What is this genre all about? Space opera is a sub-genre of fiction that emphasizes romantic adventures in space. Space opera generally involves large-scale conflicts between opponents with powerful abilities and technology. The genre will often be melodramatic, sometimes playing music that can be nothing short of awesome. Warfare and a battle of wits are usually less emphasized, preferring romance (with exceptions, e.g. Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu). Some space operas tend to be formulaic and sometimes even prosaic, often employing very simple devices and somewhat obvious strategies. An example of this would be the infamous laws of physics in the Macross universe, in which the main male lead will hardly ever get hit in battle.
We present you the list of Space Opera anime you should watch right now.
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Top 19 Space Opera anime you should watch right now. [2026 List]
- 19. Star Wars: Visions - Kyuuninme no Jedi
- 18. Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam
- 17. Legend of the Galactic Heroes
- 16. Star Wars: Visions Volume 3
- 15. Kidou Senshi Gundam GQuuuuuuX
- 14. Top wo Nerae! Gunbuster
- 13. Macross F
- 12. Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack
- 11. Seihou Bukyou Outlaw Star
- 10. Macross F Movie 1: Itsuwari no Utahime
- 9. Kiddy Grade
- 8. Musekinin Kanchou Tylor OVA
- 7. Macross
- 6. Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn
- 5. Kidou Senshi Gundam: GQuuuuuuX - Beginning
- 4. Macross F Movie 2: Sayonara no Tsubasa
- 3. Terra e... (TV)
- 2. Kidou Senkan Nadesico
- 1. Top wo Nerae 2! Diebuster
19. Star Wars: Visions - Kyuuninme no Jedi
Kara and her ragtag Jedi crew seek out to find worthy Jedi to fight against an increasingly powerful warlord.
Star Wars: Visions Presents - The Ninth Jedi has finished airing and it has 8 Episodes. It is also Known as: Star Wars：ビジョンズ 九人目のジェダイ, Star Wars: Visions - Kyuuninme no Jedi
18. Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam
It is Universal Century 0087, and the One Year War between the Earth Federation and Principality of Zeon is over. The Earth Federation has created an elite task force, known as the Titans, who are responsible for hunting the remaining Zeon forces. However, the power-hungry Titans have shown themselves to be no better than Zeon, spurring the creation of a rebellious faction called the Anti-Earth Union Group (AEUG).
17-year-old Kamille Bidan lives in the colony Green Noa, home to a Titan base. Kamille gets in trouble after assaulting a Titan officer, an event that coincides with an attack led by former Zeon ace Char Aznable, now known as AEUG pilot Quattro Bajeena. When Kamille steals a Titan's prototype Gundam, he soon finds himself in the middle of the dangerous conflict.
Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam has finished airing and it has 50 Episodes. It is also Known as: Kidou Senshi Zeta Gundam, 機動戦士Ζガンダム, Mobile Suit Z Gundam
17. Legend of the Galactic Heroes
For 150 years the galaxy has been locked in an interstellar war between the Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance, fighting battles with thousands of spaceships and millions of soldiers on both sides. The crumbling Goldenbaum dynasty rules the Empire while the Alliance is in an increasingly dysfunctional democratic state.
Two new commanders enter the stage: Imperial Admiral Reinhard von Lohengramm and the FPA's Yang Wen-Li. Reinhard is a talented minor aristocrat given a high station—and a powerful grudge—after the Kaiser took his older sister as a concubine. Wen-Li originally joined the military only to fund his university education, but has become a brilliant though reluctant leader. Each begins to attract a circle of similarly gifted soldiers, generals and thinkers around him, and in time the rivalry between these two very different men will shatter the existing stalemate. As they deal with superiors and subordinates, maneuver through personal and political problems, plot strategies and fight battles, both will bend the course of events to their will and, in turn, be tested and changed by the greatest war in human history!
Legend of the Galactic Heroes is a vast, sentimental and thoughtful military space opera. This 110-episode OVA is the central part of the franchise, and the other connected titles are supplements to it.
Legend of the Galactic Heroes has finished airing and it has 110 Episodes. It is also Known as: Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu, 銀河英雄伝説, LoGH, LotGH, Gin'eiden, GinEiDen, Heldensagen Vom Kosmosinsel
16. Star Wars: Visions Volume 3
The critically acclaimed series of animated shorts returns to Japan for a third installment in collaboration with nine anime studios.
1) The Duel: Payback (Mizuno Takanobu, Kamikaze Douga x Anima)
2) The Song of Four Wings (Hiroyasu Kobayashi, Project Studio Q)
3) The Ninth Jedi: Child of Hope (Naoyoshi Shiotani, Production I.G.)
4) The Bounty Hunters (Junichi Yamamoto, Wit Studio)
5) Yuko's Treasure (Masaki Tachibana, Kinema Citrus)
6) The Lost Ones (Hitoshi Haga, Kinema Citrus)
7) The Smuggler (Masahiko Ootsuka, Trigger)
8) Bird of Paradise (Tadahiro Yoshihira, Polygon Pictures)
9) Black (Shinya Oohira, David Production)
Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 has finished airing and it has 9 Episodes. It is also Known as: スター・ウォーズ：ビジョンズ Vol. 3, Star Wars ビジョンズ Vol. 3
15. Kidou Senshi Gundam GQuuuuuuX
Amate Yuzuriha is a high-school student living peacefully in a space colony floating in outer space.
When she meets a war refugee named Nyaan, Amate is drawn into the illegal mobile suit dueling sport known as Clan Battle.
Under the entry name "Machu," she throws herself into fierce battle day after day, piloting the GQuuuuuuX. Then an unidentified Gundam mobile suit pursued by both the space force and the police appears before her, along with its pilot, a boy named Shuji.
Now their world is about to enter a new era.
Note: Prior to broadcasting, "Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-" — a theatrical version using re-edited episodes — is scheduled to debut in Japan on January 17, 2025.
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: 機動戦士Gundam GQuuuuuuX, Kidou Senshi Gundam GQuuuuuuX
14. Top wo Nerae! Gunbuster
In the near future, humanity has taken its first steps towards journeying into the far reaches of the galaxy. Upon doing so they discover a huge race of insectoid aliens known as “Space Monsters.” These aliens seem dedicated to the eradication of mankind as they near closer and closer to discovering Earth. In response, humanity develops giant fighting robots piloted by hand-picked youth from around the world.
Shortly after the discovery of the aliens, Noriko Takaya, the daughter of a famous deceased space captain, enters a training school despite her questionable talents as a pilot. There, she meets her polar opposite, the beautiful and talented Kazumi Amano, and is unexpectedly made to work together with her as they attempt to overcome the trauma of war as well as their own emotions.
Gunbuster has finished airing and it has 6 Episodes. It is also Known as: トップをねらえ！ GunBuster, Top wo Nerae!, Aim for the Top!
13. Macross F
In a futuristic universe, humanity waged war against a race of giants known as Zentradi. Facing extinction at hands of their foes, humanity escaped to the stars. In 2059 A.D., the 25th Giant Immigration fleet, also known as the Macross Frontier, undergoes its journey towards the center of the galaxy.
For the most part, life on the Macross Frontier proceeds as normal. But when famous singer Sheryl Nome visits, things go awry. Mysterious biomechanical aliens known as Vajra appear and attack, just as the citizens are busy clamoring over Sheryl.
17-year-old student mech pilot Alto Saotome joins the fray against the alien threat. While battling against a Varja, Alto rescues a young girl named Ranka Lee. Major Ozma Lee notes Alto's skill during his battle, and recruits him into the Strategic Military Services program. But his recruitment does not go smoothly, as the ghosts of Alto's past come up to haunt him.
Macross Frontier has finished airing and it has 25 Episodes. It is also Known as: マクロスＦ（ロンティア）, Macross F
12. Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack
U.C. 0093 - Char Aznable, the infamous "Red Comet" of the One Year War, has come out of hiding to lead the Neo-Zeon Army and wage war against the Earth Federation. Only his greatest rival, Gundam pilot Amuro Ray, can stop him from dropping the Axis asteroid on Earth and causing a major global catastrophe.
Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack has finished airing and it has 1 Episodes. It is also Known as: Kidou Senshi Gundam: Gyakushuu no Char, 機動戦士ガンダム 逆襲のシャア, Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack
11. Seihou Bukyou Outlaw Star
Gene Starwind has always dreamed of piloting his own ship out into the vast sea of stars. Unfortunately, not all dreams come true, as he spends his days working odd jobs alongside his partner, James Hawking, on the small planet Sentinel III instead. However, this all takes a turn when the duo takes on a job from Rachel Sweet who, unbeknownst to them, is actually a treasure-hunting outlaw. Tasked with protecting a mysterious girl known as Melfina, the meeting irrevocably changes the pair's lives as they are sent out into the great unknown aboard the highly advanced ship, Outlaw Star.Seihou Bukyou Outlaw Star follows Gene and his ragtag crew as they brave the final frontier, navigating the stars in search of answers to the mysteries surrounding Melfina. Encountering dangerous bounty hunters, space pirates, Taoist mages, and even catgirls, there is sure to be an exhilarating adventure around every corner.
Outlaw Star has finished airing and it has 24 Episodes. It is also Known as: 星方武侠アウトロースター, Future Hero Next Generation Outlaw Star, Starward Warrior Knight Outlaw Star
10. Macross F Movie 1: Itsuwari no Utahime
Half retelling of the original Frontier series, half new story. Conspiracies arise within the Frontier government when Sheryl Nome arrives to the colonial fleet for her concert and is soon marked as a spy for Galaxy while childhood friends, Alto Saotome and Ranka Lee both try to achieve their dreams as the battle between Frontier and the Vajra draws closer.
This movie serves as part one of the Frontier retelling and will conclude with the second, The Wings of Goodbye.
Macross Frontier: The False Songstress has finished airing and it has 1 Episodes. It is also Known as: 劇場版 マクロスＦ 虚空歌姫 ～イツワリノウタヒメ～, Macross Frontier the Movie, Gekijouban Macross F: Itsuwari no Utahime
9. Kiddy Grade
After fighting in numerous interstellar wars, mankind forms the Galactic Union to bring stability and to prevent conflicts between different planets. However, disputes between members of the union itself persists. In the Star Century year 0165, the Galactic Organization of Trade and Tariffs (GOTT) was formed. This organization utilizes the superpowered ES taskforce to maintain order. Eclair and Lumiere are two low-ranking ES members who carry out missions for GOTT. However, as they begin to see more and more of the galaxy, they soon realize that what they know about GOTT, the Galactic Union, and even themselves might not be all there is to it...
Kiddy Grade has finished airing and it has 24 Episodes. It is also Known as: キディ・グレイド, Kiddy Grade
8. Musekinin Kanchou Tylor OVA
Six long months have passed. The Raalgon Empire has developed a horrible new type of weapon, and Tylor has been charged with the duty of intercepting it as it is being transported. But when all that could go wrong does go wrong, the crew members of the Soyokaze find themselves at the mercy of their enemies. As the hours tick down toward their execution, the crew wonders: has their irresponsible captain misled them? Or is this all a part of some greater strategy?
Irresponsible Captain Tylor OVA has finished airing and it has 10 Episodes. It is also Known as: 無責任艦長タイラー OVA, Musekinin Kanchou Tylor OVA
7. Macross
After a mysterious spaceship crashes into Earth, humanity realizes that they are not alone. Fearing a potential threat from space, the world pushes aside their nationalism, conflicting interests, and cultural differences, unifying under the banner of the United Nations. The newly formed UN forces decide to repurpose the alien spacecraft, naming it SDF-1 Macross. Unfortunately, on the day of its maiden voyage, a fleet of spaceships belonging to a race of aliens known as Zentradi descend upon Earth, and the SDF-1 Macross, acting of its own accord, shoots down the incoming squadron, sparking an intergalactic war.
In an attempt to escape, the Macross tries to launch itself into the Moon's orbit, but the ship—as well as the city was in—is teleported to the far reaches of space. Caught up in the mess are Hikaru Ichijou, a free-spirited acrobatic pilot, and Minmay Lynn, an aspiring idol. Together, alongside Macross's bridge officer Misa Hayase, they experience an epic journey rife with grief and drama as they begin their trek back to Earth, facing with the cruelties of war along the way.
Macross has finished airing and it has 36 Episodes. It is also Known as: Choujikuu Yousai Macross, 超時空要塞マクロス, Choujikuu Yousai Macross, Cho Jiku Yosai Macross, Super Dimensional Fortress Macross, SDF Macross, Robotech (U.S.)
6. Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn
U.C. 0096...
The manufacturing colony Industrial 7, which is still under construction, floats at Lagrange point 1.
A youth named Banagher Links, who grew up without knowing his father, meets a mysterious girl who has stowed away on a ship bound for Industrial 7. As the white mobile suit Unicorn undergoes repeated tests and becomes the subject of diverse speculations, the hands of time begin to move.
Banagher does not yet know that he has been caught up in the conflict surrounding Laplace's Box.
What is Laplace's Box?
What secret does it contain?
The hundred-year curse of the Universal Century is about to be resolved.
Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn has finished airing and it has 7 Episodes. It is also Known as: 機動戦士ガンダムUC（ユニコーン）, Mobile Suit Gundam UC, Kidou Senshi Gundam Unicorn
5. Kidou Senshi Gundam: GQuuuuuuX - Beginning
Amate Yuzuriha is a high-school student living peacefully in a space colony floating in outer space. When she meets a war refugee named Nyaan, Amate is drawn into the illegal mobile suit dueling sport known as Clan Battle.
Under the entry name "Machu," she throws herself into fierce battle day after day, piloting the GQuuuuuuX. Then an unidentified Gundam mobile suit pursued by both the space force and the police appears before her, along with its pilot, a boy named Shuji.
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- has finished airing and it has 1 Episodes. It is also Known as: 機動戦士 Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-, Kidou Senshi Gundam: GQuuuuuuX - Beginning
4. Macross F Movie 2: Sayonara no Tsubasa
Second Macross Frontier movie.
Macross Frontier: The Wings of Farewell has finished airing and it has 1 Episodes. It is also Known as: 劇場版 マクロスＦ 恋離飛翼 ～サヨナラノツバサ～, Macross Frontier the Movie 2, Gekijouban Macross F: Sayonara no Tsubasa, Macross Frontier: The Wings of Goodbye, Macross Frontier: The Wings of Farewell
3. Terra e... (TV)
In the future, humans are living on colonized planets and are controlled in every aspect of their life by a system of computers. Evolution has resulted in the birth of people with extraordinary powers. This new race is called Mu. Hated and feared by the humans, the Mu dream of a place to live in peace: Earth—a mystical far away planet—for humanity had to leave their home long ago as pollution and destruction increased and made it impossible to stay there any longer.
Jomy is a boy excitedly awaiting his birthday, the day he will enter the world of adults. Yet he knows nothing about the unknown powers sleeping in him and the shared dream of returning to Earth one day.
Terra e... (TV) has finished airing and it has 24 Episodes. It is also Known as: 地球へ…, Terra e... (2007), Terra he..., Chikyuu he, Towards the Terra...
2. Kidou Senkan Nadesico
Akito doesn't want to fight. Despite a childhood spent on the anime Gekiganger 3, a Mecha show, he'd rather cook than pilot a Mecha. Fate intervenes when his home on Mars is destroyed, and he is transported instantly to the Earth, mysteriously. He has questions no one can answer fully, but follows a girl from a chance meeting in hopes to discover any. The girl, Yurika, is captain of the private battleship Nadesico, and in order to follow her, he enlists as their cook. Possessing the nanite implants that allow to control mechas, he's a handy backup pilot for the mechas of the Nadesico. He joins a crew bent on avenging Mars that seems to be composed of only misfits, otakus, and ditzes; however, in reality, they are handpicked experts. They take their own private war back to Mars to face the harsh reality that life may not always be like a Giant Mecha series.
Martian Successor Nadesico has finished airing and it has 26 Episodes. It is also Known as: 機動戦艦ナデシコ, Kidou Senkan Nadesico
1. Top wo Nerae 2! Diebuster
While Gunbuster's final mission destroyed the space monsters' star system, the intergalactic war still continues. Earth's only hope lies in the hands of "TOPLESS," an elite mecha group with children possessing supernatural powers and new Buster Machines. Among their ranks is a rookie named Nono and the ace pilot Lal'C—whom Nono looks at as a "big sister." Together with their teammates Nicholas and Chiko, they must aim for the top and protect all of mankind from the wrath of the space monsters.
Gunbuster 2 has finished airing and it has 6 Episodes. It is also Known as: トップをねらえ2！DIEBUSTER, Aim for the Top! 2, DieBuster
