10 More Sci-fi or Action-Oriented Shows!
Ghost In The Shell is a spectacular sci-fi work that spawned a masterclass film and a fun series. It features excellent story writing, compelling characters, and splendid animation. This anime explored the possibilities of augmenting the human body with advanced scientific technology. The story centers around Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg who works for a special government organization tasked with dealing with many cyber-related threats and crimes.
Fear not if you’re having trouble finding anime similar to Ghost In The Shell! We’ve discovered 10 alternate shows that’ll give you a similar experience as Ghost In The Shell.
Additionally, for each anime we’ve reviewed, we’ve included a link that allows you to view our full thoughts about the series to see if it’s worth your time.
So without further ado, we present 10 TV shows/anime that should whet your appetite when you’ve finished streaming Ghost In The Shell!
Jin-roh: The Wolf Brigade
Similarities – Action, Psychological, Atmosphere
Jin-roh: The Wolf Brigade is an anime that delves into the horrors of warfare. This anime contains intense action, drama, and well-rounded characters. Like Ghost In The Shell, Jin-roh places its protagonist at the center of a world full of crime. It takes place in an alternate setting during World War II’s aftermath.
Our protagonist Kazuki is a soldier who fails to eliminate a female terrorist before she sets off an explosion. Due to his mistakes, Kazuki must return to the military academy for re-evaluation. During Kazuki’s time at the academy, he’ll uncover a web of conspiracies that will determine Japan’s future.
Kazuki treads the line between man and beast. Like Ghost In The Shell, Jin-roh will make viewers question what it means to be human. They touch upon the theme of memory, particularly how memories shape a person’s identity and how they can be exploited for personal gain.
On top of having militaristic themes and splendid action scenes, Jin-roh: The Wolf Brigade is a great anime to watch after Ghost In The Shell.
Psycho-Pass
Similarities – Setting, Psychological, Action
In need of a futuristic police-themed anime with corrupt governments, splendid gun fights, and great characters? Psycho-Pass has you covered. In it, Japan is monitored by the Sibyl System which can determine someone’s threat level by analyzing their mind. Akane, our protagonist, realizes the system’s shortcomings and vows to report her discoveries to the world.
Although many people will attempt to thwart Akane’s plans, she’s determined to bring the Sibyl System down in the name of justice. Akane is a strong and well-written female lead like Major Kusanagi in Ghost In The Shell. She has excellent traits that make her likable from her strong sense of justice to her skillset on the battlefield.
Both anime harbor serious tones and insert enough questions that’ll make you contemplate. Production I.G. weaves in the action scenes wonderfully into the plot, allowing folks to digest Psycho-Pass’s important details. In addition to having spectacular animation and a gorgeous sci-fi world, Ghost In The Shell fans should consider checking out Psycho-Pass.
Akira
Similarities – Setting, Action, Characters
Akira and Ghost In The Shell are landmark anime that had a major influence on the sci-fi genre. Both anime explore similar themes like the role of technology in society, the boundaries of what it means to be human, and the dangers of corporate power. Additionally, both anime feature fun plots that combine action and philosophy in intriguing ways.
Akirs takes place in Neo-Tokyo and follows Kaneda. He’s the leader of a group of misfits called “the Capsules” who always get into scuffles with a rival group called “the Clowns.” Kaneda learns one of his pals Tetsuo develops mysterious abilities after meeting an esper who fled confinement from an organization. Kaneda must rush to Tetsuo’s aid before he causes more disorder in Neo Tokyo.
Both anime feature great animation with breathtaking action sequences that rival some animated films released today. The cyberpunk aesthetic of both anime emphasizes the fusion of flesh and technology, with characters who look organic and mechanical. From its intense body horror to its adrenaline-pumping gun fights, Akira is worth everyone’s time.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
Similarities – Action & Setting
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a great anime for those looking for action-packed and emotional stories. This anime captures the game’s heart and places our characters in a world that looks as breathtaking as the game it’s based on. For a Netflix original, this is on par with Castlevania regarding animation, storytelling, and likable characters.
This anime follows David, a boy who isn’t living in the most luxurious circumstances. After stumbling upon Sandevistan’s cyber-ware, David implants the device in his back and uses it to exact revenge on his bullies. After getting expelled from the academy, David meets Lucy, a data thief who wants him to join her team of criminals. Therefore, we examine David’s new life as an Edgerunner.
This anime features beautiful animation and a colorful cast of characters. Some characters don’t receive as much spotlight or development as others, but David and his friends have enjoyable chemistry throughout this anime. Although Cyberpunk Edgerunners tackles its technological themes differently than Ghost In The Shell, its futuristic setting will appeal to those who found Ghost In The Shell’s environments immaculate and immersive.
You can read our thoughts on Cyberpunk Edgerunners in our full-season review here!
Texhnolyze
Similarities – Thought-Provoking Cyberpunk Stories
Texhnolyze is an under-the-radar sci-fi series with a gloomy atmosphere and setting. It follows Ichise, a man who loses some limbs after a fierce encounter with a fight promoter. Fortunately, a scientist named Eriko gives Ichise her Texhnolyze prosthetics as a part of her project. Afterward, Ichise befriends a girl who can peer into the future and helps her prevent terrible outcomes from occurring.
Texhnolyze may turn people away due to its slow pacing. However, it uses its pacing to explain Ichise’s world’s principles and structure to the audience. Many viewers will find this aspect intriguing as it helps make Ichise’s environment feel lively. Texhnolyze also introduces many characters into the fray. Each one has a unique personality and backstory many will find interesting.
In addition to having mind-numbing imagery and suspense-driven scenarios, Texhnolyze will appeal to those who loved Ghost In The Shell’s deeper aspects.
The Big O
Similarities – Sci-fi, Mystery, Action
The Big O is an anime classic like Ghost In The Shell. This anime tackles similar themes like identity, memory, and reality, and features a unique mixture of noir and science fiction elements. This anime follows Roger Smith, a professional agent who adores the ladies and has a life revolving around crime.
He’ll have his butler, android, and jet-black mecha at his side as he uncovers the truth about what happened in his city 40 years ago. Like Ghost In The Shell, The Big O features well-developed characters. Viewers will enjoy seeing Roger grapple with inquiries of his own identity. This will remind folks of times when Major Kusanagi questioned the nature of her own existence in Ghost In The Shell.
The Big O’s noir-inspired visual style will also keep folks’ invested in this tale. Not to mention the action sequences which have enough flair to keep you glued to your screens. Both anime knows how to create a moody, atmospheric world that draws viewers into them. Those looking for a show that starts off simple but transforms into something with delightful twists and thought-provoking content should check out The Big O.
Time of Eve
Similarities – Themes
Time of Eve is an anime that’ll make viewers reflect on how they treat humans, animals, or other living beings. It delves into the complexities of artificial life and demonstrates how they cope with harassment and other forms of mistreatment by humans. Fortunately, the series features several human characters who’ll stand by these living organisms’ sides.
As one can tell, Time of Eve and Ghost In The Shell delve into the relationships between humans and machines, identity, and futurism in an innovative manner. Time of Eve revolves around a cafe in which androids and humans interact as equals, leading to conversations that are emotional and intricate. As for Major Kusanagi, she’s a cyborg who questions her humanity in a world where mechanical enhancements are commonplace.
Both anime explores how technology’s rapid growth in society continually defines and obscures the differences between the biological and the mechanical. Furthermore, these anime highlight the dangers and benefits of advanced technology. The androids in Time of Eve warn humanity they can become dangerous if they learn too much intel about humans. Like Ghost In The Shell, it shows how humans’ over-reliance on technology for survival also comes with potential risks down the line.
Ergo Proxy
Similarities – Mystery, Sci-fi, Themes
Ergo Proxy is another anime that will get your brain going. It’s a dialogue-heavy and slow-burn series many may have to watch countless times to understand what it’s conveying. Once you grasp the information it delivers through its world, characters, and plot, you’ll adore this series in the long haul. It takes place in an isolated city called Romdo, where humans can go past its walls.
To counter its structure, Romdo’s scientists create AutoReivs (robots) to aid humanity. As one can expect, the AutoReivs turn against their new masters, resulting in two beings named Iggy and Re-1 Mayer investigating the issue. During their expedition, Re-1 uncovers a hidden conspiracy surrounding Romdo’s situation that will make this task harsher than she expected.
Like Major Kusanagi, Re-1 is a strong female protagonist many people will adore following. She’ll question herself and the world around her. Although Re-1 is a skilled shooter and investigator, she has multiple flaws that make her feel realistic. In addition to having quality action segments, Ergo Proxy is a great psychological sci-fi series to watch after Ghost In The Shell.
Serial Experiments Lain
Similarities – Characters & Themes
From one mind-boggling anime to another, we arrive at Serial Experiments Lain. This anime features a virtual setting that will pique your interest with its visuals and intricacies. In Serial Experiments Lain, we follow a quiet girl named Lain who receives a bizarre email from a deceased classmate. Upon opening this email, Lain embarks on a journey through the cybernetic universe.
She’ll witness many bizarre anomalies that will make her question her humanity, consciousness, and perception of things. Like Ghost In The Shell, this anime features great twists and turns to keep viewers invested in its storytelling. Both anime feature female protagonists who receive excellent development and undergo similar arcs where they question their identities.
Despite Ghost In The Shell having more compelling animation and more action than Serial Experiments Lain, both anime feature personal and futuristic themes in a plot that feels complex and well-crafted. For those seeking an anime that delves into Ghost In The Shell’s ideas harder but with little to no action sequences, check out Serial Experiments Lain.
Vivy -Fluorite Eye’s Song-
Similarities – Sci-fi, Characters, Themes
Vivy -Fluorite Eye’s Song- is an incredible sci-fi series. It involves its protagonist Vivy using time travel to alter the future. This leads to many mind-boggling scenarios that’ll affect her own existence and the lives of everyone around her. Like Ghost In The Shell, Vivy -Fluorite Eye’s Song- presents viewers with the question of what it means to be human.
Vivy’s a being whose socially inept with people at first. However, as the story continues, Vivy undergoes critical development, making her someone fans will root for and adore. The mental struggles she endures to get to that point are similar to Major Kusanagi’s. At the same time, the ways she overcomes these hurdles are authentic and earned.
Lastly, Vivy -Fluorite Eye’s Song- has stunning animation. From its high-quality action sequences to its marvelous character designs, you’ll be amazed by how rich and beautiful everything is in this anime. For those looking for another anime that offers a fascinating look into the relationship between humans and AI, check out Vivy -Fluorite Eye’s Song-.
So there we have it, our 10 anime/TV show alternatives to watch when you’ve caught up with Ghost In The Shell!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!