The best thriller anime movies occupy many pulse-pounding marvels in the anime universe. Fans must dive into the exciting world of anime by embarking on a cinematic journey filled with such anime. This journey promises loads of suspense, mystery, and spine-tingling excitement. As such, this listicle is especially curated to unravel the enigmatic tales and psychological roller coasters that define the best in thrilling anime movies.
From mind-bending plot twists to heart-racing action sequences, these films do not disappoint. Moreover, they promise to keep the viewers on the edge of their seats. Here are five such thriller movies that Otakus must buckle up for and definitely can’t miss!
Akira (1988)
Katsuhiro Otomo directed Akira (1988) is a groundbreaking cyberpunk anime movie. Set in a post-apocalyptic time of Tokyo, it follows Kaneda and Tetsuo’s story. Kaneda is a biker gang leader, and Tetsuo is his friend with latent psychic skills. They become entangled in a government conspiracy that includes a mysterious psychic called ‘Akira.’
Additionally, the film explores themes of power, corruption, and the consequences of messing with psychic forces. All of this happens against the backdrop of a city on the brink of chaos. In the world of anime, Otakus knows the film for its beautiful animation, complex plot, and influence on the cyberpunk genre.
Perfect Blue (1997)
Satoshi Kon directed Perfect Blue (1997) and told the story of Mima Kirigoe. Kirigoe is a former pop idol who changed to an acting career. As she gets the hang of the challenges of her new job, the boundaries between reality and fantasy take a back seat.
Furthermore, a disturbing fan emerges and mirrors her life with strange accuracy. As such, Mima entangles in a psychological thriller filled with identity crisis, stalking, and a gripping exploration of what fame can turn into. Additionally, the movie masterfully navigates the complexities of perception, delusion, and the haunting effects of obsession on the human mind.
Ghost in the Shell (1995)
In Ghost in the Shell (1995), a cyborg policewoman named Major Motoko Kusanagi pursues a mysterious hacker known as the “Puppet Master”. The movie, directed by Mamoru Oshii, is set in a cyberpunk future and investigates themes of identity, consciousness, and the indulgence of humanity with technology.
Moreover, as the Major delves into the case, she discovers a complex web of political intrigue and existential questions. These questions happen to challenge the line between human and machine. The film is celebrated for its philosophical depth, gorgeous animation, and impact on cyberpunk.
Psycho-Pass: The Movie (2015)
Katsuyuki Motohiro directed Psycho-Pass: The Movie (2015), showing a gripping expansion of the Psycho-Pass universe. In a dystopian future, where society is governed by a system that measures individuals’ mental states, the movie revolves around enforcers Akane Tsunemori and Shinya Kogami and their challenges in a foreign land.
Besides, the movie follows political turmoil and a mysterious terrorist threat. The MCs must navigate the complexities of justice, spying, and free will. Furthermore, it explores profound questions about order and individuality in a thrilling narrative.
Paprika (2006)
Paprika (2006) is another mesmerizing work by Satoshi Kon who explores the boundary between dreams and reality through this film. As such, Dr. Atsuko Chiba, using her alter ego Paprika, navigates a world where dreams are accessible and shared. This may sound exciting, but when a device that allows entry into dreams is stolen, chaos follows.
Moreover, the lines between the dream world and the waking state are inevitably blurred. Fans consider this work a stunning masterpiece that offers a surreal and thought-provoking experience for the viewers.
