Summary
Novels and live-action films rule the world of science fiction, but there’s a space in between for a lot of transcendental animated movies that many are sadly unaware of. That should not be, as great sci-fi comes in all sorts of shapes and packages, and everyone should be exposed to it.
That’s not just because it’s one of the most absolutely gorgeous genres of fiction to experience, but also because of all the important lessons about society and the course of the future that lie hidden in these gems. It’s time to look at the best animated sci-fi movies in animated form.
Right at the start ofTitan A.E., viewers will witness the entirety of planet Earth being destroyed by an evil alien force. That’s a pretty dark way to start an animated movie — especially one for a movie seemingly aimed at kids — but that’s becauseTitan A.E.is the last in a long lineage of great Don Bluth movies that didn’t shy away from preparing young folks for grim events.Titan A.E.features some of the best animation ever put on a screen and brilliantly blends traditional animation with the then-emerging 3D scene.
Despite its technical prowess,Titan A.E.did very poorly at the box office, which pretty much ended Don Bluth’s career, but that’s a shame as it’s both a heartwarming tale and an absolute visual feast.
The people from theworld of Satoshi Kon’sPaprikahave to deal with a dream epidemic that’s causing more and more deaths every day. That’s the very interesting premise ofPaprika, but also an excuse for Kon and co. to come up with the most imaginative animation ever seen.
Anyone who’s seenInceptionwill likely see a lot of similarities inPaprika, and that’s likely because director Christopher Nolan borrowed a lot of elements to make his dream epic — thoughPaprikastill has quite a lot to experience that hasn’t been seen anywhere else.
The only thing better than one great animated sci-fi tale is a bunch of them all at once.Memoriesisan anthologyof three entirely different but equally fascinating science fiction trailers from three different masters of anime.
These tales are shorter than full-length, but that means they spend exactly zero seconds on fluff. Both the plots and the animation are top-notch across all the stories, and this approach to sci-fi was likely responsible for the existence of widely popular shows such asLove, Death & Robots.
Director Brad Bird has a lot of great movies under his belt, andThe Iron Giantmight just be his best. It tells a story similar to that ofE.T.,one where a kid finds an alien creature with a kind heart and magical powers, but it takes things to a level of spectacle that the limitations of the live-action world wouldn’t have allowed for.
Sadly,The Iron Giantdidn’t do great at the box office, but it has enjoyed a passionate following in the years since its release.
While the world at large is only now waking up to the dangers of AI when it comes to destruction of the quality of life — and content, really — for billions of people,The Congresswas already doing it as far back as 2013.
It does feature live-action scenes, but they’re poignant when viewers take the context into account. On top of all its visionary qualities — a hallmark of all great science fiction — the congress is also a visual feast, one filled with extremely varied visuals that will leave a long-lasting impression in everyone’s mind.
Pixar was risking it all when it decided to make a movie about the inevitable foils of capitalism and rampant consumerism, but it totally paid off. Though it was made by the same kind of company it criticizes,Wall-Eis easily the most heartwarming post-apocalyptic movie in history.
Yes, to the point that many even forget that it is, indeed, set against an incredibly bleak background — and one of the best self-warnings Hollywood was ever brave enough to put out.
4The Animatrix: The Second Renaissance
This Is How To Do A Prequel
Second Renaissanceis a two-part animated prequel to the originalMatrixthat was made to accompany the release ofMatrix ReloadedandMatrix Revolutions.Interestingly, this sort of documentary-style retelling of the world ofTheMatrixbeforeThe Matrixturned out to be far more interesting, thought-provoking, and simply much more thrilling than any of the sequels.
Many fans agree that this is the sort of movie they should’ve made instead of the sequels, but it’s actually just fantastic that such an amazing piece of entertainment exists in such a (then) peculiar format. And anyone who enjoyedSecond Renaissanceshould totally give the remaining episodes ofThe Animatrixa shot. They’re all absolute bangers.
Whenever someone mentions great animated science fiction, the first movie that comes to most viewers' minds is likelyAkira.This bleak tale of a post-apocalyptic, post-rebuild Tokyo resonates not just with the darkest memories of Japanese fans but also with the greatest fears of viewers at large.
It’s a stunning piece of art that features a touching story of friendship in a bleak world, and it also remains one of the most impressive animation showcases of all time.Akirawill never get old.
Back in 2011, French director Jeremie Perin shocked the world withFantasy,a spectacularly disturbing animated music video for the band DYE. He’d resurface in 2023 withMars Express, a follow-up that more than surpassed his original work.
It’s anincredibly poignanttale about human and AI relations that doesn’t do away with some of the best animation and action sequences ever seen.Mars Expressdoesn’t look like a typical anime, nor does it look like anything by Don Bluth. It looks like something new, something fresh; just like what the genre needed.
Ghost In The Shellis the rare animated sci-fi film that’s often immediately grouped with the best works of sci-fi, despite belonging to a medium that’s usually taken less seriously. That’s no accident, as the story, themes, characters, art, and animation here are all top-notch.
Even now, seeingGhost In The Shellfor the first time will still prove just as amazing an experience as it did upon its release back in 1995. Not only is this an all-time great all on its own, but it’s probably the title on this list that had the most influence over other sci-fi movies to come.
