Created by Masamune Shirow, ‘Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045’ is a science fiction action anime set in 2045, when artificial intelligence has become an indispensable part of human life. Most governments use this advanced technology to produce and sustain wars. Major Motoko Kusanagi knows the whole politics behind it all too well, and after stepping away from the Public Safety Section 9 she has led the mercenary group GHOST and engaged in proxy wars worldwide. Though she never intends to reunite with Section 9, everything changes when the mercenary group encounters cybernetically enhanced individuals known as post-humans.
The high-stakes mission of Kusanagi and her allies to save the world from falling into chaos and war has captured the hearts of action and science fiction anime fans around the world. People who like the series will of course want to see similar series. If you’re one of those people, we’ve got you covered. Most of these anime, such as Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045, are available for streaming on Netflix, Hulu, Crunchyroll, Funimation, or Amazon Prime.
7. Guard (2003)
Hajiki Sanada is a young boy who will be born on Earth a few hundred years from now, at a time when the Earth’s resources are running out and human progress is declining. Although the future may seem bleak, there is still hope, as a special object called the GAD has the special ability to transform material upon contact with organic life. When Sanada comes into contact with one of them, he rebuilds himself into a Tekkoudo (robot).
However, he soon discovers that his simplistic worldview has failed to take into account the possibility of the existence of other Tekkoudo, who are not necessarily in control of those with innocent intentions. While “Gad Guard” bears little resemblance to “Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045,” it’s a decent science fiction anime that fans will likely enjoy. You can see Sanada in action here.
6. Witch Hunter Robin (2002)
Robin arrives in Japan to join the STN (Japan Division), an organization responsible for capturing witches alive. Unlike the regular STN divisions, STN-J tries to make sense of its enemies by addressing their motivations so that these superpowered individuals can be stopped eventually. Like Section 9, STN-J also specializes in tracking down special criminals with remarkable skills. You can watch Robin’s journey with the witch hunt organization here.
5. Darker Than Black (2007)
Fans of ‘Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045’ looking for another science fiction action anime that deals with themes of war and mystery should probably check out ‘Darker than Black’. After the rise of Hell and the Gates of Heaven on Earth, which twisted the physical laws of space around them, the influence of contractors with supernatural abilities who traded their humanity for power grew. One of these contractors, codenamed Hei, teams up with her allies for a ruthless syndicate to create an existential threat to humans of her own kind.
However, between the success and failure of the nefarious scheme stands a group of people who will not let Hei get away with the dangerous crimes he is about to commit. While the war takes place in the shadows, the greater threat it poses is just as pervasive as that of the proxy wars in Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045. Curious anime fans can check out ‘Darker than Black’ here.
4. Eva no Jikan (2008 – 2009)
‘Eve no Jikan’ explores ideas such as individuality and philosophically attempts to explore the limits of technological progress in areas such as robotics and artificial intelligence. With some overlapping themes with “Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045,” the anime follows Rikuo Sakisaka, who believes in the Three Laws of Robotics in a world where androids have become commonplace. That is until he learns about the titular café that adheres to one law – androids and humans are essentially the same, and there is no distinction between them. Curious about Rikuo and the complex world he lives in? You can watch the broadcast here.
3. Serial Experiments Lain (1998)
Lain Iwakura is an introverted teenager whose life takes an unexpected turn after receiving a disturbing email from her late classmate Chisa Yomoda. It leads her directly into a virtual world of communication networks called Wired, which is similar to the Internet of the modern age. Soon, Lain is surrounded by surreal experiences that eventually begin to blur the line between cyberspace and reality.
Serial Experiments Lain and Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 both explore the concept of the fusion of humanity and technology, albeit from very different perspectives. They also delve into complex philosophical ideas and keep viewers guessing. If you’d like to join Lain on her life-changing journey, you can find all the episodes here.
2. 009-1 (2006)
A cyborg codenamed Mylene Hoffman, living in an alternate world where the cold war never ended and the world is still divided by politics, is charged with the responsibility of fighting for the greater good. With the Eastern and Western blocs constantly trying to gain the upper hand using technological advances and threats of nuclear war as a means, it is critical that Hoffman conduct her missions responsibly. A world torn apart by political and social differences – with a handful of cops trying to bring order and avoid worst-case scenarios – will likely remind fans of “Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045.” That’s why we recommend that you add ‘009-1’ to your watchlist.
1. Cyborg 009: The Cyborg Soldier (2001 – 2003)
Black Ghost is a dangerous terrorist organization whose leader, Skull, controls nine super-powerful cyborgs. He uses them to spread his influence and consolidate power until Black Ghosts’ cybernetics scientist Dr. Isaac Gilmore decides to turn them against Skull and his minions. Unfortunately, the evil terrorist is not the kind of person who perishes so easily, and he decides to go to war with weapons of mass destruction so that he can take out the cyborgs.
Like ‘Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045’, in ‘Cyborg 009: The Cyborg Soldier’ there is always a constant threat of war. In both shows, viewers are presented with a conflict between humans and cyborgs (or cybernetically enhanced individuals in the case of ‘Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045’). If you are planning to watch the action packed showdown between the cyborgs and the terrorists then this is the place to go.
Read more: Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 Season 2 ends, explained
One Punch Man Manga Read Online
One Punch Man Manga Read Online: One-Punch Man is a Japanese superhero series created by the creator ONE. It is a story about Saitama, a super-hero who is able to take on anyone with just one punch, but is looking for an appropriate opponent after becoming frustrated by the lack of competition due to his incredible ability. ONE developed the original webcomic version at the beginning of 2009.
A digital manga remake began publication on Shueisha's Tonari no Young Jump website in June 2012. The manga's illustration is by Yusuke Murata. Its chapters are regularly collected and released as each tankobon book. At the time of writing, January 2021 23 volumes were published. For North America, Viz Media license the manga remake to be released in English version and has serialized in their Weekly Shonen Jump digital magazine.
A manga-anime adaption of the manga produced by Madhouse it was shown throughout Japan from October until December 2015. The second season, created by J.C.Staff and J.C.Staff, began airing from April until July 2019. This anime show is licensed to North America by Viz Media and premiered on the United States on Adult Swim's Toonami block of programming in July, 2016. The second season debuted in October of 2019.
In June 2012, the original webcomic was able to surpass 7.9 millions hits. By April 2020 the manga's remake had sold more than thirty million copies.