5 Best Cyberpunk Anime
Cyberpunk anime is where futuristic technology meets gritty cities, shady corporations, and humans questioning their own reality. These shows combine neon skylines with questions about identity, freedom, and survival.
They are not just stylish, but also filled with memorable characters who fight against systems far bigger than themselves. From rogue detectives to artificial beings trying to understand emotions, every story gives something unique. If you are curious about anime with futuristic settings, these are the five most popular cyberpunk titles worth watching.
5. Ergo Proxy
In the domed city of Romdeau, people live under strict government control while androids called AutoReivs assist them. Inspector Re-l Mayer is assigned to investigate mysterious murders linked to a virus that gives AutoReivs self-awareness.
Her path crosses with Vincent Law, a migrant worker hiding a frightening secret. Together, they uncover shocking truths about humanity’s survival and the role of Proxies, god-like beings central to their world. The show balances philosophy with mystery while showcasing a society desperate to maintain its fragile order.
4. Akira
Set in Neo Tokyo after World War III, the story follows teenage biker gang leader Shotaro Kaneda and his troubled friend Tetsuo Shima. After a strange accident, Tetsuo develops unstable psychic powers that put the city at risk.
As the government scrambles to control him, Kaneda becomes caught between saving his friend and stopping the chaos. The film features unforgettable action sequences, detailed cityscapes, and one of anime’s most famous finales. Akira is often credited with introducing cyberpunk anime to audiences around the world.
3. Psycho Pass
In a future Japan controlled by the Sibyl System, people’s mental states are constantly measured. Inspectors of the Public Safety Bureau use Dominator guns that judge criminals based on their psychological stability.
Akane Tsunemori, a new Inspector, struggles with the moral burden of the system while working with Shinya Kogami, an enforcer haunted by his past. The series examines how justice works when machines make the decisions. Its thrilling investigations, ethical dilemmas, and tense relationships make it one of the strongest cyberpunk anime.
2. Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex
Major Motoko Kusanagi leads Section 9, a counter-cyberterrorism unit operating in a world where human brains can connect directly to networks. With her fully cybernetic body and sharp instincts, she investigates political conspiracies, hackers, and terrorist groups like the Laughing Man.
Motoko and her team confront the blurred lines between humans and machines. Known for its smart writing and futuristic tech, Stand Alone Complex remains a standout in anime history, blending action with thought-provoking futuristic storytelling.
1. Cyberpunk Edgerunners
In Night City, a lawless metropolis ruled by corporations and gangs, teenager David Martinez loses everything after his mother’s death. Turning to illegal cyberware, he joins a crew of mercenaries led by the cool but ruthless Maine.
David rises through the brutal world of edgerunners, alongside Lucy, a skilled netrunner with her own secrets. His journey shows both the thrill of enhanced cybernetic power and its devastating toll. The anime’s vibrant art, emotional storytelling, and high-energy action made it Netflix’s most acclaimed cyberpunk anime.
