Technology Has Gone Too Far
The sci-fi genre, especially in the world of animation, has shown to have so many sub-cultures and unique angles that you never know what kind of series you’re getting until the screen is lit up with robots, laser rifles and random philosophical questions on the nature of humanity. If you see all three appear in the first episode, then chances are you’re watching cyberpunk . Still unsure? Best watch these five epic examples and decide whether you like your sci-fi with an extra layer of dark.
#5: âTexhnolyzeâ (2003)
One dishevelled city, three warring factions, a whole lot of messed up people. This is not the kind of future where happy endings exist. With the three groups each eager to tear the other apart in the hopes of controlling the remains of the city of Lux, a cast of broken souls do what they can to survive the hostile terrain. Dripping with neo-noir motifs as well as plenty of violence, this slow burner is sure to tick a lot of boxes for fans of weaving narratives and symbolic settings.
#4: âPsycho-Passâ (2012-14)
A dystopian future where humans have traded individuality for safety, this anime is a masterclass at painting a picture of the dark consequences that come from suppressing free will.As Akane and her partner Kogami find themselves pursuing those who pose a threat to the Sybil System, they discover how this new way of life still finds a way to create monsters and victims out of everyone. The action scenes are awesome, the mysteries are wholly engrossing, and itâs clear that despite having a stellar villain, there are no clear lines between good and evil in a false utopia like this.
#3: âCowboy Bebopâ (1998-99)
Now, normally Spike and company would easily make the top of our list, the only reason they donât this time is because Cowboy Bebop is such a perfect mesh of genres, itâs hard to consider it a pure cyberpunk anime. As the space cowboy tracks down bounties and deals with the horrors of his past, weâre treated to a spectacular interpretation of what interstellar travel and colonisation could look like. Itâs a must watchâ¦but you already knew that.
#2: âAkiraâ (1988)
Look no further than Neo-Tokyo if you want to have a glimpse at quintessential cyberpunk. You have gang warfare, extreme inequality, teenagers riding around on motorcycles shooting laser rifles, and of course the occasional psychic monstrosity. While Tetsuoâs powers certainly make something of a leap to fantasy, itâs the portrayal of the world that both he and Kaneda inhabit that highlights what makes Akira special. Beautiful and barbaric in equal measure, its no wonder that this is seen as a landmark anime.
#1: âGhost in the Shellâ franchise (1995; 2015)
No matter which iteration you prefer, this series of films and animated shows each offer a sci-fi experience that few have ever managed to duplicate. While the narratives tend to focus on Major Kusanagiâs various investigations into cyber criminals and terrorists, they also do a magnificent job of putting a spotlight on subjects such as gender, singularity and what it means to be human. Whether you love the original or think the later entries perfected the formula, the face of all great cyberpunk anime is that of the Major!
Be sure to check out the video below to see our picks for the Top 10 Anime that Sci-Fi Fans Need to See.