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Thirty years ago, Mamoru Oshii delivered the iconic cyberpunk masterpiece Ghost in the Shell. The film was quite a sensation in the genre and is celebrated to this date. It set a benchmark for most anime in the category for years.

Additionally, the film boosted his popularity and stature as an esteemed filmmaker and director. His vision behind creating revolutionary films is often talked of among cinema enthusiasts. But this time, Oshii took a dig at yet another known animator.

To give some context, the director wasn’t quite impressed by Hideaki Anno’s work, as he revealed in an interview. He put forth his outlook on art, artist, and expressionism, which brings us to the question of the hour. What exactly constitutes a true artist?

Ghost in the Shell director isn’t impressed by Hideaki Anno

Ghost in the Shell is the crème de la crème in the cyberpunk genre.

The official Ghost in the Shell YouTube channel has launched a live music streaming project entitled “Deep Dive: online – Ghost In The Shell –” which seeks to express the unique worldview of Masamune Shirow's classic cyberpunk manga and its anime adaptations by collaborating with live performances from musicians and DJs as well as virtual reality art. Related: The Ghost In The Shell TV Anime Reveals New Trailer, Visual The first artist announced for the project is Wonk, who will perform a set list of four songs. Kodansha USA publishes a digital version of the original The Ghost in the Shell manga, and describes the story of the series as follows: Deep into the twenty-first century, the line between man and machine has been inexorably blurred as humans rely on the enhancement of mechanical implants and robots are upgraded with human tissue. In this rapidly converging landscape, cyborg superagent Major Motoko Kusanagi...

It's been almost a year since fans discovered that the legendary anime series Ghost in the Shell was getting rebooted, and after virtually no news of the adaptation, Bandai Namco Filmworks decided to break radio silence and provide the first few details of the reboot series, which will be titled simply The Ghost in the Shell. The company announced the title and visuals through a teaser trailer and poster, and revealed a release window for the title: fans can expect to see the anime series in 2026.

The Ghost in the Shell will hail from a production committee that includes Bandai Namco Filmworks and Science Saru — the production company behind DanDaDan. The project will be directed by Moko-chan, who will make a directing debut after being a key animator at DanDaDan. Toh Enjoe (Godzilla Singular Point) will write and oversee screenplays and Shūhei Handa (Little Witch Academia) will serve as character designer and chief animation director.

Let’s face it when somebody tells us there’s going to be another Ghost in the Shell remake, a bunch of us either eye-roll or experience that icky ‘please don’t ruin this’ feeling. Mamoru Oshii’s 1995 film isn’t any old anime movie, it’s ‘the anime movie.’ It’s legendary. Those stunning visuals, that crazy cyberpunk setting, brain-melting philosophy, and that unforgettable music? You don’t mess with that perfection.

But then something unexpected happened. In May 2024, Bandai Namco Filmworks dropped some thrilling news: a whole new Ghost in the Shell anime is coming in 2026. And who is making it? Science Saru. Yeah, the same folks who just blew our minds with their insane work on Dandadan. Suddenly it was no longer ‘oh no, another remake.’ It was ‘Wait, this could be awesome.’

Ghost in the Shell by Mamoru Oshii. | Credit: Production I.G Bandai Visual Manga...

The official portal site for the Ghost in the Shell anime franchise, based on the classic cyberpunk manga by Shirow Masamune, released a second teaser trailer and visual for the upcoming TV anime, now officially titled The Ghost In The Shell . The Ghost In The Shell 2nd Teaser Trailer 2nd Teaser Visual Related: New Ghost in the Shell TV Anime Announced for 2026 The site also announced that Mokochan, who was the assistant director of the TV anime Dan Da Dan , makes his directorial debut on The Ghost In The Shell . Acclaimed sci-fi novelist Toh EnJoe, whose latest anime work includes Godzilla Singular Point , works on scripts and series composition. And Shuhei Handa, who also worked on the TV anime Spriggan , serves as character designer and chief animation director. The TV anime produced by Science Saru is set to air in 2026. Additionally, a comment from the original creator, Shirow Masamune, was also released.

The upcoming TV anime The Ghost in the Shell,produced by Dandadan's Science Saru, has revealed its latest teaser trailer and a new look at series protagonist Motoko Kusanagi.

Via The Ghost in the Shell's official X (formerly Twitter), the latest teaser trailer and visual for the upcoming remake series were finally revealed ahead of its 2026 release window. The staff were also officially announced in addition to the previously announced Science Saru anime studio. Readers can check them out below alongside the new The Ghost in the Shell trailer and visual.

New Ghost in the Shell Anime Remake Gets Teaser Trailer & 2026 Release Window ◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤　　　　サイエンスSARU制作　　　　新作TVアニメーション『攻殻機å...

For fans looking into get into anime for the first time, free streaming service Tubi is honestly one of the best places to start. Although Tubi's anime collection isn't quite as big as what's available on designated anime streamers like Crunchyroll or Hidive, there's a library of eclectic anime series to stream.

In addition to recent series like One-Punch Man, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, and My Deer Friend Noko-tan, there's an especially impressive collection of anime from the 1990s and early 2000s: the original Japanese version of series like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura that were never made available in English at the time they originally aired in North America, the cult classic English dub of the original Yu-Gi-Oh! and other classic series including Inuyasha, Naruto, Death Note and Appleseed.

One of the major gems available for free streaming on Tubi is the iconic and influential 1995 cyberpunk anime movie Ghost in the Shell.

Even to this day, getting Scarlett Johansson to be The Major in the live-action Ghost in the Shellfilm is one of the strangest casting decisions ever made. The most obvious problem with casting an American actor like Johansson as The Major was that Major Motoko Kusanagi was a Japanese character. Even if the film explained this by revealing that Major Mira Killian was really Motoko Kusanagi all along, Johansson's casting understandably sparked controversy.

When Johansson's casting was announced, the film was accused of literal whitewashing before a trailer was even released. But even after the film hit cinemas and viewers finally learned of Major Killian's true identity, the backlash didn't die down. Because of this,Ghost in the Shell remains one of the most polarizing live-action anime adaptations yet. All of this could've been avoided if the film fixed its most controversial aspect instead of just ignoring it.

Ghost in the Shell...

The 1995 theatrical anime film Ghost in the Shell is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025. Part of the festivities includes the announcement of a large-scale art exhibition entitled “Ghost in the Shell" Comprehensive Anime Series Exhibition , which will be staged in Tokyo in 2026. The exhibition will cover the original Ghost in the Shell manga by Masamune Shirow as well as all of the anime adaptations, including: Ghost in the Shell (1995), Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (2004), Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (2002), Ghost in the Shell: Arise (2013), Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 (2020) , and the new 2026 Ghost in the Shell TV anime with animation by Science Saru. Additional details about the exhibition will be revealed at a later date. Source: Ghost in the Shell on X (formerly Twitter)...

Ghost in the Shell remains a staple of cyberpunk anime, with the original animated movie adaptation still highly regarded by fans and filmmakers. Now, the director of the first two films is recalling a particularly sick sentiment that went into the second movie.

Speaking about the remastered 4K versions of Ghost in the Shell and Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence that are coming to theaters in a new statement via Mantan Web, director Mamoru Oshii noted the development of the second movie. Particularly proud of the film, this feeling came after a traumatic personal event. This all comes as the original film is celebrating its own major milestone, with the sequel having just reached a similar achievement.

RelatedLate Studio Ghibli Founder Gets Debut East Coast Movie Screening After Over 40 Years

Later this month, anime fans will have the chance to see the East Coast premiere of a pre-Ghibli feature...

Artificial intelligence used to be a longtime science fiction fan's dream, and, to borrow a Mitch Hedberg joke, it still is, too. In fiction, AI occupies a realm of possibility that renews our questions about who and what we are, and dances with theologic philosophies about whether or not we can create synthetic life worthy of a soul. The reality of AI remains a far cry from those visions of Fritz Lang and Isaac Asimov, incapable of independent creation, emotion, or thought.

Generative AI remains a disappointment because it's a fancy PR dodge on the level of the grapeless Grape-Nuts. There's no intelligence in ChatGPT or its "artistic" cousins, and definitely no sentience; it's a Chinese Room experiment with dressed up outputs. But real AI isn't all bad, either. Machine learning is helping doctors hunt down cancer in new ways. Yet, the fiction of AI continues to call to us,...

Mamoru Oshii’s Ghost in the Shell is an anime classic and one that caters to both anime enthusiasts and cinema lovers. Whether it’s the visual appeal or excelling as a pioneer of cyberpunk, the movie passes the test of time with flying colors. At the center of everything great about Ghost in the Shell, there’s Motoko Kusanagi.

Motoko Kusanagi from Ghost in the Shell | Credits: Studio Production I.G.

The voice actor who brought a great character like Motoko to life was Atsuko Tanaka. Motoko embodies perfection while being leagues ahead of the stereotypical representation of female anime characters. Even though she doesn’t have any flaws outright, her character is full of depth and she exhibits many admirable qualities.

For those who are familiar with the movie, it’s hard to not like her as a character. And that wouldn’t have been possible if it...

Masamune Shirow's career spans a variety of cutting-edge titles, from Appleseed to Dominion Tank Police . His most enduring series, though, is Ghost in the Shell —and this manga and anime classic will be the foundation of an upcoming exhibition launching this spring. The World of Masamune Shirow Exhibition -Ghost in the Shell and the Trajectory of Creativity- celebrates not only the legendary creator's work, but also the 30th anniversary of the Setagaya Literary Museum. The event will trace Shirow's career from his early works to the present day, with a special focus on Ghost in the Shell . Visitors to the exhibition can browse Shirow's artwork, some of which will be on display for the first time. The poster for the event brings together many of Shirow's works in its design: Related: New Ghost in the Shell TV Anime Announced for 2026 More information on the exhibition will be announced soon.

Scarlett Johansson collaborated with Woody Allen for the third time in Vicky Cristina Barcelona. The film tells the story of Vicky and Cristina, played by Rebecca Hall and Johansson, who get entangled with Javier Bardem’s Juan. The film had some intimate scenes involving Johansson, Bardem, and Penélope Cruz.

Scarlett Johansson in Vicky Cristina Barcelona | Credits: Mediapro/Wild Bunch

Johansson opened up about the film in an old interview, talking about the notion that this film was Allen’s steamiest film. Steamiest or not, the film was Allen’s one of the highest-grossing films at the time. Cruz won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and the film won the Golden Globe for Best Film – Musical or Comedy.

Scarlett Johansson Attributes The Steaminess In Vicky Cristina Barcelona To One Thing Javier Bardem and Scarlett Johansson in Vicky Cristina Barcelona | Credits: Mediapro/Wild Bunch

Woody Allen‘s Vicky Cristina Barcelona is a PG-13 film,...

Mamoru Oshii’s 1995 animated film Ghost in the Shell, a visually spectacular and philosophically complex masterwork that set a high standard for the franchise, was originally based on Masamune Shirow’s 1989 manga. Upon the announcement of Hollywood’s Live-Action Adaptation of Ghost in the Shell series, fans were buzzing with high hopes. However, the anticipation soon turned into dust after the cast was revealed.

Ghost in the Shell (1995) | Credit: Production I.G

Particularly, the casting choice of Scarlett Johansson as Mira Killian, the protagonist originally depicted as Major Motoko Kusanagi, received major backlash due to the whitewashing accusation. However, despite the storm of backlashes, Scarlett Johansson found unexpected support from none other than the Ghost in the Shell creator Masamune Shirow himself, who praised her portrayal and clarified that there’s no requirement for an Asian actress for this role.

Masamune Shirow’s Surprising Defense of Scarlett Johansson

While Scarlett...

Masamune Shirow’s Ghost in the Shell is a timeless classic that grapples with a wide number of themes. The anime adaptation accentuates some elements with its own interpretation of Shirow’s masterpiece. From the anime film to several video games, Ghost in the Shell has been adapted into various mediums. Yet there’s one version that is usually frowned upon for numerous reasons, the Ghost in the Shell Live Action (2017).

Motoko Kusanagi and Batou | Credits: Studio Production I.G.

Scarlett Johansson played the main character in the live-action which landed the movie into a controversy prior to its release. Already starting on a rough note, the movie failed to appease the fans or live up to the expectations of the pre-existing fans of the series. And, somehow the other aspects of the movies were ignored with Johansson at the brunt of heavy criticism.

Scarlett Johansson on her Casting As...

Decades after it was published for the first time, Naruto maintains its favorable position among the fans. Most fans love to dissect every part of the anime-manga series, delving into the different facets of the intricate storyline. Having a hold this strong is something unique to very few series, Naruto being one of them.

This popularity can be accredited to a multitude of reasons. but Masashi Kishimoto believes two factors played a huge role in the success of Naruto, especially among foreign readers.

Here’s What Appeals to Foreign Readers According to Kishimoto Uzumaki Naruto | Credits: Studio Pierrot Co. Ltd.

For many series, it’s hard to garner the same amount of recognition in their homeland as well as overseas. Naruto sets itself apart as an exception that has appealed to fans all over the world. Masashi Kishimoto shared that he owes this success to the famous mangaka that came before him.

The 2017 live-action adaptation of Ghost in the Shell sparked a huge controversy long before the film even hit theatres. At the crux of the debate was the casting of a white actress, the famous Scarlett Johansson, in the role of the central character, who in the original Japanese manga and anime, was a cybernetic human made in Japan named Motoko Kusanagi. Fans were outraged that the experience of portraying a Japan-based story was handed to a typically Western actress rather than diversifying and choosing a Japanese-born actress.

Scarlett Johansson as Major Motoko Kusanagi in Ghost in the Shell. [Credit: Paramount Pictures]

While the original director of Ghost in the Shell, Mamoru Oshii, defended her casting, Johansson’s own words back in 2015 have resurfaced and added fuel to the fire of the debate. In a world where the audience demands more diversity, Johansson claimed to be an ally and did not wish...

Originally released almost 30 years ago, the first Ghost in the Shell movie is an anime classic that has continued to be highly influential and beloved by many to this day. Now, it's set for a commemorative screening that celebrates the work of a departed cast member.

Via Oricon, set to air for just one week, the screening is in memory of Atsuko Tanaka, who recently passed away. Based on the upgraded version of the film, the movie will be available for fans to pay their last respects and enjoy the iconic film together. While it's so far set to only be a Japanese event, the legacy of Tanaka's character and voice is certain to live on across the world.

Related Cowboy Bebop Brings '90s Nostalgia Back to North America With Special Screening

Cowboy Bebop: The Movie is one of several film classics being screened in the U.S.

The One Piece franchise is known for several things, but perhaps one of the biggest fan-favorite elements in the series is Nami. A gorgeous redhead l-a-d-y, Nami's not shy, but she is an expert when it comes to maps. While she might be as breathtaking as she is valuable to the other members of the Straw Hat Crew, she's far from the only "waifu" who's easy on the eyes when it comes to the anime medium.

Anime is full of lovely ladies who are as resourceful as they are beautiful, namely when it comes to shonen anime. Far more than just a pretty face, these belles of the shonen ball have made fans everywhere drool and swoon whenever they walk on screen. It's a combination of both personality and appearance, and while Nami has both in spades, there are other anime beauties that are even more worthy of setting sail for.

Scarlett Johansson was accused of “whitewashing” ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

In 2015, fresh off her success in “Lucy” and “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” Scarlett Johansson was cast in a live-action adaptation of “Ghost in the Shell.” The Japanese franchise was based on Masamune Shirow’s manga series that follows the cyberpunk movement, which delves deep into the philosophical boundary between man and machine.

When Steven Spielberg’s DreamWorks acquired the rights to the series, the project was poised to be a major success. However, Scarlett Johansson’s acceptance of the role of Major Motoko, a cyborg soldier with a human brain and a cybernetic body who is, by all descriptions, an Asian character, created a PR crisis.

The casting decision led to a public uproar, with many fans asserting that an Asian actress should play the lead role in “Ghost in the Shell.” Their contention was based on the plot of a...

Scarlett Johansson’s impressive filmography showcases a talent that goes beyond her stunning good looks and toned physique. While the star has been praised for the kind of roles she has chosen, there is no denying the fact that her s*x appeal has played a significant part in her massive popularity.

Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow (image credit: Marvel)

While these high expectations in Hollywood can naturally put pressure on any actor to maintain their appearance, Johansson faced it pretty intensely when she signed on to be Black Widow in the MCU. Getting into a form-fitting costume to play a swashbuckling superhero was a daunting task that saw the celebrity almost having a meltdown about getting into perfect shape for the role.

Scarlett Johansson Had Nightmares About Her MCU Role For This Reason

The charismatic Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow was brought to life perfectly by Scarlett Johansson in the MCU.

Scarlett Johansson ranks among one of the highest-grossing actors in Hollywood, thanks to her performance as Black Widow in the Avengers films and the wider MCU. Despite achieving critical and commercial success, her casting in the 2017 sci-fi film Ghost in the Shell, which sparked a controversy over whitewashing, remains one of the lowest points in Johansson’s career.

Avengers star Scarlett Johansson was criticized for Ghost in the Shell role (Credit: Marvel Studios).

However, long before Johansson’s whitewashing controversy, another Avengers star found himself in a similar situation. Actor Benedict Cumberbatch appeared in 2013’s Star Trek Into Darkness but was also embroiled in a whitewashing controversy. He was cast to play the role of iconic villain Khan Noonien Singh and here is how Cumberbatch emerged from the gig.

Avengers Star Benedict Cumberbatch Was Cast as a Whitewashed Character in Star Trek

Benedict Cumberbatch is known for essaying iconic characters...

Ghost in the Shell is an anime and manga that tackles with some themes that are increasingly becoming more and more relevant. It battles with conflicting philosophies meeting the advancement of technology. While in the current times, with how far technology has come, these things seem to have come to fruition in a different form, when the manga first came out in 1991, all of this seemed more so dystopian.

Ghost in the Shell | Credit: Production I.G.

There was a lot it tackled in terms of what could be done in a story that was both dark and gripping at the same time while also proposing the way the world could change in an instant. Technological advancement is seeing no stop in today’s day and age, however, Ghost in the Shell’s author, Shirow Masamune’s vision had some regrets too.

Themes of Ghost in the Shell

The story of...

At the end of 1995's Ghost in the Shell, Major Motoko Kusanagi, now combined into a single entity with the Puppet Master, stands on a precipice high above New Port City. As Major (melded with this AI born in the "sea of information") looks out toward the city lights, she contemplates her shared, open-ended future: "And where shall I go now? The net is vast and infinite."

Since Mamoru Oshii's first Ghost in the Shell -- adapted from Masamune Shirow's manga of the same name -- dug its hooks into audiences worldwide, its profound and confounding ending has been co-opted and, invariably, degraded by a surfeit of films that just don't scratch the same itch. The appropriations are a testament to the truly "infinite" possibilities of an open-ended finale, but an uplinked, jacked-in consciousness doesn't have the same pop with the glut of offerings that end similarly. Part...

Second Coming

Distributor, Gkids is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the award-winning Japanese anime classic, “Ghost In The Shell 2: Innocence,” in a new 4K restoration. It will be available in theaters across North America for three nights only from June 23-26.

Directed by Oshii Mamoru, “Ghost In The Shell 2: Innocence,” is a cyberpunk crime drama based on the manga “Ghost in the Shell” created by Masamune Shirow.

Imagined as a standalone return to the world of Ghost in the Shell, the story is centered on the character Batou from the original film. Featuring visuals that demanded five years in production, “Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence” debuted in competition at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival, thus becoming the first and only anime in history to compete for the Palme d’Or.

Grand Ambitions

Media industry veteran Francis Coady is launching Grand Pacific Entertainment, a new Australia-based venture aiming to develop and fund scripted drama,...

Ghost in the Shell is one of the most iconic cyberpunk anime and manga franchises ever made, with the series having a lot of pop culture pull and influence. The latest manifestation of this is a new commercial putting Major Motoko Kusanagi in the driver's seat of a new Hyundai electric car.

Via PR Times, This new ad is for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N -- a new Ev version of the company's classy SUV. Featuring the protagonist of Ghost in the Shell, Motoko Kusanagi, the commercial brilliantly showcases the car of the future. This comes as the series is set to have a new animated entry while celebrating a major milestone in its long history.

Related "All That Gets Made Is Isekai": Ghost in the Shell Arise Director 'Stunned' by Current Anime Trends Ghost in the Shell: Arise director Kazuchika Kise reveals why he believes the isekai anime...

The iconic Ghost in the Shell franchise returns with a new anime series 30 years after the first 1995 film adaptation and 35 years after the original manga, officially announced by Science Saru, alongside a release window, trailer and teaser visual.

Tentatively titled Ghost in the Shell, the new TV anime adapting the classic Ghost in the Shell manga series by Masamune Shirow will be broadcast in 2026. Via the official site, the series will be produced by Bandai Namco Filmworks, Kodansha, Science Saru and the original Ghost in the Shell animation studio, Production I.G. The announcement adds, "Further information will be released on the Ghost in the Shell official global site and official social media accounts. Please look forward to the latest updates." Readers can check out the special announcement trailer and new teaser visual below, featuring lead protagonist Major Motoko Kusanagi.

Related "All That Gets Made Is Isekai": Ghost in the Shell...

The official X account of Science Saru announced on May 25, 2024, that Ghost In The Shell is getting a brand new anime adaption, titled The Ghost In The Shell, by the studio. It is set to premiere in 2026.

A teaser trailer and a key visual were unveiled to commemorate the announcement.

Further information on the anime are yet to be announced.

Ghost in the Shell is a Japanese manga written and illustrated by Masamune Shirow. It was first serialized in Kodansha’s seinen manga magazine Young Magazine Zokan Kaizokuban from 1989 to 1991.

Animation studio Production I.G has produced several different anime adaptations of Ghost in the Shell, starting with the 1995 film of the same name.

The film was followed by a sequel titled Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence, released in 2004.

Meanwhile, a television series release began in 2002 under the title Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, telling an alternate...

The Ghost in the Shell franchise is set to expand with a new anime series in 2026 by Science Saru. Tentatively titled "The Ghost in the Shell," details of the anime's plot and story line are yet to be revealed. The committee in charge of the new anime includes Bandai Namco, Kodansha, Production I.G. and Science Saru.

Masamune Shirow's hit manga series Ghost in the Shell has spawned quite a successful franchise which is about to grow even larger with a new anime series. The classic cyberpunk series has been reimagined in multiple ways over the decades, and while fans were already thrilled for the latest remaster of Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence, the series has yet again surprised fans with news of a brand new anime series set to hit television screens in 2026.

Bandai Namco has announced that Ghost in the Shell will be receiving a television anime series produced by Science Saru.

A new TV anime adaptation has been announced for Ghost in the Shell , the classic cyberpunk manga by Shirow Masamune. Tentatively titled The Ghost in the Shell , the new TV anime is scheduled to broadcast in 2026 and features animation production by animation studio science Saru. A teaser video and visual (below) have been released for the series. The original Ghost in the Shell manga was serialized from April 1989 – November 1990 in Kodansha's Young Magazine seinen manga publication, and an English language version is also available from Kodansha USA. In addition to the original manga, Ghost in the Shell has inspired numerous anime, live-action, and video game adaptations over the years. No additional details about the new production have yet been revealed. The Ghost in the Shell teaser visual Related: Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Anime Launches Official Website for '0th Anniversary' of Laughing Man Incident Kodansha...

Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence is celebrating its 20th anniversary with theatrical screenings by New York-based film distributors Gkids for three nights only: June 23, 24 and 26. Ticket for the screenings are now available for pre-order from the official Gkids website . Based on the original manga by Shirow Masamune, Mamoru Oshii writes and directs Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence at animation studio Production I.G. Hiroyuki Okiura provides the character designs and Kenji Kawai provides the music. The screenings for the film feature a new 4K restoration. Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence movie poster Related: Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence Anime Film Returns to North American Cinemas with 4K Restoration Gkids describes Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence : In the year 2032, the line between humans and machines has been blurred almost beyond distinction. A string of murders perpetrated by a prototype android model has drawn the attention...

Most people with even a cursory interest in anime likely have, at some point or another, Googled something like "best anime movies of all time" or "best anime to get into anime." Despite excluding far more than they include, lists can be useful, providing an idea of consensus and recommendations for personal investigation. Suppose you were or are one of those people who looked up either of the aforementioned queries. In that case, you've undoubtedly encountered director Mamoru Oshii's 1995 adaptation of Ghost in the Shell. Appearing on almost any list combining "best" and "anime," it's undoubtedly secured its place in the pop cultural canon. It has garnered approval from the Wachowskis, Lilly and Lana, James Cameron, and countless mangaka. But besides a traceable paper trail of influence, Ghost in the Shell is a sui generis work that is often cited but rarely matched.

Adapted from Masamune Shirow's manga of the same name,...

Quick Links Ghost in the Shell Is a Seminal Piece of Science Fiction Literature, Both as a Manga and as an Anime Ghost in the Shell's Story Didn't End With Its Film, Having Received Several Sequel Series and Ova's Ghost in the Shell Has Spawned Many Fantastic Video Game Adaptations That Capture the Spirit of the Series Perfectly Ghost in the Shell is a seminal piece of science fiction literature and anime, blending action, philosophy, and cutting-edge animation techniques. The series explores themes of human identity, government overreach, reliance on technology, and the integration of biology and technology. Ghost in the Shell has spawned sequel series, OVAs, and video game adaptations, solidifying its place as a beloved and influential franchise.

Science fiction as a genre is one of limitless possibilities. It pries open the shell of humanity and proceeds to remove its innards, inspecting each and every organ through...

Ghost in the Shell is a classic that influenced countless Sci-Fi and Cyberpunk works both in Japan and the Western world. Ghost in the Shell movie fans should check out its 2002 anime series Stand Alone Complex for a thoughtful exploration of politics and philosophy. Other anime series like Neon Genesis Evangelion, Steins;Gate, and Ergo Proxy share Ghost in the Shell's complex themes and philosophical undertones.

Ghost in the Shell is a classic that influenced countless other anime series over the decades. Dating back to the debut of the 1995 film directed by Mamoru Oshii, based on the manga by Masamune Shirow, the franchise is one of the most influential works in the world of Japanese cyberpunk. There's only so much Ghost in the Shell content out there, though, so for those fans who want more, these are the anime that can deliver on the same level.

Fans of the...

The 1995 'neo-noir cyberpunk' animated feature "Ghost in the Shell", directed by Mamoru Oshii, based on manga comics by Masamune Shirow, starring Atsuko Tanaka, Akio Ōtsuka, and Iemasa Kayumi, will be re-released November 8, 2023 in theaters:

".... with a narrative incorporating philosophical themes focusing on self-identity in the year 2029, 'cyborg' federal agent 'Maj. Motoko Kusanagi' ...

"... hunts 'The Puppet Master', who illegally hacks into the computerized minds of cyborg-human hybrids.

"Her pursuit of a man who can modify the identity of strangers leaves Motoko pondering her own makeup...

"... and what life might be like if she had more human traits.

"With her partner, she corners the hacker...

"... but her curiosity about her own identity...

"... sends the case in an unforeseen direction..."

Click the images to enlarge...

The original 1995 Ghost in the Shell movie remains the best entry in the franchise and sets the tone for everything that follows, showcasing a dystopian cyberpunk world. Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence expands upon the original story and is better watched after the 1995 film, as it continues the narrative and features returning characters. The American live-action Ghost in the Shell remake is a separate entity and a reinterpretation of the original story, focusing more on spectacle and action, but lacking the philosophical depth of the Japanese counterparts.

The Ghost in the Shell watch order is tough to nail down since the franchise has existed for decades in many different media and formats. In 1989, a serialized manga series by Masamune Shirow introduced Major Motoko Kusanagi and the techno-dystopian world that remained relevant for years to come. Following the manga, Ghost in the Shell was adapted into animated movies, animated TV series,...

The Creator is a sci-drama film directed by Gareth Edwards, who co-wrote the film with Chris Weitz. Set in a dystopian future where a war between the humans and the artificial intelligence rages on, Joshua an ex-special forces agent is recruited to capture and kill the Creator, who is known as the architect of advanced AI. The Creator stars John David Washington, Gemma Chan, Ken Watanabe, Allison Janney, and Madeleine Yuna Voyles. So, if you loved the original sci-fi film here are some similar movies you could watch next.

Space Sweeper (Netflix) Credit – Netflix

Synopsis: Set in 2092, spaceship Victory is one of the many that live off salvaging space debris. Crewed with a genius space pilot Tae-ho(Song Joong-ki), a mysterious ex-space pirate Captain Jang(Kim Tae-ri), an spaceship engineer Tiger Park(Jin Sun-kyu), and a reprogrammed military robot Bubs(Yoo Hai-jin), Spaceship Victory surpasses all other space sweepers. After...

Cyborg-themed films, TV programs, and anime explore the desire to upgrade our carbon-based limbs with something better, often delving into the realm of fetish. Superhero films and cyberpunk genres identify humanity's hope and fear in leaning too heavily on machines and technology. Films like Robocop, The Empire Strikes Back, and Star Trek: The Next Generation provoke existential questions about dehumanization and the loss of individuality in a technologically advanced world.

Taking the form of escapism and existential horror before veering into fetish territory, humans have an uneasy relationship with machines. (This might get weird. You’ve been warned.) A recurring and unavoidable theme in all cyborg-themed films, TV programs, and anime is the need or desire to upgrade our inferior or faulty carbon-based limbs with something better. That’s where it starts, but where writers have taken this idea is limited to their most feverish nightmares, demonstrated by the fact...

A compilation film for Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 Season 2 will hit theaters in Japan this fall.

As detailed on MyAnimeList, the anime's official website recently announced that the Season 2 compilation film, Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 The Last Human, will arrive in Japanese theaters this November. The site also states that this film will retell Season 2's storyline with "new scenes and perspectives." Production I.G. and Sola Digital Arts, which are producing the film, also revealed a new key visual and teaser trailer for the series' fanbase.

Related: 10 Cult Classic Anime Series Every Anime Fan Should Watch

Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 is the sequel series to Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, one the most popular entries in the beloved cyberpunk franchise. It is set in the titular year 2045, an age of constant warfare that is perpetuated through the weaponized use of artificial intelligence. Following the shutdown...

Iconic Events Releasing, a company specializing in distributing special engagement theatrical events to theatres, brings the action and bold visual storytelling of anime to the big screen as it announces a slate of upcoming nationwide theatrical events for the latest installment of Ax Cinema Nights.

A different acclaimed anime feature will be screened at over 300 theatre locations across the country beginning in September and continuing through February 2024.

Celebrated films will include a Satoshi Kon Film Festival that will screen 3 of the legendary Director's most renowned anime feature films – Perfect Blue 25th Anniversary, Tokyo Godfathers 20th Anniversary, and Paprika, as well as special presentations of Ghost In The Shell and Cowboy Bebop: The Movie. Both subtitled and dubbed screenings are scheduled.

Ax Cinema Nights is a year-round movie event series celebrating the best new and classic anime films by bringing them to theaters across North America. It provides the passionate fan...

Ever since the time of Disney classics and Hannah-Barbara shows, animation has often been associated with children’s cartoons, but there are just as many R-rated animated movies today. This can be in terms of excessive violence, nudity, disturbing imagery, profane language, or just tragic content that might scare younger viewers. Some R-rated animated movies have a cult following and sometimes draw immense critical acclaim, even in the face of family-friendly Pixar, Disney, and Dreamworks films which continue to break box-office records.

Over the years, R-rated animated movies broke new ground and helped redefine what the genre meant. No longer was animation the stuff of children's games, and after many of these movies came onto the scene, they changed the game for everything else going forward. Adults could get in on the fun as well now, with stories definitely ill-suited for the kids but full of engaging subject matter and...

There are several great sci-movies like Inception for those looking for something similar to Christopher Nolan's dream-heist film. Explaining Inception’s ending can be difficult, but Nolan's unique heist movie does leave audiences wanting more. Similar to all non-Batman Nolan films, Inception never got a sequel, yet other sci-fi stories can scratch the itch for more puzzling films in which everything is not as it seems.

Christopher Nolan’s filmography itself has at least three perfect movies to watch after Inception, although one of those was released before 2010. There are also three animated films, two of which premiered before Nolan’s film, that deliver a similar experience to Inception. Lastly, genre-bending sci-fi films like Inception can also be found among recent and classic Hollywood blockbusters. Here are 10 sci-fi movies to watch after Inception.

Ghost in the Shell (1995)

Directed by Mamoru Oshii, Ghost in the Shell (1995) is based on...

The new year has gotten off to a great start for fans of the cyberpunk manga classic Ghost in the Shell as Kodansha, the manga's long-time publisher drops a massive volume compiling all the works of Shirow Masamune, the creator of the original series, under one cover. With a history that spans three decades and has spawned multiple manga series, anime, and even a live-action movie, only the most dedicated fans Ghost in the Shell fans are likely to have the complete manga collection.

The Kodansha collection, which is entitled The Ghost in the Shell: Fully Compiled dropped on January 10, 2023. Kodansha has made the volume available to the public from numerous sources including Amazon, Barns & Noble, and Penguin Random House. The volume retails for around U.S. 50.00, but fans get over 800 pages of content, including exclusive artwork from Shirow himself.

Related: Ghost in the Shell Fuses Afrofuturism & Cyberpunk in Underrated...

"The Matrix," like all great stories, was built on some great inspirations. Its basal foundations can be daunting, involving some deep dives into Buddhist theology, philosophy, and the development of AI. The Wachowski sisters drew from three non-fiction grimoires, if you'll pardon the term, to build their world of machine and man. "Out of Control," by Kevin Kelly, is a look at the potential of mechanical evolution. "Introducing Evolutionary Psychology" by Dylan Evans shaped the id of Neo's life. And "Simulacra and Simulation" by Jean Baudrillard is a well-known philosophical treatise that birthed Morpheus' "desert of the real."

These are tough books, but they provide terrific insight into the thought process behind the Matrix itself. Readers who would prefer to take the blue pill instead and jaunt through imaginary worlds in search of a similar fix to Neo's journey through ones and zeros toward his personal nirvana will find plenty of science fiction to enjoy,...

Season 2 of Netflix's "Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045" is headed your way this May, and now there's a trailer here to prove it. Based on the manga "The Ghost in the Shell" by Shirow Masamune, "Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045" follows the continuing adventures of Motoko Kusanagi, voiced by Atsuko Tanaka in Japanese and Mary Elizabeth McGlynn in the English dub.

Tanaka has been with the franchise since it first made the leap to the screen in 1995 with the influential anime film, "Ghost in the Shell." She reprised her role in the 2004 sequel, "Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence," and the...

The post Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 Season 2 Trailer: Head Back Into the Stand Alone Complex on Netflix appeared first on /Film.

Out hthis week from Lionsgate is the 4K edition of the celebrated anime classic Ghost in the Shell. Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of one of the most critically acclaimed anime films of all time when Ghost in the Shell arrives on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (plus Blu-ray and Digital 4K Ultra HD) and Digital 4K Ultra HD on September 8th from Lionsgate. Based on the beloved manga from Japanese writer and illustrator Shirow Masamune, the film’s voice cast includes Atsuko Tanaka, Akio Ôtsuka, and Kôichi Yamadera. Remastered in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, and featuring fan-favorite commemorative artwork from pop illustrator Martin Ansin – along with brand new bonus material – this will be the most definitive Ghost in the Shell package to date.

2029: A female cybernetic government agent, Major Motoko Kusanagi, and the Internal Bureau of Investigations are hot on the trail of “The Puppet Master,” a mysterious...

Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of one of the most critically acclaimed anime films of all time when Ghost in the Shell arrives on 4K Ultra HD™ Combo Pack (plus Blu-ray™ and Digital 4K Ultra HD) and Digital 4K Ultra HD on September 8th from Lionsgate. Based on the beloved manga from Japanese writer and illustrator Shirow Masamune, the film’s […] More...

Santa Monica, CA – Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of one of the most critically acclaimed anime films of all time when Ghost in the Shell arrives on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (plus Blu-ray and Digital 4K Ultra HD) and Digital 4K Ultra HD on September 8th from Lionsgate. Based on the beloved manga from Japanese writer and illustrator Shirow Masamune, the film’s voice cast includes Atsuko Tanaka, Akio Ôtsuka, and Kôichi Yamadera. Remastered in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, and featuring fan-favorite commemorative artwork from pop illustrator Martin Ansin – along with brand new bonus material – this will be the most definitive Ghost in the Shell package to date.

2029: A female cybernetic government agent, Major Motoko Kusanagi, and the Internal Bureau of Investigations are hot on the trail of “The Puppet Master,” a mysterious and threatening computer virus capable of infiltrating human hosts. Together with her fellow agents from...

Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of one of the most critically acclaimed anime films of all time when Ghost In The Shell arrives on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (plus Blu-ray and Digital 4K Ultra HD) and Digital 4K Ultra HD on September 8th from Lionsgate. Based on the beloved manga from Japanese writer and illustrator Shirow Masamune, the film's voice cast includes Atsuko Tanaka, Akio &#212tsuka, and K&#244ichi Yamadera. Remastered in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, and featuring fan-favorite commemorative artwork from pop illustrator Martin Ansin - along with brand new bonus material - this will be the most definitive Ghost in the Shell package to date.

2029: A female cybernetic government agent, Major Motoko Kusanagi, and the Internal Bureau of Investigations are hot on the trail of "The Puppet Master," a mysterious and threatening computer virus capable of infiltrating human hosts. Together with her fellow agents from Section...