Space anime hooks you with wild adventures, deep thoughts, and jaw-dropping views of the universe. From old-school classics about galaxy-spanning wars to fresh stories tackling what it means to be human in space, there’s something for every sci-fi fan. In 2025, with streaming making both retro and new shows easy to find, it’s a great time to jump into these cosmic tales. This list covers a wide range, mixing vintage hits with recent stuff to keep things varied. Whether you’re a hardcore anime fan or just starting out, these 10 space anime are must-sees for this year.
1. Space Battleship Yamato (1974)
This one’s a legend—Space Battleship Yamato (or Star Blazers in some places) follows a crew turning an old WWII battleship into a spaceship to save Earth from alien attacks. It’s a 1970s game-changer with huge stakes, epic fights, and real heart. It basically kicked off the space opera trend in anime, and it still holds up for its bold story and action.
Remake Option: If the 1970s style feels too old, check out Space Battleship Yamato 2199 (2012), a slick remake with updated visuals and tighter pacing. It stays true to the original but feels modern, and its sequel, Yamato 2202, dives deeper into the saga—perfect for 2025 viewers wanting a fresh take.
2. Mobile Suit Gundam (1979)
A total classic, Mobile Suit Gundam throws you into a gritty war between Earth and its space colonies. Young pilot Amuro Ray jumps into a giant robot suit to fight for survival. This 1970s hit brought complex politics and messy human drama to space anime, with intense battles to boot. Its influence is huge, and with new Gundam stuff still coming out, it’s a great pick for fans who love big ideas and bigger explosions.
3. Gunbuster (1988)
From Gainax, Gunbuster is a wild ride about teen girls piloting massive mechs to stop aliens in deep space. This 1980s OVA mixes high-energy action, time-travel twists, and growing-up struggles. It starts with rivalries and ends with galaxy-sized battles, all with killer animation. It’s a gem that’s worth digging up in 2025 for its heart and spectacle.
4. Legend of the Galactic Heroes (1988)
Legend of the Galactic Heroes is a beast of a space opera, with over 100 episodes of war between the Galactic Empire and Free Planets Alliance. It follows two genius leaders, Reinhard and Yang, clashing in a story packed with politics, philosophy, and epic fleet battles. This 1980s classic is deep and rewarding, and the recent remake makes it easier to jump in if you want a modern look.
5. Cowboy Bebop (1998)
You can’t skip Cowboy Bebop. This 1990s gem tracks bounty hunter Spike Spiegel and his misfit crew cruising the solar system in their ship, the Bebop. It’s got style, jazz tunes, and stories about loneliness and redemption. Each episode feels like its own movie, with action and feels in equal measure. It’s a no-brainer for 2025—watch it for the cool factor and spacey heart.
6. Planetes (2003)
Planetes keeps it real, following a crew cleaning up space junk in near-future orbit. This early-2000s show dives into the daily grind of space life, touching on environmental issues and personal dreams. It’s less about flashy battles and more about people figuring out their place in the cosmos. With space travel getting realer in 2025, this one hits hard.
7. Space Brothers (2012)
Space Brothers is about two brothers, Mutta and Hibito, chasing their dream of becoming astronauts. Based on real-life space programs like JAXA and NASA, this 2010s series mixes humor, heart, and hard work over 90+ episodes. It’s a grounded, inspiring story about family and pushing through setbacks, perfect for a long binge.
8. Knights of Sidonia (2014)
This 2010s Netflix series follows humanity’s last survivors on the giant ship Sidonia, fighting creepy, shape-shifting aliens with mecha. Nagate Tanikaze goes from nobody to hero in a dark, intense tale of survival. The CGI and eerie alien vibes make it stand out—great for anyone craving something grim and gripping in 2025.
9. Astra Lost in Space (2019)
Astra Lost in Space is a tight 12-episode thrill ride from the 2010s. A group of high schoolers gets stranded 5,000 light-years from home and must hop from planet to planet, unraveling mysteries along the way. It’s got survival drama, big twists, and strong character moments. If you want a quick, exciting space story, this one’s a winner.
10. Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express (2025)
Brand-new for 2025, Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express follows superhuman Chiharu and cyborg Makina, stuck cleaning an old space train that suddenly zooms off into the stars. It’s a fast, funny adventure with wild action and cosmic chaos. As one of the freshest space anime out there, it’s a great way to see where the genre’s headed this year.
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