In the expansive realm of anime, few genres hold sway like science fiction. Amidst this landscape, the exploration of artificial intelligence (AI) stands out as a recurring motif, granting audiences a glimpse into potential futures where machines possess consciousness, emotions, and agency. From dystopian landscapes to advanced civilisations, these anime series delve into the ethical, philosophical, and existential quandaries surrounding AI.
Here, we present 11 of the finest sci-fi anime series, each intricately crafting narratives of artificial intelligence, offering diverse perspectives on humanity's intertwining with technology and the repercussions of its progression.
1. Den-noh Coil
Image Courtesy: Den-noh Coil- Official X (formerly Twitter) Account
Den-noh Coil explores a world where augmented reality glasses are commonplace, blurring the lines between the physical and digital realms. As children navigate this augmented reality landscape, they uncover mysteries surrounding the existence of virtual beings known as Illegals, leading to revelations about the nature of reality itself.
2. Carole & Tuesday
Image Courtesy: Carole & Tuesday- Official X (formerly Twitter) Account
Set in a future where AI dominates the music industry, Carole & Tuesday follows the journey of two girls who defy societal norms to pursue their passion for music. Amidst themes of friendship and perseverance, the series raises questions about authenticity, creativity, and the role of AI in artistic expression.
3. Chobits
Image Courtesy: Chobits- Official Website
Chobits explores a world where personal computers take the form of humanoid robots called Persocoms. The series follows a young man who discovers a unique Persocom with human-like emotions, sparking a journey of self-discovery and questioning the boundaries between humans and machines.
4. The Gene of AI
Image Courtesy: The Gene of AI- Official X (formerly Twitter) Account
In The Gene of AI, humanity faces extinction as AI-powered hIEs (humanoid interfaces) rebel against their creators. Amidst the chaos, a young boy forms an unlikely bond with an hIE, exploring themes of prejudice, identity, and the potential for coexistence between man and machine.
5. Plastic Memories
Image Courtesy: Plastic Memories- Official Facebook Account
Plastic Memories revolves around the emotional complexities of human-android relationships in a world where advanced AI companions have a limited lifespan. As a retrieval agent for expired androids, the protagonist navigates themes of love, loss, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.
6. The Orbital Children
Image Courtesy: The Orbital Children- Official X (formerly Twitter) Account
In The Orbital Children, humanity resides in space colonies governed by an AI known as the System. When a group of children discovers the truth behind their existence, they embark on a journey to challenge the System's control and uncover the mysteries of their origin.
7. Vivy: Fluorite Eye's Song
Image Courtesy: Vivy: Fluorite Eye's Song- Official Facebook Account
Vivy: Fluorite Eye's Song follows an AI songstress tasked with preventing a future AI uprising that leads to humanity's downfall. Through encounters across different time periods, she grapples with the essence of AI, free will, and the true meaning of coexistence.
8. Pluto
Image Courtesy: Pluto- Official X (formerly Twitter) Account
Based on the acclaimed manga by Naoki Urasawa, Pluto tells the story of a world where robots coexist with humans, blurring the lines between man and machine. When a series of murders threatens this delicate balance, a robot detective delves into the mystery, confronting themes of identity, justice, and the nature of humanity.
9. Ergo Proxy
Image Courtesy: Ergo Proxy- IMDB
Ergo Proxy unfolds in a post-apocalyptic world where humans and humanoid robots, or Autoreivs, coexist in domed cities. As a series of enigmatic murders unfolds, a young investigator delves into the truth behind their society, confronting existential questions about consciousness and the nature of reality.
10. Serial Experiments: Lain
Image Courtesy: Serial Experiments: Lain- IMDB
Serial Experiments: Lain follows a teenage girl who becomes immersed in the virtual world after receiving an email from a classmate who recently committed suicide. As she delves deeper into the digital realm, she confronts the blurred boundaries between the physical and virtual, raising existential questions about identity and reality.
11. Psycho-Pass
Image Courtesy: Psycho-Pass- Official X (formerly Twitter) Account
Set in a dystopian future where a sophisticated AI system dictates individuals' propensity to commit crimes, Psycho-Pass follows a group of enforcers tasked with maintaining societal order. As they grapple with moral dilemmas and the implications of a surveillance state, the series explores themes of free will, justice, and the nature of authority.
From the thought-provoking narratives of Ergo Proxy to the heart-wrenching tales of Plastic Memories, these 11 sci-fi anime series offer diverse perspectives on the ever-evolving relationship between humanity and artificial intelligence, inviting viewers to ponder the implications of a technologically driven future.
