2. Inception and Paprika
In Inception, Leonardo DiCaprio plays a thief who steals information and ideas, but not in the real world, rather in a dream world. The film showcases impressive images that play with perspectives and the viewers’ minds.
Again, the film can be compared to Satoshi Kon’s film Paprika. In Paprika, there is a technology that allows therapists to enter the thoughts and dreams of their patients. However, this technology gets stolen, and Paprika must stop the chaos.
Also in Paprika, fantastic and incredible images are played with. The medium of anime provides even more opportunities to present the different dreams.
3. Creed 3 and every classic Shonen
Creed 3 is the latest film in the series stemming from Rocky, starring Michael B. Jordan. In the third installment, an old friend of Creed returns, who now also wants the fame he has missed. This leads to a fight between two rivals who were friends and are pitted against each other in the finale.
The premise is reminiscent of Naruto and Sasuke, who share a similar premise. But also in terms of visuals and fight scenes, the inspiration is present. There are scenes inspired by Goku against Frieza, and the camera work with zooms, slow motion, and still images also recalls the beloved Shonen classics.
Naruto has many iconic fights as a Shonen: The 7 most legendary fights in Naruto
4. Matrix and Ghost in the Shell
Matrix is a sci-fi masterpiece in which Keanu Reeves as Neo gains a new form of consciousness and uncovers a major conspiracy surrounding the reality in which we live. Matrix offers many philosophical topics, but also visually cool action that combines unrealistic elements with classic combat.
Every science fiction fan should watch Ghost in the Shell. This anime also deals with virtual reality and philosophical concepts. Questions of personal control, humanity, and the greater whole are also raised in this anime.
Both films also visually resemble each other, especially in their choice of green, which is used for many effects and visual ideas.
