7 Mind-Blowing Futuristic Sci-Fi Anime Movies You Must Watch

In some science fiction films, there’s a darker perspective on what a technologically advanced world might entail, while others offer a more optimistic and playful outlook, painting a picture of a vibrant future brimming with potential. Regardless if the future is portrayed as utopian or dystopian, filled with innovative, dreamy ideas or advanced technology leading to catastrophic outcomes, these science fiction anime movies are guaranteed to keep you guessing and on your robotic edge (since it’s unclear if cyborgs possess toes).

Regardless of perspective, science fiction often provokes profound contemplation about our surroundings and the potential directions future could take – be it positive or negative. The social critique embedded in this genre offers an exceptional vantage point for us to ponder not merely the future trajectory of society, technology, and scientific progress, but the essential aspects of human character. Given the distinctive nature of science fiction anime films, the scope of imagination seems boundless with these recommendations!

1) Ghost in the Shell

In an upcoming era of rapid technological advancement, people can merge their biological bodies with machines. Within Niihama City’s Public Security force, Section 9, Major Motoko Kusanagi – a police officer with built-in cyborg abilities – is tasked with maintaining order and investigating cybercrimes. However, as she delves deeper into one intricate case, she finds herself unexpectedly entangled in it. Pursuing an elusive cybernetic hacker nicknamed the “Puppet Master,” Motoko starts to ponder the essence of humanity as technology erodes the boundary between man and machine. Moreover, her own identity as a “ghost” within a sophisticated mechanical casing becomes increasingly unclear. Remarkably, the person who could potentially shed light on these questions might be none other than the very target she’s hunting.

From my perspective, “Ghost in the Shell” immerses you in a world brimming with futuristic cyberpunk adventures, while simultaneously sparking deep contemplation. It delves into philosophical quandaries about humanity’s relationship with technology, raising questions that echo the age-old paradox of Theseus’s Ship: could a human, heavily integrated with technology, still be considered human?

Ghost in the Shell can be streamed on Pluto TV and Tubi.

2) Metropolis

The wealthy metropolis of City-of-Rich is marked by growing discord and lawlessness due to widespread bias against robots, with people blaming them for unemployment and squalid living conditions. Detective Shunsaku Ban and his nephew Kenichi Shikishima enter the city on a mission to find Dr. Laughton, a rogue scientist accused of black-market organ trading and abuse of human rights. At the behest of City-of-Rich’s wealthiest resident, Duke Red, Laughton secretly constructed an exceptional android modeled after and named for Red’s deceased daughter, Tima. When Duke Red’s adopted son Rock learns of Tima and attempts to destroy her, Kenichi unintentionally links their destinies as they flee through the city’s underbelly, sparking a revolution and exposing the hidden corruption within City-of-Rich’s elitist system.

Drawing inspiration from Osamu Tezuka’s 1949 manga titled “Metropolis”, the 2001 film adaptation resonates with contemporary relevance due to its central ideas. As artificial intelligence increasingly impacts job markets and the affluent exert growing influence over power structures, “Metropolis” offers a thought-provoking warning.

3) Paprika

Although tech specialists Atsuko Chiba and Kosaku Tokita have created a device called the DC Mini for exploring dreams, hoping it could aid in treating psychological disorders, the potential issues with such powerful technology are obvious, especially when misused. Sadly, this occurs. Given its capacity to access people’s hidden desires, ambitions, and buried memories within their minds, individuals start behaving oddly and suffer mental collapses when the device is stolen, leading to psychological warfare. With assistance from one of the experimental therapy recipients, Officer Konakawa, Atsuko and Kosaku work to recover the stolen DC Mini and halt the mental assaults.

Delving into the realm of technology capable of penetrating the depths of our dreams and mental landscapes appears incredibly intriguing, promising a blend of entertainment and enlightenment. Yet, it’s hard not to feel a shiver of dread, mirroring the turmoil portrayed in Paprika.

4) Summer Wars

On Oz, a globally recognized online platform where individuals interact using personalized avatars for various daily activities, security is prioritized to keep both the site and its users secure. Besides being an occasional moderator on Oz, Kenji Koiso is exceptionally good with math. However, when Natsuki Shinohara unexpectedly invites him for a rural summer trip, little does he know that she intends for him to pose as her fiancé for her great-grandmother’s 90th birthday festivities. When an enigmatic, coded message arrives on his phone from an unknown sender, Kenji solves it casually, unaware that this simple puzzle could lead to Oz’s downfall.

From my perspective, it appears that our society is increasingly intertwined with social media and technology. It’s almost as if we can foresee a not-so-distant future where every aspect of daily life is heavily dependent on a unified platform. Yet, amidst this potentially dystopian outlook, the film “Summer Wars” offers a more playful perspective, adding a touch of levity to the scenario.

5) Akira

2019 marks a chaotic era for Neo-Tokyo, decades since a catastrophe ignited World War III in the 80’s. The city is plagued by crime and unrest against its authoritarian regime. Shoutarou Kaneda, head of a defiant motorcycle gang, unwillingly becomes entangled in a government plot when his buddy, Tetsuo Shima, unexpectedly develops psychic powers following an encounter with an escaped government psychic.

Featuring motorcycle chase scenes, gruesome body transformations, potent psychic abilities, and a gritty backdrop of crime and government conspiracies, the movie Akira stands out as a timeless example of high-octane science fiction with intense action.

Akira can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

6) Belle

On the online platform called “U,” people create digital personas referred to as “AS.” This allows individuals like a talented singer named Belle, who is actually Suzu Naito, a reserved country girl with a damaged vocal ability in reality, to live dreamlike virtual lives that might otherwise be impossible. When whispers of a monster known as the Dragon began circulating on U, an unexpected encounter made Belle realize that there’s more to both the enigmatic user and herself than initially meets the eye.

Drawing clear influence from “Beauty and the Beast”, Belle was beautifully crafted by character designer Jin Kim, who has previously worked on Disney films like “Tangled” and “Frozen”. This sci-fi movie garnered a 14-minute long standing ovation when it premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2021.

Belle can be streamed on Max, Prime, or Netflix where available.

7) Patema Inverted

In her subterranean civilization home, Princess Patema had only known her own world. However, when her friend disappeared, she felt compelled to venture into the forbidden zone. To her surprise, she discovered that the forbidden status was not without cause when she accidentally fell into a bottomless pit and landed on the surface – a world now upside-down, with its sky threatening to consume her. Fortunately, Age, a student in the totalitarian nation of Aiga, rescued her. Despite being taught that people like Patema were doomed to be swallowed by the sky due to their ‘sinful’ nature, Age began to doubt these teachings upon meeting his new friend. Together, they embarked on a journey to uncover the secrets and conspiracies tearing their worlds apart, aiming to bridge their differences and coexist despite their inverted realms.

This science fiction movie flips the traditional sci-fi genre upside down. While the concept of two worlds merging due to gravitational forces that bring these characters together and their contrasting societies attempting to pull them apart is fresh, the frequent shifts in viewpoint might not be suitable for individuals prone to motion sickness.

2025-05-31 18:10