Psycho-Pass
Alternative names: Psycho-Pass, Psychopath
Genres: Action, Mystery, SciFi
Episodes: 41 (3 seasons)
Stream available on: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video
In the 22nd century, Japan has implemented the “Sybil System”. A massive AI that regulates life in Japan from then on, helping each resident to achieve a successful daily life according to their abilities. At the same time, the system calculates a “Psycho-Pass” for each person – a coefficient that indicates how likely that person is to commit crimes. If the Psycho-Pass exceeds a certain value, the “Enforcers” move in to arrest the person.
The newly appointed Akane Tsumori must solve difficult cases here and is quickly confronted with complex moral dilemmas.
What to expect from Psycho-Pass: Psycho-Pass is similar in many ideas to the film “Minority Report”, but often takes it a step further. The series raises interesting questions, like: When is someone guilty? As soon as the decision is made to commit a crime? And what about people who are not or wrongly calculated by the system?
Especially with the rise of increasingly capable AI, the theme of this anime is arguably more relevant than ever – even if this dystopia hopefully still has a few decades to wait.
Attack on Titan
Alternative names: Shingeki no Kyojin
Genres: Action, Drama
Episodes: 90
Stream available on: Crunchyroll
Eren Jaeger only knows the life within the walls. Because outside the protective stone walls roam titans – huge monsters that eat humans. Eren’s orderly life suddenly comes to an end when one of the walls is breached and titans attack the city. Not only is his family ripped apart in the process, but his future path is also determined. He joins the reconnaissance squad to find a way to fight against the titans – and at the same time get to the bottom of their secret.
What to expect from Attack on Titan: Attack on Titan does not hold back when depicting a ruthless, brutal world. In the earlier seasons, action is prominent, while the thrilling story is built up a bit slower. But starting from the third season, you feel more like you’re in a political thriller, without having to forgo action in the meantime.
Many already see Attack on Titan as “the great anime of this generation” and it is a must-watch – even if you might not be as interested in action.
Akame Ga Kill!
Alternative names: Akame ga Kiru!, Akame Ga Kill: Assassins’ Swords
Genres: Action, Fantasy
Episodes: 24
Stream available on: Amazon Prime Video
The young Tatsume travels to the capital of the empire to earn money for his family. He helpfully assists wherever he can – only to quickly realize that this kindness is often exploited by the corrupt elites of the city. After some traumatic experiences, he is accepted into the assassin group “Night Raid” that tries to overthrow the corrupt system – and encounters many problems along the way.
What to expect from Akame Ga Kill!: The beginning of Akame Ga Kill! is quite cliché-ridden, so one might want to turn off in the first 10 minutes, thinking they have seen it all before. However, this changes at the latest with the end of the first episode, as the anime then takes on a much darker and more serious tone. Those who stick with it will get a solid fantasy anime with a decent portion of action and great characters – from whom you can hardly part when fate strikes.
Do you know any other action anime with compelling stories?
We have the best anime for MMORPG fans here.
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