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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.
With more entries from recent years, 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. From anime icons to Pixar classics, there are numerous sci-fi animated movies every film junkie needs to check out.
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‘Fantastic Planet’ (1973)
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 an influential film in the science fiction and adventure genres. A big reason for its lasting reputation is the sheer creativity of its world, which still feels unique more than 50 years later.
19
‘9’ (2009)
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.
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‘Titan A.E.’ (2000)
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.
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.
16
‘Atlantis: The Lost Empire’ (2001)
Following their Renaissance era, Disney entered a more experimental one in the 2000s that saw the release of films like Atlantis: The Lost Empire. It follows a linguist and cartographer named Milo James Thatch, who joins an expedition to find the missing continent of Atlantis, only for things to take a series of unexpected turns as it turns out the Atlantians are still alive.
The film was sadly a bomb on release, but has since been recognized as a solid adventure movie with a unique art design courtesy of Hellboy creator Mike Mignola. The technology also looks gorgeous, from the gorgeous details on the Ulysses submarine to the numerous ocean life-themed constructs of the Atlantians, giving the film a solid blend of fantasy and science fiction aesthetics. —Tyler B. Searle
15
‘Treasure Planet’ (2002)
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.
14
‘The Mitchells vs. the Machines’ (2021)
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.
13
‘The Transformers: The Movie’ (1986)
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?
12
‘The Girl Who Leapt Through Time’ (2006)
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.
11
‘A Scanner Darkly’ (2006)
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.
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Hannah Saab
Almontather Rassoul
