Anime is a style of Japanese animation that covers a wide range of themes, premises, and tones. One commonality, however, is its tendency to emphasize thrilling action. This is often enhanced by engaging narratives and rich, creative world-building. It should come as no surprise, then, that there's often crossover appeal when it comes to anime and action films.
After all, both mediums often dazzle viewers on an aesthetic and narrative level, whilst keeping them on the edge of their seats with pummeling action. Not only this, but various films are said to be directly inspired by this medium - sometimes even resembling the plot of a specific anime. Today, we'll be checking out some of the best examples of great action films that fans of anime should enjoy.
Avatar (2009)
There are certainly anime parallels that can be drawn when it comes to Avatar: The Last Airbender. Generally speaking, the colorful, majestic setting of Pandora definitely reminds one of the imaginative worlds often found in fantasy anime. Its vibrant visuals and cinematic bombast can also be likened to the medium.
Yet, the premise itself - humanity's encroachment on a lavish wilderness - also has shades of Hayao Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke, specifically.
Looper (2012)
Before director Rian Johnson was helming a major Star Wars film, he was crafting a lesser-known, but similarly creative action sci-fi, 2012's Looper.
Indeed, the often violent society that makes up Looper is reminiscent of dystopian-themed anime. Its interesting use of time travel - along with the chaotic happenings birthed from telekinesis - is akin to anime with a dark cyberpunk bent a la Akira.
Atomic Blonde (2017)
This action-thriller is perhaps more similar to an amped-up version of James Bond than traditional anime. Still, its emphasis on combat and stylistic flair should certainly be a draw to fans of the genre.
With a plot adhering to a pretty straight-forward crime caper - the sleek visuals and great choreography take center stage here. It's perhaps no surprise, then, that this film is modeled off a graphic novel - specifically 2012's The Coldest City. The action-packed bouts of Lorraine's crime-fighting (Charlize Theron) are akin to anime hits like Trigun and Cowboy Bebop.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
While the original Blade Runner stresses nuance and atmosphere, this followup utilizes this same dystopian premise and expands on this plot. At the same time, it dials up the action and injects a sleek, modern coat of visual paint. Like the original, this is a sprawling epic that ropes in its viewers and refuses to let go.
The rich, cyberpunk motif, gritty settings, and use of AI "Replicants" should certainly appeal to fans of sci-fi anime with a darker tinge. Examples include Akira, Ghost in the Shell, and the lesser-known Psycho-. To further its ties to this medium, there even exists an anime prequel, known as Blade Runner Black Out 2022.
John Wick 3: Parabellum (2019)
Given the director's ties with John Wick films also hold some parallels to the medium. Indeed, the frequent bouts of hand-to-hand combat and gunplay - laced with rich neo-noir settings - comes across as a live-action anime for adults.
This third installment is a particularly strong comparison, given its neat, vibrant set pieces and attention to detail. Wick's frantic battles are more intense and elaborate than ever in this 2019 thriller.
Pacific Rim (2013)
Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro is no stranger when it comes to dazzling, action-packed films - especially those with comic and anime influences.
This monster film exemplifies this theme - stressing grandiose cinematography and heart-pounding action throughout. The movie takes place in a violent and chaotic future that sees Earth in conflict with the Kaiju. These are giant sea monsters that have come from an interdimensional portal deep in the Pacific Ocean. In addition to its monster movie correlation (Godzilla), Pacific Rim also resembles Mecha-based anime such as Gundam and Evangelion.
Inception (2010)
Adult-themed anime often adheres to world-building and themes that are truly creative and grand. In addition, though, they may also stress abstract and thought-provoking concepts as well. Such is the case with Christopher Nolan's cerebral action sci-fi, Inception. With majestic settings, stylistic visuals, and creative concepts, anime can often create a "dreamlike" feel - and this film certainly captures this.
Inception's trippy premise and epic, heart-pounding scenarios should be a draw to those who favor intense anime. It's perhaps no coincidence, then, that the psychological thriller Paprika, by Satoshi Kon, seems to be a prominent influence.
Scott Pilgrim Vs The World (2010)
Regardless of what one thinks of its over-the-top nature, this Edgar Wright picture may be one of the most stylistic and visually-interesting films of the modern era. As is the case with action-laced anime, the aesthetics and exciting combat is really the star of the show here. Still, the zany humor and likable characters are nothing to sneeze at either.
Wright allows Scott Pilgrim to shine with its artistic flair clearly modeled off a blend of comics, gaming, and anime. As one might have guessed, this was also based on a graphic novel series.
Kill Bill (2003/2004)
There's a good chance viewers are in for a unique and wild ride when it comes to Tarantino films. The Kill Bill movies are no different - and arguably showcase the filmmaker at his best.
This action-packed romp is dripping with Eastern and martial art influences throughout. Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2 have ample anime overlap - from the rich imagery and combat to the range of colorful settings, and even some voice-over narration. The movie even features a full-blown anime sequence created by Japanese studio Production I.G.
The Matrix (1999)
The fact that this epic sci-fi trilogy has seen an anime-esque spinoff should convey its close ties to the medium, thematically and stylistically. The Matrix runs with various elements often used in adult and action-oriented anime; from the dystopian, cyberpunk setting to the in-depth combat and its philosophical themes.
In fact, the overarching themes of The Matrix was reportedly inspired by the popular anime, Ghost in the Shell. Meanwhile, the action scenes specifically drew from anime such as Ninja Scroll and Akira.
