The world of anime is expansive and offers many unique stories with compelling characters, engaging plots, and epic moments. While some anime come and go, many deliver unique and memorable experiences. Those types of anime typically contain well-written storylines and characters.
For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best anime, we’d like to highlight the best anime about hacking. From the thought-provoking world of Serial Experiments Lain to the trippy Paprika, these anime should whet your appetite.
Feel free to leave your comments about our choices below. As always, if we’ve left out one of your favorite anime that deals with the hacking phenomenon, let us know in the comments. We’ll be sure to include them on this list when we find time.
Serial Experiments Lain
Serial Experiments Lain revolves around Lain, an introvert who becomes embroiled in a web of conspiracies involving the virtual world called The Wired. As she delves deeper into the hacking world, she starts questioning what is and isn’t real. Serial Experiments Lain explores hacking from a philosophical perspective.
As Lain encounters people involved in the phenomena, she starts speculating about her own existence and the thought of merging her mind with the world’s. Viewers themselves will ponder what it means to have a digital version of oneself and the problems that can arise from it. Therefore, this anime gives viewers a nice breakdown of the pros and cons of hacking and its potential impact on individuals and society.
Paprika
Paprika is a captivating anime directed by the late Satoshi Kon. It explores the world of dreams, technology, and hacking’s ethical implications. The anime revolves around a device called the DC Mini, which allows therapists to enter their patient’s dreams. When this tech gets into the wrong hands, the barrier between dreams and reality breaks, resulting in nonstop madness.
Many adore its dream-like aesthetic. Through trippy visuals and its eerie energetic soundtrack, you’ll find yourself enveloped in the madness and chaos that occurs within it. Moreover, Paprika poses profound questions about the nature of reality and identity, leaving viewers to ponder the ideas it presents to them.
Battle Programmer Shirase
.Hack//Sign
.Hack//Sign is a thought-provoking anime with a fascinating MMORPG aesthetic. The series follows Tsukasa, a player who finds himself trapped within the game called “The World.” As he traverses this mysterious world, he’ll meet many players, uncover numerous secrets, and battle many foes who stand in the way of his investigation.
This anime focuses on the emotional implications of hacking within a virtual setting. It delves into Tsukasa’s inner struggles and existential dilemmas, allowing you to foster a deep connection with him. By the story’s conclusion, you’ll walk away from this series with a new viewpoint on hacking and the dangers it poses when it’s used for manipulative purposes.
Ergo Proxy
Ergo Proxy is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humans coexist with androids called AutoReivs. It follows Mayer, an inspector who stumbles upon a string of mysterious murders. As she delves deeper into the investigation, she meets Law, a citizen whose life becomes intertwined with this world’s secrets.
Hacking plays a pivotal role in Ergo Proxy’s storytelling. It’s used as a tool for rebellion, and self-discovery, and allows the creator to explore humanity’s multiple barriers. That said, hacking is portrayed as a dangerous power to wield in this universe. As Mayer and Vincent navigate their way through this tale’s countless obstacles, hacking becomes a tool for freedom, allowing our pair to discover unknown truths and learn more about themselves.
Coupled with a unique gothic-like art style, Ergo Proxy isn’t a series for everyone. However, those who love shows that challenge them to think carefully about the ideas they present will adore this one for ages.
Steins; Gate
Steins; Gate is a fun sci-fi anime with a great cast, a captivating story, and intriguing use of time travel elements. This anime follows Okabe, a scientist, and his group of friends who stumble upon a device that allows them to send messages to the past. As they experience time travel, they become entangled in a web of mysteries and manipulation.
Hacking plays a pivotal role in this tale, especially when Okabe and his friends attempt to uncover the truth about an organization called SERN. That said, Steins; Gate plays it fair by showing viewers the positives and negatives of hacking and its effects on people and the world. Coupled with a killer soundtrack and smooth animation, Steins; Gate is a must-watch anime in the sci-fi genre.
Psycho-Pass
Psycho-Pass is an excellent crime series with a gripping plot, fast-paced gun fights, and an enjoyable cast. Set in a world run by the Sibyl System, we follow Akane, a young detective tasked with maintaining peace in society. When an event causes her to question the Sibyl System’s protocols, she’ll embark on a secret mission to reveal the untold truth about it.
The anime features hackers as people who defy the Sibyl System. Hacking is one of many skills our characters rely on to support their own sense of justice. With its thought-provoking storyline, compelling cast, and handling of themes like identity and morality, Psycho-Pass is definitely a crime anime worth adding to your watchlist.
Dennou Coil
Dennou Coil is an anime set in a virtual world where technology has become an integral part of everyday life. At the center of this augmented reality universe lies a group of children who discover the existence of “illegals,” digital people that exist outside of this AR system. As they navigate through this strange world, they’ll realize a deeper conspiracy awaits them.
Dennou Coil explores hacking as a way for folks to traverse, communicate, and manipulate their digital environment. This anime seamlessly blends the hacking phenomena with its coming-of-age storytelling that wreaks friendship and self-discovery. Ultimately, this leads our gang to discover more truths about their world, resulting in them combatting destructive viruses.
With its thematic depth and imaginative take on the hacking activity, this anime offers a tantalizing viewing experience.
Ghost In The Shell (1995)
Ghost In The Shell places fans in a futuristic world where humans can enhance their bodies with cybernetic implants. It follows Major Motoko Kusanagi and her team as they investigate cybercrime and delve into the complex relationship between humans and machines. In this anime, our heroes and their adversaries use hacking as a way to infiltrate and manipulate each other’s systems.
Essentially, hacking is used as a weapon and means for our cast to learn something new about themselves. This gives the anime a chance to explore mature topics in ways to keep audiences invested. Moreover, this anime will challenge viewers to question what life would be like if we put more effort into working on complicated technological systems.
Cyber City Oedo 808
Cyber City Oedo 808 is an action-packed sci-fi anime with a glorious cyberpunk setting. The story follows three criminals who have the opportunity to reduce their sentences. However, they must work for the Cyber Police and defeat numerous hackers and cybercriminals with their incredible hacking abilities. That said, hacking is portrayed as a double-edged sword in this universe.
Whether used for good or nefarious purposes, Cyber City Oedo 808 showcases what one can do with a skill like this. With its fast-paced action, gritty atmosphere, and excellent distinction between hackers and law enforcement, this anime will grip viewers with its rousing cybercrime world and charismatic cast.
So, there we have it, our picks for the best anime about hacking!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!