10 Shows & Movies Like Iria: Zeiram the Animation

Description: A groundbreaking anime film set in a dystopian future, featuring psychic powers, government conspiracies, and a gritty urban landscape. The story delves into themes of power, corruption, and the consequences of unchecked scientific experimentation.

Fact: Akira was one of the most expensive anime films ever made at the time and is credited with popularizing anime outside Japan. The film's iconic motorcycle slide has been referenced in numerous other media.

Description: A supernatural action film set in a demon-infested district of Tokyo. The story follows a martial artist battling evil forces in a ruined urban environment, combining horror elements with martial arts action.

Fact: The film was based on a novel by the creator of Ninja Scroll. Its dystopian setting influenced many later anime and video games, particularly in the horror genre.

Description: A dark fantasy anime blending horror and cyberpunk elements, featuring a secret organization that maintains peace between humans and demons. The film combines eroticism with brutal action in a nightmarish urban landscape.

Fact: Based on a novel by Hideyuki Kikuchi, who also created Vampire Hunter D. The film was heavily censored for its international release due to its graphic content.

Description: A space-western anime series blending noir, jazz, and action elements. It follows a group of bounty hunters dealing with their pasts while navigating a futuristic yet familiar solar system. The show balances episodic adventures with an overarching narrative.

Fact: The series was initially a ratings failure in Japan but gained massive international popularity. Its soundtrack, composed by Yoko Kanno, is considered one of the best in anime history.

Description: A cyberpunk anime series that explores themes of artificial intelligence, cybernetics, and the blurring line between human and machine. It features a strong female protagonist navigating a dystopian future filled with high-tech crime and political intrigue.

Fact: The series was praised for its philosophical depth and was one of the first anime to be streamed online legally in the US. It also inspired real-world technological developments in robotics and AI.

Description: A philosophical sci-fi anime set in a post-apocalyptic world where humans and androids coexist uneasily. The story follows an investigator uncovering dark truths about her society while exploring themes of identity and existence.

Fact: The series incorporates numerous philosophical references, including quotes from Jean-Paul Sartre. Its opening sequence features a song by the British band Radiohead.

Description: A psychological thriller set in a future where human mental states are constantly monitored. The series explores free will versus societal control through its dystopian premise and morally complex characters.

Fact: The show's concept was inspired by Philip K. Dick's works and features a unique visual style combining 2D and 3D animation techniques. It was one of the first anime to be simulcast worldwide.

Description: A collection of animated short films expanding the universe of a famous cyberpunk franchise. The anthology explores various aspects of machine-human relations in a dystopian future through diverse animation styles.

Fact: This was the first official expansion of its parent franchise beyond live-action films. Several top Japanese animation studios contributed to different segments, resulting in varied visual styles.

Description: An early cyberpunk OVA featuring a motorcycle-riding protagonist who discovers the truth about his seemingly normal city. The story combines mecha action with conspiracy elements in an urban setting.

Fact: Originally intended as a TV series, it was repurposed as an OVA after production issues. The project was so secretive that even most staff didn't know the full plot during production.

Description: A violent, action-packed OVA set in a near-future Tokyo where special police units battle terrorists and psychics. The series features gritty urban violence and political commentary amidst its cyberpunk setting.

Fact: The English dub famously added anti-Japanese dialogue not present in the original. The animation was noted for its graphic violence and influenced later action anime.