Science fiction has always been the perfect vehicle for stories of boundless imagination, and some of the best come from the limitless world of anime and animation in general. Cyberpunk offerings like Akira (1988) and Ghost in the Shell (1995) have set an inimitable standard, while stellar sci-fi anthology films like Memories (1995) revolutionized the genre. Titles like Fantastic Planet (1973) and Paprika (2006) prove sci-fi doesn’t have to explore traditional tropes to leave a lasting impression. Some stories can plunge us right into the heart of biomechanical warfare, while others can take us on a surreal journey with the promise that something beautiful is about to happen. But while the history of anime is rich with sci-fi worlds and characters, the last few years have also been an embarrassment of animated riches.…