There has been a recent increase in popularity for science fiction anime featuring aliens. These series provide an avenue for creators to delve into existential questions while also delivering entertaining content.
Their imagination knows no bounds when it comes to creating fantastical worlds and scenarios that include extraterrestrial beings from faraway planets and galaxies. Anime with an alien theme encompasses a variety of genres and moods, with certain titles concentrating on menacing invasions and grand space wars.
Some people prefer to take a more humorous approach, utilizing alien characters for comedic and satirical purposes. If you are looking to immerse yourself in captivating and intellectually-stimulating anime universes that revolve around aliens, these anime centered on extraterrestrial beings are perfect for getting started on your journey.
8 Must-Watch Anime About Aliens
Neon Genesis Evangelion
This highly impactful 1995 series delves into the mysteries of enigmatic beings and their catastrophic consequences in a post-apocalyptic science fiction world. As colossal creatures known as “Angels”launch attacks on futuristic Tokyo-3, a group of specially chosen young pilots must use Evangelion biomecha to fend off the invaders.
Shinji, a hesitant protagonist, is the focus of the narrative as he confronts both physical and philosophical challenges in a groundbreaking drama. Neon Genesis Evangelion revolutionized the traditional elements of anime through its unique mecha battles and intricate character development upon its release.
Despite its intense action scenes, the series also delves into the human condition, prompting fans to reflect on themselves. Its cutting-edge visuals have also set a high standard for animation on television, solidifying its place as a significant anime about extraterrestrial beings.
Gurren Lagann
Directed by the renowned Hiroyuki Imaishi, this action-packed anime follows the journey of Simon and his friend Kamina, who reside in the depths of the underground and eventually venture to the world above. Together, they join forces in the battle against the cruel Spiral King Lordgenome and his army of Beastmen, utilizing the formidable Gunmen mechas.
As the fight for liberation from the oppressive Beastmen escalates, it transforms into a cosmic struggle to prevent the destruction of the universe. Gurren Lagann’s intense battle sequences and eccentric antagonists showcase a perfect fusion of mecha action and extraterrestrial elements, solidifying it as a must-watch anime centered around aliens.
Space Dandy
Transitioning to a more lighthearted tone, Space Dandy follows the escapades of a scatterbrained and indolent bounty hunter named Dandy as he navigates through the vastness of space in pursuit of elusive and undocumented extraterrestrial creatures.
Despite the strange company of his district robot assistant QT and a cat-like alien named Meow, Dandy embarks on many unusual and comical adventures throughout the galaxy.
Featuring an episodic format and high-quality animation, Space Dandy delivers an enjoyable and relaxed sci-fi adventure filled with vibrant colors and extraterrestrial beings, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a more lighthearted anime.
4. Parasyte: The Maxim
Parasyte stands out with its original approach to alien narratives, centering on Shinichi Izumi, the main character who discovers that his right hand has been taken over by a parasitic alien entity known as Migi.
In unison, they create a symbiotic bond in order to combat other Parasytes that have invaded Earth and assumed control of human bodies, while also consuming humans for sustenance.
As Shinichi and Migi work together to preserve his humanity, they uncover the possibility that the Parasytes are not just invading parasites posing a threat to humanity. Through its combination of thought-provoking ideas and unsettling body horror, Parasyte stands out as a gripping and unsettling anime exploring the concept of extraterrestrial life.
Cowboy Bebop
Sunrise’s groundbreaking sci-fi anime follows the adventures of a bounty hunter crew including Spike Spiegel, Jet Black, Faye Valentine, Ed, and Ein as they travel through the solar system in pursuit of wanted fugitives and struggle to make a living.
Although aliens are not the main focus, the diverse range of eccentric characters and locations in Cowboy Bebop still showcase the vibrant cultural fusion and pioneering spirit that is present in humanity’s journey to explore space.
Despite this, its significant influence on the genre solidifies its place in discussions about anime featuring aliens. With its iconic soundtrack and incorporation of Golden Age American cinema and sci-fi and Western elements, Bebop remains a must-watch for all fans of the genre.
Gintama
Despite living in a feudal Japan that has been completely transformed by the integration of aliens, Gintama centers around the adventures of the eccentric samurai Gintoki Sakata as he takes on a variety of Odd Jobs (Yorozuya) in order to make ends meet.
With the help of Shinpachi Shimura, the bespectacled member, and Kagura, a girl with superhuman strength and an extraterrestrial origin, the Yorozuya team is always up for any task, no matter how bizarre or minor. Despite the historical elements in the storyline, Gintoki and his companions often break the fourth wall, using humorous meta-references to poke fun at common anime cliches.
If you’re in search of an uproarious comedy centered around eccentric characters with an alien theme, Gintama is the perfect choice. This standout anime offers a unique take on aliens.
7. Anime Series: Outlaw Star
After obtaining a highly advanced starship called the Outlaw Star, Gene Starwind and Jim Hawking embark on a journey across the galaxy in search of adventure.
The crew finds themselves caught between various factions, all with the goal of unlocking the secrets behind the Outlaw Star’s hidden powers, alongside the enigmatic Melfina and fierce Ctarl-Ctarl woman known as Aisha Clanclan who may possess mysterious bio-engineered abilities.
Outlaw Star delivers a captivating space western experience through Gene’s relentless pursuit of the Galactic Leyline. Filled with gunslinging heroes, outlaws, and bounty hunters, the series introduces an array of alien races and cultures. It serves as a stellar representation of anime that skillfully blends genres.
8. Rosario + Vampire
Tsukune Aono, a typical high school student, unexpectedly ends up at Yokai Academy, a school that teaches harmony between monsters and creatures. It is there that he crosses paths with Moka Akashiya, a stunning vampire who becomes fond of the timid Tsukune.
As Tsukune adapts to his new life at Yokai Academy and continues to keep Moka’s true identity hidden, he crosses paths with other female monsters who are also drawn to his blood, such as the succubus Kurumu Kurono and the yuki-onna Mizore Shirayuki.
Featuring a harem comedy centered on Tsukune and his supernatural admirers, Rosario + Vampire presents a more lighthearted approach to depicting otherworldly creatures, in contrast to the typically intimidating depictions of aliens and monsters. This makes it an enjoyable anime with an extraterrestrial twist.
Knights of Sidonia
Knights of Sidonia, directed by Polygon Pictures and utilizing 3DCG animation, takes place one thousand years after Earth was devastated by the Gauna, leading humanity to flee on enormous spaceships such as the Sidonia.
After emerging from the underground layers of Sidonia, protagonist Nagate Tanikaze takes control of massive mecha Guardians in order to defend the remnants of human civilization against the countless waves of Gauna determined to destroy it.
Through its distinctive animation and incorporation of hard science fiction, Knights of Sidonia offers a thrilling blend of action and humanity’s struggle against a formidable extraterrestrial enemy. This gripping anime delves into the complexities of alien encounters while delivering intense action and a compelling narrative.
10. Dragon Ball
The iconic anime franchise would not be whole without its inclusion of alien and intergalactic characters. While initially centered around Goku’s search for the Dragon Balls, later arcs in Dragon Ball Z see Goku and his companions joining forces with the Galactic Patrol and facing off against powerful warlords from the Planet Trade Organization.
Some of the most powerful and captivating alien personalities in anime are exemplified by the key characters of Saiyans Goku and Vegeta, Namekian Piccolo, and Destroyer Beerus. These characters have solidified Dragon Ball’s place in pop culture history and cemented it as a cornerstone series in the world of anime about extraterrestrial beings.
With new arcs and movies being released constantly, there is no better moment to revisit (or explore) the thrilling exploits of Goku and his comrades throughout the universe.
Conclusion
Regardless of whether a viewer’s preference is for gritty, philosophical works or lighthearted space comedies, anime offers a plethora of captivating series that explore humankind’s initial interactions and future encounters with extraterrestrial beings.
From popular hits like Neon Genesis Evangelion to lesser-known treasures such as Outlaw Star, anime featuring aliens offers a diverse and captivating range of extraterrestrial narratives to delve into.
- 10 mecha anime to watch for Neon Genesis Evangelion fans
- 10 best anime to watch if you like Gurren Lagann
- 10 space anime that you can’t afford to miss
- 10 anime to watch if you like Parasyte: The Maxim
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