18+ Space Anime: Best Galactic Tales in Animation

The quintessential space cowboy anime, Cowboy Bebop, introduces us to a ragtag team of bounty hunters aboard the spaceship Bebop. Traveling through the galaxy, the crew – led by the nonchalant Spike Spiegel – tackle various missions in this episodic space western.

The Bebop reflects the show’s unique style: a mix of old and new, with a retro-futuristic aesthetic that sets it apart. With its timeless appeal and unforgettable soundtrack, Cowboy Bebop remains a must-watch for any space enthusiast.

The iconic Space Battleship Yamato is a cornerstone of space anime history. This gripping saga follows the crew of the titular spaceship as they embark on a perilous journey to save humanity. Among the unforgettable characters is Yuki Mori, the anime space girl who captures our hearts with courage and determination.

The Yamato is a force to be reckoned with, boasting the powerful Wave Motion Gun that devastates foes. Space Battleship Yamato is an epic tale of love, sacrifice, and interstellar warfare.

Charting a course for excitement, Outlaw Star combines spacefaring with swashbuckling in this action-packed space travelers anime. Gene Starwind and his crew navigate the treacherous Sea of Stars aboard the Outlaw Star, a highly advanced spaceship with an AI system and a unique grappling arm.

From battling space pirates to participating in a dangerous race, the crew’s exploits are as thrilling as they are varied. With stunning visuals and a memorable ensemble, Outlaw Star is a wild ride through the cosmos that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Astra Lost in Space takes the concept of space travelers anime to a new level, blending mystery, adventure, and survival elements. When a group of students finds themselves stranded in space, they must rely on each other and their resourcefulness to return home.

Their vessel, the Astra, is a small but versatile ship with the essentials for their treacherous journey through the cosmos. The anime boasts a diverse cast of characters, each with its unique backstory, making for a gripping and emotional experience.

Astra Lost in Space is an enthralling, heartwarming tale of camaraderie and determination in adversity.

Knights of Sidonia is a mecha anime with a space setting, showcasing intense battles and an expansive universe. Humanity’s last remnants reside on the massive spaceship Sidonia, where they face off against the terrifying alien species known as the Gauna.

The mecha units, called Gardes, are integral to their survival and are some of the coolest anime spaceships you’ll ever see. With a sleek design and immense firepower, the Gardes are a marvel of futuristic engineering. Knights of Sidonia’s detailed world-building, thrilling action sequences, and richly developed characters make it an outstanding addition to the space anime genre.

Macross Frontier is a vibrant space opera that combines high-stakes battles with pop music, where humans and aliens coexist on a fleet of colony ships. This cute anime space girl, Sheryl Nome, is an idol singer whose performances are as mesmerizing as they are vital to the plot.

These versatile machines switch between fighter, humanoid, and hybrid modes, offering a unique visual spectacle. Macross Frontier’s blend of music, romance, and intense space battles makes it a standout in the space anime pantheon.

Gurren Lagann starts as a subterranean adventure but eventually blasts off into outer space, taking the concept of epic space battle anime to stratospheric heights. The larger-than-life space anime characters, Kamina and Simon, lead humanity’s struggle against oppressive forces.

The series features mecha that combine and evolve, culminating in awe-inspiring space battles against intergalactic threats. Gurren Lagann’s unwavering spirit and relentless action make it a must-watch for fans of outer space anime.

Planetes offers a more grounded take on space-themed anime, exploring the lives of space debris collectors in a near-future setting. The show’s strength lies in its believable portrayal of life in space and its diverse, well-developed characters.

With its perfect balance of drama, humor, and romance, Planetes offers a fresh and captivating take on the space anime genre.

Space Dandy is an anime about space with a comedic twist. The show follows the titular character, a carefree alien hunter, and his eccentric crew as they traverse the galaxy in search of new species.

With its unique blend of humor, striking visuals, and episodic storytelling, Space Dandy is a light-hearted adventure that never takes itself too seriously, making it a delightful entry into space anime.

Heroic Age blends Greek mythology with epic space battle anime, crafting a cosmic saga of heroes and gods. The story centers on a young boy named Age, who possesses immense power and is destined to change the universe’s fate.

With breathtaking space battles, larger-than-life space anime characters, and a richly developed universe, Heroic Age is a sweeping tale that enthralls from start to finish.

The Gundam series is synonymous with outer space anime, spanning numerous timelines and iterations since its inception in 1979. At its core, the franchise explores the consequences of war and the human spirit through epic space battles involving giant humanoid mechs called Gundams.

With a wide array of compelling storylines, memorable space anime characters, and iconic mecha designs, the Gundam series offers something for everyone in its ever-expanding universe.

Captain Harlock is a classic space-themed anime that follows the enigmatic titular character as he rebels against a corrupt Earth government. Piloting the iconic spaceship Arcadia, Harlock and his crew navigate the cosmos, fighting for freedom and justice.

With its striking art style, engaging storylines, and memorable cast of characters, Captain Harlock remains an influential and beloved entry into the realm of outer space anime.

Bodacious Space Pirates is an outer space anime that expertly combines swashbuckling adventure with high school drama. The story follows Marika, a seemingly ordinary schoolgirl who discovers her late father’s pirate legacy and inherits his spaceship.

Juggling her school life and newfound pirate responsibilities, Marika and her crew embark on thrilling adventures across the galaxy. The series offers an entertaining mix of space battles, character development, and humor that will keep viewers hooked.

Terra Formars is an anime about space colonization, set in a future where humanity attempts to terraform Mars by sending mutated cockroaches. The series takes a dark and gritty turn as a group of genetically enhanced humans must battle these now monstrous creatures to control the planet.

With its intense action, high-stakes battles, and intriguing concept, Terra Formars offers a thrilling experience for those who crave a darker outer space anime.

Tenchi Muyo! War on Geminar brings the classic harem anime trope into the realm of space. The series follows Kenshi Masaki, who is transported to a distant world filled with mecha battles and political intrigue.

As Kenshi navigates this new environment, he quickly amasses a following of adoring female admirers, each with their unique abilities and motivations. Blending light-hearted humor, action-packed mecha battles, and charming space anime characters, Tenchi Muyo! War on Geminar provides a delightful and fun journey through the cosmos.

Crest of the Stars is an outer space anime that expertly weaves a space opera with a touch of romance. The series follows Jinto, a young nobleman, and Lafiel, an alien princess, navigating a universe torn apart by war.

The chemistry between the two protagonists adds emotional depth to the epic space battles and political intrigue that unfold throughout the series. Crest of the Stars is an enchanting tale that enthralled viewers with its compelling narrative and well-developed characters.

As a sequel to Crest of the Stars, Banner of the Stars expands the space-themed anime universe, following Jinto and Lafiel as they continue their journey amidst the ongoing conflict. The series delves deeper into the characters’ growth and relationships, as well as the wider political landscape of the galaxy.

With its intriguing world-building, engaging storytelling, and captivating mix of drama, action, and romance, Banner of the Stars is a worthy follow-up to its predecessor.

Stellvia of the Universe is an anime about space that focuses on a coming-of-age story set in a futuristic society. The protagonist, Shima Katase, enrolls in a space academy to become a pilot, where she encounters various challenges and makes new friends.

As Shima learns to overcome obstacles and develop her skills, the series also delves into teamwork, determination, and hope themes. Stellvia of the Universe is a heartwarming and inspiring space anime that will resonate with viewers of all ages.

Legend of the Galactic Heroes is a space-themed anime masterpiece that delves into the complex political and military struggles of two opposing interstellar nations. The series follows the lives of two brilliant strategists, Reinhard von Lohengramm and Yang Wen-li, as they navigate the intricacies of war, diplomacy, and personal ambition.

Legend of the Galactic Heroes is a monumental achievement in outer space anime with its intricate storytelling, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes.

Space Brothers is an anime about space that centers on the lives of two brothers, Mutta and Hibito, who share a dream of becoming astronauts. Viewers follow their distinct yet intertwined paths as the story unfolds, witnessing their growth and struggles.

The series is a touching exploration of sibling relationships, personal growth, and the pursuit of dreams, all set against the backdrop of space exploration. Space Brothers is a heartwarming and inspiring tale that will leave viewers reflecting on their aspirations and connections.

Infinite Ryvius is a space survival anime combining intense action and psychological depth. Set in the year 2225, the series follows a group of students stranded on a mysterious spaceship after a catastrophic event.

With limited resources and the looming threat of enemy forces, the students must learn to work together and confront their fears and insecurities to survive. The series offers a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of human nature, making Infinite Ryvius a standout title for fans of space anime.

Blue Comet SPT Layzner is an outer space anime that tells the story of a human-alien conflict in the distant future. The series centers on Eiji, a young pilot from Earth who discovers a powerful mecha called Layzner and becomes embroiled in the interstellar war.

As Eiji forms bonds with new friends and allies, the series explores themes of trust, friendship, and the cost of war. With its thrilling mecha battles and engaging character dynamics, Blue Comet SPT Layzner is a compelling entry in the space anime genre.