If you loved the breathtaking aerial battles and intricate world-building of Last Exile (2003), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows that capture the same sense of adventure, steampunk aesthetics, and deep storytelling. Whether you're a fan of sky pirates, political intrigue, or stunning animation, these picks will keep you soaring through new worlds.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
Description: A post-apocalyptic epic with strong environmental themes, showcasing a young heroine navigating political strife and ecological disaster. The film's lush, detailed world and airship battles are standout features.
Fact: Originally a manga created by Hayao Miyazaki, the film was adapted before the manga was completed, leading to some differences in the storyline.


Castle in the Sky (1986)
Description: Features a grand adventure in a sky-bound world, combining elements of fantasy and early industrial technology. The story revolves around lost civilizations and the moral implications of wielding great power.
Fact: The floating island of Laputa was named after the flying island in Jonathan Swift's 'Gulliver's Travels', paying homage to classic literature.


Cowboy Bebop (1998)
Description: Blends science fiction with a mix of action, drama, and a touch of noir, featuring a ragtag crew navigating a vast, politically complex universe. The series excels in character-driven storytelling and atmospheric world-building.
Fact: The show's iconic opening sequence, 'Tank!', was composed by Yoko Kanno and performed by The Seatbelts, becoming one of the most recognizable anime themes.


Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (2002)
Description: A cyberpunk series that delves into the intersection of humanity and technology, featuring a specialized team tackling high-stakes missions in a politically charged world. The storytelling is both cerebral and action-packed.
Fact: The series' title, 'Stand Alone Complex', refers to a phenomenon where unrelated individuals mimic a non-existent leader, a concept explored in the show's plot.


Howl's Moving Castle (2004)
Description: A fantastical tale set in a war-torn world, blending magic and machinery in a visually stunning way. The story explores themes of identity, love, and the consequences of conflict, wrapped in a whimsical yet profound narrative.
Fact: The moving castle itself was inspired by a mix of Victorian machinery and surreal, organic forms, creating a unique and memorable design.


Steamboy (2004)
Description: A steampunk adventure with intricate mechanical designs and a focus on aerial battles, exploring themes of technological advancement and its ethical dilemmas. The visual style emphasizes detailed, immersive environments.
Fact: The film took nearly 10 years to produce, with director Katsuhiro Otomo insisting on hand-drawn animation for its elaborate steampunk aesthetic.


Wolf's Rain (2003)
Description: A melancholic, atmospheric journey following a group of wolves in a dying world, blending fantasy and science fiction. The story explores themes of survival, hope, and the search for paradise.
Fact: Despite being set in a futuristic world, the series incorporates elements of Norse mythology, adding depth to its lore.


Ergo Proxy (2006)
Description: A cyberpunk mystery with philosophical undertones, set in a dystopian world where humans and androids coexist uneasily. The narrative is dense with existential questions and a haunting atmosphere.
Fact: The show's opening theme, 'Kiri' by Monoral, was chosen for its haunting, otherworldly quality, perfectly setting the tone for the series.


Psycho-Pass (2012)
Description: A dystopian thriller set in a future where society is governed by a system that measures mental states, blending crime drama with deep philosophical questions about free will and justice.
Fact: The Sibyl System, which judges individuals' mental states, was inspired by real-world predictive policing technologies, adding a layer of realism to the sci-fi premise.


Attack on Titan (2013)
Description: A dark, action-packed series with a focus on aerial combat using intricate gear, set in a world where humanity is besieged by monstrous foes. The story delves into deep political and existential themes.
Fact: The series' iconic 3D Maneuver Gear was inspired by mountain climbing equipment, giving the action sequences a unique, dynamic feel.
