In anime, the Sci-Fi genre has been a hit among viewers for decades, as it is the Overpowered Main Character Trope. But you know that you can even find these two elements together, in the same series?
From quantum physics to advanced robotics, these shows will leave you amazed and wondering what else science has in store for us with otherworldly places, filled with action, epic battles, all along with some cool MCs.
While our list of the best Sci-Fi anime with an OP MC reflects our personal experiences and tastes, we believe this captivating genre has something to offer everyone.
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15. Guilty Crown
This captivating anime follows the story of Shuu Ouma, a socially awkward high school student who becomes OP after gaining the power of the kings, after rescuing the popular internet vocalist Inori Yuzuriha.
As Shuu gets caught in the fight between the military and the resistance group, Funeral Parlor, led by Gai, the plot intensifies with post-apocalyptic Japan as the backdrop.
Guilty Crown is a good Sci-Fi anime, thanks to its variegated cast of characters, well-done animations, and epic soundtrack used in its engaging action scenes.
Although the plot moves quickly into action, the world-building catches up soon enough, making it a nice pick for the fans of the genre.
14. World Trigger
World Trigger is an anime from Toei Animation that is a great example of Sci-Fi series with everything you could want. It was released in 2014 with 73 episodes.
The story is set in a world invaded by strange, strong, invincible alien creatures. Fighting them are a mysterious group of warriors who use the same technology as the aliens, called Triggers.
All of the warriors in this group are incredibly strong and skillful, creating an excellent main cast.
With intense action scenes, a complex plot, and interesting characters, this anime is definitely worth a watch, and we’re 100% sure in recommending it to you.
13. The Irregular at Magic School
The Irregular at Magic School is an anime aired in 2014. The plot is set in the late 21st century, in a future where magic has become commonplace and has merged with technology.
The events follow the lives of a group of boys attending a school where magic is taught and students are divided into courses based on their talent.
One of the main characters, Tatsuya, is relegated to the Second Course for less talented magicians. But despite that, he will possess extraordinary technical knowledge and physical combat capabilities, and he will soon show them up.
This show manages to mix many different elements and remain true to itself by depicting also many different characters that fit perfectly in this weird magical world.
Highly recommended if you want a story that merges a great school setting with action and fighting scenes.
12. Date A Live
Date a Live is a show with a unique premise, which will draw you in, released in multiple seasons and movies with ecchi, romance and Sci-Fi as the main genres.
Follow the story of Shidou Itsuka, a high school student whit the unique ability to seal away the spirits.
One day, as he thinks he is about to live a day like any other, he will find his city destroyed by Tohka, a dangerous being of unknown origin in the guise of a girl.
The solution to stop her? Indulge her and take her on a date!
Date a Live is a good anime that has been successful in gaining popularity with a simple but appealing plot that combines romance, action, and science fiction.
Shido also as the story goes on will become more and more OP, as he’ll become able to use the powers of the spirits he seals.
11. Id: Invaded
ID: Invaded is a 2020 mystery and crime anime released in 13 episodes.
The story revolves around the Mizuhanome System, a groundbreaking technology that allows detectives to enter the minds of criminals and uncover their darkest secrets.
The protagonist is Sakaido, a former detective who committed murder and becomes the perfect candidate to enter the id wells and solve cases, as he is well-known due to his exceptional detective skills.
But as he dives deeper into the criminal’s minds, he realizes that there’s more than meets the eye with these cases.
This anime is thought-provoking, and you wouldn’t want to miss any episode as Akihito explores the darkest corners of the human mind.
10. Full Metal Panic!
Full Metal Panic is a 24-episode series with mecha elements and military action Sci-Fi Anime.
This story follows a covert military team assigned to protect Kaname Chidori, a teenage girl with breakthrough scientific knowledge, from organizations seeking her abilities.
Sergeant Sousuke Sagara enrolls in Kaname’s high school to monitor her, but his militaristic upbringing and poor social skills make it a difficult adjustment.
And when a terrorist ambush occurs, Sousuke prioritizes Kaname’s safety over his orders.
And don’t make the mistake of underestimating Sosuke because of his seemingly quiet and slender appearance. He’s an incredibly skilled soldier with years of training behind him, capable of neutralizing the enemy without even sweat.
Full Metal Panic! is a cool science fiction anime with an OP MC, awesome mecha action, and some unique characters.
Although the animation is somewhat outdated, the show is still visually appealing with its great character design.
9. Dr. Stone
The story begins when a high school student, Taiju Ooki, finally musters up the courage to confess his feelings to Yuzuriha Ogawa, when suddenly a mysterious light turns humanity into stone.
Thousands of years after, Taiju wakes up to find his friend, Senkuu, a science enthusiast who plans to bring back civilization through the power of science.
As they work to understand why the world has ended up in this state, Senku’s incredible intellect and resourcefulness come to the forefront, making him super powerful and intelligent.
But Senkuu’s master plan is threatened when those who awaken challenge his ideologies, jeopardizing their mission.
One thing we like about this anime is it’s not only focusing on science but there are also captivating action scenes. This anime is full of fight scenes and can ignite a passion for science in anyone.
8. A Certain Scientific Railgun
A Certain Scientific Railgun is a spin-off related to A Certain Magical Index, released in 2009 in 24 episodes, and follows the story of Mikoto Misaka, one of the most skilled Level 5 Esper students at Tokiwadai Middle School.
As strange crimes emerge, she discovers a mysterious device called the Level Upper that increases esper abilities.
Mikoto and her friends get tangled in dangerous situations as they unravel the truth about Level Upper and uncover the dark secrets of Academy City.
An anime that presents its characters’ superpowers as rooted in real scientific principles and explains them through their personal histories, making it super appealing.
A Certain Scientific Railgun is one of the most popular action Sci-Fi anime series released recently and has captured lots of attention thanks to the main protagonist, Mikoto Misaka, a well-written and OP female MC.
7. Psycho-Pass
Psycho-Pass is an amazing series that explores the limits of human potential in a dystopian world where people are arrested before they commit a crime thanks to Psycho-Pass.
Shinya Kogami, the main character, is incredibly skilled and OP, but also flawed and complex.
Akane Tsunemori, on the other hand, is a rookie inspector with a remarkable ability to think critically and make rational decisions in high-pressure situations.
This Sci-Fi anime will challenge you while you watch it, making you think of what it means to be good or bad and how easily external factors can determine our lives.
With its twists and turns, Kogami and his partner Akane are constantly evolving and changing as they investigate a case that will change their perspectives forever.
This anime is a must-watch for fans of crime and psychological series with philosophical themes because of its investigation parts, which makes it engaging to watch.
6. Eighty-Six
Advertised as military science fiction, the story follows the Republic of San Magnolia as they wage war against the Giadian Empire, with propaganda claiming zero casualties, but that’s not the whole truth.
Here comes the Eighty-Six, a group of secret warriors who fight for the Republic. As outcasts from mainstream society, they face discrimination from those in power because of their status as outsiders.
When Vladilena, a supporter of the Eighty-Six, is assigned to the Spearhead squadron led by Shinei Nouzen, the 2 worlds collide in a way that could lead to either salvation or despair.
The brutal nature of war, racism, and oppression is shown in a way that you can’t help but be absorbed into the story.
With its action-packed plot and an overpowering main character, this is a show that any Sci-Fi fan will enjoy.
5. Parasyte
This 24-episode series, adapted from the hit manga by Hitoshi Iwaaki and animated by Madhouse studio, brings the original story to the present day with a modern setting.
In this thrilling anime, Shinichi Izumi, a high school student, becomes a host to a parasitic alien called Migi, who failed to take over Shinichi’s brain, ending up in his right hand.
Now, they were forced to rely on each other and defend themselves against the other hostile parasites seeking to eliminate their species.
Parasyte is an excellent anime that combines badass action and chilling gore with a simple but highly effective plot.
Not to mention that Shinichi has excellent characterization that will make him increasingly stronger as the story continues.
4. Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song
Produced by the more than well-known Wit Studio, Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song is an anime recently aired in 2021, consisting of 13 episodes in total.
The deeply science-fiction-driven story is set in 2056 when humanity invented androids.
Created to spread happiness by singing, Vivy is an android who travels the world singing in different shows. When the time comes, however, she can also be a skilled fighter, despite being programmed to be nonviolent.
But when another android arrives one day from the future with terrible news, the plot begins to thicken.
This is a great anime, with a truly captivating plot full of twists. We recommend it because of the complex Sci-Fi storyline exploring AI, time travel, and the consequences of human actions.
3. Ghost In The Shell
Ghost in the Shell is an iconic Japanese animated movie that reached #1 on Billboard magazine’s video best-seller list and even inspired the creation of the Matrix movies.
The technological singularity and the role of innovation are some of the core elements in this movie.
This movie follows Major Motoko Kusanagi, a member of Public Security Section 9, in the year 2029, and an incredibly skilled agent and fighter.
She is tasked with investigating a case involving a powerful hacker, the Puppet Master, who leaves victims without memories. But as she delves deeper into the case, things get more complicated with other factions getting involved.
Along the way, Motoko is forced to confront some deep philosophical questions about her existence. And as she learns more about the Puppet Master, she realizes that they hold the answers she’s been searching for.
This movie is simply a masterpiece and examines the theme of existentialism and captures what it’s like to lose your sense of self.
2. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
As a prequel to the game Cyberpunk 2077, this anime follows the story of David Martinez.
In Night City, a futuristic metropolis, David attends Arasaka Academy to fulfill his mother’s dream of reaching the top of the world’s leading security corporation.
But things changed when a street gang incident left him devastated.
He then implanted Sandevistan cyberware for superhuman speed and OP skills, to get revenge on his enemies. Witness his journey as he fights to survive the dangerous, corrupt system while never backing down from any fight.
Cyberpunk: Endgerunners is undoubtedly one of the most popular and successful anime of recent times, which has become a hit because of its excellent storyline, cool action moments, and excellent soundtrack.
1. Cowboy Bepop
Set in a not-too-distant future where inter-spatial travel is the norm, and Mars is a vital part of human life, the show follows a group of bounty hunters, or cowboys, as they chase down intergalactic outlaws.
Meet Spike Spiegel, a bounty hunter, in the year 2071, and witness Spike’s many talents and abilities in hand-to-hand combat and martial arts, garnering a reputation as one of the strongest fighters in the universe.
He chases criminals with his partner, Jet Black, and together they team up with a con artist, a child hacker, and a Welsh Corgi to form a bizarre family.
But when an old enemy comes back into Spike’s life, he must now choose between his past and his newfound family.
Cowboy Bebop is one of the best anime ever made.
Its plot is excellent, with perfectly written characters and a simply wonderful ending that you will not be able to forget.