If you loved the visually stunning and synthwave-infused sci-fi adventure 'Blood Machines' (2020), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same electrifying blend of neon aesthetics, cosmic horror, and high-octane action. Whether you're a fan of retro-futurism or mind-bending narratives, these picks will keep you glued to the screen.

Heavy Metal (1981)
Description: An anthology of animated sci-fi and fantasy stories with a strong emphasis on surreal visuals, cosmic horror, and a synth-heavy soundtrack, creating a psychedelic and otherworldly atmosphere.
Fact: The film was based on the adult-oriented fantasy magazine of the same name and features contributions from various animators, resulting in a unique, segmented visual style.


Tron (1982)
Description: A groundbreaking blend of live-action and early CGI, set in a digital world with neon-lit aesthetics, exploring themes of artificial intelligence and human-machine interaction.
Fact: The film's light cycle sequences were so innovative that they influenced video game design for years to come.


Akira (1988)
Description: A cyberpunk masterpiece with hyper-detailed animation, dystopian themes, and a focus on body horror and psychic powers, all set against a neon-soaked urban landscape.
Fact: The film's motorcycle chase scene took over a year to animate and is considered one of the most technically impressive sequences in anime history.


Ghost in the Shell (1995)
Description: A philosophical cyberpunk story blending high-tech action with deep questions about identity and consciousness, featuring stunningly detailed futuristic cityscapes.
Fact: The film's iconic thermoptic camouflage effect inspired similar visuals in numerous later sci-fi works.


The Fifth Element (1997)
Description: A visually extravagant space opera with a unique blend of futuristic technology, alien cultures, and over-the-top action sequences, all wrapped in a vibrant color palette.
Fact: The film's flying taxi scenes were created using miniature models and innovative camera techniques rather than CGI.


Titan A.E. (2000)
Description: An animated space adventure featuring a unique blend of traditional animation and CGI, with themes of human survival and spectacular cosmic visuals.
Fact: The film's production was troubled, with the studio shutting down during production and work being completed at multiple facilities.


The Matrix (1999)
Description: A revolutionary cyberpunk action film that combines philosophical themes about reality with groundbreaking visual effects and martial arts sequences.
Fact: The famous bullet time effect was achieved using an array of still cameras firing in sequence around the actors.


Cowboy Bebop (1998)
Description: A stylish blend of space western and noir with jazz-inspired soundtrack, following bounty hunters through a gritty yet visually stunning solar system.
Fact: The series was originally considered a failure in Japan but gained massive international popularity through Adult Swim broadcasts.


Æon Flux (2005)
Description: A live-action adaptation of the surreal animated series, featuring stylized action sequences and a dystopian future with biological and technological experimentation.
Fact: The film's production design was heavily influenced by German Expressionism and Soviet Constructivism.


Paprika (2006)
Description: A mind-bending animated film that explores dreams and reality through vibrant, surreal imagery and a narrative that blurs the line between technology and psychology.
Fact: The film's parade sequence is one of the most densely detailed and complex animated scenes ever created, with hundreds of unique elements in motion simultaneously.
