Can anyone compare this to Akira?

I definitely prefer Akira. I think it was more original and the animation was used better. Ghost in the Shell seems too trivial for me, the whole self-aware program in a network was just too played out for me (though I only watched it a few years ago). Plus bringing in the government's involvement was another aspect that felt too familiar. It was a short movie that I think didn't fully take advantage of its potential. I liked the ideas of shells and ghosts but the Puppet Master was too lame. I'd take The Matrix and Ex Machina over Ghost in the Shell.

Akira > Ghosts in the Shell

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GHOST is so much of a better film...

akira was boring and out of touch.

Akira better.

both are equally good but Akira is apparently more revered than GIS (prob. due to being older than GIS)...time will change that, though. :)

Ok, I will try. Both of these films proved that animation can be more than just cartoons, even though for decades people having been trying to show that. Both of these films had a very deep meaning of acceptance and belonging in the world (kind of the "why me" feeling). Also they showed the corruption of governments and the power they truly have, as well as how easily these governments can be brought to their knees by a single being and how much destruction these beings can bring upon humanity if left unchecked. Also the quality of both are top notch in every category, especially their unique soundtracks.

As for the differences. Akira was more unique, and described a post apocalyptic world trying to piece itself together with uprisings and terrorism. Also the protagonist is not truly the "central character", but is his best friend, and the central character becomes the antagonist. Ghost in the Shell had more of a stylized feel to it, sort of like The Matrix or Blade Runner, the latter being one of the main sources this movie takes from. The world is actually being saved from being destroyed instead of already being destroyed and rebuilt. Also Akira feels more direct as far as action goes, and Ghost in the Shell feels a bit more like action/espionage, aside from the final battle.

Both movies are incredibly memorable and brought anime to the mainstream for everyone. Whereas Dragon Ball and Hayao Miyazaki films were aimed more at children, like most Disney films at the time.

Akira is epic.


Ghost has a more interesting premise... But shallow movie. The depth comes from our imagination and the potential concepts from it.

Akira's Neo-Tokyo is out in the Bay, while Ghost in the Shell's Neo-Tokyo is to the west.

Akira is large scale. This one is personal and small scale. Both are tremendous works of art of the highest caliber