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| Best Shows Like Cyberpunk Edgerunners. |
Netflix's Cyberpunk: Edgerunners combines futuristic technology, rebellious outsiders, high-speed action and a society where powerful corporations seem to have more control than anyone should be comfortable with. Created by Rafal Jaki and Bartosz Sztybor, the anime follows David Martinez, a teenager whose hopes for a better future are shattered by personal tragedy. After receiving a powerful cybernetic implant, David becomes involved with Lucy and a group of mercenaries operating in Night City's dangerous underworld. His new life offers excitement, money and companionship, but the price of surviving in a city obsessed with technological upgrades is considerably higher than he expects.
Based on the world of Cyberpunk 2077 and Mike Pondsmith's Cyberpunk universe, the series stands out for its energetic animation, memorable characters and sharp examination of inequality, ambition and technological dependence. Finding something that delivers the same combination is not easy, but Netflix has plenty of anime and animated sci-fi series worth exploring. These 15 shows like Cyberpunk: Edgerunners feature futuristic cities, powerful artificial intelligence, underground organisations, unconventional heroes and battles against systems that are far from perfect. Some focus on cybernetic enhancements, while others explore what happens when technology advances faster than society's ability to manage it.
Anime Like Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
1. Tokyo Override (2024)
Set in a technologically advanced Tokyo a century into the future, Tokyo Override follows Kai Koguma, a teenage orphan with impressive hacking abilities. Her attempts to help a friend bring her into conflict with the authorities, eventually leading her to a group of hackers and rebellious bikers known as Suma Garage. As Kai becomes involved in their activities, she discovers that the seemingly perfect city hides a complicated network of crime, corruption and exploitation. An investigation into a criminal organisation exposes the less appealing side of a society supposedly made more efficient by artificial intelligence.
The similarities with Cyberpunk: Edgerunners are easy to recognise. Both series follow young outsiders whose technological abilities pull them into dangerous situations, while their futuristic cities conceal serious social problems. Kai's hacking skills give her a way to challenge the system, much as David's cybernetic enhancements transform his prospects in Night City. The focus on urban life, underground communities and powerful institutions makes Tokyo Override a natural choice for viewers who enjoy stylish science fiction with a rebellious streak.
2. Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 (2020–2022)
Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 takes place in 2045, following a global economic collapse that pushes the world's major powers towards perpetual warfare. Major Motoko Kusanagi, Batou and other former members of Public Security Section 9 work as mercenaries under the name GHOST. Their cybernetic bodies and specialised combat skills make them valuable in a world where traditional rules have become increasingly unreliable. Their work takes a new direction when they encounter Post Humans, individuals whose extraordinary intelligence and abilities pose a threat to global stability.
Like Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, the series presents a future where advanced technology is woven into everyday life and powerful institutions influence how people live. However, Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 spends more time exploring artificial intelligence, political conflict and the relationship between human identity and machinery. Its protagonists are more experienced than David and his fellow edgerunners, but their struggles reveal similar questions about technological progress and personal freedom. Anyone interested in cybernetic bodies, high-tech warfare and futuristic conspiracies should find plenty to appreciate here.
3. Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix (2023)
In an alternate version of 1992, Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix imagines Eden as a dystopian technocracy controlled by a powerful corporation. Dolph Laserhawk, a genetically and technologically modified supersoldier, becomes a fugitive after a betrayal leaves him imprisoned in a high-security facility. He is eventually forced to lead a group of rebellious prisoners called the Ghosts on covert missions. An explosive device implanted inside him ensures that disobedience comes with rather unpleasant consequences, giving the authorities a particularly direct way to manage their employees.
The series combines science fiction, action, dark humour and a colourful visual style that should appeal to Cyberpunk: Edgerunners fans. Both stories follow outsiders who become entangled with powerful organisations and must navigate systems designed to control them. Laserhawk's military modifications also echo David's cybernetic enhancements, although the two characters approach their circumstances differently. With its rebellious team, corporate corruption and exaggerated futuristic setting, Captain Laserhawk offers a lively alternative for anyone who enjoys animated stories about people refusing to behave exactly as the authorities expect.
4. Terminator Zero (2024)
Terminator Zero expands the Terminator universe with a story involving artificial intelligence, time travel and humanity's struggle to survive. In August 1997, scientist Malcolm Lee develops Kokoro, an advanced AI system intended to counter Skynet, the intelligence responsible for humanity's impending destruction. As Judgment Day approaches, a Terminator arrives to hunt Malcolm and his children. Eiko, a resistance soldier sent back from 2022, attempts to protect the family while helping to alter the future. Malcolm must also confront an uncomfortable question: can an artificial intelligence created to save humanity be trusted with that responsibility?
The connection to Cyberpunk: Edgerunners lies in the consequences of technological ambition. Both series explore futures in which powerful inventions can transform human life while creating dangers their creators may struggle to control. Terminator Zero concentrates on artificial intelligence and survival rather than the mercenary lifestyle found in Night City, but its action sequences and bleak vision of technological progress offer a similar appeal. It is a particularly strong choice for viewers who enjoy science fiction that treats advanced technology as more than a convenient solution to every problem.
5. Vivy: Fluorite Eye's Song (2021)
Vivy: Fluorite Eye's Song introduces viewers to Diva, an autonomous AI designed to make people happy through her singing. While pursuing her dream of performing on the main stage at NiaLand, she encounters Matsumoto, an AI from 100 years in the future. He warns her about a coming catastrophe in which advanced artificial intelligences turn against humanity. Diva subsequently embarks on a mission spanning a century, attempting to change key events and prevent the conflict from unfolding.
Although its musical premise differs from the mercenary action of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Vivy: Fluorite Eye's Song shares its interest in the relationship between humanity and technology. Both series feature characters whose lives change dramatically after encounters with advanced technology, forcing them to confront responsibilities they never expected to carry. Diva's struggle also raises questions about identity, purpose and whether an artificial intelligence can develop beyond its original programming. The series combines impressive action with emotional storytelling, making it an appealing option for viewers who want futuristic battles accompanied by a little more philosophical reflection.
6. Super Crooks (2021)
In Super Crooks, Johnny Bolt assembles a team of superpowered criminals for an ambitious heist intended to help his idol, the Heat, escape a dangerous gambling debt. The plan requires the crew to travel to Spain and target one of the world's most notorious supervillains. With extraordinary abilities on their side, the group expects a lucrative final job that will allow them to retire comfortably. Naturally, the operation becomes considerably more complicated than their optimistic plans suggest. Apparently, even supervillains are not immune to questionable career decisions.
Directed by Motonobu Hori, the anime adapts the comic book series by Mark Millar and Leinil Francis Yu. Its connection to Cyberpunk: Edgerunners comes through its team of outsiders, criminal missions and characters trying to make a living outside respectable society. Johnny and David operate in different worlds, but both become involved in dangerous jobs while building relationships with people who share their unconventional ambitions. Super Crooks is a good choice for viewers who enjoy colourful action, complicated heists and stories in which getting rich quickly rarely proves as straightforward as advertised.
7. PLUTO (2023)
PLUTO takes place in a future where humans and robots coexist, following Europol detective Gesicht as he investigates a series of mysterious murders. The victims include highly advanced robots and influential humans, and the evidence suggests that the crimes may be connected. Gesicht discovers that the victims have links to the seven most powerful robots ever created, raising the possibility that someone is targeting the world's most advanced machines. He eventually seeks assistance from Atom, an exceptionally sophisticated android who resembles a young boy.
Based on the manga by Naoki Urasawa and Takashi Nagasaki, inspired by Osamu Tezuka's Astro Boy, PLUTO offers a more investigative approach to futuristic science fiction. Its connection to Cyberpunk: Edgerunners lies in its examination of how technology reshapes society and challenges established ideas about humanity. Rather than focusing on cybernetic mercenaries, it explores the ethical questions surrounding artificial intelligence, violence and the treatment of intelligent machines. Its slower, more deliberate storytelling provides a welcome alternative for viewers who enjoy sophisticated sci-fi mysteries alongside their futuristic action.
8. Ingress: The Animation (2018)
Ingress: The Animation follows Makoto, a special police investigator with the unusual ability to read the memories of objects he touches. His investigation into a laboratory explosion introduces him to Sarah Coppola, the sole survivor of the incident, and a mysterious substance known as Exotic Matter. The material can interact with the human brain, attracting the attention of powerful organisations and rival factions seeking to control it. As Makoto and Sarah uncover the truth, they become caught in a conflict with potentially far-reaching consequences.
Directed by Yūhei Sakuragi and based on Niantic's augmented reality game, the series combines conspiracy, futuristic technology and supernatural science fiction. Like Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, it depicts a world in which technological discoveries become tools of power, creating dangerous situations for people caught in the middle. Makoto's unusual abilities also place him in a position where his personal skills can determine how he navigates an increasingly complicated environment. Although its atmosphere differs from Night City's neon-soaked criminal underworld, Ingress: The Animation delivers the same broad appeal of advanced technology, secretive organisations and high-stakes confrontations.
9. Akudama Drive (2020)
Akudama Drive takes place in a dystopian future where the regions of Kansai and Kanto exist under the shadow of a devastating conflict. Kansai has become a technologically advanced society with a strict social order, while criminals known as Akudama are hunted by the authorities. An ordinary woman becomes entangled with a group of dangerous criminals after a misunderstanding leads her into a mission involving a mysterious package. Forced to adopt the identity of Swindler, she finds herself working alongside specialists with very different skills, personalities and criminal records.
For viewers looking for something close to Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Akudama Drive is one of the strongest alternatives. Its futuristic urban setting, criminal ensemble and high-speed action closely match the elements that make Night City so compelling. Both series explore societies where the authorities and powerful institutions have considerable influence over ordinary people, while their protagonists must survive through risky decisions and uneasy alliances. Akudama Drive also features bold animation and a distinctive visual identity, making it a strong choice for anyone who wants a fast-moving sci-fi story centred on criminals rather than conventional heroes.
10. Psycho-Pass (2012)
In Psycho-Pass, Japan operates under the Sibyl System, an advanced technology capable of assessing citizens' psychological states and predicting their likelihood of committing crimes. Police officers use these measurements to identify potential threats before offences occur. New inspector Akane Tsunemori joins the Public Safety Bureau and begins investigating cases alongside experienced enforcers, including Shinya Kogami. As the team encounters increasingly complicated crimes, Akane starts questioning whether a system designed to protect society can truly deliver justice.
Psycho-Pass shares Cyberpunk: Edgerunners' interest in technology, social control and the consequences of allowing powerful systems to dictate people's lives. Both series depict futuristic societies that appear advanced but conceal serious ethical problems beneath the surface. While David confronts corporate power through the criminal underworld, Akane examines the authority of a system that determines how people are treated. The series places greater emphasis on police investigations and moral dilemmas, but its dark urban atmosphere and sophisticated technology make it an excellent match for fans of dystopian anime. It is especially appealing to viewers who enjoy science fiction that asks difficult questions instead of simply blowing things up.
11. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners (2022)
If you have not watched Cyberpunk: Edgerunners recently, revisiting the original is an obvious option before moving on to other futuristic anime. The series follows David Martinez, a teenager whose life takes a dramatic turn after tragedy leads him to receive a powerful cybernetic implant. His encounter with Lucy introduces him to a group of mercenaries who undertake dangerous jobs in Night City, a place where corporate power, criminal activity and technological enhancements shape daily life.
What makes the series stand out is the way it balances action with its examination of ambition, friendship and the physical and emotional costs of chasing success. David's growing reputation brings new opportunities, but surviving in Night City requires more than impressive hardware. The series also explores the tension between personal dreams and the expectations imposed by a society that values productivity and power. Its vivid animation, energetic soundtrack and distinctive characters make it an essential watch for anyone exploring similar anime. Sometimes the best way to find another favourite is to remember exactly what made the original so effective.
12. Cyber City Oedo 808 (1990)
Cyber City Oedo 808 is a classic cyberpunk anime set in a futuristic Tokyo where three convicted criminals are offered a chance to reduce their prison sentences by working for the authorities. Each member of the group has specialised abilities, and they are assigned dangerous missions involving advanced technology, criminal networks and mysterious threats. Their freedom depends on completing the jobs, leaving them with a strong incentive to follow orders even when the assignments become increasingly hazardous.
Its older animation style gives it a different look from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, but the thematic similarities are substantial. Both series feature criminals operating in technologically advanced cities where the boundaries between law enforcement and exploitation are not always clear. The protagonists rely on specialised skills and technology to survive, while the futuristic setting provides plenty of opportunities for action and intrigue. Cyber City Oedo 808 is worth considering for viewers interested in the roots of cyberpunk anime. It also demonstrates that stories about questionable authorities, dangerous missions and rebellious characters were entertaining long before every futuristic city acquired a glowing neon sign.
13. Akira (1988)
Akira is a landmark animated science fiction film set in Neo-Tokyo, a sprawling metropolis rebuilt after a catastrophic event. The story follows teenage biker Kaneda and his friend Tetsuo, whose life changes after a motorcycle incident draws him into a secret government experiment involving extraordinary psychic abilities. As Tetsuo's powers grow, the authorities struggle to contain the situation, while Kaneda attempts to understand what has happened to his friend.
Although Akira is a film rather than a series, it deserves a place on this list because of its influence on the cyberpunk genre. Like Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, it combines a troubled young protagonist, an urban environment filled with social tensions and technology that carries consequences far beyond its intended purpose. Both works explore the relationship between personal power and the systems attempting to control it. Akira's depiction of street gangs, futuristic infrastructure and government secrecy also provides a useful comparison for anyone interested in the visual and thematic foundations of modern cyberpunk anime.
14. Ergo Proxy (2006)
Ergo Proxy takes place in a post-apocalyptic future where humans live in protected domed cities alongside androids known as AutoReivs. The apparent stability of these settlements is threatened by a mysterious phenomenon that causes androids to develop self-awareness. Inspector Re-l Mayer investigates a series of incidents connected to the phenomenon and gradually becomes involved in a much larger mystery. Her search brings her into contact with Vincent Law, an immigrant whose connection to the unfolding events makes him central to the investigation.
The series shares Cyberpunk: Edgerunners' interest in artificial intelligence, technological dependence and societies built around systems of control. However, Ergo Proxy adopts a more philosophical approach, exploring identity, consciousness and what it means to be human in a world shaped by machines. Its bleak atmosphere and complex setting make it suitable for viewers who appreciate the darker aspects of futuristic storytelling. The action is less relentlessly energetic than in Edgerunners, but the series offers a deeper exploration of the questions that arise when technology begins to challenge the assumptions on which society is built.
15. No Guns Life (2019–2020)
No Guns Life follows Juzo Inui, a former soldier whose body has been extensively modified through technology. His most distinctive feature is a large revolver-shaped head, which makes him difficult to mistake for anyone else in a crowd. After the war, Juzo works as a Resolver, taking on cases involving people whose bodies have been altered through advanced mechanical enhancements. His work becomes complicated when he becomes involved in a case connected to the powerful Berühren Corporation, which has a major influence over the technology that transformed him and many other people.
The similarities with Cyberpunk: Edgerunners are clear. Both series explore worlds where bodily enhancements offer extraordinary abilities but also create difficult questions about identity, freedom and corporate responsibility. Juzo's work brings him into contact with people affected by technological exploitation, while David's enhancements pull him towards the criminal underworld. No Guns Life also features gritty urban environments, unconventional characters and plenty of action. For viewers who enjoy cybernetic protagonists and stories about powerful companies exerting influence over vulnerable people, it is a fitting addition to the watchlist.
Opinion: Which Anime Comes Closest to Cyberpunk: Edgerunners?
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is difficult to replace because its appeal comes from more than futuristic gadgets and spectacular fights. The series combines a distinctive visual style with a story about ambition, friendship and the pressure to succeed in a society that rarely gives ordinary people a fair chance. For the closest overall match, Akudama Drive is a particularly strong recommendation, thanks to its criminal ensemble, dystopian setting and relentless action.
Tokyo Override is another natural choice for viewers who prefer young hackers navigating a city controlled by technology. Meanwhile, Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 and Psycho-Pass offer more complex examinations of cybernetics, artificial intelligence and social control. Those looking for something more philosophical should try PLUTO or Ergo Proxy. Each series approaches the genre differently, proving that futuristic anime does not have to follow the same formula to deliver an engaging experience. Which one deserves the top spot on your watchlist?