15 Anime That Were Clearly Rip-Offs Of Hollywood Movies

As a lifelong movie fan, I’ve always noticed how much Hollywood impacts everything we see, and anime is no exception. Japanese animation studios often borrow ideas from big American films – you’ll see familiar character types, similar storylines, and even visual styles. Sometimes, it’s so obvious where they got the inspiration! It’s fascinating to see those classic Western storytelling techniques reimagined and expressed through the unique art form of anime.

‘Fist of the North Star’ (1984–1988)

This series, set after a major disaster, clearly takes a lot of its look and ideas from the movie ‘Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior’. The main character, Kenshiro, travels through a desert landscape populated by tough, mohawked bikers and villains dressed in leather. The environment is very similar to the harsh Australian desert seen in the original ‘Mad Max’ film, and the character costumes are noticeably inspired by Max Rockatansky and those who opposed him.

‘Psycho-Pass’ (2012–2013)

As a huge cinema fan, when I first encountered the world of the Sybil System, it immediately reminded me of ‘Minority Report’. The idea of predicting and stopping crime before it happens is central to both, and the officers here have these incredible weapons that basically act as instant judges – just like the precogs in the Spielberg film. But what really grabbed me was the ethical dilemma: is it right to arrest someone for what they might do, rather than something they’ve actually done? And visually, it’s stunning. Think sleek, futuristic holograms layered over a classic, gritty noir atmosphere – very ‘Blade Runner’ in that sense. It’s a really compelling blend of technology and mood.

‘The Big O’ (1999–2003)

I’ve been following Roger Smith for a while now, and he’s something else. He’s a super-rich negotiator who works out of this incredible city – it seriously looks like Gotham! The whole vibe is straight out of ‘Batman: The Animated Series,’ with those classic shadowy, art deco buildings. He gets around in this sleek, black car packed with tech, and if talking doesn’t work, he’s got a massive robot he can deploy. He’s also got a butler, Norman, who’s basically his right hand man, just like Alfred was for Bruce Wayne.

‘Pet Shop of Horrors’ (1999)

Count D owns a strange shop in Chinatown, selling unusual and potentially dangerous creatures. Every creature comes with a contract outlining three rules the owner must follow. This setup is similar to the movie ‘Gremlins,’ where following the instructions for caring for the Mogwai is key to the story. Predictably, when people ignore these warnings, their pets turn into terrifying monsters.

‘Monster’ (2004–2005)

Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a highly skilled neurosurgeon, becomes a fugitive when he’s falsely accused of murder. He’s relentlessly pursued by a detective convinced of his guilt, mirroring the plot of the 1993 film ‘The Fugitive’ with Dr. Richard Kimble and U.S. Marshal Samuel Gerard. While on the run, Tenma works to prove his innocence and find the real killer.

‘Bubblegum Crisis’ (1987–1991)

This animated series is set in a futuristic city and follows a group of mercenaries battling rebellious robots. It’s visually and musically inspired by the 1980s rock opera ‘Streets of Fire,’ and its themes of artificial intelligence and lifelike robots clearly echo those found in the film ‘Blade Runner.’ The show successfully combines elements of these two classic 80s works into a unique and thrilling action experience.

‘Tokyo Godfathers’ (2003)

A heartwarming film follows three people experiencing homelessness – a young runaway, a transgender woman, and a middle-aged man struggling with alcohol – who find an abandoned baby on Christmas Eve. Directed by Satoshi Kon, the movie is inspired by John Ford’s classic western, ‘3 Godfathers,’ and tells the story of their journey to find the baby’s parents. As they travel through snowy Tokyo, they experience a series of lucky coincidences and unexpected help along the way, forming a unique family in the process.

‘Gantz’ (2004)

People who have recently died suddenly find themselves recruited to hunt aliens. They’re equipped with high-tech weapons and sleek black suits for the task. While the idea of humans secretly protecting Earth from aliens is similar to ‘Men in Black’, this story is significantly grittier and more action-packed, with a much darker tone.

‘Highschool of the Dead’ (2010)

I was completely hooked by this series! It starts with a terrifying pandemic that transforms everyone into zombies, and follows a group of students just trying to make it through. What I really loved was how much it felt like a love letter to George A. Romero’s ‘Dawn of the Dead’. The characters are constantly joking about classic zombie movie clichés, and the zombies themselves are wonderfully slow and relentless. It’s no accident they end up barricaded in a shopping mall – it’s a brilliant nod to the original film and just adds to the whole atmosphere of desperate survival.

‘Parasyte: The Maxim’ (2014–2015)

When alien spores arrive on Earth, they infect people by entering their brains. These creatures can then transform their heads into terrifying shapes to attack and feed on others. This idea is very similar to the sci-fi horror film ‘The Thing’, and the story builds suspense by making you question who is still human and who has been taken over.

‘Golgo 13’ (2008–2009)

Duke Togo is a calm and professional assassin known for taking on incredibly difficult jobs, always completed with his specially modified M16 rifle. The series draws inspiration from the suspenseful thriller ‘The Day of the Jackal,’ both in its character and its focus on international espionage. Duke travels the globe as a cold, calculating, and consistently successful killer. Unlike many anime, the series aims for a realistic and gritty feel reminiscent of 1970s political thrillers, avoiding fantastical elements.

‘A Kite’ (1998)

A vulnerable young girl is forced to work as a hitwoman by crooked police officers who take advantage of her. Operating in a harsh city environment, she uses specially made bullets and a seemingly innocent facade to carry out her assignments. The story draws strong inspiration from the film ‘La Femme Nikita’, focusing on the loss of childhood and the cycle of violence within the criminal world.

‘Lupin the 3rd’ (1971–1972)

Arsene Lupin III is a master thief known for his complex and daring robberies, carried out with the help of a talented team. He’s often compared to James Bond, sharing a similar sophisticated style and use of clever gadgets. Lupin’s stories are packed with fast-paced car chases, captivating women, and global mysteries, combining the classic charm of a gentleman thief with the thrilling action of 1960s spy movies.

‘Cyber City Oedo 808’ (1990–1991)

In a futuristic Japanese city, three convicted criminals work as a sort of cyber-police force. To ensure their compliance, they’re forced to wear explosive collars that will blow up if they disobey orders or try to run. This idea is very similar to the movie ‘Escape from New York’. The movie’s look blends classic cyberpunk visuals with the tough, rebellious feel of 1980s science fiction.

‘Ghost in the Shell’ (1995)

In a futuristic, neon-drenched world where humans and machines are becoming one, a cyborg federal agent heads up a team fighting cyberterrorism. The film’s look and its questions about artificial intelligence are heavily inspired by ‘Blade Runner’, with similar rain-soaked streets and huge, glowing ads. Director Mamoru Oshii deliberately used these visual elements to delve into what it truly means to be human.

2025-11-22 14:16