23+ Best Alien Anime To Start! (Recommendations)
Updated August 17, 2022 by Ernie
Talk about aliens, and we have a never-ending list of anime that will give you a fun time. Aliens have always been part of the trend whether it be in manga, anime or movies. At the beginning they were usually made a catalyst to enhance fear. However, now aliens are slowly but gradually making their way to every other genre. Be it action anime, horror anime or fantasy, aliens increase the thrill in the best possible way.
As of now there are plenty of romance anime as well with aliens as protagonists and much more. Over time, we see all sorts of aliens in the anime. Starting from pretty girls, handsome alien fighters, cute little monsters, gigantic eerie and creepy aliens, anime has it all. I just love how anime fulfills all our wired wishes and turns our imaginations into reality about aliens and everything else.
Thus today, I bring you a list of 24 Best Alien Anime for my dearest otaku fellas. So, without any ado, let’s begin,
BEST ALIEN ANIME THAT WILL ENCHANT YOU THROUGH & THROUGH
24. Alien Nine
INFORMATION | |
Title | Alien Nine |
Genre | Action, Sci-fi, Horror |
Type | OVA |
Studio | J.C.Staff |
Premiered | Spring 2012 |
Episode Count | 4 |
Duration | 28 min. per ep. |
Let’s start with a mild horror anime. Alien 9 is about capturing an alien as a subject for school. And that is surely possible because it’s the anime we are talking about and it has unlimited possibilities.
The anime focuses on the life of four girls in their school. Yuri, along with Kumi, Kasumi, and Miyu, is tasked to capture the runway aliens. They have to ensure the crashed aliens do not enter the school grounds.
However, Yuri’s fear of aliens is taking a toll on her. Will she be able to overcome it?
23. Eureka Seven Astral Ocean
INFORMATION | |
Title | Eureka Seven Astral Ocean |
Genre | Action, Adventure, Sci-fi, Drama, Mecha |
Type | TV |
Studio | Bones |
Premiered | Spring 2012 |
Episode Count | 24 |
Duration | 24 min. per ep. |
Eureka Seven is another alien anime followed by action, adventure, and high-tech robots. The perfect blend of multiple genres makes this anime lit.
The plot centers on a young boy named Renton. He is desperately looking for a way to evade his mundane life, but there is none. However, his wish turns into reality when a gigantic robot crash lands in his garage, and a girl named Eureka claims to pilot it.
Give this one a try if you wanna know where this new encounter will lead Renton.
22. Haiyore! Nyaruko-san
INFORMATION | |
Title | Haiyore! Nyaruko-San |
Genre | Sci-fi, Comedy |
Type | TV |
Studio | Xebec |
Premiered | Spring 2012 |
Episode Count | 12 episodes |
Duration | 24 min. per ep. |
For this anime the aliens are more like goddesses of beauty. Mahiro, our innocent high school boy, is living his life with a humdrum routine until one day, an unexpected incident happens. He is attacked by an alien, and another alien appears to save our damsel in distress.
The latter transforms into an alluring beauty named Nyarko. Next, we know that Nyarko is love struck with Mahiro at first sight. This was just the beginning, Mahiro’s peaceful life becomes a daily dose of alien encounters along with Nyarko, her constant advances, and some intergalactic love rivals.
21. Space Dandy
INFORMATION | |
Title | Space Dandy |
Genre | Comedy, Sci-fi |
Type | TV |
Studio | Bones |
Premiered | Winter 2014 |
Episode Count | 13 |
Duration | 24 min. per ep. |
Space Dandy is a popular comedy set in space followed by adventure. The anime focuses on Dandy, the flashy, cool, stylish, and funny alien bounty hunter. His mission is to capture rare alien species because they sell for good money. Yeah, he is a money–grubbing human.
However, when other alien bounty hunters create hurdles in his path, the flashy Dandy has to think outside of the box to take care of his troubles. All I can say is that this adventure filled with aliens will make you laugh hard.
20. Tenchi Muyou! Ryououki
INFORMATION | |
Title | Tenchi Muyou! Ryououki |
Genre | Action, Sci-fi, Comedy |
Type | OVA |
Studio | AIC |
Premiered | 1992 |
Episode Count | 6 |
Duration | 29 min. per ep. |
Tenchi Muyou is a rare anime with a perfect blend of power-oriented action, science fiction, drama, laughter, and love. The plot focuses on Tenchi, who, like everyone else, grows up listening to the stories of monsters and fairies.
However, these stories become real in his life when he frees up a beautiful, spunky, and angry alien from a cave. From then on, the alien lady becomes attached to the poor Tenchi. Their fun life begins! With a daily dose of alien visits and some action plus a bowl full of laughter.
19. Outlaw Star
INFORMATION | |
Title | Outlaw Star |
Genre | Action, Sci-fi, Comedy, Adventure |
Type | TV |
Studio | Sunrise |
Premiered | Winter 1998 |
Episode Count | 24 |
Duration | 25 min. per ep. |
To simply say Outlaw Star is a masterpiece from the last century. It is one of the most popular anime with attractive characters that still has its charms even after decades. The plot follows two wanderers Gene and his fellow Games.
Their daily life, where they take odd jobs and survive, changes when they are tasked to protect a mysterious girl. However, this isn’t as simple as it seems to be, they have to fly a spaceship named Outlaw Star and venture into space. The story develops as Outlaw Star travels in space to solve the mysteries and face many deadly trials.
18. Macross
INFORMATION | |
Title | Macross |
Genre | Action, Sci-fi, Romance |
Type | TV |
Studio | Tatsunoko Production |
Premiered | Fall 1982 |
Episode Count | 36 |
Duration | 25 min. per ep. |
Bow to the creators for imagining a decent and intriguing plot that is lacking nowhere. The anime showcases the history of how humans ended up venturing into space after an alien spaceship crash landed on Earth.
Using the technology from the crashed ship, humans built their own automated spacecraft named Macross. The plot centers on Hikaru, Lynn, and the crew of Macross. Their everyday lives change as they teleport into space unintentionally when aliens named Znetradi attack Earth.
17. Level E
INFORMATION | |
Title | Level E |
Genre | Comedy, Sci-fi |
Type | TV |
Studio | Pierrot, David Production |
Premiered | Winter 2011 |
Episode Count | 13 |
Duration | 24 min. per ep. |
Did you ever have an alien as a roommate? No right! If you wanna know what happens when your roommate is an alien, then I strongly recommend Level E. It is the story of an innocent school boy Yukitaka, our very own protagonist.
He never knew that his new living place would have an alien with distorted memories. Yukitaka’s life as a baseball enthusiast halts when he is tangled in the problems of his new alien roommate, Ouji. The fun story of the uncanny duo begins following action and laughter.
16. Fafner in the Azure
INFORMATION | |
Title | Fafner in the Azure: Dead Aggressor -Exodus |
Genre | Action, Drama, Sci-fi |
Type | TV |
Studio | Xebex, I.Gzwei |
Premiered | Winter 2015 |
Episode Count | 13 |
Duration | 24 min. per ep. |
Did someone say, aliens? Then here you go; Fafner in the Azure is another anime loaded with war-driven aliens. The anime is set in a futuristic dystopian world. The plot follows a group of children and showcases their heavy weight of saving humankind.
After the deadly aliens attack Earth, humanity makes gigantic robots named Fafner that carry extreme power. However, these robots require children of a specific age to pilot them. So, follow the life of Kazuki and his friends with their Fafners to see if they succeed in defeating the undefeatable alien race.
15. One Punch Man
INFORMATION | |
Title | One Punch Man |
Genre | Action, Fantasy, Comedy |
Type | TV |
Studio | Madhouse |
Premiered | Fall 2015 |
Episode Count | 12 |
Duration | 29 min. per ep. |
Aha, the story of the bald hero! Who does not know Saitama the great? One Punch Man is the best action-comedy anime you will see in years. The story follows Saitama; he is your protagonist and an unimaginably strong one.
Like the name says, Saitama can defeat anyone with just a single punch, and this reputation of his crosses borders. I mean intergalactic borders, and he attracts some deadly aliens who are looking forward to the heroes’ one punch.
Impressive animation, intriguing plot, and action followed by more power-packed action are the best in One Punch Man.
14. Neon Genesis Evangelion
INFORMATION | |
Title | Neon Genesis Evangelion |
Genre | Action, Drama, Sci-fi, Avant Garde |
Type | TV |
Studio | Gainax, Tatsunoko Production |
Premiered | Fall 1995 |
Episode Count | 26 |
Duration | 24 min. per ep. |
Neon Genesis Evangelion is an anime that got multiple adaptations because of the intriguing plot and character development. The anime is set in a post-cataclysmic world where gigantic aliens named Angels have invaded earth.
Humans have created some high-tech robots using an element from the Angels and named them Evangelions. Shinji Ikari is our 14-year-old protagonist pulled into the war between humans and aliens. With some turn of events, he becomes humanity’s last hope as he begins to pilot the latest Evangelion.
13. Terra Formars
INFORMATION | |
Title | Terra Formers |
Genre | Action, Drama, Sci-fi, Horror |
Type | TV |
Studio | LIDENFILMS |
Premiered | Fall 2014 |
Episode Count | 13 |
Duration | 24 min. per ep. |
Terra Formars is set in the future when humans start to colonize Mars. However, their research goes wrong, and cockroaches which were part of their research are now gigantic humanoids. So a team of scientists had to fly off to Mars to secure the planet.
However, their mission becomes a deadly battle to survive against the gigantic cockroaches. If you want to know what happens to them, try this alien anime to have some spine-chilling and eerie thrills.
12. Interstella 5555
INFORMATION | |
Title | Interstella 5555 |
Genre | Adventure, Drama, Sci-fi |
Type | Music |
Studio | Toei Animation |
Premiered | Winter 2003 |
Episode Count | 1 |
Duration | 1 hr. 5 min. |
Talk about a unique and weird anime here, presenting the weirdest yet captivating alien in a musical anime, Interstella 5555. We all imagine aliens abducting humans, right? Well, this one is the complete opposite and a fun watch.
The story revolves around four alien musicians. Because of greed, a human abducts the famous and extraordinary alien musicians and disguises them as humans to gain popularity. However, someone from their home planet comes to their rescue. The plot follows their adventure on Earth and how they regroup to return home.
11. Knights of Sidonia
INFORMATION | |
Title | Knights of Sidonia |
Genre | Action, Sci-fi |
Type | TV |
Studio | Polygon Pictures |
Premiered | Spring 2014 |
Episode Count | 12 |
Duration | 24 min. per ep. |
The art, plot, development of the story, and the easily acceptable theme makes this anime a super hit. Knights of Sidonia is set in a futuristic intergalactic world, and Sidonia a spaceship that carries humanity’s last hope.
After the deadly attack of the Gauna species on Earth, humans fled to space. However, the stubborn Gauna followed the humans even into deep space. The plot develops with a regular human, Tanikaze, as one day he finds himself fighting the alien species for survival.
The story follows the rising of Tanikaze as the last hope of Sidonia and humanity against Gauna. This is your pick if you want to experience chilling thrills and crazy action.
10. Pacific Rim: The Black
INFORMATION | |
Title | Pacific Rim: The Black |
Genre | Action, Mecha, Sci-fi, Horror |
Type | Web |
Studio | Polygon Pictures |
Premiered | Winter 2021 |
Episode Count | 7 |
Duration | 24 min. per ep. |
The anime is a short one that is set in a post-apocalyptic world. Giant aliens named Kaiju attack humans coming from a dimensional gate somewhere on Earth. Humans have made giant Jaegers to fight against the ugly Kaiju.
The plot follows two brothers, Hayley and Taylor, trying to find their lost parents while piloting a giant Jaeger. Unbeknownst to them, Kaiju keep following them. Aliens on your tails instill thrills and excitement, surely for otaku. So, try it because you can binge-watch this anime.
9. Bakugan Battle Brawlers
INFORMATION | |
Title | Bakugan Battle Brawlers |
Genre | Action, Fantasy |
Type | TV |
Studio | TMS Entertainments |
Premiered | Spring 2007 |
Episode Count | 52 episodes |
Duration | 24 min. per ep. |
The next one is famous as one of the best shonen anime because it resembles a game. However, the animation, characters, and plot also make it a worthy watch.
The story begins when on Earth; some mystical cards rain down. The best that could happen was it became a game where the same cards could open another dimension temporarily and bring out aliens/monsters named Bakugan from the said dimensions to fight.
However, when our teenage protagonist, Dan, gets a talking Bakugan named Drago, it becomes a battle to save the two worlds.
8. Hoshi no Koe
INFORMATION | |
Title | Hoshi no Koe |
Genre | Drama, Romance, Sci-fi |
Type | OVA |
Studio | CoMix Wave Films |
Premiered | Feb 2002 |
Episode Count | 1 |
Duration | 24 min. per ep. |
Hoshi no Koe is a spellbinding love story of two individuals separated by an intergalactic war that will surely soothe your mood. The anime tells the heartwarming tale of two childhood friends, Noboru and Mikako. Their lives were ordinary like any other teenagers, =however, the intergalactic war with aliens shook their happy world.
Mikako takes off to space to fight against the aliens, which becomes her regular life. While for Noboru, his regular life changed after Mikako left. The anime follows the two love birds, their struggles to love each other, and yes, aliens and fights. So, for a change of pace, try this one. It will surely leave you in tears.
7. Gintama
INFORMATION | |
Title | Gintama |
Genre | Action, Comedy, Sci-fi |
Type | TV |
Studio | Sunrise |
Premiered | Spring 2006 |
Episode Count | 201 |
Duration | 24 min. per ep. |
Are we talking aliens? Then Gintama has to be among the list of best alien anime unquestionably. Aliens and laughter don’t usually come together. However, this one has that unique combo so try it you will be amazed by the lazy and genius main character.
The anime is set on Earth in historical times when swords and katanas were trendy. After the aliens named Amanto took over, things changed. Weaponry was banned, and new rules were imposed that were not in favor of swordsmen and samurais.
In such chaotic circumstances enters our protagonist, Gintoki. He is a handsome, lazy, powerful, and sarcastic samurai who follows no rules. The plot follows Gintoki and his team of peculiars against the aliens and others who create trouble for him.
6. Digimon Adventure
INFORMATION | |
Title | Digimon Adventure |
Genre | Action, Fantasy, Comedy, Adventure |
Type | TV |
Studio | Toei Animation |
Premiered | Spring 1999 |
Episode Count | 54 episodes |
Duration | 24 min. per ep. |
Digimon is a popular franchise ruling the hearts of millions with its eccentric and cute beasts. The anime began in the late 1990s and still continues to entertain the anime fandom. Digimon are one of the few cutest aliens on the list.
The plot is set in a digital world. The adventure begins when a few kids land in the digital world while enjoying their trip. They encounter the aliens of the Digi-world named Digimons. The kids team up with Digimon using Digivices to fight the bad guys.
The story develops with Taichi and a prominent Digimon named Agumon. Give it a try if you want to see some cute aliens turning into powerful gigantic creatures.
5. Dragon Ball Z
INFORMATION | |
Title | Dragon Ball Z |
Genre | Action, Fantasy, Comedy, Adventure |
Type | TV |
Studio | Toei Animation |
Premiered | Spring 1989 |
Episode Count | 291 episodes |
Duration | 24 min. per ep. |
Does DBZ need an introduction? It is one of the oldest, most popular, and eccentric anime. Goku, Vegeta, Freeza, Piccolo, and Kamehameha are a few names that even non-anime peeps have heard of.
If you didn’t, then buddy, you are an alien. Still, here is a sneak peek at one of the most watched anime series. The anime showcases the tale of aliens named Saiyans. The story begins with an infant alien named Goku, with a tail wrapped around his waist. Originally Goku was sent to destroy the Earth with his otherworldly powers.
However, as he grows up, he becomes more human and develops a love for his planet. The anime follows his journey filled with battles, rivals, friends, and power-ups spanning various other planets and their lives. So, heed my words, watch it before people call you an alien because this one is the best action and fantasy anime.
4. Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 2199
INFORMATION | |
Title | Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 2199 |
Genre | Action, Sci-Fi, Drama, Adventure |
Type | OVA |
Studio | Xebec AIC |
Premiered | 2012 |
Episode Count | 26 |
Duration | 25 min. per ep. |
If you are into aliens and intergalactic wars, you could have hardly missed it. Because Star Blazers is among those few anime that pop up on the search when we talk about aliens and wars. Space Battleship Yamato 2199 is, in fact, a remake of the original works. ]
The anime follows war-torn earth. The aftermath of the unintentional war with alien monsters from Gamilus planet has forced the human race to almost extinction. The government has decided to accept help from another planet and thus begins the voyage of Space Battleship Yamato 2199.
The best part is that Yamato successfully beats the daylights out of these aliens and goes on its interstellar journey. This intergalactic adventure is so worthwhile that missing it will leave you with regrets. The action, animation, character development, and gripping story will keep you under its spell.
3. Assassination Classroom
INFORMATION | |
Title | Assassination Classroom |
Genre | Action, Comedy |
Type | TV |
Studio | Lerche |
Premiered | Winter 2015 |
Episode Count | 22 episodes |
Duration | 23 min. per ep. |
Talking about aliens, you cannot afford to miss Koro-Sensei. Aliens have come in all shapes and sizes and some are shapeless in different anime. However, I assure you that no one will be cheerful, compassionate, innocent, and dangerous like Koro-Sensei. He is cute and gullible, and scary at the same time. I wonder how he manages that!
The anime showcases a class of misfits. After the moon’s destruction, the yellow-octopus–like creature Koro-Sensei now threatens to destroy the Earth. The class of misfits is given a mission to terminate this threat. The best part is the threat itself; Koro-Sensei is the one equipping his dear students with the ways to assassinate him.
The animation, plot, humor, action, and thrill are on point in this one. Missing out on this one is a loss on your end.
2. Parasyte: The Maxim
INFORMATION | |
Title | Parasyte: The maxim |
Genre | Action, Horror, Sci-fi |
Type | TV |
Studio | Madhouse |
Premiered | Fall 2014 |
Episode Count | 24 |
Duration | 23 min. per ep. |
If you are an avid manga reader, you must be familiar with the name. Parasyte anime was adapted from its manga of the same name, and unexpectedly it gained immense popularity within days, unlike the manga. Parasyte is the best display of queer alien organisms that will creep you out with their perfectly detailed animation.
This masterpiece centers on a student named Shinichi. Our four-eyed lead is very simple and lives his monotonous life with no exceptions. It all changes when an alien parasite named Migi attacks him to take over his brain but settles for the right hand.
Just for the record, this right hand can talk, eat, has eyes, can transform, and has a brain! This odd duo begins their cohabitation. They face trials and fight battles with gory blood and gruesome scenarios. It is a must-watch because this anime gets a perfect score in all departments.
1. Gantz
INFORMATION | |
Title | Gantz |
Genre | Action, Drama, Horror, Ecchi, Supernatural, Sci-fi |
Type | TV |
Studio | Pierrot, David Production |
Premiered | Spring 2004 |
Episode Count | 13 |
Duration | 22 min. per ep. |
Okay, it is time for the best among the best. Gantz is one of those anime that has an eccentric plot with pragmatic characters and a perfect blend of various genres. It is popular for many reasons and has stayed in the spotlight for years.
The story begins with Kei and Kato dying in an fateful accident. The next thing they know is that heaven isn’t their final stop. A giant black sphere named Gantz has equipped them with powers and weapons and tasked them to kill aliens in another dimension.
Whoever succeeds will have a chance to get their life back. However, the twist is that once you enter the world of Gantz, you are bound to it for eternity. The anime has a pool of bloody action and gruesome scenarios that instill horror and send chills down your spine. A must-watch if you want to see some alien battles.
Conclusion
Now then, time to end our little fun time today. I am all ears to know about your thoughts regarding the above-listed best alien anime. All of them have aliens in them one way or another.
In some, our heroes are chasing them; in a few, the case is the opposite. All in all, the mentioned anime contains a perfect blend of various genres where aliens dominate. Some of them are romance anime, some are best fantasy anime and a few of them are best sci-fi anime. So, I hope it will help with your cravings for watching aliens in different times and environments.
I’ll be back again with another exciting list soon. Until then, Adios amigos!