5 Space Opera Anime to Add to Your Watchlist (Ranked!)
Space opera is a subgenre of science fiction that features epic stories set in outer space, often involving interstellar wars, galactic empires, and exotic aliens. It is a popular genre in anime, as it allows for creative and imaginative exploration of the vastness and wonder of the cosmos.
Space opera anime can also offer thrilling action, compelling drama, and memorable characters, making them appealing to a wide range of viewers.
If you are a fan of space opera anime, or if you are curious to try it out, here are five of the best space opera anime that you should add to your watchlist. These anime are ranked based on their popularity, quality, and impact, but you can watch them in any order you prefer.
5. Space Battleship Yamato 2199
Space Battleship Yamato 2199 is a remake of the 1974 anime Space Battleship Yamato, which is considered one of the pioneers of space opera anime. The story is set in the year 2199, when Earth is under attack by an alien race called the Gamilas, who have rendered the planet uninhabitable with their radiation bombs. The only hope for humanity is a message from a mysterious planet called Iscandar, which offers a device that can restore Earth’s environment. A group of brave soldiers and civilians board the Yamato, a rebuilt World War II battleship, and embark on a perilous journey across the galaxy to reach Iscandar and save Earth.
Why you should watch it
Space Battleship Yamato 2199 is a faithful and respectful adaptation of the original anime, but with updated animation, music, and character development. It retains the spirit and charm of the classic, while adding new elements and twists to keep it fresh and exciting. The anime features stunning visuals, epic battles, and a sweeping orchestral soundtrack that will make you feel like you are in space. The anime also has a diverse and likable cast of characters, each with their own personality, backstory, and role in the story. The anime explores themes of hope, sacrifice, loyalty, and love, as the Yamato crew faces various challenges and enemies along the way.
4. Astra Lost in Space
Astra Lost in Space is a sci-fi anime that revolves around a group of students who get stranded in space during a school trip. They discover an abandoned spaceship, which they name the Astra, and decide to use it to travel to different planets in search of resources and clues to find their way back home. However, they soon realize that their situation is not a simple accident, but part of a bigger conspiracy that involves their past and their future.
Why you should watch it
Astra Lost in Space is a anime that will keep you hooked with its mystery, comedy, and twists. The anime has a well-paced and well-written plot that reveals new information and surprises in each episode, while also developing the characters and their relationships. The anime has a balance of humor and drama, as the characters cope with their predicament and their personal issues. The anime also showcases the beauty and diversity of the planets and the life forms that the Astra crew encounters, creating a sense of wonder and adventure. The anime explores themes of friendship, identity, family, and destiny, as the Astra crew learns more about themselves and each other.
3. Space Brothers
Space Brothers is a realistic and inspiring anime that follows the story of two brothers who pursue their dreams of becoming astronauts. The older brother, Mutta, was once a promising engineer, but lost his job and his motivation after a series of failures. The younger brother, Hibito, is a successful astronaut who is about to go to the moon. When Mutta receives a message from Hibito, he decides to apply for the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and reignite his passion for space. The anime depicts the struggles and achievements of the brothers and their fellow candidates and colleagues in the field of space exploration.
Why you should watch it
Space Brothers is a anime that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer with its humor, drama, and realism. The anime has a detailed and accurate portrayal of the challenges and joys of becoming and being an astronaut, from the rigorous training and selection process, to the scientific and technical aspects, to the emotional and psychological effects. The anime also has a rich and diverse cast of characters, each with their own quirks, goals, and stories. The anime explores themes of dreams, perseverance, courage, and brotherhood, as the brothers support and inspire each other and their friends.
2. Outlaw Star
Outlaw Star is a fun and action-packed anime that follows the exploits of a ragtag crew of bounty hunters in a futuristic galaxy. The main protagonist is Gene Starwind, a reckless and adventurous young man who dreams of finding the legendary Galactic Leyline, a place that is said to hold the secrets of the universe. He is joined by Jim Hawking, a smart and loyal kid who handles the finances and mechanics; Melfina, a mysterious and beautiful android who is connected to the Outlaw Star, their spaceship; Aisha Clanclan, a proud and powerful alien warrior who becomes their ally; and Suzuka, a skilled and elegant assassin who has a personal vendetta. Together, they face various dangers and enemies, such as pirates, outlaws, and the sinister Kei Pirates, who are also after the Galactic Leyline.
Why you should watch it
Outlaw Star is a anime that will entertain you with its humor, action, romance, and diversity. The anime has a mix of comedy and drama, as the characters get into hilarious and thrilling situations, while also dealing with their past and their feelings. The anime has a lot of action and excitement, as the characters engage in space battles, gunfights, martial arts, and magic. The anime also has a lot of variety and creativity, as the characters visit different planets and encounter different aliens and cultures. The anime explores themes of freedom, adventure, love, and destiny, as the characters search for the Galactic Leyline and their own place in the universe.
1. Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop is a masterpiece of anime that blends genres and styles to create a unique and unforgettable space western. The story is set in the year 2071, when humanity has colonized the solar system, but also faces crime, corruption, and chaos. The main characters are a group of bounty hunters, or cowboys, who travel in their spaceship, the Bebop, and hunt down criminals for rewards. They are Spike Spiegel, a cool and laid-back former hitman who has a troubled past; Jet Black, a former cop and the owner of the Bebop who acts as the leader and the father figure; Faye Valentine, a sassy and seductive femme fatale who has a large debt and a lost memory; Edward Wong, a quirky and eccentric hacker prodigy who is a master of hacking and information; and Ein, a genetically engineered dog who is smarter than he looks. Together, they face various adventures and misadventures, while also confronting their own demons and secrets.
Why you should watch it
Cowboy Bebop is a anime that will amaze you with its music, animation, characters, and themes. The anime has a phenomenal soundtrack, composed by Yoko Kanno, that features a variety of genres, such as jazz, blues, rock, and pop, that match the mood and tone of each episode. The anime has a superb animation, that showcases the fluidity and beauty of the movements, the expressions, and the scenes. The anime has a complex and charismatic cast of characters, each with their own personality, backstory, and development. The anime explores themes of nostalgia, existentialism, loneliness, and freedom, as the characters deal with their past and their present.
Conclusion
Space opera anime is a genre that can offer a lot of entertainment, excitement, and emotion to the viewers. It can transport you to different worlds and galaxies, and make you experience the wonders and dangers of space. It can also make you care about the characters and their stories, and make you think about the meaning and purpose of life. If you are looking for some space opera anime to watch, you can start with these five recommendations: Space Battleship Yamato 2199, Astra Lost in Space, Space Brothers, Outlaw Star, and Cowboy Bebop. These anime are some of the best examples of space opera anime, and they will surely satisfy your appetite for space adventure.