10 Shows & Movies Like Listeners (2020)

Description: A landmark cyberpunk film that explores themes of power, corruption, and the limits of human evolution. The movie's dystopian setting and intense, often surreal visuals create a gripping narrative about societal collapse and personal transformation.

Fact: The film was a major influence on the cyberpunk genre and was one of the first anime to gain widespread international acclaim.

Description: A psychological mecha anime that delves deep into the human psyche, exploring themes of existentialism, loneliness, and the burden of responsibility. The series combines intense action with profound character studies.

Fact: The series was originally intended to be a more straightforward mecha show but evolved into a deeply personal project for creator Hideaki Anno, reflecting his own struggles with depression.

Description: A seminal cyberpunk film that delves into questions of identity, consciousness, and the merging of human and machine. The movie's philosophical undertones and stunning visuals make it a thought-provoking experience.

Fact: The film's depiction of a futuristic, interconnected world heavily influenced later works in both anime and Hollywood, including 'The Matrix.'

Description: A dark, atmospheric anime that intertwines multiple character arcs to explore themes of fear, memory, and the supernatural. The series' nonlinear narrative and eerie tone create a uniquely unsettling experience.

Fact: The anime is based on a light novel series and is often praised for its complex storytelling and psychological depth, though it was initially overlooked upon release.

Description: A dark sci-fi series that examines humanity's struggle for survival against overwhelming odds. The story is steeped in themes of alienation, the cost of war, and the fragility of human existence, often portrayed through gritty, visceral action.

Fact: The series was notable for its bleak tone and willingness to kill off major characters, which was relatively uncommon in anime at the time.

Description: A psychological thriller that weaves together multiple narratives to explore the collective anxieties of modern society. The series uses surreal imagery and nonlinear storytelling to create a haunting, thought-provoking experience.

Fact: The show was created by Satoshi Kon, known for his mind-bending films like 'Perfect Blue' and 'Paprika,' and it reflects his signature style of blending reality and illusion.

Description: A cerebral sci-fi series that blends existential philosophy with a noir aesthetic. The story follows a detective unraveling a conspiracy in a post-apocalyptic world, exploring themes of identity, autonomy, and the meaning of existence.

Fact: The series is known for its dense, often cryptic storytelling and its use of references to philosophy, literature, and art.

Description: A dystopian crime thriller that examines the ethics of surveillance and the nature of justice. The series combines intense action with deep philosophical questions about free will and societal control.

Fact: The show's concept of the 'Sibyl System,' which judges individuals' mental states to predict criminal behavior, was inspired by real-world discussions about predictive policing.

Description: A mecha anime that focuses on the harsh realities of war and the plight of child soldiers. The series is known for its emotional depth, political intrigue, and the bonds formed between its characters in the face of adversity.

Fact: This installment in the Gundam franchise is unique for its grounded, more realistic approach to mecha combat and its emphasis on character-driven storytelling.

Description: A modern take on classic tokusatsu (special effects) shows, blending mecha action with psychological depth. The series explores themes of identity, reality, and the impact of trauma, often through surreal and introspective storytelling.

Fact: The show is a reboot of the 1993 live-action series 'Gridman the Hyper Agent' and pays homage to its roots while updating the narrative for a contemporary audience.