10 Best Anime to Watch If You Like Love, Death & Robots

The Netflix original series Love, Death & Robots has gained immense popularity among adults in the United States. Its visually captivating animation and thought-provoking storytelling have garnered a large global fan base.

If you are a fan of Love, Death & Robots and are searching for similar anime to watch, you have come to the right place. There are numerous exceptional anime series with thought-provoking themes and unique animation styles that are reminiscent of Love, Death & Robots.

Discover the top 10 anime series that are guaranteed to be a hit among fans of Love, Death & Robots.

Please note: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the writer and are not ranked in any particular order.

Top 10 Anime Recommendations for Fans of Love, Death & Robots

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex

Taking place in a dystopian future, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex is a timeless anime masterpiece that delves into profound philosophical inquiries about the impact of technology, the concept of self, and the essence of humanity.

Similarly to Love, Death & Robots, this series delves into these intricate topics by utilizing elements of science fiction, action, and crime dramas. The show features beautifully crafted animation and visuals that remain impressive even in present times. Viewers who appreciate LDR’s futuristic and dystopian world-building will definitely find this show captivating.

Akira

If viewers were drawn to LDR’s unique and daring visual style, then they should not miss out on watching the legendary 1988 anime film Akira. Taking place in a futuristic, cyberpunk version of Tokyo in 2019, Akira’s animation and visuals were groundbreaking and remain impactful even by today’s standards.

Despite its gritty cityscapes and grotesque body horror visuals, Akira’s trippy avant-garde animation style undeniably influenced LDR’s aesthetic. Through its exploration of dark and violent themes, such as the ethics of science and human consciousness, the film has earned a rightful place as a beloved anime classic among many fans.

Genius Party and Genius Party Beyond: A Celebration of Creative Animation

Genius Party & Genius Party Beyond (Image via Studio 4°C)

These two anthology anime films unite a selection of unconventional and imaginative anime shorts from renowned directors. Similar to Love, Death & Robots, the Genius Party collections showcase a variety of animation techniques and intriguing narratives that span from abstract to dystopian to surreal.

If you appreciate the unique variety of LDR, be sure to check out Doorbell for its ominous sense of impending doom, Deathtic 4 for its stylized horror visuals, and the existential Limit Cycle – all standout shorts that are sure to captivate you.

Memories

Memories is a remarkable anthology film that features three short stories: Magnetic Rose, a science fiction journey through solitude; Stink Bomb, a satirical take on chemical warfare; and Cannon Fodder, a thought-provoking reflection on unending conflicts. Like the episodes of Love, Death & Robots, each short in this film showcases distinct visual styles and themes.

For those who enjoy specific shorts instead of full seasons, Memories is the perfect choice, with Magnetic Rose in particular standing out for its photorealistic animation and contemplative philosophical themes, similar to those found in LDR.

Paranoia Agent

This acclaimed psychological thriller anime series is directed by Satoshi Kon, known for his works Paprika and Perfect Blue. The story revolves around an enigmatic child known as “Lil Slugger,”who instills fear in the citizens of Tokyo by attacking them with a twisted golden baseball bat.

Similarly to numerous installments of Love, Death & Robots, Paranoia Agent delves into the deep depths of the human mind by presenting a gritty and almost trippy crime narrative. With its idiosyncratic visuals and examination of feelings of hopelessness and insanity, viewers who appreciate LDR’s more grim material are recommended to give this a watch.

Serial Experiments Lain

This cult classic series from the late 90s continues to greatly influence cyberpunk and philosophical anime to this day. It centers around an introverted girl named Lain, who uncovers a mysterious online realm known as “The Wired”and begins to question the very nature of her own identity and existence.

For those who enjoy Love, Death & Robots’ surreal and existential short films that explore the themes of artificial reality and consciousness, Lain offers a similar experience, albeit at a slower and more dream-like pace. However, its avant-garde visuals may not cater to everyone’s taste.

Neo Tokyo

Neo Tokyo, similar to Memories, is an anthology anime film from the 80s that includes three short stories exploring thought-provoking concepts of human-machine connections and existentialism, all presented through the familiar cyberpunk perspective.

The short film, The Running Man, presents an enthralling story about a dangerous race car driver in a desolate future society, emphasizing intense competition and the struggle to stay alive. Due to LDR’s incorporation of cyberpunk and dystopian elements, Neo Tokyo is sure to captivate its audience, even though it is an older anime.

Boogiepop Phantom

Despite not being frequently discussed, this unique supernatural anime show presents avant-garde visuals, a non-linear plot, and thought-provoking examinations of the human mind, making it a must-watch for fans of Love, Death & Robots.

Taking place in an unspecified city in Japan, the story follows the unexpected arrival of a enigmatic artificial being known as Boogiepop and its ties to peculiar occurrences among the city’s residents, including those who have been psychologically scarred.

Those who are fans of Love, Death & Robots and seeking out unconventional yet imaginative content may find this anime to be a worthwhile watch.

Texhnolyze

Texhnolyze is a renowned cyberpunk anime that is set in Lux, an underground city known for its somber and gritty atmosphere. The city is plagued by despair, tragedy, and violence, as well as ongoing gang conflicts involving the powerful Organo corporation.

Texhnolyze centers around Ichise, a renowned boxer who sacrifices his arm and leg to appease Lux’s tyrannical rulers. Despite its captivating visuals, the series delves into the somber depths of the human experience in a dystopian society. This makes it a must-see for viewers who enjoyed the darker episodes of Love, Death & Robots.

Genocidal Organ

Fans of Love, Death & Robots who appreciated the politically charged shorts that criticized war, capitalism, and power structures will find the 2017 anime film Genocidal Organ to be right in line with their tastes.

In a future world plagued by terrorism and drone warfare, Genocidal Organ delves into the sinister potential of psychology and linguistics being used as weapons to manipulate the human mind.

Genocidal Organ delves into the morality of using psychological tactics during war, while also showcasing striking visuals and a dark theme. Its cyberpunk atmosphere incorporates intricate philosophical ideas and global conflicts, making it a must-watch for fans of Love, Death & Robots’ politically-driven episodes.

Summary

The groundbreaking and experimental elements of Love, Death & Robots have solidified its status as a highly influential series, particularly in inspiring a trend towards mature and unconventional storytelling in Western animation. The series has effectively demonstrated the strong demand for innovative, short animated narratives that push the limits of creativity.

While we eagerly anticipate new seasons of this fantastic series, the 10 anime listed above are sure to captivate fans of Love, Death & Robots who are seeking to fill the void or explore innovative and imaginative anime. Be sure to give them a watch!