These 10 incredible Sci-fi and fantasy animated series with amazing worlds and characters are worth bingeing right now
Science fiction and fantasy animation has experienced a creative surge over the past decade. Once seen as something mainly aimed at younger viewers, the medium has expanded into layered, ambitious storytelling that rivals live action productions. Studios and streaming platforms now invest in world building, complex characters, and striking visual design in ways that push the boundaries of what animation can be. If you want to dive into new worlds, explore cosmic mysteries, or follow flawed heroes through magical realms, these ten shows offer some of the best examples of what the genre can deliver.
10. Primal
Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal tells a story almost entirely without dialogue, yet it feels richer than many shows filled with constant exposition. Following a caveman and a dinosaur bound together by shared tragedy, the series leans heavily on atmosphere and visual storytelling. The animation is both brutal and beautiful, using movement and color to express emotion. The show explores survival, loss, and companionship in a world where danger lurks at every turn.
9. Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood
This beloved anime remains a gold standard in storytelling, offering a perfect blend of political intrigue, character growth, and emotional payoff. Edward and Alphonse Elric search for a way to restore their bodies after a failed alchemical experiment, but the story quickly expands into a national conspiracy involving ancient magic and supernatural forces. Each character is well developed, and the world feels cohesive from start to finish. Brotherhood delivers one of the most satisfying conclusions in modern fantasy.
8. Invincible
Invincible takes the superhero genre and twists it into something far more intense than its bright art style suggests. Following Mark Grayson as he discovers his powers and uncovers dark truths about his father, the show blends emotional drama with explosive action. It explores the burden of responsibility, generational trauma, and the consequences of unchecked power. The series does not shy away from violence or moral conflict, making it one of the most gripping animated shows on television.
7. Avatar The Last Airbender
Although often thought of as a children’s show, Avatar The Last Airbender is one of the most fully realized fantasy stories ever put to screen. Every element of its world has purpose, from bending styles inspired by real martial arts to nations shaped by distinct philosophies. The journey of Aang, Katara, Sokka, Toph, and Zuko balances humor, heartache, and thoughtful storytelling in ways that resonate across generations. The animation, especially in later seasons, displays a cinematic attention to detail.
6. Cyberpunk Edgerunners
Set in the world of Night City, Cyberpunk Edgerunners tells a self-contained story that blends neon soaked style with raw emotional power. The show follows David, a teen pulled into the dangerous world of mercenaries known as edgerunners. The stakes build quickly as he navigates violence, loyalty, and the cost of cybernetic upgrades. The kinetic animation creates a world that feels unstable and dangerous, matching the tragic tone of the story.
5. The Mighty Nein
The Mighty Nein brings Critical Role’s second campaign to Prime Video with a darker and more emotionally grounded approach than its predecessor. Instead of seasoned heroes, the story follows a cast of broken misfits whose tragedies shape every decision they make. Beautifully rendered landscapes and magic give the show grand scope, while the character work drives home the emotional stakes. It is a mature and thoughtful take on fantasy that rewards patient viewers.
4. Castlevania
Based on the classic video game series, Castlevania is a gothic action fantasy filled with sharp writing and brutal fight sequences. The show follows Trevor Belmont, Sypha Belnades, and Alucard as they battle forces unleashed by Dracula. What begins as a straightforward monster hunt becomes a deeply layered story about grief, vengeance, and the struggle to find meaning in a world scarred by conflict. The animation is fluid and dynamic, especially during the elaborate magical battles.
3. Star Wars The Clone Wars
The Clone Wars fills the gap between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith with a depth that the films never had the time to explore. The show enriches Anakin Skywalker’s fall, gives Ahsoka Tano one of the most satisfying journeys in the Star Wars franchise, and elevates characters like Captain Rex into fan favorites. Each season expands the galaxy with new planets, political dilemmas, and moral questions that add weight to the overall saga. It stands as one of the strongest pieces of storytelling in Star Wars.
2. The Legend of Vox Machina
Based on the first campaign from Critical Role, this fantasy series mixes raunchy humor with high stakes adventure in a way that keeps the tone surprisingly balanced. The ragtag group known as Vox Machina deals with dragons, corrupt royalty, and the fallout of their own personal flaws. While the show features magic and monsters at every turn, the strength of the series comes from the relationships among the team. It feels like a rollicking tabletop adventure brought fully to life.
1. Arcane
Few animated shows in recent memory have made an impact like Arcane. Set in the world of Runeterra, this series blends steampunk technology, political tension, and heartbreaking character arcs. The relationship between sisters Vi and Jinx anchors the story, giving the fantastical setting real emotional weight. Arcane’s visual style is breathtaking, using painterly textures and fluid motion to create a world that feels alive. It is a perfect example of animation reaching the level of prestige drama.
What unites these ten series is the creative freedom they embrace. Each one builds a world with its own rules, history, and conflicts, then uses animation to bring those ideas to life in ways that live action often cannot. Whether through the emotional tension of The Mighty Nein, the neon frenzy of Edgerunners, or the graceful bending styles of Avatar, these series highlight how animation opens doors to imaginative storytelling that feels limitless.
If you are looking for sci-fi or fantasy that takes risks, challenges expectations, and puts character and world building front and center, these shows deserve a spot on your watchlist.
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