10 Greatest Cyberpunk Anime of All Time, Ranked

The future is a scary concept, and while some try to be optimistic about what it holds, others can’t help but imagine the worst for society. And those thoughts birthed one of the greatest genres ever, cyberpunk. This genre is centred around a futuristic city overrun by chaos, capitalism, and villainy, creating a dark dystopia that is meant to predict the worst the future has in store, and anime excels at it.

There are many renowned cyberpunk anime films, such as Akira and Patlabor, as well as iconic short OVAs, including Battle Angel Alita. However, this list will rank the ten greatest cyberpunk anime series ever based on their worldbuilding, originality, depiction of the future, story, animation, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and overall quality. The future may be bleak, but there is no way it can get worse than these anime.

10

‘Bubblegum Crisis’ (1987-1991)

Image via MUBI

Set in the reborn city of Mega Tokyo, Bubblegum Crisis is an action-packed series in which a group of heroes tries to save the day. A mysterious company has taken over the city, using advanced robots to completely overpower the police force. Now, only the Knight Sabers, a vigilante force, can stop them and free the city.

The 1980s had many forgotten anime, with a lot of those being cyberpunk series, proving this was around the time when the genre got really popular. However, among the ultra-serious and gritty adaptations, Bubblegum Crisis was a breath of fresh air. This charming series was entertaining from start to finish and pleasantly cheesy, but it also packed some serious heat with its fascinating side stories and mesmerizing action.

9

‘Megalo Box’ (2018-2021)

Image via Prime Video

The cyberpunk genre comes in all shapes and sizes, and Megalo Box proves that. Just because it is in a cyberpunk world, doesn’t mean the story needs to be centred around the political dismay. This anime follows Joe, a scrappy junk yard fighter who gets the chance of a lifetime when the world champion challenges him, taking him into the largest stage in the world to prove his talent.

The best part about Megalo Box is that the cyberpunk world is simply a background, with the meat of the story coming from the underdog plot. The first season is fun, but the second season takes fans for a depressing ride that explores heavy themes such as drug addiction. Megalo Box is a profound anime and a modern classic that many might not realize is actually a cyberpunk series.

8

‘Dennou Coil’ (2007)

Image via Madhouse

Cyberpunk isn’t just dark and gloomy stories; they can also be quirky and unique, as is the case with Dennou Coil. The world is embracing augmented reality, but when mysterious disappearances begin happening, a group of children creates the titular detective agency, where they investigate the corruption of the virtual world.

Dennou Coil isn’t pure cyberpunk, but rather a soft post-cyberpunk anime that focuses on the societal integration of augmented reality. This intriguing premise, paired with a whimsical style and sense of adventure, creates one of the most distinct anime of the genre. Dennou Coil is an underrated anime and a daylight cyberpunk story full of charm and a childlike wonder that creates a magnificent coming-of-age story.

7

‘Cyber City Oedo 808’ (1990-1991)

Image via Madhouse

Some anime on this list are less popular than others, such as Cyber City Oedo 808, which has mostly been forgotten over time. After their capture, three criminals are given a deal: work with the police as a separate task force or die. However, with each criminal they catch, their sentence is reduced, and there are measures to make sure they don’t escape.

Cyber City Oedo 808 may only be a few episodes, but each one is around 40 minutes, and while that still isn’t a lot, it is enough to establish itself as a legendary cyberpunk anime. This set-up is very reminiscent of the Suicide Squad and likely inspired another cyberpunk anime, Akudama Drive. With a proven impact and pure entertainment value, Cyber City Oedo 808 is an oldie, but a goodie.

6

‘Texhnolyze’ (2003)

Image via Madhouse

If fans were wanting something more along the lines of the typical dark, gritty, and philosophical cyberpunk, then Texhnolyze is the anime for them. Gangs fight for power in the dim city of Lux, with cybernetic body enhancements being their main form of business. But when a mysterious figure pits the gangs against each other, the balance is thrown off, descending the city into chaos.

Texhnolyze is a masterclass of atmospheric storytelling that uses its bleak world to display a philosophical, yet nihilistic, story. With little dialogue and a focus on visual storytelling, this anime instills a vehement sense of dread in the viewers. Exploring the bounds of cyberpunk ethos and questioning human evolution, Texhnolyze is a slow-burning yet engaging psychological masterpiece.

5

‘Serial Experiments Lain’ (1998)

Image via Triangle Staff

The 1990s were an interesting decade where the internet really took off, and with it, plenty of unknown dangers. Serial Experiments Lain follows the titular character and her descent into the dark web. After receiving an email from her deceased classmate, Lain delves deeper into the dark side of the internet, becoming a god of the digital realm.

Serial Experiments Lain is a fantastic avant-garde anime that isn’t a pure cyberpunk story, but features its themes, such as digital alienation, loss of physical reality, and the omniscient presence of the internet. This anime is staggeringly prophetic, predicting the way humanity consumes the internet with terrifying accuracy, highlighting the dangers and horrors that come with it.

4

‘Psycho-Pass’ (2012-2020)

Image via Production I.G

It isn’t easy for a show to remain perfect from start to finish, and this was unfortunately the case with Psycho-Pass, yet it is still a legendary series. The Sibyl System governs Japan, analyzing the people and determining who will commit crimes before they even take place. Following the task force that deals with people whose numbers are too high, a rookie begins to question the ethics and flaws of the system.

If it weren’t for the later disappointing seasons, Psycho-Pass could have been in the top two, but even with those episodes holding it down, this anime is an all-time classic just because of the first season. As one of the greatest anime series ever, this show is a thematic heavyweight that discusses philosophy, psychology, ethics, and the daunting future. Discussing the struggle between freedom and security, Psycho-Pass is a thought-provoking cyberpunk masterclass.

3

‘Ergo Proxy’ (2006)

Image via Manglobe

Set within a devastated post-apocalyptic city named Rombo, Ergo Proxy follows the remnants of humanity living underneath the domed city. Androids and robots take care of all human needs, but when a virus makes them sentient, they start rebelling against humanity. Now, a group of investigators must learn the source of the virus and how to stop it while also solving the murders because of it.

Leaning into a darker, more gothic style, Ergo Proxy is a fascinating cyberpunk that blends mystery with action, drama, and philosophical weight. Tackling themes such as consciousness and existentialism, this anime is set in a post-cyberpunk world, which we do not often see in the genre. The decaying world and philosophical questions create a magnificent cyberpunk experience, highlighting Ergo Proxy‘s excellence.

2

‘Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’ (2022-present)

Set in the world of the critically acclaimed video game and tabletop experience Cyberpunk 2077, this anime was the most surprising success of the 2020s. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners follows David joining a gang with a cybernetically advanced spine after his mother dies because of the corruption in the city. However, all David experiences is more pain, suffering, and trauma.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a modern sensation, and therefore, it is most likely the most popular series on this list, and with a new season announced, it is one of the most anticipated must-watch anime shows. Displaying excellent worldbuilding and magnificent character development, this anime treats the city and a character and uses it to shape the protagonist. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a high-octane burst of exhilaration and vibrance, creating a distinct yet captivating cyberpunk show.

1

‘Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex’ (2002-2005)

Image via Netflix

Remakes and reboots are more and more common in the anime industry, and the next one is The Ghost in the Shell, which will be a more faithful adaptation of its manga than the critically acclaimed movie. But as fans wait for that, they can watch Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex. Cybernetic body enhancements are the norm, but this presents a plethora of crimes that Motoko and her squad are dedicated to stopping.

Ghost in the Shell is one of the most critically acclaimed pieces of cyberpunk, and Stand Alone Complex further delves into the world and its philosophical questions. This gritty police procedural is profound and intriguing, handling the core of cyberpunk themes with nuance. Stand Alone Complex is a complex story with new questions each episode, wrapped in a detailed world that proves to be a landmark of the cyberpunk genre.