Mohsin Lag
What is the deffinition of a cyberpunk anime?
Cyberpunk animes are those tv shows that mingle advanced technology and futuristic, dystopian worlds. It’s a sub-genre of science fiction anime that never fails to impress with its depiction of cybernetically enhanced characters, virtual reality, and a rebellion against oppressive governments and corporations. The history of cyberpunk theme in anime is a long and storied one, dating back to the 80s with the epic film “Akira.”
But it’s not just a thing of the past, with series like “Ergo Proxy” and “PsychoPass” continuing to increase the love of the genre and keeping fans on the edge of their seats. If you’re a fan of science fiction, technology, and a bit of rebellion, cyberpunk anime is a perfect choice.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the world of cyberpunk anime and uncover some of the best series and movies that the genre has to offer.
These titles are not just must-sees for fans of cyberpunk but for anyone looking for thrilling and mind-blowing stories.
39. Solty Rei
First on the list is Solty Rei, a good cyberpunk anime set in a world ravaged by disaster, where the disparity between the haves and have-nots is vast, and distinguishing between humans and cyborgs is a tricky task.
This makes the job of Roy Revant, a rogue bounty hunter and bodyguard-for-hire, even more challenging. But when a mysterious young girl with extraordinary strength saves him from a deadly criminal, Roy starts to believe that hope can come from unexpected places.
Together with a group of unlikely allies, they embark on a quest to uncover the truth about the powerful corporations that claim to be working for the betterment of humanity. Meanwhile, Solty, a memory-loss android, is on the run from the RUC Security Bureau.
She crosses paths with Roy, who takes her in as his own daughter after being hired as a bodyguard for Miranda.
38. Space Dandy
If you’re looking for something different, Space Dandy is a must-watch. This adventure and fun cyberpunk series follows Dandy, a cool and stylish space explorer, as he travels the galaxy in search of rare and exotic aliens to add to his collection.
His ultimate goal is to visit BooBies, the finest diner in the universe. Along for the ride are his trusty companions, QT the robot, and Meow, an alien with cat-like features. But Dandy’s journey is never easy, as he and his crew find themselves in all sorts of wild and dangerous situations.
From battling the evil Gogol Empire to getting mixed up in interstellar romance, each episode is a new and exciting adventure. And while it may be a bit silly, Space Dandy is a refreshingly unique cyberpunk anime that will keep you laughing till it ends.
37. Zegapain
In Zegapain, Kyou Sogoru is an average high school student with a passion for swimming and video games, as he goes about his daily routine in the idyllic Maihama City, he never expects his life to take a dramatic turn.
But when the alluring and enigmatic Shizuno Misaki invites him to jump into their school’s pool together, Kyou is transported to a cyberpunk world, where the lines between technology and humanity are blurred.
Here, humans pilot powerful humanoid robots known as Zegas to defend against the malign Gards-Orm aliens, who threaten to wipe out humanity.
To lead this fight, a rebel organization called Cerebrum has formed. As Kyou joins the ranks of the Zega pilots and experiences the devastating consequences of battle, he starts to question the reality of this new world and his own purpose.
With the help of his comrades, he uncovers the truth behind the war and the true nature of the Gards-Orm.
36. Viper’s Creed
Viper’s Creed is a must-watch cyberpunk anime with a captivating storyline, despite its few episode count.
The plot may follow a familiar narrative, but it’s told in a way that makes it stand out. The story follows the tumultuous lives of members of a private military company (PMC), as they navigate the strained relationship with the regular military in a post-war world where the environment has been severely damaged.
The tension between the PMC and the military, the struggle to survive in a hostile world, and the characters’ personal conflicts all come together to create an immersive and engaging story.
35. Project ARMS
If you’re a fan of thrilling, high-tech settings, then the anime “Project ARMS” is definitely worth checking out. The story centers around a young boy named Ryo Takatsuki, who was involved in a devastating accident during his kindergarten years.
Despite the severity of his injuries, particularly to his arm, doctors were able to save it. However, as the years go by, it becomes clear that his arm is no ordinary appendage.
Mysterious occurrences begin to occur, leading Ryo to uncover the truth about his arm’s extraordinary abilities. Meanwhile, a secret organization is on the hunt for him and the power he possesses.
34. Cyborg 009
“Cyborg 009” is another fantastic sci-fi anime that highlights the world of cyborgs and evil organizations.
The show follows the story of the nefarious Skull, the leader of the terrorist organization known as Black Ghost, who has nine powerful cyborgs under his control.
However, things take a turn when Dr. Isaac Gilmore, the Black Ghost’s own cybernetics scientist, decides to go against the organization and aids the cyborgs in their rebellion.
Therefore, The Black Ghost’s ultimate goal is to ignite the next major world war by unleashing weapons of mass destruction on the market. While the nine cyborgs, now working together, must put a stop to this nefarious plan, even as Black Ghost is determined to take them down.
33. Gunslinger Girl
Moving on, we have Gunslinger Girl, a drama anime that features themes of cybernetics and government conspiracies.
Set in Italy, the story centers around the Social Welfare Agency, an organization that rescues young girls from hospital beds and gives them a new lease on life through advanced cybernetic enhancements.
However, these enhancements come at a cost, as the girls are brainwashed and trained to become ruthless assassins, carrying out the dirty work of the Italian government. Despite their modified bodies, the girls remain children at heart, longing for recognition and love, even as they become tools of destruction.
The anime tells a tragic tale of these girls, who must navigate their emotions and the harsh reality of an agency that sees them only as disposable weapons.
33. Neo Tokyo
The use of cyberpunk themes in Neo Tokyo is just captivating! This is an anime anthology movie made by madhouse from 1983 that showcases the talents of three acclaimed directors: Rintaro, Yoshiaki Kawajiri, and Katsuhiro Otomo.
Comprised of three short anime films, the movie takes viewers on a journey through the madhouse of Neo Tokyo, exploring themes of mind-bending labyrinths, deadly races, and uncontrollable technology.
The first short film, “Labyrinth Labyrinthos,” follows Sachi as she searches for her missing cat, Cicerone. After falling through a mirror, they both become trapped in a mysterious labyrinth where they follow a clown’s shadow into the unknown.
The second one, “Running Man,” explores the world of dangerous automobile races through the eyes of reporter Bob Stone. He follows the story of Zack Hugh, the ten-year reigning champion, and observes the physical and mental toll the races take on both the man and the machine.
The final short movie, “The Order to Stop Construction,” delves into the dangers of automation as Salaryman Tsutomo Sugioka is sent to halt a construction project in the jungle after the foreman’s disappearance.
When the chief robot refuses to follow orders, he must find a way to stop the project before the company suffers financial losses.
32. Genocyber
first released in 1994, Genocybe is an ova anime series that highlights a dystopian world races toward a future of global unity, however, a sinister force threatens to upset the delicate balance of power.
The Kuryu Group, a powerful corporation, has uncovered a weapon of unparalleled destruction – the Genocyber. This nightmarish creature, a fusion of cybernetics and psychic abilities, holds the potential to reshape the world in the Group’s favor.
But as the various nations and organizations vie for control of the Genocyber, a brutal battle for dominance erupts, throwing the cyberpunk world into chaos and violence.
With the stakes higher than ever, the fight for the Genocyber becomes a desperate struggle to preserve the fragile peace that exists in a world on the brink of collapse.
31. Accel World
accel world is virtual reality anime about Haruyuki Arita, a fat and bullied middle schooler who finds peace in playing online games.
However, his life takes a drastic turn when he finds that all his high scores have been topped by Kuroyukihime, the popular vice president of the student council.
She introduces him to “Brain Burst,” a program that allows users to accelerate their brain waves and play an augmented reality fighting game. However, if a user loses all their points, they will also lose access to Brain Burst forever.
Kuroyukihime wants to meet the creator of Brain Burst and uncover its purpose, but to do so, she must defeat the “Six Kings of Pure Color” and reach level 10.
Haruyuki, inspired by Kuroyukihime’s help to overcome his bullies, decides to help her achieve her goal and the two set out on a journey to reach the top.
30. Cassherne Sins
Here we have another cool cyberpunk-themed anime film from Madhouse, named Casshern Sin. Set in the distant future, Earth has become a barren wasteland and humanity is no longer around.
All that remains are sentient robots who were created to live forever. However, when one of them, Luna, dies, the Ruin starts and the robots’ bodies begin to rust, with no way to repair them. Desperate to escape their impending doom, the robots begin hunting down Casshern, believing that if they eat him, they will gain immortality.
Casshern himself is plagued by amnesia and has no idea about his past or purpose, but he sets out on a journey to uncover the truth of this world, even if it means facing constant death and destruction.
29. No guns life
In 2019, we were introduced to a new cyberpunk anime tv show that did not disappoint. Titled No Guns Life, the series is set in a world where a corporation has released technology that allows for the creation of powerful cyborg soldiers known as the “Extended.”
Juuzou Inui is one such soldier who has lost all memories of his past life. Now, after the war, he runs a business that deals with problems related to Extended in the city.
One day, Juuzou hears rumors of an Extended who has kidnapped a child. As he returns to his office, he is surprised to find a giant robotic man with a boy on his back crashing in, asking for help.
Despite the temptation to simply turn him in, something about the situation seems off to Juuzou. He soon finds himself drawn into a web of mystery and intrigue surrounding the kidnapped child and the Corporation. As he delves deeper, he realizes that treachery runs deep in this city, and he must uncover the truth behind the Extended’s actions and the role of the corporation in all of it.
28. Blame!
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Blame! Follows a young girl named Zuru finds herself on a desperate hunt for food. Her journey takes a dangerous turn when her team accidentally triggers the city’s AI defense program, known as the Safeguard, leaving them under attack from relentless machines. Just as all hope seems lost, a mysterious man named Killy arrives and saves them from certain doom.
Despite his heroic intervention, Zuru is hesitant to trust Killy and questions his true intentions. Killy reveals that he has come from deep beneath the city in search of humans with a rare genetic trait known as the Net Terminal Genes. These genes, he explains, hold the key to regaining control of their civilization and shutting down the Safeguard.
With a new purpose, Zuru and her team join Killy on a quest to find the Net Terminal Genes and save mankind from extinction.
27. Bakuretsu Tenshi
In the midst of a cyberpunk-based world, where crime runs rampant and the government has taken extreme measures to combat it, a young culinary student named Kyohei Tachibana finds himself thrust into the dangerous world of crime-fighting.
When a group of skilled mercenaries approaches him with an offer to be their cook, Kyohei must weigh his dreams of becoming a pastry chef in France against his newfound role in the Recently Armed Police of Tokyo.
As he joins the mercenaries on their bloodiest jobs in the chaotic city, Kyohei must navigate the gritty and violent world and the criminal underworld in order to achieve his goals.
26. Parasite Dolls
If you’re looking for a short but good cyberpunk anime series that offers a lot in just a few episodes, Parasite Dolls is a perfect choice.
This police anime series follows the thrilling exploits of the AD Police’s secret unit, Branch, as they take on the dangerous task of investigating crimes involving humanoid robots known as ‘Boomers.’
Officer Buzz is tasked with working alongside a Boomer partner, while officer Michaelson grapples with the blurred lines between human and machine in a world that is rapidly falling apart.
Set in the iconic Bubblegum Crisis universe, Parasite Dolls is a gripping and thrilling anime that will leave you wanting more.
25. AD Police
Here is another short series that you will enjoy, Ad Police Files follows Leon and Gina as they navigate the dangerous streets of MegaTokyo, and encounter a variety of challenges, from rogue boomers to corrupt politicians.
Despite the dangers they face, the two officers are determined to protect the citizens of MegaTokyo, even if it means putting their own lives on the line.
Set in the cyberpunk universe of Bubblegum Crisis, Parasite Dolls is a gripping and thought-provoking anime that explores the complex relationship between humans and technology. With its compelling story and visually stunning animation, it’s a must-watch for any fan of the cyberpunk genre.
24. Mardock Scramble
Mardock Scramble is a 3-part anime movie series, that follows Balot’s thrilling journey of redemption and retribution in a cyberpunk setting.
In the gritty streets of Mardock City, teenage prostitute Rune Balot finds herself caught in a web of deceit and corruption.
When she is rescued by the charismatic casino manager Shell, she is given a new identity and a chance at a better life. But as she delves deeper into Shell’s past, she uncovers a dark secret that threatens to destroy everything she has come to hold dear.
As Balot struggles to come to terms with the truth, she becomes the target of a brutal attack, orchestrated by Shell himself. But thanks to the controversial Scramble 09 law, which allows for extreme measures to revive crime witnesses, she is brought back from the brink of death by a team of scientists.
Fueled by a burning desire for revenge, Balot sets out to take down her former savior, using her newly reinforced body and her newfound determination to seek justice in a world where the lines between good and evil are blurred.
23. Cyber City OEDO 808
Cyber City Oedo 808 is an anime from 1990 that features impressive animation, thanks to the talented team at Studio Madhouse.
Set in the year 2808, the story takes place in a futuristic version of Tokyo, now known as Oedo. The city is plagued by criminal activity, and to combat this, the government has recruited three convicts to join the Cyber Police.
In exchange for their service, the convicts are promised a reduction in their life sentences for each mission accomplished. To ensure their compliance, the police have fitted them with special collars that will self-destruct if they attempt to remove them or fail to meet the time limit of their mission.
22. Megazone 23
Megazon 23 is a classic cyberpunk anime that takes you on a thrilling journey through a world of advanced technology and high-speed motorcycles.
The story follows Shougo Yahagi, a young man who is passionate about motorcycles and the thrill of the ride. In his world, peace is maintained by a mysterious computer program known as Eve, who is idolized by the general public. But, as Shougo discovers, this seemingly perfect society is nothing more than an illusion.
As Shougo’s life takes a turn for the unexpected, he finds himself on the run from the military, with the help of his friend, Shinji Nakagawa, and the beautiful dancer, Yui Takanaka. Along the way, they stumble upon a top-secret project known as the “Garland” – an advanced motorcycle that can transform into a robot.
As they evade the military, they begin to unravel the truth behind their society and the true nature of the Eve program.
21. Time of Eve
An ONA series with 6 episodes and a movie, Time of Eve explores the question of what it means to be human in a world with advanced androids.
In this story, androids have become a common household presence and society strictly adheres to the Three Laws of Robotics.
Society views androids as lesser technology, similar to household appliances, and those who adore androids, known as “android-holics,” are shunned by the general public.
However, when Rikuo Sakisaka discovers a strange message within his household android’s logs, it leads him to Eve no Jikan, a cafe where the only rule is that there must be no distinction made between humans and androids.
Driven by curiosity, Rikuo delves deeper into the mystery of Sammy’s behavior and the true nature of the cafe.
20. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
If you have a Netflix acxount, then here is one of the most recommended cyberpunk anime series, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.
Set In the neon-lit metropolis of Night City, dreams are a luxury few can afford. David Martinez, a teenager from the city’s slums, is determined to make his late mother’s wish come true by climbing the ranks of the world’s leading security corporation, Arasaka.
But when a run-in with a street gang leaves him with nothing to lose, he discovers a powerful cybernetic prosthetic that grants him superhuman speed.
With this new weapon at his disposal, David sets out for revenge and redemption but soon finds himself caught up in the dangerous world of Edgerunners, a group of cyber-criminals who will stop at nothing to get what they want.
With the help of the beautiful data thief, Lucy, David must navigate this treacherous world, where the lines between right and wrong are blurred and the price of survival is steep.
19. Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu
Known in English as Legend of the Galactic Heroes, this is a must-watch anime for any cyberpunk fan.
The story takes place in a distant future where humanity has spread across the galaxy and is divided into two warring factions: the powerful and tyrannical Galactic Empire, and the Free Planets Alliance, a beacon of democracy.
The stalemate between these two superpowers is broken by the rise of two young leaders: Reinhard von Lohengramm, a military prodigy with a desire to unify humanity and free his sister from the Empire’s grasp, and Yang Wenli, a historian who must hold firm to his democratic beliefs despite the struggles of the Alliance
. As the war rages on, these two strategic masterminds are forced to question the true purpose of their battle.
18. Akudama Drive
Produced by Pierrot, Akudama Drive is a brand new and a must-see cyberpunk anime of 2020. It takes place in the futuristic city of Kansai.
At first glance, it may seem like a technological paradise, but there’s a dark side to it, as it’s home to notorious criminals known as “Akudama.” When the police announce the execution of a notorious Akudama called “Cutthroat” who killed 999 people, a mysterious message is sent to several elite Akudama, offering them a large sum of money to free him.
But this is just a trap, set by a mysterious figure, to gather these dangerous criminals in one place and create a bloodbath.
17. Dimension W
Dimension W is a cyberpunk tv show available on Netflix. In the futuristic world of Dimension W, mankind has discovered a fourth dimension that holds an infinite source of energy.
The New Tesla Energy corporation has monopolized the energy industry with advanced “coils” that harness this energy, leading to the illegal distribution of unofficial coils on the market.
Kyouma Mabuchi, an ex-soldier with a distrust for coil-based technology, becomes a “Collector,” tasked with hunting down illegal coils for money.
But when he meets Mira Yurizaki, an android with a connection to the “father” of coils, the two unlikely allies join forces to unravel the mysteries of Dimension W as they encounter strange and dangerous events.
16. Bubblegum Crisis
Bubblegum crisis us a classic anime that featured themes of cyberpunk, robots, and sci-fi.
Set in the near future of 2032, the bustling metropolis of MegaTokyo rises from the ashes of the Second Great Kanto Earthquake, thanks to the labor of mechanical beasts known as “Boomers.”
But as the mysterious corporation Genom begins to produce Boomers with incredible destructive power, the city is plagued by Boomer-related crimes.
The AD Police, a special unit created to counter these crimes, is overwhelmed by the sheer number of incidents and the disparity in strength. Enter the Knight Sabers, a mysterious vigilante force led by the fierce and beautiful Sylia Stingray, Priscilla “Priss” Asagiri, Nene Romanova, and Linna Yamazaki.
Dressed in advanced power suits, these women are the citizens’ only hope for protection against the rogue Boomers in this dystopian setting.
15. Armitage
If you’re a fan of cyberpunk elements, then the Armitage franchise is definitely one to check out.
Set in the year 2046, the story follows Detective Ross Sylibus as he is transferred to Mars to investigate a murder case involving a “Third” – a robot designed to look and feel human.
Alongside him is his new partner, the stunning but headstrong Armitage. Together, they dive deep into the investigation, uncovering a sinister conspiracy that threatens to put both of their lives in danger.
14. Texhnolyze
Texhnolyze is a well-recommended anime to watch for fans of dark stories. Set in the underground city of Lux, where people live under the rule of criminal factions and rely on a rare substance called “raffia” for survival.
This substance is used in the creation of “Texhnolyze” transplants, which allow humans to replace parts of their bodies with cybernetic prostheses.
The city’s power is controlled by an organization called the “Class,” which is led by Keigo Oonishi, a man rumored to hear the “voice of the city.”
When a mysterious visitor named Kazuho Yoshii begins committing crimes, the gangs of Lux turn on each other, and new players, such as Ichise and Ran, become embroiled in the city’s greatest crisis yet.
13. Megalo Box
In the dark world of Megalo Box, technology and boxing collide as underground fighter Junk Dog battles his way to the top.
Despite his potential as a boxer, Junk Dog is forced to throw matches for his boss Gansaku Nanbu. But everything changes when champion boxer Yuuri enters his ring and issues a challenge: “Fight your way up to me and my ring.”
Determined to prove himself, Junk Dog enters Megalonia, a world-spanning tournament that will decide the strongest Megalo Boxer of all.
Taking on the moniker of “Joe,” he must face off against fierce opponents and overcome the illegal nature of his participation in order to meet the challenge of his rival and achieve his dreams of becoming a champion.
12. Napping Princess
Napping Princess is a must-see anime movie that delves into the world of cyberpunk and the hidden lines between reality and dreams.
The story follows Kokone Morikawa, a high school student who suffers from a mysterious napping disorder that causes her to drift between the worlds of reality and her dreams.
In her dreams, she is a magical princess of Heartland, a machine-driven future where the use of artificial intelligence is forbidden.
As Kokone navigates the parallel worlds, she discovers the truth about her family’s past and a secret her father, a talented mechanic, has been keeping from her. However, as the lines between the two worlds become increasingly blurred, she must not only uncover the truth but also protect it from those who would use it for nefarious purposes.
As Kokone’s journey unfolds, she must confront the dangers and challenges that lie ahead, both in the dream world and in reality.
11. Redline
Moving on, we have the anime movie Redline, a thrilling adventure that combines cars, cyberpunk, and technology.
Every five years, a high-speed race known as Redline is held and it’s the most anticipated competition in the universe. With no rules and no limits, the racers push themselves to the brink of exhaustion to come out on top.
The protagonist, JP, is a daredevil driver who has just qualified for the race and is eager to take on the other skilled drivers, particularly the beautiful and talented Sonoshee McLaren. However, this year’s Redline is set to take place on the planet Roboworld, a dangerous place known for its trigger-happy military and criminal elements.
But this added danger only adds to the excitement as JP prepares to race for first place in the biggest event of his life.
10. Appleseed
Set in the aftermath of World War III, Appleseed takes us to the experimental city of Olympus, a utopia built by the General Management Control Office.
This city is home to a diverse population of humans, cyborgs, and bioroids – genetically engineered humans designed for increased physical capabilities and decreased emotional capabilities.
The bioroids run and control all of the administrative functions of Olympus, ensuring that it remains the perfect society for all of its citizens.
But for some, like police officer Calon Mautholos, this utopia has become more of a prison. Grief-stricken by the death of his wife, Calon blames the strict rules of Olympus for her death and turns to terrorism to bring them down.
With the help of the terrorist A.J. Sebastian, Calon sets out to destroy the legislature of the Central Management Bureau.
However, when Calon discovers Sebastian’s true motivations, he becomes a renegade, drawing the attention of the city officials and the elite ESWAT counter-terrorism unit, who will stop at nothing to bring him to justice.
9. UN-GO
UN-GO is set in a dark and uncommon world, where Shinjuurou Yuuki is a detective unlike any other. Known as the “Defeated Detective,” he is a master at solving the most complex and sinister crimes that plague the dystopian city of Tokyo.
With the help of his enigmatic and mysterious associate, Inga, Shinjuurou is able to unravel the truth behind even the most twisted of cases. However, as he delves deeper into the seedy underbelly of the city, he begins to realize that there may be more to Inga than meets the eye.
As the two work together to solve one case after another, Shinjuurou becomes increasingly aware of the fact that Inga’s true intentions may not be as pure as they seem.
Will Shinjuurou be able to uncover the truth behind Inga’s identity and motivations, or will he be caught in a web of deceit and betrayal? Only time will tell in this thrilling and suspenseful cyberpunk anime.
8. Trigun
Trigun is an anime that combines elements of cyberpunk, western, and dystopian themes to tell the story of Vash the Stampede, a notorious outlaw with a massive bounty on his head.
Dubbed “The Humanoid Typhoon,” rumors say Vash is a ruthless killer who destroys entire cities for fun. However, in reality, he’s a kind-hearted man who avoids violence at all costs and claims to have never taken a life.
As Vash travels the barren landscape of Gunsmoke, he’s closely followed by two insurance agents, Meryl Stryfe and Milly Thompson, who aim to mitigate his impact on society.
But as they journey together, their encounters become increasingly dangerous as a group of legendary assassins is sent to hunt them down.
Through these trials, Vash’s past will be revealed and his morality and values will be tested to the brink. With his quirky love for doughnuts and his comical personality, Vash will take you on a thrilling and memorable journey.
7. Cowboy Bebop
6. Id: Invaded
Id: Invaded is a thrilling psychological anime that will keep you guessing until the very end. It explores the depths of the human mind through the advanced Mizuhanome System, which allows detectives from the specialized police squad Kura to enter the “id wells” of criminals to reveal their identities.
However, access to the id wells is limited to those who have killed someone themselves, like former detective Akihito Narihisago, also known as “Sakaido”.
Despite his dark past, Narihisago continues to aid Kura in their investigations, but as he delves deeper into the cases, he realizes that there may be a much more sinister force at play.
As the series progresses, Narihisago must navigate a complex web of secrets, lies, and mind-bending twists to uncover the truth.
5. Psycho Pass
I truly pity anyone who didn’t get the chance to experience the unparalleled brilliance of Psycho-Pass – the greatest cyberpunk anime of all time.
Set in a not-too-distant future, the series explores a world where it’s possible to instantly measure a person’s mental state, personality, and the likelihood of committing a crime, all captured on their “Psycho-Pass” record.
This system is used by Inspectors to uphold the law by subjugating anyone who poses a threat. Alongside them are Enforcers – former Inspectors who have become latent criminals themselves, granted freedom in exchange for carrying out the Inspectors’ dirty work.
As Akane Tsunemori, a young woman with a passion for justice joins the force, she quickly realizes that the Sibyl System’s judgments are not as infallible as her colleagues believe.
Working alongside veteran Enforcer Shinya Kougami, Akane begins to question the true meaning of justice and whether it can truly be upheld through a system that may be corrupt.
As she delves deeper into the complex world of the Sibyl System, Akane must confront her own beliefs and come to terms with the harsh realities of this futuristic society.
4. Serial Experiment Lain
Written by Chiaki J. Konaka, the creator of Texhnolyze, Serial Experiments Lain is a psychological cyberpunk mystery anime series that explores the impact of technology on our lives and the question of what it means to be human in a digital age.
The story is about Lain Iwakura, a shy and introverted fourteen-year-old girl who finds herself thrust into a virtual world of communication networks known as the Wired.
It all starts with a disturbing email from her classmate Chisa Yomoda, who recently committed suicide. Lain, who has little experience or interest in technology, is initially hesitant to enter the Wired, but as she delves deeper, she begins to encounter a series of cryptic mysteries.
She starts to notice strange men, known as the Men in Black, appearing everywhere she goes, asking her questions and somehow knowing more about her than she knows herself.
The boundaries between reality and cyberspace quickly begin to blur and Lain finds herself in a surreal and bizarre world where the concepts of identity, consciousness, and perception take on new meanings.
As Lain navigates the Wired, she makes crucial choices that will affect both the real world and the virtual one.
3. Akira
2. Ghost in the Shell
Ghost in the Shell is a captivating story that digs deep within the world of cyberpunk, exploring themes of advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and the difference between humanity and machines.
Set in a future where the line between human and robot is becoming increasingly blurred, the story follows Major Motoko Kusanagi, a highly skilled and deadly cyborg agent working for a secret government agency known as Section 9.
As she and her team investigate a series of dangerous criminals and conspiracies, they are constantly forced to confront the implications and consequences of advanced technology on society and the individual.
1. Ergo proxy
Ending our list with Ergo Proxy, a magnificent cyberpunk series that takes you to a future where the last remaining human civilization exists within a domed city, Romdo.
The planet has been ravaged by an ecological disaster and life outside these domes is impossible. To help humanity recover, robots known as AutoReivs have been created to assist people in their daily lives. But things take a turn when these AutoReivs start contracting a mysterious disease called the “Cogito Virus” which grants them self-awareness.
As the investigation into this phenomenon begins, the main characters, Re-l Mayer and Vincent Law find themselves in the middle of a conspiracy that reveals the dark secrets of humanity.
Together, with their AutoReiv partners, Iggy and Pino, they form an unlikely alliance as they uncover the truth about Romdo’s mysteries and the existence of the mythical beings known as Proxies.
