Best Sci-Fi Anime of 2016

In her second year of high school, Naho Takamiya starts the day in a panic after oversleeping. She stumbles upon a peculiar letter addressed to her, allegedly written by her future self at age 26. Although initially skeptical, Naho's doubts vanish as the letter's forecasts begin to materialize. The correspondence reveals a future steeped in regret, urging her younger self to amend past errors. It specifically warns Naho to take care of the new transfer student, Kakeru Naruse, a figure notably missing from her future. Guided by these instructions, Naho endeavors to protect Kakeru, hoping to prevent the recurrence of her future sorrows.

Katsuhira Agata is a quiet, withdrawn high school student who has nearly lost his ability to feel pain, making him an easy target for bullies who exploit his indifferent nature to extort money. His classmate Chidori Takashiro is one of the few who remembers what Katsuhira was like before he became emotionally numb. One day, Katsuhira, Chidori, and four other teenagers are kidnapped and forced into the Kizuna System as "Kiznaivers." This system connects them through shared pain, meaning any injury inflicted on one member is felt equally by all the others. They are unwilling participants in a flawed experiment designed to bring about global peace, and their survival depends on revealing their true selves to one another, or else they will face consequences far worse than the collapse of the Kizuna System itself.

In Hundred, humanity is under assault from the alien entity called the Savage, with the Hundred being the only technology capable of effectively fighting back. Hayato Kisaragi, who survived an encounter with the Savage, has the highest compatibility with this weaponry. As a result, he is enrolled at Little Garden, a prestigious military academy located on a battleship, where he undergoes intense training to improve his skills. During his demanding schedule, Hayato draws the attention of several female classmates and gets involved in various incidents as he battles the Savage, which have taken over Earth and threaten global security.

In the quiet of day 2539, Rin awakens again, her memories unclear and her bond with other people absent. Yet, she does not feel troubled by solitude because of a device that lets her shape any world she dreams. Each day, Rin constructs a fresh and remarkable universe, one perfect realm after another, protecting herself from the emptiness of her seclusion as she searches for clues about where she came from.

In a not-so-distant future, humans discover Dimension W, a fourth dimension brimming with an inexhaustible supply of energy. Advanced devices called "coils" are developed to tap into this energy, but by 2071, the energy market is dominated by the New Tesla Energy corporation, which controls coil technology. Consequently, unauthorized coils circulate illegally on the black market. Kyouma Mabuchi, a former soldier wary of coil technology and preferring to drive a gasoline-powered vehicle, works as a "Collector," specializing in tracking down illicit coils for financial gain. His ordinary assignment takes an unexpected turn when he meets Mira Yurizaki, an android with connections to the creator of coils. As they navigate a series of strange occurrences, the two form an alliance to unravel the mysteries of Dimension W.

On an otherwise calm day, the sky suddenly tore open, releasing extradimensional beings called the Unknown that immediately and mercilessly attacked humanity. To protect the future, all Japanese children were placed into cryogenic stasis until the war could be won. Years later, with humanity holding a foothold in a part of Japan that had become the frontlines, the children were revived. While in their frozen state, each had developed unique supernatural powers known as Worlds. The six most powerful individuals were tasked with commanding the reclaimed cities, using their abilities to defend against the unending invasion. Among them were childhood friends Ichiya Suzaku and Canaria Utara, who governed Tokyo; siblings Kasumi and Asuha Chigusa, who managed Chiba; and Maihime Tenkawa and Hotaru Rindou, who oversaw Kanagawa. As routine attacks from the Unknown continued and personal conflicts between the city leaders and their deputies grew, petty rivalries emerged, causing frequent disputes among the three cities. When the Unknown abruptly increased their offensive, the leaders of Tokyo, Chiba, and Kanagawa must unite or face the loss of the last bastion protecting humanity from extinction.

In Flip Flappers, Cocona is an ordinary middle school student living with her grandmother and uncertain about her future. She meets the energetic Papika, who convinces her to join the group Flip Flap. With Papika's enthusiasm, Cocona enters Pure Illusion, a strange parallel world, where she helps Papika gather crystal fragments. After completing their task, they are sent to another part of Pure Illusion. A threatening creature appears, forcing Cocona and Papika to use their crystals to transform into magical girls—Pure Blade and Pure Barrier, respectively. While fighting the monster, three rivals from a competing organization arrive, kill the creature, and take a relic from its remains. Afterwards, Cocona and Papika realize that to face both their enemies and the dangers of Pure Illusion, they must work together and synchronize their emotions to improve their transformations.

Divine Gate centers on a legendary story told to children about the merging of the living world, heaven, and the underworld. Because of this convergence, beings known as Adapters—who possess unique elemental powers—established the World Council to manage the turmoil tied to the Divine Gate, often dismissing it as mere myth. These Adapters train at a special academy run by the World Council. Aoto, a young man with powerful water abilities and a tragic past, repeatedly turns down invitations to enroll at the academy until the cheerful wind Adapter Midori and the resolute fire Adapter Akane finally persuade him. Together with the World Council and its enigmatic head, Arthur, they set out to find the Divine Gate and uncover its mysteries. Their journey forces them to unite, confronting their own inner conflicts and the hidden schemes that hinder their progress.

In the second season of Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans, Tekkadan becomes a subsidiary under Teiwaz after finalizing a fresh trade pact with Arbrau. This partnership elevates their financial standing and public image, drawing in both new allies and additional adversaries. At the same time, the conflicts within Gjallarhorn grow more severe. Seeking to increase Mars' economic independence from Earth, Kudelia Aina Bernstein establishes Admoss Company and aligns with Tekkadan. With Tekkadan's rising influence heightening the risks, can Orga, Mikazuki, and the rest of their team hold onto control, or will Kudelia's vision of a self-reliant Mars crumble?

In Ogikubo, the lone Space Immigration Zone where humans and aliens live together in a unique mix, Luluco is an energetic middle school student who dreams of an ordinary life. One morning, her father—an employee of the Space Patrol—takes a dangerous sleep capsule and turns into a solid block. While trying to help him, Luluco accidentally shatters him. Rushing to his workplace for assistance, she meets Over Justice, the Space Patrol's leader, who recruits her as a temporary operative to investigate criminal activity at her school. Wearing the Space Patrol suit and sent out to enforce law and order, Luluco tries to maintain the appearance of an average student. But she soon realizes that the suit's automated functions and its overwhelming drive for justice make blending in far more difficult than she anticipated.

In an archipelago of four islands located south of Japan, the creation of anti-gravity footwear called Grav-Shoes has transformed everyday life and given rise to a new sport named "Flying Circus." Participants earn points by making contact with floating buoys or their opponents' backs while airborne. Asuka Kurashina, a naive and clumsy transfer student at Kunahama High School, unintentionally pulls off a difficult maneuver in her first Flying Circus match, which prompts her to join the school's Flying Circus club. Under the guidance of coach Masaya Hinata, Asuka practices alongside Misaki Tobisawa, a skilled player, and Misaki's excessively protective friend, Mashiro Arisaka. The story Ao no Kanata no Four Rhythm follows this inexperienced team's path as they soar through the skies, chasing their dreams with unwavering passion in spite of the obstacles that lie ahead.

In the early 21st century, the United Nations Kurobe Research Institute is established in Japan to study an ancient artifact discovered during the construction of the Kurobe Dam. The institute draws scientists from across the globe, and their children attend Mt. Tate International Senior High School. Yukina Shirahane, a reserved high school student and the daughter of the lead scientist, visits her mother at the institute. There, she accidentally triggers part of the artifact's mystery, causing a young samurai from the Sengoku period named Kennosuke Tokisada Ouma to appear before her. As an extraterrestrial threat emerges, Yukina and Kennosuke join forces to defend Earth against the invaders. Throughout their journey, Yukina learns the true identity of Kennosuke and the reason behind his dedication to protecting her.

In "Orange: Mirai," twenty-six-year-old Hiroto Suwa, his wife Naho, and their former high school classmates Takako Chino, Azusa Murasaka, and Saku Hagita gather at the peak of Mt. Koubou to admire the cherry blossoms. While reflecting on their friend Kakeru Naruse, who died ten years earlier, they continue to mourn his loss. The group then visits Kakeru's old home, where his grandmother reveals the truth behind his death. Feeling regret, Suwa and the others write letters to their sixteen-year-old selves, seeking a sense of closure. Armed with the knowledge from his future self's letter, young Suwa gains an opportunity to alter the past. How will he use this insight, and what repercussions will arise from his actions in this changed timeline?

Kogorou Akechi operates a private investigation firm called the Boy Detectives' Club, handling cases of all scales. While working on one such case, junior member Kensuke Hanasaki encounters Yoshio Kobayashi, an enigmatic boy who can survive any injury yet recalls nothing of his past. Fascinated by Yoshio's immortality, Kensuke proposes a bargain: Yoshio will join the club to assist with investigations, and Kensuke will help him find a way to end his eternal life. Though initially reluctant and indifferent to others, Yoshio agrees, unaware of how deeply this choice will change him. As he bonds with his new teammates through their detective work, Yoshio slowly learns to value human connections. Inspired by Edogawa Ranpo’s "Shounen Tanteidan," this story follows Akechi and the Boy Detectives' Club as they solve countless mysteries while facing a hidden menace—the Fiend with Twenty Faces.

In 1983, at the peak of the Cold War, humanity faces a terrifying new enemy: the BETA, mysterious aliens determined to eradicate all life on Earth. To fight back, soldiers are deployed to pilot giant combat machines called Tactical Surface Fighters (TSFs). Yet despite their efforts, the front lines keep falling back toward the last surviving cities. "Schwarzes Marken" follows Second Lieutenant Theodor Eberbach and his fellow members of the 666th TSF squadron. This ruthless unit, commanded by war hero Captain Irisdina Bernhard, is stationed in East Germany and prioritizes efficient mission execution, often at the expense of human lives. Specializing in counterassaults against laser-equipped BETA, the 666th soon faces new obstacles beyond the alien menace. When the idealistic rookie Katia Waldheim joins the squadron, she attracts the attention of the East German secret police, the Stasi.

In "Gantz:O," death does not mark the end if one can survive the trials set by the mysterious black sphere known as Gantz. Masaru Katou, a courageous and kind-hearted student, is fatally stabbed on his way home to celebrate his younger sibling's birthday. Waking up in a small room with a view of Tokyo, he finds himself joined by others in what seems to be a preparation area for a dangerous game where their lives are at stake. Before he can grasp the situation, Masaru is given a gun and sent to the center of Osaka with a clear objective: eliminate all encountered aliens. Teamwork becomes essential as Masaru allies with Yoshikazu Suzuki, an elderly companion; Reika Shimohira, a popular idol; and Jouichirou Nishi, a distant yet experienced partner. Together, they must face their deepest fears to ensure survival and return to their former lives, including Masaru's desire to see his brother again.

Thirty years after the failed Space Colonization Program, humanity is on the brink of extinction due to an endless, deadly rain. Among the scavengers called "Junkers" who raid the remnants of civilization, one ventures alone into the most dangerous site—a "Sarcophagus City." In the heart of this abandoned metropolis, they discover a pre-War planetarium. There, they meet Hoshino Yumemi, a companion robot who believes she has been waiting thirty years for her first visitor. Despite her confusion and attempts to show the stars with a malfunctioning projector, the Junker eventually agrees to help repair the machine.

In Terra Formars: Revenge, the Annex I crew persists in their struggle against the Terraformars—enormous humanoid cockroaches that developed from samples initially sent to Mars. Instead of discovering a remedy for the devastating Alien Engine Virus ravaging Earth, the Annex I team finds that various squads are motivated by their own nationalistic objectives. Consequently, the fighters must battle both the Terraformars to stay alive and one another in an endless pursuit of global supremacy.

In a future where "The World"—a mysterious location whose whereabouts are unknown—maintains global peace, making war a thing of the past, the airship Norn is assigned to carry nine people with special powers to this hidden place. Boarding the ship are eight men and three women. Koharu, who has moved past her loneliness and resents her potentially destructive abilities, works with Mikoto Kuga, a noble who uses her barrier skills to protect the Norn and its passengers. Also present is Nanami Shiranui, whose power causes her personal suffering and drives her desire to end her life as atonement for past deeds. As the journey unfolds, tensions grow among the passengers due to an unexpected rise in the ship's headcount. Their search for the stowaways is disrupted by a hostile attack aimed at stopping the Norn's progress at all costs. Amid this chaos, the passengers ponder the reasons behind their given abilities and their ultimate purpose upon reaching The World.

A preview in Jump SQ's September issue revealed that the fifteenth volume of To LOVE-Ru Darkness will include a new OVA, scheduled for release on January 4. The OVA consists of two episodes, each with a total runtime of 25 minutes. The first episode, "Ghost Story Kowai no wa Ikaga," is based on a side story from volume nine. The second episode, "Clinic Sunao ni Narenakute," adapts chapter 38.

Macross Delta takes place in the year 2067, eight years after the events of the previous Macross television series, Macross Frontier. The narrative centers on Walküre, a group of gifted idols, and the Delta Squadron, a unit of seasoned Valkyrie pilots, as they combat the Var Syndrome—a mysterious affliction spreading across the galaxy. Additionally, they contend with the enigmatic Aerial Knights Valkyrie fighter squadron from the Kingdom of Wind.

In "Accel World: Infinite∞Burst," after the confrontation with Burst Linker Dusk Taker, Kuroyukihime considers how she originally introduced Haruyuki Arita to Brain Burst—a system that accelerates mental functions, making time appear to stop. Since then, Haruyuki has gained recognition among other Burst Linkers and has aided Kuroyukihime in her endeavor to achieve the game's highest level. During a territorial battle with their legion, Nega Nebulus, Haruyuki and his group are ejected from the program by a violent storm inside the game. Security cameras across Tokyo begin to malfunction, a phenomenon Kuroyukihime links to the Brain Burst anomaly. Determined to restore order, Nega Nebulus must join forces with the remaining legions to investigate the source of the disruption and bring back the acceleration feature.

After ten years away, Azuma Kazuki returns home, only to be suddenly ambushed and taken captive by a crew of heavily weaponized foes. His rescue comes quickly through his childhood friend Kogane Asabuki, who wields a sentient weapon called a "Bubuki" attached to her right arm. Once freed, Azuma discovers he is also capable of using a Bubuki. With his new allies, he sets off on a mission to rouse the dormant Buranki giant Oubu, buried far underground. Armed with this revelation and purpose, Azuma begins his journey to uncover the secrets behind the Buranki.

In the year 2027, Phantasy Star Online 2 has become the central focus of social life at Seiga Academy, captivating nearly every student except for Itsuki Tachibana, a well-rounded individual who avoids video games entirely. As debates arise over the game's influence on the student body, the meticulous student council president, Rina Izumi, steps forward in its defense. She appoints Itsuki as vice president, assigning him the task of mastering the game while still maintaining his academic performance. His duty is to record his daily progress and evaluate whether the game holds real value for her. With the fate of Phantasy Star Online 2 at stake, Itsuki must rise to meet the challenge.

In UC 0079, during the One Year War, the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon clash in the dangerous Thunderbolt Sector, an area infamous for its violent electrical storms. Federation pilot Io Fleming leads an attack against Zeon's elite sniper unit, which is commanded by ace pilot Daryl Lorenz. Both sides are made up of highly skilled fighters who battle relentlessly among the debris of destroyed space colonies. When Io acquires a prototype Gundam, Daryl is forced to make a tough choice: either pay a critical price to gain the strength needed to defeat his opponent and secure victory for Zeon, or stand by helplessly as his comrades are picked off by a single enemy.

In the war against the Neuroi, an alien force with overwhelming technology that has spread across Europe and Africa, a new combat unit is formed. Known as the 502nd Joint Fighter Wing or the Brave Witches, this group guards the eastern front, flying over the icy landscapes of Orussia to hunt down extraterrestrial enemies. When one of their members is critically injured before arriving at the base and unable to continue fighting, her sister, Hikari Karibuchi, takes her place. Despite not possessing distinctive abilities or strong magic, Hikari aims to earn the respect of her teammates and demonstrate her worth as a Witch.

In a future Tokyo recovering from past disasters, the Special Public Security Fifth Division Third Mobile Assault Eighth Unit—nicknamed Unit Eight—operates as a law enforcement team focused on capturing criminals who misuse dangerous wearable tech called Willwear. Though equipped with their own advanced Willwear, the unit frequently faces criticism for what is perceived as a disregard for standard procedures. When Asami Kazari joins as a covert government agent with orders from higher-ups to reform what she considers an inefficient group, she discovers instead a team of highly skilled professionals who bend the rules but get results. Now part of the squad, Asami and Unit Eight continue their mission to combat crime while confronting unexpected foes in Active Raid: Kidou Kyoushuushitsu Dai Hachi Gakari.

In the five linked worlds—Black, White, Green, Red, and Blue—the balance kept by the Halo breaks when it suddenly opens during the World Connect event. This disaster threatens the universe, making the realms call on girls with special abilities, called Exceeds, to fight Ouroboros, an alien force trying to speed up the cosmos' destruction. Among those chosen is Saya Sougetsu, from the Blue World, Earth. Seeing this as a chance to help, Saya joins the defense forces, where she meets Amane Ayashiro, also from Earth, along with fighters from the other worlds. To face the powerful enemy, the girls must show that their new alliances are strong enough to protect the future.

It is 2025, five years after catastrophic terrorist attacks forced the cancellation of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. The UN has seized control of the former Olympic site on the edge of Tokyo Bay, placing it outside Japanese jurisdiction. Hana Togetsu is a seventeen-year-old high school student residing in the area, but she is no ordinary teen; she serves in a special unit operated by the UN. Hana is dispatched on a mission, posing as a transfer student at a public high school on Enoshima Island. Her objective is Shunichi Nanase, a boy in her class. Just as Hana prepares to make contact with her target, a middle-aged man arrives at the school searching for Shunichi. The situation spirals into crisis when American military forces descend upon the school in pursuit of the man. As the violence intensifies, another teenage girl begins her journey to the island to resolve the stalemate.

Based on Key's visual novel, Planetarian: Hoshi no Hito merges the original story with new narrative elements from the Hoshi no Hito light novel sequel. In a future where nuclear and biological warfare have ravaged much of the world, a young scavenger called a "Junker" comes across a quarantined, abandoned city. Inside a department store, they find a service robot still faithfully waiting for customers in the rooftop planetarium. Despite their usual pragmatic nature, the Junker chooses to help the robot repair the planetarium's projector, a decision that will deeply change both of their futures.

In "Pandora in the Crimson Shell," Nene Nanakorobi, an energetic full-body cyborg who desires global peace, meets inventor Uzal Delilah aboard a cruise ship heading toward the tranquil Cenancle Island. They quickly become friends with Clarion, a feline combat android who accompanies Uzal. Their bond is tested when terrorists attack the island. To protect Uzal, Nene receives the Pandora Device, originally housed inside Clarion, granting her the ability to instantly master complex skills, though Uzal appears to die in the incident. The pair then carry out various missions, such as rescuing children from burning malls and apprehending criminals, all in pursuit of world peace. Their efforts are further complicated by B.U.E.R., a sentient laser disguised as a deformed teddy bear with unpredictable power and crude behavior, posing a constant danger. Adding to their troubles, Takumi Korobase, Nene’s guardian and a genius inventor, becomes obsessed with obtaining B.U.E.R. As Nene and Clarion strive to protect the Pandora Device from enemies and uphold their idealistic goals, the mounting pressure threatens to break their newly formed partnership.

In the ongoing struggle against the Abyssal Fleet, a hostile alien force, the Kanmusu—embodiments of Japanese warship spirits—serve as humanity's final line of defense. Many of these young women face the constant threat of death in their unending battles. One such loss was thought to be Kisaragi, a Mutsuki-class destroyer. After a successful nighttime operation, the Eighth Fleet discovers Kisaragi drifting unconscious, seemingly saved from her apparent demise. However, her unusual behavior and the strange circumstances of her survival raise suspicion among the ship-girls. Meanwhile, eerie crimson waters and mysterious voices begin to affect the fleet, with only Fubuki, the leader of the Fubuki-class destroyers, remaining untouched. Fubuki and her allies investigate these strange events as the true nature of their situation and the origins of the Abyssal Fleet start to become clear. Despite the obstacles, the Kanmusu must push forward to free the seas and protect those they hold dear.

In the Universal Century year 0096, a fragile peace holds after prolonged conflict. Sixteen-year-old Banagher Links is stranded in the Industrial 7 space colony due to a shuttle malfunction during a school trip. For Banagher, war has only been a distant legend until he rescues Audrey Burne. Audrey urgently needs to meet Cardeas Vist, leader of the Vist Foundation, to persuade him to hide Laplace's Box, an artifact with the power to devastate the world. As multiple galactic factions descend on Industrial 7 to seize the Box, a clash erupts between Neo Zeon remnants and Earth Federation Forces. Before Cardeas dies, he entrusts Banagher with both the key to Laplace's Box and a mobile suit called the Unicorn Gundam. The story unfolds with intense action and rising tension, tracing Banagher's journey as his convictions are tested and a century-old fate is realized.

This is the tale of a crew of passionate Bladers chasing their dreams on an unforgettable climb to the top. Valt Aoi lives and breathes Beyblade. His childhood best friend, Shu Kurenai, is known as a Beyblade prodigy and has already secured a spot among the Final Four of the National Beyblade Tournament. Fired up by Shu's success, Valt sets his goal on competing in this year's nationals. However, before he can reach the big stage, he has to conquer the district tournament first—no simple task, with formidable rivals blocking his path. Driven by his determination to win, Valt aims to fight his way to the championship, where he hopes to face Shu and then advance to the national tournament. Along the way, his battles bring him new friends and push him to greater heights. Before he even realizes it, he has started dreaming of becoming the greatest Blader on the planet.

The story unfolds in "another Japan," where a spectacle of diverse superhumans begins. In a fictional "age of gods" roughly two decades after the war, Japan has experienced rapid growth and development. Imagine if every superhuman ever depicted in fiction coexisted simultaneously. These beings come from various origins and possess unique abilities—extraterrestrial titans, mystical creatures, ancient phantoms and goblins, cyborgs born from scientific innovation, relics discovered among the remains of past civilizations, and many others. Some superhumans openly reveal themselves and enjoy public popularity, while others conceal their identities and operate in secret. There are also enemies of superhumans—organizations that work behind the scenes. To maintain peace and order, the Japanese government has implemented several measures. One such measure is the creation of an agency within the Ministry of Health and Welfare: the Overpopulation Research Laboratory, also known as the Superhuman Bureau. Their duty is to locate, approach, monitor, and protect superhumans. The series follows Jiro Hitoyoshi, a member of the Superhuman Bureau, as its main protagonist.

Within the Box of Wisdom, antivirus programs Dual and Dorothy regularly examine the artificial worlds for corruption, eliminating infected realms to purge viruses when necessary. Their routine is disrupted by a massive virus cluster, which leads them to Remo, a mysterious figure who has no memory of her own purpose. Remo’s arrival changes Dual and Dorothy’s daily lives, inspiring them to venture beyond their usual tasks and explore the digital landscapes. As they travel through rebuilt cities and terrains, the trio grows more appreciative of the worlds they safeguard and sets out to uncover the truth behind Remo’s forgotten mission.

The first episode begins with Ai practicing on a gondola alongside Akari. While navigating a canal, they run into Aika and Alice. Since becoming Prima undines, the three have rarely had time to meet. Considering even the brief moments they share a "miracle," Akari recalls a particular incident and tells Ai about it. The second episode starts with Ai relating a story to Akari about a "miracle" she encountered during her own practice. While traveling down an unfamiliar route, she caught sight of Cait Sith. After stepping off her gondola to chase it, she comes across two Single undines from Himeya company and Orange Planet who are in the middle of a practice session.

In the kingdom of Rimgarde, a fierce clash between two mysterious giant robots wipes out most of humanity before vanishing without a trace. Twelve years later, Empress Yuinshiel Asteria of Enastoria focuses on maintaining her authority and the loyalty of her people. Her peaceful rule is interrupted when refugees from Rimgarde arrive, armed with colossal machines called Regalia Gear. These newcomers are intent on confronting Yuinshiel’s adopted sister, Rena, who is forced to reveal her true nature as both a Regalia Gear pilot and a genuine "Regalia"—a human with the ability to transform into a giant robot. She is also the one accused of causing Rimgarde’s destruction. Caught in escalating global tensions, Yuinshiel must protect her nation and shield Rena from enemies seeking to exploit her powers. In defending her sister, Yuinshiel risks triggering another catastrophe like the one that ruined Rimgarde. Facing this dangerous situation, the sisters must test the strength of their bond as they fight not only for their own survival but for the safety of the entire world.

In the wreckage of Space Colony Side 4 "Moore," where the Earth Federation and Zeon forces clash in intense combat, the Thunderbolt Sector stands as a critical battleground. This area, filled with scattered colony debris, earns its name from the lightning storms caused by the drifting metal. Among the Federation troops stationed there is mobile suit pilot Io Flemming, while Zeon sniper Daryl Lorenz hides within the battlefield, poised to attack.

After a decade away, Azuma Kazuki returns to Japan only to be ambushed and taken captive by armed strangers. His childhood friend, Kogane Asabuki, comes to his rescue—along with the Bubuki that has become her right hand.

Set in a lawless sector of Tokyo, the narrative follows Unit 8—part of the 5th Special Public Security Section's 3rd Mobile Assault Division, nicknamed "The Eighth"—as they fight escalating crime with cutting-edge Willwear exoskeleton suits.

In the ongoing conflict between the rational Blue World and the instinct-driven Red World, the Nightfly O'Note, creatures originating from the Red World, relentlessly assault the Blue World. Akira Asagi, a 17-year-old researcher from the Blue World, is chosen to lead the defense at Ryuukyuu LAG, a fortress situated on the islands of Ishigaki and Iriomote. At Ryuukyuu LAG, Akira encounters the sixth combat unit "IS," formed four years after the previous unit was completely wiped out in a fierce battle. She must now command these six warriors, known as the Scared Rider Xechs, in their fight against the forces of the Red World while also fostering cohesion within her team.

Included in the BD/DVD Vol.6: SHORT TRACK / ロボットは銭湯の夢を見るか (Short Track / Do Robots Dream of Bathhouses?)

Mari Hayase is looking for her father, Eiji, a scientist who vanished three years ago, leaving her only a pendant known as the armillary compass. After Mari comes across a peculiar book, the compass starts to glow, sending her hurtling backward through time. Assisted by her close friend Waka Mizuki and Waka's brother Shun, Mari sets off on a journey through different eras to locate her father, meeting famous scientists whose breakthroughs shaped our understanding of magnetism and electricity.

Shintarou Kisaragi, a NEET, has spent two years holed up in his room, keeping to his usual habits until a year earlier when he got a strange anonymous email that brought a digital girl named Ene into his life. She shows up on his computer monitor and starts messing with his system, eventually forcing Shintarou to step outside for the first time in two years.

In a world where smartphone apps are everywhere, mysterious AI beings known as "Appli Monsters," or "Appmon," lurk within these applications. These digital entities dwell in the space between the human world and cyberspace. Across the vast internet, a supreme AI named Leviathan has corrupted the Appmon with a virus, seizing control of systems around the planet and aiming to take over the human realm through the digital dimension. Haru Shinkai is guided to obtain the Appli Drive, which allows Haru to call upon Gatchmon, a search-type Appmon.

Approximately one year after claiming victory in the Gunpla Battle National Championships, the members of Team Try Fighters receive an invitation from Yajima Trading to come to a secluded island for testing a new battle system. Upon arrival, Sekai and Fumina find that Gyanko, Shia, and Minato have also been invited. Yuuma initially turns down the invitation because he is helping Mirai with a photoshoot, but later realizes he and his teammates are on the same island. Meanwhile, at Nielsen Lab, an anomaly occurs when newly developed Plavsky particles form a massive crystal, causing Gunpla on the island to lose control. The Gunpla Fighters must unite to prevent the crystal from causing chaos in Gunpla Battle Systems across the globe.

Short specials included in the Blu-ray releases of Dimension W.

As the wedding between Nobuyuki and Rea draws near, both the Masaki and Jurai families are busy with happy preparations. While looking forward to his father's marriage ceremony, Tenchi catches up with familiar faces from earlier adventures and also meets new relatives for the first time. Yet beneath the cheerful mood, a weighty problem remains hidden: Rea holds a significant secret that may influence the future of her unborn child and threaten the peace of the Masaki home.

In "Crane Game Girls," Saya, an agent of the World Space Association, discovers that an asteroid is heading toward Earth and that the only way to stop it lies in a special talent tied to crane games. Three skilled high school girls—Asuka, Mirai, and Kyouko—are found to be the only ones capable of developing this ability, which can produce an energy beam strong enough to push the asteroids away. To cultivate their skills, Saya convinces the girls she has recruited them as idols and has them work at an arcade, where she can oversee their progress. Under the pretense of idol training, she insists that mastering crane games is essential to their success. As the girls improve their crane game techniques, they start questioning Saya’s real motives, yet remain unaware of their actual mission to save the planet.

The previous assault by the alien Wulgaru against humanity was thwarted by the heroic efforts of the genetically enhanced humans known as the Evolved Children, who piloted the advanced AHSMB battle armor. However, a new attack on Earth has been launched under an even deadlier champion, Diorna, created by merging DNA from two Wulgaru Royals. Unfortunately, Izuru Hitachi, the leader of Team Rabbits who defeated the Wulgaru Royal Jiart, is still recovering and unable to fight. Thus, the responsibility of commanding the Majestic Princes and stopping Diorna falls on the unprepared shoulders of Toshikazu Asagi. Together with the remaining members of Team Rabbits and the recently formed Team Fawn, it is up to Asagi to hold the line against the most ruthless adversary yet.

Mobile Police Patlabor Reboot is an animated movie that was originally released as part of Japan Animator Expo.

An all-new "episode 25" will air at the conclusion of a rerun of the original 2013 television series, which starts in July. This episode will bridge the series to the upcoming Majestic Prince film.

Joe Shimamura and his fellow cyborgs are caught up in a new conflict with the Bresudo, a mysterious organization endowed with superhuman powers and intelligence that has secretly steered human history from ancient times onward. The Bresudo's motives remain unclear, and they cast an ominous presence across the world. Though most people dismiss the Bresudo as a myth, American journalist Lucie Davenport travels to Texas to meet a particular family and there encounters the cyborgs. After the formation of the UN Guardian forces, the cyborgs had been released from their mission to protect humanity and now enjoy quiet, peaceful lives.

An anime adaptation of the popular Korean online role-playing game Soul Worker, made by Lion Games, is scheduled to stream online. NHN PlayArt announced this at a press event commemorating the game's completion, featuring an animatic preview and storyboards for the upcoming anime series.

This 20-minute animated short serves as a link between the original Gravity Rush and its sequel, Gravity Rush 2. Kat, known as the "Gravity Queen," along with Raven and Syd, sets out to find more hints about the ominous enemy that endangers the very structure of the universe.

Set two years after the events of the original Last Exile, this film takes place in a world where humanity has returned to Earth after an exile spanning generations. The only nation that remained on Earth during that exile is now waging war on those who have come back. The story follows sky pirates Fam and Giselle, who rescue a princess and join her in saving her kingdom and working toward peace.

The narrative follows Joe Shimamura and his fellow cyborgs in their battle against the Bresudo—a clandestine group possessing superhuman powers that has secretly steered human events over many centuries. The Bresudo's actual intentions remain unclear, yet their threatening presence hangs over the entire world. Even with the general population ignorant about the Bresudo, American journalist Lucie Davenport travels to Texas to visit a specific family, where she comes across the cyborgs. After the establishment of the UN Guardian forces, the cyborgs have been released from their duty to protect humanity and now live peaceful, everyday lives.

In "Cyborg 009: Call of Justice 2," Joe Shimamura and his fellow cyborgs face a dangerous new enemy: the Bresudo, a secret organization of highly intelligent beings with extraordinary abilities who have secretly influenced human history for thousands of years. Their motives are unknown, casting a dark shadow over the world. Though many dismiss the Bresudo as mere myth, American journalist Lucie Davenport travels to Texas to investigate a particular family, eventually crossing paths with the cyborgs. Meanwhile, the cyborgs, who stepped back from their mission to protect humanity after the formation of the UN Guardian troops, now live peaceful and quiet lives.

Andross, a banished ape from the Lylat System, plots revenge by assaulting Corneria and kidnapping General Pepper. Meanwhile, Team Star Fox, a band of space mercenaries, spends an ordinary day relaxing, dealing with video game frustrations, and enduring lectures from their trainers. That routine shifts when a familiar contact sends them an urgent message. Join Fox McCloud—son of the late James McCloud—along with his talented crewmates Slippy Toad, Falco Lombardi, and Peppy Hare, as they take on Andross's mechanized forces to protect Corneria from the skies above.