10 Shows & Movies Similar to Blade Runner: Black Lotus (2021)

Description: Akira is a groundbreaking anime that, like Blade Runner: Black Lotus, is set in a dystopian future with advanced technology and societal decay. Both explore themes of power, corruption, and the struggle for identity. The visual style of Akira, with its detailed cityscapes and cyberpunk elements, is highly influential and similar to Black Lotus.

Fact: Akira was one of the most expensive anime films ever made at the time. The film is based on a manga series by Katsuhiro Otomo. Akira's motorcycle chase scene is one of the most iconic in anime history.

Description: Total Recall, like Blade Runner: Black Lotus, is a sci-fi action film set in a dystopian future with advanced technology and moral ambiguity. Both explore themes of identity and reality, with protagonists who question their own memories and existence. The visual style, with its futuristic cityscapes and cyberpunk elements, is highly comparable.

Fact: The film is based on a short story by Philip K. Dick, who also wrote the source material for Blade Runner. Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as the protagonist, Douglas Quaid. The film's special effects were groundbreaking for the time, earning an Academy Award.

Description: Ghost in the Shell is a seminal cyberpunk anime that explores themes of identity, consciousness, and the merging of human and machine, much like Blade Runner: Black Lotus. Both feature strong female protagonists navigating a high-tech, dystopian world. The visual style, with its detailed cityscapes and cybernetic enhancements, is highly similar.

Fact: Inspired many filmmakers, including the Wachowskis for The Matrix. The film's protagonist, Major Motoko Kusanagi, is a cyborg with a human brain. The film's philosophical themes are influenced by the works of Arthur Koestler and René Descartes.

Description: The Matrix shares the cyberpunk and dystopian themes of Blade Runner: Black Lotus, exploring the nature of reality and the struggle against oppressive systems. Both feature high-octane action, philosophical undertones, and a visually striking aesthetic. The themes of identity and rebellion are central to both narratives.

Fact: The Matrix was heavily influenced by cyberpunk literature and anime, including Ghost in the Shell. The film's iconic 'bullet time' effect revolutionized action cinematography. The Wachowskis directed the film, which became a cultural phenomenon.

Description: Cowboy Bebop, while more focused on space travel, shares the noir and cyberpunk elements of Blade Runner: Black Lotus. Both feature morally ambiguous characters, a blend of action and introspection, and a jazz-infused soundtrack that adds to the atmospheric tone. The visual style, with its gritty realism and futuristic settings, is also comparable.

Fact: The series was heavily influenced by jazz, blues, and film noir. It was one of the first anime series to gain significant popularity in the West. The protagonist, Spike Spiegel, is a former hitman with a tragic past.

Description: This series expands on the themes of the original Ghost in the Shell film, delving deeper into the cyberpunk world and the ethical questions surrounding technology and humanity. Like Black Lotus, it features a mix of action, philosophy, and stunning visuals, with a focus on a female lead in a futuristic setting.

Fact: The series is divided into two seasons, each with a different storyline. It features a unique opening theme by Yoko Kanno. The series explores the concept of 'Stand Alone Complex,' a phenomenon where unrelated individuals commit similar acts without direct coordination.

Description: Dredd is a gritty, dystopian action film that, like Blade Runner: Black Lotus, is set in a futuristic urban hellscape. Both feature strong, stoic protagonists navigating a world of crime and corruption. The visual style, with its dark tones and high-tech elements, is highly similar, and both explore themes of justice and survival in a broken society.

Fact: Dredd is based on the long-running British comic strip Judge Dredd. The film was shot in 3D, with slow-motion sequences to emphasize the violence. Despite critical acclaim, the film underperformed at the box office.

Description: Blade Runner 2049 is a direct sequel to the original Blade Runner, sharing the same dystopian cyberpunk setting, themes of identity, and the blurred line between humans and replicants. The visual aesthetics, with its neon-lit cityscapes and rain-soaked streets, are reminiscent of Black Lotus. Both explore the moral and existential dilemmas of artificial life.

Fact: Directed by Denis Villeneuve, known for his visually stunning films. Roger Deakins won an Oscar for Best Cinematography for this film. The film's soundtrack was composed by Hans Zimmer and Benjamin Wallfisch, creating a haunting and atmospheric score.

Description: Psycho-Pass is a cyberpunk anime that, like Blade Runner: Black Lotus, explores themes of surveillance, free will, and the nature of humanity in a technologically advanced society. Both feature strong female leads and a dystopian setting where the line between right and wrong is blurred. The visual aesthetics, with its futuristic cityscapes and dark tone, are highly similar.

Fact: The series was written by Gen Urobuchi, known for his dark and philosophical storytelling. The Sibyl System, a central element of the series, judges citizens' mental states to prevent crime. The series has been compared to Minority Report for its themes of pre-crime and surveillance.

Description: The Animatrix is a collection of animated short films set in the Matrix universe, sharing the cyberpunk and dystopian themes of Blade Runner: Black Lotus. Both explore the intersection of humanity and technology, with visually stunning animation and a dark, philosophical tone. The anthology format allows for diverse storytelling styles, much like the episodic nature of Black Lotus.

Fact: The Animatrix features contributions from renowned anime directors. One of the shorts, 'The Second Renaissance,' provides the backstory of the Matrix universe. The project was conceived by the Wachowskis to expand the Matrix lore.