Akira is a groundbreaking film in the cyberpunk genre that has captivated audiences since its release. If you’re a fan of this iconic movie, you’ll love these 18 films that capture similar themes and aesthetics. Dive into the world of futuristic cities, complex characters, and mind-bending plots.
1. Ghost in the Shell
query=Ghost+in+the+Shell+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Ghost+in+the+Shell+trailer
“Ghost in the Shell” follows Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg cop, as she hunts down a mysterious hacker known as the Puppet Master. Starring Atsuko Tanaka and Akio Ōtsuka, this film is a staple in the cyberpunk genre.
2. Blade Runner
query=Blade+Runner+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Blade+Runner+trailer
“Blade Runner” stars Harrison Ford as Rick Deckard, a blade runner tasked with hunting down rogue replicants. Directed by Ridley Scott, this film is renowned for its atmospheric visuals and complex narrative.
3. The Matrix
query=The+Matrix+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=The+Matrix+trailer
“The Matrix” features Keanu Reeves as Neo, a hacker who discovers the true nature of his reality. Directed by the Wachowskis, this film blends cyberpunk aesthetics with groundbreaking special effects.
4. Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion
query=Neon+Genesis+Evangelion%3A+The+End+of+Evangelion+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Neon+Genesis+Evangelion%3A+The+End+of+Evangelion+trailer
This film serves as an alternate ending to the “Neon Genesis Evangelion” series, diving deep into psychological and philosophical themes. Starring Megumi Ogata and Megumi Hayashibara, it’s a must-watch for anime fans.
5. Alita: Battle Angel
query=Alita%3A+Battle+Angel+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Alita%3A+Battle+Angel+trailer
“Alita: Battle Angel” follows a cyborg named Alita who discovers her past while navigating a dystopian future. Starring Rosa Salazar and Christoph Waltz, this film combines stunning visuals with a compelling story.
6. Paprika
query=Paprika+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Paprika+trailer
“Paprika” is a visually stunning film about a psychologist who uses a device to enter people’s dreams. Directed by Satoshi Kon and starring Megumi Hayashibara, this movie explores the boundaries between dreams and reality.
7. Metropolis
query=Metropolis+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Metropolis+trailer
“Metropolis” is a visually stunning anime that explores a futuristic city divided by class. Directed by Rintaro and featuring the voices of Yuka Imoto and Kei Kobayashi, the film is inspired by Fritz Lang’s 1927 classic.
8. Ergo Proxy
query=Ergo+Proxy+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Ergo+Proxy+trailer
“Ergo Proxy” is a philosophical and introspective anime series set in a post-apocalyptic future. Starring Rie Saitou and Akiko Yajima, the story follows an investigator named Re-l Mayer as she uncovers dark secrets.
9. Akira Kurosawa’s Dreams
query=Akira+Kurosawa%27s+Dreams+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Akira+Kurosawa%27s+Dreams+trailer
This anthology film by Akira Kurosawa explores various dream sequences, blending reality with the surreal. Featuring Akira Terao and Mitsuko Baisho, it offers a unique cinematic experience.
10. Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence
query=Ghost+in+the+Shell+2%3A+Innocence+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Ghost+in+the+Shell+2%3A+Innocence+trailer
This sequel to “Ghost in the Shell” delves deeper into the philosophical questions posed by its predecessor. Starring Atsuko Tanaka and Akio Ōtsuka, it continues the story of cyborg cop Batou.
11. Serial Experiments Lain
query=Serial+Experiments+Lain+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Serial+Experiments+Lain+trailer
“Serial Experiments Lain” is a thought-provoking anime series that explores the nature of reality and consciousness. Starring Kaori Shimizu, it follows a young girl named Lain who becomes entangled in a web of digital intrigue.
12. Appleseed
query=Appleseed+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Appleseed+trailer
“Appleseed” is a visually stunning anime film set in a post-apocalyptic future where humans and robots coexist. Starring Ai Kobayashi and Jūrōta Kosugi, it follows a soldier named Deunan Knute as she navigates a complex world.
13. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
query=Ghost+in+the+Shell%3A+Stand+Alone+Complex+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Ghost+in+the+Shell%3A+Stand+Alone+Complex+trailer
This series expands on the “Ghost in the Shell” universe, offering more depth and character development. Starring Atsuko Tanaka and Akio Ōtsuka, it follows Section 9 as they tackle various cyber-crimes.
14. Cowboy Bebop: The Movie
query=Cowboy+Bebop%3A+The+Movie+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Cowboy+Bebop%3A+The+Movie+trailer
Set in the same universe as the beloved series, “Cowboy Bebop: The Movie” follows the crew of the Bebop as they hunt down a terrorist. Starring Kōichi Yamadera and Unshō Ishizuka, it offers a mix of action, humor, and heart.
15. Akira (1988)
query=Akira+%281988%29+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Akira+%281988%29+trailer
The original “Akira” is a must-watch for any fan of the cyberpunk genre. Directed by Katsuhiro Otomo and featuring the voices of Mitsuo Iwata and Nozomu Sasaki, it tells the story of a dystopian future where a secret military project endangers the world.
16. Psycho-Pass
query=Psycho-Pass+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Psycho-Pass+trailer
“Psycho-Pass” is an anime series set in a future where a powerful system dictates justice. Starring Kana Hanazawa and Tomokazu Seki, it follows a young inspector as she navigates moral and ethical dilemmas.
17. Tetsuo: The Iron Man
query=Tetsuo%3A+The+Iron+Man+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Tetsuo%3A+The+Iron+Man+trailer
“Tetsuo: The Iron Man” is a cult classic that blends horror and cyberpunk elements. Directed by Shinya Tsukamoto and starring Tomorowo Taguchi, it tells the story of a man who transforms into a metal creature.
18. Ghost in the Shell (2017)
query=Ghost+in+the+Shell+%282017%29+trailer’>https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Ghost+in+the+Shell+%282017%29+trailer
This live-action adaptation of the classic anime stars Scarlett Johansson as Major Motoko Kusanagi. Directed by Rupert Sanders, it offers a new take on the beloved story with stunning visuals and action sequences.
Explore these films and immerse yourself in the captivating world of cyberpunk cinema!
