Everybody loves a good science fiction story. From Star Wars to Star Trek, it seems as if audiences will never tire of the cosmos. The genre has massive franchises with loyal fanbases from around the world today, and it's an ever-growing trend.

But what about those who want their sci-fi to be a bit more animated? No need to fret, for there's a litany of great science fiction animated movies for fans of all ages. From anime icons to Pixar classics, there are numerous sci-fi animated movies every film junkie needs to check out.

Updated on June 6, 2023, by Hannah Saab:

With overwhelmingly positive reviews for recent releases like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (June 2) and hype surrounding the upcoming film Elemental (June 16), it's clear that animated sci-fi movies aren't going anywhere. There's enduring interest in the blend of genres, as the films that fit the category are often remarkably unique and unforgettable. Fans of sci-fi animation have a lot of must-see films to choose from.

17 'Fantastic Planet' (1973)

The Draag and Om together in Fantastic Planet.

This 1970s French animation is a bona fide cult classic as well as an undeniably impactful work of sci-fi imagination. René Laloux's experimental Fantastic Planet depicts a power struggle between humanoid Oms and giant blue Draags in the far-off realm of Ygam.

Dated in its animation style but mesmerizingly surrealistic, and provocative in its allegory, Fantastic Planet is now considered a influential film in the science fiction and adventure genres.

16 '9' (2009)

9 - 2009
Image via Focus Features

Set in a desolate post-apocalyptic world where machines rule the world, 9 takes viewers on an exhilarating misadventure with a group of sentient rag dolls. Each marked with a unique number, the movie centers on the titular character, 9, who finds a powerful talisman that could be the key to humanity’s future.

Although often overlooked in discussions about defining animated films, 9 deserves a spot among the best for its distinctive visuals paired with an emotional story. It’s a surprisingly dark movie rooted in its complex characters’ self-sacrifice for the sake of survival.

15 'Titan A.E.' (2000)

Cale Tucker and Akima Kunimoto in Titan A.E.

The last feature film directed by Don Bluth, Titan A.E. was the short-lived Fox Animation Studios' attempt at the space opera. Set hundreds of years into the future, the animated robot film follows Cale Tucker as he goes on a journey to safeguard a spaceship that can create a new planet after the Earth has been destroyed.

Though the film was a box-office flop, Titan A.E. has managed to find a cult following since its release. With a top-notch voice cast, darker tone, and stellar art direction, it's no surprise that many have fallen in love with Bluth's final directorial effort.

14 'Heavy Metal' (1981)

Heavy Metal (1981)
Image via Columbia Pictures

A controversial anthology film when it first premiered, Heavy Metal defied boundaries and was way ahead of its time. The 1981 touchstone, which has now achieved cult status, takes audiences on a wild odyssey through various realms that blend sci-fi, fantasy, and rock 'n' roll elements.

Heavy Metal was inspired by the eponymous magazine, and both properties embrace explicit imagery and themes alongside counterculture. With its audacious animation styles and narratives (not to mention a killer soundtrack), the movie perfectly captures the rebellious spirit of the '80s.

Watch on Crackle

13 'Treasure Planet' (2002)

Jim and John Silver on the bow of a space ship in 'Treasure Planet'
Image via Walt Disney Pictures

Treasure Planet, directed by Disney regulars John Musker and Ron Clements, remains the studio's most famous science fiction adventure, even twenty years after its release. A sci-fi retelling of the Robert Louis Stevenson novel, the movie follows the young Jim Hawkins as he embarks on a dangerous voyage to discover the long-lost Treasure Planet.

While it was a box-office bomb for Disney when released in theaters, time has been kind to Jim Hawkins's tale. Between a strong voice cast and an imaginative take on the cosmos, it might be time to give this one another shot.

Watch on Disney+

12 'The Mitchells vs. the Machines' (2021)

The main characters of The Mitchells vs. the Machines screaming inside a car.
Image via Sony

The Mitchells vs. the Machines is a hilarious sci-fi comedy film that's centered on a dysfunctional family. The messy group goes on a road trip and is up to their usual antics, but is interrupted by a catastrophic robot uprising. They soon find that they're the only ones who can stop the end of the world.

With its humorous moments, witty dialogue, and far too relatable characters, the animated movie is one that can quickly steal viewers' hearts. It may be gut-busting most of the time, but it also has surprising emotional depth that's only possible thanks to murderous, intelligent robots threatening humanity.

Watch on Netflix

11 'The Transformers: The Movie' (1986)

transformers-the-movie-social

Transformers movies might be all the rage these days, but so far, there has only been one animated film based on the toyline. The Transformers: The Movie bridged the gap between the second and third seasons of the original cartoon, killing off many fan favorites and introducing new faces in the process.

Although many will argue the film is little more than a toy commercial, its beautiful animation, iconic 80s soundtrack, and impressive voice cast more than make this one worth watching. Besides, could you really say no to a movie that features Orson Welles as a giant robot?

10 'The Girl Who Leapt Through Time' (2006)

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A must-see for fans of creative time travel movies, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is a well-known anime film centered on 17-year-old Makoto Konno, who one day discovers she has the ability to "time-leap." While at first, she uses her newfound power carelessly, she soon realizes that even the smallest changes can affect those around her.

A classic tale with a romantic twist, the 2006 film tells its enthralling story alongside visually stunning scenes of the bustling streets of Tokyo. Audiences can expect to feel swept away by the movie's twists and turns, which lead to a surprisingly profound ending and a reminder to value time.

9 'A Scanner Darkly' (2006)

Keanu Reeves and Woody Harrelson in A Scanner Darkly (2006)
Image via Warner Independent Pictures

Set in a unique dystopian surveillance-filled world plagued by drug addiction, A Scanner Darkly chronicles the dark path the undercover police officer Bob Arctor takes while exploring the world of Substance D. The highly addictive substance affects Bob in ways he doesn’t expect, soon leading to crucial lines being hopelessly blurred.

To complement Keanu Reeves’ fantastic performance as the struggling protagonist is a mesmerizing visual style achieved through rotoscoping. This animation technique highlights the surreal aspect of the twisted reality, which becomes especially engrossing when viewers notice the similarities with real life.

Watch on Kanopy

8 'Paprika' (2006)

paprika featured
Image via Sony Pictures Japan

Any fan of sci-fi animated movies should consider Paprika essential viewing. What many will recognize as the original Inception, Paprika is set in a world where therapists can use machines to enter their patients' dreams. When it's stolen, the titular therapist has to embark on a risky mission to take it back.

The protagonist's wild and wacky journey through the subconscious blurs the line between fantasy and reality. Along the way, audiences can enjoy mind-bending animation to go with the novel mystery that's too easy to feel invested in.

7 'Cowboy Bebop: The Movie' (2001)

Cowboy Bebop_ The Movie - 2001

While the Cowboy Bebop anime is often hailed as one of the greatest animated series ever made, little is usually said about its movie. Taking place during the latter half of the series, the film sees the Bebop crew go up against a terrorist who plans on subjecting the humans of Mars to a deadly virus.

Though the film isn't as discussed as the series, Cowboy Bebop: The Movie has everything that made the show so endearing to so many. From the compelling characters to a killer soundtrack, there's plenty to love regardless of whether you've seen the show or not.

6 'Ghost in the Shell' (1995)

Anime movie version of Ghost in the Shell - 1995

Another benchmark title in anime, Ghost in the Shell has long been revered as one of the best cyberpunk works. Set in the futuristic 2029, the film follows the cybernetic human Motoko Kusanagi as she attempts to locate and find an unknown hacker.

Though the film flopped during its initial release, it has become an underground success, inspiring other franchises like The Matrix. For anyone who enjoys cyberpunk stories, few stand on the same level as the original Ghost in the Shell.

Watch on Tubi

5 'The Iron Giant' (1999)

The Iron Giant holding Horgath in his hand in The Iron Giant
Image via Warner Bros. Entertainment

Fans of the saddest animated movies are likely already familiar with the 1999 classic, The Iron Giant. Based on the eponymous 1968 novel by Ted Hughes, the film takes place in the midst of the Cold War and follows the 9-year-old Hogarth Hughes' misadventures after unexpectedly finding and bonding with a giant alien robot.

Viewers are invited along for the wild ride as Hogarth and the titular giant display their fun sides through wacky antics, which are soon threatened by the government, with representatives who are determined to destroy the alien. Of course, what follows is a tear-jerking ending that audiences know all too well (and those who don't will be glad to know the film has held up incredibly well, and is still worth watching for the first time today).

4 'WALL-E' (2008)

Wall-E waving at the viewer in a poster for 'WALL-E'
Image via Walt Disney

Long before Lightyear, WALL-E was Pixar's first journey into the reaches of outer space and into sci-fi animation. The film follows the title character, a robot designed to dispose of garbage, as he roams an Earth long since abandoned by the human race. Eventually, he makes his way into space and goes on an adventure that forever changes humanity's fate.

WALL-E remains as an interesting oddity in Pixar's library, even after so many films have followed it. Great sound design and stunning visuals combine to make this a Pixar film that is truly out of this world.

Watch on Disney+

3 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse' (2018)

A still animation image from Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse, featuring Miles Morales swinging through the city.
Image via Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group

Often cited alongside the best sci-fi animations in recent years, it wouldn't be an overstatement to say that Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse reinvigorated the oversaturated superhero genre. It introduces the likable Miles Morales, who struggles to balance his regular life as a student and a son with his newfound responsibility as a hero.

With its jaw-dropping action sequences mixed with stunning visuals, the movie is well-loved because it's an obvious love letter to the comics. Any Spider-Man story isn't complete without the technology that helps him do his job, and a multiversal element makes Miles' narrative even more exciting.

Watch on Fubo

2 'Akira' (1988)

Akira-1

Released in 1988, Akira is fondly remembered as one of the greatest anime films ever made. Set in a dystopian 2019, the movie tells the story of Tetsuo, a boy who gains superpowers following a motorcycle accident. These powers lead to him becoming involved in a dark government project and all of Neo-Tokyo being swept up in turmoil.

Even over thirty years since its initial release, Akira continues to welcome newcomers to the world of anime. The cyberpunk setting, great animation, and fascinating commentary make this a must-see for science fiction fans.

Watch on Hulu

1 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' (2023)

Miles Morales in the air in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Image via Sony Pictures Animation

The long-awaited sequel to Into the Spider-Verse carried significant expectations, considering how the 2018 film became a groundbreaking icon in the genre. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse thankfully not only met those high expectations, but greatly exceeded them, impressively propelling Miles' story to the multiverse, where various art styles, comics-accurate characters, and twists and turns combine to create an exhilarating adventure unlike any other.

Across the Spider-Verse manages to improve on every aspect of the first film, and creates a visually stunning journey rooted in the comics so many fans know and love. Packed with witty references, emotionally profound themes around friendship and family, gorgeous realities, and a protagonist worth rooting for on top of all of it, the 2023 film is a groundbreaking masterwork that fans of the genre should consider essential viewing.

NEXT: The Best Sci-Fi Movies Of All Time, According To IMDb