Is this the first time you’ve heard about cyberpunk animes? You might think of the “Cyberpunk 2077” game. Well, while the two may be correlated – since what’s in a name? – animes following that genre differ from the game that carries that name. In this article, you will learn about cyberpunk animes and the best shows in this genre that are worth watching. Read on.
The Cyberpunk Anime Defined
Cyberpunk animes are part of Japanese cyberpunk, a genre of fiction produced in the East Asian country. There are Japanese cyberpunk films, mangas, then there are your cyberpunk animes.
Cyberpunk animes follows the cyberpunk genre or subgenre. It is a subgenre of science fiction set in a dystopian future focusing on the merging of lowlife and high technology. That being said, this genre features futuristic technological and scientific achievements, like artificial intelligence and cyberware, existing side by side with the collapse or decay of society, or dystopia.
The world of anime has a slew of cyberpunk works. Let’s explore some of the best.
Some Of The Beset Cyberpunk Animes
‘Ghost In The Shell’
“Ghost in the Shell” is such a classic that many anime fans are familiar with it. This is not only an anime series but also a movie and manga. The 1995 film, for one, happens in Japan during 2029. Its story revolves around a cyborg agent named Motoko Kusanagi.
Kusanagi is the leader of a task force that takes down cybercrime, particularly that of a hacker called “Puppet Master.” Pupper Master can manipulate its victims’ memories to implicate them in criminal activities. Interesting, right?
“Ghost in the Shell” also takes place in a world where humans can acquire all kinds of cybernetic parts, including the cyberbrain, which then grants the human mind access to the Internet.
This interesting storyline of this anime is also a philosophical exploration of existence, consciousness, sentience, and what it really means to become human.
‘Cowboy Bebop’
Another noteworthy cyberpunk anime from the 1990s is “Cowboy Bebop.” The name sounds Wild West, but how did it become cyberpunk?
Well, the story involves Spike Spiegel, a beloved space cowboy, with his ragtag of outcasts tangled in a series of bounty hunting and self-discovery, but yes, in a Western backdrop.
This cyberpunk anime has astounded audiences after being released as a refreshing amalgamation of several uninhibited genres. Aside from a pulsating jazz soundtrack, the show also boasts themes such as loneliness and existentialism. It’s truly worth your time.
‘Akira’
“Akira” is ranked high in many lists of the best cyberpunk animes. It was actually created back in the 1980s but is set in a dystopian 2019, with Shōtarō Kaneda, a leader of a biker game, whose friend from childhood, Tetsuo Shima, obtains unbelievable telekinetic superpowers after a motorcycle mishap. This eventually threatened an entire military complex amidst rebellion and chaos in the futuristic city of new Tokyo.
‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’
Another cyberpunk anime you must include on your bucket list is “Neon Genesis Evangelion.” However, this show sets itself apart from others on this list as it is a merging of cyberpunk and mecha. Think of “Gundam.”
“Neon Genesis Evangelion” takes place in its own version of 2015 when the world has gone through an event known as the Second Impact, which has even destroyed Antarctica. The event involves nuclear attacks, and only half of humankind survived this ordeal.
The story also revolves around Shinji Ikari, a young man brought to a place called Tokyo-3, where he is tasked to pilot Evangelion, a powerful mecha, as well as fight formidable entities known as “Angels.” Ikari then finds himself in a battle that prevents the Third Impact, which then destroys the entire world. This intense plot has catapulted this cyberpunk anime to fame.
‘Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’
Can it pick a better title than that? “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” is proud of the genre where it belongs. If you are looking for animes inspired by the “Cyberpunk 2077,” this has to be what you must watch.
“Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” tells the story of a teenager named David Martinez, who finds himself in the middle of a tragedy that leads him to become an “edgerunner.” As a high-value mercenary, he risks his life and his physicality to pull off dangerous tasks together with this rowdy company.
It has been said that those new to the cyberpunk anime genre should have this show on top of their list.
‘Psycho-Pass’
Another anime that fans of this genre will love is “Psycho-Pass.” As the name implies, this show is not just of the cyberpunk genre as it is also a psychological thriller anime series.
Set in the dystopian Japanese governance called Sibyl System, its story follows Akane Tsunemori, a young lady introduced as a novice Inspector and assigned to Division One of the Criminal Investigation Division of the Public Safety Bureau. This office is responsible for resolving crimes with latent criminals known as Enforcers.
“Psycho-Pass” is a whirlwind of twists and turns that will keep you glued to your seat.
More Amazing Cyberpunk Animes
Here are 10 more outstanding cyberpunk animes you should be including right now on your list:
- “Paprika”
- “Trigun”
- “Serial Experiments Lain”
- “Ergo Proxy”
- “Texhnolyze”
- “Battle Angel Alita”
- “Memories”
- “Akudama Drive”
- “Dirty Pair”
- “The Animatrix’
Conclusion
Though cyberpunk animes are from Japan, the genre is known for being so very well-received beyond the borders of that country. Whichever is its way, it is a fact that this genre has a stupendous library of works beloved by both fans and critics. The best of the best are in your midst. Indulge.
