commander's needs.

Compilation film of SSSS.Gridman.

Since the beginning of recorded history and into the era of space travel, the legend of the undying Phoenix appears in every written record. This radiant being, whose blood is said to bestow everlasting life or deep enlightenment, watches over the survival of intelligent life across the universe while guiding the advancement of human societies. Yet humanity remains governed by its own nature; joy and sorrow, fury and love—these conflicting feelings continue to shape human existence. At the same time, certain ideologies and ambitions repeatedly emerge across time, disturbing the fragile harmony of the world's natural systems and laws. It seems that fate, with its unpredictable twists, can assume countless forms—and often reveals a strange sense of irony.

Due to the worsening climate crisis on Earth, humanity has established colonies on the Moon. Tomura Sawyer works as a courier in the upper districts, saving money to help his younger brother Haru, who suffers from Smoky Moon Disease—a condition caused by the polluted air in the lower zones. Their shared dream is to move to the upper levels where the environment is cleaner. Determined to secure that future, Tomura enters the televised competition "Run for Money," hoping to win even though he lacks the essential Chrono Bracelet needed to participate. His strong resolve catches the attention of a show producer named Harvest, who gives him the Bracelet and allows him to join the contest. To succeed in this dangerous game of Tag, Tomura must avoid capture by the Hunters and outlast all other contestants.

The third and final season of ULTRAMAN. Shinjirou (Ultraman), haunted by a nightmare, begins to realize he can no longer keep his abilities under control and struggles to contain them. His power is unleashed beyond his control, the city is destroyed, and people are hurt. Society begins to call Ultraman a "disaster of mankind" and the hero becomes a target for condemnation. Shinjirou, alone and having lost everything, finds himself in the middle of a maelstrom of fate. In the shadows of the confusion, an ominous alien force moves in secret.

Compilation film of SSSS.DYNAZENON. High school student Yomogi encounters Gauma, a strange drifter who claims to be a Kaiju User. Soon after, a Kaiju attacks, and Gauma summons the giant robot Dynazenon to fight it. Yomogi, classmate Yume, and local NEET Koyomi are caught in the chaos and join as co-pilots. Together, they form the Gauma Team. But the Kaiju Eugenicists—a secret society of teens with special powers—stand in their way.

In a future where trade federations control the solar system and are perpetually at war, Akira decides to escape his confining home country of Japan. Following the suggestion of his friend Pupkin, a military cook, he enlists in a trade federation orbital drop infantry unit. These units are infamous for their 70% casualty rate and are referred to as "Yakitori" because of how easily they are sacrificed.

Last summer. Friends. And kaiju. It's the summer of 1989, and sixth graders Boko, Joe, and Junichi are spending their final vacation as elementary school students. Their ordinary days are shattered when a monster called Gyaos suddenly attacks Tokyo. The four of them stand frozen in a city reduced to rubble. Just as Gyaos locks its gaze on them, a gigantic turtle-shaped kaiju appears before the boys. Its name is Gamera. Despite its wounds, Gamera throws itself into battle against Gyaos with everything it has. This is only the beginning of the boys' "Summer of Kaiju."

A new series commemorating the 10th anniversary of the "Gundam Build" franchise. A fresh internet service has emerged in the world of Gunpla. Inside the Metaverse realm, users can control their own avatar, communicate with others, engage in Gunpla Battle, and buy real Gunpla. Rio Hojo is a boy who has ventured into this new world. He trains in Gunpla building techniques in the real world alongside Seria Urutuski, and absorbs Gunpla Battle knowledge from Mask Lady in the Metaverse, sharpening his abilities day by day. After finishing his own original Gunpla, the Lah Gundam, Rio happens to cross paths with several past champions of Gunpla Battle within the Metaverse realm.

A new Kyoukai Senki project directed by Masami Oobari. Following the conclusion of the Hokuriku front, a new territory for the Japanese people was established, governed by the New Japan Cooperation Organization. However, this did not bring about a drastic improvement in Japan's situation. The effective control held by various powers in the country persisted, and while the oppression of the Japanese people lessened, it continued. The same holds true for the isolated islands in the South Sea. The Oceania Army maintains effective control over the island, while the resistance organization "Hinukan" opposes them. Then, the North American forces launch an attack, aiming to seize control of the isolated island—.

The series unfolds in the year 2006, following Akio Hoshigami, a girl forced to abandon her aspirations of becoming a track-and-field athlete because of a leg injury. Together with her close friend Ayano Umisoe, Akio transitions into high school. Engaging in fresh activities and forming new connections, Akio slowly begins to get back to her former self. However, one day, Ayano suddenly goes missing.

In "Doraemon the Movie 2023: Nobita's Sky Utopia," Nobita and his companions set out on a journey to discover the secrets of Paradapia, an ideal world drawing from Thomas More's notion of Utopia. Using Doraemon's futuristic gadgets and time-travel abilities, they delve into Paradapia's hidden truths while tackling various obstacles, such as run-ins with the bounty hunter Marimba. The tale centers on their efforts to solve the riddles of this perfect realm, culminating in an upbeat conclusion that hints at more adventures ahead.

Centering on the Thorny Arc, this compilation film adapts episodes 43 through 46 of the second season and includes newly added scenes. It is part of the Gintama 20th Anniversary Project.

The year 2022 commemorates three decades since the debut of the original Tenchi Muyo! Ryo-Ohki OVA series. To mark the occasion, a new Tenchi Muyo! GXP anime series was announced, titled Tenchi Muyo! GXP Paradise Beginnings Arc, which bridges the gap between the fourth and fifth seasons and serves as an introduction to the Paradise War from the perspective of Seina Yamada.

Announced at the Soushi Minashiro Birthday Fes 2021, this self-contained entry to the Fafner series was initially promised to fans during the 2017 birthday event and will be a "peaceful spinoff".

Compilation film of Koukaku Kidoutai: SAC_2045 Season 2

Sequel to KJ File.

The anime short "The Dog & The Boy" was created through a partnership between Netflix Anime Creators Base, WIT Studio, and the AI character platform rinna. As part of an experimental attempt to address the anime industry's labor shortage without improving working conditions, all backgrounds were generated using image generation technology.

Part of the Young Animator Training Project. One of the shorts exhibited in Anime no Tane 2023.

Ecchan, Sapphi, Rocco, and Moffan form the idol group "Uchuu Seifuku" and strive to become the top idol unit in the entire universe by putting on a show at the Space Budokan! Yet, trouble always arises just a few minutes before each live performance is set to begin! This is an original short anime available exclusively on the streaming service DMM TV.

Four young heroes—Lucio, Oz, Delby, and Jay Min—journey to "Dino-Earth," a parallel dimension where dinosaurs still exist. Under the guidance of Professor Laura, they employ quantum technology and shape-shifting vehicles to defend the dinosaurs from the villain Bex Hunter, who aims to turn them into cybernetic "Armorsaurs" and seize control of both worlds.

A long time ago, the planet Machina was home to an advanced race of mechanical beings called Metal Cardbots. When Machina abruptly broke apart, the Cardbots escaped to Earth, where they disguised themselves by turning into ordinary vehicles to stay hidden. In the present day, Jun, a passionate BMX rider in elementary school, discovers the Metal Breath, a device worn on the wrist that enables him to capture Cardbots and grant them enhanced abilities.

Run, Omoto, run! Don't let the others distract you! Not by sports cannons, by radio presenters, by pretty girls, by policemen, by office ladies, by puppeteers and especially not by carpenters!

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The series Elemon follows Leo, a gifted young inventor, who creates Aquro, an Elemon composed of water (H2O). These Elemon are enigmatic creatures that appear from the Elemon Blender, each possessing elemental powers. The story builds a world of science and adventure, centering on the bond between Leo and Aquro as they explore a cosmos filled with diverse Elemon.