Our Top 5 Space Anime

"Wasteland Archive #138: The Celestial Logs"
"The sky was a void, but beneath the stars, something was stirring. Buried deep in the wreckage of a long-forgotten observatory, I discovered a series of holo-recordings—flickering transmissions from a time when humanity still reached for the stars. The stories within were more than mere entertainment; they were blueprints for navigating the vast unknown. Tales of intergalactic wars, cosmic exploration, and the endless search for meaning among the stars. As the static cleared, I knew these were no simple distractions; they were beacons, guiding the lost through the endless void. I added their titles to the archive—let them serve as a map for those brave enough to venture into the infinite."

Space anime holds a special place in the hearts of fans, combining thrilling adventures with awe-inspiring depictions of the cosmos. Here are our top five picks that have taken us to the stars and beyond, each bringing its own unique flair to the genre.

1. Space Dandy
Space Dandy is a cosmic adventure that’s out of this world in every sense of the phrase. It could understandably rub you the wrong way upon first glance but its actually amazing how clever, creative and hilarious this series is just below the surface. This series follows Dandy, a carefree alien hunter, as he explores the universe with his quirky crew: QT, the sarcastic robot, and Meow, the feline-like alien. What makes Space Dandy truly shine is its versatility; every episode is a unique journey, blending absurd comedy, emotional depth, and jaw-dropping animation. It’s a stellar all-rounder that’s as unpredictable as space itself.

2. Outlaw Star
Set in a universe filled with treasure hunters, assassins, and mysterious spaceships, Outlaw Star is a classic that excels in world-building and creativity. The story follows Gene Starwind and his crew aboard the titular ship, the Outlaw Star, as they search for the fabled Galactic Leyline. With its mix of action, humor, and philosophical undertones, this anime delivers a richly crafted universe filled with unforgettable moments and characters.

3. Planetes
If you’re looking for a more grounded take on space, Planetes offers a refreshing slice-of-life perspective. The series focuses on a group of space debris collectors working to keep Earth’s orbit clean. While it may sound mundane, Planetes dives deep into the personal lives, dreams, and struggles of its characters, exploring themes of human ambition and the cost of progress. It’s a beautifully realistic portrayal of life in space that’s as thought-provoking as it is heartfelt.

4. Cowboy Bebop
No list of space anime would be complete without Cowboy Bebop. This iconic series follows a ragtag group of bounty hunters—Spike, Jet, Faye, Ed, and Ein—as they navigate a gritty, jazz-infused future. Known for its stylish animation, unforgettable soundtrack by Yoko Kanno, and deep character arcs, Cowboy Bebop is a genre-defining masterpiece. While the Netflix adaptation attempted to recapture the magic, it’s the original anime that remains a celestial benchmark for storytelling.

5. Gundam
What space anime list would be complete without Gundam? As one of the most influential mecha franchises, Gundam has countless iterations, each bringing something unique to the table. For many of us, our first taste of the series was Gundam Wing during its Toonami run on Cartoon Network. This entry captivated audiences with its intricate politics, intense battles, and iconic mobile suits. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned fan, there’s a Gundam series for everyone to enjoy.

Final Thoughts
Space anime transports us to galaxies far beyond our own, offering stories of adventure, humanity, and the mysteries of the cosmos. From the hilarity of Space Dandy to the grounded realism of Planetes and the legendary status of Cowboy Bebop, these shows remind us why we love looking to the stars. Which space anime are your favorites? Let us know in the comments below!