15 Anime Movies Like Akira-Ranked!

For starters, anime like Akira falls under the dark fantasy and Sci-fi genre. So, for anime fans who crave evil vibes, sad endings, and torture, I have brought anime movies like Akira. Dark fantasy, in other words, could be described as the nightmare fuel. The tragic deaths, suspenseful events, thrilling fights, and the characters with bone-chilling aura are all elements of dark fantasy. 

Strangely enough, people enjoy dark fantasy more than other genres. A big thanks to the element of war that makes the anime and anime movies worth the time. Some of the anime movies focus partially on the war, which obviously holds the darker side of the plot. While some anime completely portray how a great country falls into ruins after war. 

Akira is one such dark fantasy, sci-fi and war anime movie that portrays the incidents and points to an upcoming disaster that holds the potential to ruin the world. Below you will find some anime movies that will probably suck the blood out of your veins because of the gore and devilish aura. They may have devils or fallen angels, but in many of the recommendations below, you will find the devil himself walking the road. 

So, what’s the wait? Let us begin; 

Classic Anime Movies Like Akira That Will Give You A Mind-Boggling Experience

  • The list will show you fantasy anime movies followed by war, adventure, and the consequences of having power in the wrong hands. 
  • You will enjoy some of the best anime movies with best fight scenes and entertaining plots with detailed warcraft
  • There will be some standalone anime movies while you will also find some feature films of a few popular anime series. 
  • The list is completely based on personal preferences. 

15. Fatal Fury: The Motion Picture

Anime movies like Akira; Fatal Fury The Motion Picture
Animation CharactersPlotTotal
7/107/108/1022/30

This one just so happens to be similar to Akira because you will see how some of the characters are eager to gain power, and some of them are trying to stop a disaster from happening. It is an old one. Still, you will enjoy it for its fantasy element. 

The story follows a rich guy Laocorn, as he ventures the vast world in search of an ancient relic believed to grant the power of a God. Sulia, Laocorn’s twin sister, fears that her precious brother is losing his sanity as he grows closer to his goal. 

She forms a team and decides to stop her brother from unleashing an unforeseen danger and save him from his ruin. Whether she ends up stopping him or something unfortunate happens is for you to discover

14. Altered Carbon: Resleeved

Anime movies like Akira; Altered Carbon Resleeved
Animation CharactersPlotTotal
8/108/109/1025/30

Are you looking for some entertaining action anime movie with a thrilling plot or craving for some detective stuff with a lot of mysteries and murders? Well, you have got your hands on Altered Carbon, and because of the bending plot twists, we had to bring it on our list of anime movies like Akira. 

The plot focuses on Takeshi Kovacs, a genius detective on planet Latimer. He is hell-bent on protecting a tattoo artist from a suspected trap. Unfortunately, Takeshi lands in trouble as he finds his investigations leading to the death of a Yakuza boss.

This one is R-13, so make sure you have the permission you require to enjoy this one. 

13. Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust

Anime movies like Akira; Vampire hunter D; Bloodlust
Animation CharactersPlotTotal
8/109/108/1025/30

This one is similar to Akira in terms of the dark fantasy element, the mysterious events, and fantastical powers. Additionally, it has vampires and a lot of politics with manipulation, so you can expect some unexpected twists and turns. 

These plot twists were one of the many reasons we had brought this movie to our list of anime movies like Akira. The plot introduces D, a being who is half human and half vampire, hence an outcast in both. The story develops as D gains acknowledgment among humans because of his exceptional vampire-hunting skills. 

Thanks to them, he lands a job that only he can take care of. Unfortunately, little does he know that this job has a bunch of invisible sinkholes. D needs to be on his toes to watch for the hidden danger before the hunters become the hunted

12. Soukyuu no Fafner: Dead Aggressor – The Beyond Part 3 

Anime movies like Akira; Soukyuu no Fafner Dead Aggressor - The Beyond Part 3
Animation CharactersPlotTotal
8/109/108/1025/30

Fantasy, drama, power, mecha and some cool action sequences, they are the focus elements in this one. Hence, we brought it to our list of anime movies like Akira. The animation is soft and appealing, the music also seems entertaining, and the fantasy element keeps the thrill going. 

You may find it similar to Evangelion because of the plot similarities. For instance, the plot focuses on a group of friends who skillfully pilot the Fafners. Their only goal is to stop the ongoing war between the humans and aliens called Festum

Their bonds are tested. Nonetheless, they prevail over the hardships and grow even deeper friendships. This is among the must watch anime movies like Akira, so you have to try this. 

11. Tales of Earthsea

Tales From Earthsea
Animation CharactersPlotTotal
8/109/109/1026/30

This one is nothing like Akira because it does not have a typical action and modern-day plot. Instead, you will have dragons, wizards, fallen kingdoms, and a lot of power. Indeed the power element is one thing that is common with Akira. Hence, have it on our list of anime movies like Akira. 

The story begins in the world of Earthsea, which is down to its ruin. The skies are turning red because the dragons and wizards are trying to find ways for eternal life. In such a disastrous environment, a powerful archmage, Sparrowhawk, encounters Arren, a prince on the run. 

The duo travels together and ends up fighting the evil wizards. Unfortunately, the ability to manipulate emotions seems to be working on the young prince. Will it affect them badly, or will they overcome these tricks?

10. Porco Rosso

PORCO ROSSO
Animation CharactersPlotTotal
8/109/109/1026/30

This one is from Studio Ghibli, so you can expect a lot. Still, it is on a much softer side as compared to anime movies like Akira. You will find similarities in the elements of war, a little fantasy, and the goal to redeem ones’ self. It is one of the best anime movies for kids to enjoy on a Saturday night. 

The story follows a young pilot Marco Pagot,  hailed as a hero in World War I. His life takes a sudden turn when a curse befalls him and turns him into a pig. This leads to the birth of Porco Rosso, the best pilot for collecting bounties.

Nevertheless, he still has a few competitors that are eager to bring him down. Yet, Porco Rosso never loses hope and stands back again to redeem his honor

9. Evangelion You Are (Not) Alone

evangelion you are (not) alone
Animation CharactersPlotTotal
9/109/109/1027/30

Evangelion is a popular franchise and all its movies are ranked one above the other. The action sequences, the mecha element, top-notch dark fantasy followed by sci-fi and the drama; yes it is a classical mix. 

We had to bring it here on our list of anime films similar to  Akira because of the similarities of the characters Akira and Shinji. The plot centers on a young, isolated lad, Shinji. His biggest wish is to get on good terms with his father, and for that purpose, he agrees to pilot a gigantic android

Although unwillingly at the beginning, he fights the angels who wreak havoc, but soon enough, he gets the gist of the situation and discovers that he holds hope for humanity’s survival.

8. Psycho-Pass: The Movie

Psycho-Pass The Movie
Animation CharactersPlotTotal
10/109/109/1028/30

You can watch this one as either a canon or non-canon film because of the fact that the suggested plot line is completely forgotten in the series as a whole. Psycho-Pass definitely falls close to anime movies like Akira, because of the elements like large organizations working in secret and playing with powerful weapons centralized at humans. 

The movie traverses through a bunch of changes as Japan decides to send its technology to the world to test if the expectations are similar to the results or not. The story takes a twist when the gear is stolen by Shinya Kogami. 

In order to bring Shinya home his former colleague Akane is sent. Unfortunately, their encounter this time might not go as planned since a lot has changed during their time apart. 

7. Blame

Blame!
Animation CharactersPlotTotal
10/109/109/1028/30

If you are into horror anime, then this movie will fulfill your craving for the chills and thrills with its monsters and endless puzzles. The movie was adapted from a manga, gained immense popularity, and was published in many languages.

The movie was nominated for many awards and is justified because it lacks nothing. Hence, we have it here on our list of anime movies like Akira. The plot centers on Killy, a young, energetic, and rare soul in a world full of monsters and abnormalities.

Born with superhuman strength, he is eager to fight the monsters in the maze and find a way to change the world for the better. The story follows as Killy encounters many people in his adventures and reaches his goal. 

6. Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway

Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway
Animation CharactersPlotTotal
9/1010/1010/1029/30

The next one on our list of anime movies like Akira, is a perfect blend of fantasy, war, politics, and action. There are a bunch of other elements, including mafia rules, the dark realities of the leading governments, and much more. It surely gives you a portrayal of the dark history of a leading kingdom and has is among the few anime with themes like Akira. 

The plot centers on Noa Hathaway, a young and ambitious lad who manages his own faction named Mafty. His goal is to bring the federation to its knees and stop the injustice it is doing in the name of freedom

While he focuses on his mission, Noa ends up befriending some impressively strong characters. They discover Noa’s real identity but unfortunately, their origins threaten the friendship Noa has with them. Will they ever be able to overcome it? You have to watch it for yourself. 

5. Fullmetal Alchemist: The Movie – Conqueror of Shamballa    

Fullmetal Alchemist The Movie - Conqueror of Shamballa
Animation CharactersPlotTotal
10/1010/109/1029/30

The next on our list is a sci-fi anime like Akira. Consider this one as a side story that originates from a what-if situation in the original plot line. This one has fantasy, bonds, alchemy, secrets, and mind-boggling action, hence making it a must on the list of anime movies like Akira. 

The plot is set in a timeline where Edward finds himself trapped in a side effect of the experiment he was performing to help save his brother Alphonse. Edward is stuck in a war-torn Germany where the locals and the officials are equally terrified. 

In this unknown place Edward encounters many characters who are strikingly similar to his fellows back in the original timeline. While facing the complex situations in this world, Edward still tries to find a way back home. Where Alphonse is searching for his brother who simply disappeared into thin air. 

4. Princess Mononoke

Anime movies like Akira; Princess Mononoke
Animation CharactersPlotTotal
10/1010/1010/1030/30

Princess Mononoke is for sure a fantasy film from Studio Ghibli with a lot of emotion. It focuses strongly on war and how it leaves everything in ruins. This particular aspect is very similar to Akira, and hence, we have it on our list of classic anime movies like Akira. 

The story focuses on a young Prince, Ashitaka, cursed by a dying demon. To find a cure to this demonic curse, his travels lead him to the spirit forest. Ashitaka finds himself caught in a rift between Lady Eboshi of the town and Princess San of the spirit forest. 

Princess San is trying to save the first and its beings from deforestation ordered by Lady Eboshi. While fate plays some strings, Ashitaka ends up helping San in order to bring peace between the fighting kingdoms. 

3. Grave of The Fireflies

Anime movies like Akira; Grave of the fireflies
Animation CharactersPlotTotal
10/1010/1010/1030/30

This one definitely does not have action, fantasy, or raw power, so many of you might not follow why it is on the list of anime movies like Akira. Well, the war element, the wreckage it leaves behind, and the after-effects on the lives that remain are very similar to Akira.

The plot is set in a post-war era where Japan is surviving from the effects of World War II. In such a dire situation, two orphaned siblings, Seita and Setsuko, try to get their normal life back. However, in a war-torn world where there is nothing but negativity, insufficient food, and whatnot. 

In such a world, Seita and Setsuko are bound to lose their innocence and are bound to become a victim of war in such times. Still, they somehow manage to help themselves and find a way to live among all the chaos

2. Attack on Titan: Crimson Bow and Arrow

Attack on Titan Crimson Bow and Arrow
Animation CharactersPlotTotal
10/1010/1010/1030/30

The next on our list needs no introduction and is straight out of your horrors and turning it into a reality. The element of dark fantasy is honestly too dark, and it sure gets better with each passing moment. Hence, we have it on our list of anime movies like Akira. 

The movie is technically a compilation of the first seven episodes of the series and may skip some scenes. Similarly, it adds some clips that may not have been in the anime originally. The plot is set in a world where giant humans eating titans feed on the remaining humans. 

While the humans try their best to save themselves. In such dire times a few brave souls take the lead to protect humanity. However, things take a turn when an anti hero makes his appearance, yes, Eren Yeager. The rest is history!

1. Berserk: The Golden Arc I – The Egg of The King

Anime movies like Akira; Berserk The Golden Age Arc I - The Egg of the King
Animation CharactersPlotTotal
10/1010/1010/1030/30

If you enjoy anime like Akira or where the main character has more devilish aura than any other character then this one’s for you, from our list of anime movies like Akira. The animation simply adds to the thrills and the sensations you get from watching the dominating characters.

The story focuses on Guts, a mercenary who is unbelievably strong and prefers violence to settle matters. With a turn of events he finds himself working along with a group led by Griffith. In the beginning, Guts enjoys the dreadful and gore fights, but as time passes, he realizes that there is more to Griffith than meets the eye. 

Will he part ways, or will he accept the ways of life as they are now? Try it to find the twists. 

Final Notes: 

With this, we bring an end to our list of anime movies like Akira. I hope you enjoyed the gore and terror-filled recommendations. On the same note, I am pretty sure I missed many masterpieces, so I am eager to know about them. Would you mind recommending a few?

If you enjoyed the above anime movie recommendations then visit us for more similar ones. 

Till next time, Adios! 

What themes are explored in Akira?

There are a few different themes that you will see in Akira. For starters, it displays experiments on humans to make the movie stand out. Friendship is one of the most commonly used themes that you will find in almost every other anime or anime movie. You will also see how the characters become independent as the movie progresses. What makes the anime a dark fantasy is its war theme. Also, there is a reference to gaining power and how it is used and what are the consequences of that power for different people and on different people. 

Are there other cyberpunk anime movies like Akira?

If you watch Akira specifically as a cyberpunk movie then you will surely like Ghost In The Shell and Cowboy Bebop.  They are very much like Akira. However, if you look at it from another perspective then you will find a variety of anime movies that are similar to Akira. 

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