5 Incredible Anime That Were Well Ahead Of Their Time

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Anime is famous for being innovative and pushing boundaries with its animation, storytelling, and artistic style. Many series are considered experimental, and some have even revolutionized the industry or specific genres. Looking back, it’s clear that classic anime often anticipated current social issues and concerns. These shows are celebrated as classics and have inspired countless other franchises with their complex and thought-provoking stories.

When we say an anime is “ahead of its time,” we usually mean its art, animation, characters, music, or setting were innovative. But here, I’m talking about anime that explored themes that didn’t become popular until much later. Many older anime dealt with difficult subjects like mental health, trauma, the internet, and prejudice before these topics were commonly addressed in the medium. This list will highlight five anime that were pioneers in creating high-quality, impactful stories.

5) Neon Genesis Evangelion

Many science fiction anime feature giant robots, or ‘mecha,’ but few offer a truly original take on the idea. Released in 1997 with 26 episodes, *Neon Genesis Evangelion* remains highly influential for its unique approach to the genre. Instead of focusing on the robots themselves, the series explores the psychological impact piloting these machines has on the young people who operate them. While visually stunning, the show’s greatest strength lies in its compelling characters and realistic depiction of teenage struggles.

Set in the far future after a devastating global event called the Second Impact, *Neon Genesis Evangelion* follows humanity’s struggle for survival. People live in heavily fortified cities like Tokyo-3, and to defend against alien invaders, they’ve created giant robots called Evangelions. The story centers on a group of teenage pilots chosen to operate these powerful machines, working together to protect Earth from its biggest threat.

4) Perfect Blue

While horror anime isn’t as mainstream as other types of anime, it still has a lot to offer. *Perfect Blue* is a prime example – it’s a highly-regarded horror film that’s so popular, it’s getting a remastered re-release in theaters in 2025. The movie expertly explores themes like the pressures of fame, unrealistic beauty standards, the complicated connections fans feel with celebrities, the risks of online life, and mental health. *Perfect Blue* is a psychological horror with a visually stunning and unsettling story, making it a classic that tackled important modern issues before they became widespread in the media.

Mima Kirigoe, a former J-Pop star, announces she’s switching to acting, which causes a lot of public debate about her new direction. As she deals with the negative reactions and a demanding new job, Mima realizes she’s being followed by an obsessive fan. To make matters worse, a fake online blog appears, revealing personal information that seems to come directly from her private life. Feeling watched and increasingly insecure, Mima starts to question what’s real and what isn’t, and her mental state begins to suffer as she tries to uncover the truth.

3) Akira

Released in 1988, *Akira* is often considered the anime film that first introduced mainstream audiences to the medium. It arrived during a peak period for science fiction anime and continues to be a highly influential and beloved classic. The film is celebrated for its groundbreaking and still-impressive animation, as well as its thought-provoking story. *Akira* tackles complex themes like the dangers of unchecked power, government overreach, social upheaval, and the tensions between generations, and is widely recognized for bringing anime to a wider Western audience.

The pretext of Akira’s plot begins in 1988 when a world war is triggered after the destruction of Tokyo. Fast forward to 2019, Neo-Tokyo is a city consumed by gang violence, terrorism, government corruption, and civil unrest. During the events of a rally, gang member Tetsuo Shima crashes his motorcycle, leading to his hospitalization and subsequent discovery that Tetsuo possesses psychic abilities. The government takes immediate caution learning this because of past events concerning an esper known only as Akira, the individual who triggered Tokyo’s initial destruction in the past. Akira follows both the slow downfall of Tetsuo as his powers develop, as well as his best friend Shotaro Kaneda, who feels responsible for stopping him.

2) Ghost in the Shell

Science fiction is a common genre for many classic anime films, probably because of their imaginative stories and striking visuals that explore what it means to be human. *Ghost in the Shell*, released in 1995, initially didn’t receive much attention, but quickly gained a devoted fanbase. It’s now considered one of the most important anime movies ever made, and is known for inspiring films like *The Matrix*, another popular sci-fi film that also examines identity in today’s world. The film delves into big questions about what defines a person, how technology impacts us, and what it truly means to be human.

In the year 2029, advanced technology allows people to repair and enhance their bodies with cybernetics, and even connect their minds to the internet. Motoko Kusanagi leads an elite team in New Port City, responsible for maintaining public safety in Japan. They investigate cases of individuals suspected of being hacked – a serious threat to national security. This investigation pulls Motoko into a web of conspiracy and corruption, forcing her to question the very nature of identity and what it means to be human in this technologically advanced world.

1) Serial Experiments Lain

Unlike many shows that avoid challenging ideas, *Serial Experiments Lain* boldly combines philosophical concepts with surreal imagery, resulting in a truly memorable experience. This 1998 anime consists of just 13 episodes and quickly gained recognition, winning an Excellence Prize at the Japan Media Arts Festival in its debut year. Even now, it’s celebrated for its experimental style, disturbing psychological elements, and thought-provoking exploration of the connection between humans and the internet – themes that remain relevant today.

Serial Experiments Lain centers around Lain Iwakura, a shy middle school student, whose life is turned upside down when she learns about a classmate’s suicide. A letter from the deceased classmate suggests she believed she could be reborn in a virtual world called the Wired. Intrigued, Lain starts researching the Wired and the mysterious entity some believe governs it. Her investigation pulls her into a tangled world of secrets and deception, where the line between the digital world and real life becomes increasingly unclear.

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2025-10-17 16:54