10 Best Movies That Were Inspired By Anime

Anime has greatly influenced filmmakers, resulting in movies drawing inspiration from the impeccable art form. Some films mirror anime scenes or concepts, while others pay homage through subtle references.

This cross-cultural exchange has sparked both controversy and friendly collaboration. Here are 10 movies that are inspired by anime, showcasing a diverse blend of homage and innovation on the big screen.

ALSO READ: Strongest Characters In Bungo Stray Dogs

10/10 The Lion King (1994)

The release of Disney's The Lion King in Japan caused controversy due to its similarities to the anime series Kimba The White Lion. 488 Japanese manga artists and animators signed a letter asking Disney to acknowledge Kimba's influence.

However, Tekuza Productions, the studio behind Kimba, didn't take legal action, and Makoto Tezuka, associated with Kimba, viewed the two works as separate stories with different themes. This highlights the ongoing debate about the similarities and interpretations of these animations, but no legal confrontation occurred.

9/10 Requiem For A Dream (2000)

Perfect Blue, an influential anime by Satoshi Kon, made a strong impression on Hollywood. Director Darren Aronofsky even bought the rights to the film and incorporated some frames from the anime into Requiem for a Dream.

Audiences noticed similarities between Perfect Blue and Aronofsky's movie, although Aronofsky claimed he didn't draw inspiration from it. Nonetheless, Perfect Blue's lasting impact on Hollywood movies is evident, as its artistic vision transcends traditional animation boundaries.

8/10 Clash Of The Titans (2010)

It pays homage to the anime series Saint Seiya through subtle nods. Director Louis Leterrier, a fan of Saint Seiya, collaborated with the manga's author, Masami Kurumada, on the film's poster designs.

The armor used in Clash of the Titans is inspired by Saint Seiya, honoring the iconic armor from the anime. This connection adds an extra layer of appreciation for fans of both Saint Seiya and Clash of the Titans.

7/10 Man Of Steel (2013)

Man of Steel takes inspiration from the Superman comics, but it also includes elements from anime. Director Zack Snyder openly acknowledged replicating the final fight scene from the anime series Birdy the Mighty: Decode, recreating it frame by frame.

ALSO READ: Funniest Moments In Naruto

This anime influence adds a unique touch to the film's climactic battle between Superman and Zod. While Superman's story originates from comics, Snyder's inclusion of anime-inspired visuals pays tribute to the style and action found in Japanese animation. It infuses the movie with a distinct flavor, showcasing the impact of anime on its visuals.

6/10 Looper (2012)

Rian Johnson, a self-proclaimed anime fan, openly admitted to finding inspiration from Katsuhiro Otomo's Akira for his movie Looper. In Looper, the character Cid goes through a similar arc as Akira's Tetsuo.

Both characters possess psychic powers that become uncontrollable and lead to their transformation into destructive forces. Johnson pays respect to Akira's themes within his own narrative by incorporating this parallel storyline.

5/10 Scott Pilgrim VS The World (2010)

Scott Pilgrim VS The World is an action comedy film that draws inspiration from both video games and anime. It tells the story of Scott, a young man in Toronto, who must defeat his girlfriend's seven evil exes in a magical alternate reality.

The comic book source material was influenced by manga, particularly Beck, as mentioned by writer Bryan Lee O'Malley. Director Edgar Wright and concept designer Oscar Wright also looked to Afro Samurai and Samurai Jack for inspiration, shaping the film's action and visual style.

4/10 Avatar (2009)

James Cameron's record-breaking film, Avatar, transported audiences to a vibrant world filled with stunning visuals and a profound message about the environment. Inspired by films like Princess Mononoke and Castle in the Sky, Avatar's lush jungle planet, Pandora, and its themes of environmentalism were greatly influenced by these anime classics.

Both films explore the importance of preserving nature and the consequences of depleting natural resources. Avatar's success, earning over $5 Billion worldwide, is a testament to its captivating world-building and the relevance of its environmental themes.

3/10 Inception (2010)

Inception has become a popular and unique blockbuster in recent years. It tells the story of a thief and his team who can enter people's dreams to steal secrets. The main character, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, is hired to implant an idea in someone's mind instead of stealing from them.

ALSO READ: Strongest Anime Gods, Ranked

The director of Inception, Christopher Nolan, has openly praised a similar movie called Paprika. In Paprika, a scientist uses a machine to enter the dreams of her patients. When the machine is stolen and misused, she gets caught up in a dangerous mystery.

2/10 The Matrix (1999)

Ghost in the Shell and The Matrix share striking similarities, making Ghost in the Shell a must-watch for fans of The Matrix. Both films explore profound themes such as consciousness, personal awakening, the nature of reality, and the impact of technology.

Ghost in the Shell follows Motoko Kusanagi as she hunts down a powerful hacker, while The Matrix centers around Neo's journey in a war against machines. Even if you're not an anime fan, Ghost in the Shell's compelling narrative and philosophical exploration in the cyberpunk genre make it a worthwhile choice for fans of The Matrix.

1/10 Pacific Rim (2013)

Neon Genesis Evangelion is an anime series about a young boy named Shinji who must pilot a giant mech suit to fight off otherworldly demons in a post-apocalyptic world. Pacific Rim, a movie by Guillermo Del Toro, takes inspiration directly from Neon Genesis Evangelion.

It tells the story of an older mech pilot who reluctantly joins the battle against gigantic sea monsters called Kaiju to save humanity. While the anime focuses on deep themes like existentialism and human psychology, Pacific Rim uses exciting action scenes and violence influenced by anime to tell its story of an impending apocalypse.

ALSO READ: Most Hated Main Characters In Anime, Ranked