Top Sci-Fi Manga Picks: Must-Read Anime & Manga Recommendations for Science Fiction Fans

This is a work by Yoshihiro Yamada—the creator of Heugemono (へうげもの)—which has received multiple awards and was even adapted into an anime.
Although set in a post‐apocalyptic world, it features a gritty, mature storyline.
The way the former salaryman protagonist, despite facing hardships and challenges, manages to survive robustly in a desolate world is truly inspiring.
The balance of harsh reality, a sense of accomplishment, and the advantage of being a former member of civilization is portrayed perfectly, making it an incredibly fast‐paced read.

A popular manga that was adapted into an anime in 2023.
The story is set in the near future, where humanoids and robots equipped with advanced AI are commonplace.
It depicts incidents arising from the relationships between humans and humanoids.
AI no Idenshi is structured as a collection of stories that resolve within one or two episodes, making it easy to read even in a short amount of time.
Yet, each tale is thought-provoking and exudes a realism that makes you wonder if such scenarios might truly occur 50 years from now.

Serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 2017 to 2022, this work might be the most popular SF manga in recent years (depending on your definition of SF).
It embodies the characteristic energy of Shonen Jump, featuring captivating characters, a grand-scale story, and the intriguing, novel theme of science.
It meets all the criteria for a great manga—and if you had read it as a child, it might have sparked an even greater interest in science.

A story set in space featuring a space debris collection company as its protagonist.
Serialized from 1999 to 2004—and adapted into an anime—both the original manga and its anime adaptation have garnered awards.
The depiction of the world is so skillfully rendered that it makes you feel as though such a future might be just around the corner.

Serialized from 2018 to 2021, this manga tells the story of a world where people are born genderless and then become either male or female around the age of 12.
It portrays the evolving romantic dynamics between the protagonist and two childhood friends amidst this delayed onset of gender.

In the narrative, Astro Boy from Osamu Tezuka’s Tetsuwan Atomu is said to have been born on April 7, 2003.
To commemorate Astro Boy’s birthday in the real world in 2003, this work was remade using Episode 55, “The World’s Largest Robot,” as its foundation.
While paying homage to the original, Naoki Urasawa reimagines it within his own world, making it a truly page-turning experience.

As the title suggests, it is the story of two girls journeying through a post‐apocalyptic world.
With charming, everyday-life-esque characters and a laid-back art style that nevertheless exudes a uniquely melancholic atmosphere, it spans a well-balanced 6 volumes with no dragging midsections.
It was also adapted into an anime—and it was very well done.

A manga by Inio Asano—the creator of Oyasumi Punpun and Solanin—featuring UFOs.
Can it even be simply described as SF? The contrast between a world imbued with a sense of apocalypse and the everyday lives of high school girls brings Asano’s unique worldview to light.

A hugely popular work that was also adapted into a live-action film.
It’s a masterpiece packed with heart-pounding battles, numerous mysteries, and a vast world that propels you through the story.
Its innovative use of IT technology in manga creation—still rare at the time—made headlines as well.

If you love GANTZ, check out this article, which discusses the weapons featured in GANTZ.

A work published in Shonen Jump+ that, in a very Shonen Jump–esque way, follows boys and girls who, despite grappling with their own troubles, open up, support one another, and face dire situations.
The story is intricately crafted until the very end, leaving you with a sense of fulfillment after reading.

Serialized from 2017 to 2021, this work by Tsutomu Nihei—famed for BLAME! and Knights of Sidonia—features an art style dominated by striking white tones that evokes a uniquely serene atmosphere.

One of the most well-known representative works of SF manga, Parasyte was serialized from 1990 to 1995 yet remains engaging and timeless today.
Rather than relying on flashy twists or grandiose scales typical of SF, its solid, well-structured narrative clearly demonstrates why it is hailed as a masterpiece.

“You damn, clumsy idiot!”

A line from the manga version of AKIRA.
Serialized from 1982 to 1990 and adapted into an animated film in 1988, the manga itself has also received multiple awards.
Since the creator, Katsuhiro Otomo, also directed the anime, you can enjoy it seamlessly no matter which version you start with.

The manga of Ghost in the Shell, a legend of Japanese SF anime, actually predates its animated adaptation.
With its detailed and refined setting providing a strong sense of coherence, it’s not merely enjoyed passively like the 1995 film—rather, you relish the intricacies with a smile.
If you’re an SF fan, this is a must-read.