Any fan of cyberpunk stories knows that there’s more to the genre than simply futuristic cities and neon lights. This particularly stylish subset of science fiction uses fantastical technology and science as a backdrop for intense social commentary. A great cyberpunk narrative speaks to the balance of sci-fi elements placed against dystopian politics, class divide and gender issues. There are hundreds of shows and movies that dive headfirst into these cybernetic settings, and among them, Japanese animation has proven to be wildly successful in working with it.
Though cyberpunk stories have existed for decades all over the world, cyberpunk anime has produced some of the most memorable and enduring narratives in the genre. From influential classics and trope-defining films to modern gems and unique adaptations, the cyberpunk narrative wholeheartedly thrives within Japanese animation.
Here are some of our favorite cyberpunk anime that you should check out.
This selection may be a bit on the nose from the name alone. But as a spin-off of the 2020 video game, “Cyberpunk 2077,” this standalone story is widely regarded as being better than the source material. That alone earns it a slot on our list.
In the futuristic metropolis of Night City, corporate corruption, cybernetic addiction, and gang violence dictate daily life. Each of the city’s six districts abide by their own strict rules, and the wealthy lead far more comfortable lives than the poor population who struggle to survive.
David Martinez, a resident of Santo Domingo (the poorest district of Night City), struggles in his studies despite his brilliant mind. When a drive-by shooting completely destroys his life, he is forced to become an edgerunner; a cybernetically enhanced mercenary. Now, he fights to survive the streets of Night City.
2. “Akudama Drive”
This unsung masterpiece of the early 2020s oozes style from every facet of its presentation.
In the dystopian Kansai region of futuristic Japan, crime runs rampant as poor people try to live their lives. The most dangerous criminals in the city are labeled “Akudama,” and present a considerable threat to the population.
One day, a mysterious benefactor sends out messages to several Akudama to rescue a death row murderer named Cutthroat on the eve of his execution. As some Akudama answer the call, an innocent young woman is accidentally dragged into the ensuing mayhem. Once Cutthroat is released, the Akudama (along with the ordinary woman) are recruited to take on an even bigger heist under threat of death.
3. “Ghost in the Shell”
It’s only natural that one of the most highly-acclaimed films in cyberpunk anime history gets mentioned in our recommendations.
The 1995 feature directed by Mamoru Oshii follows Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg public-security agent who handles cases in New Port City. She, along with the rest of her Section 9 comrades, investigates an enigmatic hacker known as the Puppet Master. As they attempt to uncover their identity, Kusanagi confronts her sense of humanity and the evolution of cyborgs as a species.
Several adaptations of the “Ghost in the Shell” story exist for you to sink your teeth into.
5. “Akira”
We can hardly mention one classic cyberpunk anime film without recognizing the other. “Akira” is highly regarded as one of the greatest animated films of all time and is even considered one of the progenitors of the genre as a whole.
Adapted from the work of Katsuhiro Otomo (who also served as the film’s director), “Akira” takes place in a fictional 2019 after a world war resulted in the destruction of Tokyo. Now dubbed “Neo-Tokyo,” the city faces gang violence, terrorism, and constant protests against governments and corporations. Amidst the daily mayhem, Shōtarō Kaneda and his gang of bikers encounter a telekinetic child in a motorcycle accident. During the incident, Kaneda’s childhood friend Tetsuo Shima develops powers of his own that threaten to tear the metropolis asunder.
5. “Digimon Beatbreak”
The latest installment of the classic “Digimon” series dares to dive into heavier themes and intense narratives all wrapped up in a unique and exciting cyberpunk package.
In the future, humans are heavily reliant on “Sapotama.” These egg-shaped smart devices run on a person’s e-pulse, a digital manifestation of a person’s thoughts and emotions. However, bizarre phenomena cause some Sapotama to produce Digimon, living creatures who survive and evolve using someone’s e-pulse.
Tomoro Tenma, a young boy who dislikes using his Sapotama because of his glitchy e-pulse, encounters dangerous Digimon who endanger him and his family. In a crisis, his own Sapotama gives rise to his own Digimon named Gekkomon. Together, they join up with a group of bounty hunters called Glowing Dawn to hunt down dangerous Digimon and find a way to heal Tomoro’s comatose brother.
6. “Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s”
You might not think it at first, but this series in the card-based “Yu-Gi-Oh!” franchise features all the trappings of a cyberpunk narrative in order to tell one of the most shockingly compelling stories in the anime’s history.
In the distant future, Neo Domino City has been ravaged by an incident that split the area into two sections. One houses the wealthy and affluent citizens. The other, known as Satellite, is plagued by poverty and authoritarian oppression. Yet in both parts of the city, Duel Monsters still rules the streets. What’s more, the game can now take place on D-Wheels, motorcycles outfitted with the latest Dueling technology.
Yusei Fudo, a resident of Satellite, uses his own homemade D-Wheel to escape into the wealthy district. His goal is to reclaim his prized Stardust Dragon card from Jack Atlas, a former friend who betrayed Yusei and their Satellite gang for a better life in Neo Domino City. But as Yusei and Jack clash, they soon find their fates intertwined with an ancient legend that could destroy their home.
7. “Psycho-Pass”
This acclaimed series first premiered in 2013 and would go on to become one of the most popular anime of the 2010s.
In the future, Japan is governed by the Sibyl System, a computer network that monitors the mental and emotional wavelengths of Japanese citizens. Under the Sibyl System, designated law enforcement officers can administer a “Psycho-Pass,” a scan that can determine a citizen’s likelihood of committing a heinous crime. Inspectors of the Ministry of Welfare Public Safety are tasked with using their Dominators, highly-advanced firearms that can perform Psycho-Passes, to solve cases and apprehend suspects. Rookie Inspector Akane Tsunemori joins the Safety Bureau, learning for the first time about the power of Psycho-Passes and the psychological effects their investigations have on the populace.
8. “Ergo Proxy”
Few things are more cyberpunk than androids learning about human existentialism. While we’ve already covered a similar beat in “Ghost of the Shell,” this 2006 anime shares its themes in spades.
In a post-apocalyptic future, humans now live in domed cities to protect themselves from the toxic and inhospitable environment of the outside world. Romdeau, one of the domed cities, sees humans coexisting with androids known as AutoReivs. However, AutoReivs soon become infected with a virus that causes self-awareness, leading some to murder the humans who reside in Romdeau. Inspector Re-l Mayer is tasked with investigating these murders. Meanwhile, the government conducts secret experiments on a new lifeform in the hopes of helping humanity survive.
9. “Serial Experiments Lain”
With its timeless and resonant themes of the intersection between identity and technology, “Serial Experiments Lain” remains shockingly relevant nearly 30 years after its 1998 premiere.
Middle school student Lain Iwakura struggles in her social life at school and with her emotionally-distant family. Amidst these troubles, she and her classmates come to learn about the Wired, a virtual realm that some claim is a higher plane of existence. As the Wired begins to grow in influence, Lain finds herself increasingly fascinated by it.
10. “Megalobox”
This modern adaptation of classic boxing manga “Ashita no Joe” combines the best elements of sports anime and cyberpunk to tell an intense and inspiring story.
In the distant future, Japan is divided between the utopian city of the Administrative Area and a massive slum called the Restricted Area. Additionally, boxing has evolved into “Megaloboxing” in which boxers wear exo-skeletons known as Gears to fight each other.
Junk Dog, a Megaloboxer in the Restricted Area, is disillusioned by his constant fixed matches and longs to test his skills against true boxers. He has a chance encounter with Yūri, the reigning Megalobox Champion, and the two of them grow eager to face one another in the ring. After a private match in the Restricted Area ends in Junk Dog’s crushing defeat, Yūri encourages him to hone his skills and enter the Megalonia tournament for a rematch.
Which of these cyberpunk anime are you going to check out? Did we miss any of your favorites? Comment below and tell us!
