10 More Sci-Fi Programs To Watch!
Galaxy Express 999 is one of the late Leiji Matsumoto’s most atmospheric works. It features compelling characters, and interesting worlds, and has a splendid adventurous aroma. It takes place in the distant future, where a boy named Tetsuro wants to purchase a pass for the Galaxy Express 999 train to obtain a mechanical body. A woman named Maetel saves him from a machine-man hybrid named Count Mecha and gives him a pass to the train. We watch their journey on this extraordinary train unfold.
Fear not if you’re having trouble finding anime similar to Galaxy Express 999! We’ve discovered 10 alternate shows that’ll give you a similar experience as Galaxy Express 999.
Additionally, for each anime we’ve reviewed, we’ve included a link that allows you to view our full thoughts about the series to see if it’s worth your time.
So without further ado, we present 10 TV shows that should whet your appetite when you’ve finished streaming Galaxy Express 999!
Space Battleship Yamato
Similarities – Drama, Sci-fi, Themes
If you’re in need of another 70s classic, look no further than Space Battleship Yamato. This is another anime that’s set in a glorious futuristic world where space travel is common amongst its living organisms. It follows the story of a group of humans who must save Earth from an alien invasion. Both shows use their futuristic settings to explore profound themes.
These include the meaning of existence and the role humanity plays in space exploration. Space Battleship Yamato’s cast evolves throughout the course of the story. This anime’s captain character Juuzou Okito starts off as a strict militaristic figure but becomes more compassionate toward his crew over time. The development is subtle but effective.
The anime’s retro aesthetic will appeal to those looking for something great and old-fashioned. Both anime feature distinct character designs, backgrounds, and settings. Give this a watch if you’re looking for something with enough drama and compelling characters.
Kino’s Journey
Similarities – Philosophical Adventures
Kino’s Journey is a great adventure anime that’ll make viewers ponder. Like Galaxy Express 999, this anime emphasizes exploration. You’ll follow the protagonist Kino as he traverses through different countries, encountering diverse cultures, and experiencing different philosophies. It evokes the same vibes as Tetsuro and Maetel’s journey on the Galaxy Express train.
Both stories have journeys that will give viewers a sense of discovery and adventure. On that note, you’ll find yourself entranced by each show’s exploration of deeper themes like morality, ethics, and human nature. In particular, Kino’s Journey delves into notions of war and violence as opposed to Galaxy Express which delves into topics like inequality and the meaning of life.
Lastly, both anime offer imaginative worlds that many will find beautiful and intriguing. In addition to having a well-rounded protagonist and melancholic atmosphere, Kino’s Journey is worth your time.
Kaiba
Similarities – Exploration & Themes
Kaiba is one of the few anime that will shock many first-time viewers. On the surface, it looks like a standard animation project, but if you delve deeper into it, you’ll learn it has a complex narrative that’s brimming with mature themes. Our tale centers around Kaiba, who wakes up with a gaping hole in his stomach and no recollection of his past.
Eventually, Kaiba finds a locket and a photo of a mysterious girl. Kaiba explores the solar system to find this girl and receive answers about his past. This is another adventurous tale that you don’t want to miss. Kaiba’s quest for the truth will lead him down to countless areas, each housing distinct obstacles around every corner.
Furthermore, this anime offers themes concerning memory and identity. These anime explore how memories shape who we are and how they can be manipulated or removed, leading to the question of what our true identity is.
Cowboy Bebop
Similarities – Characters, Music, Adventure
Spike may be a simple bounty hunter, but his tale in Cowboy Bebop is cherished by many anime fans. This show involves a group of bounty hunters exploring numerous locations and getting into all types of mischievous scenarios. It contains incredible animation, an adult tone, and a catchy soundtrack that fits with its sci-fi theme.
As one can expect, both shows feature their protagonists traveling through space to visit many planets. Each planet contains familiar and distinct species that will pique the viewer’s interest. Cowboy Bebop uses music in the same vein as Galaxy Express 999. It incorporated music to enhance the tone, atmosphere, and emotions of each scene. For those looking for a fun action-adventure anime with a remarkable cast, check out Cowboy Bebop.
The Legend of the Galactic Heroes
Similarities – Setting & Psychological
To fans of series with deep plots brimming with political issues, psychological warfare, and epic space battles, The Legend of the Galatic Heroes should please you. This is a slow-burner series with heavy dialogue, though. It won’t appeal to folks who like watching content that’s fast-paced or filled with jaw-dropping animated sequences. It’s more for an audience who wants something mature and fresh.
This space oper follows Reinhard and Yang. Each runs a specific superpower that’s at war with the other. In this war, both factions want to achieve victory over the other. Viewers will examine how our protagonists plan to keep a watchful eye on their fleets while combatting the personal problems that’ll plague their minds.
This anime’s known for being overly psychological and giving its cast enough time to shine. These characters engage in many physical and mental disputes concerning their rise to power. Rebellion and morality are other topics covered in this anime. If you’re okay with a space-themed work that’s slow and complex, give this beast of an anime a shot.
Night on the Galactic Railroad
Similarities – Drama
Night on the Galactic Railroad is an anime that provides viewers with an atmospheric experience. In it, the protagonists Giovanni and Campanella embark on a quest on a fantastical train that travels through space like Tetsuro and Maetel in Galaxy Express 999. This train helps Giovanni and Campanella explore multiple worlds and their quest represents self-discovery and enlightenment.
Galaxy Express 999 and Night on the Galactic Railroad also delve into the complexities of human emotions. For example, the latter explores themes of isolation, empathy, and the human condition while Galaxy Express 999 delves into love, loss, and sacrifice.
Essentially, both series feature protagonists who are searching for something more and wind up understanding themselves better by the end of their journeys. Give this a watch if you’re looking for another anime that focuses on characters traversing the world on a train.
Terra e…
Similarities – Drama & Sci-fi
Terra e… is another space-themed tale that shares many aspects with Galaxy Express 999. Firstly, both anime feature young protagonists who undergo a journey of self-discovery. Terra e…’s protagonist Jomy is a powerful psychic who is trying to understand his abilities and his true identity. Although Tetsuro flees with Maetel to obtain a new machine body, he also seeks a new purpose in life.
Survival and evolution are tackled in both anime. Terra e… depicts a future where equality amongst humans doesn’t exist, with some people evolving into new species, while others are trying to preserve their humanity. This resembles the idea presented in Galaxy Express 999 where humans flee Earth to explore new areas with new challenges and species.
That said, Terra e… has as much creature and human variety as Galaxy Express 999. This helps the anime achieve nice world-building and lore that’s worth viewers’ investment.
Heroic Age
Similarities – Sci-fi & Themes
Another anime about space travel and discovery is Heroic Age. This anime has its cast embark on a space-themed adventure where they must overcome their own emotional baggage and societal prejudices to unite with other races to combat a common foe. This will remind Galaxy Express 999 fans of its cast’s encounters with alien cultures.
Galaxy Express 999 and Heroic Age highlight the importance of growth and transformation. In the latter, we follow Age, as he learns about his true identity and his potential as a hero. This will remind folks of Tetsuro’s quest since he’ll learn valuable life lessons and details concerning the universe he’s a part of during his quest for a machine body.
Both protagonists receive wonderful development, becoming wiser and more empathetic as each anime continues. Heroic Age also features unique species that make Age’s world feel lively and grand. Every race has a unique strength, weakness, and ability to stand out. Both anime include a decent amount of action to keep people invested too.
Space Pirate Captain Harlock
Similarities – Adventure, Drama, Sci-fi
Space Pirate Captain Harlock acts as a brother series to Galaxy Express 999. Its protagonist Captain Harlock has appeared in Galaxy Express 999 before, making their connection even greater. In Space Pirate Captain Harlock, we follow Captain Harlock and his crew as they embark on multiple journeys aboard his spaceship Arcadia.
One day, the Mazone invades Earth and transforms into a woman who can murder anyone. This mysterious force targets a man named Tadashi after killing his father. This encourages Tadashi to join Captain Harlock’s crew to defeat the Mazone. Like Maetel and Tetsuro, Captain Harlock, Tadashi, and Harlock’s crew have interesting personalities and backgrounds.
The anime’s plot isn’t complex, though. It genuinely follows your typical “villain of the week” structure. However, the space battles are incredibly animated and exhilarating. The characters engage in bouts that are psychological and biological in nature. Like Galaxy Express 999, Space Pirate Captain Harlock tackles themes like love, loss, longing, and the search for meaning in life.
Casshern Sins
Similarities – Adventure, Drama, Sci-fi
Casshern Sins is an obscure anime that got some popularity after it aired during Toonami’s revival in the previous decade alongside Deadman Wonderland. This anime offers a gritty dystopian setting for its characters to travel through. In this world where robots roam a troubled Earth lives Casshern. He’s an android targeted by others because they want to eat him to gain immortality.
Casshern hopes by the end of his journey, he’ll uncover the truth about his past, why he exists, and what he is. Like Galaxy Express 999, Casshern Sins dives deep into the struggle of accepting one’s mortality and the implications of living forever. Both anime feature worlds that are corrupt and set in the near future.
From sentient robots being hunted in Casshern Sins to humanity suffering from issues like poverty and war in Galaxy Express 999, both shows explore the consequences of technology and humanity’s progress. In addition to tackling the theme of identity and evoking a sense of wanderlust, Casshern Sins is a great anime to watch after Galaxy Express 999.
So there we have it, our 10 anime/TV show alternatives to watch when you’ve caught up with Galaxy Express 999!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!